A review by errantdreams
Cast in Courtlight by Michelle Sagara

5.0

Kaylin is a fantastic character. It would be easy for her to turn into a Mary Sue in the hands of the wrong author, but Ms. Sagara neatly sidesteps this trap. She’s the center of attention and very powerful, but her youth, enthusiasm, absolute refusal to learn anything she deems less than practical, and tendency to stick her foot in her mouth make her fun to follow along with. She struggles with words sometimes, which is a trait that it can be challenging for an author to write! In this case it’s nice to have her confused perspective, because it helps to immerse the reader in the strangeness, layers, and subtlety of Barrani court politics.

I love watching Kaylin’s relationships grow and change. She and Severn spend some time facing their mutual demons, and her ties to Lord Nightshade become both stronger and stranger, connecting them in odd ways and occasionally allowing him to help her even from afar.

Kaylin’s story is both frightening and funny at the same time. There’s plenty of whimsical fun, particularly in Kaylin’s relationships with some of her fellow Hawks, but events spend plenty of time at the tense and dangerous end of things as well. The writing is evocative and colorful and I never have trouble picturing what’s going on. I’m so looking forward to reading the rest of the series!


For a longer review including premise, visit my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2014/09/review-cast-in-courtlight-michelle-sagara/