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Wolves of Elantra #1
The Emperor's Wolves
Set in the bestselling world of The Chronicles of Elantra, THE EMPEROR'S WOLVES is a prequel spin-off based on a fan-favorite character, and broadens the beloved fantasy world with another action-packed tale of intrigue and magic.
As an orphan scrounging in the lawless slums, young Severn Handred didn't have the luxury of believing in anything beyond his own survival. Now he's crossed the river and entered the heart of the empire: the city of Elantra. When Severn is spotted tailing some lawmen of the Hawks--a not insignificant feat to go otherwise undetected--the recruiter for the Imperial Wolves thinks he should join their ranks. The Wolves are a small, select group that work within the Halls of Law, reporting directly to the Eternal Emperor. Severn hopes to avoid the law--he certainly had no intention of joining it.
In order to become a wolf--even on probation--Severn must face the investigators most dreaded throughout the Empire: The Tha'alani, readers of minds. No secret is safe from their prying, no knowledge can remain buried. But Severn's secret, never shared before, is not enough to prevent the Wolves from adopting him as one of their own. All men have secrets, after all. Severn's first job will be joining a hunt, but between the treacherous politics of the High Court, the almost unnatural interest of one of the Lords, and those who wish long-held secrets to remain buried forever, the trick will be surviving it.
As an orphan scrounging in the lawless slums, young Severn Handred didn't have the luxury of believing in anything beyond his own survival. Now he's crossed the river and entered the heart of the empire: the city of Elantra. When Severn is spotted tailing some lawmen of the Hawks--a not insignificant feat to go otherwise undetected--the recruiter for the Imperial Wolves thinks he should join their ranks. The Wolves are a small, select group that work within the Halls of Law, reporting directly to the Eternal Emperor. Severn hopes to avoid the law--he certainly had no intention of joining it.
In order to become a wolf--even on probation--Severn must face the investigators most dreaded throughout the Empire: The Tha'alani, readers of minds. No secret is safe from their prying, no knowledge can remain buried. But Severn's secret, never shared before, is not enough to prevent the Wolves from adopting him as one of their own. All men have secrets, after all. Severn's first job will be joining a hunt, but between the treacherous politics of the High Court, the almost unnatural interest of one of the Lords, and those who wish long-held secrets to remain buried forever, the trick will be surviving it.
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First published October 13, 2020
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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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September 30, 2020
"I believe ignorance is a breeding ground for fear."
The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
My thoughts:
I found myself rationing this book like water in a desert. I didn't want it to end. That may be in large part because I'm impatiently waiting for the next Elantra book. However, The Emperor's Wolves is interesting on it's own merit but it's inextricably linked to the the Chronicles of Elantra series and while you can read this as a prequel or on it's own, I really don't suggest it. I recommend reading the Chronicles of Elantra series first.
It's really interesting to see the world Michelle Sagara has created from a perspective other than Kaylin's from the Chronicles of Elantra series. What's different about this one that Sagara employs not only Severn's perspective but variety of perspectives orbiting around Severn. You get a very clear picture on just how much Severn keeps to himself. You see that he has created a life for himself outside of Kaylin that you don't get to see in the Cast books. There's hints in this book that there is far more to Severn than I think anyone really suspects.
On one hand, I found myself growing irritated on future Kaylin's behalf on the sheer amount of info Severn keeps to himself. Yes, Kaylin can be obtuse at times but she is a Hawk. Severn is there, a mystery waiting to be solved. Does she not want to dig deeper because what she needs is Severn as she's always known him? Does he know that and that's why he hides so much from her? On the other hand, I get why Severn keeps his secrets close. The only vow that supersedes his vow to the Emperor is his vow to protect Kaylin.
Another interesting thing I noticed, as a long time fan of the Cast books and now the Wolves books, is that there's an element of mindfulness and indulgence assigned to Ybelline and later in the Cast books towards Bellusdeo and the Consort that is often directed at Kaylin as well. Ybelline is allowed her freedom but protected. Watched but not held back. One thing I see in common between the four is that they are Powers or foreseen to be Powers and they are valued and nurtured.
Overall, I loved this book. I found myself missing Kaylin but echoes of her presence and what she means to Severn reverberate throughout the pages. Severn does stand on his own as a character and I find myself wanting to know more.
I was given an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book.
"From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
My thoughts:
I found myself rationing this book like water in a desert. I didn't want it to end. That may be in large part because I'm impatiently waiting for the next Elantra book. However, The Emperor's Wolves is interesting on it's own merit but it's inextricably linked to the the Chronicles of Elantra series and while you can read this as a prequel or on it's own, I really don't suggest it. I recommend reading the Chronicles of Elantra series first.
It's really interesting to see the world Michelle Sagara has created from a perspective other than Kaylin's from the Chronicles of Elantra series. What's different about this one that Sagara employs not only Severn's perspective but variety of perspectives orbiting around Severn. You get a very clear picture on just how much Severn keeps to himself. You see that he has created a life for himself outside of Kaylin that you don't get to see in the Cast books. There's hints in this book that there is far more to Severn than I think anyone really suspects.
On one hand, I found myself growing irritated on future Kaylin's behalf on the sheer amount of info Severn keeps to himself. Yes, Kaylin can be obtuse at times but she is a Hawk. Severn is there, a mystery waiting to be solved. Does she not want to dig deeper because what she needs is Severn as she's always known him? Does he know that and that's why he hides so much from her? On the other hand, I get why Severn keeps his secrets close. The only vow that supersedes his vow to the Emperor is his vow to protect Kaylin.
Another interesting thing I noticed, as a long time fan of the Cast books and now the Wolves books, is that there's an element of mindfulness and indulgence assigned to Ybelline and later in the Cast books towards Bellusdeo and the Consort that is often directed at Kaylin as well. Ybelline is allowed her freedom but protected. Watched but not held back. One thing I see in common between the four is that they are Powers or foreseen to be Powers and they are valued and nurtured.
Overall, I loved this book. I found myself missing Kaylin but echoes of her presence and what she means to Severn reverberate throughout the pages. Severn does stand on his own as a character and I find myself wanting to know more.
I was given an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book.
"From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
May 29, 2021
The first book of a prequel series to the Chronicles of Elantra, featuring Kaylin's partner/prop/stalker Severn Handred. Although it's a prequel, I don't recommend it for newbies to this world. I'll post a more detailed review for my friends who are Elantra fans in the next day or two.
(Below!)
***
The Emperor's Wolves starts with Severn's recruitment into--as per the title--the Wolves of Elantra. Elluvian, the sole Barrani Wolf, has seen Severn more-or-less stalking Kaylin/Ellianne as she goes about town in the company of Barrani Hawks Teela and Tain. Impressed by Severn's ability to hide himself from the Hawks' Barrani senses, Elluvian asks Severn to join the Wolves. After a test or interview of sorts which involves a memory retrieval session with Ybelline of the Tha'alani, Severn is approved to join the Wolves and becomes a probationary private in the force. After that, the plot of the story starts: a mystery from 20 years ago showing its influence in the present, and involving both the Barrani and the Tha'alani.
To start with, I've read only four of the sixteen volumes of the Chronicles of Elantra. I say that this is not a friendly book for newbies in all seriousness, since I myself was pretty lost through a fair portion of the book, especially where the Barrani were concerned. There were representatives from like six different Barrani clans in the story, including Elluvian himself. None of them particularly distinguished themselves as characters vs. stereotypical Barrani, so I was confused--and somewhat bored--during the parts of the book featuring long, tense dialogue as they were questioned by the Elluvian-Severn partnership. I wonder if any of these Barrani are in books 5 through 16 somewhere, and long-term fans would recognize them?
In any case, in the long run Elluvian and An'Tellarus stuck out from the pack, and I hope to see more of them in future books. Elluvian in particular, I wonder about. He's been in the Wolves since their inception, and has seen many of them come, and go due to their early deaths. He's also a sort of outcast from the Barrani, seeming to have no family connections, but also not completely barred from the High Halls.
What about our nominal main character, Severn?
Oh yeah, that guy. :D
Well, if long-term readers are hoping to see more depth to him, they might be somewhat disappointed. I'd say that rather than gaining more depth, he's gained some solidity. In the main series, he has a reputation for fading into the background most of the time, and he still is a stoic, quiet character here. He doesn't seem to have any real character flaws. What I mean by him having more solidity is that I more strongly perceive him as a bulwark or protector. That is his main role, and his main motivation.
He kind of has the same thing going as Kaylin does in her series, where people like and admire him, and it's a mystery to the reader why they do. He's nowhere near the self-evident fool that Kaylin is, though, so it's a little easier to take.
How about the plot?
So far in the series, the "big" plots have been pretty literally forgettable for me: there's a lot of cool world-building, nominally getting us set up for a mystery, but in the end what we get is something like a boss battle in a video game, with a super-powerful villain whose magical might could overwhelm Elantra.
We don't have a balancing ultra-powerful character like Kaylin to handle this kind of threat in The Emperor's Wolves. I am happy to report that the mystery plot actually has a mystery-like conclusion, that also ties into some of the Tha'alani lore established in the other books. As mentioned, the pack of Barrani mid-book made things a little hard to follow, but it all worked out fairly well in the end.
Repetition II: the Repetitioning
One thing, among others, that makes Elantra a three-star series for me is the excessive repetition in the books. (Check out Gergana's series review for a great overview of the series' pluses and minuses, with adorable cartoon illustrations!) I can sort of understand it because they're marketed without volume numbers, but if this first "Wolves of Elantra" book is any indication, the repetition isn't doing a potential new reader any favors.
Internally to this book, we are reminded many, many times that Severn is a probationary Wolf. And of course, every single non-human character in the story has "mood eye" colors which are gone into in depth every time they're in a scene. Since this book focuses on Barrani and Tha'alani, there's a lot of hazel, green and blue. Over and over again. The Emperor shows up later in the book, which adds some orange.
Do you recommend this book for long-term Elantra fans?
If you don't completely hate Severn, yeah, go for it. One or two of the Wolves aside from Elluvian have some potential--Rosen in particular. While we don't learn a lot new about Elantra in this book (the world-building is one of the main series' greatest strengths, for me), the lore that's been built so far is used in an interesting way, and in the long run I feel "Wolves of Elantra" will solidify the world much like Severn's character was solidified in this book.
(Below!)
