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Chronicles of Elantra #2
Cast in Courtlight
No good deed goes unpunished…
In Elantra, a job well done is rewarded with a more dangerous task. And so, after defeating a dark evil, Kaylin must enter a place of deceit and treachery. A world where silk and jewels hide deadly secrets…
Kaylin goes before the Barrani High Court, where a misspoken word brings sure death. And Kaylin’s never been known for her grace or manners. But the High Lord’s heir is suspiciously ill and Kaylin’s healing magic is the only shot at saving him – if she manages to dodge the traps laid for her.
Only to discover that the healing might turn out to be the simplest of tasks before her…
In Elantra, a job well done is rewarded with a more dangerous task. And so, after defeating a dark evil, Kaylin must enter a place of deceit and treachery. A world where silk and jewels hide deadly secrets…
Kaylin goes before the Barrani High Court, where a misspoken word brings sure death. And Kaylin’s never been known for her grace or manners. But the High Lord’s heir is suspiciously ill and Kaylin’s healing magic is the only shot at saving him – if she manages to dodge the traps laid for her.
Only to discover that the healing might turn out to be the simplest of tasks before her…
488 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2006
259 people are currently reading
3305 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sagara
54 books1,805 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 - 30 of 407 reviews
September 29, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. Because I'm in a good mood today.
Uh-Oh. Trouble inparadise Elantra? Looks like it. I mean, this definitely went downhill pretty fast. Book 1 in this series was nothing short of awesome. Hey, how many times have I not DNFed rated the initial instalment in a series 5 stars? Not many, I tell you. If you don't count books written by my Holy Trinity, that is And I even gave the prequel to this series a 4-star rating! That doesn't impress you? What if I told you the story was about a Freaking Teenager (FT™)? Yep, that's right, a FT™ as in This is YA Please Kill me Somebody What Have I Done to Deserve This (TiYPKmSWHIDtDt™)! And yet I still rated the story 4 stars! Which loosely translates to mean: bloody hell, this was pretty damn good!
So there I was, all excited and delighted and elated and stuff at the idea of reading Cast in Courtlight. Okay, so I wasn't that excited and delighted and elated and stuff about the book cover, which kinda sorta looks like some Horrifically Terrifying Romance Thingy (HTRT™). But once you've survived early Kate Daniels covers such as this one, you can survive anything, so I didn't let this one scare me away.
So. I fully expected to be appropriately blown away by this little book here. And instead I found myself screaming bloodymurder filler. I swear, there are so many repetitions, so much info dumping and blah blah blah here, you could wipe out a good 100 pages from the book without noticing the difference. Add to that jumbled, confusing stuff and you get…well, boring, jumbled, confusing stuff. Yay.
Why, then, the 3.5-star rating, you ask? Oh, my Lovely Decapods, you do ask the most pertinent questions (sometimes). The 3.5-star rating because this is one of the most interesting, original Fantasy worlds I've ever come across. Because it features a delicious array of delightfully weird species and creatures. Because the characters are all pretty awesome and cool and stuff. So YES, I'm definitely willing to put myself through tedious filler stuff, just to get immersed in Elantra again. And let me tell you, my consenting to being bored mindless is no minor occurrence. I mean, how many times have you seen me NOT (choose all that apply) kill/burn/stomp on/irremediably destroy/chop to tiny little pieces an insomnia-inducing book? Thought so.
Anyway. What I'm so cleverly trying to say is: this wasn't as mind-blowingly AWESOME as it could and should have been. But it wasn't bad either. I mean, I'd even say it was pretty good. At times. Which definitely isn't bad. But isn't amazingly good, either. And it could and should have been way better. As in brilliant and stuff. ← Am I rehashing a tinsy little bit here? Oh, good.
» And the moral of this Crappy Non Review is: this might be a filler, but it's an Elantra Filler. So QED and stuff.
» And the other moral of this Crappy Non Review is: Michelle Sagara, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp is watching you. You better not disappoint next time, or else he might unleash the murderous crustaceans on you. But hey, no pressure.
· Book 0.5: Cast in Moonlight ★★★★
· Book 1: Cast in Shadow ★★★★★
· Book 3: Cast in Secret ★★★ (make that 2.5 stars aka bye bye, Kaylin, it was nice knowing you!)
Uh-Oh. Trouble in
So there I was, all excited and delighted and elated and stuff at the idea of reading Cast in Courtlight. Okay, so I wasn't that excited and delighted and elated and stuff about the book cover, which kinda sorta looks like some Horrifically Terrifying Romance Thingy (HTRT™). But once you've survived early Kate Daniels covers such as this one, you can survive anything, so I didn't let this one scare me away.
So. I fully expected to be appropriately blown away by this little book here. And instead I found myself screaming bloody
Why, then, the 3.5-star rating, you ask? Oh, my Lovely Decapods, you do ask the most pertinent questions (sometimes). The 3.5-star rating because this is one of the most interesting, original Fantasy worlds I've ever come across. Because it features a delicious array of delightfully weird species and creatures. Because the characters are all pretty awesome and cool and stuff. So YES, I'm definitely willing to put myself through tedious filler stuff, just to get immersed in Elantra again. And let me tell you, my consenting to being bored mindless is no minor occurrence. I mean, how many times have you seen me NOT (choose all that apply) kill/burn/stomp on/irremediably destroy/chop to tiny little pieces an insomnia-inducing book? Thought so.
Anyway. What I'm so cleverly trying to say is: this wasn't as mind-blowingly AWESOME as it could and should have been. But it wasn't bad either. I mean, I'd even say it was pretty good. At times. Which definitely isn't bad. But isn't amazingly good, either. And it could and should have been way better. As in brilliant and stuff. ← Am I rehashing a tinsy little bit here? Oh, good.
» And the moral of this Crappy Non Review is: this might be a filler, but it's an Elantra Filler. So QED and stuff.
» And the other moral of this Crappy Non Review is: Michelle Sagara, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp is watching you. You better not disappoint next time, or else he might unleash the murderous crustaceans on you. But hey, no pressure.
· Book 0.5: Cast in Moonlight ★★★★
· Book 1: Cast in Shadow ★★★★★
· Book 3: Cast in Secret ★★★ (make that 2.5 stars aka bye bye, Kaylin, it was nice knowing you!)
April 11, 2013
I'm going to write this review like the author wrote her book: I both liked and disliked this book. (Grimace) it was... It was both complicated and uncomplicated, startling and familiar. Like an old pair of jeans you slip on then realize they are out of style. (Shrug) Like that, but then... Not. (Frown) (some comments about eye color changing... More about eye color). Even so, well. You know what I mean right? The book was both confusing and made perfect sense.
November 7, 2017
3.5 stars
I find these books like to give the reader the runaround. They're much like the Oracles that Kaylin despises, speaking in riddles and not saying much at all. That'd be my biggest complaint about this series, lots of words saying nothing at all or enrich it.
This book is much less than the first book and yet better for it since there's a single plot in this book. Book 1 was the never ending story. Plot this time was all Barrani, which I'm all for, they're second to dragons in being most interesting. I liken them to those haughty elves from The Hobbit. Everyone has long hair, floats around in long robes, and are super haughty in their eternal youthfulness. No one rides around on a giant stag/elk though, unfortunately.
I enjoyed Severn more in this book, mainly because his role was expanded. Not sure yet how exactly he plays into everything. I do wish he spoke more, but then he'd probably be less appealing.
The ending..... I liked the part with the Lord of the Green, but the battle royale part was meh.
Here's hoping Kaylin gets less stupid as the series progress. I wish she'd try to learn, anything, other than running around like a blind idiot.
I find these books like to give the reader the runaround. They're much like the Oracles that Kaylin despises, speaking in riddles and not saying much at all. That'd be my biggest complaint about this series, lots of words saying nothing at all or enrich it.
