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Chronicles of Elantra #17
Cast in Eternity
Dead men tell no tales
When Corporal Kaylin Neya is assigned front desk duty—a task hated by every Hawk—the only thing she can look forward to besides an endless stream of complaints is visits from a dotty old woman, because she always brings baked goods along with information passed on by her friends, who happen to be ghosts no one else can see. But then the old woman’s invisible friends have news about Severn his unusual weapon has caught their attention. Concerned, Kaylin accompanies the woman home because she has a few questions to ask these so-called ghosts.
Sadly, Kaylin can also see them. And she can see other spirits in the woman’s house as well—four children who’ve been trapped there for decades. When Kaylin looks into the deaths in the records at the Halls of Law, something doesn’t add up. Factor in a building that isn’t supposed to exist, and nothing makes sense. But Kaylin is a Hawk, and she’s determined to free the trapped ghosts of the children, even if she’s suddenly landed in the middle of the bad kind of Barrani history. Someone doesn’t want the past to be uncovered, and they’re perfectly willing to destroy Kaylin if it preserves the secrets of the dead…
“A satisfying combination of contemporary-feeling secondary world, city-based fantasy, and go-big-or-go-home epic.” —Tor.com on the Chronicles of Elantra series
The Chronicles of Elantra
Book 1: Cast in Shadow
Book 2: Cast in Courtlight
Book 3: Cast in Secret
Book 4: Cast in Fury
Book 5: Cast in Silence
Book 6: Cast in Chaos
Book 7: Cast in Ruin
Book 8: Cast in Peril
Book 9: Cast in Moonlight
Book 10: Cast in Sorrow
Book 11: Cast in Flame
Book 12: Cast in Honor
Book 13: Cast in Flight
Book 14: Cast in Deception
Book 15: Cast in Oblivion
Book 16: Cast in Wisdom
Book 17: Cast in Conflict
Book 18: Cast in Eternity
When Corporal Kaylin Neya is assigned front desk duty—a task hated by every Hawk—the only thing she can look forward to besides an endless stream of complaints is visits from a dotty old woman, because she always brings baked goods along with information passed on by her friends, who happen to be ghosts no one else can see. But then the old woman’s invisible friends have news about Severn his unusual weapon has caught their attention. Concerned, Kaylin accompanies the woman home because she has a few questions to ask these so-called ghosts.
Sadly, Kaylin can also see them. And she can see other spirits in the woman’s house as well—four children who’ve been trapped there for decades. When Kaylin looks into the deaths in the records at the Halls of Law, something doesn’t add up. Factor in a building that isn’t supposed to exist, and nothing makes sense. But Kaylin is a Hawk, and she’s determined to free the trapped ghosts of the children, even if she’s suddenly landed in the middle of the bad kind of Barrani history. Someone doesn’t want the past to be uncovered, and they’re perfectly willing to destroy Kaylin if it preserves the secrets of the dead…
“A satisfying combination of contemporary-feeling secondary world, city-based fantasy, and go-big-or-go-home epic.” —Tor.com on the Chronicles of Elantra series
The Chronicles of Elantra
Book 1: Cast in Shadow
Book 2: Cast in Courtlight
Book 3: Cast in Secret
Book 4: Cast in Fury
Book 5: Cast in Silence
Book 6: Cast in Chaos
Book 7: Cast in Ruin
Book 8: Cast in Peril
Book 9: Cast in Moonlight
Book 10: Cast in Sorrow
Book 11: Cast in Flame
Book 12: Cast in Honor
Book 13: Cast in Flight
Book 14: Cast in Deception
Book 15: Cast in Oblivion
Book 16: Cast in Wisdom
Book 17: Cast in Conflict
Book 18: Cast in Eternity
531 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2022
199 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sagara
54 books1,802 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 139 reviews
December 28, 2022
I hate everyone who reads this book before me. :)
Update- Read
I have such mix feelings about this book. I love how she gets into the plot and digs into the action. Executes the story with a kind of fast pace zeal that normally takes her a three-book arc to pull off. At the same time, I found myself wishing that the formula expanded. I'd love for the author to take sword fighting classes if she hasn't already so she can write about it better. Hell take all kinda weapons classes. It feels like Mc never explores or expands her power except for panic ways. That gets old after awhile. The author has a big ball full of talent. I love Barrani, any time she goes to the court I enjoy it. I want more Barrani and more Teela. I miss Bellusdeo
Overall it's well better than most things in its genre. Completely head and shoulders above most things. Thoughtful, I found myself crying my eyes out on the last 10 pages. But I want more. I am ready for more and not simply the end of the story but for Kaylin Neya to show more agency over her talents. Experimentation with her gifts. And most of all for her to do her dang magical homework like a freakin adult. She knows dang well that her being a mage at this point won't get her kicked out of the hawks. And more importantly because shes a major liaison to 2 cast courts she needs to know magic better. So, this hahaha not doing my homework or bettering herself stuff is just old at this point.
4.1 stars. I'm ready for more from the series.
Update- Read
I have such mix feelings about this book. I love how she gets into the plot and digs into the action. Executes the story with a kind of fast pace zeal that normally takes her a three-book arc to pull off. At the same time, I found myself wishing that the formula expanded. I'd love for the author to take sword fighting classes if she hasn't already so she can write about it better. Hell take all kinda weapons classes. It feels like Mc never explores or expands her power except for panic ways. That gets old after awhile. The author has a big ball full of talent. I love Barrani, any time she goes to the court I enjoy it. I want more Barrani and more Teela. I miss Bellusdeo
Overall it's well better than most things in its genre. Completely head and shoulders above most things. Thoughtful, I found myself crying my eyes out on the last 10 pages. But I want more. I am ready for more and not simply the end of the story but for Kaylin Neya to show more agency over her talents. Experimentation with her gifts. And most of all for her to do her dang magical homework like a freakin adult. She knows dang well that her being a mage at this point won't get her kicked out of the hawks. And more importantly because shes a major liaison to 2 cast courts she needs to know magic better. So, this hahaha not doing my homework or bettering herself stuff is just old at this point.
4.1 stars. I'm ready for more from the series.
January 12, 2023
I love this series, I really, really do.
I know it isn't for everyone. The narrative flows in a stream-of-consciousness way that I really dig, but at the same time I get that will drive some people batty. But for me, I flow with it, I feel like I'm riding with Kaylin's intuition, and I just adore the experience.
I would also like to say that it was a relief to me, in this book, that it seems people are done treating Kaylin like an inept child that they're trying shoo away from what is clearly a situation that is calling her, in her duty as Chosen. She felt like she had agency in this book, right from the start. Yes, Teela tried to convince her to not pursue this case, but she did it with a discussion - making the argument, as she would to an equal. Neither she nor anyone else tried to batter Kaylin into submission as if she hasn't proven herself as a capable, intuitive problem-solver over and over. And that, in turn, led to the most cohesive, mature chapter with Kaylin. She thought things through, followed steps, kept people informed (because she didn't have to hide from them that she was involved) ... and though they weren't thrilled, it was more because oy, this is a big problem and who wants a big problem in your lap? It wasn't because oy, this ridiculous Kaylin is such a problem child (which always grates on me in earlier books - she doesn't cause these problems, she is drawn to them because of who she is, and she FIXES them).
I missed a lot of the secondary cast - Bellusdeo, Tiamaris, and Tara were the most conspicuous missing characters - but the cast at this point is so huge that it is impossible to involve them all in a meaningful way in every story. Better for there to be fewer characters so that they can be integrated to the story, and the next one can feature others.
I'm going to hit up the Severn spin-off series next. I've bought the books, but haven't read them yet ... I think because I'm not sure I'll like visiting this world without Kaylin at the core. But we'll see. I do love Severn, and I wish for he and Kaylin to find their happiness at some point. And I'd love the detail on his character. So we'll see!
