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Chronicles of Elantra #9
Cast in Sorrow
The end of her journey is only the beginning
The Barrani would be happy to see her die. So Kaylin Neya is a bit surprised by her safe arrival in the West March. Especially when enemies new and old surround her and those she would call friends are equally dangerous…
And then the real trouble starts. Kaylin’s assignment is to be a “harmoniste”—one who helps tell the truth behind a Barrani Recitation. But in a land where words are more effective than weapons, Kaylin’s duties are deadly. With the wrong phrase, she could tear a people further asunder. And with the right ones…well, then she might be able to heal a blight on a race.
If only she understood the story…
The Barrani would be happy to see her die. So Kaylin Neya is a bit surprised by her safe arrival in the West March. Especially when enemies new and old surround her and those she would call friends are equally dangerous…
And then the real trouble starts. Kaylin’s assignment is to be a “harmoniste”—one who helps tell the truth behind a Barrani Recitation. But in a land where words are more effective than weapons, Kaylin’s duties are deadly. With the wrong phrase, she could tear a people further asunder. And with the right ones…well, then she might be able to heal a blight on a race.
If only she understood the story…
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
186 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sagara
54 books1,805 followersSee also:
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
December 24, 2015
Easily my least favorite book of the series.
I would say it suffers from three major issues:
1. Kaylin is separated from her normal environment for the entirety of this book, and without that to ground the book, it feels almost...separate? Incomplete? My first feeling on finishing it was that it should have been cut down to a hundred pages and glued onto the last book (which also should have been cut down a bit), and I do think that has something to do with it. I like Marcus and the rest, too, and did at some point lose track of the Barrani's names, which didn't really help.
2. The worldbuilding introspective wandering unrealities bits are far more prominent and lengthy than in any other book to date. And I hate introspection. I don't mind the shorter bits in previous books because they tend to feel more like worldbuilding, but the introspection in this book just seemed to go on forever and not make much sense.
3. We're at the ninth book in the series. We still haven't gotten to the point where it's been admitted that what Kaylin's dealing with with Severn and Nightshade is a love triangle, nor have we met the Emperor, nor has Kaylin significantly matured. I just don't feel like this book moved us forward in any overarching plot sense, and it frustrates me.
I don't know, I hope the next book is better. Honestly, I do like the series as a whole, but this installment of it did absolutely nothing for me.
I would say it suffers from three major issues:
1. Kaylin is separated from her normal environment for the entirety of this book, and without that to ground the book, it feels almost...separate? Incomplete? My first feeling on finishing it was that it should have been cut down to a hundred pages and glued onto the last book (which also should have been cut down a bit), and I do think that has something to do with it. I like Marcus and the rest, too, and did at some point lose track of the Barrani's names, which didn't really help.
2. The worldbuilding introspective wandering unrealities bits are far more prominent and lengthy than in any other book to date. And I hate introspection. I don't mind the shorter bits in previous books because they tend to feel more like worldbuilding, but the introspection in this book just seemed to go on forever and not make much sense.
3. We're at the ninth book in the series. We still haven't gotten to the point where it's been admitted that what Kaylin's dealing with with Severn and Nightshade is a love triangle, nor have we met the Emperor, nor has Kaylin significantly matured. I just don't feel like this book moved us forward in any overarching plot sense, and it frustrates me.
I don't know, I hope the next book is better. Honestly, I do like the series as a whole, but this installment of it did absolutely nothing for me.
September 3, 2013
I love these books. But they confuse me as equally as they enthrall me, and sometimes I wonder if the confusion outweighs my sheer interest in what I'm reading (it hasn't, yet, but it has come close in several parts). Cast In Sorrow finally finishes the tale that was started in the last book, a tale that is in part Teela's story, and you get a torrent of information about the Barrani and the West March and a little bit about the familiar. Who I still adore.
But it's confusing. It's top heavy. There is so much information and words being thrown around and exposition happening that I'm still reeling a little bit from all of it. It sounds pretty and in my mind it's both wonderful and exciting, but when I try to think of a summary, a complete one, I kind of blank and go with the bare, bare bones. The scope of what the author is doing is awesome. The execution is a bit lacking.
I do love the books though. The events and places that Sagara speaks of are fascinating. I adore the Barrani as a whole, and find their way of life just arresting. They convince me as a whole, whereas other fantasy books you read about a different species (or people) and it's shallow. This is not.
For all of that, though, I find Kaylin to be the most static. She's wonderfully complex, don't get me wrong, and she has grown a little throughout the books, but her sheer confusion makes me rather unhappy. She's always muddling in the dark. She's always flying by the seat of her pants and making things up that 'feel' right. And I just--I just want her to be competent for once. I want her to keep trying to do what she's doing, but not feel like she has no solid ground underneath her feet. She can mess up and fall and get beaten down, but I just want to chase away this relentless ignorance she has about her. It's not her fault--she really has no way of knowing what she's getting herself into for the most part, but it's so deeply frustrating to read book after book.
I'm rather unhappy with how Kaylin treats the familiar as a whole. He's like this nuisance that she barely puts up with, but throughout the book he helps her out more than he hinders. And I wanted to reach into the pages of the book and shake Kaylin's shoulders and shout this at her, because she doesn't understand this (or is willfully blind to it).
The plot itself varies between being achingly slow and blindingly fast. And it happens at different parts, so I can't even say, "Oh, the first half was slow but the second half was fast". No, it was fast and slow in different parts, though the ending was suitably engaging. It kind of jerked you around because something would happen and Kaylin would pitch herself in head first, and then talking happened and explaining and pages upon endless pages of Kaylin being deeply confused. Join the party, Kaylin, I hardly even question my puzzlement anymore, I just sort of accept it and keep moving on.
But for all of my complaints, for all that I think Sagara over complicates what she's trying to write, I enjoy the series. The world that the author builds is utterly convincing to me, and I love reading more about it. I do wish things just moved forward for Kaylin (her overall story arc is still rather slow), but the ride has been interesting. 3-4 stars, probably closer to 3 than 4.
But it's confusing. It's top heavy. There is so much information and words being thrown around and exposition happening that I'm still reeling a little bit from all of it. It sounds pretty and in my mind it's both wonderful and exciting, but when I try to think of a summary, a complete one, I kind of blank and go with the bare, bare bones. The scope of what the author is doing is awesome. The execution is a bit lacking.
I do love the books though. The events and places that Sagara speaks of are fascinating. I adore the Barrani as a whole, and find their way of life just arresting. They convince me as a whole, whereas other fantasy books you read about a different species (or people) and it's shallow. This is not.
For all of that, though, I find Kaylin to be the most static. She's wonderfully complex, don't get me wrong, and she has grown a little throughout the books, but her sheer confusion makes me rather unhappy. She's always muddling in the dark. She's always flying by the seat of her pants and making things up that 'feel' right. And I just--I just want her to be competent for once. I want her to keep trying to do what she's doing, but not feel like she has no solid ground underneath her feet. She can mess up and fall and get beaten down, but I just want to chase away this relentless ignorance she has about her. It's not her fault--she really has no way of knowing what she's getting herself into for the most part, but it's so deeply frustrating to read book after book.
I'm rather unhappy with how Kaylin treats the familiar as a whole. He's like this nuisance that she barely puts up with, but throughout the book he helps her out more than he hinders. And I wanted to reach into the pages of the book and shake Kaylin's shoulders and shout this at her, because she doesn't understand this (or is willfully blind to it).
The plot itself varies between being achingly slow and blindingly fast. And it happens at different parts, so I can't even say, "Oh, the first half was slow but the second half was fast". No, it was fast and slow in different parts, though the ending was suitably engaging. It kind of jerked you around because something would happen and Kaylin would pitch herself in head first, and then talking happened and explaining and pages upon endless pages of Kaylin being deeply confused. Join the party, Kaylin, I hardly even question my puzzlement anymore, I just sort of accept it and keep moving on.
But for all of my complaints, for all that I think Sagara over complicates what she's trying to write, I enjoy the series. The world that the author builds is utterly convincing to me, and I love reading more about it. I do wish things just moved forward for Kaylin (her overall story arc is still rather slow), but the ride has been interesting. 3-4 stars, probably closer to 3 than 4.
May 24, 2017
Yay, Squeaky!
This book dragged a bit at the beginning but it did pick up later on, so it's still a 4-star read in the end.
I absolutely love the new "permanent" character! Can't wait to see more of him.
This book dragged a bit at the beginning but it did pick up later on, so it's still a 4-star read in the end.
I absolutely love the new "permanent" character! Can't wait to see more of him.
October 19, 2017
Cast in Sorrow starts off where the previous book left off with Kaulin on her way to hear the recitation of the regalia. To be honest I was sure that Kaylin will somehow screw things up before fixing them but surprisingly she pulled it off with only minor setbacks mainly caused by the Barrani's reticence and distrustful nature.
Learning more about the races of the Empire was always my favourite part of these books and the trend continued with CiS. However, this time it was more personal because it was Teela and Nightshade's history - it explained a lot about both of them and why they act the way they do. Kaylin also had to face some of her own demons - a confrontation she's been running from for 7 years. Maybe, just maybe she'll grow up eventually :)
I loved the West March and the Halions. And the green though I'm still not sure what it is and how it works. I would really like to learn more about the Ancients and what the hell were they thinking when they created these bizarre living buildings/sanctuaries and how things went so wrong that the shadows were born. And what is the Chosen's purpose. Why is there a Chosen and why when it's usually one of the immortals in that role is there so little knowledge about them. I also want to know what happened to the previous Chosens and did they serve their purpose before dying or did they fail and that's the reason why there's been a succession of Chosen. So many questions and so few answers. But hey at least we get to keep the familiar! I love the tiny glass dragon! I wonder how he and her dragon roommate are going to get along?
Learning more about the races of the Empire was always my favourite part of these books and the trend continued with CiS. However, this time it was more personal because it was Teela and Nightshade's history - it explained a lot about both of them and why they act the way they do. Kaylin also had to face some of her own demons - a confrontation she's been running from for 7 years. Maybe, just maybe she'll grow up eventually :)
I loved the West March and the Halions. And the green though I'm still not sure what it is and how it works. I would really like to learn more about the Ancients and what the hell were they thinking when they created these bizarre living buildings/sanctuaries and how things went so wrong that the shadows were born. And what is the Chosen's purpose. Why is there a Chosen and why when it's usually one of the immortals in that role is there so little knowledge about them. I also want to know what happened to the previous Chosens and did they serve their purpose before dying or did they fail and that's the reason why there's been a succession of Chosen. So many questions and so few answers. But hey at least we get to keep the familiar! I love the tiny glass dragon! I wonder how he and her dragon roommate are going to get along?
