Cast in Secret

Chronicles of Elantra, Book 3

By: Michelle Sagara

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Still avoiding magic whenever possible, Private Kaylin Neya relished investigating a run-of-the-mill theft. Until she found out the mysterious stolen box had been taken from Elani Street, where the mages and charlatans mingled, and it was sometimes hard to tell the difference between the two. And since the box was ancient, without a keyhole, and held tremendous darkness inside, Kaylin knew unknown forces were again playing with her destiny... and her life.

Spellbound? Listen to more Chronicles of Elantra.

©2008 Michelle Sagara (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

I couldnt stop listening !

I am only supposed to allow myself only so much time per nite. I keep breaking my personal rules .I listened to the first half twice because I wanted it to last longer. I didnt expect to enjoy these books as much as I have. The narrator is hipnotic . She has a firm grip on the characters personalities and the voices are consistant and unique per character.I hope you will enjoy this book and the series as much as I have.I can as of late, walk away from the TV to go listen to my books.Michelle Sagaras stories are imaginative and enveloping. On top of that Khristines portrayals are very consistant and enjoyable. Good job team.Thank you .

great 3rd book

loved the book. good continuation of the series. this book showed her in a good role

My kind of story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love this kind of stories in which the main character asks an endless number of questions. I am only on book 3. But, if I may be so bold, I would like to answer one of Kaylin's questions she is forbidden to re-ask the dragon Sanabalis:

Q: [Lord Sabalis] What is your horde?
My answer: Troublesome, yet, very talented students.

What other book might you compare Cast in Secret to and why?

If you like this series, you would probably enjoy the 4 book series Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck.

Which character – as performed by Khristine Hvam – was your favorite?

Kaylin, of course. Bur, I also like the Leontine Sargent.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Be very careful with your questions!

Building story

Continued introduction of new characters and development of old ones. Seems like I know them well now. Only annoying aspect is continuing word mispronounciation by reader. Retched for wretched, one example in this book. Doesn't detract from story but arrests the flow of the prose when listening. Has occurred in each book, but not frequently. I'm continuing the series on Audible.

Kaylin Enters the Tha'lani Quarter

What did you love best about Cast in Secret?

We got to explore the Tha'lani people. We get to know the Keeper much better- he is such a mysterious figure that has defined and refined Kaylin. We get to see more of Sanabalis. Kaylin is in her element. Investigating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love them all. Kaylin is the main character but far from my only favorite in this series. I love the wild uniqueness of each supporting character. I love to hate Nightshade. I love Marcus' rough and tumble love for his adopted kitling. I love Teela (and Tain's) indulgent smugness and love for their little human mascot. I love Sanabalis' inegmatic mentorship of his stubborn student. I love the Hawklord- he is beyond words. I love Clint's love of Kaylin as a true friend and almost little sister. I love Tiamaris' youthful (for an immortal Dragon) enthusiasm and strangely open-mindedness (for an immortal Dragon). I love the crotchety Archon. I love Severn.

What does Khristine Hvam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Marcus' accent. I never "heard" him as clearly when reading- until I listened to Her Marcus. NOW I hear that Carribean accent even when reading- I love it. I know, Lions don't live in the Carribean. But it fits!! Having lived there, I can just hear that slang-y British drawl coming out of Marcus' mouth.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she had to take responsibility for the Dragon to enter the Garden.

Very Exciting Story - Exceptionally Entertaining

This is one of my favorites that I've read so far in this series. I read it years ago and just finished listening to the audiobook for the first time. One of the strengths of this series for me is the richness of the description of interactions between characters. Michelle Sagara does a great job illustrating the interpersonal dynamics between characters in this series, and between that and great voice acting by Khristine Hvam (who really hit her stride in this book), you can read between the lines many different subtleties that create an understanding of the undercurrents of Kaylin's various interactions with her partner, colleagues, friends and teachers. It feels sometimes as if you are standing in the room sensing the mood and tension change along with them. I particularly enjoy the overarching theme of overcoming prejudice in this story, as well as Kaylin's many humorous interactions with the older and wiser role models in her life. In true Kaylin Neya fashion, her precociousness and lack of diplomacy come out in full force in this story and do not disappoint. Fans of this series should be as thrilled as I was listening to it. I started and finished within a few days!

Great book as always

I've read this series multiple times but I enjoy listening while I'm doing stuff where I can't read and this narrator is probably the best one I've ever listened to she does the voices differently so that you almost think it's being done by multiple people. She is very very good at it. This is one of my favorite series so hearing somebody that actually does the voices well is amazing because I don't do that when I'm reading in my head.

I love this series

This is a great story with a great narrator. I can't wait for the next book...

Cast in Secret

Excellent pace and narration. I haven't been able to stop listening to this series.

Very Enjoyable

Excellent read thoroughly enjoyed the story. The story shows a character faced with a puzzle based on the same theme as the other books in the series. However the author finds a way to show new growth in the character with each new situation.