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katyanaish's review
5.0
Another one I had no original review for, so I'll say a little something on the re-read.
Again, putting up front that the stream-of-consciousness narrative is not for everyone, but man, I love it. It's different and poetic and beautiful, and I feel like I'm walking with the character in such a vivid way.
This series is a firm favorite. In this book, Kaylin continues to peel apart her past hurt with Severn, while tangling with the Barrani High Court ... and making some tremendously powerful allies. It's interesting how much she is underestimated given the people that surround her.
This is also the book where she begins her tutelage with Sanabalis, another absolutely wonderful character. I had forgotten what their beginnings were like, and loved the revisit.
Again, putting up front that the stream-of-consciousness narrative is not for everyone, but man, I love it. It's different and poetic and beautiful, and I feel like I'm walking with the character in such a vivid way.
This series is a firm favorite. In this book, Kaylin continues to peel apart her past hurt with Severn, while tangling with the Barrani High Court ... and making some tremendously powerful allies. It's interesting how much she is underestimated given the people that surround her.
This is also the book where she begins her tutelage with Sanabalis, another absolutely wonderful character. I had forgotten what their beginnings were like, and loved the revisit.
embereye's review against another edition
4.0
Although there are elements of the main character that I find occasionally irritating, and I wasn't really all that sure where this story was going, I found it for the most part satisfying. Fluff book still, but not as bad as other ones I've been reading lately.
lorune's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining, i must say tho i still feel like im reading the intro of a much bigger story, and with 8 books out already this is probably very true, but some answers would be nice :)
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second novel in the fantasy series The Chronicles of Elantra. I enjoyed it considerably. I continue to love the main character, Kaylin, along with several of the supporting cast. The book picks up shortly after book one's end, and, unusually, spends little time recapitulating or explaining events from the earlier book. I appreciated this choice very much, even though it might confuse a reader who began the series late.
Moving to this book's main story line: spoilers ahead.... I read this book in less than tiptop form, so it's hard for me to sort out exactly what didn't fully work for me. Overall, though, I liked this very much and I shall proceed directly to book three.
Four out of five Barrani 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).
Moving to this book's main story line: spoilers ahead....
Spoiler
I loved the character threads running through the narrative. The thread concerning Jade and Steffi from Kaylin and Severn's shared past was especially strong. The plight of the Barrani high lord, his heirs, and his consort was also very well done. But the less character-based scenes felt less satisfying: too drawn out, or too repetitive, or lacking clarity?Four out of five Barrani 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).
nuttkayc's review against another edition
4.0
it was beautiful, descriptive, and captivating. not as quirky as the first. love the series so far.
nmthonet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
mamap's review against another edition
3.0
i don't think a book should make me feel stupid. characters are so very alive.
katelin00's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted to A Bookworm's Confessions
I really am enjoying this series. I'm a little behind on my reviews because I am having a hard time putting them down. I'm currently almost finished with Cast in Fury which is book four in the Chronicles of Elantra series. They're very good and very addicting.
Cast in Courtlight focuses on the elf/fey-like immortals. Kaylin is suddenly called upon by Teela, a Barrani Hawk who is also Kaylin's friend. When Kaylin arrives, Teela is dressed in court clothing which means a fancy dress. She brings Kaylin to the Barrani High Court to heal the Lord of the West March. He is always called Lord of the West March. Talk about a mouthful. It is very hard to kill an immortal but someone almost manages it. Kaylin is able to heal him but he forced to give her his name. As we learned in Cast in Shadow, the names for the Dragons and Barrani are who they are and they can be controlled through their name. It's not an unknown concept among the faerie world but I like that there is more to the name. Their names are essentially their entire being. This is important later on. When someone knows their name, they can also communicate silently however, they cannot lie when the are speaking like that.
Kaylin is later called to the court because the High Lord's heir is ill. Because she was able to heal the Lord of the West March, they believe she might be able to heal Lord of the West March's elder brother. It is crucial that he be healed. The High Court has it's secrets and the High Lord and his Consort play important roles. It's actually very interesting. More magic, more history, more danger.
In this book we see the relationship between Kaylin and Severn grow and eventually she comes to understand why he killed the two children. Severn has to deal with the guilt everyday even though he did what was necessary. Kaylin could never have done it and in the end the world would have been destroyed. I'm glad that their relationship was repaired because Severn is always there for Kaylin. He watches her back and he cares about her.
Kaylin has some character development in this book which I am happy for. I believe she will grow in each book even though she is extremely stubborn and a horrible student. I like that she now has Sanabalis as her teacher. Her magic still has unknown qualities and it's pretty interesting. I also love Sanabalis. He's awesome and he's a Dragon.
As I continue to read the series I am falling more and more in love with it. I am starting to see more of the world of Elantra and I like that it is unlike any world a lot of authors have created. My next review is of Cast in Secret. Hopefully I'll get to it soon. That will only happen if I manage to put my book down.
I really am enjoying this series. I'm a little behind on my reviews because I am having a hard time putting them down. I'm currently almost finished with Cast in Fury which is book four in the Chronicles of Elantra series. They're very good and very addicting.
Cast in Courtlight focuses on the elf/fey-like immortals. Kaylin is suddenly called upon by Teela, a Barrani Hawk who is also Kaylin's friend. When Kaylin arrives, Teela is dressed in court clothing which means a fancy dress. She brings Kaylin to the Barrani High Court to heal the Lord of the West March. He is always called Lord of the West March. Talk about a mouthful. It is very hard to kill an immortal but someone almost manages it. Kaylin is able to heal him but he forced to give her his name. As we learned in Cast in Shadow, the names for the Dragons and Barrani are who they are and they can be controlled through their name. It's not an unknown concept among the faerie world but I like that there is more to the name. Their names are essentially their entire being. This is important later on. When someone knows their name, they can also communicate silently however, they cannot lie when the are speaking like that.
Kaylin is later called to the court because the High Lord's heir is ill. Because she was able to heal the Lord of the West March, they believe she might be able to heal Lord of the West March's elder brother. It is crucial that he be healed. The High Court has it's secrets and the High Lord and his Consort play important roles. It's actually very interesting. More magic, more history, more danger.
In this book we see the relationship between Kaylin and Severn grow and eventually she comes to understand why he killed the two children. Severn has to deal with the guilt everyday even though he did what was necessary. Kaylin could never have done it and in the end the world would have been destroyed. I'm glad that their relationship was repaired because Severn is always there for Kaylin. He watches her back and he cares about her.
Kaylin has some character development in this book which I am happy for. I believe she will grow in each book even though she is extremely stubborn and a horrible student. I like that she now has Sanabalis as her teacher. Her magic still has unknown qualities and it's pretty interesting. I also love Sanabalis. He's awesome and he's a Dragon.
As I continue to read the series I am falling more and more in love with it. I am starting to see more of the world of Elantra and I like that it is unlike any world a lot of authors have created. My next review is of Cast in Secret. Hopefully I'll get to it soon. That will only happen if I manage to put my book down.