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A review by mary_soon_lee
Cast in Sorrow by Michelle Sagara
4.0
This is the ninth novel in the fantasy series "The Chronicles of Elantra," a series that I'm enjoying very much. The books have 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 books would be best read in order, because later books have comparatively little recapitulation of previous events.
"Cast in Sorrow" is a good entry in a very good series. If I wasn't as emotionally wrapped up in it as in some of the earlier books, it was still eminently satisfactory. And there were individual scenes that had me by the heart strings. A few more specific remarks after a spoiler warning.
Four out of five green 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).
"Cast in Sorrow" is a good entry in a very good series. If I wasn't as emotionally wrapped up in it as in some of the earlier books, it was still eminently satisfactory. And there were individual scenes that had me by the heart strings. A few more specific remarks after a spoiler warning.
Spoiler
Firstly, I admire the way that this book offers Kaylin the temptation to undo the deaths that haunt her, and that she refuses, and that the book makes it clear this is the right course. Death and loss are not something to be just set aside, even in fantasy, if the story is to have weight. Secondly, I do love the small dragon (who is not a small dragon). Thirdly, I also love Severn and Teela.Four out of five green 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).