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Chronicles of Elantra #12
Cast In Flight
New York Times bestselling author Michelle Sagara returns to the city of Elantra with a thrilling tale rife with ancient magic, assassination attempts and political intrigue.
Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin's own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian.
But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it's not the guest who's going to be the problem: it's all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she's being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs—even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons and something far more sinister.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
241 people are currently reading
2452 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 217 reviews
October 26, 2016
Up until now I have loved the Chronicles of Elantra series. "Watching" Kaylin grow and overcome obstacles has been an absolute pleasure. To me this has been a more of a coming of age saga - right in the beginning (Cast in Shadow) Kaylin was bitter and resentful and full of "piss & vinegar" - in the books that followed - you could feel her growing up, trying to find her place in the world and more importantly confronting her very human frailties and prejudices.
The problem that I ran into this book is that I feel Kaylin has stopped developing, I am running out of patience with her whining and total "head in the sand" approach to anything that doesn't pertain to her beloved "Hawks" - we have had 11 books up until now with her facing increasing life and death situations and world changing decisions - this sort of drama would make anyone grow up - but she came across just as willful and somewhat spoilt in this book.
From my point of view, she understands that she is "Chosen", she comprehends the power that she wields, but she doesn't try to live up to this enormous task - I am getting frustrated that she doesn't even attempt to fit in - she is dealing with some of the most powerful people in her world - and she doesn't try to lift herself up to their standards - it always take me as I am ........ which worked in the beginning, it was part of her charm, it's a typical teenager reaction - and something that was understandable in the beginning, but I now want to see her developing as a young woman with adult understanding of her place in the world - and this is what I am getting so impatient with.
As an adult you start to understand that not everything is about you, that you have to compromise with society laws and that there is a "proper" way to behave and interact with those around you - I am not "seeing" this in Kaylin - she complains about be treated as a child, but she acts like a child - she hates being seeing as ignorant and stupid, but she doesn't try to correct this, you never read her trying to learn something on her own - nope her idea is to rush off to someone in power and ask them, she has the emperor over for dinner - then complains about having to wear a dress.
"In the words of Lord Diarmat, you are dangerously self-indulgent and lazy when it comes to things outside the purview of the Hawks. You do not understand that proper behavior is a job." Something the Emperor says to Kaylin - which I totally agree with.
As for the rest of the characters in the story - same old, same old - there was been no development whatsoever in their characters - Nightshade and his brother spent the whole book arguing in the background, Severn has some page time, but again no development whatsoever there.
Mostly you get to know Moran and alot more about the Aerins and Shadows - The Outcast dragon makes an appearance and you get some more info on him as well.
The story itself is interesting, but I would really like to see much more character development in the next book.
PS: Another irritant to me is her inability to talk to her familiar - it's damn frustrating, seriously the "squark one for Yes or two for No" was cute a couple of books ago - not anymore.
The problem that I ran into this book is that I feel Kaylin has stopped developing, I am running out of patience with her whining and total "head in the sand" approach to anything that doesn't pertain to her beloved "Hawks" - we have had 11 books up until now with her facing increasing life and death situations and world changing decisions - this sort of drama would make anyone grow up - but she came across just as willful and somewhat spoilt in this book.
From my point of view, she understands that she is "Chosen", she comprehends the power that she wields, but she doesn't try to live up to this enormous task - I am getting frustrated that she doesn't even attempt to fit in - she is dealing with some of the most powerful people in her world - and she doesn't try to lift herself up to their standards - it always take me as I am ........ which worked in the beginning, it was part of her charm, it's a typical teenager reaction - and something that was understandable in the beginning, but I now want to see her developing as a young woman with adult understanding of her place in the world - and this is what I am getting so impatient with.
As an adult you start to understand that not everything is about you, that you have to compromise with society laws and that there is a "proper" way to behave and interact with those around you - I am not "seeing" this in Kaylin - she complains about be treated as a child, but she acts like a child - she hates being seeing as ignorant and stupid, but she doesn't try to correct this, you never read her trying to learn something on her own - nope her idea is to rush off to someone in power and ask them, she has the emperor over for dinner - then complains about having to wear a dress.
"In the words of Lord Diarmat, you are dangerously self-indulgent and lazy when it comes to things outside the purview of the Hawks. You do not understand that proper behavior is a job." Something the Emperor says to Kaylin - which I totally agree with.
As for the rest of the characters in the story - same old, same old - there was been no development whatsoever in their characters - Nightshade and his brother spent the whole book arguing in the background, Severn has some page time, but again no development whatsoever there.
Mostly you get to know Moran and alot more about the Aerins and Shadows - The Outcast dragon makes an appearance and you get some more info on him as well.
The story itself is interesting, but I would really like to see much more character development in the next book.
PS: Another irritant to me is her inability to talk to her familiar - it's damn frustrating, seriously the "squark one for Yes or two for No" was cute a couple of books ago - not anymore.
November 20, 2017
OMG I'm turning into Kaylin! At least in one aspect - I love the Aerians. Flight is fascinating and I would love to have the ability. But retain the opposable thumbs. they're useful ;)
I wanted this book since the moment it became apparent that there'd be a book centered on each Elantran race. But as time passed and I read book after book of the series I began to despair that I'll ever get more than just a glimpse of my favourite species. Now I finally got my wish and part of me was elated, while another part wanted to exterminated most of the Aeriens. Or at least those who were part of the Aerian Cast Court. Idiotic birds! As usually the proverb that power corrupts holds true for all races.
But as much as I loved learning more about the Aerians the best scene of the book included the dragons. Or more specifically three dragons Seriously Kaylin, your people skills are almost non-existent, why did you think it'd be a good idea to play semi-matchmaker? Still that scene was both hilarious and very promising for the future of both the Empire and the dragon race. Especially if someone manages to explain to the Emperor that he can't have everything he wants.
After 12 books I finally caught up with this series and now I'll have to wait like the rest of you for the next instalment. It's always a bittersweet and frustrating moment to be up to date with a series that has managed to really capture your imagination. And so I'll have to settle and wait to see what new mischief Mandoran and Annarian will cause and how it will affect Kaylin and those she loves.
I wanted this book since the moment it became apparent that there'd be a book centered on each Elantran race. But as time passed and I read book after book of the series I began to despair that I'll ever get more than just a glimpse of my favourite species. Now I finally got my wish and part of me was elated, while another part wanted to exterminated most of the Aeriens. Or at least those who were part of the Aerian Cast Court. Idiotic birds! As usually the proverb that power corrupts holds true for all races.
But as much as I loved learning more about the Aerians the best scene of the book included the dragons. Or more specifically three dragons Seriously Kaylin, your people skills are almost non-existent, why did you think it'd be a good idea to play semi-matchmaker? Still that scene was both hilarious and very promising for the future of both the Empire and the dragon race. Especially if someone manages to explain to the Emperor that he can't have everything he wants.
After 12 books I finally caught up with this series and now I'll have to wait like the rest of you for the next instalment. It's always a bittersweet and frustrating moment to be up to date with a series that has managed to really capture your imagination. And so I'll have to settle and wait to see what new mischief Mandoran and Annarian will cause and how it will affect Kaylin and those she loves.
December 20, 2016
There are 12 books in this series and I'm tired of all of the unanswered questions. We get an up close look at the Aerians (people with wings) traditions and how they try to kill the "praevolo" because she's illegitimate. At the end of the story, we still have no idea who her father is.
I enjoyed the Emperor coming to dinner. It was interesting. I was upset that Nightshade and his brother are fighting and we still don't know why Nightshade marked Kaylin. Kaylin speculates it's because he thought she could help him find his brother. Yet we know he marked her basically the moment he met her as an adult. He didn't know her abilities at that point. 12 books in and we still know nothing about it. And still Kaylin does not DEMAND ANY ANSWERS. It's so frustrating.
Honestly, the amount of people talking in Kaylin's head during this book made my head spin. Barrani from the Barrani court (Y what's his name, can't spell it out), Helen the sentient building, Nightshade, Severn, it was exhausting trying to keep track of who was in Kaylin's head.
I was happy that Kaylin made an appointment with the Arkon to actually ask him questions about the shadows and Aerians. Finally she's using some resources at her fingertips.
We get a lot more mysteries about Kaylin's "small and squawky" familiar. I have no idea what he is or what he wants with Kaylin.
I'm at a tipping point with this series whether I will continue reading it or not. On the positive side, all of the characters are interesting and well drawn. I want to know more about them. On the negative side, each book is the same plot over and over again. Who was the bad guy in this book? An Aerian Arcanist and the Outcaste dragon. AGAIN. They've been the bad guys before, the Arcanists and the Outcaste dragon. Yawn.
I just want some forward motion with the romance. Is Kaylin interested in Severn? Is she interested in Nightshade? I have no idea. Kaylin doesn't think about it. Does either guy make a move? No.
I'd also like to see Kaylin try to explore her healing powers. She's been told not to by the Dragon Emperor, yet she could be saving so many lives. She helps the midwives and that's it. What about all the other people that need healing? She sometimes helps a Hawk that needs healing.