***
The Emperor's Wolves starts with Severn's recruitment into--as per the title--the Wolves of Elantra. Elluvian, the sole Barrani Wolf, has seen Severn more-or-less stalking Kaylin/Ellianne as she goes about town in the company of Barrani Hawks Teela and Tain. Impressed by Severn's ability to hide himself from the Hawks' Barrani senses, Elluvian asks Severn to join the Wolves. After a test or interview of sorts which involves a memory retrieval session with Ybelline of the Tha'alani, Severn is approved to join the Wolves and becomes a probationary private in the force. After that, the plot of the story starts: a mystery from 20 years ago showing its influence in the present, and involving both the Barrani and the Tha'alani.
To start with, I've read only four of the sixteen volumes of the Chronicles of Elantra. I say that this is not a friendly book for newbies in all seriousness, since I myself was pretty lost through a fair portion of the book, especially where the Barrani were concerned. There were representatives from like six different Barrani clans in the story, including Elluvian himself. None of them particularly distinguished themselves as characters vs. stereotypical Barrani, so I was confused--and somewhat bored--during the parts of the book featuring long, tense dialogue as they were questioned by the Elluvian-Severn partnership. I wonder if any of these Barrani are in books 5 through 16 somewhere, and long-term fans would recognize them?
In any case, in the long run Elluvian and An'Tellarus stuck out from the pack, and I hope to see more of them in future books. Elluvian in particular, I wonder about. He's been in the Wolves since their inception, and has seen many of them come, and go due to their early deaths. He's also a sort of outcast from the Barrani, seeming to have no family connections, but also not completely barred from the High Halls.
What about our nominal main character, Severn?
Oh yeah, that guy. :D
Well, if long-term readers are hoping to see more depth to him, they might be somewhat disappointed. I'd say that rather than gaining more depth, he's gained some solidity. In the main series, he has a reputation for fading into the background most of the time, and he still is a stoic, quiet character here. He doesn't seem to have any real character flaws. What I mean by him having more solidity is that I more strongly perceive him as a bulwark or protector. That is his main role, and his main motivation.
He kind of has the same thing going as Kaylin does in her series, where people like and admire him, and it's a mystery to the reader why they do. He's nowhere near the self-evident fool that Kaylin is, though, so it's a little easier to take.
How about the plot?
So far in the series, the "big" plots have been pretty literally forgettable for me: there's a lot of cool world-building, nominally getting us set up for a mystery, but in the end what we get is something like a boss battle in a video game, with a super-powerful villain whose magical might could overwhelm Elantra.
We don't have a balancing ultra-powerful character like Kaylin to handle this kind of threat in The Emperor's Wolves. I am happy to report that the mystery plot actually has a mystery-like conclusion, that also ties into some of the Tha'alani lore established in the other books. As mentioned, the pack of Barrani mid-book made things a little hard to follow, but it all worked out fairly well in the end.
Repetition II: the Repetitioning
One thing, among others, that makes Elantra a three-star series for me is the excessive repetition in the books. (Check out Gergana's series review for a great overview of the series' pluses and minuses, with adorable cartoon illustrations!) I can sort of understand it because they're marketed without volume numbers, but if this first "Wolves of Elantra" book is any indication, the repetition isn't doing a potential new reader any favors.
Internally to this book, we are reminded many, many times that Severn is a probationary Wolf. And of course, every single non-human character in the story has "mood eye" colors which are gone into in depth every time they're in a scene. Since this book focuses on Barrani and Tha'alani, there's a lot of hazel, green and blue. Over and over again. The Emperor shows up later in the book, which adds some orange.
Do you recommend this book for long-term Elantra fans?
If you don't completely hate Severn, yeah, go for it. One or two of the Wolves aside from Elluvian have some potential--Rosen in particular. While we don't learn a lot new about Elantra in this book (the world-building is one of the main series' greatest strengths, for me), the lore that's been built so far is used in an interesting way, and in the long run I feel "Wolves of Elantra" will solidify the world much like Severn's character was solidified in this book.
January 6, 2024
$2.99 Kindle and Kobo sale, Jan. 6, 2024.
October 16, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
In the beginning, a 5-year-old girl named Elliane and a 10-year-old boy named Severn were two scared orphans doing the best they could to raise each other in a place so dangerous that no one expected them to live another year. And no one could afford to care because everyone was too busy attempting to make their own survival last more than another day, another hour, another minute.
That dangerous place was the fief of Nightshade, in the no-being’s-land that surrounds the city of Elantra. A place entirely designed and maintained as a buffer zone between Elantra and the Shadow at the heart of the world.
Their lives and their story should have been both brutal and short. It was often brutal, and always on the knife’s edge of destruction.
But it was not short.
Elliane’s story has been told in the Chronicles of Elantra, beginning with Cast in Moonlight. It is the story of a young woman with a terrible gift and an equally terrible secret, set in the high-fantasy world of Elantra, but often told with an urban fantasy sensibility. It is the story Elliane, now called Kaylin Nera, as she becomes first the mascot of and later a Private in the Imperial Hawks who serve as the equivalent of police in the empire. (Occasionally she rises to Corporal in the Hawks, but usually not for long.)
Elantra is an empire that is ruled by a Dragon and protected as his hoard. An empire that contains citizens of all races, Barrani (read as Elves), Leontine (yes, they’re lions), Aerians (feathered and flying) and more humans than all of the above.
And the Tha’alani. The telepathic Tha’alani who serve as the Emperor’s inquisitors when the need is great – or desperate.
But The Emperor’s Wolves is not Kaylin’s story, although it touches on her story and will undoubtedly connect to it eventually. Because Severn always connects to Kaylin, whether she wants that to happen or not. And initially in the story from her perspective, it’s very much not.
Instead, this is the story of that once upon a time 10-year-old boy, Severn Handred. Severn swore an oath to Elliane’s mother before she died, that he would protect Elliane no matter what. When Elliane couldn’t live with the price of that protection, they separated, walking through very dark places on entirely different paths.
Paths that have now converged. Elliane – as Kaylin – is now 15 and the mascot of the Imperial Hawks. To keep watch over her, Severn, now 20, becomes a member of the Imperial Wolves, the branch of the Halls of Law that investigates major crimes – and serves as the hand of the Emperor when those criminals are brought to summary justice in his name.
The story of The Emperor’s Wolves is Severn’s story. A story that fans of the series have been waiting and hoping for since we first met Kaylin in 2001.
A story that was definitely, utterly, fantastically worth the wait.
Escape Rating A+: I finished this book and now I have a terrible book hangover. But then I always do after a trip to Elantra. This world feels so complex and so complete than when I’m forced to leave it at the end of a story a part of me feels like it’s still back there and doesn’t want to come out.
As if part of my memory has been captured and held by the telepathic gestalt of the Tha’alani.
cast in shadow by michelle sagaraThe Emperor’s Wolves is a bit of a contradiction in terms. It is, without a doubt, the first book in the author’s new Wolves of Elantra series. It is also a prequel for nearly all of the Chronicles of Elantra series, taking place between the prequel novella, Cast in Moonlight, and the first novel in the series, Cast in Shadow.
But this book doesn’t feel like either a prequel or the opening of a new series. Instead, it feels like…enlightenment. Those of us who have followed the Chronicles have already met Severn Handred. We’ve witnessed most of his protective partnership with Kaylin Nera – a partnership that involves a great deal of love but no romance at all – through that series. We’ve also become immersed in Elantra and traveled much of the city and the places outside of the Emperor’s Hoard in Kaylin and Severn’s company.
But Severn, well, Severn is a man of much depth and very few words. He’s an enigma in pretty much everything except his tie to Kaylin – although that has plenty of enigma-ness in it, in ways that neither Severn nor Kaylin understand – at least not yet.
And the period of Severn’s life when he became one of the Imperial Wolves – the time that he spent without Kaylin – has been the biggest enigma of them all. He doesn’t talk about this time period, and we haven’t heard much about what he did – although there have been plenty of enigmatic hints. So this story, and whatever follows it, sheds light on an otherwise dark corner of the history of Elantra – or at least of the people we have come to know and love there. And provides a few tantalizing hints of events that we already know but are yet to come from Severn’s perspective at this point in his life.
Which means that, in spite of seeming like a beginning, The Emperor’s Wolves really isn’t. It’s a missing piece of the complex puzzle that is Elantra, and will be best appreciated – and enthusiastically so – by those who have already made the journey. If you’ve never been to Elantra and are thinking of going there, it’s a marvelous trip but this is not the place to begin.
If you’re already acquainted, however, one of the things that The Emperor’s Wolves does well is return to some of the elements that made this series so fascinating in the first place. As the longer story has continued, while Kaylin is still a member of the Imperial Hawks, her world has expanded beyond the streets of the city and she has become, sometimes willingly, sometimes unwittingly, sometimes dragged kicking and screaming, a power in this world and has moved among the high and mighty – although she would be the first to admit that she herself is neither.
But the series began as an epic-set urban fantasy, and The Emperor’s Wolves returns fantastically to that kind of story. Severn’s first case as one of the Wolves is to solve a crime. To open a case that everyone thought was closed and cold. As part of his investigation, he is forced to navigate the Barrani High Halls, the telepathic mindscape of the Tha’alani group consciousness, the mean streets of the city and the Emperor’s Palace.
Along the way he discovers friends, obfuscates foes and is confronted yet again with the choice that he’s been forced to make over and over since his childhood. That there are all too many times when the cost of justice is more unjust than any crime.
When I picked up The Emperor’s Wolves, I looked forward to learning more about Severn. But now that I’ve seen this world through his eyes, I’ve discovered that I want more. I need it. I hope to see more of Elantra from both Severn’s and Kaylin’s perspectives as their series continue.
In the beginning, a 5-year-old girl named Elliane and a 10-year-old boy named Severn were two scared orphans doing the best they could to raise each other in a place so dangerous that no one expected them to live another year. And no one could afford to care because everyone was too busy attempting to make their own survival last more than another day, another hour, another minute.
That dangerous place was the fief of Nightshade, in the no-being’s-land that surrounds the city of Elantra. A place entirely designed and maintained as a buffer zone between Elantra and the Shadow at the heart of the world.
Their lives and their story should have been both brutal and short. It was often brutal, and always on the knife’s edge of destruction.
But it was not short.
Elliane’s story has been told in the Chronicles of Elantra, beginning with Cast in Moonlight. It is the story of a young woman with a terrible gift and an equally terrible secret, set in the high-fantasy world of Elantra, but often told with an urban fantasy sensibility. It is the story Elliane, now called Kaylin Nera, as she becomes first the mascot of and later a Private in the Imperial Hawks who serve as the equivalent of police in the empire. (Occasionally she rises to Corporal in the Hawks, but usually not for long.)
