Scan barcode
eoppelt's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. My favorite in the series so far. The theatre aspects helped alot; I loved Sagara's description of using fiction to speak a truth. She had it nailed, at least in my experience.
hazel_reads's review
5.0
After the tidal wave in the last book, the Tha' alani are feared by the citizens of Elantra. And, fear can lead to violence. The Swords are called to guard the Tha' alani quarter, and Kaylin is called to the Imperial Palace. She is to assist Rennick (the imperial playwright) in writing a play that will put the Tha' alani in a better light and ease the fear. As usual, there is a lot more going on in this book, but I don't want to give anything away. I love this series!! I also like the fact that each of the books are centered on one of the races. This one is mostly about the Leontines. I love the world that Michelle Sagara has built and can't wait to read the next one!
suzjustsuz's review
4.0
The world and the recurring characters grow on you, that's for sure. This one was more entertaining than the previous ones.
It seems that the author is using each book to expound upon the world by creating various mystery/crisis/issues within one of the plethora of races and/or social groups within the world. Since there are a myriad assortment of races she's got plenty of room to slowly spin each race and their various cultural, magical, and physiological variances into the tapestry and, therefore, each book makes the world richer, the characters more multi-dimensional, and the plots more enveloping. In short, each book is sucking me into the world a bit more.
It should be mentioned that the races are all quite original takes or twists on races that we might expect to see in various forms of contemporary fantasy stories, but not obviously so. I found myself trying to struggle to make parallels with "standard" paranormal races and there were only vague shadows of similarities, but they are there.
This book was about the liontine.
It seems that the author is using each book to expound upon the world by creating various mystery/crisis/issues within one of the plethora of races and/or social groups within the world. Since there are a myriad assortment of races she's got plenty of room to slowly spin each race and their various cultural, magical, and physiological variances into the tapestry and, therefore, each book makes the world richer, the characters more multi-dimensional, and the plots more enveloping. In short, each book is sucking me into the world a bit more.
It should be mentioned that the races are all quite original takes or twists on races that we might expect to see in various forms of contemporary fantasy stories, but not obviously so. I found myself trying to struggle to make parallels with "standard" paranormal races and there were only vague shadows of similarities, but they are there.
This book was about the liontine.
jaironside's review
4.0
Ok this is a vast improvement on the previous couple if books. Really liked this one. As usual it's a fantasy police procedural which engages with themes of family vs found family, cultural clashes, law vs justice, and the marginalisation of individuals. The prose has tightened up a lot. Far less repetition and clunky dialogue. There was even a little humour which I found refreshing. The story follows Kaylin who is assigned to ensure that the royal playwrite produces a play that eases public opinion to the telepathic Tha'elani without insulted an entire race of people. Midway through this less than choice assignment, Kaylin's boss is arrested for the murder of another Leontine (cat person) and a new acting chief is appointed - who Kaylin dispises. Marcus might be facing a death sentence but Kaylin is sure he's innocent. The problem is that Marcus refuses to talk. Kaylin is forced to unravel the complucated history of the Leontines and find out why Marcus will not defend himself.
It's a clever exploration of what happens when cultural custom comes up against general law. The stakes were high and there's plenty of action. This time the phenominal world building encased a gripping story and Kaylin has grown as a character. Really enjoyed this one and will continue with the series.
It's a clever exploration of what happens when cultural custom comes up against general law. The stakes were high and there's plenty of action. This time the phenominal world building encased a gripping story and Kaylin has grown as a character. Really enjoyed this one and will continue with the series.
katekat's review
4.0
Michelle Sagara's The Chronicles of Elantra series is one of my favorites and this title did not disappoint, A few of the books in this series have not been as strong in my opinion and this is one of those unfortunately but I still like it. The story was engaging and helped to move the plot along. I felt like I learned more about many of the characters including the protagonist in this volume. I recommend this book.
eafiu's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Body horror
More...