Scan barcode
nmthonet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
katelin00's review
4.0
Originally posted to A Bookworm's Confessions
I really enjoyed this book. I read it so quickly. It was suspenseful but also extremely informative. Cast in Courtlight focused on the Barrani. Cast in Secret focused on the Tha'alani. I wasn't ever sure what my feelings were on the race but I definitely didn't have the aversion Kaylin had. It was nice to see her get over her suspicion and embrace them.
The Tha'alani don't really want to interact much with humans and other races. They fear the fears of humans. They share a connection with the Tha'alaan and everyone's memories, thoughts, feelings, everything is given to the Tha'alaan. It takes a special Tha'alani to be able to touch the mind of another race and keep it from the Tha'alaan.
When Kaylin first visits the Tha'alani Quarter, she is stared at by the children that were out. One little boy ran to her and Kaylin wasn't fearful at all. Kaylin has a soft spot for children and that is something I love about her. I love children as well and I like the fierce protectiveness Kaylin feels for any child no matter the race.
The focus of this book is a missing Tha'alani child and a missing human child. This, of course, motivates Kaylin to do something to find them. We are also introduced to the Keeper. He makes sure the garden is kept under control. If the city is wiped out, the garden and his shop would still stand. In the small garden are the four elements. Kaylin is already learning about fire but when she looks into the pool of water, she sees a child who calls her by name. This is the human child she is looking for. Something was stolen from the Keeper's garden and it is up to Kaylin and Severn to find it. If the box is opened then bad things will happen. On top of everything else, the Oracles have made a prediction that the city will be drowned in water. Basically this book is one bad thing after another.
I loved this book. I loved learning about the Tha'alani. I was always curious about them and why Kaylin feared them so much. Honestly there is nothing to be afraid of. If anything, they are more afraid of humans. Ybelline is the Caste leader. She can read human minds and keep it from the Tha'alaan. This is something only very skilled Tha'alani can do. It's very difficult to explain the culture and race of the Tha'alani without reading the book. I just find them fascinating.
This book received 4.5 stars from me. The writing was better in this book and I enjoyed the plot. As the series continues, I am learning more about the world of Elantra. I am enjoying it immensely and I can't wait to see what is in store.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it so quickly. It was suspenseful but also extremely informative. Cast in Courtlight focused on the Barrani. Cast in Secret focused on the Tha'alani. I wasn't ever sure what my feelings were on the race but I definitely didn't have the aversion Kaylin had. It was nice to see her get over her suspicion and embrace them.
The Tha'alani don't really want to interact much with humans and other races. They fear the fears of humans. They share a connection with the Tha'alaan and everyone's memories, thoughts, feelings, everything is given to the Tha'alaan. It takes a special Tha'alani to be able to touch the mind of another race and keep it from the Tha'alaan.
When Kaylin first visits the Tha'alani Quarter, she is stared at by the children that were out. One little boy ran to her and Kaylin wasn't fearful at all. Kaylin has a soft spot for children and that is something I love about her. I love children as well and I like the fierce protectiveness Kaylin feels for any child no matter the race.
The focus of this book is a missing Tha'alani child and a missing human child. This, of course, motivates Kaylin to do something to find them. We are also introduced to the Keeper. He makes sure the garden is kept under control. If the city is wiped out, the garden and his shop would still stand. In the small garden are the four elements. Kaylin is already learning about fire but when she looks into the pool of water, she sees a child who calls her by name. This is the human child she is looking for. Something was stolen from the Keeper's garden and it is up to Kaylin and Severn to find it. If the box is opened then bad things will happen. On top of everything else, the Oracles have made a prediction that the city will be drowned in water. Basically this book is one bad thing after another.
I loved this book. I loved learning about the Tha'alani. I was always curious about them and why Kaylin feared them so much. Honestly there is nothing to be afraid of. If anything, they are more afraid of humans. Ybelline is the Caste leader. She can read human minds and keep it from the Tha'alaan. This is something only very skilled Tha'alani can do. It's very difficult to explain the culture and race of the Tha'alani without reading the book. I just find them fascinating.