This book is much less than the first book and yet better for it since there's a single plot in this book. Book 1 was the never ending story. Plot this time was all Barrani, which I'm all for, they're second to dragons in being most interesting. I liken them to those haughty elves from The Hobbit. Everyone has long hair, floats around in long robes, and are super haughty in their eternal youthfulness. No one rides around on a giant stag/elk though, unfortunately.
I enjoyed Severn more in this book, mainly because his role was expanded. Not sure yet how exactly he plays into everything. I do wish he spoke more, but then he'd probably be less appealing.
The ending..... I liked the part with the Lord of the Green, but the battle royale part was meh.
Here's hoping Kaylin gets less stupid as the series progress. I wish she'd try to learn, anything, other than running around like a blind idiot.
February 21, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up. Things slowed a bit for me in the middle, but this one had a great start and finish to it.
I quite enjoyed this second book in The Chronicles of Elantra. Sagara does a great job adding to the world she has created, with this installment giving a lot of insight into the enigmatic Barrani. I really like how she writes the scenes where Kaylin uses magic, and there were a couple of great ones here, including an exciting finish. There is definitely the sense that the story is building overall, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next!
I quite enjoyed this second book in The Chronicles of Elantra. Sagara does a great job adding to the world she has created, with this installment giving a lot of insight into the enigmatic Barrani. I really like how she writes the scenes where Kaylin uses magic, and there were a couple of great ones here, including an exciting finish. There is definitely the sense that the story is building overall, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next!
November 3, 2015
*** 3.5 ***
It is hard to follow a great first book and I can understand the little dip in storytelling. The world building is still amazing, the idea is still engaging and imaginative! I love the various races and in this book we get a better sense of the social structure of Elantra and magics. However, the story did not flow like in book one and there was a bit too much angst for my taste. On top of that, for no good reason, if you ask me, Kaylin acted like a total brat when it came to studying and I wanted to smack her over the head with a book of math and magic!!! As always, the dragon and the lion man were my favorite characters!!!
The series is still very interesting and I am going to move onto the next installment with anticipation!!!
It is hard to follow a great first book and I can understand the little dip in storytelling. The world building is still amazing, the idea is still engaging and imaginative! I love the various races and in this book we get a better sense of the social structure of Elantra and magics. However, the story did not flow like in book one and there was a bit too much angst for my taste. On top of that, for no good reason, if you ask me, Kaylin acted like a total brat when it came to studying and I wanted to smack her over the head with a book of math and magic!!! As always, the dragon and the lion man were my favorite characters!!!
The series is still very interesting and I am going to move onto the next installment with anticipation!!!
January 21, 2019
Two books in out of 13 (or more?), and I'm done with adventures in Elantra. And not just because every time I see that word, I'm reminded that I need to get an oil change for my Hyundai Elantra, that most sensible of commuter vehicles.
Nope, I'm done because:
1) I can't take it anymore with the superfluous italics and the adverb-infested dialogue. (Seriously. One character said something 'quietly' or 'softly' FOUR times. On one page.) Also, the Barrani (think super-pretty elf lords) can't have a conversation without their eyes changing color. All of these things lend a soap opera feel to the proceedings: the molasses pace, the continuous drama.
2) Kaylin's the type of heroine who acts on blind instinct - as it turns out, always correctly - but is literally incapable of buttoning up her own dresses. She's also got super special (but currently ill-defined) powers, an unerring Sense of Wrongness (TM) when things are about to go lopsided, and a tendency to pick up all sorts of magical marks and tokens by attractive elf-men who give them to her for as-of-yet Unfathomable Plans.
3) A love triangle looms on the horizon. 11 more books of love triangle maundering? No thank you. I'd rather clean out my sock drawer.
4) I am just way too old to find gorgeous men who act like dicks (and almost all of the ones in Cast in Courtlight are uppity, high-handed, unforthcoming, or actively manipulative) in any way attractive. No.
I will concede that my enjoyment was reduced by the fact that I didn't remember much of what happened in book 1, much less who was who and why all these nudge-nudge-significant! understated! encounters matter. I rounded my rating up because the worldbuilding is ambitious and the sense of humor evident. But it would be a hard sell for me to continue, even if this were a trilogy instead of a - uh, triskaidekology? You could read a lot of more interesting books in the time it would take you to get through all 13 of these.
Nope, I'm done because:
1) I can't take it anymore with the superfluous italics and the adverb-infested dialogue. (Seriously. One character said something 'quietly' or 'softly' FOUR times. On one page.) Also, the Barrani (think super-pretty elf lords) can't have a conversation without their eyes changing color. All of these things lend a soap opera feel to the proceedings: the molasses pace, the continuous drama.
2) Kaylin's the type of heroine who acts on blind instinct - as it turns out, always correctly - but is literally incapable of buttoning up her own dresses. She's also got super special (but currently ill-defined) powers, an unerring Sense of Wrongness (TM) when things are about to go lopsided, and a tendency to pick up all sorts of magical marks and tokens by attractive elf-men who give them to her for as-of-yet Unfathomable Plans.
3) A love triangle looms on the horizon. 11 more books of love triangle maundering? No thank you. I'd rather clean out my sock drawer.
4) I am just way too old to find gorgeous men who act like dicks (and almost all of the ones in Cast in Courtlight are uppity, high-handed, unforthcoming, or actively manipulative) in any way attractive. No.
I will concede that my enjoyment was reduced by the fact that I didn't remember much of what happened in book 1, much less who was who and why all these nudge-nudge-significant! understated! encounters matter. I rounded my rating up because the worldbuilding is ambitious and the sense of humor evident. But it would be a hard sell for me to continue, even if this were a trilogy instead of a - uh, triskaidekology? You could read a lot of more interesting books in the time it would take you to get through all 13 of these.
September 20, 2024
3.5/5.0
Love this world and the characters. This installment was kinda confusing and a bit muddled in places for me, however. It’s probably because I read it in bits and pieces while traveling rather than in a couple of yummy sit-downs, though, so I wasn’t able to keep the consistency (and understanding) going. Will absolutely be diving into the next one!
Love this world and the characters. This installment was kinda confusing and a bit muddled in places for me, however. It’s probably because I read it in bits and pieces while traveling rather than in a couple of yummy sit-downs, though, so I wasn’t able to keep the consistency (and understanding) going. Will absolutely be diving into the next one!
September 25, 2023
Stars: 4 out of 5.
This was better than the first book, even though the narrative is still a bit meandering at times which makes it rather confusing. However the story is rather fascinating, so I was willing to excuse the less than tight writing style.
We discover a lot more about the past of Elantra and about one of the secretive immortal races that calls this city home - the Barrani. I found this foray into Barrani culture fascinating. How would you live your immortal life if your name truly defines you? Not only that, but it gives whoever knows it power over you as well. So much power that they can compel you to do horrible things. What choice do you have when you know that the only way to escape this influence is death, but you are immortal?
I find the world of Elantra fascinating. And yes, I'm aware that I used the world "fascinating" at least three times since the beginning of this review. We have a whole civilization living on the ruins of another, much older one. And those ruins are still imbued with magic which is often dangerous. Some of them serve as prisons to beings that should never see the light of day if this new civilization is to survive and thrive.
For example, the High Lord of the Barrani isn't just an empty title that anyone can hold. That person needs to have sufficient power to serve as jailer to something berried underneath the High Court. Something even the Dragon Emperor fears. The location isn't vanity. It's necessity.
Or the ceremony of becoming a Lord of the Court? On the surface, it's just an exercise in vanity as well. A riddle to be solved for the dubious honor to call these ancient halls home. The price of failure, however, is worse than death, as it turns out.
The more I read about this world, the more I want to know. And I especially want to know how the markings on Kaylin's body tie into all this. What role will she have to play in what seems to be the continuation of an ancient war between immortal races and forces far more terrible, but long forgotten?