August 24, 2013
Yaaay!! We have a cover, blurb and a release date!! Now all I need is the actual book... If only August wasn't so far away!!! :(
UPDATE::
I am finally reading the ARC!!! Sorry Insurgent, you'll have to wait a bit longer...
UPDATE:
It will be over tonight :'(
UPDATE:
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! :D
I seriously love this series. It is so unlike most other series out there and that is a very pleasant and a much-needed change. I finished the first 8 books back to back and this isn’t always a good thing. I tire of the series (even though I sometimes plan to read the next book in the series) I am so happy that not only did I love Cast in Sorrow, I also cannot wait for the next book to release. Although, this time the wait will be easier because it did not end with a cliff-hanger.
Cast in Peril was about Kaylin being summoned by the green. She was supposed to serve as the Harmoniste with Nightshade serving as the Teller. They had to tell to tell a tale in the heart of the green, which is a very important Barrani ritual. Peril ended before their party could even reach the green. So essentially, one story was split into two: Cast in Peril and Cast in Sorrow. And I liked that Sagara did this. There was a lot to tell with a good number of new characters and stuffing all of this in just one book, wouldn’t have done it justice. It would’ve been rushed with half-baked characters.
Cast in Sorrow was about the fate of the lost Barrani children as well as the Hallionne of the West March and the green. This doesn’t make sense unless you’ve read Peril and I’m going to try and keep this review spoiler free. The party of Barrani, travelling to the green have already had a very trying journey and in Sorrow, they finally reach the halls of the West March. But of course, things couldn’t possibly be simple from then on. All kinds of weird things happen, for instance, important people disappear, and there are strange birds with only wings and nothing else. And of course Kaylin is pretty much involved in everything.
Sagara’s way of writing took time for me to get used to. She writes very differently from the other authors I tend to read. Her narrative is slow, heavy and takes time to build. So when you start her books, they take time to really get started but as you progress, it becomes more and more difficult to put them down. I tried so hard to read Sorrow as slowly as humanly possible but as I got closer to the climax, it was a losing battle, I found it almost impossible to stop reading because I couldn’t wait to find out how it was gonna end and to make sure that all the characters I cared about, were all safe and sound. Sagara’s characters are an absolute treat. They are so well written, multi-dimensional and layered. Even her villains have a good reason to be doing the dastardly things they do (or at least they seem to think so)
As far as main characters go, I love Kaylin. She is reckless and has the tendency to throw caution to the wind when someone she is close to, is in trouble. Her knowledge (of those around her and herself) is limited and she is not afraid of admitting this but she also does not let it hold her back. With each new book, we, along with Kaylin, learn more about the marks that cover most of her body. This time, we also learn more about her ‘small dragon’, the familiar.
Another one of my absolute favourites is Teela. A barrani lord, she genuinely cares about Kaylin. Sorrow was as much her book as it was Kaylin’s. We learn more about her childhood and what she was like when she was younger, her connection to the heart of the green as well as her connection with the lost children. She is also the closest thing to a real family that Kaylin has left. That part was beautifully expressed in Cast in Sorrow. I love her friendship with Kaylin.
I also really like the Consort and the Lord of the West March. Sure the Consort was very mad at Kaylin for a while but I still like her character. She didn’t suddenly turn into a raging bitch for no apparent reason and she does care about Kaylin, in her own way. Lirienne (or Lord of the West March) is fun because; he is perhaps the most normal of the Barrani Lords. Plus it helped that he has a sense of humour. Nightshade was also present as was Severn, but they didn’t feature as prominently in this particular book.
I am having a tough time deciding if getting an ARC is a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, it’s great because I get read the book before its release date and therefore don’t have to wait too long. On the other hand, it’s awful because now I have to wait that much longer for the next book to release. That part is really no fun.
And another thing I don’t understand is why, on NetGalley, Cast in Sorrow was listed as a romance. There isn’t anything even remotely romantic in it. They need to fix that.
UPDATE::
I am finally reading the ARC!!! Sorry Insurgent, you'll have to wait a bit longer...
UPDATE:
It will be over tonight :'(
UPDATE:
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! :D
I seriously love this series. It is so unlike most other series out there and that is a very pleasant and a much-needed change. I finished the first 8 books back to back and this isn’t always a good thing. I tire of the series (even though I sometimes plan to read the next book in the series) I am so happy that not only did I love Cast in Sorrow, I also cannot wait for the next book to release. Although, this time the wait will be easier because it did not end with a cliff-hanger.
Cast in Peril was about Kaylin being summoned by the green. She was supposed to serve as the Harmoniste with Nightshade serving as the Teller. They had to tell to tell a tale in the heart of the green, which is a very important Barrani ritual. Peril ended before their party could even reach the green. So essentially, one story was split into two: Cast in Peril and Cast in Sorrow. And I liked that Sagara did this. There was a lot to tell with a good number of new characters and stuffing all of this in just one book, wouldn’t have done it justice. It would’ve been rushed with half-baked characters.
Cast in Sorrow was about the fate of the lost Barrani children as well as the Hallionne of the West March and the green. This doesn’t make sense unless you’ve read Peril and I’m going to try and keep this review spoiler free. The party of Barrani, travelling to the green have already had a very trying journey and in Sorrow, they finally reach the halls of the West March. But of course, things couldn’t possibly be simple from then on. All kinds of weird things happen, for instance, important people disappear, and there are strange birds with only wings and nothing else. And of course Kaylin is pretty much involved in everything.
Sagara’s way of writing took time for me to get used to. She writes very differently from the other authors I tend to read. Her narrative is slow, heavy and takes time to build. So when you start her books, they take time to really get started but as you progress, it becomes more and more difficult to put them down. I tried so hard to read Sorrow as slowly as humanly possible but as I got closer to the climax, it was a losing battle, I found it almost impossible to stop reading because I couldn’t wait to find out how it was gonna end and to make sure that all the characters I cared about, were all safe and sound. Sagara’s characters are an absolute treat. They are so well written, multi-dimensional and layered. Even her villains have a good reason to be doing the dastardly things they do (or at least they seem to think so)
As far as main characters go, I love Kaylin. She is reckless and has the tendency to throw caution to the wind when someone she is close to, is in trouble. Her knowledge (of those around her and herself) is limited and she is not afraid of admitting this but she also does not let it hold her back. With each new book, we, along with Kaylin, learn more about the marks that cover most of her body. This time, we also learn more about her ‘small dragon’, the familiar.
Another one of my absolute favourites is Teela. A barrani lord, she genuinely cares about Kaylin. Sorrow was as much her book as it was Kaylin’s. We learn more about her childhood and what she was like when she was younger, her connection to the heart of the green as well as her connection with the lost children. She is also the closest thing to a real family that Kaylin has left. That part was beautifully expressed in Cast in Sorrow. I love her friendship with Kaylin.
I also really like the Consort and the Lord of the West March. Sure the Consort was very mad at Kaylin for a while but I still like her character. She didn’t suddenly turn into a raging bitch for no apparent reason and she does care about Kaylin, in her own way. Lirienne (or Lord of the West March) is fun because; he is perhaps the most normal of the Barrani Lords. Plus it helped that he has a sense of humour. Nightshade was also present as was Severn, but they didn’t feature as prominently in this particular book.
I am having a tough time deciding if getting an ARC is a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, it’s great because I get read the book before its release date and therefore don’t have to wait too long. On the other hand, it’s awful because now I have to wait that much longer for the next book to release. That part is really no fun.
And another thing I don’t understand is why, on NetGalley, Cast in Sorrow was listed as a romance. There isn’t anything even remotely romantic in it. They need to fix that.
August 6, 2014
3 1\2
I'm not sure where I am regarding this series. I have re-read my reviews and I realized that I loved The Chronicle of Elantra in spite of my tastes. I don't like YA and YA protagonists, but I like the Private who stars this, even when I don't understand how you can give a teen voice to a woman with such a past.
What I absolutely adore is the world Ms Sagara-West has created. But I admit that Cast in Sorrow was too much for me. In previous books I noticed how behind the best of fantasy you'll find philosophy or theology. But in book nine what I found was mess. The Chronicle of Elantra's magical system has never been easy, but here it left me utterly confused. The final recitation, the focus of two books, was a pure WTF moment for me. I honestly don't know how the events happened. All of a sudden she starts telling a story, but I found it difficult to relate it to the plot. Ok, let me rephrase this. The story is perfectly linked to the plot, I simply do not understand how she all of a sudden starts telling it. Nor I'm sure how the names came to be saved. Nor I have any idea why the small dragon was given his role, nor exactly what this role is.
I'm willing to keep reading this series, but I have to admit that I hope things start to change. The overall plot arching all the series must move at a quicker pace, the time-frame has to slow (8 life altering moments in 9 books in less than 2 months...), Neyla has to grow, she has to get some agency in her life. She can't always be an ignorant puppet, for how much lovely she is.
I don't even want to get to the Team Severn vs Team Nightshade debate, one because I'm strongly in Team Readers, two because I'm not even sure there's a romantic thread in this series. And when I'm left in such a messy mood, I realize that the first guy is defined as a child-murderer, while the second one is a manipulating crime lord.
I'm not sure where I am regarding this series. I have re-read my reviews and I realized that I loved The Chronicle of Elantra in spite of my tastes. I don't like YA and YA protagonists, but I like the Private who stars this, even when I don't understand how you can give a teen voice to a woman with such a past.
What I absolutely adore is the world Ms Sagara-West has created. But I admit that Cast in Sorrow was too much for me. In previous books I noticed how behind the best of fantasy you'll find philosophy or theology. But in book nine what I found was mess. The Chronicle of Elantra's magical system has never been easy, but here it left me utterly confused. The final recitation, the focus of two books, was a pure WTF moment for me. I honestly don't know how the events happened. All of a sudden she starts telling a story, but I found it difficult to relate it to the plot. Ok, let me rephrase this. The story is perfectly linked to the plot, I simply do not understand how she all of a sudden starts telling it. Nor I'm sure how the names came to be saved. Nor I have any idea why the small dragon was given his role, nor exactly what this role is.
I'm willing to keep reading this series, but I have to admit that I hope things start to change. The overall plot arching all the series must move at a quicker pace, the time-frame has to slow (8 life altering moments in 9 books in less than 2 months...), Neyla has to grow, she has to get some agency in her life. She can't always be an ignorant puppet, for how much lovely she is.