This book received 4.5 stars from me. The writing was better in this book and I enjoyed the plot. As the series continues, I am learning more about the world of Elantra. I am enjoying it immensely and I can't wait to see what is in store.
caramay's review
DNF @ 77%. Was losing interest and some of the finer aspects of the story were confusing.
nelsonseye's review
4.0
As usual for me with this series, I did not understand everything that was going on. However, it is getting easier and my difficulty is not impacting my enjoyment of the books.
chawlios's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lynseyisreading's review
3.0
Sagara's writing felt a bit wordy and self indulgent in this instalment. There were some excessively long dialogue scenes and just long scenes in general, taking a long time to change to new locations, settings and characters. I was also very confused at one point about what was going on, who was speaking, (I think she was speaking to water at one point? Or witnessing a conversation between water and the Keeper of water from a long time ago???). Anyway, I was lost, so I had little choice than to just let the words flow over me (ha) and hope I got it in the end.
It's funny, actually, because no doubt Michele Sagara considers this a stronger instalment than the first two; that she has excelled herself in her poetic prose. And maybe she has, but I'm not necessarily looking for poetry. I want a story. You know, that story thing you were telling me? Yeah. Can we get back to that, please?
That said, there were a couple of positives. Kaylin seems to be developing a little from that compulsively tardy, impertinent girl of books one and two. A bit, anyway. Although I feel like more progress would be welcome. And there were some slight (and boy, do I mean slight) hints of possible feelings from Severn that are not of a platonic nature. A slight edge to his voice when he thought Lord Nightshade had dressed her up. But please, please, please can we expand on this angle, and soon? She needs to have some kind of inter-character relationships going on. You can't tell me she's the only 20 year old in existence that doesn't think about men! And why is she not putting Lord Nightshade straight when he calls her his consort? It doesn't appear to be what she wants, so why keep schtum?
Oh, dear. Now look what's happened. I've gone and made one of those ranty, frustrated reviews to go with the many other ranty, frustrated reviews about this series. I was really hoping not to do that, but it seems to be an easy trap to fall into. The series shows so much imagination and potential that it is frustrating to see it being executed in such a long-winded, aggravating manner.
Okay, I am going onto the next one about the Leontines and am hoping to be better impressed. Wish me luck!
It's funny, actually, because no doubt Michele Sagara considers this a stronger instalment than the first two; that she has excelled herself in her poetic prose. And maybe she has, but I'm not necessarily looking for poetry. I want a story. You know, that story thing you were telling me? Yeah. Can we get back to that, please?
That said, there were a couple of positives. Kaylin seems to be developing a little from that compulsively tardy, impertinent girl of books one and two. A bit, anyway. Although I feel like more progress would be welcome. And there were some slight (and boy, do I mean slight) hints of possible feelings from Severn that are not of a platonic nature. A slight edge to his voice when he thought Lord Nightshade had dressed her up. But please, please, please can we expand on this angle, and soon? She needs to have some kind of inter-character relationships going on. You can't tell me she's the only 20 year old in existence that doesn't think about men! And why is she not putting Lord Nightshade straight when he calls her his consort? It doesn't appear to be what she wants, so why keep schtum?
Oh, dear. Now look what's happened. I've gone and made one of those ranty, frustrated reviews to go with the many other ranty, frustrated reviews about this series. I was really hoping not to do that, but it seems to be an easy trap to fall into. The series shows so much imagination and potential that it is frustrating to see it being executed in such a long-winded, aggravating manner.
Okay, I am going onto the next one about the Leontines and am hoping to be better impressed. Wish me luck!
lassarina's review
4.0
I continue to love Kaylin, and also to love the complexities of her relationship with Severin. Where Cast in Courtlight delved into (some of) the mysteries of the Barrani, this book focuses on the Tha'alani, whom Kaylin fears and loathes in a way she reserves for very few things. Of course, a simple theft investigation turns out to be much more.
I do appreciate the way each entry in this series has dire consequences and dire stakes, but they're all at equivalent power levels, requiring simply different skills to handle. It's not like the JRPG leveling sequence of
1. fight dire rat
2. fight dire lion
3. fight the knight commander of the evil empire
4. fight evil emperor
5. FIGHT GOD FUCK YOU
Instead, it's pretty consistently somewhere between 3 and 4, but each challenge is different and stretches new skills for Kaylin, and I love that. I love the slow and subtle growth she has. I love her relationships with everyone around her.
One thing I particularly like is how this book explores what makes Kaylin hate the Tha'alani and why they are the way they are; those tensions have a very real cause, and a very understandable one, and I love the way that Kaylin's strength (her resolute defense of anyone weaker than she and her absolute unflinching loyalty to the rule of law) is used to show her some of her weaknesses in a way she can understand and address. She's still forever late, hotheaded, impatient, and terrible at book learning - but she's loving, and when it counts she will give it her all, and I just love her.
I do appreciate the way each entry in this series has dire consequences and dire stakes, but they're all at equivalent power levels, requiring simply different skills to handle. It's not like the JRPG leveling sequence of
1. fight dire rat
2. fight dire lion
3. fight the knight commander of the evil empire
4. fight evil emperor
5. FIGHT GOD FUCK YOU
Instead, it's pretty consistently somewhere between 3 and 4, but each challenge is different and stretches new skills for Kaylin, and I love that. I love the slow and subtle growth she has. I love her relationships with everyone around her.
One thing I particularly like is how this book explores what makes Kaylin hate the Tha'alani and why they are the way they are; those tensions have a very real cause, and a very understandable one, and I love the way that Kaylin's strength (her resolute defense of anyone weaker than she and her absolute unflinching loyalty to the rule of law) is used to show her some of her weaknesses in a way she can understand and address. She's still forever late, hotheaded, impatient, and terrible at book learning - but she's loving, and when it counts she will give it her all, and I just love her.
peppermintbat's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
Dear God, this book was so amazing. I really liked learning more about the Tha'alani, who were super interesting. I'm hoping the books will continue in this angle, focusing on one race per book. They'll probably culminate somewhere. For the record, I don't know who I want Kaylin with. On the one hand, I do like Severn. On the other hand, Kaylin and Lord Nightshade had a moment Overall, this book was a freaking experience. One that I look forward to rereading in the future. 5 stars. P.S. I think Kaylin grew as a character in this book! Will wonders never cease?
Reread May 2nd-3rd, 2022
I think this has been my favorite book so far. I LOVE the Tha'alani, and I really enjoyed getting to know them and the Oracles better in this third installment in the series. Kaylin also exhibits a fair amount of character growth in this book as she learns to look past her first impressions and prejudices and her own worldview and become a bit more open, accepting, and forgiving overall. It wasn't all pleasant to read about - growing up never is, to be honest - but it was pretty powerful to read.
Moving into spoiler territory,
Speaking of which, it involved Severn. To switch gears to the love triangle, which has been fairly subtle compared to the prominence it could have had for these first three books, I just want to say this: My better judgement says Severn - because I trust him to put Kaylin first - BUT my desire for entertainment and intrigue says Nightshade. (Who I do NOT trust to make Kaylin his number one at this point in the series - but there's potential for growth later down the line, of course.) At any rate, it's pretty clear that Kaylin has trauma (*cough, six months before she met the Hawks, cough* but I won't reveal any spoilers), so she needs to move past that before any romance can begin, and perhaps that means that I'll be waiting until book 13. It's hard to say. But I'm enjoying watching her two suitors posture at each other - it's amusing!
Now, I'll move back to the plot of this book, and the characters. Lord Sanabalis is a fantastic character - he's a very entertaining and grumpy old dragon who undoubtedly, of course, serves the Emperor, but can still be heart warming (and stern and chiding) when he wants to be. I love him. Ybelline is a lovely person and I really enjoyed all of Kaylin's interactions with her and the broader Tha'alani, and of course, the Tha'alaan. It was so much - cool, fun, intriguing, moving, etc. - and so good. Oh, and I shouldn't forget Evanton! He's also a grumpy old man and I love him.