Elantra is an empire that is ruled by a Dragon and protected as his hoard. An empire that contains citizens of all races, Barrani (read as Elves), Leontine (yes, they’re lions), Aerians (feathered and flying) and more humans than all of the above.
And the Tha’alani. The telepathic Tha’alani who serve as the Emperor’s inquisitors when the need is great – or desperate.
But The Emperor’s Wolves is not Kaylin’s story, although it touches on her story and will undoubtedly connect to it eventually. Because Severn always connects to Kaylin, whether she wants that to happen or not. And initially in the story from her perspective, it’s very much not.
Instead, this is the story of that once upon a time 10-year-old boy, Severn Handred. Severn swore an oath to Elliane’s mother before she died, that he would protect Elliane no matter what. When Elliane couldn’t live with the price of that protection, they separated, walking through very dark places on entirely different paths.
Paths that have now converged. Elliane – as Kaylin – is now 15 and the mascot of the Imperial Hawks. To keep watch over her, Severn, now 20, becomes a member of the Imperial Wolves, the branch of the Halls of Law that investigates major crimes – and serves as the hand of the Emperor when those criminals are brought to summary justice in his name.
The story of The Emperor’s Wolves is Severn’s story. A story that fans of the series have been waiting and hoping for since we first met Kaylin in 2001.
A story that was definitely, utterly, fantastically worth the wait.
Escape Rating A+: I finished this book and now I have a terrible book hangover. But then I always do after a trip to Elantra. This world feels so complex and so complete than when I’m forced to leave it at the end of a story a part of me feels like it’s still back there and doesn’t want to come out.
As if part of my memory has been captured and held by the telepathic gestalt of the Tha’alani.
cast in shadow by michelle sagaraThe Emperor’s Wolves is a bit of a contradiction in terms. It is, without a doubt, the first book in the author’s new Wolves of Elantra series. It is also a prequel for nearly all of the Chronicles of Elantra series, taking place between the prequel novella, Cast in Moonlight, and the first novel in the series, Cast in Shadow.
But this book doesn’t feel like either a prequel or the opening of a new series. Instead, it feels like…enlightenment. Those of us who have followed the Chronicles have already met Severn Handred. We’ve witnessed most of his protective partnership with Kaylin Nera – a partnership that involves a great deal of love but no romance at all – through that series. We’ve also become immersed in Elantra and traveled much of the city and the places outside of the Emperor’s Hoard in Kaylin and Severn’s company.
But Severn, well, Severn is a man of much depth and very few words. He’s an enigma in pretty much everything except his tie to Kaylin – although that has plenty of enigma-ness in it, in ways that neither Severn nor Kaylin understand – at least not yet.
And the period of Severn’s life when he became one of the Imperial Wolves – the time that he spent without Kaylin – has been the biggest enigma of them all. He doesn’t talk about this time period, and we haven’t heard much about what he did – although there have been plenty of enigmatic hints. So this story, and whatever follows it, sheds light on an otherwise dark corner of the history of Elantra – or at least of the people we have come to know and love there. And provides a few tantalizing hints of events that we already know but are yet to come from Severn’s perspective at this point in his life.
Which means that, in spite of seeming like a beginning, The Emperor’s Wolves really isn’t. It’s a missing piece of the complex puzzle that is Elantra, and will be best appreciated – and enthusiastically so – by those who have already made the journey. If you’ve never been to Elantra and are thinking of going there, it’s a marvelous trip but this is not the place to begin.
If you’re already acquainted, however, one of the things that The Emperor’s Wolves does well is return to some of the elements that made this series so fascinating in the first place. As the longer story has continued, while Kaylin is still a member of the Imperial Hawks, her world has expanded beyond the streets of the city and she has become, sometimes willingly, sometimes unwittingly, sometimes dragged kicking and screaming, a power in this world and has moved among the high and mighty – although she would be the first to admit that she herself is neither.
But the series began as an epic-set urban fantasy, and The Emperor’s Wolves returns fantastically to that kind of story. Severn’s first case as one of the Wolves is to solve a crime. To open a case that everyone thought was closed and cold. As part of his investigation, he is forced to navigate the Barrani High Halls, the telepathic mindscape of the Tha’alani group consciousness, the mean streets of the city and the Emperor’s Palace.
Along the way he discovers friends, obfuscates foes and is confronted yet again with the choice that he’s been forced to make over and over since his childhood. That there are all too many times when the cost of justice is more unjust than any crime.
When I picked up The Emperor’s Wolves, I looked forward to learning more about Severn. But now that I’ve seen this world through his eyes, I’ve discovered that I want more. I need it. I hope to see more of Elantra from both Severn’s and Kaylin’s perspectives as their series continue.
January 9, 2022
Notes:
Don't read this book if you have not read the Chronicles of Elantra series.
Also, read the paperback/ebook. It'll be better to have your own voices for the story.
I went into the story with a few expectations:
- Yay! A story about young Severn! Expecting him to be the main character.
- No matter what happens, I'm gonna love this story because it's in Elantra & about Severn!
My wonderful bubbles of hope were shot down by an angry badger.
- Khristine Hvam is a good narrator. However, she is a terrible fit for Chronicles of Elantra. Surprise! Not a good fit for the Wolves of Elantra either. Her narration has a negative affect on the story. Characters are more disgruntled, whiny, etc. None of the good parts are highlighted. I can say that because I've read CoE books many times and only listened to them for convenience.
- The book was an awkward setup that had too much tell and not enough show. Severn was a side character in the novel vs being the focus.
- The book will not be a good intro to anyone who has not read CoE. There's not enough in the story to flesh out the awesome cast of characters, including Severn. The novel was a good embellishment on what I already know about the characters and events.
Am I going to get the next book? Yup. I have hope that #2 will be more like what I had expected for #1.
Don't read this book if you have not read the Chronicles of Elantra series.
Also, read the paperback/ebook. It'll be better to have your own voices for the story.
I went into the story with a few expectations:
- Yay! A story about young Severn! Expecting him to be the main character.
- No matter what happens, I'm gonna love this story because it's in Elantra & about Severn!
My wonderful bubbles of hope were shot down by an angry badger.
- Khristine Hvam is a good narrator. However, she is a terrible fit for Chronicles of Elantra. Surprise! Not a good fit for the Wolves of Elantra either. Her narration has a negative affect on the story. Characters are more disgruntled, whiny, etc. None of the good parts are highlighted. I can say that because I've read CoE books many times and only listened to them for convenience.
- The book was an awkward setup that had too much tell and not enough show. Severn was a side character in the novel vs being the focus.
- The book will not be a good intro to anyone who has not read CoE. There's not enough in the story to flesh out the awesome cast of characters, including Severn. The novel was a good embellishment on what I already know about the characters and events.
Am I going to get the next book? Yup. I have hope that #2 will be more like what I had expected for #1.
August 7, 2020
I am a long-time Cast series fan. That has to be said at the beginning, otherwise no one will trust my reviews anymore. So this review (and this book, IMO) is for you other fans out there. Those other people who have read through all 14 (soon to be 15) books.
If that doesn’t describe you, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and go back and read Cast in Shadow. If you try to read this book without reading the series first you will be confused. Worse you won’t care about what you are reading because you have no history to ground you in these characters.
But for us fans, wow it was great. I was so excited to get the facts from Severn’s POV. I was happy we finally got to experience Severn’s fateful meeting with Nightshade when he still lived in the fiefs. I liked hearing what other Barani thought of Teela, and realizing how much Teela’s presence protected Kaylin even in the early years. We also got to see inside of the most mysterious branch of the Halls of Law, the Wolves. In the Cast series, we never meet the Lord of Wolves, despite Severn interacting with him several times.
So despite the plot of this novel revolving around a murder, what made it great were the cameo appearances by characters we already knew. It had the right mix of new plot, supported by characters you already feel connected to (Ybelline!) and tantalizing hints of future adventures. I can’t be the only person dying to know how Severn came to speak Barani after reading this, and umm, the magic thing? So many questions. I can only hope there is at least one more book forthcoming to continue his story. Go read it when it comes out. 4.5 stars.
If that doesn’t describe you, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and go back and read Cast in Shadow. If you try to read this book without reading the series first you will be confused. Worse you won’t care about what you are reading because you have no history to ground you in these characters.
But for us fans, wow it was great. I was so excited to get the facts from Severn’s POV. I was happy we finally got to experience Severn’s fateful meeting with Nightshade when he still lived in the fiefs. I liked hearing what other Barani thought of Teela, and realizing how much Teela’s presence protected Kaylin even in the early years. We also got to see inside of the most mysterious branch of the Halls of Law, the Wolves. In the Cast series, we never meet the Lord of Wolves, despite Severn interacting with him several times.
So despite the plot of this novel revolving around a murder, what made it great were the cameo appearances by characters we already knew. It had the right mix of new plot, supported by characters you already feel connected to (Ybelline!) and tantalizing hints of future adventures. I can’t be the only person dying to know how Severn came to speak Barani after reading this, and umm, the magic thing? So many questions. I can only hope there is at least one more book forthcoming to continue his story. Go read it when it comes out. 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
“How long have you harbored suspicions?” “I am by natural inclination suspicious. It saves both time and—in mortal terms—heartache.”
Multi-species fantasy in a proto-Asian medieval empire. With a dragon emperor, immortals, and magic what could go wrong? Much verbal and psychological sparring. Intensely introspective. No action per se.
“This is like magic.” “It’s not like magic. It is magic. And no, I have no idea how the magic works.”
Deeply immersive of point-of-view characters, but POV changes are seldom defined. In fact, the whole thing is dialogue and stage directions. Descriptions of setting, character, and action are so minimal as to not exist. The only clue of Asian-ness is the cover art by Shane Rebenschied.
“Hope is perilous. We take risks because we have hope. We extend ourselves. We fail to understand too much because we look only to a bright, shining future, a place different from the one we now occupy.”
Well done but not everyone’s cup of tea.
“Some losses are far worse than the fear of simple death.” “Until one is in the jaws of that death.” “Until then.”
Multi-species fantasy in a proto-Asian medieval empire. With a dragon emperor, immortals, and magic what could go wrong? Much verbal and psychological sparring. Intensely introspective. No action per se.
“This is like magic.” “It’s not like magic. It is magic. And no, I have no idea how the magic works.”