I admit that I am less fond of Kaylin herself than I am of the world she inhabits. For someone who has been through all the horrible things she had lived through, she surprisingly lacks maturity. I know, she is only 18 or so in these books, but sometimes she behaves like a petulant teen who lacks the brains to think her actions and reactions through before she does something. Though I must admit that I see some improvement between Kaylin in book 1 and Kaylin in book 2, so I am holding out hope that she will grow and mature as the series progresses, and hopefully not get on my nerves as much.
As it stands though, I am definitely continuing with the series, because I want to learn more about this fascinating world.
If you liked this review, check out my blog.
This was better than the first book, even though the narrative is still a bit meandering at times which makes it rather confusing. However the story is rather fascinating, so I was willing to excuse the less than tight writing style.
We discover a lot more about the past of Elantra and about one of the secretive immortal races that calls this city home - the Barrani. I found this foray into Barrani culture fascinating. How would you live your immortal life if your name truly defines you? Not only that, but it gives whoever knows it power over you as well. So much power that they can compel you to do horrible things. What choice do you have when you know that the only way to escape this influence is death, but you are immortal?
I find the world of Elantra fascinating. And yes, I'm aware that I used the world "fascinating" at least three times since the beginning of this review. We have a whole civilization living on the ruins of another, much older one. And those ruins are still imbued with magic which is often dangerous. Some of them serve as prisons to beings that should never see the light of day if this new civilization is to survive and thrive.
For example, the High Lord of the Barrani isn't just an empty title that anyone can hold. That person needs to have sufficient power to serve as jailer to something berried underneath the High Court. Something even the Dragon Emperor fears. The location isn't vanity. It's necessity.
Or the ceremony of becoming a Lord of the Court? On the surface, it's just an exercise in vanity as well. A riddle to be solved for the dubious honor to call these ancient halls home. The price of failure, however, is worse than death, as it turns out.
The more I read about this world, the more I want to know. And I especially want to know how the markings on Kaylin's body tie into all this. What role will she have to play in what seems to be the continuation of an ancient war between immortal races and forces far more terrible, but long forgotten?
I admit that I am less fond of Kaylin herself than I am of the world she inhabits. For someone who has been through all the horrible things she had lived through, she surprisingly lacks maturity. I know, she is only 18 or so in these books, but sometimes she behaves like a petulant teen who lacks the brains to think her actions and reactions through before she does something. Though I must admit that I see some improvement between Kaylin in book 1 and Kaylin in book 2, so I am holding out hope that she will grow and mature as the series progresses, and hopefully not get on my nerves as much.
As it stands though, I am definitely continuing with the series, because I want to learn more about this fascinating world.
If you liked this review, check out my blog.
June 30, 2017
3.5 stars
“Because not all weakness has to be weakness. Weakness, strength, power, failure – they're just words, and we can define what the words mean if we have the will or the courage.”
So I've finally given this series another go. And yet, I felt the same as when I read book 1.
The writing and world building is absolutely amazing. But I feel so clueless a large chunk of the time. Kaylin as a Hawk is very observant, and the author plays this perfectly. But if I'm reading even her thoughts, why doesn't she explain what she notices in her head? because she doesn't explain, I only get a certain situation sometimes. And then the whole of the story, the small stories, and the major world building, I don't get it. I feel that it was never explained. I have no prior knowledge of the book. However, the plot and adventures undergoing only in this book is what I get and enjoy. But everything else...
SPOILER (of book 1): And if someone can explain to me why Severen had to kill those two girls him and kaylin took in, it would greatly be appreciated. (Anna, this is more directed at you ^_^)
“Because not all weakness has to be weakness. Weakness, strength, power, failure – they're just words, and we can define what the words mean if we have the will or the courage.”
So I've finally given this series another go. And yet, I felt the same as when I read book 1.
The writing and world building is absolutely amazing. But I feel so clueless a large chunk of the time. Kaylin as a Hawk is very observant, and the author plays this perfectly. But if I'm reading even her thoughts, why doesn't she explain what she notices in her head? because she doesn't explain, I only get a certain situation sometimes. And then the whole of the story, the small stories, and the major world building, I don't get it. I feel that it was never explained. I have no prior knowledge of the book. However, the plot and adventures undergoing only in this book is what I get and enjoy. But everything else...
SPOILER (of book 1): And if someone can explain to me why Severen had to kill those two girls him and kaylin took in, it would greatly be appreciated. (Anna, this is more directed at you ^_^)
August 27, 2014
This is the kind of book that makes me forget I like reading. It is so excruciating for me to get through that I don't only not want to read it, I don't want to read at all.
Action happens. It's kind of incomprehensible and jumbled. Then since Kaylin hasn't gotten any sense of politics, magic, history or anything else, she has to have someone else inform her of the greater significance of what just happened. So then she relates the events that just happened in detail to another person so they can explain to her/the audience what just happened. I was like, "I JUST READ THAT. EITHER EXPLAIN IT AS IT IS HAPPENING OR DON'T GIVE US THE ENTIRE SUMMARY OF WHAT I JUST READ." It was aggravating. Step it up, Kaylin. I don't want to have things explained to me like 6 times just because you are too ignorant to draw conclusions by yourself.
Action happens. It's kind of incomprehensible and jumbled. Then since Kaylin hasn't gotten any sense of politics, magic, history or anything else, she has to have someone else inform her of the greater significance of what just happened. So then she relates the events that just happened in detail to another person so they can explain to her/the audience what just happened. I was like, "I JUST READ THAT. EITHER EXPLAIN IT AS IT IS HAPPENING OR DON'T GIVE US THE ENTIRE SUMMARY OF WHAT I JUST READ." It was aggravating. Step it up, Kaylin. I don't want to have things explained to me like 6 times just because you are too ignorant to draw conclusions by yourself.
September 15, 2017
This is a pretty fascinating world with its various races. In the first book of the series we got to know a little bit about the Barrani and their social structure. And in this one we delved deeper into it and their bizarre culture.
Kaylin is still a bit annoying but I believe given time she'll improve. Especially if she stops evading all the magic lessons and learns to control her powers. I love the dragon lord that is her teacher in all things magic and his ability to not slap her for being a brat.
I want to learn more about Lord Nightshade and why he wants Kaylin. I hope this doesn't evolve in some creepy romance. I just don't. Maybe because it's an overused trope and I've had enough of it. And nor off to the next one.
Kaylin is still a bit annoying but I believe given time she'll improve. Especially if she stops evading all the magic lessons and learns to control her powers. I love the dragon lord that is her teacher in all things magic and his ability to not slap her for being a brat.
I want to learn more about Lord Nightshade and why he wants Kaylin. I hope this doesn't evolve in some creepy romance. I just don't. Maybe because it's an overused trope and I've had enough of it. And nor off to the next one.
January 12, 2011
This series is so different that it is hard not to like it. The setting is interesting, the races are unique, and the main character is unlike any I've read before. Some of the problems that plagued the first novel still apply to Cast in Courtlight. Mainly, there is not enough information. Everyone knows more than the main character, and even if the main character somehow figures something out she never shares it with us. For example, say there are two characters, one says, "I have a big secret." The other says, "Oh it's about the-" That is how this novel works. Kaylin will figure something out, but she won't spell it out for us. I do enjoy novels where you have to pay attention to every detail and actually think, but this one still leaves out just a bit too much for me. The good thing is that there are tons of things left to find out about, and plenty of reasons to continue the series. The characters are still as interesting as they were in the first novel, though what drives my interest is their mysteriousness. Everyone has a past and is not sharing it, everyone has secrets that they aren't telling. The characters are almost completely defined by what they are not saying. Another issue I had with the first book was the lack of mystery. After I put that book down I stopped considering this a mystery series. It is just fantasy. There may be something the characters are trying to discover, but there is no typical detective work to be found here. Now that I know not to expect it, it is no longer an issue.