The whole Keeper thing is super interesting and - to my memory - comes up again in a later book. Also, the visit to the library, with the dead dragon? Incredible scene! So interesting and powerful - in a literal magic way but also an emotional one. The Arcanists disgust me the more I read about them, on a side note. Also, we learn more about people like Kaylin - i.e., with marks like hers used to be, such as Uriel, from the vision the Tha'alaan showed her. It's all very intriguing, especially how Kaylin lost 2 of her marks in this book, in the scenes with the dead dragon (where she finished his story) and at the end with the big fight. So. Interesting! I can't wait to see how Sagara develops it more.
Also, the writing was as gorgeous and immersive as usual. Overall, I found this to be a fantastic, wonderful read. There was a super interesting plot that connected to the world building in spades, character growth from Kaylin, and the introduction of several new and lovely characters! 5 stars. I've very happy to have reread this!
Spoiler
! i.e. he freaking expressed interest in her. Holy shit! Moving on from that topic - I just want to get all my thoughts out and it's like 11:30 at night - the whole elements things was SO. COOL. So now Kaylin can control water and fire? Pretty awesome if you ask me. :)Reread May 2nd-3rd, 2022
I think this has been my favorite book so far. I LOVE the Tha'alani, and I really enjoyed getting to know them and the Oracles better in this third installment in the series. Kaylin also exhibits a fair amount of character growth in this book as she learns to look past her first impressions and prejudices and her own worldview and become a bit more open, accepting, and forgiving overall. It wasn't all pleasant to read about - growing up never is, to be honest - but it was pretty powerful to read.
Moving into spoiler territory,
Spoiler
I also very much enjoyed meeting the elements, such as they were. Water - or at least the Tha'alaan part of it - was so interesting and lovely, and Fire intrigued me as well. I love how Kaylin told Fire a story.Speaking of which, it involved Severn. To switch gears to the love triangle, which has been fairly subtle compared to the prominence it could have had for these first three books, I just want to say this: My better judgement says Severn - because I trust him to put Kaylin first - BUT my desire for entertainment and intrigue says Nightshade. (Who I do NOT trust to make Kaylin his number one at this point in the series - but there's potential for growth later down the line, of course.) At any rate, it's pretty clear that Kaylin has trauma (*cough, six months before she met the Hawks, cough* but I won't reveal any spoilers), so she needs to move past that before any romance can begin, and perhaps that means that I'll be waiting until book 13. It's hard to say. But I'm enjoying watching her two suitors posture at each other - it's amusing!
Now, I'll move back to the plot of this book, and the characters. Lord Sanabalis is a fantastic character - he's a very entertaining and grumpy old dragon who undoubtedly, of course, serves the Emperor, but can still be heart warming (and stern and chiding) when he wants to be. I love him. Ybelline is a lovely person and I really enjoyed all of Kaylin's interactions with her and the broader Tha'alani, and of course, the Tha'alaan. It was so much - cool, fun, intriguing, moving, etc. - and so good. Oh, and I shouldn't forget Evanton! He's also a grumpy old man and I love him.
The whole Keeper thing is super interesting and - to my memory - comes up again in a later book. Also, the visit to the library, with the dead dragon? Incredible scene! So interesting and powerful - in a literal magic way but also an emotional one. The Arcanists disgust me the more I read about them, on a side note. Also, we learn more about people like Kaylin - i.e., with marks like hers used to be, such as Uriel, from the vision the Tha'alaan showed her. It's all very intriguing, especially how Kaylin lost 2 of her marks in this book, in the scenes with the dead dragon (where she finished his story) and at the end with the big fight. So. Interesting! I can't wait to see how Sagara develops it more.
Also, the writing was as gorgeous and immersive as usual. Overall, I found this to be a fantastic, wonderful read. There was a super interesting plot that connected to the world building in spades, character growth from Kaylin, and the introduction of several new and lovely characters! 5 stars. I've very happy to have reread this!