At this point in the series, we've spent extended time with the Barrani court, the Aerians, the Leontines, the Tha'lani, and the Fiefs. I'm not sure what areas of the world are left to explore. Maybe the Arcanists and the Dragon Court.
I just don't see a series direction. Did things that happen five books ago become important in this book? Not really. New characters get introduced in each book and they clutter up the plot but I don't see a point to them. I like knowing more about them but where is this series going?
Again, where is this series going? Is there going to be an epic showdown with the Outcaste dragon? Well there already has been in lots of books in this series. Are we going to find out about Kaylin's marks? Well we've learned a little bit but who knows. At this point, I just don't know where the series is going.
And the lack of romance or movement on the love triangle is frustrating. A kiss? A date? Some kind of conversation? Hey, I like you Kaylin, Well, I don't know who I like so just hang in there. Aargh.
I enjoyed the Emperor coming to dinner. It was interesting. I was upset that Nightshade and his brother are fighting and we still don't know why Nightshade marked Kaylin. Kaylin speculates it's because he thought she could help him find his brother. Yet we know he marked her basically the moment he met her as an adult. He didn't know her abilities at that point. 12 books in and we still know nothing about it. And still Kaylin does not DEMAND ANY ANSWERS. It's so frustrating.
Honestly, the amount of people talking in Kaylin's head during this book made my head spin. Barrani from the Barrani court (Y what's his name, can't spell it out), Helen the sentient building, Nightshade, Severn, it was exhausting trying to keep track of who was in Kaylin's head.
I was happy that Kaylin made an appointment with the Arkon to actually ask him questions about the shadows and Aerians. Finally she's using some resources at her fingertips.
We get a lot more mysteries about Kaylin's "small and squawky" familiar. I have no idea what he is or what he wants with Kaylin.
I'm at a tipping point with this series whether I will continue reading it or not. On the positive side, all of the characters are interesting and well drawn. I want to know more about them. On the negative side, each book is the same plot over and over again. Who was the bad guy in this book? An Aerian Arcanist and the Outcaste dragon. AGAIN. They've been the bad guys before, the Arcanists and the Outcaste dragon. Yawn.
I just want some forward motion with the romance. Is Kaylin interested in Severn? Is she interested in Nightshade? I have no idea. Kaylin doesn't think about it. Does either guy make a move? No.
I'd also like to see Kaylin try to explore her healing powers. She's been told not to by the Dragon Emperor, yet she could be saving so many lives. She helps the midwives and that's it. What about all the other people that need healing? She sometimes helps a Hawk that needs healing.
At this point in the series, we've spent extended time with the Barrani court, the Aerians, the Leontines, the Tha'lani, and the Fiefs. I'm not sure what areas of the world are left to explore. Maybe the Arcanists and the Dragon Court.
I just don't see a series direction. Did things that happen five books ago become important in this book? Not really. New characters get introduced in each book and they clutter up the plot but I don't see a point to them. I like knowing more about them but where is this series going?
Again, where is this series going? Is there going to be an epic showdown with the Outcaste dragon? Well there already has been in lots of books in this series. Are we going to find out about Kaylin's marks? Well we've learned a little bit but who knows. At this point, I just don't know where the series is going.
And the lack of romance or movement on the love triangle is frustrating. A kiss? A date? Some kind of conversation? Hey, I like you Kaylin, Well, I don't know who I like so just hang in there. Aargh.
December 31, 2016
Ok, I think I'm about done with this series. Just a) lots of redundant language, and b) every single book is the END OF THE WORLD!! Can't these people catch a break and just solve a crime or something, without it always being THE END OF THE WORLD!!, if they don't solve the problem? I've gotten to the point, I just don't really care anymore, so I think it's time to walk away from this series.
January 7, 2018
All about the Aerians this time - the bird people. They're not my favorite, everything pales in comparison to dragons. I also feel like the writing might've been worse in this one. It seemed confusing. I'll read the next book, mainly for all the secondary characters, not at all for Kaylin.
October 6, 2016
An action packed mystery filled with betrayal and tempered with loyalty, Ms. Sagara seduces me again with a late night reading. I eagerly await for each new book in this series. I love this complex world filled with magic, politics, intrigue, conflicting priorities and unending loyalty. Kaylin is once again in the middle of a scandal. Or it could be deemed as a drama. Kaylin cuts through the red tape and wants to just "do the right thing". Per her usual modus operandi, she pisses off people way above her pay grade. Her lack of grace and ability to navigate the political waters of every single species in this world is amazing. She is a hundred percent accurate at stepping on toes and calling attention to herself. Why is this? Is it because she lacks maturity as some characters point out? Is she a willful child who disregards other people's customs because it does not fit her world view? It is a little bit of this. I propose it is more that at the heart of it, she wants to fix things.
Kaylin is a fixer and she can't bear to see anyone she considers a friend in pain. Her latest friend in need is Moran dar Carafel. Moran is an outcast and a savior in her world. Seeing from Kaylin's perspective, it is hard to understand. The reader follows along with Kaylin's frustrated attempts at helping and only making it worse. How can it be worse? Oh… getting the only female dragon alive nearly blown up is probably considered a faux pas. It is almost comical how much trouble Kaylin finds herself in. And the funny part is that she is trying to avoid trouble and never seems to be able to get away from it. Kaylin does not believe in the status quo. She wants to challenge everything. Perhaps she has an issue with authority. This is probably why I love her, as I can relate. I love how this story continues to build complex layers and provides mysteries to solve at the same time.
Ms. Sagara's writing ability is off the charts. She is able to consistently keep Kaylin focused on her real job and yet solve other side problems that tie to her job. Ms. Sagara's world building is brimming with opposing cultural paradigms fighting to live side by side in an uneasy truce. The characters are richly created with amazing back stories that tie all the pieces together into a vivid landscape. Ms. Sagara is truly an artist in her storytelling voice. Her plots pull a reader in and hold them frozen in place until they see through to the end of the book. The imagery in this story is in high definition and I can clearly see every scene as if I were standing there with the characters. It is more than a movie playing through my mind. Her stories are an out of body experience which leaves a reader reeling when the story ends. Ms. Sagara hits all my pleasure buttons when she pens a story and I am always left yearning for more. Her stories are an addiction I will never want to kick. This high fantasy story is highly recommended to readers who enjoy thought provoking stories with heavy concepts, intrigue and the underdog fighting for her life.
*provided by NetGalley
Kaylin is a fixer and she can't bear to see anyone she considers a friend in pain. Her latest friend in need is Moran dar Carafel. Moran is an outcast and a savior in her world. Seeing from Kaylin's perspective, it is hard to understand. The reader follows along with Kaylin's frustrated attempts at helping and only making it worse. How can it be worse? Oh… getting the only female dragon alive nearly blown up is probably considered a faux pas. It is almost comical how much trouble Kaylin finds herself in. And the funny part is that she is trying to avoid trouble and never seems to be able to get away from it. Kaylin does not believe in the status quo. She wants to challenge everything. Perhaps she has an issue with authority. This is probably why I love her, as I can relate. I love how this story continues to build complex layers and provides mysteries to solve at the same time.
Ms. Sagara's writing ability is off the charts. She is able to consistently keep Kaylin focused on her real job and yet solve other side problems that tie to her job. Ms. Sagara's world building is brimming with opposing cultural paradigms fighting to live side by side in an uneasy truce. The characters are richly created with amazing back stories that tie all the pieces together into a vivid landscape. Ms. Sagara is truly an artist in her storytelling voice. Her plots pull a reader in and hold them frozen in place until they see through to the end of the book. The imagery in this story is in high definition and I can clearly see every scene as if I were standing there with the characters. It is more than a movie playing through my mind. Her stories are an out of body experience which leaves a reader reeling when the story ends. Ms. Sagara hits all my pleasure buttons when she pens a story and I am always left yearning for more. Her stories are an addiction I will never want to kick. This high fantasy story is highly recommended to readers who enjoy thought provoking stories with heavy concepts, intrigue and the underdog fighting for her life.
*provided by NetGalley
December 30, 2024
Twelfth in The Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series for Young Adults and revolving around Kaylin Neya, still a private with the focus on Moran and the Aerians.
My Take
I don't know why, but Cast in Flight was somewhat unsatisfying. Which makes no sense to me, as important discoveries are made, we learn the back history of the Aerians and something about how the Dragons view their children, Kaylin learns some unwelcome but necessary home truths (as does Moran), and, ahem, the Everlasting Emperor comes for dinner. At last, *grin*
The focus here is on Aerian conflicts, and we do learn quite a bit about these birdmen. And so does Kaylin, to her cost. Moran also learns how the Dragon secretaries and undersecretaries refer to the Aerians, lol: those harpies.
The politics are rife within Cast in Flight, and as always, Kaylin's choices only make things worse. After those "home truths" sink in, I'm curious as to how Kaylin will change in future installments. You do have to feel for the Hawklord with the balancing act he must perform between keeping the Emperor from flaming him to dust and "indulging" all those political liabilities.