As I touched on earlier, this series is definitely unique. I enjoy the setting, the fiefs, the races, the characters, the intrigue, the buildings, and everything else. I also enjoy Kaylin as a character. She may have tons of untapped power, but she doesn't know how to wield it, and that makes her more believable and realistic. She is short tempered, but not without reason. If everyone acted like they knew something you didn't and they never explained it to you because they thought you couldn't understand, you would be irritated too. Still, even without help she is pretty intelligent, and figures things out quicker than I ever could. I would give this novel a five if it were not slow in sections. The fighting scenes bored me as well as some of the dialogue. With a little more ironing out this series could be great, and I hope it becomes great. I can't wait to find out more.
As I touched on earlier, this series is definitely unique. I enjoy the setting, the fiefs, the races, the characters, the intrigue, the buildings, and everything else. I also enjoy Kaylin as a character. She may have tons of untapped power, but she doesn't know how to wield it, and that makes her more believable and realistic. She is short tempered, but not without reason. If everyone acted like they knew something you didn't and they never explained it to you because they thought you couldn't understand, you would be irritated too. Still, even without help she is pretty intelligent, and figures things out quicker than I ever could. I would give this novel a five if it were not slow in sections. The fighting scenes bored me as well as some of the dialogue. With a little more ironing out this series could be great, and I hope it becomes great. I can't wait to find out more.
September 25, 2008
I cannot remember the last time I have wanted to like a book so much & wound up being so incredibly annoyed with it. I was deeply disappointed in this book! The author spent so much time reminding us about what the eye colors of the Barrani mean ... and how Kaylin struggles to keep a rein on her temper ... and switching between languages (and mentioning how certain ones are suited for swearing and others are not), the book would've been half the length if she'd edited all of those things out. Maybe my issues are with the editor more than the author...all I know is that I struggled to follow the plotline because I was so fed up with the peripheral information being jammed down my throat. As far as I can tell, only ONE thing of significance happened during the entire novel: the purpose of the High Halls is revealed. That's it. Sadly, I've already purchased the 3rd book in the series, having been so delighted by the 1st. At least I took advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free offer for that. *sigh*
February 4, 2017
These are just addictive page-turners for me. Quite hard to stop just going straight to the next. I enjoyed learning more about the Barrani, and the developments between Kaylin and Severn, as she learns to deal with their shared history.
October 22, 2024
I liked this one. It was fun and id like to read the next book but I'm not in a hurry too.
Read
June 10, 2010I HATED this book. Well, to be fair, I only made it through the first 15 pages, but I hated the writing style so much, and felt so strongly about it, I returned the book to the store. (I've never done that before, but I guess there's always a first time!) The back cover seemed interesting; a fresh twist on the fantasy genre. Maybe so, but I couldn't bring myself to keep going. Every other page seemed to have lines like this:
"She was lucky. Very lucky." or
"She knew she was in trouble. But she didn't know just how much trouble she was truly in." AAAAAARRRRGHHHH!!!!!!
"She was lucky. Very lucky." or
"She knew she was in trouble. But she didn't know just how much trouble she was truly in." AAAAAARRRRGHHHH!!!!!!
April 6, 2013
I really don't like Nightshade and his opportunistic grasp at Kaylin, although he has grown on me in recent books - but in the first three books he's just enigmatic and manipulative and distantly interested in how Kaylin reacts, I feel.
I loved Teela and even more so the whole Barrani high court situation and Kaylin's fish out of water shenanigans. I adored that she's becoming more and more a healer and a midwife and trying her best against overwhelming odds.
What this book is at its heart though is her reconciliation with Severn and and all he did for her - and the acceptance that he did it not to save the world, but because she was/is the most important being in his world. Although it hasn't been explained how that development came about - how a 10 year old would adopt a 5-year-old girl in the fiefs.
MSW makes me believe that Severn is Kaylin's bedrock and not her stalker. I think because whenever she really wants space he gives her that and even when he is afraid for her life he never takes the choice of risking that life from her.
I loved Teela and even more so the whole Barrani high court situation and Kaylin's fish out of water shenanigans. I adored that she's becoming more and more a healer and a midwife and trying her best against overwhelming odds.
What this book is at its heart though is her reconciliation with Severn and and all he did for her - and the acceptance that he did it not to save the world, but because she was/is the most important being in his world. Although it hasn't been explained how that development came about - how a 10 year old would adopt a 5-year-old girl in the fiefs.
MSW makes me believe that Severn is Kaylin's bedrock and not her stalker. I think because whenever she really wants space he gives her that and even when he is afraid for her life he never takes the choice of risking that life from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2012
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I really enjoyed this addition to the chronicles of Elantra. Kaylin Neya certainly gets challenged by all the powerful groups in her world. This book takes place pretty much exclusively in the Barrani High Court. Kaylin helps some powerful people, proves herself on more levels, and resolves some of the angst from her past.
I like the complexity of the world that this author is developing.
I really enjoyed this addition to the chronicles of Elantra. Kaylin Neya certainly gets challenged by all the powerful groups in her world. This book takes place pretty much exclusively in the Barrani High Court. Kaylin helps some powerful people, proves herself on more levels, and resolves some of the angst from her past.
I like the complexity of the world that this author is developing.
April 5, 2023
$3.99 Kindle sale, Dec. 3, 2020
December 30, 2024
Second in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series revolving around a young woman with unprecedented power.
My Take
I don't know if I'm getting used to Sagara, or if she's actually giving out more information in her stories. It's still tricky, though, I'm still confused on certain points such as some interactions between the Lord of the March and the Lord of the Green, and you must pay attention throughout.
I keep trying to figure out why it is I like this series so much, and it's mostly for the camaraderie and the teasing that takes place among the Hawks. There's my intense curiosity about Kaylin and what new powers she will manifest. And, of course, I do enjoy her irreverence! I also like the strangeness Sagara has created, pulling from fey tales, shifter stories, and human frailties, bringing in touches of so many other fantasy authors---I definitely detect some Mercedes Lackey when it comes to the Aerians! And it all influences Sagara even though she has created something completely different. Sagara has built an entire new world with different class and species levels.
All seen and interpreted through the eyes of a girl who is naive in so many aspects of this world in which she lives and yet so knowing of the human side of evil. It's this human side and her own experiences as a child that influence her today. It's all about children. Saving. Protecting. Because of them that she is willing to learn what she must. In that learning, in her new experiences widening her narrow view, Kaylin learns of perspective and that her interpretation is not the only one.
At this point, Kaylin has learned that "the Law existed for a reason", and that it didn't matter which side of the bridge you lived on as evildoers lurked at all levels of society.
Particularly, in this story, Kaylin learns of the Barrani and what they must endure to survive and thrive.
The Story
It's coming up on Festival in Elantra, the worst time of the year with all the scams, the "privileged" diplomats, and the huge influx of tourists from all over the Empire of Ala'an.
Everyone seems worried about Kaylin's safety during Festival and colludes to keep her out of the system, or at least, protect her, starting with an enforced stay in Nightshade's castle.
Only, it doesn't work, and Kaylin is forced to undertake a quest of life and death.
The Characters
There are three peacekeeping forces and three Lords of Law: the Lord of Hawks, Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord, heads up the Hawks---the investigators; the Lord of Swords and his men are the peacekeepers---the street cops, if you will; and, the Lord of Wolves and his people are its black ops with the Shadow Wolves the "darkest face the Law could turn on the populace".
Private Kaylin Neya, the former Elianne, is still a Hawk despite the emperor knowing of her abilities. She's also learned some hard truths about Severn's actions all those years ago. Enough that she's forgiven him. And she'll forgive him even more when she has to relive that night in his memories. Marya is a midwife for whom Kaylin heals patients in trouble.
