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Cast in Secret (Chronicles of Elantra #3)
Still avoiding magic whenever possible, Private Kaylin Neya relished investigating a run-of-the-mill theft. Until she found out the mysterious stolen box had been taken from Elani Street, where the mages and charlatans mingled, and it was sometimes hard to tell the difference between the two. And since the box was ancient, without a keyhole, and held tremendous darkness in...more
Mass Market Paperbound, 491 pages
Published
August 1st 2008
by Luna Books
(first published August 1st 2007)
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As with Cast In Courtlight, I really struggled to like this book. I read it primarily because I'd purchased it WITH Cast In Courtlight, after being so enthralled with the story of Cast In Shadow. Well, by Book #3 of the series, the heroine (Kaylin) hasn't developed an iota of common sense, which drives me absolutely batty. Supposedly in this book, the world's fate hangs on her ability to solve a mystery ... and everyone else seems to have crucial pieces of the puzzle, but they all persist in let...more
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Sometimes I wonder why I've stuck with this series for so long. I've never been particularly excited about it, but something about Kaylin and Elantra intrigues me. Plus, I've been reading so much urban fantasy/paranormal novels lately that something a little more high fantasy is welcome.
Cast in Secret picks up not long after the ending of Cast in Courtlight, and, just like in previous installments, Kaylin, the Hawk from Nightshade with the mysterious magical markings, must track down a...more
Cast in Secret picks up not long after the ending of Cast in Courtlight, and, just like in previous installments, Kaylin, the Hawk from Nightshade with the mysterious magical markings, must track down a...more
I enjoyed the first book in this series because it was different, compelling, and interesting. I enjoyed the second one because it was similar, but some of the things that bothered me about the first book started to get to me in the second book. Now, the things that annoyed me in previous books are all that I see, and I'm about finished giving this series a chance. The worst thing about Cast in Secret is that it doesn't give any reason to continue the series. In the other books there were secret...more
This is the third book in the Chronicles of Elantra series by Michelle Sagara. It has been getting mixed reviews but I have to say I really enjoyed it. I mean you couldn't barely pry me away from the book, so that should say something about it.
In this book Kaylin and Severn are trying to track down a couple young girls that have been kidnapped. There is some nice character development between Kaylin and Lord Nightshade. You learn a lot more about the race of the Tha'alani, which is pre...more
In this book Kaylin and Severn are trying to track down a couple young girls that have been kidnapped. There is some nice character development between Kaylin and Lord Nightshade. You learn a lot more about the race of the Tha'alani, which is pre...more
wishing kaylin wasn't so bewitched by Lord Nightshade and that there weren't so many secrets. Something needs to happen with severn, SOON. Give me something to hang onto Michelle!!! TOO moany secrets to make this an enjoyable read. gotta give me something soon or i might just get too frustrated...
Okay. I'm finished with the book now, and I'm really disliking the fact that the endings are always so FLIPPIN AWESOME. I'm so frustrated throughout the whole book because I don't understand...more
Okay. I'm finished with the book now, and I'm really disliking the fact that the endings are always so FLIPPIN AWESOME. I'm so frustrated throughout the whole book because I don't understand...more
Reviewing this is hard, mainly because I can't tell exactly what it is that I DON'T like about these books, but something nags at me.
Perhaps it's the heroine's(Kaylin Neya) near-inability to mature. She's capable of these insane leaps of instinctual emotional and magical maturity, but behaves like a stubborn 16 yr old the other 80 % of the time.
That being said, the world is well crafted with 4 main races (2 immortal - Dragons and Baranni {oh, just admit they're elves already...} an...more
Perhaps it's the heroine's(Kaylin Neya) near-inability to mature. She's capable of these insane leaps of instinctual emotional and magical maturity, but behaves like a stubborn 16 yr old the other 80 % of the time.
That being said, the world is well crafted with 4 main races (2 immortal - Dragons and Baranni {oh, just admit they're elves already...} an...more
When Kaylin Neya is called to investigate the theft of a stolen box from one of the (surprisingly enough) actual mages on Elani Street, home to fakes and real mages alike, she's not overly concerned with magic being a factor in this particular case. Until she looks into a pool of water while investigating the scene of the crime and sees a battered looking young girl - who calls her name. Kaylin has more than a small soft spot for children in trouble so it's no surprise when she makes this unusua...more
As my rating of two stars suggests, this book was merely okay, which is a huge letdown after the first two books in the series. However, I'd be lying if I didn't say this was wholly unexpected. The main character, Kaylin Neya, is so introspective, it drives me nuts. She has always tended toward this self indulgent pastime. In this particular novel, it felt as half the story took place in her thoughts, asides and dysfunctional exchanges with ‘more intelligent’ characters. I found myself gett...more
I'm trying to figure out why I am still reading these books. I'm three in and I am actually going to take the plunge with the fourth. Yet I don't really exactly like this series a whole lot. Or perhaps I should say I don't like the main character a lot. Kaylin is whiny, annoying, late everywhere, and has a huge blind, bleeding heart for children. She's irresponsible, unable to learn, frustrating beyond belief but yet somehow manages to make everything turn out fantastic in the end while making h...more
Unlike the first two books in the Chronicles of Elantra series, I found the story of Cast in Secret hard to get into. I literally picked up and put down the book several times over a week (unlike the first two books which I read almost in one sitting). I found the set up sort of all over the place and confusing. However, once the story got rolling, I really liked it. A lot. In fact, I got quite misty at the climax of the story. Before reading this book, I was kind of expecting the series t...more
Intense, action filled with a tease of romance. Wow. Some spine tingling moments that had me in goosebumps. They just keep getting better.
