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The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni is an addictive fantasy with secret scheming and shocking plot twists. Set soon after the events of The Prison Healer, this one is a little calmer and takes the time to explore the main character’s shifting allegiances. While this book is a sequel, it is just as thrilling as the first book, and I loved getting to explore the world outside the prison. This is a tense and original series that I can’t recommend enough.
Title: The Gilded CageSeries: The Prison Healer #2
Author: Lynette Noni
Also by this author: Whisper (Whisper #1)
Publisher: Clarion
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Rating:
Series Rating:
Kiva Meridan is a survivor.
She survived not only Zalindov prison, but also the deadly Trial by Ordeal. Now Kiva’s purpose goes beyond survival to vengeance. For the past ten years, her only goal was to reunite with her family and destroy the people responsible for ruining their lives. But now that she has escaped Zalindov, her mission has become more complicated than ever.
As Kiva settles into her new life in the capital, she discovers she wasn’t the only one who suffered while she was in Zalindov—her siblings and their beliefs have changed too. Soon it’s not just her enemies she’s keeping secrets from, but her own family as well.
Outside the city walls, tensions are brewing from the rebels, along with whispers of a growing threat from the northern kingdoms. Kiva’s allegiances are more important than ever, but she’s beginning to question where they truly lie. To survive this time, she’ll have to navigate a complicated web of lies before both sides of the battle turn against her and she loses everything.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni
Having recently escaped from prison, Kiva is ready to put her new plan into action: reuniting with her family to overthrow the throne–those responsible for putting her in prison in the first place. However, as she settles into the palace, hiding her true intentions, she starts to realize that the royal family is not as evil as her own family had led her to believe. Torn between the rebels and her found family at the palace, both of whom care deeply for her, Kiva must decide where her loyalties lie, and which group she will betray.
❀ Well-Developed Characters
This instalment really delves into Kiva’s character, and I loved getting to know more about her. She is in a tough position, caught between her loyalty to her family and her new friends at the palace, and this tension is thrilling to read about. Kiva also struggles with fitting in and adjusting to life outside of prison, and I enjoyed watching as she slowly starts to figure out who she is and what she wants. Each of the characters in this series are so incredibly well-developed, which makes for a satisfying read.
❀ Jaw-Dropping Twists
I was a little worried going into this one since sequels often disappoint me, and The Prison Healer is one of my favourite books of the year, and maybe even of all time. Luckily, The Gilded Cage is just as engaging as the first book, and there are just as many jaw-dropping twists throughout. I am truly in awe of Lynette Noni’s writing, and the contrast between the two books is brilliantly done. While slower paced than the first book, this one never lags, and I enjoyed getting to see both sides of the story–the royal family and the rebels.
❀ A Suspenseful Story
The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni is a suspenseful story where loyalties are tested and difficult decisions must be made. I loved the transition out of the prison and into the palace, and the main character is well-developed. As a sequel, this book is particularly impressive, and I can’t wait until the next instalment is in my hands.
About Lynette Noni
Lynette Noni studied journalism and academic writing at university before completing a degree in human behavior. She lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and can be found baking cupcakes, singing along to animated movies, or daydreaming about being swept away to a fantasy world. Some days, she can even do all three at once — and still find the time to sneak in a nap afterwards.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
That’s awesome that this sequel was done so well! A lot of times that fails to happen.
Right?! I don’t read much fantasy anymore and I just love this author so much! 🙂
Sequels are often tricky. I either totally love them or be disappointed by them. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…October Of Books Giveaway (INT)
Absolutely! Thanks, Stephanie! 🙂
I wasn’t disappointed either! I found it was just an incredible sequel but how will we wait now???
It is going to be a tough wait! 🙂
This book sounds terrific! I love the gorgeous cover!
Right?! I love the cover, too! 🙂
Sound awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds intriguing
I love a good suspense. This one sounds great!
i definitely want to check out the first one