Lord Andellen is one of the Barrani guards who accompany her throughout; Samaran is another.
The Hawks include:
Iron Jaw, more formally known as Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine Hawk. Caitlin is his human assistant. They all fear Caitlin's wrath. Tanner and Clint are Aerians (Kaylin loves touching Clint's forbidden flight feathers); Sesti is Clint's wife and they've just had a baby. Tain is Teela's Barrani partner. Red---never call him Reginald---is their medical examiner. Moran, an Aerian, is one of the Hawks' medics. Corporal Severn Handred is still with the Hawks, per Kaylin's request.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord, a crime lord, who has lent his name to his fief where Severn and Kaylin once lived. The mark he has placed on Kaylin is considered abomination by the other Barrani as it marks her as his consort. A mere human!?!
Lord Sanabalis is a Dragon mage who knows a lot more than Kaylin gives him credit for; he is about to become a very effective threat.
Lady An'teela has been caught and forced to Court where Kaylin learns just how high her contacts reach. She claims Kaylin as kyuthe, a very powerful claim that will be repeated by others. Lirienne is the Lord of the West March. The castelord is the Lord of the High Halls; his wife is the Consort and responsible for naming, the survival of the Barrani. The Lord of the Green is the heir to the castelord, and both are dying. The Lady of the Barrani is Green and March's sister; she will wed the new castelord.
Lord Tiamaris will be their third partner in this investigation in the fiefs. A dragonshifter with high-level magic and access. A powerful being with whom Sergeant Kassan has issues.
The Immortals were created by the Old Ones. A rune and sigil was carved into each Immortal, their name, but the names bound them to the Old Ones. An imprisonment that some could not tolerate. Ybelline is Tha'alani, but one with whom Kaylin could be comfortable. But she is the emperor's. Marrin is Leontine, and she runs the human orphanage in Elantra. Catti is one of her young charges and desperately ill. Dock is another. Amos is the foundling home's guard. Callantine is one of the powerful, pompous, and arrogant Imperial mages who shows up for the autopsy. Burlan Oaks runs a tavern that Severn frequents.
Lord Evarrim, an Arcanist, is a Barrani lord who takes an undue and threatening interest in Kaylin.
Think of the Aerians as birdmen, but not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. Vicious, cruel, and they seem to have the appearance of what I would consider Fey. The Leontine are lion shifters. Tha'alani, a.k.a., Truthseekers, are mind readers. Their touch is NOT delicate. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor. Fieflords are independent rulers of large neighborhoods outside the city proper. They are outside the law and while "no Barrani lord need heed the mark of an outcaste, no outcaste is required to heed the law of the Dragon Emperor." Theft and murder is a way of life in the fiefs.
The Cover
The cover is a contrast to the dark story inside with its golden background in a collage of palace and intricately detailed walls with a lighter gold of Kaylin's bare back as her tattooed arms maneuver to fasten the back of her turquoise satin dress.
The title indicates where Kaylin is Cast in Courtlight where the Barrani can more easily view, threaten, or use her.
My Take
I don't know if I'm getting used to Sagara, or if she's actually giving out more information in her stories. It's still tricky, though, I'm still confused on certain points such as some interactions between the Lord of the March and the Lord of the Green, and you must pay attention throughout.
I keep trying to figure out why it is I like this series so much, and it's mostly for the camaraderie and the teasing that takes place among the Hawks. There's my intense curiosity about Kaylin and what new powers she will manifest. And, of course, I do enjoy her irreverence! I also like the strangeness Sagara has created, pulling from fey tales, shifter stories, and human frailties, bringing in touches of so many other fantasy authors---I definitely detect some Mercedes Lackey when it comes to the Aerians! And it all influences Sagara even though she has created something completely different. Sagara has built an entire new world with different class and species levels.
All seen and interpreted through the eyes of a girl who is naive in so many aspects of this world in which she lives and yet so knowing of the human side of evil. It's this human side and her own experiences as a child that influence her today. It's all about children. Saving. Protecting. Because of them that she is willing to learn what she must. In that learning, in her new experiences widening her narrow view, Kaylin learns of perspective and that her interpretation is not the only one.
At this point, Kaylin has learned that "the Law existed for a reason", and that it didn't matter which side of the bridge you lived on as evildoers lurked at all levels of society.
Particularly, in this story, Kaylin learns of the Barrani and what they must endure to survive and thrive.
The Story
It's coming up on Festival in Elantra, the worst time of the year with all the scams, the "privileged" diplomats, and the huge influx of tourists from all over the Empire of Ala'an.
Everyone seems worried about Kaylin's safety during Festival and colludes to keep her out of the system, or at least, protect her, starting with an enforced stay in Nightshade's castle.
Only, it doesn't work, and Kaylin is forced to undertake a quest of life and death.
The Characters
There are three peacekeeping forces and three Lords of Law: the Lord of Hawks, Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord, heads up the Hawks---the investigators; the Lord of Swords and his men are the peacekeepers---the street cops, if you will; and, the Lord of Wolves and his people are its black ops with the Shadow Wolves the "darkest face the Law could turn on the populace".
Private Kaylin Neya, the former Elianne, is still a Hawk despite the emperor knowing of her abilities. She's also learned some hard truths about Severn's actions all those years ago. Enough that she's forgiven him. And she'll forgive him even more when she has to relive that night in his memories. Marya is a midwife for whom Kaylin heals patients in trouble.
Lord Andellen is one of the Barrani guards who accompany her throughout; Samaran is another.
The Hawks include:
Iron Jaw, more formally known as Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine Hawk. Caitlin is his human assistant. They all fear Caitlin's wrath. Tanner and Clint are Aerians (Kaylin loves touching Clint's forbidden flight feathers); Sesti is Clint's wife and they've just had a baby. Tain is Teela's Barrani partner. Red---never call him Reginald---is their medical examiner. Moran, an Aerian, is one of the Hawks' medics. Corporal Severn Handred is still with the Hawks, per Kaylin's request.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord, a crime lord, who has lent his name to his fief where Severn and Kaylin once lived. The mark he has placed on Kaylin is considered abomination by the other Barrani as it marks her as his consort. A mere human!?!
Lord Sanabalis is a Dragon mage who knows a lot more than Kaylin gives him credit for; he is about to become a very effective threat.
Lady An'teela has been caught and forced to Court where Kaylin learns just how high her contacts reach. She claims Kaylin as kyuthe, a very powerful claim that will be repeated by others. Lirienne is the Lord of the West March. The castelord is the Lord of the High Halls; his wife is the Consort and responsible for naming, the survival of the Barrani. The Lord of the Green is the heir to the castelord, and both are dying. The Lady of the Barrani is Green and March's sister; she will wed the new castelord.
Lord Tiamaris will be their third partner in this investigation in the fiefs. A dragonshifter with high-level magic and access. A powerful being with whom Sergeant Kassan has issues.
The Immortals were created by the Old Ones. A rune and sigil was carved into each Immortal, their name, but the names bound them to the Old Ones. An imprisonment that some could not tolerate. Ybelline is Tha'alani, but one with whom Kaylin could be comfortable. But she is the emperor's. Marrin is Leontine, and she runs the human orphanage in Elantra. Catti is one of her young charges and desperately ill. Dock is another. Amos is the foundling home's guard. Callantine is one of the powerful, pompous, and arrogant Imperial mages who shows up for the autopsy. Burlan Oaks runs a tavern that Severn frequents.
Lord Evarrim, an Arcanist, is a Barrani lord who takes an undue and threatening interest in Kaylin.
Think of the Aerians as birdmen, but not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. Vicious, cruel, and they seem to have the appearance of what I would consider Fey. The Leontine are lion shifters. Tha'alani, a.k.a., Truthseekers, are mind readers. Their touch is NOT delicate. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor. Fieflords are independent rulers of large neighborhoods outside the city proper. They are outside the law and while "no Barrani lord need heed the mark of an outcaste, no outcaste is required to heed the law of the Dragon Emperor." Theft and murder is a way of life in the fiefs.