I know it isn't for everyone. The narrative flows in a stream-of-consciousness way that I really dig, but at the same time I get that will drive some people batty. But for me, I flow with it, I feel like I'm riding with Kaylin's intuition, and I just adore the experience.
I would also like to say that it was a relief to me, in this book, that it seems people are done treating Kaylin like an inept child that they're trying shoo away from what is clearly a situation that is calling her, in her duty as Chosen. She felt like she had agency in this book, right from the start. Yes, Teela tried to convince her to not pursue this case, but she did it with a discussion - making the argument, as she would to an equal. Neither she nor anyone else tried to batter Kaylin into submission as if she hasn't proven herself as a capable, intuitive problem-solver over and over. And that, in turn, led to the most cohesive, mature chapter with Kaylin. She thought things through, followed steps, kept people informed (because she didn't have to hide from them that she was involved) ... and though they weren't thrilled, it was more because oy, this is a big problem and who wants a big problem in your lap? It wasn't because oy, this ridiculous Kaylin is such a problem child (which always grates on me in earlier books - she doesn't cause these problems, she is drawn to them because of who she is, and she FIXES them).
I missed a lot of the secondary cast - Bellusdeo, Tiamaris, and Tara were the most conspicuous missing characters - but the cast at this point is so huge that it is impossible to involve them all in a meaningful way in every story. Better for there to be fewer characters so that they can be integrated to the story, and the next one can feature others.
I'm going to hit up the Severn spin-off series next. I've bought the books, but haven't read them yet ... I think because I'm not sure I'll like visiting this world without Kaylin at the core. But we'll see. I do love Severn, and I wish for he and Kaylin to find their happiness at some point. And I'd love the detail on his character. So we'll see!
March 19, 2022
I started reading this series. I found its portrayal of a young woman who apparently has so many talents yet so many faults (why is she so naive? She really comes across as a bimbo most of the time, and why the author felt it so charming to repeatedly mention her lack of hygiene and her problems with gas I just don't know). Very soon in, the plot of each book was evident. Kaylin is in crisis (always). Her unfortunate lack of wisdom, blurting, and her unreliability create supposed conflict which is actually just intensely irritating. The author clearly likes cheap 70s police comedy/dramas, because there they all are, the furious sergeant constantly roaring for her, the wisecracking officers, and the supposed love interest, who is about as three dimensional as a water cracker.. About 3/4 of the way through the book Kaylin suddenly does something poorly described must mysterious and amazing, and so everyone is amazed, but there are no consequences, and again Kaylin is poor, dirty and as proudly uninformed as a 13 year old. I recently checked in and I CANNOT believe this series is still going. I diagnosed the series with terminal lassitude years ago! I cannot fathom it when there are so many writers around who understand character arcs and plot development. There are bits and pieces that in a competent author's hands could have made a single good book, or at the most two books. At least it's nice that there are people out there who are still sticking with the series, and I actually do hope you enjoy them, but they are certainly not for everyone.
February 1, 2023
Notes:
3.8 Stars for Narration by Khristine Hvam
4.5 Stars for Plot Arc
5 Stars for Characters
(2nd Book added to Fav List for 2023!)
The latest addition to the Chronicles of Elantra was great! The story progression, humor & magical elements were more like what I expect from the series. A nice balance between introducing new elements, touching on core aspects of the series, and new glimmers into the larger mystery that makes up Elantra. I feel like I need to re-read the last book. I don't remember the previous events as well as I thought I would.
I am a fan of Hvam's narration, but I was not a fan of her narration style for CoE. This is the first time I felt the story was narrated without the extra emphasis to make the story seem more negative, whiny or young. It made it easy to enjoy the audio journey & did not detract from the adventure.
3.8 Stars for Narration by Khristine Hvam
4.5 Stars for Plot Arc
5 Stars for Characters
(2nd Book added to Fav List for 2023!)
The latest addition to the Chronicles of Elantra was great! The story progression, humor & magical elements were more like what I expect from the series. A nice balance between introducing new elements, touching on core aspects of the series, and new glimmers into the larger mystery that makes up Elantra. I feel like I need to re-read the last book. I don't remember the previous events as well as I thought I would.
I am a fan of Hvam's narration, but I was not a fan of her narration style for CoE. This is the first time I felt the story was narrated without the extra emphasis to make the story seem more negative, whiny or young. It made it easy to enjoy the audio journey & did not detract from the adventure.
December 30, 2024
Seventeenth in The Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series and revolving around Corporal Kaylin Neya. The focus is on a death that didn't happen and the resulting ghosts..
My Take
I do enjoy Kaylin. She's hostile to most people but in a friendly way, very eager to help people. Did I mention she's also very, very stubborn? She'll brave anyone to ensure the laws protect the innocent. So it isn't a surprise that the Dragon Court frequently finds Corporal Neya at the center of unusual and dangerous magical anomalies. It's being Chosen that saves her. She also comes to a realization about herself, a positive one! Who knew this would ever happen?!?
We learn so much from Sagara's use of third person protagonist point-of-view from Kaylin's perspective.
It's so sweet that the Hawks feel so proprietary for a woman they consider a kook. Mrs Erickson is a wonderful, old woman who is nice to everyone, including the ghosts she encounters. A trait the ghosts appreciate so much, as she's their only social outlet. As for the ghosts who live in her childhood home, their back story is slowly revealed and just nasty. They're why she's so worried about how much longer she'll live.
Her household ghosts have a lot of fears, one of which includes that neighbor of Mrs Erickson's, who excites Kaylin and Hope to such anger. It's too bad they couldn't follow through. What we learn about him later is whack.
It's interesting how much information one can glean from public records, including a missing person report from 90 years ago. It took the longest time for me to draw that correlation between their later crimes.
Lol, Serralyn gets her dearest wish — because of Kaylin. Then Sagara humanizes Sedarias! Sagara also provides more information about the Lady's duties and reinforces the pragmatism she can adopt. It is an eye-opening reveal of the requirements for a Consort to be chosen.
Sagara introduces a new element that explains the "water" in the Dragon's altar, the "water" in the Lake of Life; the mirrors; and, she also reveals more about the history of the green.
I suspect this is true, that people seek power for its safety. I think Azoria was more interested in power for the sake of superiority. She'll learn anything she can about how others evolve and come to life with their Words that become True Names.
We do learn more about how the Wevaren are born and escape their hatching with the imperative of survival, which ties into Azoria's dreams. It's part of the contrast provided between Terrano's ambitions and Azoria's that's so fascinating.
I gotta say that I don't get the idea that if the Lake is destroyed and the Barrani are dead, who's left to rule?
While Cast in Eternity is full of action, it's primarily character-driven — and of course, I do enjoy the core characters in The Chronicles of Elantra! Pace-wise . . . I don't know. Sometimes it felt slow and other times it went too fast. Part of it is the prose, which can become convoluted.
In the end it's all about long range plans that are all about possession, of ensuring a greater immortality.
The Story
It sucks when Kaylin is assigned front desk duties. It's all paperwork and listening to idiots. Until Mrs Erickson shows up. It's a daily expectation by the front desk; it's even better since she brings baked goods for the Hawks.
It's Mrs Erickson's city ghosts who worry about Corporal Handred and the weapon he carries that pulls Kaylin's interest. And the bullying by her neighbor that makes her and Hope so angry. Then Mrs Erickson's house ghosts appear . . .
Kaylin's concern rises when she sees the spirits Mrs Erickson sees as friends, four of whom saw her born, grew up with her, and continue to protect her. It all raises questions for Kaylin, especially when she looks into the records regarding property and missing persons.