Kaylin and Severn visit's the elemental garden, (not it's real name) and see thing she is told not too. Her vision sends her down a dangerous path of water and death. Her heart aches for children, she must save the child she feels is in danger, no matter what the cost. She has to face her fears and hatred to accomplish this, it is not an easy thing ...more
Kaylin and Severn visit's the elemental garden, (not it's real name) and see thing she is told not too. Her vision sends her down a dangerous path of water and death. Her heart aches for children, she must save the child she feels is in danger, no matter what the cost. She has to face her fears and hatred to accomplish this, it is not an easy thing ...more
This is a really strong installment of the Elantra books. It starts as a crime investigation of 2 seemingly unconnected missing persons cases and then dives into the elemental magic system, the nature of the oracles, and the world of the Tha'alani, a telepathic race that socially functions as a collective. I enjoyed the plot of this one much more than the 2nd book but didn't *really* enjoy it until the final climax, which I could barely read, it was so exciting.
And ok, after this bo...more
And ok, after this bo...more
In general, I liked the plot of this book better than the last one. It was definitely more interesting and I enjoyed learning about the Tha'alani and reading the sections with them in it. I also liked how Kaylin was maturing more in this book and seemed to be able to hold her tongue more. The only thing that I feel is still lacking is relationship building. Severn and Nightshade have been setup as possible love interests but nothing has happened to expand on those relationships. I don't want th...more
I'm finding it hard to write a review for this book. I really like the story and I like the characters. But something about it makes the details about the book that I would normally count on just flow completely out of my brain.
I think that this book, like its predecessors, is a very easy read - it doesn't make you think too much, but the plot is very sound. Parts of the story, especially those dealing with magic, can be hard for me to follow the action in. It has improved over the f...more
I think that this book, like its predecessors, is a very easy read - it doesn't make you think too much, but the plot is very sound. Parts of the story, especially those dealing with magic, can be hard for me to follow the action in. It has improved over the f...more
There's a couple of things I'd like to say about this book:
1. I really liked the story and all of the supporting characters. I like how new characters are being introduced and how we get more interactions with ones we already know. I felt like we got a good ways into the meat of the story. I would really like to see what happens next.
2. Big plot hole-"omg everyone is going to die!" so lets just send 2 people to investigate it. umm...I think a few more people mi...more
1. I really liked the story and all of the supporting characters. I like how new characters are being introduced and how we get more interactions with ones we already know. I felt like we got a good ways into the meat of the story. I would really like to see what happens next.
2. Big plot hole-"omg everyone is going to die!" so lets just send 2 people to investigate it. umm...I think a few more people mi...more
The Good:
I liked the series' take on different magical races, and its take on ancient magic and uncanny forces. I enjoyed the look at how telepathy shapes how an entire race looks at the world, and the flashbacks to a different time.
The Bad:
It's not a very good mystery, since the characters seem to stumble upon the solution and are helped by oracles. I'm getting sick of how Kaylin shuns magic lessons and seems incompetent at understanding the basic principles of magic,...more
I liked the series' take on different magical races, and its take on ancient magic and uncanny forces. I enjoyed the look at how telepathy shapes how an entire race looks at the world, and the flashbacks to a different time.
The Bad:
It's not a very good mystery, since the characters seem to stumble upon the solution and are helped by oracles. I'm getting sick of how Kaylin shuns magic lessons and seems incompetent at understanding the basic principles of magic,...more
This will be the written review for Cast in Shadow Chronicles of Elantra Book 1 by Michelle Sagara West and it's series partners, Cast in Courtlight Chronicles of Elantra Book 2, Cast in Secret Chronicles of Elantra Book 3, Cast in Shadow Chronicles of Fury Book 4, and Cast in Silence Chronicles of Elantra Book 5.
I read this series three times. It was engaging but had a few annoying issues. The world of Elantra was well created and very detailed. I admired the multiple species and...more
I read this series three times. It was engaging but had a few annoying issues. The world of Elantra was well created and very detailed. I admired the multiple species and...more
I really enjoy all of the Chronicles of Elantra books and I mainly find myself drawn to the heroine, Kaylin Neya. I appreciate the fact that she's basically a normal young woman in extraordinary circumstances; she has a very strong sense of right and wrong, yet has to deal with so many shades of gray. I love how she doesn't know everything about everything - that she has to figure it out as she goes along or rely on her very good instincts when the knowledge won't come.