The Cover
The cover is a contrast to the dark story inside with its golden background in a collage of palace and intricately detailed walls with a lighter gold of Kaylin's bare back as her tattooed arms maneuver to fasten the back of her turquoise satin dress.
The title indicates where Kaylin is Cast in Courtlight where the Barrani can more easily view, threaten, or use her.
April 4, 2019
Kaylin is called upon to do an unusual healing. She is supposed to be trying to lessen the attention toward her, but this does the exact opposite. She is invited to the High Court during Festival and finds herself right in the middle of a power struggle. Using her gifts, she preserves the stability of the court and gains some new allies.
I am so conflicted about how I feel about this book. Most of the time, I was just confused about what was going on, yet completely fascinated at the same time. I think it stems from how Kaylin is just smart enough to be able to stumble onto the solutions to the problems at hand, yet she is just as confused as I am about this world she lives in because she has failed to learn about it, instead focusing on her duties as a Hawk. I'm having a hard time reconciling how a clueless character like Kaylin can be so powerful and the center of all these intrigues. BUT......at the same time, I'm totally hooked! She's a simple character in a complex world and the dichotomy is interesting to me. And the epilogue??? This whole time I thought that Nightshade was fated to be a good guy, but now I'm wondering if he is just playing a long game. I am almost upset with myself for thinking it too. There is only one way to find out - keep reading.
I am so conflicted about how I feel about this book. Most of the time, I was just confused about what was going on, yet completely fascinated at the same time. I think it stems from how Kaylin is just smart enough to be able to stumble onto the solutions to the problems at hand, yet she is just as confused as I am about this world she lives in because she has failed to learn about it, instead focusing on her duties as a Hawk. I'm having a hard time reconciling how a clueless character like Kaylin can be so powerful and the center of all these intrigues. BUT......at the same time, I'm totally hooked! She's a simple character in a complex world and the dichotomy is interesting to me. And the epilogue??? This whole time I thought that Nightshade was fated to be a good guy, but now I'm wondering if he is just playing a long game. I am almost upset with myself for thinking it too. There is only one way to find out - keep reading.
January 24, 2019
In this second book of the Chronicles of Elantra, limited third-person main character Kaylin heals a scion of the casteleader of the Barrani High Court, and as a result is invited to the Court for his elder brother's succession ceremony. Before the ceremony happens, she is involved in a mystery that could threaten the succession. Kaylin saves the day--with some help--and along the way we get some details about the Barrani royals, Lord Nightshade, and the bigger world around, and underneath, the city.
I love urban settings in secondary fantasy worlds, and Elantra is an absorbing setting all on its own. Returning to places like the Halls of Law and the Fiefs grounded me as a reader, while new ones expanded my view and made me want to learn more. The descriptions are just great, from dream sequences to palaces to an underground puzzle dungeon.
Kaylin and Severn's relationship is filled out a bit in this volume, too. I had no patience with Severn in Cast in Shadow; here, Kaylin comes to understand how his affected him, and they come to a partial reconciliation that I found quite moving. The epilogue came very close to being a tear-jerker! But otherwise, Severn is all but dead weight. Or an almost literal prop, even, as he spends a lot of time in the Barrani palace tucking Kaylin into bed, holding her hand, providing other kinds of moral support, and saying next to nothing for himself.
As you might suspect from the previous paragraph, there's an ongoing feeling of Kaylin being not very convincing as a 20-year-old. She's better than she was in the first book--she isn't a temperamental child here, and sometimes even controls herself rather than constantly needing to be swatted down by parental figures. And there are actually a couple of places where Kaylin acknowledges her own shortcomings. Progress!
But she still feels not terribly self-sufficient for somebody who spent several years on the streets and is now a Hawk; she frequently acts in ways that cause those around her to reassure and indulge her. She's also still an ignoramus and a terrible student, so that means she gets a lot of lectures about her own world's workings from various characters throughout the story. After a half-dozen of these, I started losing track of who was delivering the current lecture because it literally didn't matter. I skimmed to get the gist, and moved along.
There's some evidence of lackluster editing here. Sometimes the text works too hard to not use common turns of phrase or sentence structures, making things hard to parse. The maddening "characters talk around the subject to the point the reader has no idea what they're trying to say to each other" from the first book isn't as much in evidence this time, thank goodness.
Grouching about the cover:
This series could very easily become a personal favorite if it weren't for a few persistent irritations. It isn't boring, it isn't offensive, it's girl-friendly (in more than one sense--get your book boyfriend here!), there are plenty of interesting characters, the setting is great, and the cozy "found family" feeling is quite heartwarming even for a grumpy ol' cynic like me. It pushes some of my "happy buttons" that very few other fantasies do, and that's just the sort of thing I would want from a long-term series.
I'll keep on with Elantra--I'm developing a bristly fondness for it that I'd like to explore further--but can't confidently recommend it because it seems like one of those things that if you aren't on the same wavelength with it, its flaws and eccentricities could drive you away.
I love urban settings in secondary fantasy worlds, and Elantra is an absorbing setting all on its own. Returning to places like the Halls of Law and the Fiefs grounded me as a reader, while new ones expanded my view and made me want to learn more. The descriptions are just great, from dream sequences to palaces to an underground puzzle dungeon.
Kaylin and Severn's relationship is filled out a bit in this volume, too. I had no patience with Severn in Cast in Shadow; here, Kaylin comes to understand how his affected him, and they come to a partial reconciliation that I found quite moving. The epilogue came very close to being a tear-jerker! But otherwise, Severn is all but dead weight. Or an almost literal prop, even, as he spends a lot of time in the Barrani palace tucking Kaylin into bed, holding her hand, providing other kinds of moral support, and saying next to nothing for himself.
As you might suspect from the previous paragraph, there's an ongoing feeling of Kaylin being not very convincing as a 20-year-old. She's better than she was in the first book--she isn't a temperamental child here, and sometimes even controls herself rather than constantly needing to be swatted down by parental figures. And there are actually a couple of places where Kaylin acknowledges her own shortcomings. Progress!
But she still feels not terribly self-sufficient for somebody who spent several years on the streets and is now a Hawk; she frequently acts in ways that cause those around her to reassure and indulge her. She's also still an ignoramus and a terrible student, so that means she gets a lot of lectures about her own world's workings from various characters throughout the story. After a half-dozen of these, I started losing track of who was delivering the current lecture because it literally didn't matter. I skimmed to get the gist, and moved along.
There's some evidence of lackluster editing here. Sometimes the text works too hard to not use common turns of phrase or sentence structures, making things hard to parse. The maddening "characters talk around the subject to the point the reader has no idea what they're trying to say to each other" from the first book isn't as much in evidence this time, thank goodness.
Grouching about the cover:
This series could very easily become a personal favorite if it weren't for a few persistent irritations. It isn't boring, it isn't offensive, it's girl-friendly (in more than one sense--get your book boyfriend here!), there are plenty of interesting characters, the setting is great, and the cozy "found family" feeling is quite heartwarming even for a grumpy ol' cynic like me. It pushes some of my "happy buttons" that very few other fantasies do, and that's just the sort of thing I would want from a long-term series.
I'll keep on with Elantra--I'm developing a bristly fondness for it that I'd like to explore further--but can't confidently recommend it because it seems like one of those things that if you aren't on the same wavelength with it, its flaws and eccentricities could drive you away.
