Cast in Deception

Several notches of tension above the norm for the series. All those times people warned Kaylin, You don't understand immortals, You trust too easily, Don't touch that you don't know who it's been? Yeah they weren't kidding.

I love this series because it's like - very like - watching a long running TV show and at the same time it is such a BOOK, essentially unfilmable (you could try but you'd end up with 80% voiceover or some other thing altogether).

I mean, essentially every book is about Kaylin thrown into some vast & threatening situation literally beyond human comprehension, which nobody will even try to explain because they're too stuck up. She manages to somehow cope by shoving it through a filter of human experience through sheer show more stubbornness, luck, and force of character, plus the powers she sort of wields that are also beyond human comprehension. And ends up saving the world. Again. But could she maybe get a little promotion? Maybe even just a raise? Don't bet on it.

But even the Big Weird Things aren't as worrying as the people we know sometimes. This is the beginning of a bigger story, I can't wait to keep going. show less

Sagara's Elantra novels are just so visceral!

I didn't think I would be giving this latest Elantra novel 5 stars when I was a quarter of the way through. But but the end I was saying Yes, Yes, Yes!
Once again we plow through acres of the in between portal paths with Kaylin (Private Neya) and Bellusdeo (Dragon Lord), in search of the Barrani Cohort, the lost one, Teela's companions in her testing. And no this this did not start off as choice! Kaylin and Bel were literally thrown into the situation by the elemental water.
As Kaylin described to Helen, her sentient living space,
' "we have a Barrani war band, the threat of war, a High Court in revolt, Barrani Lords in collusion with a fief lord to enter Ravellon, and an elemental water show more that’s terrified enough of something that she grabbed me and threw me at the West March. And at the heart of it all: Ravellon.”'
Those left behind who are now wanting to return are at the heart of the matter. Teela's is up in arms, Tain close behind, and all of Elantra is tense.
On the way we have a new creature well met, a creature Kaylin names in an entirely Kaylin way, 'Spike.'
And yes the ending has me waiting not so patiently for what more is to come.
Another riveting read joins the series I love.

A NetGalley ARC show less

I love this series

Even when it is largely devoid of action. Kaylin’s position as mascot and go-between for immensely powerful beings make her so entertaining.

There were some jarring continuity errors. Teela and Bellusdeo switched places twice. Another editing pass is highly advisable. It is not unreadable, but it confuses the narrative.

I pre-order this series. The next book should be amazing.

I love this series

Even when it is largely devoid of action. Kaylin’s position as mascot and go-between for immensely powerful beings make her so entertaining.

There were some jarring continuity errors. Teela and Bellusdeo switched places twice. Another editing pass is highly advisable. It is not unreadable, but it confuses the narrative.

I pre-order this series. The next book should be amazing.

MIchelle Sagara's The Chronciles of Elantra series is one of my faovrites and this title did not disappoint, A few of the books in this series have not been as strong in my opinion but the last few, including this title, have been excellent. The story was engaging and helped to move the plot along. I felt like I learned more about many of the characters including the protagonist in this volume. I highly recommend this book. I am reviewing this book based on an ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

Okay, I need to call this series done for me. I haven't really been reading the whole book that last few times. I picked up the library copy and just couldn't face it. So read the last two chapters. Eh. I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the whole book. Yes, there were hints of things, but it confirmed that I wasn't going to miss the characters.

not much happened, or more accurately it was only a progression of a subplot not the main plot. I would want more resolutions