Scan barcode
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First read 13 March 2013.
Seventh in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series for young adults revolving around a feisty young lady with a heart of gold.
My Take
This has turned into a series that I just can't wait to get my hands — and eyes — on. In spite of the whining ahead...*grin*
Sagara is retreating to her previous confusing wording in this story. I'll read sections over and over trying to figure out what she's saying...and it doesn't work. I just keep hoping that eventually I'll come across a section that does explain it. Whether it's in this story or the next.
Kaylin is up for possible promotion AND a raise. If she can behave herself. And I'm impressed at how well she does do. I'd be spitting mad and showing it if I learned someone had been spying on my every move! I think Diarmat is trying to get a rise out of Kaylin so he can eat her. Meanwhile Sanabalis comes to the rescue. Twice — the second time is with the Arkon's help! Oh, yeah, things are going to get even more interesting…!
It's odd how intent Sagara is on the embezzlement issue, but there's no real sense of urgency in it. It's all talk. Or should I say tell. I am confused as to how the exchequer embezzlement has anything to do with how Tiarmaris is finding the money to rebuild his fief. I was under the impression that the fiefs are completely separate from the Emperor and his hoard.
It's names again. Their importance, how Dragons earn them, whether they can be separated that concerns Kaylin. And those bloody "superior" Dragons are just too reluctant to spill any information. Too bad for them that Tiamaris is now independent of the Emperor and that Tara can speak Dragon — hee-hee-hee.
A very telling remark from Lord Nightshade on what he feels about Ravellon. Remarkably similar to what he felt about Barren in Cast in Silence, 5.
We learn yet more of the history of the Norannir people, of the Shadows, of dragons, of the evolution of the Emperor's laws. I also think we gain some insight to a part of the Dragon birthing process. Sanabalis believes that Tiamaris is young enough to have learned to appreciate humans, that he was influenced by the Emperor and his care.
Sagara is delving into Kaylin's feelings about Nightshade and Severn; it's a fine line she's walking here. Those etiquette lessons are not quite what I was expecting. They'll be getting yet more interesting now that Bellusdeo, Kaylin's champion, will be attending in future.
The Story
The fallout from Cast in Chaos, 6, has caused more and greater attacks by the Shadows on Tiamaris' fief and dead bodies are popping up all over the place. The same exact one.
A greater terror — for Kaylin — are those etiquette lessons which she is finally forced to attend.
And she still has the egg.
The Characters
Private Lord Kaylin Neya of the Hawks sure is in demand. Something goes weirdly wrong and it's her name that's called upon to investigate. The tattoos on her body are what make her special — she is the Chosen. It's been noticed that Corporal Lord Severn Handred is an ideal partner for Kaylin, for he is so much more diplomatic.
Lord Tiamaris, a Dragon, is the fieflord of Tiamaris with Tara, the Tower, the Lady, a very hands-on Avatar, especially compared to other fiefs. She does love to garden. Morse is Tiamaris and Tara's second-in-command; she was the former fieflord's second as well and protected Kaylin then. Susa is a child within the fief with information.
The Norannir refugees from Cast in Chaos call themselves the People
They have pledged to Tiamaris and his fief, willing to battle the shadows on his borders. Effaron, the traveler, is still the only one able to speak to Kaylin. Merjah leads the refugees; she was trained like an Ascendant but could never be one. Maggaron is an Ascendant, one of the Norannir children chosen centuries ago to learn and protect.
Bellusdeo is the Dragon Queen, who went above and beyond in attempting to protect. The future should be most interesting — Bellusdeo is very much like Kaylin!
Lord Sanabalis is one of four Dragon lords at the Imperial Court and is granting Kaylin a stay of her magic studies while the Hawks deal with an influx of 3,000+ refugees. I think he enjoys her outbursts. Lord Diarmat is Commander of the Imperial Guard and ordered to teach Kaylin etiquette. Yeah, it goes over about that well. The Arkon is the oldest Dragon at court, and while he hasn't left the palace library in thousands of years, he's making up for lost time; Bellusdeo knew him as Lannagaros. The Dragon Emperor "was born during the wars between the Barrani and the Dragon flights" and is anxious for Kaylin to pass her etiquette lessons. She's a wild card in his hoard with a great deal of power. Although, by the end of this story, he feels he owes her one. He considers Elantra his hoard.
Garavan Larienne is the Chancellor of the Exchequer under investigation for embezzlement; he has sought refuge with the Human Castelord.