It's family issues in which love and expectations clash. It's cultural issues which tick off the interested parties who plot to murder to "rectify" the wrongs. And it takes awhile for the consequences to Kaylin's Aerian friends to sink in to my head as well as Kaylin's. It was annoying as Sagara is confusing as a writer anyway in this series, but I can see where that same confusion could be mirroring Kaylin's inability to understand as well.
More conflict exists with Moran's decisions and her supposed role within her species. And I cannot blame Moran one bit for flipping her species the bird! Nor can I blame her for her reasons for doing as she did, for not fighting back. Still more conflicts prove that it doesn't matter your species, religion, race, status, whatever…we all have similar insecurities, dreams, goals, fears, and more.
Oh, man, I did love Kaylin's speech about fear and respect to the Emperor. I also appreciated the Emperor pointing out to Kaylin the reasons why she must learn to act with care. Oh, boy. Never thought of all that!
Kaylin does crack me up with her ambivalence about Nightshade. She thinks he deserves to be hurt (oh, yeah!), but not by Annarion (yeah…okay…). On the one hand, Nightshade has lost so much, but on the other hand, he's done nothing for others. It's so evocative of humanity's conflicts in which we can see both sides of an issue.
I love what Kaylin has been doing with the foundling children and the Tha'alani. Quite the contrast with what the Arkon tells us about children born to the Dragons, who are not considered Dragons. It's part of his speech to explain Makuron to Kaylin.
The Story
Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin's own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian.
But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it's not the guest who's going to be the problem: it's all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she's being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs — even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons, and something far more sinister.
The Characters
Lord Private Kaylin Neya is Chosen and marked by Nightshade, although this doesn't play into Cast in Flight very much. Helen is Kaylin's house. Yes, she's a sentient building, and I want one! Hazielle was Helen's first tenant. Kaylin's familiar, a tiny dragon who can morph into a MUCH larger one, protects her and helps her to see magic ( Cast in Peril , 8).
Kaylin has a wide range of housemates: Lord Bellusdeo is the only female dragon in Elantra which makes her the focus of the Emperor, and the injured Sergeant Moran dar Carafel ( Cast in Honor , 11), an Aerian in charge of the infirmary of the Halls of Law. Then there are the Barrani whom Kaylin rescued in Cast in Sorrow , 9: Annarion is Nightshade's very angry brother, and Mandoran has a quirky sense of humor. Kyuthe to each other, they are trying to come to terms with being back in the world.
The Halls of Law consist of…
…three divisions: the Hawks who walk a beat and investigate crime, the Swords who perform riot control, and the Wolves who are the black ops side. Kaylin is employed by…
…the Hawks who are…
…commanded by Lord Grammayre, an Aerian, the Hawklord. Corporal Lord Severn Handred had rescued Kaylin when they lived in the fief; now he's her partner, having been seconded from the Wolves. Other friends of Kaylin's in the Hawks include Teela and Tain, both Barrani; Clint, an Aerian; and, Tanner is a human. Hanson is the Hawklord's personal assistant. Other Hawks include Caitlin, who is the office mother, er, I mean, manager; Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine lion shifter, who is in charge of the day-to-day of the Hawks; and, Rakkia.
The Aerians are…
…birdmen with wings who can fly with an affinity for Air, but they are not shifters. Their ruling caste, the dar Carafel, live in the Southern Reach. I think Gennet was Moran's grandmother. Lillias was condemned for her actions and made outcast. Aguila dar Carafel is an Arcanist. Fauconne is his father and the castelord.
The Barrani are…
…a race of immortal beings and deadly enemies to the Dragons. The Lady is Consort to the Lord of the High Halls and mother to the Barrani. Kaylin has had a connection with Lord Ynpharion ever since Cast in Sorrow . Lord Evarrim, Teela's cousin, uses a lot of Arcane magic, and he despises Kaylin. The other lost Barrani included Sedarias, who had been the leader, and Terrano who chose to stay.
The Dragons…
…rule in Elantra, specifically the Everlasting Emperor, Darranatos, who claims Elantra as his hoard. The Arkon, a.k.a., Lannagaros, is the the oldest of the Dragons with the library as his hoard. The loyal Lord Diarmat is struggling to teach Kaylin etiquette. He has still not found his hoard. Lord Emmerian is neither a possessive nor an aggressive Dragon.
The Tha'alani are…
…a native race of telepaths with an affinity for Water, who are used by the emperor to question suspects and victims. Ybelline Rabon'alani is their castelord and a friend of Kaylin's ( Cast in Silence , 5). Nevoran is a young man in the Tha'alanari, that branch of the Tha'alani who are strong enough to keep their experience with outsiders' thoughts from flooding the group racial memory. Scoros is part of the Tha'alani Council.
Elani Street is…
…part of Kaylin and Severn's beat and the heart of the Emperor's hoard. It's also where the magic shoppes are located, including the Keeper's Garden where Evanton rules and maintains a balance between Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. Grethan is his disabled Tha'alani apprentice ( Cast in Secret , 3). (Kaylin's familiar likes Grethan.) Margot does have an Oracular gift, but is mostly a fraud and Kaylin hates her. Caven is a greedy human.
Master Sabrai is head of the Oracular Halls, home to the Oracles, people touched by visions. Marya is the head of the midwives guild.
The fiefs are…
…seven "neighborhoods", Seven Towers, to which criminals flee, as they are outside the Emperor's hoard. Turns out they were originally set up as protective barriers against the Shadows.
Nightshade is…
…ruled by Lord Nightshade, a.k.a., Lord Calarnenne, an outcast Barrani who marked Kaylin. Meliannos is his dragonkiller sword. Karis is the Aerian who sought refuge with Nightshade centuries ago; he's now one of the statues.
Barren is…
…the fief ruled by Lord Tiamaris, a Dragon, who sees it as his hoard ( Cast in Silence , 5); Tara is his Avatar partner, the Tower.
Ravellon is…
…the doomed fief ( Cast in Ruin , 7) where the Shadow, Gilbert Rayelle, was born ( Cast in Honor , 11) and more Shadows reside. Makuron the Black is the Outcaste Dragon Lord who rules here.
Each species has its own racial Caste Court which tries those cases which involve only those within its species. Their species law is subordinate to the Emperor's laws, which he can change as he pleases. Bletsian means blessing of wind, of air. The Illumen praevolo is born to the Aerians at a time of trouble. Shadow is a transformative magic, and its study is illegal. The etande is something like a sky bridge from one world to another. And we still don't know what an erenne is! Arcanists are independent mages. To be kyuthe is to be chosen as family.
The Cover and Title
The cover is mostly a range of yellows from the burnt orange of the cliffs on which the black leather-clad Kaylin is standing to the stormy yellows of the sky in which two Aerians are flying over the distant city of Elantra. Kaylin herself, her long brown hair flowing, has her back to us, but she has twisted her body to look back and off to the right. The vest she wears bares her arms with her bracer-encased left arm crossing her chest, her hand clasping the textured black cloak she's wearing. Her right arm with its arcane tattoos is front and center. The author's name, series information, and title are in white in varying sizes.
The title is the focus, for Moran's entire purpose for the Aerians is Cast in Flight.
My Take
I don't know why, but Cast in Flight was somewhat unsatisfying. Which makes no sense to me, as important discoveries are made, we learn the back history of the Aerians and something about how the Dragons view their children, Kaylin learns some unwelcome but necessary home truths (as does Moran), and, ahem, the Everlasting Emperor comes for dinner. At last, *grin*
The focus here is on Aerian conflicts, and we do learn quite a bit about these birdmen. And so does Kaylin, to her cost. Moran also learns how the Dragon secretaries and undersecretaries refer to the Aerians, lol: those harpies.
The politics are rife within Cast in Flight, and as always, Kaylin's choices only make things worse. After those "home truths" sink in, I'm curious as to how Kaylin will change in future installments. You do have to feel for the Hawklord with the balancing act he must perform between keeping the Emperor from flaming him to dust and "indulging" all those political liabilities.
It's family issues in which love and expectations clash. It's cultural issues which tick off the interested parties who plot to murder to "rectify" the wrongs. And it takes awhile for the consequences to Kaylin's Aerian friends to sink in to my head as well as Kaylin's. It was annoying as Sagara is confusing as a writer anyway in this series, but I can see where that same confusion could be mirroring Kaylin's inability to understand as well.
More conflict exists with Moran's decisions and her supposed role within her species. And I cannot blame Moran one bit for flipping her species the bird! Nor can I blame her for her reasons for doing as she did, for not fighting back. Still more conflicts prove that it doesn't matter your species, religion, race, status, whatever…we all have similar insecurities, dreams, goals, fears, and more.
Oh, man, I did love Kaylin's speech about fear and respect to the Emperor. I also appreciated the Emperor pointing out to Kaylin the reasons why she must learn to act with care. Oh, boy. Never thought of all that!
Kaylin does crack me up with her ambivalence about Nightshade. She thinks he deserves to be hurt (oh, yeah!), but not by Annarion (yeah…okay…). On the one hand, Nightshade has lost so much, but on the other hand, he's done nothing for others. It's so evocative of humanity's conflicts in which we can see both sides of an issue.
