** spoiler alert ** 
 Review first published at http://fansofmsw.com/ 
 Summary: 
 In Cast in Chaos, the Norannir have come to Elantra from another world and have settle in the fief of Tiamaris. In the beginning of Cast in Ruin, we learn that they are some difficulties with their integration inside the fief, as its human inhabitants are quite intimidated by the armed giant wondering around... In addition, identical bodies are starting to appear inside the fief and Kaylin and Severn are delegated to the dragon court to investigate. 
 My opinion: 
 Once again, this book starts with an excellent first chapter; Michelle really has a talent with those. I love the conspiracy of evil chicken :). We also finally see those famous Etiquette lessons, the first of which don't really go as expected. I can really sympathize with Kaylin there; sure she is a bit ignorant, self-indulgent and didn't make a lot of effort to learn, well, nearly anything; but each time, I really feel insulted on her behalf when Diarmat is present. He is really too arrogant and rude toward her considering all that she has done for the Empire. He is a great character as he forces Kaylin to grow, but I really don't like his manners. 
 The discussion between Kaylin and Lord Diarmat about the foundation of the Halls of Laws is interesting and it gives us more information about the Emperor. I love the comparison between mortals and apples :). 
 In this book, we see a lot of the dragon Court and the dragons are some of my favorite characters - even Lord Diarmat. The scene where the Arkon breaths fire on Sanabilis was priceless :). We also learn more about dragons and the female of the species, something I had been wondering for a while. So apparently we have seen all the dragons present in Elantra and the only ones missing are all those who are asleep. Considering the extend of the Empire and the history of both dragons and Barrani with those lands, I don't think that there are lots of them who have decided to go on exile when the Empire was founded. Sleep doubtless appear more seducing to them, apart for those as young as Tiamaris; after all it won't make any drastic differences for them, they will be able to start again their live when they awake and won't have to deal with any unpleasantness with the Emperor. So Bellusdeo is the last female dragon in Elantra and thus represent the future of their race. One thing that surprises me is the small number of dragons present in Elantra and the fact that the Barrani have decided to bow to the Emperor's rule. Is one dragon that much more powerful than one Barrani? Because Barrani have such a huge number advantage on the dragons, I have difficulties understanding their decisions. Now, they don't want to destroy the city of Elantra, a thing that is almost certain to happen if there is a fight, but before? Anyway, I can really understand the Barrani's fear concerning new baby dragons as even one of them will cause such a shift in the power balance. 
 Bellusdeo is introduced in this book. I think that she is a great character, because so often she says what Kaylin is thinking but can't say. Sometimes it's because it's impolite or because it's reflecting immaturity or ignorance, but sometimes it's only because Kaylin is human. For me, Bellusdeo really highlight some of the racism present in Elantra between the mortal and immortal races, which is most personified by Lord Diarmat. I really love the fact that Bellusdeo decides to ignore the wishes of the Court and to stick with Kaylin. It's also really funny that she has to assist to Kaylin's Etiquette lessons as well; it's a nice way to oblige Diarmat to show Kaylin more respect while maintaining the power balance. 
 Maggaron and Bellusdeo's interactions are really interesting; Bellusdeo really views mortal differently from most immortal. I really get the impression that they were in love with each other and I wonder if Bellusdeo will ever accept to have children with the Emperor (I don't think that the Emperor will accept that she has some with any other dragon). We know that dragons don't view children the same way as human did, so it wouldn't be illogical if they didn't see mating in the same way too, yet I can't see her having children with the Emperor when Maggaron is still around. About Maggaron, I think that he is immortal now that he has his own name, but I wonder if his immortality is link to Bellusdeo's, that's too say that if she dies, he'll die too. 
 Another good point is that Kaylin's relationships with Severn and Nightshade continue to progress if only slowly. It was good to see that Kaylin is oblige to acknowledge the feelings they express in Cast in Chaos and that she is not able to ignore it like she does in the previous book (when Nightshade kisses her in Cast in Secret for example, she shows no reaction at all and behaves as if nothing happened). And we see the consequence of Nighsthade's promise that now he will interfere in her live without restriction :). I'm a bit disappointed that we don't see more of him in this book and that Severn is present during their exchange, preventing any intimacy between them, but Nighsthade's proposition is really interesting and we know just enough about his intention to be able to speculate. 
 And Kaylin learn her first curse word in Barrani :). 
 We also learn that Illien is still in the fief and that he is Tiamaris' guest. I wonder what will happen to him; will he play a part in the final battle against Makkuron and the shadows and is that why he hasn't left? It's strange that after trying for so long to break free from the tower, he still chooses to stay.