The Hawks include:
The Hawks are the investigators headed up by Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord who has a soft spot for Kaylin; Hanson is the secretary with a long memory. Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a.k.a., Ironjaw, a Leontine, is back and cursing up a storm over the paperwork generated by the world almost ending. Nor does he intend to suffer alone as he's pulled in just about every Hawk to do desk duty in taking down the public's complaints. Kaylin has her own questions about the "conspiracy of evil chickens". Caitlin is his unofficial second-in-command and she does a great job of funneling most of the paperwork away from Marcus. Teela and Tain are Barrani who have been pulled into the embezzlement investigation. Clint, an Aerian whose feathers Kaylin loves to ruffle, and Tanner, human who is still laughing at Kaylin's expense, always seem to pull guard duty. Red (don't call him Reginald!) is the medical examiner who is not as comfortable with Dragons as Kaylin.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord who wishes to make a deal with the Hawklord in return for Kaylin's time. Lord Andellen is the Barrani guard who has become a part of Kaylin's life.
Makuron the Black is the Outcaste Dragon Lord living in the heart of the fiefs, in Ravellon. Nightshade has his own theories as to how independent this Outcaste is.
The various divisions within Elantra include:
The Aerians are birdmen with wings who can fly, but they are not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. The Leontine are lion shifters. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor while the Mages owe him their allegiance. The fiefs in this story — Tiamaris, Nightshade, and Ravellon — are only three out of seven criminal neighborhoods around Elantra. The beings who rule fiefs are the fieflords who provide the name of the fief itself, shape its existence, and protect its boundaries from the Shadows.
The Cover
This is my favorite cover so far — I think it's the runes on the blade of the sword. Of course, the leather-clad Kaylin is looking remarkably pretty as well wearing the silver bracer and poised with Maggaron's sword, tattoos running up her arms. The background appears to be a ruin, possibly a scene from Tiamaris' fief.
The title could apply to so many possibilities in this story, that it's just scary: Tiamaris' fief is practically destroyed, there's the threat of the Shadows, and the reappearance of Bellusdeo. All are or could result in a Cast in Ruin.
Seventh in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series for young adults revolving around a feisty young lady with a heart of gold.
My Take
This has turned into a series that I just can't wait to get my hands — and eyes — on. In spite of the whining ahead...*grin*
Sagara is retreating to her previous confusing wording in this story. I'll read sections over and over trying to figure out what she's saying...and it doesn't work. I just keep hoping that eventually I'll come across a section that does explain it. Whether it's in this story or the next.
Kaylin is up for possible promotion AND a raise. If she can behave herself. And I'm impressed at how well she does do. I'd be spitting mad and showing it if I learned someone had been spying on my every move! I think Diarmat is trying to get a rise out of Kaylin so he can eat her. Meanwhile Sanabalis comes to the rescue. Twice — the second time is with the Arkon's help! Oh, yeah, things are going to get even more interesting…!
It's odd how intent Sagara is on the embezzlement issue, but there's no real sense of urgency in it. It's all talk. Or should I say tell. I am confused as to how the exchequer embezzlement has anything to do with how Tiarmaris is finding the money to rebuild his fief. I was under the impression that the fiefs are completely separate from the Emperor and his hoard.
It's names again. Their importance, how Dragons earn them, whether they can be separated that concerns Kaylin. And those bloody "superior" Dragons are just too reluctant to spill any information. Too bad for them that Tiamaris is now independent of the Emperor and that Tara can speak Dragon — hee-hee-hee.
A very telling remark from Lord Nightshade on what he feels about Ravellon. Remarkably similar to what he felt about Barren in Cast in Silence, 5.
We learn yet more of the history of the Norannir people, of the Shadows, of dragons, of the evolution of the Emperor's laws. I also think we gain some insight to a part of the Dragon birthing process. Sanabalis believes that Tiamaris is young enough to have learned to appreciate humans, that he was influenced by the Emperor and his care.
Sagara is delving into Kaylin's feelings about Nightshade and Severn; it's a fine line she's walking here. Those etiquette lessons are not quite what I was expecting. They'll be getting yet more interesting now that Bellusdeo, Kaylin's champion, will be attending in future.
The Story
The fallout from Cast in Chaos, 6, has caused more and greater attacks by the Shadows on Tiamaris' fief and dead bodies are popping up all over the place. The same exact one.