I love what Kaylin has been doing with the foundling children and the Tha'alani. Quite the contrast with what the Arkon tells us about children born to the Dragons, who are not considered Dragons. It's part of his speech to explain Makuron to Kaylin.
The Story
Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin's own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian.
But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it's not the guest who's going to be the problem: it's all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she's being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs — even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons, and something far more sinister.
The Characters
Lord Private Kaylin Neya is Chosen and marked by Nightshade, although this doesn't play into Cast in Flight very much. Helen is Kaylin's house. Yes, she's a sentient building, and I want one! Hazielle was Helen's first tenant. Kaylin's familiar, a tiny dragon who can morph into a MUCH larger one, protects her and helps her to see magic ( Cast in Peril , 8).
Kaylin has a wide range of housemates: Lord Bellusdeo is the only female dragon in Elantra which makes her the focus of the Emperor, and the injured Sergeant Moran dar Carafel ( Cast in Honor , 11), an Aerian in charge of the infirmary of the Halls of Law. Then there are the Barrani whom Kaylin rescued in Cast in Sorrow , 9: Annarion is Nightshade's very angry brother, and Mandoran has a quirky sense of humor. Kyuthe to each other, they are trying to come to terms with being back in the world.
The Halls of Law consist of…
…three divisions: the Hawks who walk a beat and investigate crime, the Swords who perform riot control, and the Wolves who are the black ops side. Kaylin is employed by…
…the Hawks who are…
…commanded by Lord Grammayre, an Aerian, the Hawklord. Corporal Lord Severn Handred had rescued Kaylin when they lived in the fief; now he's her partner, having been seconded from the Wolves. Other friends of Kaylin's in the Hawks include Teela and Tain, both Barrani; Clint, an Aerian; and, Tanner is a human. Hanson is the Hawklord's personal assistant. Other Hawks include Caitlin, who is the office mother, er, I mean, manager; Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine lion shifter, who is in charge of the day-to-day of the Hawks; and, Rakkia.
The Aerians are…
…birdmen with wings who can fly with an affinity for Air, but they are not shifters. Their ruling caste, the dar Carafel, live in the Southern Reach. I think Gennet was Moran's grandmother. Lillias was condemned for her actions and made outcast. Aguila dar Carafel is an Arcanist. Fauconne is his father and the castelord.
The Barrani are…
…a race of immortal beings and deadly enemies to the Dragons. The Lady is Consort to the Lord of the High Halls and mother to the Barrani. Kaylin has had a connection with Lord Ynpharion ever since Cast in Sorrow . Lord Evarrim, Teela's cousin, uses a lot of Arcane magic, and he despises Kaylin. The other lost Barrani included Sedarias, who had been the leader, and Terrano who chose to stay.
The Dragons…
…rule in Elantra, specifically the Everlasting Emperor, Darranatos, who claims Elantra as his hoard. The Arkon, a.k.a., Lannagaros, is the the oldest of the Dragons with the library as his hoard. The loyal Lord Diarmat is struggling to teach Kaylin etiquette. He has still not found his hoard. Lord Emmerian is neither a possessive nor an aggressive Dragon.
The Tha'alani are…
…a native race of telepaths with an affinity for Water, who are used by the emperor to question suspects and victims. Ybelline Rabon'alani is their castelord and a friend of Kaylin's ( Cast in Silence , 5). Nevoran is a young man in the Tha'alanari, that branch of the Tha'alani who are strong enough to keep their experience with outsiders' thoughts from flooding the group racial memory. Scoros is part of the Tha'alani Council.
Elani Street is…
…part of Kaylin and Severn's beat and the heart of the Emperor's hoard. It's also where the magic shoppes are located, including the Keeper's Garden where Evanton rules and maintains a balance between Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. Grethan is his disabled Tha'alani apprentice ( Cast in Secret , 3). (Kaylin's familiar likes Grethan.) Margot does have an Oracular gift, but is mostly a fraud and Kaylin hates her. Caven is a greedy human.
Master Sabrai is head of the Oracular Halls, home to the Oracles, people touched by visions. Marya is the head of the midwives guild.
The fiefs are…
…seven "neighborhoods", Seven Towers, to which criminals flee, as they are outside the Emperor's hoard. Turns out they were originally set up as protective barriers against the Shadows.
Nightshade is…
…ruled by Lord Nightshade, a.k.a., Lord Calarnenne, an outcast Barrani who marked Kaylin. Meliannos is his dragonkiller sword. Karis is the Aerian who sought refuge with Nightshade centuries ago; he's now one of the statues.
Barren is…
…the fief ruled by Lord Tiamaris, a Dragon, who sees it as his hoard ( Cast in Silence , 5); Tara is his Avatar partner, the Tower.
Ravellon is…
…the doomed fief ( Cast in Ruin , 7) where the Shadow, Gilbert Rayelle, was born ( Cast in Honor , 11) and more Shadows reside. Makuron the Black is the Outcaste Dragon Lord who rules here.
Each species has its own racial Caste Court which tries those cases which involve only those within its species. Their species law is subordinate to the Emperor's laws, which he can change as he pleases. Bletsian means blessing of wind, of air. The Illumen praevolo is born to the Aerians at a time of trouble. Shadow is a transformative magic, and its study is illegal. The etande is something like a sky bridge from one world to another. And we still don't know what an erenne is! Arcanists are independent mages. To be kyuthe is to be chosen as family.
The Cover and Title
The cover is mostly a range of yellows from the burnt orange of the cliffs on which the black leather-clad Kaylin is standing to the stormy yellows of the sky in which two Aerians are flying over the distant city of Elantra. Kaylin herself, her long brown hair flowing, has her back to us, but she has twisted her body to look back and off to the right. The vest she wears bares her arms with her bracer-encased left arm crossing her chest, her hand clasping the textured black cloak she's wearing. Her right arm with its arcane tattoos is front and center. The author's name, series information, and title are in white in varying sizes.
The title is the focus, for Moran's entire purpose for the Aerians is Cast in Flight.
October 29, 2024
4.5/5.0
Loved, Loved, LOVED this installment! We learn a ton about the Arieans - both good and bad - get to see Kaylin and her co-Horst relationships deepen (although still not Severn, the reason for the 4.5 rating), AND enjoy a fabulous storyline that is based in their real world! Woohooh!!
I do wish we could include Marcus and the Liontines more. He and they started as a very close adopted family for Kaylin but have pretty much been forgotten in the overall arc for quite a few books now.
Loved, Loved, LOVED this installment! We learn a ton about the Arieans - both good and bad - get to see Kaylin and her co-Horst relationships deepen (although still not Severn, the reason for the 4.5 rating), AND enjoy a fabulous storyline that is based in their real world! Woohooh!!
I do wish we could include Marcus and the Liontines more. He and they started as a very close adopted family for Kaylin but have pretty much been forgotten in the overall arc for quite a few books now.
October 6, 2016
This is the book fans have been waiting for, the one that shows us more of the Aerians than just the glimpses through the Hawks. This is the one that shows us who they really are as people, not just Kaylin's rose-tinted ideal of the race from someone who longs to soar with them.
Michelle Sagara shows herself once again to have mastered the understatement. Kaylin's curiousity and temptations are just like mine: she wants to ask the same questions I would, though her hard-learned diplomacy is finally starting to show, even when her informal dinner becomes nothing like she'd expected. And there's much for Kaylin to learn from the Aerians, matters that will impact everyone, Dragon, human or Aerian.
I found this one easier to read than the last couple, which isn't to denigrate it at all, but I could conceivably read this one while jet-lagged; I wouldn't recommend trying it for the previous two! It was everything I expected, with no disappointments other than the more limited interactions some characters had (which is unfortunately always the case - as one takes center stage another must move away). It was great to see Kaylin's world from another vantage point, especially as all stayed true to themselves, even in surprising ways.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Michelle Sagara shows herself once again to have mastered the understatement. Kaylin's curiousity and temptations are just like mine: she wants to ask the same questions I would, though her hard-learned diplomacy is finally starting to show, even when her informal dinner becomes nothing like she'd expected. And there's much for Kaylin to learn from the Aerians, matters that will impact everyone, Dragon, human or Aerian.
I found this one easier to read than the last couple, which isn't to denigrate it at all, but I could conceivably read this one while jet-lagged; I wouldn't recommend trying it for the previous two! It was everything I expected, with no disappointments other than the more limited interactions some characters had (which is unfortunately always the case - as one takes center stage another must move away). It was great to see Kaylin's world from another vantage point, especially as all stayed true to themselves, even in surprising ways.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2016
I have been reading this series since the first book was published, and the last couple of books have only been so-so for me. There does not seem to be much, if any, character development - and I am finding the continual treatment of Kaylin by her superiors tedious. She has saved the world I don't know how many times, and yet they still dismiss her, talk down to her, and generally treat her like her thoughts and opinions don't matter - until they need her magical assistance! - and even then it seems to be under sufferance.