If I have any ...more
If I have any ...more
I enjoyed this quite a bit! I was really interested in learning more abou the Tha'alani and I would have loved to have learned even more... The plot was solid, but all in all, it wasn't as exciting as the two previous novels in the series. And the characters arcs are REALLY dragging... I want to find out more about Nightshade. And I want Kaylin to at least kiss someone!!! I hope the next one has more development in the relationships in the book... and I guess I am hoping that the next book has l...more
Cast in Secret follows on a few days after the second book in the series, Cast in Courtlight. In this instalment a prophetic dream so strong that all of the Oracles even the apprentices receive the same vision, the end of life itself. One very powerful Oracle focuses on Kaylin and begins painting a picture of her on his wall. He is so powerful that he is disabled by his gift. He doesn't speak, he doesn't sleep and he doesn't react like a normal person, his only form of expression is drawing and ...more
This book is fantasy, not my usual fare of PNR/UF, but there's some sexual tension between the main female character and a few of the males in the series, which I LOVE. Kaylin is a law officer in the multi-racial city of Elantra. Humans, the elf-like Barrani, the lion-like Leontine, the mind-reading Tha'alani, and humanoid Dragons all share the city. It's a world fraught with mystery, politics, and magic. I'm continuing to adore the series and will definitely be picking up the next book!
Third book in the Elantra Chronicles, the setting is a fantastical city by the sea - ruled by a dragon emperor. Our heroine Kaylin is a young Hawk (belonging to the detective branch of the law) with mysterious tattoos and unexplained powers. Semi-standalone but linked to the other books, this is a magical detective story as Kaylin is asked to look for a stolen box. It is locked box with no keyhole, but if it is not found it could mean very bad things. This wasn't my favorite of the series so far...more
I'm really not sure why I like these books as much as I do. A good portion of the time I'm really confused as to what is happening. The most significant flaw, to me, is that several times I thought one character was speaking, when in fact it was the other person involved in the conversation. I had to re-read a lot of portions of conversations. I think I like these so much because of the highly original world that the author has created, as well as the very well developed (and also original) ...more
This is book 3 in a series, and it was a relief to read. Book two was WAY to mystical for my taste. This gets back to what I liked about the first book: interesting characters embroiled in a good mystery in a fantasy setting. Even though it's traditional fantasy, it seems like an urban fantasy in the way that it's written.
In this story, Kaylin is trying to find 2 missing children, but things are, of course, much more complicated than that. In the end, every life in the city is threaten...more
In this story, Kaylin is trying to find 2 missing children, but things are, of course, much more complicated than that. In the end, every life in the city is threaten...more
This book took a bit for me to get into. There was a bunch of, for lack of the word I'm looking for, philosophy type stuff at the beginning. Explaining a different culture, race, and people. And some of it, although necessary, just seemed to not fit in with the conversation or the person talking. That being said. I enjoyed the book. Like the way it ended.
Cast in Secret is the third book in the series. Each book is better that the previous installment. The heroine grows in magical abilities as she learns more about the unusual races that populate her fantasy world. We learn along with Kaylin. The mysteries become more clear with the knowledge we gain in each book. I'm hoping for just a little more romance in the next book. So far, her feelings for Severn and Lord Nightshad are only partially revealed.
Once again, another continuation of this lovely saga - taking another in-depth look at one of the complex races of this world. If the rest of the books continue the way I think they will (each focusing on a particular race), I believe I shall enjoy them greatly.
I did not understand a couple of the finer details of this book, but not enough to actually bother me. Good read. I'm glad I found this series.
I did not understand a couple of the finer details of this book, but not enough to actually bother me. Good read. I'm glad I found this series.
first book finished since twins arrived!
3rd in elantra series, this time kaylen investigates disappearance of 2 children that turn out to be connected. some of the metaphysical stuff (communicating with elements) lost me a little, but i'm still intrigued by the world and the characters.
3rd in elantra series, this time kaylen investigates disappearance of 2 children that turn out to be connected. some of the metaphysical stuff (communicating with elements) lost me a little, but i'm still intrigued by the world and the characters.
So many things to love and dislike here. The story grabs me and I really like most of the characters. The most annoying thing in each book in the series is the repetition! So much cursing that isn't cursing and in this one the reminder that Kaylin likes children. Got it, thanks!
It's getting better. This book gives me a stronger sense of place, and I liked the characters better. I at least know now why Kaylin is so mad at Severn. I haven't a clue why he's in love (???) with her. But I'll read the next one, maybe it'll help.
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“Is this some sort of test?"
"Everything that doesn't kill you is."
"Mind you," he added, "surviving doesn't always mean you passed.”
—
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"Everything that doesn't kill you is."
"Mind you," he added, "surviving doesn't always mean you passed.”
“ Generally, I like to appear smart. I don't admit being stupid when there's any hope I'm not.”
—
8 people liked it
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