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Chronicles of Elantra #19
Cast in Blood: A Chronicles of Elantra Novel
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26
DO NOT MEDDLE IN THE AFFAIRS OF BARRANI
Kaylin has been warned to steer clear of the lords of the Barrani High Court. She’d be more than happy to oblige, but it’s a bit difficult considering she lives with ten of them, all sent to the green to gain power or die. With Kaylin’s help, they finally escaped their imprisonment. But their attempts at freedom had devastating consequences—and a price that has yet to be paid.
The first warning sign is the Consort’s invitation to visit the High Halls—a Barrani invitation, which means an immediate visit.
The second sign is less Kaylin finds Nightshade’s unresponsive body. He hovers on the edge of death, beyond saving through Kaylin’s healing power. No one can explain his state, nor why she’s powerless to save him. And if she and her Barrani friends can’t figure out a way to bring him back, he’ll be lost forever.
Yet even as Kaylin struggles to keep Nightshade from death, there is deeper magic at play, a growing threat with the potential to affect the entire Barrani race. Factions are shifting, new lines are being drawn—and Nightshade’s near assassination is only the beginning. Can Kaylin uncover the nebulous forces that threaten the balance of Barrani—and their entire world—before it’s too late?
Kaylin has been warned to steer clear of the lords of the Barrani High Court. She’d be more than happy to oblige, but it’s a bit difficult considering she lives with ten of them, all sent to the green to gain power or die. With Kaylin’s help, they finally escaped their imprisonment. But their attempts at freedom had devastating consequences—and a price that has yet to be paid.
The first warning sign is the Consort’s invitation to visit the High Halls—a Barrani invitation, which means an immediate visit.
The second sign is less Kaylin finds Nightshade’s unresponsive body. He hovers on the edge of death, beyond saving through Kaylin’s healing power. No one can explain his state, nor why she’s powerless to save him. And if she and her Barrani friends can’t figure out a way to bring him back, he’ll be lost forever.
Yet even as Kaylin struggles to keep Nightshade from death, there is deeper magic at play, a growing threat with the potential to affect the entire Barrani race. Factions are shifting, new lines are being drawn—and Nightshade’s near assassination is only the beginning. Can Kaylin uncover the nebulous forces that threaten the balance of Barrani—and their entire world—before it’s too late?
- GenresFantasy
512 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 28, 2026
1 person is currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sagara
54 books1,803 followersSee also:
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 15, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given access to an ARC of Cast In Blood. I’ll avoid divulging spoilers, but I will say I enjoyed every minute of this book. The pacing was great and takes the reader along for a wild ride. I enjoyed every minute of the chaos that found Kaylin and look forward to the next one.
December 3, 2025
Loved this installment, the developments, what it means for the future of the world!
October 26, 2025
A Worthy Addition to a Great Series. I received a free review copy of this book to provide a fair review for social media.
Those following the series will be excited to learn more about Nightshade! Sagara hit another home run. Her world building is phenomenal. Get ready for this one!
Those following the series will be excited to learn more about Nightshade! Sagara hit another home run. Her world building is phenomenal. Get ready for this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ok, I am a long-time fan of this series, so goodness knows that I have patience, but. I was SO EXCITED to have some Severn story crossover!
Backing up a step, do not read this review/book if this is your first foray into Elantra. This is book 19 of a series, and is absolutely not the place to start. Go back to the beginning. Those are some of my most re-read books, and you won’t regret it.
Now, continuing on for everyone else who has theoretically read up to book 18 in the Cast series, I can skip the usual general recap. We know what we are getting: more magic, more Kaylin getting into trouble, and now Severn backstory crossover!!! I have been LOVING the Wolves of Elantra (Severn’s series) and in this Kaylin book some of those characters finally get to intersect with Kaylin and with the cohort. There is another political threat involving the Barrani high court that inevitably involved Kaylin, Nightshade and the Cohort. This issue isn’t completely solved in this book, so I expect it to continue into book 20. With this part of Severn’s past revealed, will we finally get to see some more relationship growth? Will Nightshade and Annarion finally stop feuding? (hopes are not high- Barrani are stubborn). A solid installment in the series, and as always, I will be eagerly anticipating the next book!
Backing up a step, do not read this review/book if this is your first foray into Elantra. This is book 19 of a series, and is absolutely not the place to start. Go back to the beginning. Those are some of my most re-read books, and you won’t regret it.
Now, continuing on for everyone else who has theoretically read up to book 18 in the Cast series, I can skip the usual general recap. We know what we are getting: more magic, more Kaylin getting into trouble, and now Severn backstory crossover!!! I have been LOVING the Wolves of Elantra (Severn’s series) and in this Kaylin book some of those characters finally get to intersect with Kaylin and with the cohort. There is another political threat involving the Barrani high court that inevitably involved Kaylin, Nightshade and the Cohort. This issue isn’t completely solved in this book, so I expect it to continue into book 20. With this part of Severn’s past revealed, will we finally get to see some more relationship growth? Will Nightshade and Annarion finally stop feuding? (hopes are not high- Barrani are stubborn). A solid installment in the series, and as always, I will be eagerly anticipating the next book!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews