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breezy610's review against another edition
4.0
I like this one a lot better than the first one. Severn and kaytlin seems to get along quite nicely in this because some type of understanding passed between them.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Second in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series revolving around a young woman with unprecedented power.
My Take
I don't know if I'm getting used to Sagara, or if she's actually giving out more information in her stories. It's still tricky, though, I'm still confused on certain points such as some interactions between the Lord of the March and the Lord of the Green, and you must pay attention throughout.
I keep trying to figure out why it is I like this series so much, and it's mostly for the camaraderie and the teasing that takes place among the Hawks. There's my intense curiosity about Kaylin and what new powers she will manifest. And, of course, I do enjoy her irreverence! I also like the strangeness Sagara has created, pulling from fey tales, shifter stories, and human frailties, bringing in touches of so many other fantasy authors---I definitely detect some Mercedes Lackey when it comes to the Aerians! And it all influences Sagara even though she has created something completely different. Sagara has built an entire new world with different class and species levels.
All seen and interpreted through the eyes of a girl who is naive in so many aspects of this world in which she lives and yet so knowing of the human side of evil. It's this human side and her own experiences as a child that influence her today. It's all about children. Saving. Protecting. Because of them that she is willing to learn what she must. In that learning, in her new experiences widening her narrow view, Kaylin learns of perspective and that her interpretation is not the only one.
At this point, Kaylin has learned that "the Law existed for a reason", and that it didn't matter which side of the bridge you lived on as evildoers lurked at all levels of society.
Particularly, in this story, Kaylin learns of the Barrani and what they must endure to survive and thrive.
The Story
It's coming up on Festival in Elantra, the worst time of the year with all the scams, the "privileged" diplomats, and the huge influx of tourists from all over the Empire of Ala'an.
Everyone seems worried about Kaylin's safety during Festival and colludes to keep her out of the system, or at least, protect her, starting with an enforced stay in Nightshade's castle.
Only, it doesn't work, and Kaylin is forced to undertake a quest of life and death.
The Characters
There are three peacekeeping forces and three Lords of Law: the Lord of Hawks, Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord, heads up the Hawks---the investigators; the Lord of Swords and his men are the peacekeepers---the street cops, if you will; and, the Lord of Wolves and his people are its black ops with the Shadow Wolves the "darkest face the Law could turn on the populace".
Private Kaylin Neya, the former Elianne, is still a Hawk despite the emperor knowing of her abilities. She's also learned some hard truths about Severn's actions all those years ago. Enough that she's forgiven him. And she'll forgive him even more when she has to relive that night in his memories. Marya is a midwife for whom Kaylin heals patients in trouble.
Lord Andellen is one of the Barrani guards who accompany her throughout; Samaran is another.
The Hawks include:
Iron Jaw, more formally known as Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine Hawk. Caitlin is his human assistant. They all fear Caitlin's wrath. Tanner and Clint are Aerians (Kaylin loves touching Clint's forbidden flight feathers); Sesti is Clint's wife and they've just had a baby. Tain is Teela's Barrani partner. Red---never call him Reginald---is their medical examiner. Moran, an Aerian, is one of the Hawks' medics. Corporal Severn Handred is still with the Hawks, per Kaylin's request.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord, a crime lord, who has lent his name to his fief where Severn and Kaylin once lived. The mark he has placed on Kaylin is considered abomination by the other Barrani as it marks her as his consort. A mere human!?!
Lord Sanabalis is a Dragon mage who knows a lot more than Kaylin gives him credit for; he is about to become a very effective threat.
Lady An'teela has been caught and forced to Court where Kaylin learns just how high her contacts reach. She claims Kaylin as kyuthe, a very powerful claim that will be repeated by others. Lirienne is the Lord of the West March. The castelord is the Lord of the High Halls; his wife is the Consort and responsible for naming, the survival of the Barrani. The Lord of the Green is the heir to the castelord, and both are dying. The Lady of the Barrani is Green and March's sister; she will wed the new castelord.
Lord Tiamaris will be their third partner in this investigation in the fiefs. A dragonshifter with high-level magic and access. A powerful being with whom Sergeant Kassan has issues.
The Immortals were created by the Old Ones. A rune and sigil was carved into each Immortal, their name, but the names bound them to the Old Ones. An imprisonment that some could not tolerate. Ybelline is Tha'alani, but one with whom Kaylin could be comfortable. But she is the emperor's. Marrin is Leontine, and she runs the human orphanage in Elantra. Catti is one of her young charges and desperately ill. Dock is another. Amos is the foundling home's guard. Callantine is one of the powerful, pompous, and arrogant Imperial mages who shows up for the autopsy. Burlan Oaks runs a tavern that Severn frequents.
Lord Evarrim, an Arcanist, is a Barrani lord who takes an undue and threatening interest in Kaylin.
Think of the Aerians as birdmen, but not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. Vicious, cruel, and they seem to have the appearance of what I would consider Fey. The Leontine are lion shifters. Tha'alani, a.k.a., Truthseekers, are mind readers. Their touch is NOT delicate. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor. Fieflords are independent rulers of large neighborhoods outside the city proper. They are outside the law and while "no Barrani lord need heed the mark of an outcaste, no outcaste is required to heed the law of the Dragon Emperor." Theft and murder is a way of life in the fiefs.
The Cover
The cover is a contrast to the dark story inside with its golden background in a collage of palace and intricately detailed walls with a lighter gold of Kaylin's bare back as her tattooed arms maneuver to fasten the back of her turquoise satin dress.
The title indicates where Kaylin is Cast in Courtlight where the Barrani can more easily view, threaten, or use her.
My Take
I don't know if I'm getting used to Sagara, or if she's actually giving out more information in her stories. It's still tricky, though, I'm still confused on certain points such as some interactions between the Lord of the March and the Lord of the Green, and you must pay attention throughout.
I keep trying to figure out why it is I like this series so much, and it's mostly for the camaraderie and the teasing that takes place among the Hawks. There's my intense curiosity about Kaylin and what new powers she will manifest. And, of course, I do enjoy her irreverence! I also like the strangeness Sagara has created, pulling from fey tales, shifter stories, and human frailties, bringing in touches of so many other fantasy authors---I definitely detect some Mercedes Lackey when it comes to the Aerians! And it all influences Sagara even though she has created something completely different. Sagara has built an entire new world with different class and species levels.
All seen and interpreted through the eyes of a girl who is naive in so many aspects of this world in which she lives and yet so knowing of the human side of evil. It's this human side and her own experiences as a child that influence her today. It's all about children. Saving. Protecting. Because of them that she is willing to learn what she must. In that learning, in her new experiences widening her narrow view, Kaylin learns of perspective and that her interpretation is not the only one.
At this point, Kaylin has learned that "the Law existed for a reason", and that it didn't matter which side of the bridge you lived on as evildoers lurked at all levels of society.
Particularly, in this story, Kaylin learns of the Barrani and what they must endure to survive and thrive.
The Story
It's coming up on Festival in Elantra, the worst time of the year with all the scams, the "privileged" diplomats, and the huge influx of tourists from all over the Empire of Ala'an.
Everyone seems worried about Kaylin's safety during Festival and colludes to keep her out of the system, or at least, protect her, starting with an enforced stay in Nightshade's castle.
Only, it doesn't work, and Kaylin is forced to undertake a quest of life and death.
The Characters
There are three peacekeeping forces and three Lords of Law: the Lord of Hawks, Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord, heads up the Hawks---the investigators; the Lord of Swords and his men are the peacekeepers---the street cops, if you will; and, the Lord of Wolves and his people are its black ops with the Shadow Wolves the "darkest face the Law could turn on the populace".
Private Kaylin Neya, the former Elianne, is still a Hawk despite the emperor knowing of her abilities. She's also learned some hard truths about Severn's actions all those years ago. Enough that she's forgiven him. And she'll forgive him even more when she has to relive that night in his memories. Marya is a midwife for whom Kaylin heals patients in trouble.
Lord Andellen is one of the Barrani guards who accompany her throughout; Samaran is another.
The Hawks include:
Iron Jaw, more formally known as Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a Leontine Hawk. Caitlin is his human assistant. They all fear Caitlin's wrath. Tanner and Clint are Aerians (Kaylin loves touching Clint's forbidden flight feathers); Sesti is Clint's wife and they've just had a baby. Tain is Teela's Barrani partner. Red---never call him Reginald---is their medical examiner. Moran, an Aerian, is one of the Hawks' medics. Corporal Severn Handred is still with the Hawks, per Kaylin's request.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord, a crime lord, who has lent his name to his fief where Severn and Kaylin once lived. The mark he has placed on Kaylin is considered abomination by the other Barrani as it marks her as his consort. A mere human!?!
Lord Sanabalis is a Dragon mage who knows a lot more than Kaylin gives him credit for; he is about to become a very effective threat.
Lady An'teela has been caught and forced to Court where Kaylin learns just how high her contacts reach. She claims Kaylin as kyuthe, a very powerful claim that will be repeated by others. Lirienne is the Lord of the West March. The castelord is the Lord of the High Halls; his wife is the Consort and responsible for naming, the survival of the Barrani. The Lord of the Green is the heir to the castelord, and both are dying. The Lady of the Barrani is Green and March's sister; she will wed the new castelord.
Lord Tiamaris will be their third partner in this investigation in the fiefs. A dragonshifter with high-level magic and access. A powerful being with whom Sergeant Kassan has issues.