Questions arise that anger the Barrani, for some don't want the past to be uncovered, and they’re perfectly willing to destroy Kaylin if it preserves the secrets of the dead.
The Characters
Corporal Kaylin Neya is a Hawk who carries a translucent familiar, Hope. She's also Chosen and covered in glyphs which allow her to heal almost anything. Corporal Severn Handred is her partner who carries a coveted Barrani weapon and is detached to the Hawks from the Wolves. Helen is the independent sentient house where Kaylin lives. I want a Helen who cooks, cleans, launders, and provides security!
Imelda Swindon Erickson is a widow with a gift who lives in a tiny house populated by four ghosts with a terrifying history who can't leave her house: Jamal Rayan is a poltergeist with anger issues; Callis Creekson; Esmeralda "Esme" Noachin; and, Katie Holdern, who is the youngest. There are two more ghosts Mrs Erickson meets with, only they're city ghosts who can't enter her house: Amaldi and the critical Darreno. They had been Barrani slaves years ago, belonging to Azoria. Curly Erickson had been her husband. Stacia and Collin Swindon had been Imelda's parents. One of her neighbors, Brennan Oswald, is a widower and a nasty bully. His wife had been Annalisa "Alisa".
The Halls of Law are . . .
. . . three separate policing organizations of Elantra — the Hawks, the Wolves, and the Swords — who all work for the Emperor.
The Imperial Hawks are . . .
. . . the cops of this world, walking a beat and investigating crime.The Hawklord, an Aerian, is in charge of the Hawks. Sergeant Bridget Keele is in charge of all front desk duties. Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine, is Kaylin's immediate supervisor. Caitlin, a human, is the Hawks' very efficient secretary. Corporal Teela, a.k.a. An'Teela, is Barrani, Kaylin's friend, and had been part of the cohort. Corporal Tain is Teela's Barrani partner and another friend. Red is the coroner. Hanson is the Hawklord's secretary.
The Imperial Swords are peacekeepers. The Imperial Wolves are the emperor's executioners, his assassins.
The Cohort are . . .
. . . a group of Barrani young who were lost to an experiment ( Cast in Peril , 8) and trapped in the Hallionne Alsanis. The cohort must live with Helen lest they destroy the city. They include Mandoran with his almost human curiosity; Sedarias is their bossy leader — and the new head of her house as Lord An’Mellarionne; Terrano, who evolved past his original existence and drives them all mad for he delights in chaos; Allaron; Annarion, who is Nightshade’s angry brother; Valliant; Serralyn, who is happily attending the Academia; Eddorian; Torrissant; Karian; and Fallessian.
The Barrani had bee . . .
. . . enemies of the Dragons, having fought several wars. Not much has changed! The current Barrani rulers live in the High Halls. The mostly apolitical Consort, a.k.a. the Lady, is sister to the very political High Lord, and she is the mother of the race. Lirienne, the Lord of the West March, is the youngest sibling of the Lady and the High Lord. Ynpharion is a Barrani angry at being bonded to Kayla, but it does have its uses, including that he now serves the Consort personally. The Avatar of the High Halls, Abel, who is not Barrani, has been freed to take up his duties again. The Lake of Life is the source of the True Names the Consort chooses from to bring newborn Barrani to life. Kaylin freed the High Halls of the terror of the Adversary in Cast in Oblivion , 14. The Warden of the West March's duty is to absorb the nightmares of the Hallionne and converse with it, to visit.
Spike is a being from Shadow in Ravellon, an historian who became friends with Kayla and is now ensconced in the High Halls, friends with the former (enslaved) Adversary and the Avatar ( Cast in Deception , 13).
Azoria An'Berrani was a malevolent, ambitious arcanist, the supreme egoist, who took it too far. Her entire line excised. An'Berranin had been her father. Her younger and beloved sister, Leyalyn, had been intended to be a possible Consort, but she died.
The Academia, a . . .
. . . great school millennia ago with the library is its heart, had been lost when the Towers rose, and it has been rediscovered ( Cast in Wisdom , 15) but it's not mappable. Only in Elantra . . . The highly respected Lannagaros, the former Arkon, has found his true hoard — the chancellorship. Killianas, a.k.a. Killian, is the sentient being that kept the Academia running, but he's not sentient in the way Helen is.
Starrante, a Wevaren (a giant spider); Kavallac had been a Dragon; and, Androsse had been a Barranni Ancestor. All three became librarians and arbiters. Larrantin is/was a Barrani legend who had been offered one of the Three. Robin is one of the five students who remained. Matilda mans the front desk. Bakkon is also a Wevaren and a librarian who had been trapped in Ravellon in Cast in Conflict , 16. Bakkon is currently living in Liatt's Tower, another fief.
The Dragons rule . . .
. . . Elantra. Lord Sanabalis is the new Arkon, who rules the Library. Lord Emmerian is the youngest approachable dragon who is in love with Lord Bellusdeo, the only female Dragon, who has taken on her own Tower. And she's another good friend of Kaylin's. Tiamaris is now the dragon fieflord of the Tower of Tiamaris, one of seven fiefs that protect Elantra. Tara is the tower's Avatar; both are friendly with Kaylin.
The Arcanum is . . .
. . . sort of a magic guild with arcanists, who are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor.
Mirrors are the primary method of communication in Elantra, although Kaylin did discover a flaw in its use. An' is a Barrani honorific indicating the head of a House. The Hallionne are a Barrani version of an inn that is sentient, alive, and able to read minds with a duty to recreate the best comforts of a guest’s home. while preventing anyone killing anyone else. A Leontine is a lion shifter. Margot is the Elani Street charlatan whom Kaylin despises. The Outlands are a potential space, gray and formless. The giant is from a people of purpose, the Ancients, powerful beings who are almost myth, and they created everything and everybody.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of grays in the background with a gray sky and a ravine of grays and browns with Kaylin facing away from us in a skintight gray top and pants with a blue cape hanging down her back. I'm suspecting the somewhat transparent circle of peaches , blues, purples, and white is a portal to the outlands, a gray tower in the distance. At the very top is a testimonial in a greenish-yellow. Below that is an info blurb in white, and below that is the author's name, also in white. Crossing Kaylin's waist is the start of the title in white while at the very bottom is the series info in the same yellowish-green.
The title is Azoria's dream to be Cast in Eternity.
My Take
I do enjoy Kaylin. She's hostile to most people but in a friendly way, very eager to help people. Did I mention she's also very, very stubborn? She'll brave anyone to ensure the laws protect the innocent. So it isn't a surprise that the Dragon Court frequently finds Corporal Neya at the center of unusual and dangerous magical anomalies. It's being Chosen that saves her. She also comes to a realization about herself, a positive one! Who knew this would ever happen?!?
We learn so much from Sagara's use of third person protagonist point-of-view from Kaylin's perspective.
It's so sweet that the Hawks feel so proprietary for a woman they consider a kook. Mrs Erickson is a wonderful, old woman who is nice to everyone, including the ghosts she encounters. A trait the ghosts appreciate so much, as she's their only social outlet. As for the ghosts who live in her childhood home, their back story is slowly revealed and just nasty. They're why she's so worried about how much longer she'll live.
Her household ghosts have a lot of fears, one of which includes that neighbor of Mrs Erickson's, who excites Kaylin and Hope to such anger. It's too bad they couldn't follow through. What we learn about him later is whack.
It's interesting how much information one can glean from public records, including a missing person report from 90 years ago. It took the longest time for me to draw that correlation between their later crimes.
Lol, Serralyn gets her dearest wish — because of Kaylin. Then Sagara humanizes Sedarias! Sagara also provides more information about the Lady's duties and reinforces the pragmatism she can adopt. It is an eye-opening reveal of the requirements for a Consort to be chosen.