Deeply immersive of point-of-view characters, but POV changes are seldom defined. In fact, the whole thing is dialogue and stage directions. Descriptions of setting, character, and action are so minimal as to not exist. The only clue of Asian-ness is the cover art by Shane Rebenschied.
“Hope is perilous. We take risks because we have hope. We extend ourselves. We fail to understand too much because we look only to a bright, shining future, a place different from the one we now occupy.”
Well done but not everyone’s cup of tea.
“Some losses are far worse than the fear of simple death.” “Until one is in the jaws of that death.” “Until then.”
December 12, 2022
I've had this book sitting on my kindle since it released. I was reluctant to read it, though I didn't have a really firm reason why. The Elantra series is one of my favorites ... and I love Severn. But I wasn't sure that I'd feel engaged with the story if it is missing all the characters I know (except Severn, obviously), and doesn't have Kaylin at the heart. So it sat and sat on the kindle.
Well, I finally picked it up, and I'm so glad I did. Severn's a great, tortured character, and getting to fill in the gaps on what he was doing in the years that he and Kaylin are separated is interesting. He's also so much more than he seems, which has always been dangled in the core Elantra series ... but is so much more present here. I want to know everything about him, about his childhood and parents. I want to know how this boy was so adult and self-possessed at 10 that he managed to take responsibility for a child. And love her utterly.
And I want Kaylin to know these things. I want she and Severn to stop dancing around each other, and their past hurts, and connect as they're meant to.
As an added bonus in these prequel books, we get more interaction with the Emperor. He's a fascinating character, and I like him quite a lot. He's got a surprising compassion for the people in his Empire - he structured the whole thing to protect mortals - and so the tension he must live with, having to make hard choices that hurt some of them in order to protect the whole, is great to see. He's a wonderful character, and honestly must have great compassion overall given that he hasn't wiped out the Barrani after they committed genocide against his people. The Barrani are - with a few exceptions - fucking terrible. Them in charge would be a nightmare for any non-Barrani. The dragons, though prickly, are truly the protectors of the world ... the Barrani are the monsters who consider everyone else beneath them, and so are the dragons' greatest foe. Individuals among the Barrani may be decent, but as a whole, they are a despicable people. Even core secondary characters - Nightshade, the Consort, much of the cohort - have repeatedly made choices entirely driven by selfishness or self-importance. That's not to say the dragons are perfect, but they seem to be, at heart, protectors. We see that with Bellusdeo and her people, and the more we see of the Emperor, the more it is clear he is the same.
Definitely enjoying it. Reading the second Severn book now, and that will probably lead into a re-read of the whole Elantra series, haha.
Edit to add: if you're new to Elantra, I DO NOT recommend you start with this book. Yes, chronologically it is the beginning, but it leans hard into the world-building already done in the primary series. If you want to start, start there. I'd say read at least the first 3 books before picking up these prequel books.
Well, I finally picked it up, and I'm so glad I did. Severn's a great, tortured character, and getting to fill in the gaps on what he was doing in the years that he and Kaylin are separated is interesting. He's also so much more than he seems, which has always been dangled in the core Elantra series ... but is so much more present here. I want to know everything about him, about his childhood and parents. I want to know how this boy was so adult and self-possessed at 10 that he managed to take responsibility for a child. And love her utterly.
And I want Kaylin to know these things. I want she and Severn to stop dancing around each other, and their past hurts, and connect as they're meant to.
As an added bonus in these prequel books, we get more interaction with the Emperor. He's a fascinating character, and I like him quite a lot. He's got a surprising compassion for the people in his Empire - he structured the whole thing to protect mortals - and so the tension he must live with, having to make hard choices that hurt some of them in order to protect the whole, is great to see. He's a wonderful character, and honestly must have great compassion overall given that he hasn't wiped out the Barrani after they committed genocide against his people. The Barrani are - with a few exceptions - fucking terrible. Them in charge would be a nightmare for any non-Barrani. The dragons, though prickly, are truly the protectors of the world ... the Barrani are the monsters who consider everyone else beneath them, and so are the dragons' greatest foe. Individuals among the Barrani may be decent, but as a whole, they are a despicable people. Even core secondary characters - Nightshade, the Consort, much of the cohort - have repeatedly made choices entirely driven by selfishness or self-importance. That's not to say the dragons are perfect, but they seem to be, at heart, protectors. We see that with Bellusdeo and her people, and the more we see of the Emperor, the more it is clear he is the same.
Definitely enjoying it. Reading the second Severn book now, and that will probably lead into a re-read of the whole Elantra series, haha.
Edit to add: if you're new to Elantra, I DO NOT recommend you start with this book. Yes, chronologically it is the beginning, but it leans hard into the world-building already done in the primary series. If you want to start, start there. I'd say read at least the first 3 books before picking up these prequel books.
July 17, 2020
While reading the Chronicles of Elantra, I always wished we had dug into Severn’s history. That wish has finally come true! I was lucky enough to gain access to an ARC and I can’t wait to add a finished copy to my library.
February 7, 2022
I loved the quiet energy that emenates from Severn Handred. Talk about the quiet achiever! The Emperor’s Wolves fills in behind the-scene gaps of the early Elantra stories. (Albeit I didn’t know there were gaps until now!) I’ve always admired and wondered about Severn. He is a gift that reveals so much, as the past, present and future are intertwined. Severn becoming a Shadow Wolf, his composure in this strong tale, is amazing. Honor and integrity are key elements of his personality. His relationship with Ybelline of the Tha’alani, so respectful and without prejudice.
Severn’s story rounds out and strengthens the Elantra series and Private Kaylin Neya.
I remember Severn and Kaylin’s reunion (for want of a better word) with the Hawklord in Cast in Secret with a grin. Very volatile!
Just loving this Wolves of Elantra beginning story for its action, for Severn, and for the reminders of the Chronicles of Elantra, one of my favorite fantasy series.
I’m looking forward to reading more in these very rewarding spin-off tales. There are secrets here! “Here be dragons” as the old map makers used to denote, literally and figuratively!
Severn’s story rounds out and strengthens the Elantra series and Private Kaylin Neya.
I remember Severn and Kaylin’s reunion (for want of a better word) with the Hawklord in Cast in Secret with a grin. Very volatile!
Just loving this Wolves of Elantra beginning story for its action, for Severn, and for the reminders of the Chronicles of Elantra, one of my favorite fantasy series.
I’m looking forward to reading more in these very rewarding spin-off tales. There are secrets here! “Here be dragons” as the old map makers used to denote, literally and figuratively!
October 18, 2020
Surprisingly good. I believe I prefer this spinoff to the original series. I will be following this series going forward.
December 30, 2024
First in The Wolves of Elantra fantasy series (and 0.1 in The Chronicles of Elantra series) revolving around Severn Handred, the Wolf first assigned to work with Kaylin Neya in
Cast in Shadow
, 1.
My Take
Sagara has, er, had been making me wonder about Severn and how he ended up with the Wolves. Now, at last, we get to find out.
I love that we learn more about Kaylin's background from Severn's perspective. How her mother gave him a safe place and what he did for them and for Kaylin when Tara died.
It's an interesting puzzle Sagara has set with the emperor setting up these Halls of Law to protect humans, a race considered little better than animals by dragons, Barrani, and shifters. For Elluvian simply doesn't get it, why the emperor would want to protect them and Severn's actions give him a bit of insight.
Hmm, Sagara is setting up a mystery around Severn, and I'm'a wonderin' if there's gonna be a prequel to this prequel! That boy knows more than he should — language, weapons skills — even if he doesn't know how he learned so much. I love that he doesn't back down. He pushes. He pokes.
I also absolutely love how Severn — Sagara uses a third person global subjective point-of-view with the primary perspective coming from Severn — approaches the Tha'alanari. That boy always surprises, lol. It's such a sweet relief for the Tha'alanari what with the threats they've endured from everyone else.
Sagara does, however, confuse the heck out of me with her description of the Tha'alanari yet she talks about them as if they themselves don't know about the Tha'alanari. I think that the Tha'alaan, the group mind, are the people, but the Tha'alanari are those Tha'alaan who can reach out to protect those Tha'alaan whose minds are not strong enough to endure all that might come at them. I know. It's convoluted, and the best way I can think of to express what I'm thinking. Hmmm, scary.
The way the other Barrani treat Elluvian gives you a good idea of how their race works. Oy.
We do get a succinctly summarized history on An'Teela, and a lot quicker than the slow reveal we get in The Chronicles of Elantra, *grin*. She is a power! I am dying to read how an encounter goes when Severn meets Teela!
There are many tensions in this from the tricky games of the Barrani court, the tests set for Severn, the questions of the past, their fears . . .
She's created an intricate world with different customs, eyes that reflect the emotions of certain races, histories of each with their attendant hates and fears, and pulls it all together through Severn, helping us to see them through his eyes.
It's a mystery with action that's more of the intellect than via muscle with a cast of characters you can't possibly expect.
And it's a lack of information that can lead to so much horror.
The Story
A young orphan dedicated to his survival, young Severn Handred has crossed the river Ablayne, tracking a Hawk patrol — a not insignificant feat to go otherwise undetected — that finds Elluvian intent on recruiting the boy.
In order to become a wolf — even on probation — Severn must face the investigators most dreaded throughout the Empire: The Tha'alani, readers of minds. No secret is safe from their prying, no knowledge can remain buried. But Severn's secret, never shared before, is not enough to prevent the Wolves from adopting him as one of their own. All men have secrets, after all.
Severn's first job will be joining a hunt, but between the treacherous politics of the High Court, the almost unnatural interest of one of the Lords, and those who wish long-held secrets to remain buried forever, the trick will be surviving it.
And all due to a Barrani wanting a sense of belonging, the warmth of acceptance.
The Characters
Elantra, the heart of the empire, was created to watch over the seven fiefs. Dariandaros of the Ebon Flight is a dragon and the emperor of Elantra. Each dragon finds a hoard, and the emperor's is the city and the empire. I think the Dragon Flights were the dragon armies.
Severn Handred is a child of the fiefs who continues to protect Elianne.
The Halls of Law are . . .
. . . divided into three divisions: the Hawks, the Swords, and the Wolves.
The Imperial Wolves are . . .
