Customer Reviews

Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) (The Chronicles of Elantra)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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.

Kaylin just wants to be a cop. Unfortunately for her, even this simple goal isn't easy to realize. The cops insist that she take classes, study becoming a wizard--although that's the last thing she wants to be. And the mysterious, elf-like Barrani, are constantly suspicious of her because she bears the sign of the traitor, Nightshade, on her face. That she never asked for the mark doesn't even begin explain--from their standpoint. Still, when she saves the younger son of the Lord of the High Court, the Barrani agree not to murder her outright. And when that son asks for her attendance at a mysterious Barrani gathering, neither her Hawk-cop bosses, nor the Dragon-wizard who's teaching her dare say no.

In the halls of the High Court, Kaylin finds herself tested. No mortal has ever been challenged by the Court--certainly none has survived. Yet the younger son believes that Kaylin just might hold the key to saving his older brother. The possible cost to Kaylin doesn't seem to enter into the equation at all.

Author Michelle Sagara combines compelling world-building with the intriguing character of Kaylin. Although Kaylin is sarcastic, often childish, and prone to act without thinking (something that is definitely not a good idea in the High Court, her suffering and the way that she battles with tough choices gained her my sympathy and tugged on my emotions. Sagara's writing is occasionally cryptic, but once the story really gets going, this is a hard book to put down.

CAST IN COURTLIGHT is part of a series featuring Kaylin and Nightshade. Although it can be read alone, I suspect it would be even stronger if I'd read the first book in the series before I came upon this one. I'll definitely keep my eyes open for the next.

Alright, first off the writing style in this book is very fragmented, sometimes I cannot even follow the conversations because they break off and go on so many tangents. I love the overall story of the series and would like to know the ending, but the Kaylin is a complete idiot. She doesn't know anything, and even though she is seems proud of her ignorance it really makes me mad that she doesn't seem to understand anything. Just because she is "Oh so powerful" doesn't mean that she can't learn a thing or two. Just give me a heroine with some common sense, anything is better than Kaylin.

Michelle Sagara rocks! This is one of the best new books I have read this month. It starts with a bang and ends with wonderful sigh, I just loved it.

Kaylin is trying to fit in and get to know what powers she has, but her foot stays in her mouth. She just cannot stand still and if it doesn't have fighting for the Hawk she is not interested. However, her healing powers are growing and she helps the midwives whenever she can.

Severn watches over her, even if she hates him for the death of her two friends. But he is often close when she needs backup.

The tension among the characters is a little tense and Nightshade, comes to protect her when Festival begins. This is a special time for the Barrani and When Kaylin is ordered to the High Hall to save the Barrani Prince all hades is breaking loose. Kaylin must face not only her inner self but she must find a way to save the Prince and maybe her world. Nothing is as it seems and the Barrani do not explain themselves to anyone. As Kaylin and Severn dig deeper and deeper into the politics and the destiny of the Barrani, they find themselves learning more than is safe and certainly more than they want to.

I loved it. Michelle Sagara has a wonderful imagination and I can hardly wait for the next adventure. Do not miss this one.

Kaylin Neya desires only to be a Hawk and enforce the laws that govern her home. Unfortunately, the events from CAST IN SHADOW have created some unintended consequences. Kaylin is being forced to study magic, despite doing her best to run off every mage assigned to her. Meanwhile, her friend and Barrani Lord Teela has been summoned to the Barrani High Court for failing to inform them of Kaylin's mark- the mark given to her by outcaste Barrani Lord Nightshade. All is not well with the Barrani court, however, and soon Kaylin finds herself drawn into the mysterious politics and subtleties that define the Barrani. Kaylin wasn't a very good student in class but will she learn the necessary lessons to get her through this latest set of trials?

If you haven't read the first book in this series, CAST IN SHADOW, I strongly advise you to read it first. CAST IN COURTLIGHT starts out with events shortly after those in CAST IN SHADOW and assumes the reader has some base knowledge of the past story. The machinations of Lord Nightshade will seem a bit out of place without knowing the history, as will the furor over Kaylin's mark from him. In addition, CAST IN COURTLIGHT furthers the reader's understanding regarding the politics of Michelle Sagara's phenomenal fantasy world. Without reading CAST IN SHADOW, some of the finer points may be easily missed.

Words fail to convey the genius demonstrated by Michelle Sagara! The vastness of her world is simply amazing and the depth of the character development is incredible. Even secondary characters come to vivid life in the hands of this talented author. Events unfold from the perspective of Kaylin and so CAST IN COURTLIGHT initially seems to consist of an array of confusing and unrelated events. However, the brilliance of this approach becomes apparent as Kaylin begins to gain some understanding as to what is going on as the reader is right there with Kaylin for each "ah-ha" moment.

CAST IN COURTLIGHT is yet another beautifully written tale by the very gifted Michelle Sagara. Fantasy fans will do well to pick up this gem, along with the first book in the series, CAST IN SHADOW.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

I had read the first in the series, and thought, "umm, nice book," but this one grabbed me by the throat and never let go! The protagonist is finely drawn, and actually has a sense of humor (and is sensible, too) .... I would highly recommend this read to anyone who likes a strong, female hero(ine).

Surprisingly enough, this sequel is even better than the first book. In a world where sequels are usually weaker, I was pleasantly surprised.

This book was dramatic and interesting -- so much so that I didn't put it down at all.

If you read the first book, you definitely need to pick this one up. I would agree that it would be ideal to read this series in chronological order for the easiest comprehension. Yet, I believe that the story is strong enough as a standalone. (Of course, you would then be compelled to go back and buy the first book.)

I will be impatiently waiting for her next book.

What a great book. Complicated interesting characters, well thought out plot, really strong sense of the world the book is based in. All combine for a simply terrific read. I could not put it down. Definitely read the first book though. It explains a lot. The character and plot development are founded in the first book. Can't wait for the next one. Hurry, Michelle, Hurry!