Sagara introduces a new element that explains the "water" in the Dragon's altar, the "water" in the Lake of Life; the mirrors; and, she also reveals more about the history of the green.
I suspect this is true, that people seek power for its safety. I think Azoria was more interested in power for the sake of superiority. She'll learn anything she can about how others evolve and come to life with their Words that become True Names.
We do learn more about how the Wevaren are born and escape their hatching with the imperative of survival, which ties into Azoria's dreams. It's part of the contrast provided between Terrano's ambitions and Azoria's that's so fascinating.
I gotta say that I don't get the idea that if the Lake is destroyed and the Barrani are dead, who's left to rule?
While Cast in Eternity is full of action, it's primarily character-driven — and of course, I do enjoy the core characters in The Chronicles of Elantra! Pace-wise . . . I don't know. Sometimes it felt slow and other times it went too fast. Part of it is the prose, which can become convoluted.
In the end it's all about long range plans that are all about possession, of ensuring a greater immortality.
The Story
It sucks when Kaylin is assigned front desk duties. It's all paperwork and listening to idiots. Until Mrs Erickson shows up. It's a daily expectation by the front desk; it's even better since she brings baked goods for the Hawks.
It's Mrs Erickson's city ghosts who worry about Corporal Handred and the weapon he carries that pulls Kaylin's interest. And the bullying by her neighbor that makes her and Hope so angry. Then Mrs Erickson's house ghosts appear . . .
Kaylin's concern rises when she sees the spirits Mrs Erickson sees as friends, four of whom saw her born, grew up with her, and continue to protect her. It all raises questions for Kaylin, especially when she looks into the records regarding property and missing persons.
Questions arise that anger the Barrani, for some don't want the past to be uncovered, and they’re perfectly willing to destroy Kaylin if it preserves the secrets of the dead.
The Characters
Corporal Kaylin Neya is a Hawk who carries a translucent familiar, Hope. She's also Chosen and covered in glyphs which allow her to heal almost anything. Corporal Severn Handred is her partner who carries a coveted Barrani weapon and is detached to the Hawks from the Wolves. Helen is the independent sentient house where Kaylin lives. I want a Helen who cooks, cleans, launders, and provides security!
Imelda Swindon Erickson is a widow with a gift who lives in a tiny house populated by four ghosts with a terrifying history who can't leave her house: Jamal Rayan is a poltergeist with anger issues; Callis Creekson; Esmeralda "Esme" Noachin; and, Katie Holdern, who is the youngest. There are two more ghosts Mrs Erickson meets with, only they're city ghosts who can't enter her house: Amaldi and the critical Darreno. They had been Barrani slaves years ago, belonging to Azoria. Curly Erickson had been her husband. Stacia and Collin Swindon had been Imelda's parents. One of her neighbors, Brennan Oswald, is a widower and a nasty bully. His wife had been Annalisa "Alisa".
The Halls of Law are . . .
. . . three separate policing organizations of Elantra — the Hawks, the Wolves, and the Swords — who all work for the Emperor.
The Imperial Hawks are . . .
. . . the cops of this world, walking a beat and investigating crime.The Hawklord, an Aerian, is in charge of the Hawks. Sergeant Bridget Keele is in charge of all front desk duties. Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine, is Kaylin's immediate supervisor. Caitlin, a human, is the Hawks' very efficient secretary. Corporal Teela, a.k.a. An'Teela, is Barrani, Kaylin's friend, and had been part of the cohort. Corporal Tain is Teela's Barrani partner and another friend. Red is the coroner. Hanson is the Hawklord's secretary.
The Imperial Swords are peacekeepers. The Imperial Wolves are the emperor's executioners, his assassins.
The Cohort are . . .
. . . a group of Barrani young who were lost to an experiment ( Cast in Peril , 8) and trapped in the Hallionne Alsanis. The cohort must live with Helen lest they destroy the city. They include Mandoran with his almost human curiosity; Sedarias is their bossy leader — and the new head of her house as Lord An’Mellarionne; Terrano, who evolved past his original existence and drives them all mad for he delights in chaos; Allaron; Annarion, who is Nightshade’s angry brother; Valliant; Serralyn, who is happily attending the Academia; Eddorian; Torrissant; Karian; and Fallessian.
The Barrani had bee . . .
. . . enemies of the Dragons, having fought several wars. Not much has changed! The current Barrani rulers live in the High Halls. The mostly apolitical Consort, a.k.a. the Lady, is sister to the very political High Lord, and she is the mother of the race. Lirienne, the Lord of the West March, is the youngest sibling of the Lady and the High Lord. Ynpharion is a Barrani angry at being bonded to Kayla, but it does have its uses, including that he now serves the Consort personally. The Avatar of the High Halls, Abel, who is not Barrani, has been freed to take up his duties again. The Lake of Life is the source of the True Names the Consort chooses from to bring newborn Barrani to life. Kaylin freed the High Halls of the terror of the Adversary in Cast in Oblivion , 14. The Warden of the West March's duty is to absorb the nightmares of the Hallionne and converse with it, to visit.
Spike is a being from Shadow in Ravellon, an historian who became friends with Kayla and is now ensconced in the High Halls, friends with the former (enslaved) Adversary and the Avatar ( Cast in Deception , 13).
Azoria An'Berrani was a malevolent, ambitious arcanist, the supreme egoist, who took it too far. Her entire line excised. An'Berranin had been her father. Her younger and beloved sister, Leyalyn, had been intended to be a possible Consort, but she died.
The Academia, a . . .
. . . great school millennia ago with the library is its heart, had been lost when the Towers rose, and it has been rediscovered ( Cast in Wisdom , 15) but it's not mappable. Only in Elantra . . . The highly respected Lannagaros, the former Arkon, has found his true hoard — the chancellorship. Killianas, a.k.a. Killian, is the sentient being that kept the Academia running, but he's not sentient in the way Helen is.
Starrante, a Wevaren (a giant spider); Kavallac had been a Dragon; and, Androsse had been a Barranni Ancestor. All three became librarians and arbiters. Larrantin is/was a Barrani legend who had been offered one of the Three. Robin is one of the five students who remained. Matilda mans the front desk. Bakkon is also a Wevaren and a librarian who had been trapped in Ravellon in Cast in Conflict , 16. Bakkon is currently living in Liatt's Tower, another fief.
The Dragons rule . . .
. . . Elantra. Lord Sanabalis is the new Arkon, who rules the Library. Lord Emmerian is the youngest approachable dragon who is in love with Lord Bellusdeo, the only female Dragon, who has taken on her own Tower. And she's another good friend of Kaylin's. Tiamaris is now the dragon fieflord of the Tower of Tiamaris, one of seven fiefs that protect Elantra. Tara is the tower's Avatar; both are friendly with Kaylin.
The Arcanum is . . .
. . . sort of a magic guild with arcanists, who are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor.
Mirrors are the primary method of communication in Elantra, although Kaylin did discover a flaw in its use. An' is a Barrani honorific indicating the head of a House. The Hallionne are a Barrani version of an inn that is sentient, alive, and able to read minds with a duty to recreate the best comforts of a guest’s home. while preventing anyone killing anyone else. A Leontine is a lion shifter. Margot is the Elani Street charlatan whom Kaylin despises. The Outlands are a potential space, gray and formless. The giant is from a people of purpose, the Ancients, powerful beings who are almost myth, and they created everything and everybody.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of grays in the background with a gray sky and a ravine of grays and browns with Kaylin facing away from us in a skintight gray top and pants with a blue cape hanging down her back. I'm suspecting the somewhat transparent circle of peaches , blues, purples, and white is a portal to the outlands, a gray tower in the distance. At the very top is a testimonial in a greenish-yellow. Below that is an info blurb in white, and below that is the author's name, also in white. Crossing Kaylin's waist is the start of the title in white while at the very bottom is the series info in the same yellowish-green.