I don't even want to get to the Team Severn vs Team Nightshade debate, one because I'm strongly in Team Readers, two because I'm not even sure there's a romantic thread in this series. And when I'm left in such a messy mood, I realize that the first guy is defined as a child-murderer, while the second one is a manipulating crime lord.
September 1, 2013
We wait a year to find out if this will be the time when Kaylin understands...anything. We have all understood her hesitancy to form an intimate bond after what she went through. We have been there and loved her through all of
the catastrophes and how she unknowingly saves the day.
This is the ninth book in the series. 480 pages of the most tedious, boring, insulting drivel ever. Sagara obviously hates this character. Why else would she do this? It ticks me off.
Kaylin has always been nurturing. She has yet to name her dragon and she treats it horribly. She looks at trees and forgets they are alive. Come on? Sagara charges a lot for her books because we keep waiting for Kaylin to snap out of it. At least the previous books were good reading and did not denigrate Kaylin to this point. This is just pathetic.
Kaylin is 21 now. She has had the most specialized training & tutoring ever! Yet we are still plagued with an idiot who knows nothing about herself, her runes, the elements, her feelings, the list goes on. Previous books prove otherwise. But always in the next book we have the idiot. Women hero's are not stupid and then have a moment of clarity.
Sagara has insulted her readers.
the catastrophes and how she unknowingly saves the day.
This is the ninth book in the series. 480 pages of the most tedious, boring, insulting drivel ever. Sagara obviously hates this character. Why else would she do this? It ticks me off.
Kaylin has always been nurturing. She has yet to name her dragon and she treats it horribly. She looks at trees and forgets they are alive. Come on? Sagara charges a lot for her books because we keep waiting for Kaylin to snap out of it. At least the previous books were good reading and did not denigrate Kaylin to this point. This is just pathetic.
Kaylin is 21 now. She has had the most specialized training & tutoring ever! Yet we are still plagued with an idiot who knows nothing about herself, her runes, the elements, her feelings, the list goes on. Previous books prove otherwise. But always in the next book we have the idiot. Women hero's are not stupid and then have a moment of clarity.
Sagara has insulted her readers.
September 3, 2013
This series is going nowhere. Yet another rambling, incoherent story where Kaylin makes some random guesses and things turn out well, but she learns nothing about her role as the Chosen.
December 27, 2017
More interesting than the previous book, especially with the glass dragon now. It's all Barrani again, a continuation and conclusion to the journey started. I never love the Barrani books, but this one improved towards the end. It dragged and was too full of Kaylin's inner monologue as they all are. The ending was intriguing and promising new characters.
August 7, 2021
**ARC provided by Netgalley**
Summary: Lord Kaylin Neya has finally arrived at West March, ready to get her job as Harmoniste over with. But the Barrani in the west dislike her even more. When the Consort goes out of commission, and Teela’s anger reached unbelievable heights, Kaylin fears her job will get even harder. Will she be able to tell the story that has already failed so many people?
Review: I just read the series, and squealed with joy when I received the ARC to “Cast in Sorrow”. And so far, it is my favorite book in the “Chronicles of Elantra” series.
We have changed settings from Elantra to the West March. Sagara does a brilliant job presenting to us how the green behaves. And yes, I said behaves. In the Chronicles of Elantra (COE) world, inanimate objects like water and buildings have emotions and avatars. The land of the Green is not any different. Also, I love how Sagara used something as innocuous as words to be the basis of magic. She has blended the idea of how “words have meaning” with a magical weight that is unique and thought provoking. And let’s not forget our little dragon friend that hatched in the last book.
Kaylin’s visit to the West March is largely not about her, but the people surrounding her. Another way to look at this book, Kaylin is not just the harmoniste for the regalia, but she is the harmoniste for the reader as well. Yes, the book is still told from her POV, but she spends a lot of time observing the stories around her. Severn, the Consort, and the Warden (a new character) all have their individual stories to tell. We find out who Nightshade lost. I enjoyed this style because it takes someone else’s life or story and it informs Kaylin’s life and story. It makes not only the people around her stronger, but it also makes Kaylin a better person. Most importantly, this book is Teela’s story. We get an end to the story told years before when Teela was a child, and the Barrani failed those children. I can’t give too much away, but it was a satisfying conclusion.
One of Sagara’s strengths is that she doesn’t dwell on Kaylin’s romantic interests. Rather her focus is on all of Kaylin’s relationships. Particularly in this book it’s her relationship with Teela. Defining friendship and family, this relationship is truly precious.
I wish I could elaborate more without giving anything else away, but alas you just have to read this book when it comes out. You will need to read the books before this, especially the last book, in order to understand the plot. But this book does not disappoint.
Sex: none
Violence: none
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Quote:
“I don’t understand.”
The Consort’s smile was bitter. “No. No more do I.”
“I doubt that.”
“Do you imply that I lie, Lord Kaylin?”
“Clumsy of me. I’m not usually that subtle.”
Next Book: Titled “Cast in Flame” according to Michelle Sagara’s website. No tentative date yet.
Summary: Lord Kaylin Neya has finally arrived at West March, ready to get her job as Harmoniste over with. But the Barrani in the west dislike her even more. When the Consort goes out of commission, and Teela’s anger reached unbelievable heights, Kaylin fears her job will get even harder. Will she be able to tell the story that has already failed so many people?
Review: I just read the series, and squealed with joy when I received the ARC to “Cast in Sorrow”. And so far, it is my favorite book in the “Chronicles of Elantra” series.
We have changed settings from Elantra to the West March. Sagara does a brilliant job presenting to us how the green behaves. And yes, I said behaves. In the Chronicles of Elantra (COE) world, inanimate objects like water and buildings have emotions and avatars. The land of the Green is not any different. Also, I love how Sagara used something as innocuous as words to be the basis of magic. She has blended the idea of how “words have meaning” with a magical weight that is unique and thought provoking. And let’s not forget our little dragon friend that hatched in the last book.
Kaylin’s visit to the West March is largely not about her, but the people surrounding her. Another way to look at this book, Kaylin is not just the harmoniste for the regalia, but she is the harmoniste for the reader as well. Yes, the book is still told from her POV, but she spends a lot of time observing the stories around her. Severn, the Consort, and the Warden (a new character) all have their individual stories to tell. We find out who Nightshade lost. I enjoyed this style because it takes someone else’s life or story and it informs Kaylin’s life and story. It makes not only the people around her stronger, but it also makes Kaylin a better person. Most importantly, this book is Teela’s story. We get an end to the story told years before when Teela was a child, and the Barrani failed those children. I can’t give too much away, but it was a satisfying conclusion.
One of Sagara’s strengths is that she doesn’t dwell on Kaylin’s romantic interests. Rather her focus is on all of Kaylin’s relationships. Particularly in this book it’s her relationship with Teela. Defining friendship and family, this relationship is truly precious.
I wish I could elaborate more without giving anything else away, but alas you just have to read this book when it comes out. You will need to read the books before this, especially the last book, in order to understand the plot. But this book does not disappoint.
Sex: none
Violence: none
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Quote:
“I don’t understand.”
The Consort’s smile was bitter. “No. No more do I.”
“I doubt that.”
“Do you imply that I lie, Lord Kaylin?”
“Clumsy of me. I’m not usually that subtle.”
Next Book: Titled “Cast in Flame” according to Michelle Sagara’s website. No tentative date yet.
December 18, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Cast in Sorrow is the Ninth installment in author Michelle Sagara's Chronicles of Elantra series. Cast in Sorrow picks up immediately after Cast in Peril ended. Once again we return to the world of Elantra and Private Kaylin Neya. Kaylin is the girl who grew up in the fief's of Nightshade, lost everyone she loves, later became the mascot for the ground hawks because she was so small, and finally became one herself. Kaylin was once deemed so dangerous by the Eternal Emperor (Dragon) because of the strange markings all over her body that once cost 12 children their lives, including two who were Kaylin's family, that he wanted her dead. Kaylin travels to the land of West March where readers will finally get an in-depth look into the Barrani.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Cast in Sorrow is the Ninth installment in author Michelle Sagara's Chronicles of Elantra series. Cast in Sorrow picks up immediately after Cast in Peril ended. Once again we return to the world of Elantra and Private Kaylin Neya. Kaylin is the girl who grew up in the fief's of Nightshade, lost everyone she loves, later became the mascot for the ground hawks because she was so small, and finally became one herself. Kaylin was once deemed so dangerous by the Eternal Emperor (Dragon) because of the strange markings all over her body that once cost 12 children their lives, including two who were Kaylin's family, that he wanted her dead. Kaylin travels to the land of West March where readers will finally get an in-depth look into the Barrani.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 3, 2013
I don't know how much more about words I can read in this series. I just don't know. I also got so freaking sick of everything being so vague -- it's like and it's unlike, over and over again. I'm left with a sense of "what the hell happened?" which, honestly, I think I've had after finishing most of these books because they all are so damn vague. Maybe I'm just in the wrong mindset for reading this, but this book bored me so much. The bits that interested me, that actually felt like they were moving the story along, were few and far between. Way too much introspection on Kaylin's part. Also, I really wish there were a character index to help me keep track of who did what since I didn't feel like rereading the earlier books before starting this one.
Sorry. I like this series, I like Kaylin and Severn and Teela, I like the world building...but right now I'm just wishing that more STUFF happened other than introspection and Kaylin manhandling magic words for 20 pages.
Sorry. I like this series, I like Kaylin and Severn and Teela, I like the world building...but right now I'm just wishing that more STUFF happened other than introspection and Kaylin manhandling magic words for 20 pages.
August 28, 2013
Please don't hesitate to come at Fans of Michelle Sagara West if you want to discuss the book or the series!
Arc provided by Netgalley
Review originally published at The Compulsive Reader
Cast in Sorrow, the tenth book in “The Chronicles of Elantra” series, starts where Cast in Peril ended. Kaylin and the group of Barrani Lords traveling from Elantra have been joined by the Lord of the West March and his guards who will escort them to the West March.
Of course those last miles don’t go without challenges, but soon the whole party arrives at their destination and the court politics can finally resume. Thankfully for Kaylin, the attacks against the Barrani don’t cease even so and that forces them to focus on survival rather than politics—well mostly.