May 25, 2011
This series has a contemporary voice and is set in a fantasy world inhabited by 5 different races, which is why I feel like it most closely compares to the kinds of worlds I'm used to in comics. This particular book focuses on the politics and culture of the Barrani, an immortal elf like race. The Barrani themselves are highly obtuse, which is frustrating to no end. And as we are constantly reminded of, Kaylin wasn't the best student when it came to cultural relations and history, so there's a lot of times when she, plus the reader, are rather in the dark and need a lot of explanation. Because of the Barrani plotline, things take a heavy turn towards the metaphysical, which can be rather confusing. However, I did actually enjoy this book. The first half bordered on slightly boring, but things definitely pick up from there. There's a particular scene that had me in tears the entire time, which is usually a good sign!
For a slightly silly girl, Kaylin manages to accomplish some rather grand things, all because she is the "chosen" (think Buffy). Not entirely original, but I think the complicated world that Sagara has built and the well written supporting cast make this series highly entertaining so far.
Just don't be looking here for a strong romance plotline. The potentials are definitely there ... first there's Severn, who is the Gail (Hunger Games) sort of character except his history with Kaylin is much darker and more complicated. Then there's Nightshade, the Barrani outcaste lord who has taken an interest in Kaylin but whose intentions are unknown (Eric Northman, right?). Personally, I'm rooting for old reliable, but perhaps I have a soft spot for fictional tortured souls (real life ones, not so much). But there's very little development on the romance front and everything is rather ambiguous at this point.
Overall, I didn't like this one quite as much as the first but will definitely continue on to the 3rd book and look forward to learning more about the world and the other races.
For a slightly silly girl, Kaylin manages to accomplish some rather grand things, all because she is the "chosen" (think Buffy). Not entirely original, but I think the complicated world that Sagara has built and the well written supporting cast make this series highly entertaining so far.
Just don't be looking here for a strong romance plotline. The potentials are definitely there ... first there's Severn, who is the Gail (Hunger Games) sort of character except his history with Kaylin is much darker and more complicated. Then there's Nightshade, the Barrani outcaste lord who has taken an interest in Kaylin but whose intentions are unknown (Eric Northman, right?). Personally, I'm rooting for old reliable, but perhaps I have a soft spot for fictional tortured souls (real life ones, not so much). But there's very little development on the romance front and everything is rather ambiguous at this point.
Overall, I didn't like this one quite as much as the first but will definitely continue on to the 3rd book and look forward to learning more about the world and the other races.
July 16, 2021
This still wasn't great. I think this series will consistently underwhelm me but it has just enough of a spark to keep me going.
Kaylin is still okay as a character. I like that she has risen from such a low place.
I love how Marcus and Caitlin are like surrogate parents to her and the Hawklord like a stern uncle.
I was happy to see the old dragon back. I can't for the life of me remember his name or spell it. It's like Sanabalis???
I tend to get confused a lot in these books so I'm not 100% sure what went on. But we have a new high lord and he is married to his sister?! Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Edit: July 2021
This series always confuses me. I get just enough to keep me interested but not enough to fully enjoy it.
The occasional 'foreign' word makes it hard to understand some stuff. It is well explained later but I sometimes forget details by then.
I really like Kaylin as a character. I think she is smart and strong.
I just realized this book has almost no romance! O.o I can't believe I just realized that. Reminds me a bit of Anne Bishop's Others series.
I like how many species there are in this book. I can't wait to read about the Leotines.
I also really want to learn more about the Airians.
A lot of the magic stuff is also confusing. Honestly sometimes it feels like I'm reading above my reading level. lol.
Kaylin is still okay as a character. I like that she has risen from such a low place.
I love how Marcus and Caitlin are like surrogate parents to her and the Hawklord like a stern uncle.
I was happy to see the old dragon back. I can't for the life of me remember his name or spell it. It's like Sanabalis???
I tend to get confused a lot in these books so I'm not 100% sure what went on. But we have a new high lord and he is married to his sister?! Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Edit: July 2021
This series always confuses me. I get just enough to keep me interested but not enough to fully enjoy it.
The occasional 'foreign' word makes it hard to understand some stuff. It is well explained later but I sometimes forget details by then.
I really like Kaylin as a character. I think she is smart and strong.
I just realized this book has almost no romance! O.o I can't believe I just realized that. Reminds me a bit of Anne Bishop's Others series.
I like how many species there are in this book. I can't wait to read about the Leotines.
I also really want to learn more about the Airians.
A lot of the magic stuff is also confusing. Honestly sometimes it feels like I'm reading above my reading level. lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2015
2.5 stars!
To be honest, nothing really happened in Cast in Courtlight.
Spoilers
Michelle Sagara has that repitition going on. Multiple times throughout the book, she reminds us of:
-Baranni eyecolor and emotion.
-How Kaylin is known for her temper that could lead to certain death.
-How Kaylin is prone to ask infinitestupid questions that make even the side characters annoyed.
-How the Baranni are dense, immortal beings who don't have any emotion.
No character development occurred, although, Kaylin no longer hates Severn. He did what she could not seven years ago, and thus saved the realm. To be frank, when Kaylin hated him, I began to hate her. If Severn didn't murder Jade and Steffi, than Kaylin would have had to. I dislike her because she never thought about how he felt. His strength to kill the girls initially saved Kaylin.
To be honest, nothing really happened in Cast in Courtlight.
Spoilers
Michelle Sagara has that repitition going on. Multiple times throughout the book, she reminds us of:
-Baranni eyecolor and emotion.
-How Kaylin is known for her temper that could lead to certain death.
-How Kaylin is prone to ask infinite
-How the Baranni are dense, immortal beings who don't have any emotion.
No character development occurred, although, Kaylin no longer hates Severn. He did what she could not seven years ago, and thus saved the realm. To be frank, when Kaylin hated him, I began to hate her. If Severn didn't murder Jade and Steffi, than Kaylin would have had to. I dislike her because she never thought about how he felt. His strength to kill the girls initially saved Kaylin.
May 1, 2022
3.5 I'm enjoying the series, but I have a few things that are bringing the star rating down
1. I'm sick to death of how much she talks about eye colors.
2. This author drives me crazy by with holding information - there's no point to it. If people would just tell Kaylin what is going on, most of the problems clear up right away. So that just bugs me... there's no reason for there to be so many important pieces of information to be withheld.
3. The writing style can be really difficult to follow at times. It's hard to know who is talking or even what is happening because of point 2
4. I find Severn so boring
I'll probably read a few more because the story is interesting... I just need a break from the annoying writing style for a few weeks.
1. I'm sick to death of how much she talks about eye colors.
2. This author drives me crazy by with holding information - there's no point to it. If people would just tell Kaylin what is going on, most of the problems clear up right away. So that just bugs me... there's no reason for there to be so many important pieces of information to be withheld.
3. The writing style can be really difficult to follow at times. It's hard to know who is talking or even what is happening because of point 2
4. I find Severn so boring
I'll probably read a few more because the story is interesting... I just need a break from the annoying writing style for a few weeks.
March 29, 2012
The first comment that has to be made about this book is that horrendous cover! It does not reflect the book's content or give any glimpse as to what type of book it is at all. If I were to make an assumption based solely on that, I'd guess it was an historical romance novel. It's just awful!
Luckily, the story inside it is not awful, however. I found this all together a much smoother and easier read than book one. Naturally, that will partly be down to me now understanding all the various species and races and with a fairly good handle on the main character and her abilities, back story and relationships. Although some of her still remains a mystery and she seems to be one of those heroines that is destined to discover new and greater power within herself as each book goes on.
This time she has to attend the Barrani High Court to assist one of the Lords there with her healing ability. This leads to all sorts of fun. She has to face a few tests- magically, intellectually and emotionally. The story arc regarding Severn and Kaylin as children gets re-addressed and looked on in a new light. We didn't really give much consideration in book one as to how Severn felt about what he'd done and it was very interesting to see it from this angle. I am glad the two have found each other again. Now I just wait patiently for them to realise they fancy the pants off each other as adults and fall madly in love. Can that happen soon, please?