The title is Azoria's dream to be Cast in Eternity.
December 30, 2022
(Thoughts about Cast in Eternity after reading)
I enjoyed the story even though there wasn’t as much fighting (yes I did miss that) but more character and world history development. The creature met by Kaylin will be one to watch for I think in future books, which I’m curious about :) and Hope may have foreshadowed some future hard choices.
I’m beginning to suspect that Kaylin’s ability is outside what is teachable and the fact that she doesn’t have any formal training allows her to not have limits in her own mind of what is and isn’t possible. Hope even seemed surprised, rather refreshing. Though I wish she would experiment outside life and death situations and explore her own abilities.
I, of course, missed my favorite dragon, and several of the other characters who didn’t show up in this book, but then again that would have been hard to accomplish, I’ll just have to be patient.
Looking forward to the next book!!
(Thoughts about the series as a whole)
This series is my FAVORITE still!! Thank you Michelle Sagara for all the stories in this world so far!
I love a main character who has power but lots of flaws that she is slowly working on and some that are both flaw and strength. She acts in the moment and by instinct which can get her in trouble but also can save the day when the things they fight are new and hard to understand. My favorites are still the ones with her and Teela but I have loved every book and re-read or re-listened to some many times and others only a few, THOSE MOST likely being the most recently released… go figure. The humor still gets me to laugh even when seeing it for the third and 4th time. Every read also brings new insights or observations.
Kaylin is from a ruff background and really only started getting trained when she was 13, while Severn started at a much earlier age and is 5 years older, so her attitude and “lack of wisdom” (though I personally see this as a lack of experience vs simple lack of wisdom) makes sense and is part of her initial character, yes she learns slowly but the time isn’t really moving that fast during the series either, and she IS learning, though I wouldn’t mind her learning some magic a bit faster but who knows what this new story will bring. (I now think it may not be truly teachable but who knows)
But, for those of us who have been following this series since the beginning you can see it. There is also character development for all the supporting characters and cultural explorations and my amazing deep thoughts conversations (though sure occasionally even I’m for a touch more action) but I STILL love ALL the books so far and can’t wait to read this one!!
Update: I’m now adding to my favorites Sword and shadow (Emporer’s Wolves book 2) wow it was amazing totally recommend!
I enjoyed the story even though there wasn’t as much fighting (yes I did miss that) but more character and world history development. The creature met by Kaylin will be one to watch for I think in future books, which I’m curious about :) and Hope may have foreshadowed some future hard choices.
I’m beginning to suspect that Kaylin’s ability is outside what is teachable and the fact that she doesn’t have any formal training allows her to not have limits in her own mind of what is and isn’t possible. Hope even seemed surprised, rather refreshing. Though I wish she would experiment outside life and death situations and explore her own abilities.
I, of course, missed my favorite dragon, and several of the other characters who didn’t show up in this book, but then again that would have been hard to accomplish, I’ll just have to be patient.
Looking forward to the next book!!
(Thoughts about the series as a whole)
This series is my FAVORITE still!! Thank you Michelle Sagara for all the stories in this world so far!
I love a main character who has power but lots of flaws that she is slowly working on and some that are both flaw and strength. She acts in the moment and by instinct which can get her in trouble but also can save the day when the things they fight are new and hard to understand. My favorites are still the ones with her and Teela but I have loved every book and re-read or re-listened to some many times and others only a few, THOSE MOST likely being the most recently released… go figure. The humor still gets me to laugh even when seeing it for the third and 4th time. Every read also brings new insights or observations.
Kaylin is from a ruff background and really only started getting trained when she was 13, while Severn started at a much earlier age and is 5 years older, so her attitude and “lack of wisdom” (though I personally see this as a lack of experience vs simple lack of wisdom) makes sense and is part of her initial character, yes she learns slowly but the time isn’t really moving that fast during the series either, and she IS learning, though I wouldn’t mind her learning some magic a bit faster but who knows what this new story will bring. (I now think it may not be truly teachable but who knows)
But, for those of us who have been following this series since the beginning you can see it. There is also character development for all the supporting characters and cultural explorations and my amazing deep thoughts conversations (though sure occasionally even I’m for a touch more action) but I STILL love ALL the books so far and can’t wait to read this one!!
Update: I’m now adding to my favorites Sword and shadow (Emporer’s Wolves book 2) wow it was amazing totally recommend!
January 26, 2023
Corporal Kaylin Neya gets more than she bargained for when she befriends the little old lady, Mrs Erickson, when she’s on duty at the front desk. It turns out Mrs Erickson is a shaman. She has four ghosts in residence at her home. Once Kaylin meets them, things go from genial to downright dangerous with Dragon’s and Barrani’s eyes giving off the color that means everyone’s upset. Not to mention the cohort, her housemates and their reactions.
Surprising events lead to enquires about a Barrani whose been presumed dead for a century or two.
Another grand and slightly diverting yet soo dangerous direction for all involved.
Surprising events lead to enquires about a Barrani whose been presumed dead for a century or two.
Another grand and slightly diverting yet soo dangerous direction for all involved.
November 8, 2022
I received an early copy of this book for review purposes.
Once again Sagara proves she is a master of world building. Step into Kaylin's next adventure as we learn more about the Weaverin and the Academia, all while Kailen learns just how dangerously obsessive some Baranni can be.
Once again Sagara proves she is a master of world building. Step into Kaylin's next adventure as we learn more about the Weaverin and the Academia, all while Kailen learns just how dangerously obsessive some Baranni can be.
August 19, 2022
This was such a great read, I loved Mrs. Erickson, and this mystery, and what it added to the world! Such a great installment!
December 2, 2025
This one really clicked for me!
It was refreshing to have a book with a clear and contained investigative plot. We move away from grand wars and Shadowy threats. Instead, Kaylin investigates ghosts, behind which lies a long history of atrocities, terrible and dangerous magics and politics. The journey to truth lead us through many corners of Elantra.
There are some big, bombastic moments with probably long-term world implications, too. But the lives of two new characters - one a monster, the other an old lady with unexpected powers - were the heart of the story.
Slightly different characters feature in this one since we moved away from the Towers, so we see the Hawks and some of the cohort more. Quite mature behavior all around, too.
It was refreshing to have a book with a clear and contained investigative plot. We move away from grand wars and Shadowy threats. Instead, Kaylin investigates ghosts, behind which lies a long history of atrocities, terrible and dangerous magics and politics. The journey to truth lead us through many corners of Elantra.
There are some big, bombastic moments with probably long-term world implications, too. But the lives of two new characters - one a monster, the other an old lady with unexpected powers - were the heart of the story.
Slightly different characters feature in this one since we moved away from the Towers, so we see the Hawks and some of the cohort more. Quite mature behavior all around, too.
June 14, 2024
*Source* Library
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Cast in Eternity is the 17th installment in author Michelle Sagara's The Chronicles of Elantra which follows detective/mage Kaylin Neya and her cohort of friends as she struggles to protect the city of Elantra from the darkness that is determined to take root. When Corporal Kaylin Neya is assigned front desk duty—a task hated by every Hawk—the only thing she can look forward to besides an endless stream of complaints is visits from a dotty old woman named Mrs. Erickson.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Cast in Eternity is the 17th installment in author Michelle Sagara's The Chronicles of Elantra which follows detective/mage Kaylin Neya and her cohort of friends as she struggles to protect the city of Elantra from the darkness that is determined to take root. When Corporal Kaylin Neya is assigned front desk duty—a task hated by every Hawk—the only thing she can look forward to besides an endless stream of complaints is visits from a dotty old woman named Mrs. Erickson.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 1, 2022
I so wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I’ve been reading this series since the beginning, but after Book 18, I’m starting to lose hope.