Cast in Sorrow is very satisfying to read in conjunction with Cast in Peril. Cast in Peril was confusing at times and a lot of things were not really resolved at the end, such as the matters with Iberienne, the fact that Nightshade is now called Calarnenne, what exactly happened to the lost children, what exactly the Regalia does to the Barrani, the familiar, etc. Cast in Sorrow addresses all that and more. Indeed, we also learn some interesting things about the overall threads present in the series and the recurring characters like Severn and Teela. It was really great to see all those threads progress, but it was also frustrating because of those which did not and which are, of course, the most interesting…
Michelle Sagara also manages to summarize the events of Cast in Peril without it becoming a big info dump; instead Kaylin’s rants in the first chapter were really amusing and one of my favorite parts in the book. It’s also a good way to clarify what had happened on some of those points which had been confusing before.
The West March has its own court composed of Barrani who didn’t pass the test of the name and thus who are not Lords. They nonetheless have the same arrogance and love for politics as their counterparts from the city. The relationships and rivalries between the two groups were interesting to read about; I also like a lot the new characters introduced, such as the Warden and his mother.
It is interesting that Kaylin has allies as well as enemies among the Barrani. Lord Evarim is becoming one of my favorite characters with the recent books; even if events force him to work with Kaylin or Severn, we can be sure that he won’t become friends with her anytime soon! Lord Ynpharion (who was introduced in the last book) is also a fascinating character since he hates Kaylin for taking his name to save him, and that connection to her will be seen as a weakness if it is known to the court; I really like his interactions with Kaylin. The Consort, the Lord of the West March and Teela are also old favorites and continue to play a big role in Cast in Sorrow.
We finally meet all of the lost children and discover their relationships with various Barrani Lords, including Nightshade and Teela. The children are not very present until the end of the book, but they still manage to make a strong impression and I can’t wait to see how their presence will change the relationship between the previously established characters. This book shared the full story of the children and the regalia that changed them and I really love it.
Nightshade and Kaylin’s relationship also progresses, though not as much as I would have hoped. Some of the conflicts between them are addressed, if not resolved, and the ground is prepared for the next book, which should bring some changes in their relationship. In the same way, we learn more about Severn’s past and are given some hints about what we don’t yet know.
In fact, I think that a great part of Cast in Sorrow serves to explain what happened in Cast in Peril and to prepare the ground for Cast in Flame, the next book in the series. The ending was a bit abrupt, as I think it lacks an epilogue, but it was nothing like the ending of Cast in Peril. It’s just that with so many plot threads brought to our attention, in concluding the story of the West March and preparing us for the next book, it is really hard to leave the world of Elantra without being given answers right now!
In parting, Cast in Sorrow was an excellent book which will unarguably make up for the upset a lot of people felt with Cast in Peril; several key plot threads are covered, we are introduced to amazing new characters and the story is just great. As usual with “The Chronicles of Elantra”, as soon as I finish a new book, I can’t wait for the next.
Arc provided by Netgalley
Review originally published at The Compulsive Reader
Cast in Sorrow, the tenth book in “The Chronicles of Elantra” series, starts where Cast in Peril ended. Kaylin and the group of Barrani Lords traveling from Elantra have been joined by the Lord of the West March and his guards who will escort them to the West March.
Of course those last miles don’t go without challenges, but soon the whole party arrives at their destination and the court politics can finally resume. Thankfully for Kaylin, the attacks against the Barrani don’t cease even so and that forces them to focus on survival rather than politics—well mostly.
Cast in Sorrow is very satisfying to read in conjunction with Cast in Peril. Cast in Peril was confusing at times and a lot of things were not really resolved at the end, such as the matters with Iberienne, the fact that Nightshade is now called Calarnenne, what exactly happened to the lost children, what exactly the Regalia does to the Barrani, the familiar, etc. Cast in Sorrow addresses all that and more. Indeed, we also learn some interesting things about the overall threads present in the series and the recurring characters like Severn and Teela. It was really great to see all those threads progress, but it was also frustrating because of those which did not and which are, of course, the most interesting…
Michelle Sagara also manages to summarize the events of Cast in Peril without it becoming a big info dump; instead Kaylin’s rants in the first chapter were really amusing and one of my favorite parts in the book. It’s also a good way to clarify what had happened on some of those points which had been confusing before.
The West March has its own court composed of Barrani who didn’t pass the test of the name and thus who are not Lords. They nonetheless have the same arrogance and love for politics as their counterparts from the city. The relationships and rivalries between the two groups were interesting to read about; I also like a lot the new characters introduced, such as the Warden and his mother.
It is interesting that Kaylin has allies as well as enemies among the Barrani. Lord Evarim is becoming one of my favorite characters with the recent books; even if events force him to work with Kaylin or Severn, we can be sure that he won’t become friends with her anytime soon! Lord Ynpharion (who was introduced in the last book) is also a fascinating character since he hates Kaylin for taking his name to save him, and that connection to her will be seen as a weakness if it is known to the court; I really like his interactions with Kaylin. The Consort, the Lord of the West March and Teela are also old favorites and continue to play a big role in Cast in Sorrow.
We finally meet all of the lost children and discover their relationships with various Barrani Lords, including Nightshade and Teela. The children are not very present until the end of the book, but they still manage to make a strong impression and I can’t wait to see how their presence will change the relationship between the previously established characters. This book shared the full story of the children and the regalia that changed them and I really love it.
Nightshade and Kaylin’s relationship also progresses, though not as much as I would have hoped. Some of the conflicts between them are addressed, if not resolved, and the ground is prepared for the next book, which should bring some changes in their relationship. In the same way, we learn more about Severn’s past and are given some hints about what we don’t yet know.
In fact, I think that a great part of Cast in Sorrow serves to explain what happened in Cast in Peril and to prepare the ground for Cast in Flame, the next book in the series. The ending was a bit abrupt, as I think it lacks an epilogue, but it was nothing like the ending of Cast in Peril. It’s just that with so many plot threads brought to our attention, in concluding the story of the West March and preparing us for the next book, it is really hard to leave the world of Elantra without being given answers right now!
In parting, Cast in Sorrow was an excellent book which will unarguably make up for the upset a lot of people felt with Cast in Peril; several key plot threads are covered, we are introduced to amazing new characters and the story is just great. As usual with “The Chronicles of Elantra”, as soon as I finish a new book, I can’t wait for the next.
September 4, 2013
While the Elantra series has never aspired to be a pinnacle of fantasy literature, it consists of well-written female-oriented novels and a bunch of picturesque characters that you tend to gain an opinion on. It is surprising, funny, and the characters are not inherently good or evil, they are surprisingly human in every each way.
The Bad:
The focus on the Barrani (the fey) in this novel makes it a bit less accessible, especially since the intrigue focuses this time, not on an imminent and present danger (which still exists), but on the lore and well, sort of a cold case, that happened hundreds of years before the Elantran present. The book itself is not a standalone, and lack of certain characters from the previous books (quirky dragon and Leontine types) makes the reader less likely to crackle a laughter at the Kaylin's retorts. Also the fact that Severn is under-used and the word Chosen makes appearance as often as in the worst Buffy episodes, are both criminal.
The Good:
If you were curious about Barrani culture, this book will make you cry in joy. Also, as you learn more about the Barrani themselves, they seem less amoral and some of the question that are poised in Cast in Shadows are relevant. The intrigue is well-thought through, the insight into some characters, especially Teela's and Consort's is uncanny; and I have to admit that the plot thickens and atmosphere gets a lot more tense and unsavory as we approach the conclusion. And it makes me want to read the next book to find out in what kind of trouble, our heroine and the supporting cast will get themselves into, I'd pay a lot to be fly on the wall, when Sanabalis and Marcus will give Mandoran his first lecture).
The Rest:
I do wonder, why putting people in the middle of the forest and having strange thing happen around them, always works, as far as creeping the reader out. The interaction between Lord of the West Marsh and Kaylin is fun; and the Nightshade's uneasiness agrees with me, but, I do hope, that the next novel in the series, will not be about the Barrani.
The Bad:
The focus on the Barrani (the fey) in this novel makes it a bit less accessible, especially since the intrigue focuses this time, not on an imminent and present danger (which still exists), but on the lore and well, sort of a cold case, that happened hundreds of years before the Elantran present. The book itself is not a standalone, and lack of certain characters from the previous books (quirky dragon and Leontine types) makes the reader less likely to crackle a laughter at the Kaylin's retorts. Also the fact that Severn is under-used and the word Chosen makes appearance as often as in the worst Buffy episodes, are both criminal.
The Good:
If you were curious about Barrani culture, this book will make you cry in joy. Also, as you learn more about the Barrani themselves, they seem less amoral and some of the question that are poised in Cast in Shadows are relevant. The intrigue is well-thought through, the insight into some characters, especially Teela's and Consort's is uncanny; and I have to admit that the plot thickens and atmosphere gets a lot more tense and unsavory as we approach the conclusion. And it makes me want to read the next book to find out in what kind of trouble, our heroine and the supporting cast will get themselves into, I'd pay a lot to be fly on the wall, when Sanabalis and Marcus will give Mandoran his first lecture).
The Rest:
I do wonder, why putting people in the middle of the forest and having strange thing happen around them, always works, as far as creeping the reader out. The interaction between Lord of the West Marsh and Kaylin is fun; and the Nightshade's uneasiness agrees with me, but, I do hope, that the next novel in the series, will not be about the Barrani.
August 30, 2013
I have never given a book a one star review, only because if a book deemed a one star rating I would never in a million years have finished it. Alas I have put too many hours into this series to stop now. After reading this book I realized that I should have given up on this series a few books ago. This book was tedious, boring, frustrating and more frustrating! I just could have cared less about anything that was going on. It just seemed like a bunch of annoying nonsense. I was so disappointed.
August 28, 2013
So Looking forward to this book. Michelle Sagara books, are always a wonder to read and so intriguing and thought provoking. I always buy a paperback cover. Really sad that I returned and got a replacement for the first in the series. As I could of sworn it had the description for whaat an Erenne was in the back. Subsequent titles dont have this. Oh well, only another 4 months to wait for this intriguing saga.
January 1, 2023
While I still find it tiresome to see Kaylin so disrespected by everyone (seriously, I'd be happy enough if she had just let the Barrani kill themselves, as they were trying so hard to do)... I just honestly adore this series.
And I am hopeful that she's no longer going to be treated as everyone's punching bag. We'll see.
And I am hopeful that she's no longer going to be treated as everyone's punching bag. We'll see.
December 30, 2024
First read January 1, 2014.
Ninth in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series for Young Adults and revolving around Private Kaylin Neya.
This is a complex story with lots of ins and outs. I would seriously recommend starting this series from the beginning with the prequel in Mercedes Lackey's Harvest Moon: "Cast in Moonlight", 0.5.
