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lassarina's review
5.0
As each book in the series has visited another of Elantra's races, this one takes its turn with the Leontines, picking up on a couple of threads from the previous book and tying them back together. There's a lot going on here that pits Kaylin's two major devotions (children and the Law) against each other, while carrying on some of the obvious fallout from the previous book.
Kaylin's growth really shines here; there are a lot of places where book-one-Kaylin would have just let words fall out of her mouth, and she's learning (slowly) to close her mouth on those sentiments. It doesn't mean she doesn't feel them, but she's getting better at directing them. I also really liked the bond between her and Severn, and the bond between her and Marcus. Also, Ybelline remains the absolute best and I adore her.
I think one of the things i like best about this series is how each book/case is compressed into a short timeframe, yet neither feels rushed nor dragged out--and at the same time, the series keeps track of how little actual time is passing, and doesn't let things move too fast in the world outside of the Halls of Law. (I'm starting to the think the Dragon Emperor just has a permanent migraine because of all this shit constantly going down in his city, relative to a Dragon's lifespan. I also love how his power is everpresent and he is unendingly not present.)
Kaylin's growth really shines here; there are a lot of places where book-one-Kaylin would have just let words fall out of her mouth, and she's learning (slowly) to close her mouth on those sentiments. It doesn't mean she doesn't feel them, but she's getting better at directing them. I also really liked the bond between her and Severn, and the bond between her and Marcus. Also, Ybelline remains the absolute best and I adore her.
I think one of the things i like best about this series is how each book/case is compressed into a short timeframe, yet neither feels rushed nor dragged out--and at the same time, the series keeps track of how little actual time is passing, and doesn't let things move too fast in the world outside of the Halls of Law. (I'm starting to the think the Dragon Emperor just has a permanent migraine because of all this shit constantly going down in his city, relative to a Dragon's lifespan. I also love how his power is everpresent and he is unendingly not present.)
peppermintbat's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
Good as ever! Once again, shit has gone down. And once again, said shit has been epic. Nuff said. Except, of course, this: 5 freaking fantastic stars!
Reread May 3rd, 2022
I stayed up until 2 a.m. on a weeknight for this, so suffice to say: It was good. We learned more about the Leontine, the Old Ones, and thematically delved into the subject of motherhood and found families, which I loved. The plot was close to home in this one, as compared to, say, book two or even three, and it really hit me in the feels at times. I've grown very attached to Kaylin and her found family in this series, from the ornery Lord Sanabalis to the grumpy but lovable Marcus, to speak of a few characters that I appreciated in this book. It was also a joy to meet the Pridelea, most of whom were new characters, and see what they meant to Kaylin.
In other news, I warmed up to Severn a lot in this book. I didn't dislike him before, but I wasn't actually attached to him. Now I'm a bit attached, although I should say this much: I only saw Nightshade in like two scenes, and he absolutely stole the one at the end. Every time he's in a scene with Kaylin, I enjoy it immensely. And whenever he's also in a scene with Severn, it truly never fails to amuse me, which is why I'm really not minding the love triangle very much, even though I probably would be with another author.
At any rate, this was a great installment in the series, and as I said, I LOVED the thematic focus it had on motherhood and families, because it was very powerfully done, likely because it was so deeply connected to Kaylin's past and present. The world building also expanded nicely, and I grow more and more hyped to meet the Emperor eventually - after Kaylin gets some etiquette lessons, haha. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
Reread May 3rd, 2022
I stayed up until 2 a.m. on a weeknight for this, so suffice to say: It was good. We learned more about the Leontine, the Old Ones, and thematically delved into the subject of motherhood and found families, which I loved. The plot was close to home in this one, as compared to, say, book two or even three, and it really hit me in the feels at times. I've grown very attached to Kaylin and her found family in this series, from the ornery Lord Sanabalis to the grumpy but lovable Marcus, to speak of a few characters that I appreciated in this book. It was also a joy to meet the Pridelea, most of whom were new characters, and see what they meant to Kaylin.