Overall, the book is decent. Better than some in the series. I thought it was interesting, and I liked the creepiness of the paintings. When Sagara gets into her mystical magic stuff, I usually try to visualize the scenes like a Miyazaki film, and the images from this book worked well with that method. The cohort didn’t bother me as much in this book, (I thought Terrano was great) and I felt like Kaylin was decent in this book. I’ve read and agreed with lots of complaints about her prolonged immaturity, but I felt she presented herself very capably in this book.
But.
My big issue with this book is that I didn’t really care about it. I skimmed quite a bit, because I didn’t care about yet another Barrani magician and I didn’t really care about Mrs. Erickson and her ghosts. They would have been perfectly fine as a side plot, but as the main plot? Seriously, couldn’t have cared less.
Sagara had a huge opportunity here. We were introduced to this premise of ghosts being afraid of Severn’s weapon. So here was a chance! We just spent two books learning all about Severn and his birth, history, and weapon! So why, in the course of a 500 page book, couldn’t Kaylin learn a bit about Severn’s birth, history, and weapon? I thought that’s where we were going, and that added to my disinterest in the new characters. The problem is that Sagara won’t use 3 words when 37 will do, and so I end up skimming. It would be so nice if she could strip down some of the Barrani and Avatar rambling and add in the concrete progress with the main characters.
I know Sagara’s goal with this series has been to write stand-alone novels. I did feel like she succeeded pretty well with that goal in this novel. The problem is that we’ve spent, I dunno, half a dozen at least books feeling like we’re setting up the final Ravellon battle, and then this book had no progress towards that goal. Except maybe healing a giant that I don’t care about? This attempt to do stand-alone books, but then also have this big giant arc, is just not working for me anymore. After 18 books, I’m getting bored.
So yeah. I so wanted to love this book. But I was left very disappointed.
Edit: And came back to add: Severn has red hair and blue eyes!!! Can we really not keep that straight?! REALLY?!?!
Ok, I’m done.
Overall, the book is decent. Better than some in the series. I thought it was interesting, and I liked the creepiness of the paintings. When Sagara gets into her mystical magic stuff, I usually try to visualize the scenes like a Miyazaki film, and the images from this book worked well with that method. The cohort didn’t bother me as much in this book, (I thought Terrano was great) and I felt like Kaylin was decent in this book. I’ve read and agreed with lots of complaints about her prolonged immaturity, but I felt she presented herself very capably in this book.
But.
My big issue with this book is that I didn’t really care about it. I skimmed quite a bit, because I didn’t care about yet another Barrani magician and I didn’t really care about Mrs. Erickson and her ghosts. They would have been perfectly fine as a side plot, but as the main plot? Seriously, couldn’t have cared less.
Sagara had a huge opportunity here. We were introduced to this premise of ghosts being afraid of Severn’s weapon. So here was a chance! We just spent two books learning all about Severn and his birth, history, and weapon! So why, in the course of a 500 page book, couldn’t Kaylin learn a bit about Severn’s birth, history, and weapon? I thought that’s where we were going, and that added to my disinterest in the new characters. The problem is that Sagara won’t use 3 words when 37 will do, and so I end up skimming. It would be so nice if she could strip down some of the Barrani and Avatar rambling and add in the concrete progress with the main characters.
I know Sagara’s goal with this series has been to write stand-alone novels. I did feel like she succeeded pretty well with that goal in this novel. The problem is that we’ve spent, I dunno, half a dozen at least books feeling like we’re setting up the final Ravellon battle, and then this book had no progress towards that goal. Except maybe healing a giant that I don’t care about? This attempt to do stand-alone books, but then also have this big giant arc, is just not working for me anymore. After 18 books, I’m getting bored.
So yeah. I so wanted to love this book. But I was left very disappointed.
Edit: And came back to add: Severn has red hair and blue eyes!!! Can we really not keep that straight?! REALLY?!?!
Ok, I’m done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
I feel like I'm losing interest in these stories. They start to feel like a slog to read. The main character never seems to grow and change and the supporting cast are always the same. Just boring.
October 25, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy for review.
This addition to Sagara's Elantra series is very good. It is a significant improvement on the last few books. The last few books were quite good, and I will be reading them again.
The improvement in this book was there was a new interesting problem to solve with an unexpected thing going on. Kaylin and her crew then proceed to sort it out. There is a nice little morsel left over for a subsequent book, but the resolution is satisfying. It is easy to follow along with the story and the characters and understand what everyone is doing and saying and why.
There is only a shortish scene of the characters wading through amorphous fog as opposed to rather longer ones in the recent books (the amorphous fog is explained at last. And very helpful it is too!).
I would not advise starting with this book. Start with book 1. Be prepared for a slow enjoyable unfolding.
This addition to Sagara's Elantra series is very good. It is a significant improvement on the last few books. The last few books were quite good, and I will be reading them again.
The improvement in this book was there was a new interesting problem to solve with an unexpected thing going on. Kaylin and her crew then proceed to sort it out. There is a nice little morsel left over for a subsequent book, but the resolution is satisfying. It is easy to follow along with the story and the characters and understand what everyone is doing and saying and why.
There is only a shortish scene of the characters wading through amorphous fog as opposed to rather longer ones in the recent books (the amorphous fog is explained at last. And very helpful it is too!).
I would not advise starting with this book. Start with book 1. Be prepared for a slow enjoyable unfolding.
November 24, 2024
3.5 stars.
Nov 2024 - re-listened.
_______________
Dec 2023
This feels like a bit of a side-step from the main storyline as Kaylin deals with an old mortal woman who can see ghosts. I missed Bellusdeo, especially since she was so prominent in the last book Cast in Conflict and the Ravellon, Shadow and Outcast Dragon issues are all unresolved. But I'm guessing the author is preparing for new elements for future books, especially some interesting things that came up in this book.
I am still enjoying this series, although at times I do get frustrated with how "wordy" the books can get. Looking forward to revisiting this world in a couple of years. :)
Nov 2024 - re-listened.
_______________
Dec 2023
This feels like a bit of a side-step from the main storyline as Kaylin deals with an old mortal woman who can see ghosts. I missed Bellusdeo, especially since she was so prominent in the last book Cast in Conflict and the Ravellon, Shadow and Outcast Dragon issues are all unresolved. But I'm guessing the author is preparing for new elements for future books, especially some interesting things that came up in this book.
I am still enjoying this series, although at times I do get frustrated with how "wordy" the books can get. Looking forward to revisiting this world in a couple of years. :)
June 2, 2023
The issue is that Im invested in these characters.... The last several books in this series have been so boring. There is so much talking and no action at all. Its like they can stand in one place and just talk for hours. I thought the plot to this book was good, but i hate to say it, i would be interested to see what a different author could do with it. She barely touched on the whole vampire aspect, or that may have been when i zoned out. Every time i read the next book in the series I say Im done. But then i torture myself and pick up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2022
2.5 rounded up. Cast in Eternity was ok. I think this is the last Michelle Sagara book I'll read though. While some parts are interesting, her books are too long and tedious. I don't mind long books as long as the story progresses. Any progress and resolution is always miniscule. I think she needs to end this series and start another. It is bogged down.
December 20, 2022
Me encanto, se nota el avance de los personajes, realmente este libro es algo que es de la protagonista y no que ella cae en la trama de alguien más
Me encantaron los personajes nuevos y las interacciones entre ellos
Extrañe a Bellusdeo...
Me encantaron los personajes nuevos y las interacciones entre ellos
Extrañe a Bellusdeo...
