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seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
4.0
I feel as though I've been reading the Nightrunner series almost all of my adult fantasy fiction life, Seregil and Alec are vivid enough in my head that I was instantly thrown back into their world without any of the usual sequel confusion.
For all of their adventuring, the novels where they're at home scheming as they do are easily the most memorable of the series, there's enough story progression to keep things entertaining and despite the strangely rushed ending it's easily one of my favourite installments of this series yet.
For all of their adventuring, the novels where they're at home scheming as they do are easily the most memorable of the series, there's enough story progression to keep things entertaining and despite the strangely rushed ending it's easily one of my favourite installments of this series yet.
seeinghowitgoes's review
4.0
One of the first novels in a while to be placed primarily back in Rhiminee, it's a pleasure to see ourselves reunited with Lord Seregil and Alec of Ivywell as well as the Rhiminee cat. It's a politically heavy novel that throws a conspiracy at us, treason, cabals and a mysterious plague on the side.
While on one hand the re-emergence of so many side characters is a pleasure, trying to keep all of the political players sorted was nearly impossible. It was hard to emphasise with families torn apart by traitors when we were introduced to them a handful of chapters again.
That said, much appreciated return to form after the heaviness of the last two books.
While on one hand the re-emergence of so many side characters is a pleasure, trying to keep all of the political players sorted was nearly impossible. It was hard to emphasise with families torn apart by traitors when we were introduced to them a handful of chapters again.
That said, much appreciated return to form after the heaviness of the last two books.
caitann's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
100% pure fantasy comfort at this point 😌
fra_ci90's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
waclements7's review against another edition
5.0
Covers this book but also some of the whole series.
Casket of Souls is the latest in Lynn Flewelling’s Nightrunner series. This series centers on two characters, Seregil and Alec, and their friends. They are very well developed characters, as are all the supporting characters. I’ll stick to Casket of Souls as it was the one published in 2012. Alec and Seregil have been working together as thieves and ‘information gatherers’ since the first book in the series, when Alec tried to steal Seregil’s coin pouch. Since then, he has taken Alec under his wing and trained him to be an expert thief and housebreaker, and where to look for important documents. When they are at home in Rhiminee, Seregil, who is very widely known for his eccentricities and outrageous behavior, also acts unbeknownst to the people who ask for help from the Rhiminee Cat. They inevitably fall into some sort of danger or plot and return to one of two places, Seregil’s former mentor’s tower where he apprenticed unsuccessfully to be a magician under Nysander’s tutelage. The other place is Seregil’s friend Micum Cavish’s house where he lives with his wife and growing number of children. This series does involve a relationship developing between Seregil and Alec, which they don’t even discuss until the end of the second book, so I was very disappointed to see in some of the reviews on Amazon that people still reading the first book were making comments such as, “Was reading this and enjoying it then realized it was one of those kind of books and threw it away in disgust.” Their relationship is mostly subtle, sometimes made fun of by relatives because they are so in love—they are essentially bound together. There is nothing explicit—Glimpses—a collection of fan art and short stories written by Flewelling elaborate on some of those experiences, Alec and Seregil’s first time together, for example, but those types of scenes don’t come up in the series itself (but if you’re into the series, Glimpses is a really nice companion volume). Anyway, I found it annoying that someone could be genuinely enjoying a story and then realize there’s a m/m relationship in it so out the window it goes. Casket of Souls finds Seregil and Alec running into a group of players (theatre) who are taking audiences by storm, and at the same time find out information that the Queen is plotting against the Princess, who is already engaged in a war. Then a plague starts to spread. I read this so long ago—I wish I remembered the details better. The main player has something to do with it, capturing souls in bottles and using them to keep eternally young. Nysander’s apprentice at the time of his death, Thero, who started out as an arrogant somewhat one sided character novels ago, is now a magician of some repute who Seregil and Alec know they can count on as much as they did Nysander. Thero is still arrogant at times, but he’s also developing a sense of humor and has fallen in love with the princess the Queen is plotting against, supplying her with ways to contact him if she needs help (this mostly happened in the previous installment in the series, when a diplomatic trip was taken to Seregil’s old homeland that he was exiled from thirty years earlier for being caught in a relationship with another man. He’s uncomfortable with the trip, but Alec meets his family, and they all like him. Thero is working with Princess Klia on her mission, spending most of his time with her, and they fall in love. I went backward instead of forward, didn’t I? I think it’s important to mention in here somewhere that Seregil is Aurënen, an almost Elven type race, and Alec is half-hâzadriëlfaie, another clan of elvish type people who are more secretive than Seregil’s clan. Everything is sorted at the end of Casket of Souls (sorry, that has to be one of the worst reviews ever—if I wrote the reviews right after I read the book it would be better—I originally read this in May). Sadly, there is going to be only one more book in this series. I have become quite attached to the characters, so even while I might not always get the plots straight, the writing and development of the characters are so good I do really feel unhappy there is only one more book. Oh well, I can always start them over.