A greater terror — for Kaylin — are those etiquette lessons which she is finally forced to attend.
And she still has the egg.
The Characters
Private Lord Kaylin Neya of the Hawks sure is in demand. Something goes weirdly wrong and it's her name that's called upon to investigate. The tattoos on her body are what make her special — she is the Chosen. It's been noticed that Corporal Lord Severn Handred is an ideal partner for Kaylin, for he is so much more diplomatic.
Lord Tiamaris, a Dragon, is the fieflord of Tiamaris with Tara, the Tower, the Lady, a very hands-on Avatar, especially compared to other fiefs. She does love to garden. Morse is Tiamaris and Tara's second-in-command; she was the former fieflord's second as well and protected Kaylin then. Susa is a child within the fief with information.
The Norannir refugees from Cast in Chaos call themselves the People
They have pledged to Tiamaris and his fief, willing to battle the shadows on his borders. Effaron, the traveler, is still the only one able to speak to Kaylin. Merjah leads the refugees; she was trained like an Ascendant but could never be one. Maggaron is an Ascendant, one of the Norannir children chosen centuries ago to learn and protect.
Bellusdeo is the Dragon Queen, who went above and beyond in attempting to protect. The future should be most interesting — Bellusdeo is very much like Kaylin!
Lord Sanabalis is one of four Dragon lords at the Imperial Court and is granting Kaylin a stay of her magic studies while the Hawks deal with an influx of 3,000+ refugees. I think he enjoys her outbursts. Lord Diarmat is Commander of the Imperial Guard and ordered to teach Kaylin etiquette. Yeah, it goes over about that well. The Arkon is the oldest Dragon at court, and while he hasn't left the palace library in thousands of years, he's making up for lost time; Bellusdeo knew him as Lannagaros. The Dragon Emperor "was born during the wars between the Barrani and the Dragon flights" and is anxious for Kaylin to pass her etiquette lessons. She's a wild card in his hoard with a great deal of power. Although, by the end of this story, he feels he owes her one. He considers Elantra his hoard.
Garavan Larienne is the Chancellor of the Exchequer under investigation for embezzlement; he has sought refuge with the Human Castelord.
The Hawks include:
The Hawks are the investigators headed up by Lord Grammayre, the Hawklord who has a soft spot for Kaylin; Hanson is the secretary with a long memory. Sergeant Marcus Kassan, a.k.a., Ironjaw, a Leontine, is back and cursing up a storm over the paperwork generated by the world almost ending. Nor does he intend to suffer alone as he's pulled in just about every Hawk to do desk duty in taking down the public's complaints. Kaylin has her own questions about the "conspiracy of evil chickens". Caitlin is his unofficial second-in-command and she does a great job of funneling most of the paperwork away from Marcus. Teela and Tain are Barrani who have been pulled into the embezzlement investigation. Clint, an Aerian whose feathers Kaylin loves to ruffle, and Tanner, human who is still laughing at Kaylin's expense, always seem to pull guard duty. Red (don't call him Reginald!) is the medical examiner who is not as comfortable with Dragons as Kaylin.
Lord Nightshade is an outcaste Barrani fieflord who wishes to make a deal with the Hawklord in return for Kaylin's time. Lord Andellen is the Barrani guard who has become a part of Kaylin's life.
Makuron the Black is the Outcaste Dragon Lord living in the heart of the fiefs, in Ravellon. Nightshade has his own theories as to how independent this Outcaste is.
The various divisions within Elantra include:
The Aerians are birdmen with wings who can fly, but they are not shifters. Barrani are the upper class in this society, although not the uppermost. The Leontine are lion shifters. Arcanists are mages who work independently of the Dragon Emperor while the Mages owe him their allegiance. The fiefs in this story — Tiamaris, Nightshade, and Ravellon — are only three out of seven criminal neighborhoods around Elantra. The beings who rule fiefs are the fieflords who provide the name of the fief itself, shape its existence, and protect its boundaries from the Shadows.
The Cover
This is my favorite cover so far — I think it's the runes on the blade of the sword. Of course, the leather-clad Kaylin is looking remarkably pretty as well wearing the silver bracer and poised with Maggaron's sword, tattoos running up her arms. The background appears to be a ruin, possibly a scene from Tiamaris' fief.