What I did enjoy was finding out more about the Aerian culture, and interacting more with the Emperor. However, the overarcing storyline is becoming long winded and frustrating. We need some more revelations concerning Kaylin's marks, or at least let her on more of an equal footing with those around her. She should not still be on the bottom of the pecking order after all this time.
What I did enjoy was finding out more about the Aerian culture, and interacting more with the Emperor. However, the overarcing storyline is becoming long winded and frustrating. We need some more revelations concerning Kaylin's marks, or at least let her on more of an equal footing with those around her. She should not still be on the bottom of the pecking order after all this time.
January 3, 2023
I loved it. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail, because we're 12 books in and I figure folks know by now if they want to read the series or not. But this book was ... the most grounded in our characters, in awhile. It had a beautiful arc, and I truly enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down.
April 4, 2017
The only thing I care about anymore in this series is whether she bangs the elf and it hasn't happened yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
I expected to learn more about the Aerians sooner - but the wait was worth it! Great installment, as Aerian politics reaches into the Halls of Law - and Kaylin’s own home. Underpinning it are machinations Kaylin and crew have to discover and survive.
I really liked this one. Kaylin’s idolization of Aerians and Hawks is challenged by what transpires here, I think for the better, and her disillusionment and growing pains are well conveyed. There were some really fun scenes (the formal dinner was just so great) and the pace was quicker, less taking place in Kaylin’s dreamscape. Some longer running threads are brought back, and tied up with things we’ve learned in the meantime about Shadow and planes of reality, to great effect and a terrific confrontation.
I really liked this one. Kaylin’s idolization of Aerians and Hawks is challenged by what transpires here, I think for the better, and her disillusionment and growing pains are well conveyed. There were some really fun scenes (the formal dinner was just so great) and the pace was quicker, less taking place in Kaylin’s dreamscape. Some longer running threads are brought back, and tied up with things we’ve learned in the meantime about Shadow and planes of reality, to great effect and a terrific confrontation.
October 25, 2016
Glued to the page! Again!
Once more I was absorbed by this next in the Elantra Chronicles. Once again, where Private Kaylin Neda is trouble surely follows--or precedes, it's a moot point and a truism!
This time we see more of the Aerians and Sergeant Moran dar Carafel in particular. The injured Moran is now residing with Kaylin, along with the rescued Barranis and the dragon Bellusdeo. When Moran is attacked, Kaylin comes in for some shocks.
Shadow makes its appearance once again, and it's form appears changed.
The two Bararranis residing with Kaylin (one, Annarion is Nightshade's brother) are still coming to terms with coming into the now from their entrapped state.
Bellusdeo is the same feisty female dragon.
Kaylin is her wild and wonderful caring self who rushes in where others fear to tread. In Cast in Flight her thoughts and awe of the Aerians takes a different turn. Alongside Kaylin, we learn more about them.
The complicated relationships and cultural behaviours and norms amongst the varying races that inhabit Elantra keep me coming back for more, along with the fabulous character that is Kaylin.
Sagara keeps injecting a wonderful humanity into Kaylin that's captivating in its simplicity and complexity at the same time. The cross cultural attempts of understanding that Kaylin always come up against, the fact that similarities don't always equate with understandings is fascinating. As is the fact that mostly the various races, or at least their leaders, forgive Kaylin because they know her heart always wants to believe the best, and because of the great service she has so often given them. Kaylin is after all imbued with magic symbols on her arms that has some suspicious of her, and others grateful. After all, Kaylin is the Chosen. And she's still coming to terms with what that means.
Kaylin's relationship with Nightshade is always present like his sigil on her cheek. Although Nightshade is somewhat in the background here, occupied as he is with the return of his brother Annarion.
We do see a little more of the Dragon Emperor. His relationship with Bellusdeo is becoming more complicated--at least for me.
Severn is as always, quietly by Kaylin's side. Steady, dependable and to my mind, mysterious.
Once again Sagara's philosophizing via Kaylin is striking.
Another not to be missed addition to Sagara's engaging world.
A NetGalley ARC
Once more I was absorbed by this next in the Elantra Chronicles. Once again, where Private Kaylin Neda is trouble surely follows--or precedes, it's a moot point and a truism!
This time we see more of the Aerians and Sergeant Moran dar Carafel in particular. The injured Moran is now residing with Kaylin, along with the rescued Barranis and the dragon Bellusdeo. When Moran is attacked, Kaylin comes in for some shocks.
Shadow makes its appearance once again, and it's form appears changed.
The two Bararranis residing with Kaylin (one, Annarion is Nightshade's brother) are still coming to terms with coming into the now from their entrapped state.
Bellusdeo is the same feisty female dragon.
Kaylin is her wild and wonderful caring self who rushes in where others fear to tread. In Cast in Flight her thoughts and awe of the Aerians takes a different turn. Alongside Kaylin, we learn more about them.
The complicated relationships and cultural behaviours and norms amongst the varying races that inhabit Elantra keep me coming back for more, along with the fabulous character that is Kaylin.
Sagara keeps injecting a wonderful humanity into Kaylin that's captivating in its simplicity and complexity at the same time. The cross cultural attempts of understanding that Kaylin always come up against, the fact that similarities don't always equate with understandings is fascinating. As is the fact that mostly the various races, or at least their leaders, forgive Kaylin because they know her heart always wants to believe the best, and because of the great service she has so often given them. Kaylin is after all imbued with magic symbols on her arms that has some suspicious of her, and others grateful. After all, Kaylin is the Chosen. And she's still coming to terms with what that means.
Kaylin's relationship with Nightshade is always present like his sigil on her cheek. Although Nightshade is somewhat in the background here, occupied as he is with the return of his brother Annarion.
We do see a little more of the Dragon Emperor. His relationship with Bellusdeo is becoming more complicated--at least for me.
Severn is as always, quietly by Kaylin's side. Steady, dependable and to my mind, mysterious.
Once again Sagara's philosophizing via Kaylin is striking.
Another not to be missed addition to Sagara's engaging world.
A NetGalley ARC
October 26, 2016
Very good and considering it's now 3 am and I work in 5 hours- very engrossing. I may have to revisit the final battle again - it was complex and I may have missed something.
April 8, 2024
I love this series.
November 8, 2016
One thing I love about Michelle Sagara's Chronicles of Elantra (Cast in ...) fantasy series is that the heroine, Kaylin, is brave, but not kick-ass. Kaylin is passionately committed to justice for the common people, and will argue with people in power -- including the Emperor -- to gain this, but she is not snarky or mean. She is a good person.
Here Sagara explores the life of the Aerians, the winged, flying humanoids that comprise one of the many peoples in Elantra city. There are magical mysteries, attempted assassinations, complex politics. Kaylin draws on her ever-increasing power and her band of allies to save the Aerians and her friends.
I respect the choice that Sagara has made to leave romance and sex out of her series. That said, I wish she would let poor Severn fall in love and get married to someone other than Kaylin. Severn said he would wait for her; but 12 books is ridiculous. He can be her partner in the Hawks without being mutely in love with her.
I adore this series and can hardly wait for the next one.
Here Sagara explores the life of the Aerians, the winged, flying humanoids that comprise one of the many peoples in Elantra city. There are magical mysteries, attempted assassinations, complex politics. Kaylin draws on her ever-increasing power and her band of allies to save the Aerians and her friends.
I respect the choice that Sagara has made to leave romance and sex out of her series. That said, I wish she would let poor Severn fall in love and get married to someone other than Kaylin. Severn said he would wait for her; but 12 books is ridiculous. He can be her partner in the Hawks without being mutely in love with her.
I adore this series and can hardly wait for the next one.
December 13, 2017
If you haven't already read this series you're missing out. Feels like not many people know about The Chronicles of Elantra and it isn't because of the content that much I can tell you cause it is awesome. It's one of my favorite series, I really love it. So in the twelfth book of the series we are finally graced with more information on the Aerians and a certain Aerian doctor. Kaylin, as per usual involves herself in a situation even after she has been told not to because she can't fathom not doing anything when the people she loves could get hurt.
I'm still amazed at the wonderfully amazing worldbuilding that Sagara has created and COE is one of the few series I reread every few months. Scratch that. It's the only series I've reread this many times which in itself says something.
If you're looking for a series with strong female characters, different species, fantasy, amazing wolrdbuilding, strong friendships and where there is nearly no romance and the book is character driven this is definitely for you.
Re-read
I'm once again blown away.
I'm still amazed at the wonderfully amazing worldbuilding that Sagara has created and COE is one of the few series I reread every few months. Scratch that. It's the only series I've reread this many times which in itself says something.
If you're looking for a series with strong female characters, different species, fantasy, amazing wolrdbuilding, strong friendships and where there is nearly no romance and the book is character driven this is definitely for you.
Re-read
I'm once again blown away.
October 26, 2016
Such a beautiful and unexpected addition to the series. Character focused, engaging, and the ultimate resolution of conflict felt intimate and human, despite the larger than life stakes. There have been times when the Elantra series got the better of me, when the magic went over my head, but CAST IN FLIGHT gathered all the characters I've grown to love and showed them at their best, a volatile, powerful Scooby Gang that I adore. Severn has his quiet moments, even as he is always just at the edge of focus, mostly in the shadows. His dynamic with Kaylin is still a big question mark, without stealing focus from the story.