Casket of Souls is the latest in Lynn Flewelling’s Nightrunner series. This series centers on two characters, Seregil and Alec, and their friends. They are very well developed characters, as are all the supporting characters. I’ll stick to Casket of Souls as it was the one published in 2012. Alec and Seregil have been working together as thieves and ‘information gatherers’ since the first book in the series, when Alec tried to steal Seregil’s coin pouch. Since then, he has taken Alec under his wing and trained him to be an expert thief and housebreaker, and where to look for important documents. When they are at home in Rhiminee, Seregil, who is very widely known for his eccentricities and outrageous behavior, also acts unbeknownst to the people who ask for help from the Rhiminee Cat. They inevitably fall into some sort of danger or plot and return to one of two places, Seregil’s former mentor’s tower where he apprenticed unsuccessfully to be a magician under Nysander’s tutelage. The other place is Seregil’s friend Micum Cavish’s house where he lives with his wife and growing number of children. This series does involve a relationship developing between Seregil and Alec, which they don’t even discuss until the end of the second book, so I was very disappointed to see in some of the reviews on Amazon that people still reading the first book were making comments such as, “Was reading this and enjoying it then realized it was one of those kind of books and threw it away in disgust.” Their relationship is mostly subtle, sometimes made fun of by relatives because they are so in love—they are essentially bound together. There is nothing explicit—Glimpses—a collection of fan art and short stories written by Flewelling elaborate on some of those experiences, Alec and Seregil’s first time together, for example, but those types of scenes don’t come up in the series itself (but if you’re into the series, Glimpses is a really nice companion volume). Anyway, I found it annoying that someone could be genuinely enjoying a story and then realize there’s a m/m relationship in it so out the window it goes. Casket of Souls finds Seregil and Alec running into a group of players (theatre) who are taking audiences by storm, and at the same time find out information that the Queen is plotting against the Princess, who is already engaged in a war. Then a plague starts to spread. I read this so long ago—I wish I remembered the details better. The main player has something to do with it, capturing souls in bottles and using them to keep eternally young. Nysander’s apprentice at the time of his death, Thero, who started out as an arrogant somewhat one sided character novels ago, is now a magician of some repute who Seregil and Alec know they can count on as much as they did Nysander. Thero is still arrogant at times, but he’s also developing a sense of humor and has fallen in love with the princess the Queen is plotting against, supplying her with ways to contact him if she needs help (this mostly happened in the previous installment in the series, when a diplomatic trip was taken to Seregil’s old homeland that he was exiled from thirty years earlier for being caught in a relationship with another man. He’s uncomfortable with the trip, but Alec meets his family, and they all like him. Thero is working with Princess Klia on her mission, spending most of his time with her, and they fall in love. I went backward instead of forward, didn’t I? I think it’s important to mention in here somewhere that Seregil is Aurënen, an almost Elven type race, and Alec is half-hâzadriëlfaie, another clan of elvish type people who are more secretive than Seregil’s clan. Everything is sorted at the end of Casket of Souls (sorry, that has to be one of the worst reviews ever—if I wrote the reviews right after I read the book it would be better—I originally read this in May). Sadly, there is going to be only one more book in this series. I have become quite attached to the characters, so even while I might not always get the plots straight, the writing and development of the characters are so good I do really feel unhappy there is only one more book. Oh well, I can always start them over.
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
4.0
In a (welcome, to me) return to the scope and texture of the earlier adventures of Alec and Seregil, Casket of Souls keeps the boys at home, Nightrunning and intriguing and reestablishing their place in Rhiminee society. Part of that entails a visit with their old friend Lady Kylith to a run-down theatre in a terrible part of town, which turns into something more when the acting troupe turns out to be truly remarkable. Shortly Seregil finds himself inveigled into sponsoring the charming lead actor, Atre, and his troupe… but there are a few things he doesn't know about his new project. There are a few things the two lead actors take care no one knows, not even the rest of the troupe.
Meanwhile, the Nightrunner pair find themselves, with Thero, embroiled (along with being inveigled) in plots both for and against Klia, the Queen's sister. Klia is not the heir to the throne, and doesn't want to be – but there is a faction who prefers her, and they're beginning to take action toward that end. They are, of course, balanced by another faction who will do anything to prevent that end, up to and including killing Klia. She's miles away, with only Micum's daughter Beka and her Faie husband to act on behalf of the Watchers… And Thero, one broken message wand away. It takes a great deal of Nightrunning to begin to untangle the threads of who among the nobles is involved, and on which side, and this is great. This is where these characters really shine.
