Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) [Mass Market Paperback]

Michelle Sagara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2008

In Elantra, a job well done is rewarded with a more dangerous task. So after defeating a dark evil, Kaylin Neya goes before the Barrani High Court, where a misspoken word brings sure death. Kaylin's never been known for her grace or manners, but the High Lord's heir is suspiciously ill, and Kaylin's healing magic is the only shot at saving him—if she can dodge the traps laid for her.…

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Court intrigue and ancient magic stir up old ghosts as well as deadly mystery in Sagara's engaging second fantasy novel (after Cast in Shadow). As a Hawk serving the Halls of Law in Imperial capital Elantra, Kaylin Neya wishes she could ignore her strange tattoos—especially the glyph on her cheek, a Barrani rune loosely translated as "Consort," placed there by the lord of her former fief, outcaste Barrani Lord Nightshade. Those glyphs and their wild magic have gotten her into trouble before—enough that both the Lord of Hawks and the Imperial Order of Mages demand she learn to control her growing magical talent or be kicked out of the Hawks. Before this news can sink in, however, Kaylin is dragged into a dangerous plot after she heals the younger son of the Barrani Lord of the High Court. Kaylin thus earns the Lord's gratitude, but she also becomes a target for those who would bring down the High Court itself. Readers will embrace this compelling, strong-willed heroine with her often sarcastic voice. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"A fast-paced police procedural, deadly magics, five very different races and a wickedly dry sense of humor . . ." -- Bestselling author Tanya Huff --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Luna; Reprint edition (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037380282X
• ISBN-13: 978-0373802821
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars pleasant continuation -- not a stand alone book, August 14, 2006

By 

Margaret P. "mhp2027" (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) (Paperback)

"Cast in Courtlight" starts where "Cast in Shadow" left off -- just before the start of a large fair. The main character, K, uses her rare healing talent to heal an immortal prince (different title/same position). This is more difficult (and more dangerous) than healing mortals. Afterward, the prince invites K into his court for a party and she dare not refuse. Some of the nobles want to kill her -- and can do so with few legal consequences. More is at stake than first appears, and soon K discovers a hidden danger that threatens all she holds dear.

Overall, K's continued adventures are fun, with plenty of action and surprises. The "tortured past" bit and K's magical abilities are downplayed. I found myself skimming occasionally, and felt no need to go back to read the details. The overall plotline is well developped and closes nicely. Most of the characters from "Cast in Shadow" play bit parts in this book, including Lord N.

Overall, this book wasn't the refreshing surprise of the previous novel; but it kept me reading enjoyably to the very end. Suitable, I would say, for a lazy afternoon in the hammock, or an airplane ride. The end promises more sequels to come. I'll be watching for more of Sagara's books. "Cast in Courtlight" will appeal to readers who enjoyed Covenants: A Borderlands Novel (Borderland (Roc)) or Forged Without Fire: A Champion for Catlover or Bloodring.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cast in Confusion, May 30, 2008

By 

L. Pardee (Poulsbo, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) (Paperback)

Don't get me wrong. I devoured this book. I enjoy all the characters, although Kaylin is pretty annoying. But these characters make half speeches so often that I frequently don't understand what is going on. Everything is half said and the characters, ostensibly, figure things out for themselves. But I, the dumb reader, am left scratching my head. It's a fun read but I have a Leontine growl for Michelle Sagara, should I ever run across her.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great continuation, December 22, 2006

By 

Neker (Duson, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) (Paperback)

Sagara created an amazing and unique world in this fantasy novel. I loved the first one and by the time I turned the last page in this one I found I loved it, too. I do have to complain about the fact that I feel lost and confused during most of this novel (same for the first) but I'm not sure if I can berate Sagara for that because I'm not sure if that was her intention, since Kaylin, the protagonist, is also lost and confused throughout the majority of the novel. At least this way, we cannot put the character down for being dumb. I think the readers and the herione are left in the dark on purpose. There is a mystery to solve and Sagara want's to make is difficult for both to solve. And there is most certaintly a mystery to solve--the Barrani people have many secrets that they do not like the common mortals to be privy to. Expecially not some one with the mark of Nightshade's consort on her face. That all changes when Kaylin is dragged to High Hall to save the High Lord's youngest son. Kaylin does but only after having to plant a piece of herself in his heart and he give her his true name. If you've read the first novel you would understand this is some heavy stuff. Of course, just because she saved his life, doesn't mean he won't kill her later just for the sake of knowing his true name, and Kaylin realizes this to be true, but she got to see inside him--considering the fact of how closed off the Barrani race is--and thinks she is safe, for now.

Her job is not done. After saving the young prince's life, the High Hall has called her back to now save the life the older prince and this seems to be even more difficult than the first. But first she has to dig deep into all their secrets and traditions and even the reason there is a High Hall and the Barrani don't like giving away their secrets.

Very action packed, very interesting, somewhat of a difficult read in that the situations are hard to understand, but still well worth the time and effort. I sort of wished something more to developed between the prince and Kaylin, he actually seemed like nice guy, for a Barrani.