My Take
It's the most incredible world that Sagara has created. I've never read anything like it, and I'm wanting to re-read it already. It's magic with what we might consider an elvish race—the Barrani—but with very little similarity. More haughty, I think. While there are usually a greater variety of living beings in Sagara's series, this installment restricts itself to a couple of humans, a dragon, sentient beings and dreams, and a mention of sorcerers, lion-men, birdmen, and dragonshifters.
The story continues on from where we left off in Cast in Peril , 8, with Kaylin trekking to the West March with the Barrani, and she'll never believe a painter again with those idyllic canvases of lush greens. They left out the bugs! Nor does she believe this forced vacation is a paid one. Even if the Halls of Law insisted she go.
It's tense, terrifying, and you'll find yourself laughing. It's also incredibly complex—I don't know how Sagara keeps all of this straight in her mind! There is also a great deal of Barrani history in this. It's Teela's past, a huge reveal about the lost, more about the Hallionne and the green, and thought provoking insight into Barrani fears, general and specific.
Sagara is so inventive with her Barrani culture and incredibly consistent in applying it! For as complicated as it is, I'm really impressed. I like too that Sagara creates personalities for everyone. I'm writing that and wondering well, of course everyone has a personality?? And yet, you have to read this to understand better what I mean. The Barrani are so cold and standoffish. So calculating, and yet they come across as warm and concerned. I love the Lord of the West March's humor in this; it's so unexpected.
There's confirmation with what we learned from Cast in Peril about the Ferals—this alone is enough to send me back to Cast in Shadow , 1.
It's clever of Sagara to set up her world as she has—it doesn't always have to make sense! There were a number of actions which I did not understand, bits and pieces sometimes, but it can take a couple readings to pull it all in. The absorption of the birds, how the Lord of the West March fits into the West March and what part Lord Barian plays,
I simply adore Kaylin's dialog, her thoughts, and herself. She's cheeky, irreverent, and real.
The Lord of the West March is explaining how the courts work, and I'm confused. He says the West March has the Court of the Vale, so I'm going to assume that he means the actual West March. Ah, found it. The Court of the Vale is what the West March calls its Court; it's separate from the Lord of the March.
How sad is it that Kaylin mistrusts respect given to her, and that Kaylin sees her work at the midwives guild as an act of atonement.
The Story
The trek to the West March for the recitation of the regalia continues and many are injured, with most refusing Kaylin's healing aid. The sacred green dress only goes so far to ensure respect for her as the harmoniste. Lucky for Kaylin as the Barrani idea of gratitude is a knife in a dark alley.
In fact, despite the dress, Kaylin is in danger, "the only point in her favor" is that Hallionne Orbaranne is standing ( Cast in Peril , 8).
It is Kaylin's friendship with Teela, that influences the green to choose her as harmoniste, the speaker who will gather the words the Teller says into a story that will change people, shift their perceptions.
Of course, it's never that simple…
The Characters
Born poor and orphaned early in her life, the cynical Private Kaylin Neya is more than human, more than a Lord of the Barrani, more than a titular significant other to Nightshade, Kaylin is Chosen and bears the marks. Most importantly, she is a healer. The small dragon (the Barrani and the sorcerers believe he is a familiar and covet him) is still with Kaylin and extremely protective.
Bellusdeo is the dragon roommate she had to leave behind in Elantra. Lord Sanabalis is the dragon at Court who has been tutoring Kaylin; he required that she wear his emblem while among the Barrani.
Lord Severn Handred was part of Kaylin's orphan band until the others died, and then Kaylin ran. He entered the Wolves and has been seconded to the Hawks, to Kaylin specifically. He also passed the Tower's test when Kaylin did which entitles him to the title of lord ( Cast in Courtlight , 2).
Lord An'Teela is both Barrani, a member of both the West March and the High Court, and one of the Hawks. Kaylin's friend and coworker, and she claims Kaylin as kyuthe. Vivienne was Teela's mother, of the line of Wardens and Guardians of the West March. When Kaylin was younger, the Emperor thought she was a danger and wanted her killed. Teela donned her rank and let the Emperor know she was willing to go to war for Kaylin.
Lirienne, the Lord of the West March, is Lord of the High Halls and all the Barrani, and his sister, the Consort, a.k.a., the Lady, is the Mother of the Barrani. He is also the Lord of the Green. He also claims Kaylin as kyuthe, kin, mostly because Kaylin amuses him.
Lord Ynpharion is furious and terrified that Kaylin knows his True name, even if it did bring him back from the Shadows. Lord Evarrim, Teela's cousin, uses a lot of Arcane magic, and he despises Kaylin.
Lord Nightshade, an Outcaste Barrani and a fieflord (think of him as a crime boss), was once Lord Calarnenne, and the Consort insists on using his name. In this story, he will participate in the recitation of the regalia as the Teller.
The West March
Lord Barian is the Warden of the West March. And a cousin of Teela's. His duty is to absorb the nightmares of the Hallionne and converse with it, to visit. Avonelle, the Guardian of the green, is Barian's mother and Teela's aunt; she is also hostile toward Kaylin, but hates the Lord of the West March. Lord Tanniase is angry with Severn for the events of a previous visit of his to the West March. Gaedin and Serian are the Barrani assigned to serve Kaylin.
The birds that are normally absorbed by the Lady or the Warden are also known as the Dreams of Alsanis, the Hallionne in the West March.
Iberrienne was the one who was sacrificing mortals, see Cast in Peril , 8.
The lost ones
Sedarias was the leader; Eddorian is Iberrienne's brother; Annarion is like Sedarias, cold and proud and Nightshade's brother; Mandoran has a lovely sense of humor; the ambitious Terrano had a sense of humor; the shy and very big, Allaron liked the small and helpless; Valliant hates his name; Serralynn is the other female; Torrisant is clothes-obsessed and attracts birds; Fallessian is a bully; and, Karian is grim and controlled.
Hallionne are the Barrani version of an inn: sentient, alive, and able to read minds. It is their duty to recreate the best comforts of a guest's home. Hallionne Alsanis is the inn in the West March that is betrayed. Tha'alaan appear in the Barrani fountains to Kaylin ( Cast in Fury , 4). The Outlands are a potential space, gray and formless, and you could never count on everyone reaching the same destination. The green is a place, like a sentient city with laws and customs.
The Cover
The cover is golden as Kaylin, wearing the green dress of the honoriste, perches on the fountain's edge, dips her fingers through the water, and chats with the Tha'aalani in the fountain.
The title is all about the Shadows and the Barrani, for they have been Cast in Sorrow.
Ninth in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series for Young Adults and revolving around Private Kaylin Neya.
This is a complex story with lots of ins and outs. I would seriously recommend starting this series from the beginning with the prequel in Mercedes Lackey's Harvest Moon: "Cast in Moonlight", 0.5.
My Take
It's the most incredible world that Sagara has created. I've never read anything like it, and I'm wanting to re-read it already. It's magic with what we might consider an elvish race—the Barrani—but with very little similarity. More haughty, I think. While there are usually a greater variety of living beings in Sagara's series, this installment restricts itself to a couple of humans, a dragon, sentient beings and dreams, and a mention of sorcerers, lion-men, birdmen, and dragonshifters.
The story continues on from where we left off in Cast in Peril , 8, with Kaylin trekking to the West March with the Barrani, and she'll never believe a painter again with those idyllic canvases of lush greens. They left out the bugs! Nor does she believe this forced vacation is a paid one. Even if the Halls of Law insisted she go.
It's tense, terrifying, and you'll find yourself laughing. It's also incredibly complex—I don't know how Sagara keeps all of this straight in her mind! There is also a great deal of Barrani history in this. It's Teela's past, a huge reveal about the lost, more about the Hallionne and the green, and thought provoking insight into Barrani fears, general and specific.
Sagara is so inventive with her Barrani culture and incredibly consistent in applying it! For as complicated as it is, I'm really impressed. I like too that Sagara creates personalities for everyone. I'm writing that and wondering well, of course everyone has a personality?? And yet, you have to read this to understand better what I mean. The Barrani are so cold and standoffish. So calculating, and yet they come across as warm and concerned. I love the Lord of the West March's humor in this; it's so unexpected.
There's confirmation with what we learned from Cast in Peril about the Ferals—this alone is enough to send me back to Cast in Shadow , 1.
It's clever of Sagara to set up her world as she has—it doesn't always have to make sense! There were a number of actions which I did not understand, bits and pieces sometimes, but it can take a couple readings to pull it all in. The absorption of the birds, how the Lord of the West March fits into the West March and what part Lord Barian plays,
I simply adore Kaylin's dialog, her thoughts, and herself. She's cheeky, irreverent, and real.
"It's probably stupid," she said, after a long pause, "for me to open my mouth at all."
The Lord of the West March is explaining how the courts work, and I'm confused. He says the West March has the Court of the Vale, so I'm going to assume that he means the actual West March. Ah, found it. The Court of the Vale is what the West March calls its Court; it's separate from the Lord of the March.
"Finding fact offensive is pointless."
How sad is it that Kaylin mistrusts respect given to her, and that Kaylin sees her work at the midwives guild as an act of atonement.
"Death is … endless. It was loss. It was loss every day. It was an emptiness and a permanent lack of warmth."
The Story
The trek to the West March for the recitation of the regalia continues and many are injured, with most refusing Kaylin's healing aid. The sacred green dress only goes so far to ensure respect for her as the harmoniste. Lucky for Kaylin as the Barrani idea of gratitude is a knife in a dark alley.
In fact, despite the dress, Kaylin is in danger, "the only point in her favor" is that Hallionne Orbaranne is standing ( Cast in Peril , 8).
It is Kaylin's friendship with Teela, that influences the green to choose her as harmoniste, the speaker who will gather the words the Teller says into a story that will change people, shift their perceptions.
Of course, it's never that simple…
The Characters
Born poor and orphaned early in her life, the cynical Private Kaylin Neya is more than human, more than a Lord of the Barrani, more than a titular significant other to Nightshade, Kaylin is Chosen and bears the marks. Most importantly, she is a healer. The small dragon (the Barrani and the sorcerers believe he is a familiar and covet him) is still with Kaylin and extremely protective.
Bellusdeo is the dragon roommate she had to leave behind in Elantra. Lord Sanabalis is the dragon at Court who has been tutoring Kaylin; he required that she wear his emblem while among the Barrani.
Lord Severn Handred was part of Kaylin's orphan band until the others died, and then Kaylin ran. He entered the Wolves and has been seconded to the Hawks, to Kaylin specifically. He also passed the Tower's test when Kaylin did which entitles him to the title of lord ( Cast in Courtlight , 2).