The plague that is rising in the poor quarters of the city is troubling. The poor are, of course, in fear of their lives. Everyone else is afraid that it will spread, or that it will affect their trade. Alec and Seregil come across a very young victim, and this puts a child's face on the plague that makes it personal for them. They just don't realize how personal. What with everything else going on, they just don't have time to deal with the strange aspect of this plague that so merits investigation – but, inevitably, they find they have no choice in the matter. And, happily, this also involves disguises and chases and getting into where they shouldn't be, so it's all great fun as well - - until it isn't fun anymore, and that's a good thing too. (Well, you wouldn't want me to spoil the story by explaining that, would you?)
When all's said and done, I simply did not enjoy the last two books of this series as much as the rest. I don't really consider physical and mental torture of characters I like as a recreational sport; while I love a good escape story the rest of it just made it hard to read. Too, I missed the other characters – Thero, and Micum and his family, are a big part of why I'm as fond of the series as I am. Casket of Souls circles back to the beginning of the series, in a way, taking Alec and Seregil back to where we met them, scaling walls and picking locks and – as always – evading dogs, and walking the fine line between serving the Queen and attracting her attention, because that's rarely a good thing. It's a terrific adventure fantasy with some great characters in a wonderfully well-built world. Really, at times that's all you need.
Meanwhile, the Nightrunner pair find themselves, with Thero, embroiled (along with being inveigled) in plots both for and against Klia, the Queen's sister. Klia is not the heir to the throne, and doesn't want to be – but there is a faction who prefers her, and they're beginning to take action toward that end. They are, of course, balanced by another faction who will do anything to prevent that end, up to and including killing Klia. She's miles away, with only Micum's daughter Beka and her Faie husband to act on behalf of the Watchers… And Thero, one broken message wand away. It takes a great deal of Nightrunning to begin to untangle the threads of who among the nobles is involved, and on which side, and this is great. This is where these characters really shine.
The plague that is rising in the poor quarters of the city is troubling. The poor are, of course, in fear of their lives. Everyone else is afraid that it will spread, or that it will affect their trade. Alec and Seregil come across a very young victim, and this puts a child's face on the plague that makes it personal for them. They just don't realize how personal. What with everything else going on, they just don't have time to deal with the strange aspect of this plague that so merits investigation – but, inevitably, they find they have no choice in the matter. And, happily, this also involves disguises and chases and getting into where they shouldn't be, so it's all great fun as well - - until it isn't fun anymore, and that's a good thing too. (Well, you wouldn't want me to spoil the story by explaining that, would you?)
When all's said and done, I simply did not enjoy the last two books of this series as much as the rest. I don't really consider physical and mental torture of characters I like as a recreational sport; while I love a good escape story the rest of it just made it hard to read. Too, I missed the other characters – Thero, and Micum and his family, are a big part of why I'm as fond of the series as I am. Casket of Souls circles back to the beginning of the series, in a way, taking Alec and Seregil back to where we met them, scaling walls and picking locks and – as always – evading dogs, and walking the fine line between serving the Queen and attracting her attention, because that's rarely a good thing. It's a terrific adventure fantasy with some great characters in a wonderfully well-built world. Really, at times that's all you need.
toastea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
5.0
The boys need a serious vacation. I loved seeing them jump back into spying after so long away (with other more pressing issues). Except, all the time away from the city has made them not only rusty but, tired. They've barely gotten over the last 2 books yet they've been thrown into a political conspiracy while trying to resolve a mysterious plague (mostly) all on their own!
The co-conspirators were right under their noses & not gonna lie it was pretty frustrating seeing them clueless for 80% of the book, but the boys were so preoccupied with everything else that happened, I half expected the "big baddie" would get their hands on them first. (Wouldn't be the first time...)
The co-conspirators were right under their noses & not gonna lie it was pretty frustrating seeing them clueless for 80% of the book, but the boys were so preoccupied with everything else that happened, I half expected the "big baddie" would get their hands on them first. (Wouldn't be the first time...)
josh_vanrys's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.25
elm's review against another edition
4.0
oh boyyyy. I loved this and was frustrated by it in equal measure. The cabal plot was confusing and the Big Bads were revealed way too soon. However!! None of that matters because I LOVED being back in Rhíminee and seeing Alec and Seregil go back to doing what they do best. Basically I still enjoyed every single word of this book.
Truly, authors take note— if you make me fall in love with your world and your characters then I will become so much more forgiving.
