Book Review #17: Cast in Courtlight by Michelle Sagara

[amergina]

Book: Cast in Courtlight Author: Michelle Sagara (also msagara) 496 Pages Short Thoughts: Where's the fandom for this series?! OMG, I need fan art!

Synopsis:

In Elantra, a job well done is rewarded with a more dangerous task. And so, after defeating a dark evil, Kaylin must enter a place of deceit and treachery. A world where silk and jewels hide deadly secrets….

Kaylin goes before the Barrani High Court, where a misspoken word brings sure death. And Kaylin's never been known for her grace or manners. But the High Lord's heir is suspiciously ill and Kaylin's healing magic is the only shot at saving him -- if she manages to dodge the traps laid for her.

Only to discover that the healing might turn out to be the simplest of the tasks before her…

The second book in the Chronicles of the Elantra. You really should read these in order. While each individual story is self-contained, the backgrounds of the characters and the events of the first book help make this one more understandable.

This book didn't move at quite the breakneck speed of the other, but was still highly enjoyable. The world building and characterization is outstanding. I very much enjoyed her delving into the Barrani, a race of beautiful and immortal beings. It gave them a depth and a difference... they aren't just psudo-elves, but a unique creation unto themselves. Very nice to see an author do that.

There are little writing things I could quibble about, but I didn't read this book as part of the master's program I'm in, but for the joy of reading it.

And it was quite a fun read. I can't wait to pick up the next one.