The Emperor's Soul

This may very well be the best stand alone novella I have read. Maybe even he best novella I have read. Often with stand alone short stories, I have trouble connecting to the characters and the world, with such little character and world development.

In 175 pages Sanderson manages to deliver to 2 very good character arcs. I guess it helps that there is some established lore to build upon from Elantris, but except for a few mentions of distant lands, this book could be set in another universe.