. . . shadow executioners for the emperor who do not operate in secret, although some do retrieve escaped criminals to bring them to trial. Elluvian of Danarre, a Barrani and considered a friend by the emperor, still has no idea why the Wolves exist — and he's chosen them for centuries. Helmat Marlin is the Lord of Wolves, in charge of them. Renzo had been a Wolf until he went too far. Other Wolves include the now deskbound Rosen, the skilled but still immature Mellianne, Jaren, and Darrell, who had delusions of grandeur but allowed himself to be goaded.
Saidh Mankev is in charge of Imperial Security.
Dogan Sapson is a witness in jail. Jenson was an unfortunate witness.
The Imperial Hawks are . . .
. . . the police of Elantra and led by Lord Grammayre, an Aerian. Lord An'Teela of the Barrani High Court, who carries Kariannos , one of The Three, is also a Hawk. Her partner is Tain of Korrin, another Barrani. An'Tella has taken under her protection a young girl marked as Chosen, Kaylin Neya. Sergeant Marcus Kassan is a Leontine who mans the desk.
Nightshade is . . .
. . . is one of the seven fiefs in Elantra and is ruled by Lord Nightshade, Calarnenne, who carries one of The Three.
Tara had been Elianne's mother who died eight years ago when Elianne had been five. Jade and Steffi are those children whom Elianne brought into their little family. Benito, the son of a man who let them steal food, also had the marks, and he died. Tina was next. Then Anali, Amal, Shardan, Lina . . .
The Tha'alaan are . . .
. . . a race of natural telepaths with a group mind, forced to work for the emperor. The traitorous Adellos Coran'alani is the castelord. The Tha'alanari are a group of Tha'alaans who have demonstrated an ability to keep their thoughts from the group mind. Some of those who are Tha'alanari include Garadin; Scoros, who had taught Ybelline; Timorri, one of the emperor's examiners, who became disabled; Draalzyn, who works in Missing Persons; and, Ybelline Rabon'alani, whom we meet while she is still heir.
The Barrani are . . .
. . . nearly immortal and see themselves as superior to all others, and do they ever curse being ruled by Dragons. Their children are raised with the ambition to gain power, playing games that include murder. Their High Court is led by the High Lord. The West March is Barrani but not part of the emperor's hoard. An'Tellarus is ancient and powerful with many regrets. She also suspects Verranian of something to do with Severn. Hmmm . . . A possibility that Severn is an answer to her search? Corvallan is of the line Mellarionne, a younger cousin of the current An'Mellarionne. His wife, Cassandre, is of the line Casarre. Today's An'Sennarin is an elementalist with an affinity for water.
Alsanis is a Hallione who has become a jail.
The Humans
Who'd've thunk? Even the humans have a caste court. Lord Montrose is one of a limited number of lords who preside over the human caste court.
Evanton is the Keeper of an elemental garden, the Keeper's Garden, on Elani Street. The Arcanum is an ancient institute that predates the Empire where magic is studied. Their Imperial Mages serve the Emperor of whom Johannes is one.
At the heart of the fiefs is . . .
. . . Ravellon from whence the Ferals come at night. It was once the heart of the world with doors to entirely different worlds.
The Cold Case
Layan was the first victim. Teremaine had been the instigator.
Master Sabrai is in charge of the Oracle Hall where Random is an Oracle. Tessa, Jerrin, and Tobi are Tha'alani children. Ollarin, a.k.a. Sennarin, is a Barrani who visited Random. Teremaine had been the instigator.
The Cover and Title
The cover is soft in a nearly transparent beige of a mountain range with a deeper brown dovetail banner with its bottom split into two points hanging from a thick rod held up with tasseled cords suspended from a wolf's head in profile. On the banner is a building skyline with an Asian feel, pink clouds behind it, and a full moon glowing behind it all. At the top is the series info in brown with a double horizontal line below it, also in brown. The title, in black, begins halfway down the banner. Overlapping the flapping left tip is an info blurb in brown with the author's name immediately following in black.
The title is our introduction to The Emperor's Wolves and its latest recruit.
My Take
Sagara has, er, had been making me wonder about Severn and how he ended up with the Wolves. Now, at last, we get to find out.
I love that we learn more about Kaylin's background from Severn's perspective. How her mother gave him a safe place and what he did for them and for Kaylin when Tara died.
It's an interesting puzzle Sagara has set with the emperor setting up these Halls of Law to protect humans, a race considered little better than animals by dragons, Barrani, and shifters. For Elluvian simply doesn't get it, why the emperor would want to protect them and Severn's actions give him a bit of insight.
Hmm, Sagara is setting up a mystery around Severn, and I'm'a wonderin' if there's gonna be a prequel to this prequel! That boy knows more than he should — language, weapons skills — even if he doesn't know how he learned so much. I love that he doesn't back down. He pushes. He pokes.
I also absolutely love how Severn — Sagara uses a third person global subjective point-of-view with the primary perspective coming from Severn — approaches the Tha'alanari. That boy always surprises, lol. It's such a sweet relief for the Tha'alanari what with the threats they've endured from everyone else.
Sagara does, however, confuse the heck out of me with her description of the Tha'alanari yet she talks about them as if they themselves don't know about the Tha'alanari. I think that the Tha'alaan, the group mind, are the people, but the Tha'alanari are those Tha'alaan who can reach out to protect those Tha'alaan whose minds are not strong enough to endure all that might come at them. I know. It's convoluted, and the best way I can think of to express what I'm thinking. Hmmm, scary.
The way the other Barrani treat Elluvian gives you a good idea of how their race works. Oy.
We do get a succinctly summarized history on An'Teela, and a lot quicker than the slow reveal we get in The Chronicles of Elantra, *grin*. She is a power! I am dying to read how an encounter goes when Severn meets Teela!
There are many tensions in this from the tricky games of the Barrani court, the tests set for Severn, the questions of the past, their fears . . .
"If we accept that power is the only legitimate ruler, nothing changes. We are valued only in that we are useful to the powerful."I know, Sagara tends to write in a roundabout way, keeping you guessing and wondering what's going on, and it certainly keeps my brain engaged!
She's created an intricate world with different customs, eyes that reflect the emotions of certain races, histories of each with their attendant hates and fears, and pulls it all together through Severn, helping us to see them through his eyes.
It's a mystery with action that's more of the intellect than via muscle with a cast of characters you can't possibly expect.
And it's a lack of information that can lead to so much horror.
The Story
A young orphan dedicated to his survival, young Severn Handred has crossed the river Ablayne, tracking a Hawk patrol — a not insignificant feat to go otherwise undetected — that finds Elluvian intent on recruiting the boy.
In order to become a wolf — even on probation — Severn must face the investigators most dreaded throughout the Empire: The Tha'alani, readers of minds. No secret is safe from their prying, no knowledge can remain buried. But Severn's secret, never shared before, is not enough to prevent the Wolves from adopting him as one of their own. All men have secrets, after all.
Severn's first job will be joining a hunt, but between the treacherous politics of the High Court, the almost unnatural interest of one of the Lords, and those who wish long-held secrets to remain buried forever, the trick will be surviving it.
And all due to a Barrani wanting a sense of belonging, the warmth of acceptance.
The Characters
Elantra, the heart of the empire, was created to watch over the seven fiefs. Dariandaros of the Ebon Flight is a dragon and the emperor of Elantra. Each dragon finds a hoard, and the emperor's is the city and the empire. I think the Dragon Flights were the dragon armies.
Severn Handred is a child of the fiefs who continues to protect Elianne.
The Halls of Law are . . .
. . . divided into three divisions: the Hawks, the Swords, and the Wolves.
The Imperial Wolves are . . .
. . . shadow executioners for the emperor who do not operate in secret, although some do retrieve escaped criminals to bring them to trial. Elluvian of Danarre, a Barrani and considered a friend by the emperor, still has no idea why the Wolves exist — and he's chosen them for centuries. Helmat Marlin is the Lord of Wolves, in charge of them. Renzo had been a Wolf until he went too far. Other Wolves include the now deskbound Rosen, the skilled but still immature Mellianne, Jaren, and Darrell, who had delusions of grandeur but allowed himself to be goaded.
Saidh Mankev is in charge of Imperial Security.
Dogan Sapson is a witness in jail. Jenson was an unfortunate witness.
The Imperial Hawks are . . .
. . . the police of Elantra and led by Lord Grammayre, an Aerian. Lord An'Teela of the Barrani High Court, who carries Kariannos , one of The Three, is also a Hawk. Her partner is Tain of Korrin, another Barrani. An'Tella has taken under her protection a young girl marked as Chosen, Kaylin Neya. Sergeant Marcus Kassan is a Leontine who mans the desk.
Nightshade is . . .
. . . is one of the seven fiefs in Elantra and is ruled by Lord Nightshade, Calarnenne, who carries one of The Three.
Tara had been Elianne's mother who died eight years ago when Elianne had been five. Jade and Steffi are those children whom Elianne brought into their little family. Benito, the son of a man who let them steal food, also had the marks, and he died. Tina was next. Then Anali, Amal, Shardan, Lina . . .
The Tha'alaan are . . .
. . . a race of natural telepaths with a group mind, forced to work for the emperor. The traitorous Adellos Coran'alani is the castelord. The Tha'alanari are a group of Tha'alaans who have demonstrated an ability to keep their thoughts from the group mind. Some of those who are Tha'alanari include Garadin; Scoros, who had taught Ybelline; Timorri, one of the emperor's examiners, who became disabled; Draalzyn, who works in Missing Persons; and, Ybelline Rabon'alani, whom we meet while she is still heir.
The Barrani are . . .
. . . nearly immortal and see themselves as superior to all others, and do they ever curse being ruled by Dragons. Their children are raised with the ambition to gain power, playing games that include murder. Their High Court is led by the High Lord. The West March is Barrani but not part of the emperor's hoard. An'Tellarus is ancient and powerful with many regrets. She also suspects Verranian of something to do with Severn. Hmmm . . . A possibility that Severn is an answer to her search? Corvallan is of the line Mellarionne, a younger cousin of the current An'Mellarionne. His wife, Cassandre, is of the line Casarre. Today's An'Sennarin is an elementalist with an affinity for water.
Alsanis is a Hallione who has become a jail.
The Humans
Who'd've thunk? Even the humans have a caste court. Lord Montrose is one of a limited number of lords who preside over the human caste court.
Evanton is the Keeper of an elemental garden, the Keeper's Garden, on Elani Street. The Arcanum is an ancient institute that predates the Empire where magic is studied. Their Imperial Mages serve the Emperor of whom Johannes is one.
At the heart of the fiefs is . . .
