ARC Review: Cast in Peril by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Peril 
Author: Michelle Sagara
Publication: Harlequin Luna; Original edition (September 18, 2012)

Description: It has been a busy few weeks for Private Kaylin Neva. In between angling for a promotion, sharing her room with the last living female Dragon and dealing with more refugees than anyone knew what to do with, the unusual egg she'd been given began to hatch. Actually, that turned out to be lucky, because it absorbed the energy from the bomb that went off in her quarters.…

So now might be the perfect time to leave Elantra and journey to the West March with the Barrani. If not for the disappearances of citizens in the fief of Tiamaris—disappearances traced to the very Barrani Kaylin is about to be traveling with…

My Thoughts: CAST IN PERIL is the eighth book in the Chronicles of Elantra series. In this episode, Kaylin is the semi-reluctant roommate of the Dragon Belluseo - the only know female dragon - and is babysitting for an egg born of a human mother when magic was running wild. She is also preparing to head to the West March with a group of Barrani to pay off a debt that she incurred when getting needed information from Lord Nightshade. The group is headed to the West March to hear a recitation of a True story.

Kaylin is not eager to make the journey both because she is a city girl and because she is investigating some disappearances of humans from the fiefs. When an Arcane bomb is exploded in her home it has some far-ranging effects. First, it causes the egg to hatch a creature that others call a familiar and that bonds with Kaylin. The creature resembles a small dragon and has a number of special and unusual powers. It is also really cute. Second, it causes the total loss of her home and necessitates a move to the Dragon Palace which rips away some of Kaylin's sense of security. Bellusdeo is not able to accompany Kaylin on her journey to the West March which she doesn't take complacently. However, Teela and Severn do accompany her along with the Consort of the Barrani who is currently very angry at Kaylin because of actions she took in a previous book.

Also along on the journey is the Arcanist Barrani mage who was responsible for the bomb and is possibly involved in the disappearance of the humans from the fiefs. Each of the books in this series seems to concentrate on Kaylin's relationship with a different species. This one is primarily focused on the Barrani - immortal and arrogant. Kaylin learns more about her friend Teela who is a Lord of the Barrani Court and a fellow Hawk. 

The journey is filled with danger and intrigue. Kaylin has to survive the journey. Since the journey is filled with not only plotting Barrani but magical creatures that try to kill the party, this isn't an easy task. I like Kaylin because I feel that she is always trying to do the right think no matter how much opposition she gets. I like that she has a firm moral compass that guides her actions. 

This story takes place in a well-developed and complex fantasy world. This book is definitely not a starter book for the series but does add depth to those who are already familiar with the world and the characters. I really liked it and can't wait for CAST IN SORROW.

Favorite Quote:

"Fair enough. I wish you were coming," she added as she began eating.

"Oh? Why?"

"Cowardice. I hate being the only mortal in a gathering full of Immortals who think killing each other cleverly is the height of good manners."

I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.