March 28, 2024
4.5 stars
October 31, 2023
Introduction of new characters to the series. Good read, but not my favorite.
December 1, 2022
Amazing as usual the twist to the story was so unexpected
I can't even begin to say how amazing this series is. Every single book draws you into the world until its a comfortable home to visit. And like a home you want to visit it often. I was a little skeptical about the way this story was going to play out but it turned out so much better then I expected. I can't wait for the next book
I can't even begin to say how amazing this series is. Every single book draws you into the world until its a comfortable home to visit. And like a home you want to visit it often. I was a little skeptical about the way this story was going to play out but it turned out so much better then I expected. I can't wait for the next book
December 2, 2022
4.8
As usual, Michelle Sagara’s books are truly a work of art. If you, as a reader, are used to rushing through multiple battle scenes, you might find this slow going. If, however, you slow down and really read the story behind the words, you will open yourself to a fascinating world.
As usual, Michelle Sagara’s books are truly a work of art. If you, as a reader, are used to rushing through multiple battle scenes, you might find this slow going. If, however, you slow down and really read the story behind the words, you will open yourself to a fascinating world.
December 1, 2022
Awesome series
I have read the Chronicles of Elektra from the beginning. I have enjoyed each of the books. I like the characters and storyline. I especially like the books dealing with Lord Nightshade and was somewhat disappointed that he was not in this book. Hopefully he will be in the next one. Looking forward to it.
I have read the Chronicles of Elektra from the beginning. I have enjoyed each of the books. I like the characters and storyline. I especially like the books dealing with Lord Nightshade and was somewhat disappointed that he was not in this book. Hopefully he will be in the next one. Looking forward to it.
December 12, 2022
Cast in Eternity
3.5 Stars
Narration 5 Stars!
So, I waited to post this review. I personally found this book disappointing. I thought I may have been in a funk; I'll re-listen. Nope. It was a mixed review.
This book blurb was under promising and the book under delivered.
I love Chronicles of Elantra as a series; It's one of the longest and favorite series I've read, at 21 books strong. So, for nostalgic reasons, I enjoyed the continuation of one of my favorite series. However, this book was all over the place. I read over 50% of this book thinking…show me the fucking monkey (a reference to the latest King Kong movie taking over an hour to make an appearance in the film). As a series, Cast in Eternity has me questioning if this series has lost its direction. Or does the author have plans to complete this series?
Why were my feelings so mixed? The Bad.
~On the subject of time or time travel, we have several full books already. I'm over it. Cast in Silence is my favorite.
~No questions from previous books are answered.
~ Kaylin's lack of personal growth and development.
~This book is too long without anything being said or the plot not going anywhere.
~I found this book a frustrating read. Many things are left unfinished or a lack of closure. So, I feel unsatisfied. -
~I found the ending disappointing. It was anti-climatic with incomplete conclusions of characters.
Does anyone else have mixed feelings about this book? I'd have loved to rate this new addition to the series higher.
3.5 Stars
Narration 5 Stars!
So, I waited to post this review. I personally found this book disappointing. I thought I may have been in a funk; I'll re-listen. Nope. It was a mixed review.
This book blurb was under promising and the book under delivered.
I love Chronicles of Elantra as a series; It's one of the longest and favorite series I've read, at 21 books strong. So, for nostalgic reasons, I enjoyed the continuation of one of my favorite series. However, this book was all over the place. I read over 50% of this book thinking…show me the fucking monkey (a reference to the latest King Kong movie taking over an hour to make an appearance in the film). As a series, Cast in Eternity has me questioning if this series has lost its direction. Or does the author have plans to complete this series?
Why were my feelings so mixed? The Bad.
~On the subject of time or time travel, we have several full books already. I'm over it. Cast in Silence is my favorite.
~No questions from previous books are answered.
~ Kaylin's lack of personal growth and development.
~This book is too long without anything being said or the plot not going anywhere.
~I found this book a frustrating read. Many things are left unfinished or a lack of closure. So, I feel unsatisfied. -
~I found the ending disappointing. It was anti-climatic with incomplete conclusions of characters.
Does anyone else have mixed feelings about this book? I'd have loved to rate this new addition to the series higher.
January 6, 2023
As Elvis once said,
"A little less conversation, a little more action, please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me
A little more bite and a little less bark."
Yet another book in the series with a heck of a lot of discussion and very little action that finally takes place at the end. Ms. Sagara is quite adept at using 30 words where three will do, I will give her that.
I waited and waited for this book from my library. My actual library still hasn't gotten their copies, despite it having released over a month ago. I finally ended up getting an inter-library loan, because I wanted it NOW, but no way was I going to buy it after the last book. And it's such a difference from the first several books that I would race through and re-read the previous books before the new one came out. This one took me almost a week to finish, and like the last book, I can't see re-reading it, ever.
I'm vested in the damned characters, so I will continue to read, but I will settle for waiting for them from a library.
"A little less conversation, a little more action, please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me
A little more bite and a little less bark."
Yet another book in the series with a heck of a lot of discussion and very little action that finally takes place at the end. Ms. Sagara is quite adept at using 30 words where three will do, I will give her that.
I waited and waited for this book from my library. My actual library still hasn't gotten their copies, despite it having released over a month ago. I finally ended up getting an inter-library loan, because I wanted it NOW, but no way was I going to buy it after the last book. And it's such a difference from the first several books that I would race through and re-read the previous books before the new one came out. This one took me almost a week to finish, and like the last book, I can't see re-reading it, ever.
I'm vested in the damned characters, so I will continue to read, but I will settle for waiting for them from a library.
May 3, 2023
Sad to say that this story didn't grab me the way that others in the series did. That said, it's still a very enjoyable read and I did tear up a bit at the end. The new characters and plots were interesting, but the villain didn't feel as fully realized in the story somehow. There was vey little compelling me to read and thus why it took me so long to finish. It won't be one of the ones that I come back to for a re-read.
Still preordered the new side story though, because the history of excellence outweighs this one average rating
Still preordered the new side story though, because the history of excellence outweighs this one average rating
May 4, 2023
This story was so beautiful. I think to get in this story you need to be a Arvid reader. But it’s the question of excepting one’s self as you are or die; which was the concept of the story. How change, not only changes you possibly in a negative way but affects the ones around you. 5/5.
December 25, 2022
I feel like this book was loads better than the previous one. Kaylin is getting more agency, but she's still thought of as a child by other characters. Also, where is Nightshade? I want more of him!
March 18, 2025
4.5?
I really enjoyed this one. It had all of the plusses and minuses I associate with the series (far more plusses than minuses), and I thought it did a pretty good job at introducing a really interesting new character in Mrs. Erickson and the ghosts surrounding her, while also keeping the cast somewhat limited and slowly revealing an interesting (set of) mysteries that was significant without being world-ending.
I appreciated, for example, that Nightblade (good riddance), Bellusdeo (though I did miss her), the Tha'alanai, Marcus, the Emperor and other dragons that weren't Sanabalis and the Chancellor, etc. didn't really make an appearance. Like, don't get me wrong, I love them (except Nightblade), but I do think it helped make the story tighter that they're not involved in every adventure Kaylin goes on.
Azoria was an interesting antagonist. I thought she represented well the theme of knowing where the line is between trying to surpass your circumstances/limitations (generally good) and trying to fundamentally change who you are (generally bad, e.g. to seek immortality for mortals or godhood for immortals).
It was also interesting seeing an actual, true-blue, Ancient! Whose purpose was to die! I feel like he (?) will be important in any final battle, even if he'll likely be shelved for a few books as he restores himself. Also interesting that the Ancient blood in the Arkon's lair, Barrani Lake, etc., all came from the same entity. And that the 'borderland' is infinite creative possibility, and the same stuff that the sentient buildings make their rooms and such out of.