Spoiler
ALSO THERO AND KLIA?? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP I'M SO HERE FOR THEM!!Truly, authors take note— if you make me fall in love with your world and your characters then I will become so much more forgiving.
akemichan's review against another edition
5.0
Dopo due libri non particolarmente riusciti, mi stavo rassegnando a terminare la serie giusto per inerzia senza aspettarmi chissà che.
E invece, con un incredibile colpo di coda, il sesto libro della saga si rivela il migliore!
Complice il fatto che l'autrice abbia lasciato da parte i trope da fanfiction e abbia abbassato i toni sulla coppia principale, riusciamo a rimettere il cast dei personaggi e il loro essere dei nightrunner all'interno della trama: ritroviamo quindi Seregil e Alec sempre assieme, sempre innamorati ma più focalizzati su quello che devono fare che su il loro amore, ritroviamo i misteri e ritroviamo gli intrighi, ovverosia tutto ciò che è di positivo in questa serie.
Avevo già apprezzato in passato il fatto che in questo mondo ci fosse una monarchia a discendenza femminile e soldati donne senza che ciò venisse inteso come una cosa incredibile e fuori da mondo; qui riusciamo ad apprezzare ancora di più i personaggi femminili nella loro varietà, dalla regina Phoria (severa e orgogliosa, ma competente) alla principessa Klia (degna per diventare regina, ma che non vuole), dall'erede Elalia (una ragazzina che sa già qual è il suo ruolo) a Beka (capitano e fiera di esserlo).
Alec e Seregil hanno dei momenti da "coppia" che sono più mondani e realistici di certe avventure precedenti; per la maggior parte del tempo, però, li vediamo agire come Watchers e relazionarsi con tanti altri personaggi, il che ha indubbiamente contribuito a farli risaltare anche come individualità.
E poi c'è tanto Thero, il che è solo cosa buona e giusta perché è chiaramente il miglior personaggio di tutta la serie ed è stato bellissimo vederlo arrivare fino a questo punto.
Poco importa che il mistero in sé sia quello che è (e sia scoperto con un colpo di fortuna) perché nella trama funziona tutto perfettamente, non ci sono tempi morti e tutto quello che viene raccontato ha effettivamente un senso e un'importanza (felice che sia stato di nuovo centrale il talento di Alec con l'arco). Per la prima volta non c'è stato da parte mia un momento di noia durante la lettura.
Resta il rimpianto che il resto della serie non sia stato all'altezza di questo libro, ma anche la gioia di aver avuto la voglia di proseguire per arrivare a questo. E la speranza che l'ultimo non distrugga tutto, perché questo è un finale perfetto.
E invece, con un incredibile colpo di coda, il sesto libro della saga si rivela il migliore!
Complice il fatto che l'autrice abbia lasciato da parte i trope da fanfiction e abbia abbassato i toni sulla coppia principale, riusciamo a rimettere il cast dei personaggi e il loro essere dei nightrunner all'interno della trama: ritroviamo quindi Seregil e Alec sempre assieme, sempre innamorati ma più focalizzati su quello che devono fare che su il loro amore, ritroviamo i misteri e ritroviamo gli intrighi, ovverosia tutto ciò che è di positivo in questa serie.
Avevo già apprezzato in passato il fatto che in questo mondo ci fosse una monarchia a discendenza femminile e soldati donne senza che ciò venisse inteso come una cosa incredibile e fuori da mondo; qui riusciamo ad apprezzare ancora di più i personaggi femminili nella loro varietà, dalla regina Phoria (severa e orgogliosa, ma competente) alla principessa Klia (degna per diventare regina, ma che non vuole), dall'erede Elalia (una ragazzina che sa già qual è il suo ruolo) a Beka (capitano e fiera di esserlo).
Alec e Seregil hanno dei momenti da "coppia" che sono più mondani e realistici di certe avventure precedenti; per la maggior parte del tempo, però, li vediamo agire come Watchers e relazionarsi con tanti altri personaggi, il che ha indubbiamente contribuito a farli risaltare anche come individualità.
E poi c'è tanto Thero, il che è solo cosa buona e giusta perché è chiaramente il miglior personaggio di tutta la serie ed è stato bellissimo vederlo arrivare fino a questo punto.
Poco importa che il mistero in sé sia quello che è (e sia scoperto con un colpo di fortuna) perché nella trama funziona tutto perfettamente, non ci sono tempi morti e tutto quello che viene raccontato ha effettivamente un senso e un'importanza (felice che sia stato di nuovo centrale il talento di Alec con l'arco). Per la prima volta non c'è stato da parte mia un momento di noia durante la lettura.
Resta il rimpianto che il resto della serie non sia stato all'altezza di questo libro, ma anche la gioia di aver avuto la voglia di proseguire per arrivare a questo. E la speranza che l'ultimo non distrugga tutto, perché questo è un finale perfetto.