Full review to follow.
Sexual content: None.
Full review to follow.
Sexual content: None.
October 28, 2016
The twelfth book in this series gives us the opportunity to learn a great deal more about the Aerian culture. This series’ stories always has many twists and turns throughout the plot keeping the readers interest. The characters are wonderful. Treat yourself by reading one of the books in this series by this great author.
Find Cast in Flight at Westminster Public Library.
Find Cast in Flight at Westminster Public Library.
May 1, 2019
As a primer on Aerian politics and history, this story works great. It also works well for the banter going on, and as always I enjoy seeing a host of dragons.
I did not like the emperor's sudden, unexplained name change, nor the one spot where Morgan is mentioned and the context clearly implies it is supposed to be Moran.
I also came to this having read the next book, because frankly, the series is so generic by now, you can totally miss a whole book and it will not even register until you look at the list of volumes and think - huh, did not read that one.
I will probably still read them, if for nothing else to cozy up to the characters and enjoy Teela's snark.
I did not like the emperor's sudden, unexplained name change, nor the one spot where Morgan is mentioned and the context clearly implies it is supposed to be Moran.
I also came to this having read the next book, because frankly, the series is so generic by now, you can totally miss a whole book and it will not even register until you look at the list of volumes and think - huh, did not read that one.
I will probably still read them, if for nothing else to cozy up to the characters and enjoy Teela's snark.
June 8, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Michelle Sagara's Cast in Flight is the Thirteenth installment in the authors Chronicles of Elantra series. The story is once again told in the third person narrative. Key Characters: Lord Private Kaylin Neya, Corporal Severn Handred, Annarion, Mandarin, Teela, Nightshade, Helen, Bellusdeo, and Sergeant Moran dar Carafel. Elantra is a place where you will find Dragons, Barrani, Humans, Leonites, Aerian, and Tha'alani. Kaylin works the Hall of Law as a Hawk.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Michelle Sagara's Cast in Flight is the Thirteenth installment in the authors Chronicles of Elantra series. The story is once again told in the third person narrative. Key Characters: Lord Private Kaylin Neya, Corporal Severn Handred, Annarion, Mandarin, Teela, Nightshade, Helen, Bellusdeo, and Sergeant Moran dar Carafel. Elantra is a place where you will find Dragons, Barrani, Humans, Leonites, Aerian, and Tha'alani. Kaylin works the Hall of Law as a Hawk.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 16, 2024
4 stars.
Nov 2024 - re-listened.
____________________
Nov 2023 - re-listened.
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Re-listened Aug 2021.
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Re-listened in 2020. I guess it was always just a matter of time before Kaylin sticks her nose into Aerian business.
____________________
It's been a couple of years since I listened to this series, so it did take a while to remember all the characters. But it was quite easy to get myself immerse into the world of Elantra again.
Another installment with complexity, this time dealing with the Aerian race.
Nov 2024 - re-listened.
____________________
Nov 2023 - re-listened.
____________________
Re-listened Aug 2021.
____________________
Re-listened in 2020. I guess it was always just a matter of time before Kaylin sticks her nose into Aerian business.
____________________
It's been a couple of years since I listened to this series, so it did take a while to remember all the characters. But it was quite easy to get myself immerse into the world of Elantra again.
Another installment with complexity, this time dealing with the Aerian race.
February 16, 2023
I really enjoyed the story! This "chapter" of Kaylin's life was so much better than Cast in Honor. One learns more about the Aerians, the Outcaste makes an appearance, and the story was filled with non-stop action. My only criticism is the continuity of pronoun-antecedent agreement and switching between Bellusdeo's name and calling her the golden dragon.
February 22, 2020
I am enjoying this series, even at book 12. The MC is growing as a person. Her world is expanding. The readers' understanding of the world she inhabits is expanding. Events have ongoing effects through successive books.
This series has good characterisation, excellent world building, complexity, and a dry sense of humour.
Highly recommend.
This series has good characterisation, excellent world building, complexity, and a dry sense of humour.
Highly recommend.
October 28, 2016
3.75 stars
I enjoyed the story but I find myself wondering if there are any other races that haven't been covered yet. Seems like it's time for it all to fall together now that we've been introduced to them all.
I enjoyed the story but I find myself wondering if there are any other races that haven't been covered yet. Seems like it's time for it all to fall together now that we've been introduced to them all.
October 31, 2016
This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers
Reviewed by: E and Marlene
Marlene: There’s a saying, often seen on t-shirts at science fiction conventions, that reads, “Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.” Kaylin Nera has clearly never seen the t-shirt. Or it doesn’t apply if you have a dragon for a roommate. And a very small and squawky dragon as your familiar.
Or, as is most likely with Kaylin, she knows and is too busy dealing with whatever the current chaos is in her life to care at the moment.
E: Kaylin doesn’t intend to create chaos in her life, she just cares about a surprising number of different people and their concerns/worries become her concerns/worries regardless of Caste (species) and their particular life structure. As a result her home houses 4 of the 6 different Castes some on a guest status others on a more permanent basis. Each has brought their own set of problems but they are all bound together through and because of Kaylin. In this most recent book of Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra series the predominate struggle revolves around the Aerians but it is linked to the ongoing greater war against the Shadow and shaped by previous events.
Marlene: Kaylin is definitely a chaos magnet. And she’s often the fool that rushes in where angels and other beings rightfully fear to tread. But as the immortal Barrani are fond of saying, she is never boring. Leading, following and protecting Kaylin has proven to be the ultimate cure for boredom for an increasing number of the Barrani, to the point where some of them are starting to crave a few decades of peace and quiet.
Kaylin is fascinating, and gets herself in so much trouble, because she cares about everyone, sometimes even against her own wishes. Or theirs. And because she hasn’t been able to grasp the concept that being politic and obeying the rules is actually a part of her job. Instead, she refuses to let the rules get in the way of doing what she believes is right, even if it might not be right for whoever she is breaking the rules for, with, or even to. One of the other things that makes Kaylin, well, Kaylin is that she is so very, very young. Not just in the eyes of the immortal Dragons and Barrani, but even in the eyes of other mortal Castes (species) like the Leontine, the Tha’alani and, especially relevant in Cast in Flight, the Aerians.
E: One of the many things I love about this series is how Kaylin develops as a character from book to book and uses that growth as a stepping off point for future life events. Ever since she became a member of the Hawks, Kaylin has idolized the Aerians because they can fly and are much more human seeming than dragons. However, flight doesn’t mean they are free from faults like pettiness, deadly politics, and hunger for power as she discovers when a deadly attack is aimed at one of her housemates. During this story Kaylin is forced to let go of some of her illusions and continue on the path of realizing how hard it is to adult. She knows enough to quote and use the law when necessary but is also still idealistic and emotional enough to go with her gut and insist on helping those she cares about. Her very refusal to believe people should be left to flounder comes in handy once more when the Hawks are officially powerless to help one of their own.
Marlene: This series is very much Kaylin’s journey. We see Elantra through her eyes, and as her perspective changes, so does ours. This is certainly true with the Aerians. As a child, Kaylin’s envy of the Aerians’ ability to fly caused her to idolize them. Now, as someone becoming an adult, however reluctantly, she is forced to see them as “people” and not perfect beings. Just as the way she changed her perspective about the empathic/telepathic Tha’alani back in Cast in Fury.
But up until this story, we haven’t seen much of Aerian life outside of the Halls of Law, because Kaylin hasn’t. Admittedly, the Aerians as a people are a bit secretive. And as we discover in Cast in Flight, there is a really big secret to uncover, one that ties into the incursions of Shadow that have caused many of the bigger crises in Kaylin’s life so far.
E: I loved being able to explore the Aerian life and structure because the only previous interaction had been with the members of the Hawks. It was fascinating to see their world from a different perspective and wonder about their origins. I also enjoyed seeing the Hawklord work politics in a social venue while making Kaylin want to hide under the table as her simple attempt to ease tension between two dragons turned into a much larger dinner party. The scene brought levity to several serious issues while ensuring progress of a sort. In addition Kaylin was able to see for herself a glimpse of the individuals within the personas who ruled her world which I think made her a bit more empathetic towards the lines they are forced to walk.
Marlene: That dinner party was a marvelous scene on so many levels. It gave Kaylin a chance, whether she wanted one or not (so typical of Kaylin) to see the people who inhabit her world and her life as merely “people” with lives and agendas outside of her own narrow perspective. It gave her a chance to test out adulting while she had the training wheels of Helen’s prompting in her head. And it was often just plain funny and awkward in ways that both furthered the story and broke some of the tension.
E: Sagara does a wonderful job of pulling together bits, pieces, and hints of things from previous books and using them to make sense of the next revelation whether it is a character or a situation. I adore the complexity and how each book even if not directly sets things up for the next. Nothing in this world remains static, even if a particular species isn’t the focus of the story they are still intertwined which gives a sense of motion and continuity allowing me to remain immersed in the world. My perceptions of the characters have changed as Kaylin’s perceptions have shifted and in turn they realize more of who she is and how far she is willing to go. I think it is a very good thing Kaylin really doesn’t want power or responsibility because she could rule everything but with her abilities and how much she cares she is forced to learn with power comes or should come responsibility.