The title could apply to so many possibilities in this story, that it's just scary: Tiamaris' fief is practically destroyed, there's the threat of the Shadows, and the reappearance of Bellusdeo. All are or could result in a Cast in Ruin.
katyanaish's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way the story is evolving, and the way we're seeing the Immortal races impacted. I love watching Kaylin grow.
The only thing that I'm unhappy about is... well, frankly, exactly what is unhappy about: they don't respect Kaylin at all. I'm going to be honest, I shouted at the book when Lord Diar-douchecake said, about Kaylin, that "respect is earned." What the fuck does she have to do to earn it? She's saved everyone more times than I can count - and not from problems of HER making. She's also, arguably, now He's right, respect is earned. And he's earned none. The only dragons who have earned any respect are, imo, Tiamaris, Sanabalis, and perhaps the Arkon (when he sets aside his ego). And Kaylin (and Severn) have put them all to shame. What else should she do for you assholes? Kill the Outcaste? Since, you know, you dragons can't seem to do it, I guess Kaylin should clean up your mess for you, right?
Like always.
That's the only thing I'm struggling with. Because at this point, her loyalty and respect for these Immortals when they treat her as a speaking cockroach that they can barely tolerate, is hurting her character. I'm glad that it seems some major character is now going to speak up about the disgraceful way they treat her. She's not their slave, nor their doormat.
Next time she should tell them to solve their own damn problems.
The only thing that I'm unhappy about is... well, frankly, exactly what
Spoiler
BellusdeoSpoiler
saved the entire race of dragons by saving the only female dragon.Like always.
That's the only thing I'm struggling with. Because at this point, her loyalty and respect for these Immortals when they treat her as a speaking cockroach that they can barely tolerate, is hurting her character. I'm glad that it seems some major character is now going to speak up about the disgraceful way they treat her. She's not their slave, nor their doormat.
Next time she should tell them to solve their own damn problems.
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the seventh novel in the fantasy series The Chronicles of Elantra, a series that I'm enjoying very much. For those wondering if the series might be to their taste, it has a very likable heroine, very likable recurring supporting characters, strong found-family and friendship themes, intriguing magic and worldbuilding, high stakes, and some notably dark content. I think the series would be best read in order, because later books have comparatively little recapitulation of previous events.
I enjoyed "Cast in Ruin" considerably, but a smidge less than most of the earlier books in the series. This may be nothing to do with the book itself, because life-outside-books interfered while I was reading. I note that
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).
I enjoyed "Cast in Ruin" considerably, but a smidge less than most of the earlier books in the series. This may be nothing to do with the book itself, because life-outside-books interfered while I was reading. I note that
Spoiler
I liked the addition of Bellusdeo.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).
chawlios's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bookishvice's review against another edition
5.0
Dealing with the aftermath of the disaster on Elani street, also known as the almost end of the world, Kaylin Neya finds herself going through the torture of desk duty. What’s more, here lessons in etiquette are to resume immediately if she is to be ready for the upcoming meeting with the Emperor. Kaylin is almost grateful when she is called on an unofficial assignment to investigate several unusual deaths in the new fief of Tiamaris. But her relief is only momentary. Kaylin’s magic decides (as always) to flare up at the worst moment and gets her into deep trouble (again). This time she ends up claiming the True Name of an eight foot tall unknown warrior that comes out of the Shadows. He is now bound to Kaylin, but also to another. He gives Kaylin his magical sword to prevent the dark master from using him, but the sword seems to have a personality of its own. With the help of her friend Severn, three very irritable dragons, and a powerful avatar, Kaylin will have to discover the true identity of the victims.
Cast in Ruin is another thrilling chapter in the life of Private Kaylin Neya. Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra have always drawn me in with its intricately fun dialogue, the investigative nature of Kaylin’s work, and the constant danger of being eaten by Dragons or ripped to shreds by a Leontine. It all becomes this sort of super fantasy detective story and I love it!
Kaylin is one of my favorite characters of all time. She usually never knows exactly what she is doing, but she follows her intuition and never gives up even when her own life is in danger. Of course she has Severn to help her along. He is Kaylin’s pillar, always there providing strength, love and understanding. I just wish Kaylin worked already through her issues and accepted him into her life. I’m still hoping for that one to happen in the next book! Then there are the dragons, and those I can never resist. Not even when their eyes turn full red, their noses spew flame and the floor starts melting. And is it me or have Tiamaris, Sanabalis, and dare I say even The Arkon have become a bit more relaxed around Kaylin. I think so. Now with the addition of Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s life is bound to get more interesting than ever. Can’t wait for Cast in Peril!