. . . Ravellon from whence the Ferals come at night. It was once the heart of the world with doors to entirely different worlds.
The Cold Case
Layan was the first victim. Teremaine had been the instigator.
Master Sabrai is in charge of the Oracle Hall where Random is an Oracle. Tessa, Jerrin, and Tobi are Tha'alani children. Ollarin, a.k.a. Sennarin, is a Barrani who visited Random. Teremaine had been the instigator.
The Cover and Title
The cover is soft in a nearly transparent beige of a mountain range with a deeper brown dovetail banner with its bottom split into two points hanging from a thick rod held up with tasseled cords suspended from a wolf's head in profile. On the banner is a building skyline with an Asian feel, pink clouds behind it, and a full moon glowing behind it all. At the top is the series info in brown with a double horizontal line below it, also in brown. The title, in black, begins halfway down the banner. Overlapping the flapping left tip is an info blurb in brown with the author's name immediately following in black.
The title is our introduction to The Emperor's Wolves and its latest recruit.
May 29, 2024
The Emperor’s Wolves begins with an immediate character dump. LOTS of characters, different clans, various POVs, and multiple storylines abound.
This is marketed as the first book in the Wolves of Elantra series, but what I didn’t know is that it’s also an extension of the Chronicles of Elantra series, which I haven’t read. I don’t recommend reading this book until you’ve read the previous series. I was lost through a lot of this book. While I understood enough of it to follow along, nothing really clicked because so much relied on prior knowledge of how these clans work and connect. Consequently, I was never really invested in the story.
I listened to the audiobook. Khristine Hvam does a great job with the narration, but she’s only one person trying to differentiate a whole lot of voices. I think this book would have benefited from a full cast narration, which would have helped me keep the characters straight in my head.
This is marketed as the first book in the Wolves of Elantra series, but what I didn’t know is that it’s also an extension of the Chronicles of Elantra series, which I haven’t read. I don’t recommend reading this book until you’ve read the previous series. I was lost through a lot of this book. While I understood enough of it to follow along, nothing really clicked because so much relied on prior knowledge of how these clans work and connect. Consequently, I was never really invested in the story.
I listened to the audiobook. Khristine Hvam does a great job with the narration, but she’s only one person trying to differentiate a whole lot of voices. I think this book would have benefited from a full cast narration, which would have helped me keep the characters straight in my head.
August 20, 2020
Wow. Really, wow. This is an exceptional addition to the Elantra series. We learn more intriguing details about Severn's history, and are left with tantalizing questions. Sagara hit a home run with this. I cannot wait for more.
October 12, 2020
I received a copy of The Emperor's Wolves in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Emperor's Wolves, by Michelle Sagara, is the first novel in the Wolves of Elantra series. However, fans of Sagara will certainly recognize the world and characters within. This series is a direct spin-off of the Chronicles of Elantra series, and focuses on one of my favorite characters of all time.
Severn Handred grew up in the fiefs. He proved his willingness to do anything and everything to protect somebody he loved. Now, he's trying to find a path through life, while carrying the guilt of his actions.
His skills, determination, and personality make him a strong candidate for the Wolves. They, like the Hawks, are an organization that upholds the law in Elantra. However, they are considered to be a darker branch, and are frequently (and not entirely incorrectly) considered to be the assassins for the Emperor.
It doesn't take long before Severn, a probationary Wolf, finds himself in a case that should quickly have gone over his head. However, Severn has always been a quiet and confident character, and this tale shows how he grew into the character we all know him as.
“To live as a Wolf, you must be true to the principles you have chosen to uphold. Those principles cannot be rocked or shaken by anger, by grief; they cannot be ignored when convenient. The act you commit, you commit for a reason, and that certainty is what hold you above the abyss.”
First, I just have to tell you this; when I learned that Michelle Sagara was writing a novel about Severn, I just about lost my mind. He's my favorite character, not just of the series, but arguably in general. So getting a novel (and now, what appears to be a series) heavily focused on him is basically a dream come true.
To say that I had high expectations going into The Emperor's Wolves would be a massive understatement. And yet, this novel blew all of those hopes, expectations, and dreams out of the water. It was an exciting read, portraying the backstory of a beloved and frequently understated character.
I feel like this is the journey many of us fans have been waiting to hear. We know so much about Kaylin and her past (obviously), and thus the past of her allies. Except for Severn. His backstory only ever came up in context of Kaylin, and thus ended when they two weren't near each other.
This novel begins to fill in those gaps. Honestly, I had expected the novel to cover the entire time period that they were separated. It does not – it is very much the beginning of a new series, and Sagara isn't afraid to provide the same level of detail to Severn's series.
A fact that I adored. Give me another novel, another ten novels, surrounding Severn, and I guarantee you that I will read every single one of them. I'm not sure what I loved more about this novel – the chance to learn more about his history, his personality, or how he became so confident as a wolf.
“If I don't know the laws, I won't know when I'm breaking them.”
“Use common sense.”
“I grew up in the fiefs.”
I should mention that The Emperor's Wolves surprised me on more than one occasion. It's a good surprise, don't worry. I wasn't expecting to recognize so many characters that made appearances in this story. That alone made it clear how well Severn had integrated himself into this new life, all while avoiding being spotted by Kaylin.
Another surprising element? Severn isn't the only perspective provided in this novel. I suppose that shouldn't be as surprising, since it is about the Wolves, and as such, any number of those characters could easily steal the focus.
All things considered, I adored The Emperor's Wolves and the insight it provided. I cannot wait to see what adventure Severn and his new allies get into next. Likewise, I'm still looking forward to seeing what is happening in the present, with Kaylin and everyone else. However, Cast in Conflict isn't due out until 2021, which leaves plenty of time to reread The Emperor's Wolves!
See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Emperor's Wolves, by Michelle Sagara, is the first novel in the Wolves of Elantra series. However, fans of Sagara will certainly recognize the world and characters within. This series is a direct spin-off of the Chronicles of Elantra series, and focuses on one of my favorite characters of all time.
Severn Handred grew up in the fiefs. He proved his willingness to do anything and everything to protect somebody he loved. Now, he's trying to find a path through life, while carrying the guilt of his actions.
His skills, determination, and personality make him a strong candidate for the Wolves. They, like the Hawks, are an organization that upholds the law in Elantra. However, they are considered to be a darker branch, and are frequently (and not entirely incorrectly) considered to be the assassins for the Emperor.
It doesn't take long before Severn, a probationary Wolf, finds himself in a case that should quickly have gone over his head. However, Severn has always been a quiet and confident character, and this tale shows how he grew into the character we all know him as.
“To live as a Wolf, you must be true to the principles you have chosen to uphold. Those principles cannot be rocked or shaken by anger, by grief; they cannot be ignored when convenient. The act you commit, you commit for a reason, and that certainty is what hold you above the abyss.”
First, I just have to tell you this; when I learned that Michelle Sagara was writing a novel about Severn, I just about lost my mind. He's my favorite character, not just of the series, but arguably in general. So getting a novel (and now, what appears to be a series) heavily focused on him is basically a dream come true.
To say that I had high expectations going into The Emperor's Wolves would be a massive understatement. And yet, this novel blew all of those hopes, expectations, and dreams out of the water. It was an exciting read, portraying the backstory of a beloved and frequently understated character.
I feel like this is the journey many of us fans have been waiting to hear. We know so much about Kaylin and her past (obviously), and thus the past of her allies. Except for Severn. His backstory only ever came up in context of Kaylin, and thus ended when they two weren't near each other.
This novel begins to fill in those gaps. Honestly, I had expected the novel to cover the entire time period that they were separated. It does not – it is very much the beginning of a new series, and Sagara isn't afraid to provide the same level of detail to Severn's series.
A fact that I adored. Give me another novel, another ten novels, surrounding Severn, and I guarantee you that I will read every single one of them. I'm not sure what I loved more about this novel – the chance to learn more about his history, his personality, or how he became so confident as a wolf.
“If I don't know the laws, I won't know when I'm breaking them.”
“Use common sense.”
“I grew up in the fiefs.”
I should mention that The Emperor's Wolves surprised me on more than one occasion. It's a good surprise, don't worry. I wasn't expecting to recognize so many characters that made appearances in this story. That alone made it clear how well Severn had integrated himself into this new life, all while avoiding being spotted by Kaylin.
Another surprising element? Severn isn't the only perspective provided in this novel. I suppose that shouldn't be as surprising, since it is about the Wolves, and as such, any number of those characters could easily steal the focus.
All things considered, I adored The Emperor's Wolves and the insight it provided. I cannot wait to see what adventure Severn and his new allies get into next. Likewise, I'm still looking forward to seeing what is happening in the present, with Kaylin and everyone else. However, Cast in Conflict isn't due out until 2021, which leaves plenty of time to reread The Emperor's Wolves!
See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 19, 2020
This book was not for me. I can appreciate its appeal to those who have loved the entire series of 15-ish books. But here’s the thing, I’ve only read one other, and it shouldn’t have been the recommended standalone choice. So, the characters and world and plot don’t have the immediate draw or enjoyment for me. That’s on me and the way this was introduced to me, not the book itself. I believe that all the readers who have loved this series will truly enjoy this book as well. For me, fantasy books that are series books, need to be read in order for the full experience.
#TheEmpororsWolves #Netgalley #Harlequin #MIRA
#TheEmpororsWolves #Netgalley #Harlequin #MIRA
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December 12, 2020I hadn't read the Chronicles, so I felt that I didn't really get the nuances so the review would be short until I could go back to read the earlier books and re-read this one.
Set in the times of the chronicles, It told the story from Severn's POV where he had to face the mind readers to become a wolf. I loved the writing which could immerse me deep into the story. I was eager to get my hands on the earlier books. I had to skim read this one to get a gist of the plotline.
Hoping to read more of this author in the coming year.
Set in the times of the chronicles, It told the story from Severn's POV where he had to face the mind readers to become a wolf. I loved the writing which could immerse me deep into the story. I was eager to get my hands on the earlier books. I had to skim read this one to get a gist of the plotline.
Hoping to read more of this author in the coming year.
May 2, 2025
This is my fifteenth book in Elantra - I love the world, but needed a break from Kaylin, so this book worked great!
In this series, we follow Severn at the start of his tenure with the Wolves. I read it more or less by publication order, and I think that works well, without spoiling any major points in the main series. Also, not sure the book works as a stand-alone intro into the world.