I imagine we'll come back to the weird possessing ghost-things in the dragon lair that are now in Helen, because what? And the formerly-trapped humans from ancient times. I'm also kind of amused (and grateful) that like half the cohort are just not (or barely) mentioned or appearing in the story. It makes sense - 12 people with the same backstory is just extremely unwieldy. But it also makes me wonder why there were so many in the first place. I'm glad Serralyn got a little more page time in this book, she's refreshing in being energetic and positive without the snark, for a Barrani.
I will say, I truly do not care about the hinting of Severn's ~mysterious past~ and ~journey to the Green~, so I'm kind of glad that it seems like it got shunted to its own book which I can ignore, and didn't take up much page time here other than the hinting and Severn hanging around and occasionally mind-talking as per his usual.
The emotion hit decently for me, with the four ghost kids who had been Mrs. Erickson's only friends for so long finally being set free, and Mrs. Erickson knowing that she's not dotty. I just loved Mrs. Erickson, and am glad she will be hanging around.
All in all, I really enjoyed this, the characterization, worldbuilding, and mystery plot.
I really enjoyed this one. It had all of the plusses and minuses I associate with the series (far more plusses than minuses), and I thought it did a pretty good job at introducing a really interesting new character in Mrs. Erickson and the ghosts surrounding her, while also keeping the cast somewhat limited and slowly revealing an interesting (set of) mysteries that was significant without being world-ending.
I appreciated, for example, that Nightblade (good riddance), Bellusdeo (though I did miss her), the Tha'alanai, Marcus, the Emperor and other dragons that weren't Sanabalis and the Chancellor, etc. didn't really make an appearance. Like, don't get me wrong, I love them (except Nightblade), but I do think it helped make the story tighter that they're not involved in every adventure Kaylin goes on.
Azoria was an interesting antagonist. I thought she represented well the theme of knowing where the line is between trying to surpass your circumstances/limitations (generally good) and trying to fundamentally change who you are (generally bad, e.g. to seek immortality for mortals or godhood for immortals).
It was also interesting seeing an actual, true-blue, Ancient! Whose purpose was to die! I feel like he (?) will be important in any final battle, even if he'll likely be shelved for a few books as he restores himself. Also interesting that the Ancient blood in the Arkon's lair, Barrani Lake, etc., all came from the same entity. And that the 'borderland' is infinite creative possibility, and the same stuff that the sentient buildings make their rooms and such out of.
I imagine we'll come back to the weird possessing ghost-things in the dragon lair that are now in Helen, because what? And the formerly-trapped humans from ancient times. I'm also kind of amused (and grateful) that like half the cohort are just not (or barely) mentioned or appearing in the story. It makes sense - 12 people with the same backstory is just extremely unwieldy. But it also makes me wonder why there were so many in the first place. I'm glad Serralyn got a little more page time in this book, she's refreshing in being energetic and positive without the snark, for a Barrani.
I will say, I truly do not care about the hinting of Severn's ~mysterious past~ and ~journey to the Green~, so I'm kind of glad that it seems like it got shunted to its own book which I can ignore, and didn't take up much page time here other than the hinting and Severn hanging around and occasionally mind-talking as per his usual.
The emotion hit decently for me, with the four ghost kids who had been Mrs. Erickson's only friends for so long finally being set free, and Mrs. Erickson knowing that she's not dotty. I just loved Mrs. Erickson, and am glad she will be hanging around.
All in all, I really enjoyed this, the characterization, worldbuilding, and mystery plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
-5 stars.
i like this world michelle sagara (west) has built, and i like her characters.
the epilogue had tears leaking from my eyes. mostly happy tears, but kind of sad happy. thankfully no full on crying, just leaking.
Kaylin makes another friend, and old lady named Mrs Erickson who sees ghosts. only Kaylin can see the ghosts too, and she wants to free them.
"old ladies in the fiefs had a kind of grit, a kind of steel to the spine - they'd have to, to have survived for as long as they had, even the ones who appeared sweet in a place where sweetness was the exception, not the rule. it took strength to be sweet - it meant you didn't care if people thought you were a mark. or a victim."
"there's no point in regrets, but i don't think you can live as long as i have without finding some anyway. they're like burrs. they cling. sometimes you don't regret a thing until far later, when you can see it in a different light."
"the desire for dominance is, in the end, rooted in the desire for safety. if we can rule everything, if we have the power to rule everything, we assume that we will be safe."
"not a good assumption."
"i did not say it was intelligent; i merely described the impulse."
"Kaylin wanted to hit the desk with her head a couple of times to clear it."
"she knows that you open your mouth and let words fall out - something Teela is far too cautious to do."
"you will think Sedarias cold-blooded. understand that the motivation for that appearance in the end is the safety of those she values. if she is considered to have sentiment for any of them, they will be the weapons wielded against her for the greatest amount of damage."
"wow. when you stick your foot in things, you really choose the worst possible place to try to stand."
"but look at you. you have bumbled your way, in ignorance, into becoming Chosen, and you have, at your side, a familiar that might once have served sorcerers of old. were it not for Severn and Teela, she would immediately attempt to devour you whole."
"devouring me won't give her either of those things."
"no - but you do not deserve them, Kaylin. she does, as she worked so hard and so thanklessly. if she is not to have them for all of her effort, no one shall."
"it was seldom understood that in order to sacrifice something of value, one must value something other than oneself."
"accepting your limitations might be bad, but accepting yourself, accepting your essential nature, was necessary. Kaylin now understood how easy it was to mistake one for the other."
"beneath that rage was fear and pain, and perhaps that's all rage ever was: fear and pain writ large."
i like this world michelle sagara (west) has built, and i like her characters.
the epilogue had tears leaking from my eyes. mostly happy tears, but kind of sad happy. thankfully no full on crying, just leaking.
Kaylin makes another friend, and old lady named Mrs Erickson who sees ghosts. only Kaylin can see the ghosts too, and she wants to free them.
"old ladies in the fiefs had a kind of grit, a kind of steel to the spine - they'd have to, to have survived for as long as they had, even the ones who appeared sweet in a place where sweetness was the exception, not the rule. it took strength to be sweet - it meant you didn't care if people thought you were a mark. or a victim."
"there's no point in regrets, but i don't think you can live as long as i have without finding some anyway. they're like burrs. they cling. sometimes you don't regret a thing until far later, when you can see it in a different light."
"the desire for dominance is, in the end, rooted in the desire for safety. if we can rule everything, if we have the power to rule everything, we assume that we will be safe."
"not a good assumption."
"i did not say it was intelligent; i merely described the impulse."
"Kaylin wanted to hit the desk with her head a couple of times to clear it."
"she knows that you open your mouth and let words fall out - something Teela is far too cautious to do."
"you will think Sedarias cold-blooded. understand that the motivation for that appearance in the end is the safety of those she values. if she is considered to have sentiment for any of them, they will be the weapons wielded against her for the greatest amount of damage."
"wow. when you stick your foot in things, you really choose the worst possible place to try to stand."
"but look at you. you have bumbled your way, in ignorance, into becoming Chosen, and you have, at your side, a familiar that might once have served sorcerers of old. were it not for Severn and Teela, she would immediately attempt to devour you whole."
"devouring me won't give her either of those things."
"no - but you do not deserve them, Kaylin. she does, as she worked so hard and so thanklessly. if she is not to have them for all of her effort, no one shall."
"it was seldom understood that in order to sacrifice something of value, one must value something other than oneself."
"accepting your limitations might be bad, but accepting yourself, accepting your essential nature, was necessary. Kaylin now understood how easy it was to mistake one for the other."
"beneath that rage was fear and pain, and perhaps that's all rage ever was: fear and pain writ large."
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