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heidi_mcj's review
4.0
I just enjoy these books. Yes, the language gets a bit overblown but I like the way it flows. These books aren'y high literature or anything but fun to read. Good summer beach reads.
katyanaish's review
5.0
I adore this series. Completely adore it.
Yes, the heroine is a little slow on the uptake (but less slow than everyone treats her... I can't tell if that's deliberate cleverness on her part - she let's them assume she's less bright than she is, because it makes her less than a threat - or if the author is just working hard to keep her feeling naive and thereby more lovable), but it doesn't bother me. I like the flow of intuition and instinct, that she doesn't always know logically what she's doing, but when she lets go and does what she feels she needs to, she's able to function best. I get that it means that we as the reader don't always directly understand what is happening, but I actually like that. I like it because I feel tied to Kaylin, as if her journey is my journey. The words, at those moments, breeze through me in an almost poetic way, and though I don't always grasp exactly what they mean, I feel their weight and rightness.
It is honestly an impressive thing for the author to be able to do.
I am worried for every single one of the main characters, and I can't wait to read onward.
Yes, the heroine is a little slow on the uptake (but less slow than everyone treats her... I can't tell if that's deliberate cleverness on her part - she let's them assume she's less bright than she is, because it makes her less than a threat - or if the author is just working hard to keep her feeling naive and thereby more lovable), but it doesn't bother me. I like the flow of intuition and instinct, that she doesn't always know logically what she's doing, but when she lets go and does what she feels she needs to, she's able to function best. I get that it means that we as the reader don't always directly understand what is happening, but I actually like that. I like it because I feel tied to Kaylin, as if her journey is my journey. The words, at those moments, breeze through me in an almost poetic way, and though I don't always grasp exactly what they mean, I feel their weight and rightness.
It is honestly an impressive thing for the author to be able to do.
I am worried for every single one of the main characters, and I can't wait to read onward.
mary_soon_lee's review
4.0
This is the third novel in the fantasy series The Chronicles of Elantra. I enjoyed it very much. I continue to love the main character, Kaylin, along with several of the supporting cast. The book picks up soon after book two. Once again, less time than usual is spent recapitulating events from earlier in the series. I like this choice, though it might confuse a reader who began the series late.
The series is proving to be exactly what I was looking for -- an extended fantasy saga with very likable core characters who help each other. The magic and worldbuilding are intriguing, the stakes high, the characters best of all. Certain plot elements are very dark, but the found family themes soften the overall feel of the books.
In this third book -- spoilers ahead -- Onward to book four!
Four out of five deaf 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).
The series is proving to be exactly what I was looking for -- an extended fantasy saga with very likable core characters who help each other. The magic and worldbuilding are intriguing, the stakes high, the characters best of all. Certain plot elements are very dark, but the found family themes soften the overall feel of the books.
In this third book -- spoilers ahead --
Spoiler
Kaylin is thrust amid two groups that she dislikes, the Tha'alani and the Oracles, and comes to understand both better. There's an abundance of compassion for characters major and minor, from a dragon skeleton to elemental fire.Four out of five deaf 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).
b00kdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
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.