Lord An'Teela is both Barrani, a member of both the West March and the High Court, and one of the Hawks. Kaylin's friend and coworker, and she claims Kaylin as kyuthe. Vivienne was Teela's mother, of the line of Wardens and Guardians of the West March. When Kaylin was younger, the Emperor thought she was a danger and wanted her killed. Teela donned her rank and let the Emperor know she was willing to go to war for Kaylin.
Lirienne, the Lord of the West March, is Lord of the High Halls and all the Barrani, and his sister, the Consort, a.k.a., the Lady, is the Mother of the Barrani. He is also the Lord of the Green. He also claims Kaylin as kyuthe, kin, mostly because Kaylin amuses him.
Lord Ynpharion is furious and terrified that Kaylin knows his True name, even if it did bring him back from the Shadows. Lord Evarrim, Teela's cousin, uses a lot of Arcane magic, and he despises Kaylin.
Lord Nightshade, an Outcaste Barrani and a fieflord (think of him as a crime boss), was once Lord Calarnenne, and the Consort insists on using his name. In this story, he will participate in the recitation of the regalia as the Teller.
The West March
Lord Barian is the Warden of the West March. And a cousin of Teela's. His duty is to absorb the nightmares of the Hallionne and converse with it, to visit. Avonelle, the Guardian of the green, is Barian's mother and Teela's aunt; she is also hostile toward Kaylin, but hates the Lord of the West March. Lord Tanniase is angry with Severn for the events of a previous visit of his to the West March. Gaedin and Serian are the Barrani assigned to serve Kaylin.
The birds that are normally absorbed by the Lady or the Warden are also known as the Dreams of Alsanis, the Hallionne in the West March.
Iberrienne was the one who was sacrificing mortals, see Cast in Peril , 8.
The lost ones
Sedarias was the leader; Eddorian is Iberrienne's brother; Annarion is like Sedarias, cold and proud and Nightshade's brother; Mandoran has a lovely sense of humor; the ambitious Terrano had a sense of humor; the shy and very big, Allaron liked the small and helpless; Valliant hates his name; Serralynn is the other female; Torrisant is clothes-obsessed and attracts birds; Fallessian is a bully; and, Karian is grim and controlled.
Hallionne are the Barrani version of an inn: sentient, alive, and able to read minds. It is their duty to recreate the best comforts of a guest's home. Hallionne Alsanis is the inn in the West March that is betrayed. Tha'alaan appear in the Barrani fountains to Kaylin ( Cast in Fury , 4). The Outlands are a potential space, gray and formless, and you could never count on everyone reaching the same destination. The green is a place, like a sentient city with laws and customs.
The Cover
The cover is golden as Kaylin, wearing the green dress of the honoriste, perches on the fountain's edge, dips her fingers through the water, and chats with the Tha'aalani in the fountain.
The title is all about the Shadows and the Barrani, for they have been Cast in Sorrow.
March 11, 2014
In this 9th instalment, Kaylin’s residence is bombed into smithereens, she acquires a familiar in the form of a small dragon, which incidentally saves her and her dragon roommate from premature extinction; several plot lines are introduced henceforth - Kaylin and Severn investigates the mystery of missing persons in the fief of Tiamaris; Kaylin accompanies Nightshade to the West March in exchange for information about the Imperial Exchequer and the Human Caste Court; and Kaylin is assigned the role of harmoniste - one who helps tell the true story in a Barrani recitation.
Together with her trademark style and distinctive voice, the author delves into Barrani history and provides a lot more insight into the psyche of these immortal beings. Readers learn more about the Hallione, why and how they were created, and the role of the Ancients in the West March. Teela assumes a pivotal role in this round of storytelling, and in her, we see a more human side of the Barrani people, which to me, is significant - “… and the Emperor understood the danger of the marks you [Kaylin] bear. He wished to see you destroyed. She [Teela] wished to see you preserved. Her presence as a warrior, her title as a senior member of the High Court, and the weapon she bore, all made a threat she herself would never utter. She was willing to go to war - for you. If he desired your death, he would have had to kill her first. And, Kaylin - you did not see her."
As much as the veil on the mystery surrounding the Barrani and other aspects of the Elantran world is lifted, the plot thread continues to introduce more layers of mystery - which poses some interesting questions and leave readers like me wanting more. But for now, I am satisfied with the resolution - at least, the seemingly disparate plot points at the beginning of the story tied up nicely together, coincidentally but convincingly. And one last note about the story - Kaylin’s familiar seems to have made a very timely entrance, as without its intervention, our female protagonist, Severn and their Barrani friends might not have survived their journey to West March. But if the small dragon does not save the day, who will? Kaylin? The fact that Kaylin needed someone else to play hero in these two books does make her seem less invincible and more real. Great series. Of all the 9 books, “Cast in Peril” (Book 8) is currently my favourite in the series…
Note : “Cast in Peril” and “Cast in Sorrow” should be read together as what the author describes as an “episode” in the Elantra Chronicles series.
Together with her trademark style and distinctive voice, the author delves into Barrani history and provides a lot more insight into the psyche of these immortal beings. Readers learn more about the Hallione, why and how they were created, and the role of the Ancients in the West March. Teela assumes a pivotal role in this round of storytelling, and in her, we see a more human side of the Barrani people, which to me, is significant - “… and the Emperor understood the danger of the marks you [Kaylin] bear. He wished to see you destroyed. She [Teela] wished to see you preserved. Her presence as a warrior, her title as a senior member of the High Court, and the weapon she bore, all made a threat she herself would never utter. She was willing to go to war - for you. If he desired your death, he would have had to kill her first. And, Kaylin - you did not see her."
As much as the veil on the mystery surrounding the Barrani and other aspects of the Elantran world is lifted, the plot thread continues to introduce more layers of mystery - which poses some interesting questions and leave readers like me wanting more. But for now, I am satisfied with the resolution - at least, the seemingly disparate plot points at the beginning of the story tied up nicely together, coincidentally but convincingly. And one last note about the story - Kaylin’s familiar seems to have made a very timely entrance, as without its intervention, our female protagonist, Severn and their Barrani friends might not have survived their journey to West March. But if the small dragon does not save the day, who will? Kaylin? The fact that Kaylin needed someone else to play hero in these two books does make her seem less invincible and more real. Great series. Of all the 9 books, “Cast in Peril” (Book 8) is currently my favourite in the series…
Note : “Cast in Peril” and “Cast in Sorrow” should be read together as what the author describes as an “episode” in the Elantra Chronicles series.
August 26, 2013
I loved it! A wonderful story told by a masterful storyteller!
NOTE* This book is not the book to start the series with it is a Part 2 of 2 with Cast in Peril being Part 1 of 2.
The whole series is amazing and Cast in Sorrow takes its place with rest of the series.
Kaylin's life is never easy, including her ability to reach the West March, even while accompanied by The Lord of the West March. Kaylin goes from one peril to another, where her life and the lives of those she cares about are in jeopardy. Kaylin has been chosen as the Harmoniste and she must give order and find the right words to heal a people, the Barrani in a ceremony called the Regalia. However, the wrong words can create a worse wound.
A lot happens between Kalyin's arrival in the West March and the recitation of the Regalia. In the West March, we meet some new characters and learn a whole bunch of new facts about the Barrani as a people. The Barrani of the West March have their own Court, the Court of the Vale. Kaylin is hated more by the Court of the Vale for multiple reasons, including being mortal, than by the High Court because the Court of the Vale is not as desensitized to interactions with mortals because so few mortals visit the West March. This leads to some information about Severn and his past visit. This book answers a lot of questions about Teela's past, who Nightshade lost, and other characters that have just been introduced, such as the Warden and the "lost children." We learn about the wound that was created so long ago by the Barrani upon the Green.
Kaylin grows as a person a lot in this book. She even comes to the realization that she owes an apology to someone (and when you find out who you will be shocked). She also realizes that she should be careful of what she wishes for because she may be on the receiving end. This doesn't stop her from carelessly rushing into dangerous situations. One of Kaylin's finest qualities is her loyalty to her friends, the family she has chosen. The family of her heart. Kaylin can only be who she is and in doing so she brings hope, no matter how sharp a knife the edge of hope may be.
Ms. Sagara has woven an intricate tale that is engrossing and fast paced. I loved every moment of it and the hardest part is now waiting until next year for Cast in Flame.
Quote:
"It was about emotion, because even if she couldn't understand a single word, she felt she understood the intent."
NOTE* This book is not the book to start the series with it is a Part 2 of 2 with Cast in Peril being Part 1 of 2.
The whole series is amazing and Cast in Sorrow takes its place with rest of the series.
Kaylin's life is never easy, including her ability to reach the West March, even while accompanied by The Lord of the West March. Kaylin goes from one peril to another, where her life and the lives of those she cares about are in jeopardy. Kaylin has been chosen as the Harmoniste and she must give order and find the right words to heal a people, the Barrani in a ceremony called the Regalia. However, the wrong words can create a worse wound.
A lot happens between Kalyin's arrival in the West March and the recitation of the Regalia. In the West March, we meet some new characters and learn a whole bunch of new facts about the Barrani as a people. The Barrani of the West March have their own Court, the Court of the Vale. Kaylin is hated more by the Court of the Vale for multiple reasons, including being mortal, than by the High Court because the Court of the Vale is not as desensitized to interactions with mortals because so few mortals visit the West March. This leads to some information about Severn and his past visit. This book answers a lot of questions about Teela's past, who Nightshade lost, and other characters that have just been introduced, such as the Warden and the "lost children." We learn about the wound that was created so long ago by the Barrani upon the Green.
Kaylin grows as a person a lot in this book. She even comes to the realization that she owes an apology to someone (and when you find out who you will be shocked). She also realizes that she should be careful of what she wishes for because she may be on the receiving end. This doesn't stop her from carelessly rushing into dangerous situations. One of Kaylin's finest qualities is her loyalty to her friends, the family she has chosen. The family of her heart. Kaylin can only be who she is and in doing so she brings hope, no matter how sharp a knife the edge of hope may be.
Ms. Sagara has woven an intricate tale that is engrossing and fast paced. I loved every moment of it and the hardest part is now waiting until next year for Cast in Flame.
Quote:
"It was about emotion, because even if she couldn't understand a single word, she felt she understood the intent."
September 7, 2013
Elantra stories! I read and reread them and rejoice in their being.
Returning to the Chronicles of Elantra and life with Private Kaylin Neya is a privilege and a joy. As I was reading this it once more occurred to me that our writers are the Bards of yesteryear, opening our eyes, enabling us to see through their eyes into the worlds they create. To be able to see what Sagara sees, look through her eyes into the world of Elantra and of Kaylin is fantastic and a reader's delight. Thank you.