Severn blends into the background sometimes in CoE, so I really enjoyed having him as a central character. The Wolves were also fantastic (a small, very diverse group of characters), and it was a good choice to offer multiple POVs in this chapter of Severn’s life. We follow a Wolves’ investigation, but there’s also a lot of consideration about politics, what makes a good Wolf, who Severn is as a person.
It was a while before I really understood the investigation/mystery, but it got intriguing quickly after.
Some things we see were hinted at in CoE, but some surprised me a lot (such as all this phenomena around Severn??) Hope some of the characters and points are brought up somehow in the main series, too.
In this series, we follow Severn at the start of his tenure with the Wolves. I read it more or less by publication order, and I think that works well, without spoiling any major points in the main series. Also, not sure the book works as a stand-alone intro into the world.
Severn blends into the background sometimes in CoE, so I really enjoyed having him as a central character. The Wolves were also fantastic (a small, very diverse group of characters), and it was a good choice to offer multiple POVs in this chapter of Severn’s life. We follow a Wolves’ investigation, but there’s also a lot of consideration about politics, what makes a good Wolf, who Severn is as a person.
It was a while before I really understood the investigation/mystery, but it got intriguing quickly after.
Some things we see were hinted at in CoE, but some surprised me a lot (such as all this phenomena around Severn??) Hope some of the characters and points are brought up somehow in the main series, too.
December 15, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Set in the bestselling world of The Chronicles of Elantra, The Emperor's Wolves is a prequel spin-off based on a fan-favorite character Severn Handred, and broadens the beloved fantasy world with another action-packed tale of intrigue and magic. The plot is a mix of fantasy and mystery and the two genres work well together as we get to know about the Wolves and how they work. Handred is an interesting character, he basically has no ego, and has a keen investigative mind, but he's afraid to confront what happened between him and Kaylin Neya who we get a brief peek but nothing more.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Set in the bestselling world of The Chronicles of Elantra, The Emperor's Wolves is a prequel spin-off based on a fan-favorite character Severn Handred, and broadens the beloved fantasy world with another action-packed tale of intrigue and magic. The plot is a mix of fantasy and mystery and the two genres work well together as we get to know about the Wolves and how they work. Handred is an interesting character, he basically has no ego, and has a keen investigative mind, but he's afraid to confront what happened between him and Kaylin Neya who we get a brief peek but nothing more.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 20, 2020
A prequel to the Chronicles of Elantra, detailing how Severn Handred came to join the Wolves, the Emperor's enforcers and assassins. In the process, we learn not only about the Wolves, but also more about the telepathic Thalani.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
September 7, 2020
Book: The Emperor’s Wolves
Author: Michelle Sagara
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Mira Books, for providing me with an ARC.
I honestly think that this was just a book that wasn’t for me. It was poorly written or anything, but I honestly just didn’t care about what was happening. I felt like I was supposed to enjoy this book a lot more than I did, but I just didn’t. I do get why so many people enjoy this book and love the series, but it just wasn’t for me.
I think a big reason was that I found the magic system kind of confusing. It is my understanding that this is a spin off to another series, which I haven’t read before and didn’t realize it was whenever I agreed to read this title. With that being said, I don’t know how well the magic system is fleshed out in the original books, but here it just didn’t seem to come together. I get the idea and all, but I think this is just a magic system that isn’t for me.
The characters were just okay for me as well. They did the job, but I just really didn’t form any kind of connection with them. I do see why people like them and enjoy them, but, again, it’s just another case of this book not being for me.
The writing was engaging and Michelle did a good job of building up the actual world-minus the magic system. She has a pretty simple writing style when it comes to fantasy, which will make this book great for readers who are new to fantasy. I could tell that she put a lot of thought into each word and detail. Had this came across in the magic system, I think the book could have been better.
This is not a bad book by any means, but it just wasn’t for me. However, I would be honest if I said that I fully enjoyed it. I just couldn’t make a connection with it, but that doesn’t mean that someone else won’t.
This book comes out on October 13, 2020.
Author: Michelle Sagara
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Mira Books, for providing me with an ARC.
I honestly think that this was just a book that wasn’t for me. It was poorly written or anything, but I honestly just didn’t care about what was happening. I felt like I was supposed to enjoy this book a lot more than I did, but I just didn’t. I do get why so many people enjoy this book and love the series, but it just wasn’t for me.
I think a big reason was that I found the magic system kind of confusing. It is my understanding that this is a spin off to another series, which I haven’t read before and didn’t realize it was whenever I agreed to read this title. With that being said, I don’t know how well the magic system is fleshed out in the original books, but here it just didn’t seem to come together. I get the idea and all, but I think this is just a magic system that isn’t for me.
The characters were just okay for me as well. They did the job, but I just really didn’t form any kind of connection with them. I do see why people like them and enjoy them, but, again, it’s just another case of this book not being for me.
The writing was engaging and Michelle did a good job of building up the actual world-minus the magic system. She has a pretty simple writing style when it comes to fantasy, which will make this book great for readers who are new to fantasy. I could tell that she put a lot of thought into each word and detail. Had this came across in the magic system, I think the book could have been better.
This is not a bad book by any means, but it just wasn’t for me. However, I would be honest if I said that I fully enjoyed it. I just couldn’t make a connection with it, but that doesn’t mean that someone else won’t.
This book comes out on October 13, 2020.
October 14, 2020
A new view on Elantra
I am split on this book. I hoped that reading it would make me understand Severn better and make him less of a male Mary Sue. It didn’t. In fact, it made him worse. He is as perfect as ever and even more capable and has been since a young age. You do learn more about his past which raises even more questions. Which from the chronicles series raises dangerous expectations since questions from book 1 were never answered.
What sold this book for me was the world building and every other character. They are everything he isn’t. Some are familiar and some are new to on screen for us (like the wolf lord). You get lots from their POV and maybe half or less from Severn. If you love the chronicles of Elantra. You will want to read it. If you are jaded like I am at this point and always struggled with Severn, I will say the plot did not have some of the repetitive nature of the other series (which book 1, I hope this isn’t going to be yet another book about mysterious buildings) but it did have some long chunks of sections where you struggle to process what you are being told and I needed the characters to lay it all out for me.
I am split on this book. I hoped that reading it would make me understand Severn better and make him less of a male Mary Sue. It didn’t. In fact, it made him worse. He is as perfect as ever and even more capable and has been since a young age. You do learn more about his past which raises even more questions. Which from the chronicles series raises dangerous expectations since questions from book 1 were never answered.
What sold this book for me was the world building and every other character. They are everything he isn’t. Some are familiar and some are new to on screen for us (like the wolf lord). You get lots from their POV and maybe half or less from Severn. If you love the chronicles of Elantra. You will want to read it. If you are jaded like I am at this point and always struggled with Severn, I will say the plot did not have some of the repetitive nature of the other series (which book 1, I hope this isn’t going to be yet another book about mysterious buildings) but it did have some long chunks of sections where you struggle to process what you are being told and I needed the characters to lay it all out for me.
November 29, 2020
It was terrific to see the fantasy city of Elantra through Severn’s eyes. I am on Team Severn (although at this point I’m pretty sure that Kaylin, the heroine of. Chronicles of Elantra, will never choose a romantic partner.). Severn is almost a blank slate in Kaylin-centric novels, loyal and competent but so quiet that one never has much sense of who he is. This novel about his joining the Emperor’s Wolves, law enforcement with a license to kill, showcases his bravery, empathy, intelligence, and determination to protect not just Kaylin but all vulnerable people and races. A huge dollop of mystery is added to Severn’s past, which I hope leads to a sequel. This can be read without reading any of the Chronicles of Elantra but the allusions to future events are rewarding for long-time fans of the series.
October 15, 2020
The boring story of Severn and how he became an Empire Wolf.
We know how Severn ended up in the "Cast" series. This story is to fill in the blanks of how he started. How he met Ybelline. Why he is so comfortable with her.
But it is one of the most BORING stories I have read in d decades.
It just goes on and on and on and........😴😴😴
I can't see wasting any money on any future books in this series.
We know how Severn ended up in the "Cast" series. This story is to fill in the blanks of how he started. How he met Ybelline. Why he is so comfortable with her.
But it is one of the most BORING stories I have read in d decades.
It just goes on and on and on and........😴😴😴
I can't see wasting any money on any future books in this series.
August 8, 2020
Such a great book, it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was such a fantastic book! And apparently we're getting 2! Can't wait to see what happens next, and if any of these characters are going to be in the next Kaylin novel!
November 29, 2020
10/13/2020(got book)-11/22/2020(finished reading)
This is the prequel to Cast in Shadow book 1 in the Chronicles of Elantra series.I need the next book pretty please ASAP...!
I don't want this series to ever end, I mean it NEVER!
I give this book 5 stars. What an amazing story. I was excited about this series but scared too. Pfft, I should have just trusted in Sagara's storytelling. It was spellbinding as always. I learned so many new things. I loved seeing this side of the story. It was a blast to find out Severn and Kaylin are both troublemakers, =0p .
I read this book slower than usual. Lately, I have been into BTS and feeling creative so doing a lot of art. Feeling happy. I was able to savor it more so I am glad I went slow. I usually read them in 2-3 days. I have been thinking about re-reading Cast in Shadow again since I just finished this one.
Again, I can't tell you how much I love the world building! This is a very creative, compelling world. I can't say enough about the incredible cast of characters! We meet so many new people and learn more info about our old friends. I have no words. Dang! The world is populated by all sorts of fascinating species: the immortal Barrani, Dragons and Tha'alani, the mortal humans and Leontine and Aerians. Very much in my head during this book as I was in all the others. Such a pleasure!