It looks like we're going to concentrate on a different race in each book as I've just begun book three and that seems centred on the Tha'alani, and this one was all about the Birrani. As each race is fascinating in its own way, this is fine by me. I wasn't sure I'd ever warm to or understand the cold, reserved Birrani race, but I felt I definitely did make progress with that by the end of the book. This might help me appreciate Lord Nightshade more in the next one, perhaps. Although I'm not sure you'll ever convince me he actually cares for Kaylin as anything other than a prized acquisition. And how did he know to mark her as his within 30 seconds of meeting her anyway? What's that all about?
Well, there's only one way to find out, and that's too keep on reading!
Oh, and I have to praise the narrator of these audiobooks for really bringing them to life for me. I think she might be assisting my enjoyment of them quite a bit. Her name is Kristine Hvam, and she rocks!
4 Stars! ★★★★
Luckily, the story inside it is not awful, however. I found this all together a much smoother and easier read than book one. Naturally, that will partly be down to me now understanding all the various species and races and with a fairly good handle on the main character and her abilities, back story and relationships. Although some of her still remains a mystery and she seems to be one of those heroines that is destined to discover new and greater power within herself as each book goes on.
This time she has to attend the Barrani High Court to assist one of the Lords there with her healing ability. This leads to all sorts of fun. She has to face a few tests- magically, intellectually and emotionally. The story arc regarding Severn and Kaylin as children gets re-addressed and looked on in a new light. We didn't really give much consideration in book one as to how Severn felt about what he'd done and it was very interesting to see it from this angle. I am glad the two have found each other again. Now I just wait patiently for them to realise they fancy the pants off each other as adults and fall madly in love. Can that happen soon, please?
It looks like we're going to concentrate on a different race in each book as I've just begun book three and that seems centred on the Tha'alani, and this one was all about the Birrani. As each race is fascinating in its own way, this is fine by me. I wasn't sure I'd ever warm to or understand the cold, reserved Birrani race, but I felt I definitely did make progress with that by the end of the book. This might help me appreciate Lord Nightshade more in the next one, perhaps. Although I'm not sure you'll ever convince me he actually cares for Kaylin as anything other than a prized acquisition. And how did he know to mark her as his within 30 seconds of meeting her anyway? What's that all about?
Well, there's only one way to find out, and that's too keep on reading!
Oh, and I have to praise the narrator of these audiobooks for really bringing them to life for me. I think she might be assisting my enjoyment of them quite a bit. Her name is Kristine Hvam, and she rocks!
4 Stars! ★★★★
March 19, 2020
Read for the MacHalo Splendiferous Book Bingo: "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" category
2.5 stars.
I'm really disappointed.
I loved the first book in this series. The author created such an imaginative world full of really unique and interesting species and a cool magic system, and I had seriously high hopes for a cast of characters that I immediately liked. Kaylin, Marcus, Severn, and Nightshade, I'm looking at you.
Unfortunately, for the majority of this book I felt confused. I couldn't understand a lot of what was going on, and I didn't get any of the recap from the last book that I was hoping for. Instead we got a whole lot of info-dumping and not much of a plot, and by the end of the book, little to no character or relationship development to be spoken for. To be honest, for most of the book I was just plain bored.
So...out of curiosity, I read reviews for the next 13 (yes, 13!) books in the series, and found a WHOLE lot of the same comments. Confusion about details, frustration, repetitiveness in dialogue, lack of character development, little to no relationship development--when I read that by book 15 there is still no resolution to the relationship drama, and Kaylin still acts like a stubborn teenager, I decided I couldn't go any further. Especially when the epilogue of this book focuses completely on Why torture your readers? I love a slow burn, but that's a little much. So....I'm done.
2.5 stars.
I'm really disappointed.
I loved the first book in this series. The author created such an imaginative world full of really unique and interesting species and a cool magic system, and I had seriously high hopes for a cast of characters that I immediately liked. Kaylin, Marcus, Severn, and Nightshade, I'm looking at you.
Unfortunately, for the majority of this book I felt confused. I couldn't understand a lot of what was going on, and I didn't get any of the recap from the last book that I was hoping for. Instead we got a whole lot of info-dumping and not much of a plot, and by the end of the book, little to no character or relationship development to be spoken for. To be honest, for most of the book I was just plain bored.
So...out of curiosity, I read reviews for the next 13 (yes, 13!) books in the series, and found a WHOLE lot of the same comments. Confusion about details, frustration, repetitiveness in dialogue, lack of character development, little to no relationship development--when I read that by book 15 there is still no resolution to the relationship drama, and Kaylin still acts like a stubborn teenager, I decided I couldn't go any further. Especially when the epilogue of this book focuses completely on Why torture your readers? I love a slow burn, but that's a little much. So....I'm done.
September 28, 2012
I found the writing and audio of this book as -- WOW.
Serious, deep, sad tinged with hope and intrique. Loved the style of the writing. I totally got enthralled with the characters and want more. The two characters profoundly done right are Nightshade and Severn . One is that creepy alluring guy I hope our MC sets straight, the other reclusive but confident guy I hope she...well we'll see.
Kaylen is an officer of the Hawks. A section of the Emporor's rule. She watches and upholds the laws of the Emporor. But Kaylen is something more. Glyphs of an old language appeared on her skin like tattoos when she was very young that have given her power. She doesn't even know what the power does or comes from, but she uses it, mostly, to heal. But the power is also able to destroy.
This second book is based around the Barranni. An immortal race I affiliate akin to elves. But the Barranni tell part truths, play deadly games and don't really have much respect for life or mortals. Yet Kaylen is asked to save, not one but two brothers of the Barranni. Because she's Kaylen, she agrees. From there the story gets more complicated and I could write a synopsis twelve pages long. I can tell you that this book has political intrique, magic, action and a bit of a love story that gets more complicated as Nightshade tries to seduce Kaylen away from Severn.
Five stars because it had everything and made me contemplate my own life, my own choices (which is a theme in this book), and made me confirm my own beliefs. Well done!
Serious, deep, sad tinged with hope and intrique. Loved the style of the writing. I totally got enthralled with the characters and want more. The two characters profoundly done right are Nightshade and Severn . One is that creepy alluring guy I hope our MC sets straight, the other reclusive but confident guy I hope she...well we'll see.
Kaylen is an officer of the Hawks. A section of the Emporor's rule. She watches and upholds the laws of the Emporor. But Kaylen is something more. Glyphs of an old language appeared on her skin like tattoos when she was very young that have given her power. She doesn't even know what the power does or comes from, but she uses it, mostly, to heal. But the power is also able to destroy.
This second book is based around the Barranni. An immortal race I affiliate akin to elves. But the Barranni tell part truths, play deadly games and don't really have much respect for life or mortals. Yet Kaylen is asked to save, not one but two brothers of the Barranni. Because she's Kaylen, she agrees. From there the story gets more complicated and I could write a synopsis twelve pages long. I can tell you that this book has political intrique, magic, action and a bit of a love story that gets more complicated as Nightshade tries to seduce Kaylen away from Severn.
Five stars because it had everything and made me contemplate my own life, my own choices (which is a theme in this book), and made me confirm my own beliefs. Well done!
August 16, 2016
Extremely intriquite plot, and lots of confusing twists and turns.
My prediction for the series is that the main character will probably be like this...
The creature features and magic sytems are excellent. If you really want to cut your teeth on something really weighty in theory and ethics; then this is for you.
This isn' t a light read either. If you take up this series I recommend you read them closely together, or you will easily get lost.
My prediction for the series is that the main character will probably be like this...
The creature features and magic sytems are excellent. If you really want to cut your teeth on something really weighty in theory and ethics; then this is for you.
This isn' t a light read either. If you take up this series I recommend you read them closely together, or you will easily get lost.
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