In other news, I warmed up to Severn a lot in this book. I didn't dislike him before, but I wasn't actually attached to him. Now I'm a bit attached, although I should say this much: I only saw Nightshade in like two scenes, and he absolutely stole the one at the end. Every time he's in a scene with Kaylin, I enjoy it immensely. And whenever he's also in a scene with Severn, it truly never fails to amuse me, which is why I'm really not minding the love triangle very much, even though I probably would be with another author.
Spoiler
And, of course, there's the topic of the missing six months, the fiefs, and Kaylin's traumatic past - a topic that this book alluded to but didn't expound on, so neither will I, to avoid spoilers. Suffice to say, that also strongly affects the fact that the romance is definitely an undercurrent rather than a more significant force. The other part being, of course, that Kaylin is usually more occupied with saving the city (and probably a child in trouble) than worrying about romantic feelings, to which I say: Fair enough.At any rate, this was a great installment in the series, and as I said, I LOVED the thematic focus it had on motherhood and families, because it was very powerfully done, likely because it was so deeply connected to Kaylin's past and present. The world building also expanded nicely, and I grow more and more hyped to meet the Emperor eventually - after Kaylin gets some etiquette lessons, haha. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
ria_mhrj's review
2.0
I was so disappointed with this book! Having read the first three books, I was hopeful that Cast in Fury would build upon its predecessors and offer surprises and more answers. It's a wonderful world and the characters are great fun, but it's just getting tedious now...
In summary, Kaylin stumbles across something she doesn't understand. Various characters know exactly what is happening but refuse to tell her. A child is in peril. Kaylin gets her knickers in a twist. Somehow her powers are useful, right around the finale. Severn is usually around to occasionally smile and squeeze her hand. Nightshade pops up mysteriously and touches her magically marked cheek.
ARGH! Enough already - my friend used the term 'Plumitis' (the Stephanie Plum rut) which this series is beginning to suffer from. Having read some reviews of book 5, I'm not likely to pick it up, much as it pains me to leave this world behind.
In summary, Kaylin stumbles across something she doesn't understand. Various characters know exactly what is happening but refuse to tell her. A child is in peril. Kaylin gets her knickers in a twist. Somehow her powers are useful, right around the finale. Severn is usually around to occasionally smile and squeeze her hand. Nightshade pops up mysteriously and touches her magically marked cheek.
ARGH! Enough already - my friend used the term 'Plumitis' (the Stephanie Plum rut) which this series is beginning to suffer from. Having read some reviews of book 5, I'm not likely to pick it up, much as it pains me to leave this world behind.
reading_ninja's review
5.0
love this series, suggested by a friend and now one of my favs and also one of my fav books in the series!
shai3d's review against another edition
5.0
I am rapidly becoming addicted to these books. The dynamics of the partnership between Kaylin and Severen are perfect. And Ms.Sagara's plot-lines are enthralling.
thechaoshour's review
4.0
Quick Thoughts
1. This book was must easier to follow than the previous ones.
2. I wish the author followed up on the potential love interest. It would make the book a little happier.
3. Lots of things going on in this book. So much action.
4. The world here is incredible. There's so many different races and all of them have their own section in this city. I'd love a map.
5. There's tons of fantasy and magic in this book and I love it.
1. This book was must easier to follow than the previous ones.
2. I wish the author followed up on the potential love interest. It would make the book a little happier.
3. Lots of things going on in this book. So much action.
4. The world here is incredible. There's so many different races and all of them have their own section in this city. I'd love a map.
5. There's tons of fantasy and magic in this book and I love it.
bookarian's review
3.0
This is book four, and I have to say it's the clearest story so far, in fact, I would say it was my favorite. That being said, don't try to read this series out of order. The reason this title is so clear is because almost all the characters and species have been introduced in the previous books. This is a police mystery/fantasy with romantic undercurrents.
ruthie_narrates_books's review
5.0
The Chronicles of Elantra are a must read for anyone who loves strong female protagonists and the fantasy genre. I hope she keeps them coming. Each story is standalone in theory, but I feel that you miss out if you don't read them in order.