Cast in Flight was an extremely enjoyable read. Sagara has delivered again exactly what I want to read and keeps staking her place on my autobuy list. I look forward to each new book and I can go back and reread previous books without losing any level of enjoyment. I can’t wait to find out who and what will be front and center in the next one especially given some of the recent developments.
I give Cast in Flight an A.
Marlene: As you might be able to tell, both E and I love this series. I discovered it late, somewhere around book 6. I read the prequel short story, Cast in Moonlight, in an anthology and realized, “hey, I have more of these around someplace!” and I was off to the races. Which means that every year I eagerly dive into the latest volume and then moan when I’m finished that I have to wait another year for the next.
I’ve always said that the Chronicles of Elantra was an urban fantasy set in a high fantasy world, but now that we are 12 delicious books in, it is morphing to epic fantasy. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, the consequences more consequential, and the dangers more deadly. Kaylin, reluctantly or not, is on the road to becoming a Power in this world. So much that happens hinges on her actions.
At the same time, you can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl. The books work best for this reader when Kaylin and the action stay in the city of Elantra. When the fish is too far out of her water, the reader is a bit at sea.
The action in each book builds on the previous. Partly as Kaylin’s perspective changes, and partly as the world accumulates both depth and danger. But the Barrani are absolutely right, following Kaylin is pretty much the opposite of dull. And it’s marvelous.
I give Cast in Flight an A+
[Marlene’s extraneous note: I’ve taken to calling my cats “Small and Squawky” and “Small and Squeaky”. Once you finish Cast in Flight, you’ll understand why. And hopefully laugh!]
Reviewed by: E and Marlene
Marlene: There’s a saying, often seen on t-shirts at science fiction conventions, that reads, “Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.” Kaylin Nera has clearly never seen the t-shirt. Or it doesn’t apply if you have a dragon for a roommate. And a very small and squawky dragon as your familiar.
Or, as is most likely with Kaylin, she knows and is too busy dealing with whatever the current chaos is in her life to care at the moment.
E: Kaylin doesn’t intend to create chaos in her life, she just cares about a surprising number of different people and their concerns/worries become her concerns/worries regardless of Caste (species) and their particular life structure. As a result her home houses 4 of the 6 different Castes some on a guest status others on a more permanent basis. Each has brought their own set of problems but they are all bound together through and because of Kaylin. In this most recent book of Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra series the predominate struggle revolves around the Aerians but it is linked to the ongoing greater war against the Shadow and shaped by previous events.
Marlene: Kaylin is definitely a chaos magnet. And she’s often the fool that rushes in where angels and other beings rightfully fear to tread. But as the immortal Barrani are fond of saying, she is never boring. Leading, following and protecting Kaylin has proven to be the ultimate cure for boredom for an increasing number of the Barrani, to the point where some of them are starting to crave a few decades of peace and quiet.
Kaylin is fascinating, and gets herself in so much trouble, because she cares about everyone, sometimes even against her own wishes. Or theirs. And because she hasn’t been able to grasp the concept that being politic and obeying the rules is actually a part of her job. Instead, she refuses to let the rules get in the way of doing what she believes is right, even if it might not be right for whoever she is breaking the rules for, with, or even to. One of the other things that makes Kaylin, well, Kaylin is that she is so very, very young. Not just in the eyes of the immortal Dragons and Barrani, but even in the eyes of other mortal Castes (species) like the Leontine, the Tha’alani and, especially relevant in Cast in Flight, the Aerians.
E: One of the many things I love about this series is how Kaylin develops as a character from book to book and uses that growth as a stepping off point for future life events. Ever since she became a member of the Hawks, Kaylin has idolized the Aerians because they can fly and are much more human seeming than dragons. However, flight doesn’t mean they are free from faults like pettiness, deadly politics, and hunger for power as she discovers when a deadly attack is aimed at one of her housemates. During this story Kaylin is forced to let go of some of her illusions and continue on the path of realizing how hard it is to adult. She knows enough to quote and use the law when necessary but is also still idealistic and emotional enough to go with her gut and insist on helping those she cares about. Her very refusal to believe people should be left to flounder comes in handy once more when the Hawks are officially powerless to help one of their own.
Marlene: This series is very much Kaylin’s journey. We see Elantra through her eyes, and as her perspective changes, so does ours. This is certainly true with the Aerians. As a child, Kaylin’s envy of the Aerians’ ability to fly caused her to idolize them. Now, as someone becoming an adult, however reluctantly, she is forced to see them as “people” and not perfect beings. Just as the way she changed her perspective about the empathic/telepathic Tha’alani back in Cast in Fury.
But up until this story, we haven’t seen much of Aerian life outside of the Halls of Law, because Kaylin hasn’t. Admittedly, the Aerians as a people are a bit secretive. And as we discover in Cast in Flight, there is a really big secret to uncover, one that ties into the incursions of Shadow that have caused many of the bigger crises in Kaylin’s life so far.
E: I loved being able to explore the Aerian life and structure because the only previous interaction had been with the members of the Hawks. It was fascinating to see their world from a different perspective and wonder about their origins. I also enjoyed seeing the Hawklord work politics in a social venue while making Kaylin want to hide under the table as her simple attempt to ease tension between two dragons turned into a much larger dinner party. The scene brought levity to several serious issues while ensuring progress of a sort. In addition Kaylin was able to see for herself a glimpse of the individuals within the personas who ruled her world which I think made her a bit more empathetic towards the lines they are forced to walk.
Marlene: That dinner party was a marvelous scene on so many levels. It gave Kaylin a chance, whether she wanted one or not (so typical of Kaylin) to see the people who inhabit her world and her life as merely “people” with lives and agendas outside of her own narrow perspective. It gave her a chance to test out adulting while she had the training wheels of Helen’s prompting in her head. And it was often just plain funny and awkward in ways that both furthered the story and broke some of the tension.
E: Sagara does a wonderful job of pulling together bits, pieces, and hints of things from previous books and using them to make sense of the next revelation whether it is a character or a situation. I adore the complexity and how each book even if not directly sets things up for the next. Nothing in this world remains static, even if a particular species isn’t the focus of the story they are still intertwined which gives a sense of motion and continuity allowing me to remain immersed in the world. My perceptions of the characters have changed as Kaylin’s perceptions have shifted and in turn they realize more of who she is and how far she is willing to go. I think it is a very good thing Kaylin really doesn’t want power or responsibility because she could rule everything but with her abilities and how much she cares she is forced to learn with power comes or should come responsibility.
Cast in Flight was an extremely enjoyable read. Sagara has delivered again exactly what I want to read and keeps staking her place on my autobuy list. I look forward to each new book and I can go back and reread previous books without losing any level of enjoyment. I can’t wait to find out who and what will be front and center in the next one especially given some of the recent developments.
I give Cast in Flight an A.
Marlene: As you might be able to tell, both E and I love this series. I discovered it late, somewhere around book 6. I read the prequel short story, Cast in Moonlight, in an anthology and realized, “hey, I have more of these around someplace!” and I was off to the races. Which means that every year I eagerly dive into the latest volume and then moan when I’m finished that I have to wait another year for the next.
I’ve always said that the Chronicles of Elantra was an urban fantasy set in a high fantasy world, but now that we are 12 delicious books in, it is morphing to epic fantasy. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, the consequences more consequential, and the dangers more deadly. Kaylin, reluctantly or not, is on the road to becoming a Power in this world. So much that happens hinges on her actions.
At the same time, you can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl. The books work best for this reader when Kaylin and the action stay in the city of Elantra. When the fish is too far out of her water, the reader is a bit at sea.
The action in each book builds on the previous. Partly as Kaylin’s perspective changes, and partly as the world accumulates both depth and danger. But the Barrani are absolutely right, following Kaylin is pretty much the opposite of dull. And it’s marvelous.
I give Cast in Flight an A+
[Marlene’s extraneous note: I’ve taken to calling my cats “Small and Squawky” and “Small and Squeaky”. Once you finish Cast in Flight, you’ll understand why. And hopefully laugh!]
December 24, 2016
The Chronicles of Elantra series is one of the few on-going series that I still greatly enjoy. I found Cast in Flight to be better than the previous instalment. While all the books in the series are somewhat dense, this time, I found the book to be more easily accessible.
Cast In Flight, like all the other books before it, focused on one character and its race. This time it was Moran and the Aerians. So far, Kaylin has had a very good opinion of the Aerians, almost idolizing them, which perhaps wasn't fair to the Aerians themselves. Moran, on the other hand, was every bit as fascinating as I expected her to be. But more on that later.
This time we explored the world of the Aerians and learned a little bit more about the Outcast dragon. The Aerian Caste Court is just as muddled as the other Caste Courts and just as brutal, if not more so. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely and the Caste Court was no exception. They were willing to kill a child in cold blood, because the position of her birth was inconvenient. With each passing book, the world of Elantra, becomes a little more rich and detailed. There were a few new characters as well and one of them is a very welcome addition to the ever-growing list.
