Cast in Ruin(Chronicles of Elantra 7)Author: Michelle SagaraPublisher: Luna, 2011
Seven corpses are discovered in the streets of a Dragon's fief. All identical, down to their clothing.
Kaylin Neya is assigned to discover who they were, who killed them—and why. Is the evil lurking at the borders of Elantra preparing to cross over?
At least the investigation delays her meeting with the Dragon Emperor. And as the shadows grow longer over the fiefs, Kaylin must use every skill she's ever learned to save the people she's sworn to protect. Sword in hand, dragons in the sky, this time there's no retreat and no surrender…
My Review:
Dealing with the aftermath of the disaster on Elani street, also known as the almost end of the world, Kaylin Neya finds herself going through the torture of desk duty. What’s more, here lessons in etiquette are to resume immediately if she is to be ready for the upcoming meeting with the Emperor. Kaylin is almost grateful when she is called on an unofficial assignment to investigate several unusual deaths in the new fief of Tiamaris. But her relief is only momentary. Kaylin’s magic decides (as always) to flare up at the worst moment and gets her into deep trouble (again). This time she ends up claiming the True Name of an eight foot tall unknown warrior that comes out of the Shadows. He is now bound to Kaylin, but also to another. He gives Kaylin his magical sword to prevent the dark master from using him, but the sword seems to have a personality of its own. With the help of her friend Severn, three very irritable dragons, and a powerful avatar, Kaylin will have to discover the true identity of the victims.
Cast in Ruin is another thrilling chapter in the life of Private Kaylin Neya. Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra have always drawn me in with its intricately fun dialogue, the investigative nature of Kaylin’s work, and the constant danger of being eaten by Dragons or ripped to shreds by a Leontine. It all becomes this sort of super fantasy detective story and I love it!
Kaylin is one of my favorite characters of all time. She usually never knows exactly what she is doing, but she follows her intuition and never gives up even when her own life is in danger. Of course she has Severn to help her along. He is Kaylin’s pillar, always there providing strength, love and understanding. I just wish Kaylin worked already through her issues and accepted him into her life. I’m still hoping for that one to happen in the next book! Then there are the dragons, and those I can never resist. Not even when their eyes turn full red, their noses spew flame and the floor starts melting. And is it me or have Tiamaris, Sanabalis, and dare I say even The Arkon have become a bit more relaxed around Kaylin. I think so. Now with the addition of Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s life is bound to get more interesting than ever. Can’t wait for Cast in Peril!
Favorite Quotes:
[Sanabalis] “How did the lesson go?”
[Kaylin] “He didn’t attempt to teach anything. I thought I’d get a list of things that were no-go around the Emperor. You know: don’t burp, don’t swear, don’t scratch your armpit, don’t wear green.”
“Green?”
“Or whatever color he doesn’t like.”
~
[Segeant Kassan] “What do you need to speak with me about so urgently?”
[Kaylin] “Lord Nightshade.”
“Is he in his own fief?
“Yes, sir.”
“Has he stayed there?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you have any reason to suspect that he intends to engage in illegal activities in Elantra?”
“Nothing illegal short of breathing, sir.”
“Then I don’t need to hear it right now.”