In Cast in Sorrow we continue on from Cast in Peril with Kaylin (as Lord Kaylin, a Barrani appointed title from past deeds) well and truly into The West Marches. Things are not going well, Kaylin has an unasked for duty to perform as a Lord and her healing gift keeps wanting to overpower all. Healing the Green is an imperative. She is of course accompanied by her small dragon which is both a complication and maybe a blessing, or not!
Kaylin meets a water elemental, a sheet of falling water shaped as a Tha'alani in an unexpected place.
Along the way we learn a little more of Severn. A deep character with hidden reserves and a story yet untold.
Cast in Sorrow is in part the Barrani Hawk Teela's story and also a treatise about the Barrani, on nature vs nurture and environment. We come to know more about these almost immortals, their drives and challenges. The idea of the word and living words or true words is important to the Barrani as it brings them into being a and defines their ongoing positions through daunting challenges. Indeed we have seen that such words are important to all Elantra under different circumstances and guises. As the story unfolds, the darker side of Teela, the aching side is shown and we sympathize and acknowledge her at a more intimate level. Those Barrani words Kaylin keeps seeing or being given charge of, at one level, seem to represent or be an analogy for the challenges of life, on how people grow and develop. Once again Kaylin and the words on her skin are the centre part of the story, it's mystery and resolution. Not forgetting her daring, her many wonderful, messy character, her many foibles, her scrappiness, her resolution and her love.
A NetGalley ARC
Returning to the Chronicles of Elantra and life with Private Kaylin Neya is a privilege and a joy. As I was reading this it once more occurred to me that our writers are the Bards of yesteryear, opening our eyes, enabling us to see through their eyes into the worlds they create. To be able to see what Sagara sees, look through her eyes into the world of Elantra and of Kaylin is fantastic and a reader's delight. Thank you.
In Cast in Sorrow we continue on from Cast in Peril with Kaylin (as Lord Kaylin, a Barrani appointed title from past deeds) well and truly into The West Marches. Things are not going well, Kaylin has an unasked for duty to perform as a Lord and her healing gift keeps wanting to overpower all. Healing the Green is an imperative. She is of course accompanied by her small dragon which is both a complication and maybe a blessing, or not!
Kaylin meets a water elemental, a sheet of falling water shaped as a Tha'alani in an unexpected place.
Along the way we learn a little more of Severn. A deep character with hidden reserves and a story yet untold.
Cast in Sorrow is in part the Barrani Hawk Teela's story and also a treatise about the Barrani, on nature vs nurture and environment. We come to know more about these almost immortals, their drives and challenges. The idea of the word and living words or true words is important to the Barrani as it brings them into being a and defines their ongoing positions through daunting challenges. Indeed we have seen that such words are important to all Elantra under different circumstances and guises. As the story unfolds, the darker side of Teela, the aching side is shown and we sympathize and acknowledge her at a more intimate level. Those Barrani words Kaylin keeps seeing or being given charge of, at one level, seem to represent or be an analogy for the challenges of life, on how people grow and develop. Once again Kaylin and the words on her skin are the centre part of the story, it's mystery and resolution. Not forgetting her daring, her many wonderful, messy character, her many foibles, her scrappiness, her resolution and her love.
A NetGalley ARC
September 17, 2013
In addition to being ninth in the Chronicles of Elantra series, CAST IN SORROW also forms a tiny duology with its immediate predecessor. CAST IN PERIL brought Kaylin and her companions deep into the wilds of the West March and CAST IN SORROW is entirely concerned with what they find there. And though both books share the characteristic inscrutable magic, cataclysmic events, and fraught relationships, I enjoyed CAST IN PERIL’s quip-filled build up much more than CAST IN SORROW‘s disorienting magical resolution.
Rereading my review of CAST IN PERIL, I find it no surprise that my rating dropped from 4 bats to 3 across these books. If the first part of this journey focused on the characters, their friendships and attractions and histories, this second part is almost entirely focused on the magic. While there are juicy hints regarding several character’s pasts, their present is almost entirely obscured under a blanket of symbolism, portent, and inscrutable mysticism. Sagara’s system of runes and naming is difficult to follow at the best of times, and CAST IN SORROW is driven by little else. As a consequence, I found myself only loosely connected to the story, waiting for those moments when the actual consequences of all this magic became clear… and those moments were few and far between. Even worse, I had to wait until almost the last chapter for a taste of those heartfelt, character-to-character moments that I adore.
For those who love Sagara’s dreamy writing and High Fantasy flair, CAST IN SORROW will make for a hearty meal of dynastic portent, immortal psyche, and magic gone wrong. For those who prefer her character interactions and more Urban Fantasy-esque grit and immediacy, this book offers little by way of either quips or consequences. After drifting through chapter after chapter of magic, CAST IN SORROW brought me back down to earth with the last few chapters. And while most of this book was a forgettable tangle of magical theory, I'll still be looking for where life takes Kaylin Neya next.
Sexual Content: None.
Rereading my review of CAST IN PERIL, I find it no surprise that my rating dropped from 4 bats to 3 across these books. If the first part of this journey focused on the characters, their friendships and attractions and histories, this second part is almost entirely focused on the magic. While there are juicy hints regarding several character’s pasts, their present is almost entirely obscured under a blanket of symbolism, portent, and inscrutable mysticism. Sagara’s system of runes and naming is difficult to follow at the best of times, and CAST IN SORROW is driven by little else. As a consequence, I found myself only loosely connected to the story, waiting for those moments when the actual consequences of all this magic became clear… and those moments were few and far between. Even worse, I had to wait until almost the last chapter for a taste of those heartfelt, character-to-character moments that I adore.
For those who love Sagara’s dreamy writing and High Fantasy flair, CAST IN SORROW will make for a hearty meal of dynastic portent, immortal psyche, and magic gone wrong. For those who prefer her character interactions and more Urban Fantasy-esque grit and immediacy, this book offers little by way of either quips or consequences. After drifting through chapter after chapter of magic, CAST IN SORROW brought me back down to earth with the last few chapters. And while most of this book was a forgettable tangle of magical theory, I'll still be looking for where life takes Kaylin Neya next.
Sexual Content: None.
February 11, 2020
2.5 stars tbh
And at this point I'm going to take a little break from the series and probably pick up the remaining six books later in the year.
This one lost me. The worldbuildinv is still fantastic but it's yet another Berrani based book and they are super dull. Seriously if you took everything likeable, mystical, skillful or otherwise to do with personality from Tolkien's elves or Star Trek's Vulcans, then you have the Berrani. Ok so thus book is about Teela's traumatic childhood but it still isn't interesting. Kaylin is still wearing THE DRESS from the last book but it's another 600 pages of essentially the same story without any real subplots to alleviate a linear main plot that becomes monotonous way before the end. At one point I realised I kept checking to see how much book was left because I thought it would never end. Clearly I need a break. I suppose the other big annoyance for me was the over explaining. This could have been 200 pages shorter if a) the book hadn't been in love with trying to be clever and b) it hadn't over explained again and again why it was clever. In fact the last three books could have been one 600 page novel imo. There was no need for it to spin out this far. Question: was this book and the previous one woven out of subplot for book 7? Anyway, I'm out for now. Love the lore and the world. Super fed up of linear plots, lack of tension and the Berrani in general.
And at this point I'm going to take a little break from the series and probably pick up the remaining six books later in the year.
This one lost me. The worldbuildinv is still fantastic but it's yet another Berrani based book and they are super dull. Seriously if you took everything likeable, mystical, skillful or otherwise to do with personality from Tolkien's elves or Star Trek's Vulcans, then you have the Berrani. Ok so thus book is about Teela's traumatic childhood but it still isn't interesting. Kaylin is still wearing THE DRESS from the last book but it's another 600 pages of essentially the same story without any real subplots to alleviate a linear main plot that becomes monotonous way before the end. At one point I realised I kept checking to see how much book was left because I thought it would never end. Clearly I need a break. I suppose the other big annoyance for me was the over explaining. This could have been 200 pages shorter if a) the book hadn't been in love with trying to be clever and b) it hadn't over explained again and again why it was clever. In fact the last three books could have been one 600 page novel imo. There was no need for it to spin out this far. Question: was this book and the previous one woven out of subplot for book 7? Anyway, I'm out for now. Love the lore and the world. Super fed up of linear plots, lack of tension and the Berrani in general.
October 25, 2020
Kaylin Neya is out of her element as she travels to the West March to take part in a Barrani ceremony. The ceremony involves healing the Green which was damaged when some ambitious Barrani decided to use their children to gain power at the an earlier ceremony.
Kaylin's friend Teela was one of those children and the only one to come back alive. The other eleven are caught some where between life and death. Teela wants to save them. Kaylin is afraid that she will lose Teela in the attempt.
Kaylin is also traveling with Nightshade who is the Barrani outcaste who controls the fief where Kaylin was born, the Consort who is one of the most important Barrani, her friend Severn, and her small dragon familiar. As is usual, the plot is complex and rife with Barrani politics. The magic well-developed and the characters well-rounded. I like Kaylin's relationship with Teela and the way she interacts with the Barrani. I also like her relationship with the small dragon that she treats as if it were a pet cat but which is a powerful magic familiar.
Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode but I don't think anyone would be successful jumping into the series here at book 9.
Kaylin's friend Teela was one of those children and the only one to come back alive. The other eleven are caught some where between life and death. Teela wants to save them. Kaylin is afraid that she will lose Teela in the attempt.
Kaylin is also traveling with Nightshade who is the Barrani outcaste who controls the fief where Kaylin was born, the Consort who is one of the most important Barrani, her friend Severn, and her small dragon familiar. As is usual, the plot is complex and rife with Barrani politics. The magic well-developed and the characters well-rounded. I like Kaylin's relationship with Teela and the way she interacts with the Barrani. I also like her relationship with the small dragon that she treats as if it were a pet cat but which is a powerful magic familiar.
Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode but I don't think anyone would be successful jumping into the series here at book 9.
July 27, 2013
I'm always amazed by the complexity of the magic that Michelle Sagara manages to envision, and thankful that Kaylin is a relatively normal person who doesn't understand it either! The runes, the small dragon, and Kaylin-as-harmoniste all interact in strange ways I couldn't possibly have imagined. Teela's history unfolds a little more, and the breathless pace belies the intricacy of "the green" and its interactions with the traveling party. In short, another incredible book that still leaves room for more! I think I need to reread the last few books to refresh my memory of the details, and then reread this one immediately after. (Don't even think about starting the series here!)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2013
I read an eARC from NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the Cast in... series. Kaylin Neya is definitely growing up and coming to terms with her past, her anger issues, and her abilities. The reader needs to have read the previous books but for fans of the series, this is worth the long wait and ties up a lot of questions from the previous book. I'm happily satisfied and will reread it to savor all the surprises and felicities that Michelle Sagara provides along the way. Definitely recommended!
