Cast in Deception

By: Michelle Sagara

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?

Private Kaylin Neya thought her home couldn’t possibly get more crowded. But when one of her housemates, Annarion, decides to undertake the Barrani Test of Name, his friends refuse to let him face his task alone—and Kaylin’s sentient home, Helen, is the only structure capable of shielding the rest of Elantra from the magnitude of their power.

Annarion and Mandoran almost caused the destruction of the High Halls once already. Add nine of their closest friends, and the danger is astronomically higher—especially since these guests are at the heart of a political firestorm. Imprisoned almost a millennium ago, their recent freedom threatens the rulership of several prominent Barrani families, and the machinations of those Lords make it almost impossible to tell friend from foe.

As political tensions ramp up, the shadows beneath the High Halls are seeking a freedom that has never been possible before. Kaylin must find a way to keep those shadows from escaping, or that freedom will destroy her city, the empire and everything she holds dear.

Loved it

I loved the book. I had a hard time getting away from this one like all the other books in this series.

Nooooooooooo A Cliffhanger

This book was great as the rest of the series. Unfortunately, the ending is the biggest cliffhanger so far in this series! I love the new character that’s introduced, the return of some of my old favorites, and the development of some of the old characters. The plot gets more intense and the problems more tangled.

I think I might just explode waiting for the next book. I knew it would be good so I held off reading it until now so that the wait for the next book wouldn’t be so long, but now I wish I’d waited even longer!
Khristine Hvam did an amazing job with the narration. She’s excellent at giving each character their own voice, or speaking speed, or age, or accent to differentiate them from each other. I look forward to more of her narrations.

Another great book in this series

this series is a great listen and keeps you mind buzzy. can not wait for the next book

Elantra

The story continues with the cohort. Once again Kaylin, accompanied by Belusdeo ventures into the West March, courtesy of the Elemental water in the Keepers Garden. Quite without a by your leave or even warning. The Hallerones welcomed her and tolerated Belusdeo.
Nothing is ever simple, when the battles were finished Kaylin had acquired more misfits for Helen to house and finally Kaylin got to sleep. Without danger lurking.

Kaylin & the Cohort

Possible Spoilers:
The remaining 8 of The Cohort are coming to Elantra to support Annarion in his determination to go through the trials for Lord. And, where one goes, they all go. Achieving the title of Lord would position 4 of the Cohort to take over as head their families, a position that went to lesser relations, instead of to them. The politics start with a bang when Teela is almost assassinated at Hawks HQ by 2 other Barrani. And when Kaylin & Severn cover the Barrani patrol in East Warren, they meet Candallar, the Barrani in charge of the fief of Candallar, which ratchets him up into their attention for very suspicious behavior. Then the Cohort disappear on their journey and tensions escalate. When responding to a call from Eventon, a frantic water catapults Kaylin & Bellusdeo out of Elantra and into the Hallionne Orbaranne where she meets The Lord of the West March. The Hallionne accepts a dragon for the first time ever as The Consort requested all Hallionne accept Kaylin & companion. But her familiar was left behind at Eventon’s, leaving Bellusdeo with Kaylin when this adventure-crisis escalates. Then they are joined by the most reclusive of the Cohort, Terrano, who has come looking for the missing 8.
Teela, the Cohort, and Kaylin must deal with levels of deception, betrayal, disappointment, and renewed determination in this one. Kaylin also explores more of the nature of shadows and Ravellon and the purpose of the towers.
Hvam does a very decent job of narration.