Cast in Secret by Michelle Sagara

Complex and intriguing as always...

The Cast series is not an easy series to read. The world and themes are extremely complex, as are the characters who populate it. Each book requires careful reading (skimming or a fast read isn't really possible, at least not for me) and a lot of thought about what's happening at any given time. Of course, some things are more straightforward than others. I find that I have to reread each book to catch things that I either missed or didn't understand the first time, but I think the endeavor is worthwhile for the most part, although much continues to puzzle me.

This third entry, Cast In Secret, doesn't have as much "action" per se as the previous two books (Cast In Shadow, Cast In Courtlight), but it continues to expand on the relationships among the major characters, chiefly Kaylin and Severn, Kaylin and Nightshade, and Kaylin and the dragons. The Barrani do not play a prominent role, but their presence is keenly felt.

We learn some more details about the struggle that was caused by Kaylin's arrival as a young child in the Courts of Law between those who argued for her survival and those who felt she was too dangerous to live. We see some of the workings of the dragon court, and learn much about the Tha'alani as well as the Oracles, each intricately and deftly woven into a fascinating whole.

I may be wrong, but I think the next book will likely deal with both the interaction between Kaylin and Nightshade and Kaylin's appearance in a more formal fashion at the dragon court. I can't wait!

Link