The writing, like the previous books, is much the same, somewhat dense and long-winded. And while it can feel taxing and frustrating initially it doesn't take long to get used to. And while the book may feel long, a lot of what's on the page are Kaylin's thoughts and her inner monologues which are always entertaining. She's one of the few characters, who can have entire conversations with herself. But those glimpses into her thoughts are essential because the book is from her point of view.
Cast in Flight was also very eventful with something from the very beginning which is unusual for a Sagara book, since they usually take time to get going. This book was a thrilling ride and its end took me by surprise because I turned the page expecting another chapter and instead found myself looking at the credits page. I like all of the Chronicles of Elantra books but Cast in Flight was exceptional.
Kaylin is a lot like she was before. She is still routinely late to the Halls of Law, she still has to deal with an angry Leontine and her understanding of her familiar hasn't become any clearer. Does that stop her from jumping into danger to protect those she cares about? No. At her core, Kaylin is a do-gooder and a protector. With every book, she is forced to confront her world-view, biases and prejudices and she always does. That's what makes her so admirable. She is incredibly flawed but she recognises that as do the people closest to her. In fact, her flaws are what make her so important to those who care about her. They realise that her need to help is a deep-seated need and one that she can't override. If it comes to saving the life of a person/character that she cares about, she does so without hesitation and often with little regard to her own life. Which is not to say that she is reckless. In fact, she tries very hard to stay away from trouble, it just always manages to find her.
Moran was the other main character in Cast in Flight. She is the sargeant at the Halls of Law. We have met her before a few times but those instances were short and she was never at the centre of those interactions. She is supposed to be a very important to her race, but since she has suffered nothing but pain and loss due to that position, she shuns it. But the events of Cast in Flight force her confront her position and Aerian Caste Court. I like her and her no-nonsense style and the fact that she remains fazed by most of Kaylin's actions. She is someone who immediately sizes up a situation and addresses it as she sees fit. She can't be bothered by politics and beating around the bush. She is direct and not cowed down. And for those who thought, they could intimidate her through threats and attempts on her life, they had another thing coming. The end with regard to Moran was so bittersweet and I did not expect that.
Some of my most favourite characters are present like Teela and Bellusdeo and they are just as entertaining as ever. I love that Kaylin is surrounded by so many strong and dynamic women and that these women are supportive and protective of each other even if they belong to different races. Both Teela and Bellusdeo hold important positions in their respective courts while also exercising their own agency. They are both fiercely independent and don't really bother listening to or entertaining over-protective males.
As for Mandoran and Annarion, they were being their usual troublesome selves, or at least Mandoran was, Annarion was far better behaved. Mandoran is probably the most un-Barrani character there is while Annarion might not be Barrani anymore, but he is close to them in his behaviour. They are both extremely entertaining in their own way, although Mandoran is more fun.. Annarion is more prone to sulk.
Cast in Flight also gave an insight into Nightshade in his youth and I think that Kaylin would have liked this Nightshade. He was also very different from the other Barrani, someone who fought to get his brother back and never stopped looking. Nightshade will never be a 'nice guy' but I still can't help but like him. He is an incredibly magnetic and fascinating character. Severn was his usual steadfast self. He is the one person who Kaylin can always depend on to understand her since they come from the same place and had much of the same experiences growing up.
Of the other characters making an appearance, there was the Hawklord or Lord Grammayre, Clint and Tanner. There was Evanton, who was grouchy as ever and Grethan. Margot got a quite a few pages and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was more to her as well.. Of the Dragons, the Arkon and the Emperor were also prominently present and we got a deeper look at the Emperor as well.
Cast in Flight was a lot of fun and it felt like it ended far too soon. It was fast-paced, thrilling and thoroughly engrossing. I was hooked to the book right from the start and Sagara did not disappoint in the slightest. This is one of the most consistent series I've read recently. Cast in Flight is a very welcome addition to this amazing series.
Cast In Flight, like all the other books before it, focused on one character and its race. This time it was Moran and the Aerians. So far, Kaylin has had a very good opinion of the Aerians, almost idolizing them, which perhaps wasn't fair to the Aerians themselves. Moran, on the other hand, was every bit as fascinating as I expected her to be. But more on that later.
This time we explored the world of the Aerians and learned a little bit more about the Outcast dragon. The Aerian Caste Court is just as muddled as the other Caste Courts and just as brutal, if not more so. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely and the Caste Court was no exception. They were willing to kill a child in cold blood, because the position of her birth was inconvenient. With each passing book, the world of Elantra, becomes a little more rich and detailed. There were a few new characters as well and one of them is a very welcome addition to the ever-growing list.
The writing, like the previous books, is much the same, somewhat dense and long-winded. And while it can feel taxing and frustrating initially it doesn't take long to get used to. And while the book may feel long, a lot of what's on the page are Kaylin's thoughts and her inner monologues which are always entertaining. She's one of the few characters, who can have entire conversations with herself. But those glimpses into her thoughts are essential because the book is from her point of view.
Cast in Flight was also very eventful with something from the very beginning which is unusual for a Sagara book, since they usually take time to get going. This book was a thrilling ride and its end took me by surprise because I turned the page expecting another chapter and instead found myself looking at the credits page. I like all of the Chronicles of Elantra books but Cast in Flight was exceptional.
Kaylin is a lot like she was before. She is still routinely late to the Halls of Law, she still has to deal with an angry Leontine and her understanding of her familiar hasn't become any clearer. Does that stop her from jumping into danger to protect those she cares about? No. At her core, Kaylin is a do-gooder and a protector. With every book, she is forced to confront her world-view, biases and prejudices and she always does. That's what makes her so admirable. She is incredibly flawed but she recognises that as do the people closest to her. In fact, her flaws are what make her so important to those who care about her. They realise that her need to help is a deep-seated need and one that she can't override. If it comes to saving the life of a person/character that she cares about, she does so without hesitation and often with little regard to her own life. Which is not to say that she is reckless. In fact, she tries very hard to stay away from trouble, it just always manages to find her.
Moran was the other main character in Cast in Flight. She is the sargeant at the Halls of Law. We have met her before a few times but those instances were short and she was never at the centre of those interactions. She is supposed to be a very important to her race, but since she has suffered nothing but pain and loss due to that position, she shuns it. But the events of Cast in Flight force her confront her position and Aerian Caste Court. I like her and her no-nonsense style and the fact that she remains fazed by most of Kaylin's actions. She is someone who immediately sizes up a situation and addresses it as she sees fit. She can't be bothered by politics and beating around the bush. She is direct and not cowed down. And for those who thought, they could intimidate her through threats and attempts on her life, they had another thing coming. The end with regard to Moran was so bittersweet and I did not expect that.
Some of my most favourite characters are present like Teela and Bellusdeo and they are just as entertaining as ever. I love that Kaylin is surrounded by so many strong and dynamic women and that these women are supportive and protective of each other even if they belong to different races. Both Teela and Bellusdeo hold important positions in their respective courts while also exercising their own agency. They are both fiercely independent and don't really bother listening to or entertaining over-protective males.
As for Mandoran and Annarion, they were being their usual troublesome selves, or at least Mandoran was, Annarion was far better behaved. Mandoran is probably the most un-Barrani character there is while Annarion might not be Barrani anymore, but he is close to them in his behaviour. They are both extremely entertaining in their own way, although Mandoran is more fun.. Annarion is more prone to sulk.
Cast in Flight also gave an insight into Nightshade in his youth and I think that Kaylin would have liked this Nightshade. He was also very different from the other Barrani, someone who fought to get his brother back and never stopped looking. Nightshade will never be a 'nice guy' but I still can't help but like him. He is an incredibly magnetic and fascinating character. Severn was his usual steadfast self. He is the one person who Kaylin can always depend on to understand her since they come from the same place and had much of the same experiences growing up.
Of the other characters making an appearance, there was the Hawklord or Lord Grammayre, Clint and Tanner. There was Evanton, who was grouchy as ever and Grethan. Margot got a quite a few pages and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was more to her as well.. Of the Dragons, the Arkon and the Emperor were also prominently present and we got a deeper look at the Emperor as well.
Cast in Flight was a lot of fun and it felt like it ended far too soon. It was fast-paced, thrilling and thoroughly engrossing. I was hooked to the book right from the start and Sagara did not disappoint in the slightest. This is one of the most consistent series I've read recently. Cast in Flight is a very welcome addition to this amazing series.
July 9, 2017
Four and three-quarter stars. I really enjoyed this book. Interesting plot, with lots of character involvement. Kaylin (the main character) is slowly maturing. The theoretical magical dreamscape was minimal. All of which means I'm looking forward to the next book. So why one-quarter star off? Because this is book 12 and the overall plot arc - Kaylin being Chosen - hasn't really progressed all that much.
January 28, 2019
A great ride as always!
For my review of the whole series so far please check HERE!
For my review of the whole series so far please check HERE!
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