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lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
Good as usual. Gotta love these characters.
Reread June 30th, 2022
Fine, but I didn't love it as much of some of the other ones. The plot was a bit too sci-fi for me with all of the timeline stuff. I liked Kattea. Not really feeling the romance with anyone. 3.5 stars.
Reread June 30th, 2022
Fine, but I didn't love it as much of some of the other ones. The plot was a bit too sci-fi for me with all of the timeline stuff. I liked Kattea. Not really feeling the romance with anyone. 3.5 stars.
felinity's review
5.0
Each installment of the Elantra series leaves me breathless as I wade through the complexities of Kaylin's life while she juggles her job in the Hawks, her friendships, her loyalties and her need to understand what's going on despite warnings to stay clear.
This isn't light bedtime or beach reading... but if you've been following the series you know that by now. You struggle through the pages along with Kaylin, following her through the confusion, grasping for meaning and truth. Kaylin's stubborn nature, along with her innate loyalty to family, are what keep her moving no matter how frustrating everything is, and ultimately everything rests upon her shoulders.
Ultimately it culminates in something far beyond the characters' ken, stretching Kaylin more than ever and expanding the borders of reality far beyond anything known or even suspected; she must rely on intuition, despite the commands of the Emperor, the knowledge of the Arkon, the wishes of sentient buildings or her small and squawky familiar.
She has to understand why, and to do that she must understand herself too.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't light bedtime or beach reading... but if you've been following the series you know that by now. You struggle through the pages along with Kaylin, following her through the confusion, grasping for meaning and truth. Kaylin's stubborn nature, along with her innate loyalty to family, are what keep her moving no matter how frustrating everything is, and ultimately everything rests upon her shoulders.
Ultimately it culminates in something far beyond the characters' ken, stretching Kaylin more than ever and expanding the borders of reality far beyond anything known or even suspected; she must rely on intuition, despite the commands of the Emperor, the knowledge of the Arkon, the wishes of sentient buildings or her small and squawky familiar.
She has to understand why, and to do that she must understand herself too.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
lbelow's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
lindca's review
3.0
I must not be a true fan of fantasy. As with many of the previous books in this series, I found the parts about magic were the least interesting portions of the story. And those parts comprised most of the 500 pages, described in voluminous detail. It took me for-freakin'-ever to wade through it all.
The parts dealing with the characters themselves--their interactions, relationships--are what have kept me interested in the series. Unfortunately, some of those characters and relationships have remained static over the course of the past several books. Although the entire series so far has taken place over a relatively short period of time (a year?), so much has happened that I would have hoped for a little more character and relationship growth. Kaylin remains impulsive, overwhelmed by her abilities but unwilling to work to learn more about them, and a bit frustrated by but mostly content to be viewed as everyone's pet Hawk. I don't require romance in the SFF I read, but her relationship with Severn (who through most of the stories is kind of a cipher or mostly silent foil for Kaylin) is uncomfortable and unsatisfying. Frankly, one of the best parts of this book was the epilogue in which that relationship and several others were at least addressed to some small degree.
I do enjoy the world of Elantra and the characters populating it, enough that I've been willing to read through the far less compelling descriptions of magic to follow what is happening to them. The epilogue in this book was just enough of a teaser after a long slog through the rest of the story to keep my interest up in the next book. I only hope the balance of that one will be a little less elaborate description of the magic and more character interaction and growth.
The parts dealing with the characters themselves--their interactions, relationships--are what have kept me interested in the series. Unfortunately, some of those characters and relationships have remained static over the course of the past several books. Although the entire series so far has taken place over a relatively short period of time (a year?), so much has happened that I would have hoped for a little more character and relationship growth. Kaylin remains impulsive, overwhelmed by her abilities but unwilling to work to learn more about them, and a bit frustrated by but mostly content to be viewed as everyone's pet Hawk. I don't require romance in the SFF I read, but her relationship with Severn (who through most of the stories is kind of a cipher or mostly silent foil for Kaylin) is uncomfortable and unsatisfying. Frankly, one of the best parts of this book was the epilogue in which that relationship and several others were at least addressed to some small degree.
I do enjoy the world of Elantra and the characters populating it, enough that I've been willing to read through the far less compelling descriptions of magic to follow what is happening to them. The epilogue in this book was just enough of a teaser after a long slog through the rest of the story to keep my interest up in the next book. I only hope the balance of that one will be a little less elaborate description of the magic and more character interaction and growth.
morticia32's review
2.0
I feel very let down by this book. I waited, impatiently, for over a year for this book. And nothing really happened. I found myself putting it down and watching TV or knitting or knitting and watching TV. Anything but reading this book.
I'm glad Kaylin has a new home with Helen. I was thrilled when the Emperor popped in and Kaylin invited him to dinner. But we never went there. Instead Kaylin stupidly tried to heal a piece of shadow and passed out for days. And I'm not sure why she even had to.
Cast in Honor was choppy and left me feeling confused and annoyed most of the time. And then, after being so long and drawn out, with little to nothing actually happening, bam! It was wrapped up in a few pages and everything was done.