In awe as always! Really.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self:
Spoilers:
Private Severn Handred(18yo,human,new Wolf,Shadow cub,pupal,partner,Nightshade fiefling, orphan,murderer,ex-pal,mage),
Elluvian of Danarre(En,Barrani,immortal,tracker, Lord of the High Court,Wolves recruiter,Shadow Wolf, assassin,executioner,serves the emperor,pal1,mentor,trainer)
Helmat Marlin(Lord of Wolves,Wolflord,human,assassin,executioner,mentor,trainer,ex-pupal,pal1)
Rosen(Rosie,Wolf,now trainer,has desk duty,Wolflord's secretary,ex-pupal,injured,pal3)
Mellianne(Wolf,ex-pupal,chip on shoulder,pal3)
Jaren(Wolf,ex-pupal,pal3)
Dariandaros of Ebon Flight(Eternal Emperor,dragon,mage)
"Kaylin Neya" (Elianne,13yo,human,Hawk mascot, adopted fledgling,Chosen,mage,healer, Nightshade fiefling,orphan,ex-thief,ex-assassin,ex-pal),
An'Teela(Teela,Hawk,Barrani,immortal, High Court Lord,pal2),Kariannos(1 of 3 Barrani swords,Dragon killer,held by An'Teela) &
Tain of Korrin(Hawk,Barrani,immortal,pal2),
Garadin(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Wolves Halls of Law liaison)
Draalzyn(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Missing Person's Halls of Law appointed)
Ybelline Rabon'alani(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,future castelord,designated heir,ex-pupal)
Scoros(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,her teacher,mentor)
Saidh Mankev(head of Imperial Security)
Evanton(old,Elani St. shop owner,Keeper of Garden,informant)
An'Tellarus(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,old,En's mentor,detritus weapon owner, Alsanis pal, West March born,weapon enthusiast,eccentric)
Corvallan(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,Mellarionne)&
Cassandre(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,his wife)
Master Sabrai(Oracular manager,oracle)
Random(Oracle,she,40's)
Tessa(Tha'alani,potential Tha'alanari,died)
Jerrin(Tha'alani,died)
Tobi(Tha'alani,died)
Ollarin(An'Sennarin,Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,young,mage,elementalist-water)
Teremaine(Barrani,immortal)
Dogan Sapson(witness)
Sergeant Marcus Kassan(Leontine,Hawk,Halls of Law,"Iron Jaw"),
Adellos Coran'alani(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,castelord,attempted murder,teacher,mentor)
Timorri(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Wolves liaison,injured,retired now)
Verranian(Barrani,immortal,mage,weapon enthusiast,Severn's childhood mentor/teacher,MIA)
Nightshade(Calarnenne,Outcast Barrani Lord,fieflord,crime lord, holds 1 of 3 swords)[Meliannos(Nightshades sword,2nd dragon killer weapon)]
High Lord(Barrani, immortal,Lord of the High Court,holds 1 of 3 swords)
Johannes(Imperial mage)
Lord Grammayre(Aerian,Hawklord, Halls of Law,Marcus' boss)
This is the prequel to Cast in Shadow book 1 in the Chronicles of Elantra series.I need the next book pretty please ASAP...!
I don't want this series to ever end, I mean it NEVER!
I give this book 5 stars. What an amazing story. I was excited about this series but scared too. Pfft, I should have just trusted in Sagara's storytelling. It was spellbinding as always. I learned so many new things. I loved seeing this side of the story. It was a blast to find out Severn and Kaylin are both troublemakers, =0p .
I read this book slower than usual. Lately, I have been into BTS and feeling creative so doing a lot of art. Feeling happy. I was able to savor it more so I am glad I went slow. I usually read them in 2-3 days. I have been thinking about re-reading Cast in Shadow again since I just finished this one.
Again, I can't tell you how much I love the world building! This is a very creative, compelling world. I can't say enough about the incredible cast of characters! We meet so many new people and learn more info about our old friends. I have no words. Dang! The world is populated by all sorts of fascinating species: the immortal Barrani, Dragons and Tha'alani, the mortal humans and Leontine and Aerians. Very much in my head during this book as I was in all the others. Such a pleasure!
In awe as always! Really.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self:
Spoilers:
Private Severn Handred(18yo,human,new Wolf,Shadow cub,pupal,partner,Nightshade fiefling, orphan,murderer,ex-pal,mage),
Elluvian of Danarre(En,Barrani,immortal,tracker, Lord of the High Court,Wolves recruiter,Shadow Wolf, assassin,executioner,serves the emperor,pal1,mentor,trainer)
Helmat Marlin(Lord of Wolves,Wolflord,human,assassin,executioner,mentor,trainer,ex-pupal,pal1)
Rosen(Rosie,Wolf,now trainer,has desk duty,Wolflord's secretary,ex-pupal,injured,pal3)
Mellianne(Wolf,ex-pupal,chip on shoulder,pal3)
Jaren(Wolf,ex-pupal,pal3)
Dariandaros of Ebon Flight(Eternal Emperor,dragon,mage)
"Kaylin Neya" (Elianne,13yo,human,Hawk mascot, adopted fledgling,Chosen,mage,healer, Nightshade fiefling,orphan,ex-thief,ex-assassin,ex-pal),
An'Teela(Teela,Hawk,Barrani,immortal, High Court Lord,pal2),Kariannos(1 of 3 Barrani swords,Dragon killer,held by An'Teela) &
Tain of Korrin(Hawk,Barrani,immortal,pal2),
Garadin(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Wolves Halls of Law liaison)
Draalzyn(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Missing Person's Halls of Law appointed)
Ybelline Rabon'alani(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,future castelord,designated heir,ex-pupal)
Scoros(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,her teacher,mentor)
Saidh Mankev(head of Imperial Security)
Evanton(old,Elani St. shop owner,Keeper of Garden,informant)
An'Tellarus(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,old,En's mentor,detritus weapon owner, Alsanis pal, West March born,weapon enthusiast,eccentric)
Corvallan(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,Mellarionne)&
Cassandre(Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,his wife)
Master Sabrai(Oracular manager,oracle)
Random(Oracle,she,40's)
Tessa(Tha'alani,potential Tha'alanari,died)
Jerrin(Tha'alani,died)
Tobi(Tha'alani,died)
Ollarin(An'Sennarin,Barrani,immortal, Lord of the High Court,young,mage,elementalist-water)
Teremaine(Barrani,immortal)
Dogan Sapson(witness)
Sergeant Marcus Kassan(Leontine,Hawk,Halls of Law,"Iron Jaw"),
Adellos Coran'alani(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,castelord,attempted murder,teacher,mentor)
Timorri(Tha'alani,Tha'alanari,telepath,Wolves liaison,injured,retired now)
Verranian(Barrani,immortal,mage,weapon enthusiast,Severn's childhood mentor/teacher,MIA)
Nightshade(Calarnenne,Outcast Barrani Lord,fieflord,crime lord, holds 1 of 3 swords)[Meliannos(Nightshades sword,2nd dragon killer weapon)]
High Lord(Barrani, immortal,Lord of the High Court,holds 1 of 3 swords)
Johannes(Imperial mage)
Lord Grammayre(Aerian,Hawklord, Halls of Law,Marcus' boss)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
Having had the pleasure of first exploring Elantra through the eyes of heroine, and Severin counterpart Kalin. I can say without A doubt that this is A very well done start to unraveling the curiosity that has always been Severance past. As well as the rather enigmatic role of the Wolves within Elantra's justice system.
For the most part. Things work quite the same way that they do with the Hawk branch. Which readers became quite familiar with during the course of Kalin's tale.
With the exception of the shadow branch of Wolves. Who act as secret assassins at the Emperor's behest.
True to form however Ms. Sagara gave detailed descriptions of each of the many races which both comprised and interacted with the Wolves.
The bulk of which is central to the Barani, Tha'alaani, and Draconian races.
Particularly how they express and understand emotion.
This is in fact, the only detractor that I have for this story. Because so much time is spent on descriptions and explainations for things like eye color. (That is a rather subliminal way that most of the races of this world communicate.)
That one is apt to become sidetracked from the main point of the storyline.
Which happens to be...
Murder.
It must be said that their seems to be a great deal less political positioning in this offering. Leading one to wonder if that will be the way of things in future.
Or of this is simply due to the fact that this case centers around more spiritual elements.
This again, is a wonderful start to what promises to be an awesome series
And this reviewer can't wait to follow where it leads.
*Thank you to Mira and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based.
For the most part. Things work quite the same way that they do with the Hawk branch. Which readers became quite familiar with during the course of Kalin's tale.
With the exception of the shadow branch of Wolves. Who act as secret assassins at the Emperor's behest.
True to form however Ms. Sagara gave detailed descriptions of each of the many races which both comprised and interacted with the Wolves.
The bulk of which is central to the Barani, Tha'alaani, and Draconian races.
Particularly how they express and understand emotion.
This is in fact, the only detractor that I have for this story. Because so much time is spent on descriptions and explainations for things like eye color. (That is a rather subliminal way that most of the races of this world communicate.)
That one is apt to become sidetracked from the main point of the storyline.
Which happens to be...
Murder.
It must be said that their seems to be a great deal less political positioning in this offering. Leading one to wonder if that will be the way of things in future.
Or of this is simply due to the fact that this case centers around more spiritual elements.
This again, is a wonderful start to what promises to be an awesome series
And this reviewer can't wait to follow where it leads.
*Thank you to Mira and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based.
October 29, 2020
I enjoyed this one. I was not expecting this spinoff as I have fallen behind in the original series, but it was nice to see early events through Severn’s eyes and to see a different view of the empire and the different races. Also, my favorite narrator read the audio, which is how I was able to read this book. Libro.fm kindly provided the audiobook as part of their monthly ALC program.
I do think that if you haven’t read the original series, you might be lost in a few spots for brief periods of time. That being said, the author provided so much world information in info dumps throughout the story, woven into Severn’s learning of things and about people, so new readers to the world should be able to follow along well enough. There are plenty of foreshadowing moments as well for anyone who might start with this series and then pick up Kaylin’s book series. They were delightful moments that made me giggle with the secret foreknowledge.
I wish there hadn’t been quite so many info dumps; however, I found myself enjoying the story and wanting to listen whenever possible. Must go back and pick up Kaylin’s books (I think I left off with number nine?)! I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this new spinoff.
I do think that if you haven’t read the original series, you might be lost in a few spots for brief periods of time. That being said, the author provided so much world information in info dumps throughout the story, woven into Severn’s learning of things and about people, so new readers to the world should be able to follow along well enough. There are plenty of foreshadowing moments as well for anyone who might start with this series and then pick up Kaylin’s book series. They were delightful moments that made me giggle with the secret foreknowledge.
I wish there hadn’t been quite so many info dumps; however, I found myself enjoying the story and wanting to listen whenever possible. Must go back and pick up Kaylin’s books (I think I left off with number nine?)! I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this new spinoff.
October 17, 2020
Very enjoyable. But not spectacular. It was interesting to learn more about Severn. Some of the interactions were frustrating because it felt like I was supposed to know these characters from the previously published books that occur later in the timeline. However I don't.
October 19, 2020
Getting a full length Severn novel has so far been the highlight of my month. I love this series, and it's one of my favorite series ever. This was an amazing origin story that I feel is so realistic to how Severn acts in the rest of the series.
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