The Immortals were created by the Old Ones. A rune and sigil was carved into each Immortal, their name, but the names bound them to the Old Ones. An imprisonment that some could not tolerate. Ybelline is Tha'alani, but one with whom Kaylin could be comfortable. But she is the emperor's. Marrin is Leontine, and she runs the human orphanage in Elantra. Catti is one of her young charges and desperately ill. Dock is another. Amos is the foundling home's guard. Callantine is one of the powerful, pompous, and arrogant Imperial mages who shows up for the autopsy. Burlan Oaks runs a tavern that Severn frequents.
Lord Evarrim, an Arcanist, is a Barrani lord who takes an undue and threatening interest in Kaylin.
Think of the Aerians as birdmen, but not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. Vicious, cruel, and they seem to have the appearance of what I would consider Fey. The Leontine are lion shifters. Tha'alani, a.k.a., Truthseekers, are mind readers. Their touch is NOT delicate. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor. Fieflords are independent rulers of large neighborhoods outside the city proper. They are outside the law and while "no Barrani lord need heed the mark of an outcaste, no outcaste is required to heed the law of the Dragon Emperor." Theft and murder is a way of life in the fiefs.
The Cover
The cover is a contrast to the dark story inside with its golden background in a collage of palace and intricately detailed walls with a lighter gold of Kaylin's bare back as her tattooed arms maneuver to fasten the back of her turquoise satin dress.
The title indicates where Kaylin is Cast in Courtlight where the Barrani can more easily view, threaten, or use her.
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, intense-Kaylin and Severn grow closer, old scars are healing, slowly. They find themselves demanded in attendance to attend the High Court. There is a great Lord Dying, and it must be keep secret. Saving him could put Kaylin and Severn in danger, the Barrani guard their secrets. There is more than their secrets to be discovered behind the High Walls, something much darker and older. They go where no mortal has ever gone.
I could read this book 5 times and still not get all of it. There is so much detail and hidden truths behind everything said and seen. Wonderful.
I could read this book 5 times and still not get all of it. There is so much detail and hidden truths behind everything said and seen. Wonderful.
katyanaish's review against another edition
5.0
Another one I had no original review for, so I'll say a little something on the re-read.
Again, putting up front that the stream-of-consciousness narrative is not for everyone, but man, I love it. It's different and poetic and beautiful, and I feel like I'm walking with the character in such a vivid way.
This series is a firm favorite. In this book, Kaylin continues to peel apart her past hurt with Severn, while tangling with the Barrani High Court ... and making some tremendously powerful allies. It's interesting how much she is underestimated given the people that surround her.
This is also the book where she begins her tutelage with Sanabalis, another absolutely wonderful character. I had forgotten what their beginnings were like, and loved the revisit.
Again, putting up front that the stream-of-consciousness narrative is not for everyone, but man, I love it. It's different and poetic and beautiful, and I feel like I'm walking with the character in such a vivid way.
This series is a firm favorite. In this book, Kaylin continues to peel apart her past hurt with Severn, while tangling with the Barrani High Court ... and making some tremendously powerful allies. It's interesting how much she is underestimated given the people that surround her.
This is also the book where she begins her tutelage with Sanabalis, another absolutely wonderful character. I had forgotten what their beginnings were like, and loved the revisit.
embereye's review against another edition
4.0
Although there are elements of the main character that I find occasionally irritating, and I wasn't really all that sure where this story was going, I found it for the most part satisfying. Fluff book still, but not as bad as other ones I've been reading lately.
lorune's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining, i must say tho i still feel like im reading the intro of a much bigger story, and with 8 books out already this is probably very true, but some answers would be nice :)
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second novel in the fantasy series The Chronicles of Elantra. I enjoyed it considerably. I continue to love the main character, Kaylin, along with several of the supporting cast. The book picks up shortly after book one's end, and, unusually, spends little time recapitulating or explaining events from the earlier book. I appreciated this choice very much, even though it might confuse a reader who began the series late.
Moving to this book's main story line: spoilers ahead.... I read this book in less than tiptop form, so it's hard for me to sort out exactly what didn't fully work for me. Overall, though, I liked this very much and I shall proceed directly to book three.
Four out of five Barrani stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Moving to this book's main story line: spoilers ahead....
Spoiler
I loved the character threads running through the narrative. The thread concerning Jade and Steffi from Kaylin and Severn's shared past was especially strong. The plight of the Barrani high lord, his heirs, and his consort was also very well done. But the less character-based scenes felt less satisfying: too drawn out, or too repetitive, or lacking clarity?Four out of five Barrani stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
nuttkayc's review against another edition
4.0
it was beautiful, descriptive, and captivating. not as quirky as the first. love the series so far.