September 1, 2013
OMG. Definitely one of my favorite series. Just want more of Nightshade and Kaylin. Please!!!! I hope in the next book my wish will be granted :)
October 19, 2024
Remember my extreme dislike of loooooonnnnnngggggg journeys into ether worlds that have absolutely no basis in any reality? Well… this book is the perfect example of what I’m talking about. There are chapters (not pages, CHAPTERS) of Kaylin in someone else’s dream world experiencing exactly what we all experience when dreaming - aka, random stuff that DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE! Then, when she has barely come out of THAT bizarre experience, she is dropped into another one and another one.
Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy any of them much. To top it off, I don’t like most of the Barrani to begin with. I especially don’t like them because of their condescending and completely, obnoxiously harsh attitude toward Kaylin - who has repeatedly SAVED THEM!
Still… I love Kaylin and her co-horts. I love the relationships she has and is developing with them and her world. I love to watch her growth and development as it slowly unfolds… now in that, this series has some of the best writing around!
Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy any of them much. To top it off, I don’t like most of the Barrani to begin with. I especially don’t like them because of their condescending and completely, obnoxiously harsh attitude toward Kaylin - who has repeatedly SAVED THEM!
Still… I love Kaylin and her co-horts. I love the relationships she has and is developing with them and her world. I love to watch her growth and development as it slowly unfolds… now in that, this series has some of the best writing around!
September 12, 2013
*happy sigh* Love this series and ooh the things that Sagara put in this book! Review to come :).
4.5 stars
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/09/05/...
Publisher: Harlequin Luna
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
The end of her journey is only the beginning…
The Barrani would be happy to see her die. So Kaylin Neya is a bit surprised by her safe arrival in the West March. Especially when enemies new and old surround her and those she would call friends are equally dangerous.…
And then the real trouble starts. Kaylin’s assignment is to be a “harmoniste” – one who helps tell the truth behind a Barrani Recitation. But in a land where words are more effective than weapons, Kaylin’s duties are deadly. With the wrong phrase she could tear a people further asunder. And with the right ones…well, then she might be able to heal a blight on the race.
If only she understood the story….
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Hi, my name is E, and I really love Michelle Sagara’s writing. I have been a huge fan of her Chronicles of Elantra series since I discovered it **mumble** years ago. Following Kaylin Neya’s life and exploits as she just tries to do what she thinks is right provides me with hours of reading and re-reading pleasure. Usually there is a brief break between installments if only to let Kaylin heal and rest before diving headfirst into her next adventure but Cast in Sorrow picks up immediately after Cast in Peril ended. I thought that Sagara had left Kaylin and company in a relatively calm place to rest and recover but I was wrong because the nonstop action continued.
I found it very interesting to see how Sagara highlighted the difference between the Barrani who lived in the city of Elantra, traveled to the West March with Kaylin, and those who never experienced Kaylin before. Their very difference in outlook and strict adherence to formality was in sharp contrast to what she had experienced before, even in the High Halls. Some of that I think is because the West March is so very far away from the High Halls and it is another of those ancient Barrani holdings that exists for a definite purpose. The people and land of the West March were also scarred by the events of Teela’s childhood and its reverberating aftereffects.
The combination of Kaylin’s frustration and willingness to ask questions as she tried to learn her role and solve a few mysteries did result in some information about Teela, Barrani culture, and Severn. As a result, I am really curious about the rest of what Severn did when Kaylin left Nightshade so many years ago. But as events progressed it seemed like Kaylin couldn’t do anything right even when the results of her action were positive. It also seemed as if many of the usual laws, customs, and inviolable places within the West March lost their usual effect. The Barrani were besieged by enemies from both outside and within putting much of what made the Barrani themselves as a people at risk. When Kaylin’s pet dragon started demonstrating more of what made him equally feared and coveted I thought the stakes were even higher for Kaylin as the “Harmoniste” than anyone expected.
My review isn’t doing this story justice because so many things developed and some lingering questions from early in the series were finally answered. I loved learning more about Teela, Nightshade, Severn, and the dangers of tampering with things just because. I also found the inclusion of if not love than family loyalty despite all the Barrani said against those feelings played a prominent theme. One of the core elements of Kaylin’s personality continued to shine throughout all of her struggles because she never backed down from trying to protect those she felt deserved protection regardless of her personal feelings towards them. In fact some of her difficulties were caused by that protective instinct. Kaylin learned some serious lessons about what the Barrani will do in pursuit of their own desires. She also learned the importance of developing a strong enough will to hold her own against those who wanted to control her and against a hungry dragon. I think the Barrani and by extension, Elantra will never be the same.
Cast in Sorrow was a multilayered book. Kaylin was forced to make some hard choices. The Barrani had their lives abruptly changed so it will be interesting to see the future effects of the recitation. They also displayed weakness before two humans, which might have some repercussions in the political arena. Kaylin learned some of Teela and Severn’s past which I am sure will come into play in later installments. Nightshade also learned that directing or trying to manipulate Kaylin resulted in a roller coaster ride that deviated from his planned path and ending. After exhibiting some disturbing characteristics, Kaylin’s pet dragon changed into something that was still small and dragon-shaped but with unknown abilities. With everything that happened during this journey I am curious about the state of things with the Hawks and in the Fiefs because I know they did not remain static. Sagara’s storytelling ability continues to keep me hooked on this series.
I give Cast in Sorrow a B+
4.5 stars
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/09/05/...
Publisher: Harlequin Luna
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
The end of her journey is only the beginning…
The Barrani would be happy to see her die. So Kaylin Neya is a bit surprised by her safe arrival in the West March. Especially when enemies new and old surround her and those she would call friends are equally dangerous.…
And then the real trouble starts. Kaylin’s assignment is to be a “harmoniste” – one who helps tell the truth behind a Barrani Recitation. But in a land where words are more effective than weapons, Kaylin’s duties are deadly. With the wrong phrase she could tear a people further asunder. And with the right ones…well, then she might be able to heal a blight on the race.
If only she understood the story….
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Hi, my name is E, and I really love Michelle Sagara’s writing. I have been a huge fan of her Chronicles of Elantra series since I discovered it **mumble** years ago. Following Kaylin Neya’s life and exploits as she just tries to do what she thinks is right provides me with hours of reading and re-reading pleasure. Usually there is a brief break between installments if only to let Kaylin heal and rest before diving headfirst into her next adventure but Cast in Sorrow picks up immediately after Cast in Peril ended. I thought that Sagara had left Kaylin and company in a relatively calm place to rest and recover but I was wrong because the nonstop action continued.
I found it very interesting to see how Sagara highlighted the difference between the Barrani who lived in the city of Elantra, traveled to the West March with Kaylin, and those who never experienced Kaylin before. Their very difference in outlook and strict adherence to formality was in sharp contrast to what she had experienced before, even in the High Halls. Some of that I think is because the West March is so very far away from the High Halls and it is another of those ancient Barrani holdings that exists for a definite purpose. The people and land of the West March were also scarred by the events of Teela’s childhood and its reverberating aftereffects.
The combination of Kaylin’s frustration and willingness to ask questions as she tried to learn her role and solve a few mysteries did result in some information about Teela, Barrani culture, and Severn. As a result, I am really curious about the rest of what Severn did when Kaylin left Nightshade so many years ago. But as events progressed it seemed like Kaylin couldn’t do anything right even when the results of her action were positive. It also seemed as if many of the usual laws, customs, and inviolable places within the West March lost their usual effect. The Barrani were besieged by enemies from both outside and within putting much of what made the Barrani themselves as a people at risk. When Kaylin’s pet dragon started demonstrating more of what made him equally feared and coveted I thought the stakes were even higher for Kaylin as the “Harmoniste” than anyone expected.
My review isn’t doing this story justice because so many things developed and some lingering questions from early in the series were finally answered. I loved learning more about Teela, Nightshade, Severn, and the dangers of tampering with things just because. I also found the inclusion of if not love than family loyalty despite all the Barrani said against those feelings played a prominent theme. One of the core elements of Kaylin’s personality continued to shine throughout all of her struggles because she never backed down from trying to protect those she felt deserved protection regardless of her personal feelings towards them. In fact some of her difficulties were caused by that protective instinct. Kaylin learned some serious lessons about what the Barrani will do in pursuit of their own desires. She also learned the importance of developing a strong enough will to hold her own against those who wanted to control her and against a hungry dragon. I think the Barrani and by extension, Elantra will never be the same.
Cast in Sorrow was a multilayered book. Kaylin was forced to make some hard choices. The Barrani had their lives abruptly changed so it will be interesting to see the future effects of the recitation. They also displayed weakness before two humans, which might have some repercussions in the political arena. Kaylin learned some of Teela and Severn’s past which I am sure will come into play in later installments. Nightshade also learned that directing or trying to manipulate Kaylin resulted in a roller coaster ride that deviated from his planned path and ending. After exhibiting some disturbing characteristics, Kaylin’s pet dragon changed into something that was still small and dragon-shaped but with unknown abilities. With everything that happened during this journey I am curious about the state of things with the Hawks and in the Fiefs because I know they did not remain static. Sagara’s storytelling ability continues to keep me hooked on this series.
I give Cast in Sorrow a B+
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars
It feels to me that Michelle Sagara wanted to tell the story of the West March and the lost Barrani children, and it was too long to fit into one book, and it got split somewhat awkwardly into two, which contain slightly too many prolonged magical sequences (so many dream journeys here, which I felt could have been compressed for pacing).
This is very much a part II, and there’s a lot of recapping. Still, I like the story in its totality, the Barrani that were introduced, the small dragon (!!!), and the conclusion made me smile so much. Some lives are about to be really shaken up.
It feels to me that Michelle Sagara wanted to tell the story of the West March and the lost Barrani children, and it was too long to fit into one book, and it got split somewhat awkwardly into two, which contain slightly too many prolonged magical sequences (so many dream journeys here, which I felt could have been compressed for pacing).
This is very much a part II, and there’s a lot of recapping. Still, I like the story in its totality, the Barrani that were introduced, the small dragon (!!!), and the conclusion made me smile so much. Some lives are about to be really shaken up.
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