What I liked: Helen doesn't trust Nightshade where Kaylin is concerned. I agree with Helen. The Emperor. Want to see more of the Emperor as a normal dragon. Ybelline. Severn. Severn told Kaylin a bit more how he feels about her. Kaylin admits she's not afraid to die, because she won't be there anymore. Instead, she's afraid her loved ones will die and she'll be left without them.
What I didn't like: Was there a plot? If so, it took a damned long time to get anywhere. Kaylin needs to figure out where the hell she stands with Severn. She's being a selfish bitch, keeping him dangling on the line. I need to see some growth in this area, it's getting old. The Nightshade's missing anti-climactic plot resolution. Actually, let's just leave Nightshade out of it for a few books, I'd be ok with that. Too many plot crossroads/questions that never get dealt with. Like, oh, we need to go to Tiamaris. But we don't really. Or dinner with the Emperor. I really wanted that! And what about nagging Helen into getting a mirror connection, just in time for it to go wonky? Why was there no, "I told you so" moment, haha. Why was Kaylin on the cover with a sword she never touched? And where was the whole "honor" thing? Oh, and the word "demonstrably," although I will admit that its usage is down a bit in this book.
In all, I will continue reading. But I'm darned glad I got it from the library, or I'd be more pissed than sad right now.
I'm glad Kaylin has a new home with Helen. I was thrilled when the Emperor popped in and Kaylin invited him to dinner. But we never went there. Instead Kaylin stupidly tried to heal a piece of shadow and passed out for days. And I'm not sure why she even had to.
Cast in Honor was choppy and left me feeling confused and annoyed most of the time. And then, after being so long and drawn out, with little to nothing actually happening, bam! It was wrapped up in a few pages and everything was done.
What I liked: Helen doesn't trust Nightshade where Kaylin is concerned. I agree with Helen. The Emperor. Want to see more of the Emperor as a normal dragon. Ybelline. Severn. Severn told Kaylin a bit more how he feels about her. Kaylin admits she's not afraid to die, because she won't be there anymore. Instead, she's afraid her loved ones will die and she'll be left without them.
What I didn't like: Was there a plot? If so, it took a damned long time to get anywhere. Kaylin needs to figure out where the hell she stands with Severn. She's being a selfish bitch, keeping him dangling on the line. I need to see some growth in this area, it's getting old. The Nightshade's missing anti-climactic plot resolution. Actually, let's just leave Nightshade out of it for a few books, I'd be ok with that. Too many plot crossroads/questions that never get dealt with. Like, oh, we need to go to Tiamaris. But we don't really. Or dinner with the Emperor. I really wanted that! And what about nagging Helen into getting a mirror connection, just in time for it to go wonky? Why was there no, "I told you so" moment, haha. Why was Kaylin on the cover with a sword she never touched? And where was the whole "honor" thing? Oh, and the word "demonstrably," although I will admit that its usage is down a bit in this book.
In all, I will continue reading. But I'm darned glad I got it from the library, or I'd be more pissed than sad right now.
alassea's review against another edition
2.0
When this started off with Moran, I thought we were gonna learn a lot more about the Aerians, but no. I am guessing this is a setup for the next book.
Otherwise, there are a few new characters that I like, as well as the old familiar cast. There is another world-ending apocalypse in about three hours and counting. And while we solve that crisis, there is, per usual, a lot of world-explanation that drags on and on. It is somewhat interesting, but I think the story quite possibly would have benefitted from having this cut back a bit. Or maybe I just need a longer break between books.
Otherwise, there are a few new characters that I like, as well as the old familiar cast. There is another world-ending apocalypse in about three hours and counting. And while we solve that crisis, there is, per usual, a lot of world-explanation that drags on and on. It is somewhat interesting, but I think the story quite possibly would have benefitted from having this cut back a bit. Or maybe I just need a longer break between books.
mistressop's review against another edition
3.0
I am in the process of rereading this series for the 5th time. This is probably my least favorite book. I know it introduces a major important concept but something about it is just not my thang. Also, I really wish the author would let her fight once. With a dagger and start learning the sword. Everyone else gets to have these action moments but she never does and that kinda sucks.
Even though I really dislike this book it's still a great series and an ok book.
Even though I really dislike this book it's still a great series and an ok book.
puria's review against another edition
4.0
I cannot believe this is book 11. I also cannot believe I am only one book away from being caught up in the series and will have to wait after that.
This book in particular, it was one of those books where the concepts whole intriguing were again a little complicated. While reading a lot of the books in this series I don't necessarily understand all the information coming my way but have to prove it together and digest it in the end, a lot like Kaylin herself ends up doing.
I love Elantra and the intricate world she has woven.
This book in particular, it was one of those books where the concepts whole intriguing were again a little complicated. While reading a lot of the books in this series I don't necessarily understand all the information coming my way but have to prove it together and digest it in the end, a lot like Kaylin herself ends up doing.
I love Elantra and the intricate world she has woven.
emlickliter's review against another edition
5.0
Cast in Honor – Michelle Sagara – You know who can’t just investigate a murder? Kaylin Neya! In between all the other chaos that generates around her, she gets to stumble into a glitch in time. Why can’t Arcanists just get over their obsession with getting rid of their names in dramatic and city threatening ways? This one is all about the sacrifices we are willing to make for friendship. And we get to spend time with Ybelline! Happy Reading!