Cast in Silence

I've just finished reading Cast in Silence, and am in that wonderful post-read haze that you get after reading a truly good book. Later I may notice some plot holes or untied threads, but right at this moment I have to say that this is - finally - as good a book as the first book in the series. I have been somewhat frustrated by Kaylin's idiocy, lack of tact, maturity and patience, in the past three books, but in this book, while still retaining all the things that make her Kaylin, she actually seemed to be a grown up. Perhaps its because we (and she) see her in contrast to her 13-year-old self. No, Sagara doesn't resolve the Nightshade/Severn question here, but we do get to see a new side of Nightshade. According to Sagara's website there are at least three more books to come. Considering that this was originally (or at least after the third book, when I checked) supposed to be a five book series, this might be extending indefinitely. I rather doubt that we'll see a resolution of this faint triangle anytime soon, and so I have decided not to spend my emotions worrying about it, but rather just to take each book as it comes. If they keep coming out at this quality, that will be more than good enough.

This is a well written, action packed book which fills in the blanks from the other novels. I was expecting this book, as well as the one before it, to move forward with her relationships, but it didn't happen (yes, I also wanted more Lord Nightshade). The previous novels all reference her six months in Barren, which are finally filled in, and you now have Kaylin's whole history. This book does need to be read in order with the others or it won't make sense. The clear writing, added maturity of the main character, and the action all make this book work.

Elantra is a wonderful city ruled by the dragon emperor. He, his court and most inhabitants care nothing about the Fiefs (slums) that are located across the Ablayne River. There are several fiefs each ruled by a fief-lord who live in towers that rest upon the Old Ones magic. Private Kaylin Neya of the Hawk police force lived in the Fief Nightshade and wears his mark. She has performed remarkably well working her way out of the dirt of the fief by being on the right side of the law. Life is about to become perilous for Kaylin because a seer has told her that something dangerous will soon strike the Fief; if it is not contained it will spill over the entire city and change all it touches into something reprehensible. The heart of the troubles resides in the fief Barren where she lived for six months before escaping. Now the Barren Fief is no longer stable. Kaylin, another Hawk and Dragon Lord Tiamaris travel to Barren on a fact finding mission. Caught up in a shadow storm, they are thrown into the past in which no Fiefs exist and Elantra is just starting to form. What they learn in the Barren tower helps them understand what is happening in their time; when they return they think they have a chance to defeat the seemingly invincible foe. Readers who have followed the Elantra "Cast in ..." chronicle (see FURY, SHADOW, COURTLIGHT and SECRET) learn about the Fiefs where the towers are located; this brings freshness to the overarching fantasy. Kaylin is much more confident as she no longer fears her past. She is doing her best to prevent the shadow spreading and destroying her city; she does this even if the cost is her life. Michelle Sagara's CAST IN SILENCE is a great entry in a magical fantasy saga. Harriet Klausner

This is quite possibly my favorite so far in this series, which is saying something. The novels manage to hit just the right pacing, you neither feel bored nor rushed, and the action is always meaningful with sufficient subtlety that rereading provides an extra helping of joy - both to the reader (who is constantly learning more and enjoying what happens) and the various characters. Sagara's gift for creating both complex and believable characters makes these books delightful to read, and something truly special. They are just as grand in accomplishment as other giants of the fantasy genre, without forcing their characters to unbelievable extremes. In particular, I'm reminded of my first read through alice in wonderland or some of tolkien - here is a character that is neither perfect nor imperfect, presented with a wide range of normal and abnormal situations, and managing to behave believably throughout. To fans of good prose, read Elantra - you will enjoy them, and reread them, and best of all - they will stay fresh each time. In any event - don't take my word for it, read them yourselves.

Michelle Sagara again delivers another fantastically plotted and paced novel in the Elantra Series. For anyone who is new to the series read them in order! While most fantasy/sci fi authors often bog the readers down with a ridiculous amount of exposition Michelle spreads her's throughout her books and we learn it as the main character, Kaylin Neya herself learns more of the intricacies of her world and the different races that make it home. A lot of questions are answered in this book about Kaylin's past which will make fans of the series jump for joy. I will refrain from mentioning them because they would spoil the novel for you. The author's gift for not only being entertaining but keeping the reader on the edge of her/his seat is amazing. Her characters have such depth and flaws that are endearing and not grating. Unlike other fantasy authors who make their hero or heroine beyond powerful with only token flaws, Ms. Sagara allows her characters to be genuine and not like some over blown super-hero who has a fondness for stuffed animals or needing constant sex as their not so Achilles heel. Kaylin is not always right, is not always powerful, is frequently ignorant and yet she's also compassionate and has such a beautiful hope that you love her. It makes me wish I could go out for drinks with her, she's that likable. But she's likable without the rest of the cast wanting to make love to her, or find her the most beautiful, or the most feared, or who always knows the right thing to do. She struggles and that makes me identify with her so much. Well done!