Cast in Ruin is another thrilling chapter in the life of Private Kaylin Neya. Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra have always drawn me in with its intricately fun dialogue, the investigative nature of Kaylin’s work, and the constant danger of being eaten by Dragons or ripped to shreds by a Leontine. It all becomes this sort of super fantasy detective story and I love it!
Kaylin is one of my favorite characters of all time. She usually never knows exactly what she is doing, but she follows her intuition and never gives up even when her own life is in danger. Of course she has Severn to help her along. He is Kaylin’s pillar, always there providing strength, love and understanding. I just wish Kaylin worked already through her issues and accepted him into her life. I’m still hoping for that one to happen in the next book! Then there are the dragons, and those I can never resist. Not even when their eyes turn full red, their noses spew flame and the floor starts melting. And is it me or have Tiamaris, Sanabalis, and dare I say even The Arkon have become a bit more relaxed around Kaylin. I think so. Now with the addition of Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s life is bound to get more interesting than ever. Can’t wait for Cast in Peril!
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
[b:Cast in Ruin|8679140|Cast in Ruin (Chronicles of Elantra, #7)|Michelle Sagara|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1303045759s/8679140.jpg|13551149] is my favourite book in the series so far. I think this is the first book where I really had a handle on what was happening and why. I really enjoyed the history lesson, the role and history of Bellusdeo and Magarron, and even Kaylin's interactions with Diarmat. I also liked her conversation with Severn regarding their relationship.
paradoxically's review against another edition
3.0
I am extraordinarily fond of this series, but at the same time I have to admit that sometimes it seems that the author is just throwing things out at the reader and hoping that it'll stick. Don't get me wrong, it's still fun and a blast to read, but it's also a little jumbled and confusing and sometimes I wish that things... well, that things hurried up a little or something. Not that I know what I want hurried up, but I'm still left feeling this way.
Part of it is probably because while we get crumbs of new information (or a good amount of new information--as in about the species that live in Elantra), we never get much in the way of answers for Kaylin. Her marks? Still mysterious. Her chosen status? There and still mysterious. The only people who might shed a little more light about the chosen stay silent about it and it's driving me up a wall.
Still, it's a fun read. Each book has a solid, contained story. The only real downside is that the continuing story, the story about Kaylin, is very slow. This is a bit difficult to fathom since all of the books take place in the span of days (this one, for instance, has a time elapse of about a week from the last book and still takes place over only a few days).
Kaylin is in Tiamaris on the insistence of Sanabalis, and she gets caught up in the deaths of several women who are all identical. Not only that, but they don't seem quite human, and there are shadows creeping along the borders. The plot of this story takes a while to warm up, and it only really gets rolling along the middle towards the end, but it's decent. The ending was, like all of the books in the series, a giant, exciting rush to the end, even if it's always a bit messy.
I like the series. I really, really do. I just wish that we get more--Kaylin actually wanting to learn how to do the things she can do (instead of somehow stumbling over it when most needed and winging it), or even just more insight into what Kaylin is. Still, the books are fun, and I do enjoy reading them. 3 stars.
Part of it is probably because while we get crumbs of new information (or a good amount of new information--as in about the species that live in Elantra), we never get much in the way of answers for Kaylin. Her marks? Still mysterious. Her chosen status? There and still mysterious. The only people who might shed a little more light about the chosen stay silent about it and it's driving me up a wall.
Still, it's a fun read. Each book has a solid, contained story. The only real downside is that the continuing story, the story about Kaylin, is very slow. This is a bit difficult to fathom since all of the books take place in the span of days (this one, for instance, has a time elapse of about a week from the last book and still takes place over only a few days).
Kaylin is in Tiamaris on the insistence of Sanabalis, and she gets caught up in the deaths of several women who are all identical. Not only that, but they don't seem quite human, and there are shadows creeping along the borders. The plot of this story takes a while to warm up, and it only really gets rolling along the middle towards the end, but it's decent. The ending was, like all of the books in the series, a giant, exciting rush to the end, even if it's always a bit messy.
I like the series. I really, really do. I just wish that we get more--Kaylin actually wanting to learn how to do the things she can do (instead of somehow stumbling over it when most needed and winging it), or even just more insight into what Kaylin is. Still, the books are fun, and I do enjoy reading them. 3 stars.