My Thoughts On… The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli
My Thoughts On… The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli
Hi All!
Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Caged Queen and I am here today with a review of this fantastic book!
Title: The Caged Queen (Iskari #2)Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Publisher: Gollancz
Published: 27th September 2018
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source:: Review Copy from Publisher
Add It: Amazon UK Goodreads.
Summary:
Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished – until the day a terrible accident took Essie’s life and trapped her soul in this world.
Dax – the heir to Firgaard’s throne – was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa’s people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she’d give him the army he needed if he made her queen.
Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax’s promises go unfulfilled. Roa’s people continue to suffer.
Then a chance to right every wrong arises – an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.
All she has to do is kill the king.
My Thoughts
There is something so wonderful about fantasy books. They truly take us out of our real world and suck is into a new one. This is definitely true for The Caged Queen. From the very first page, I was transported to a different world. One that is complex and fascinating in equal measure. What is truly wonderful about this book, however, is how easily Kristen has managed to create this new world. How easily it was to imagine the world based on her descriptions of it.
Add to such a fantastic world building, an intense and heart-racing plot, full-bodied and lovable characters and you might just see why I am highly urging you to go out and read this book. I haven’t been in the biggest fantasy mood lately but this book drew me straight back into the genre without breaking a sweat. It is such a strong and moving book that really pulled on my emotions. Within the first few chapters, my heart was aching along with our main protagonists which just shows how well Kristen has created such strong characters with complex histories and powerful bonds.
One of the things that worked really well was how the book jumped between the past and the present, intermingling the times and allowing you small glimpses into how our characters all came to be where and how they were. It also allows the reader to continuously learn about the world in which this book is set without forcing the world on them. It is all subtle descriptions that flow easily within the narrative, making it very easy to flip through the pages quickly.
Nevertheless, as you can probably tell, I would highly recommend this book, both to fantasy lovers but also to those new or curious about the genre. It’s a book that really eases the reader in gently but also has a strong and powerful plot circulating throughout it all too. A plot that is not worth missing. I, for one, will definitely also be picking up The Last Namsara sometime very soon as well. I would also say that if you enjoyed C. J. Redwine’s Deception series, you are likely to love this as I feel the two have very similar world-building and character driven plots. But honestly, I just hope you love this book as much as I do!
About the Author
Kristen Ciccarelli hails from Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula where she grew up on her grandfather’s grape farm. She’s made her living as a baker, a bookseller, and a potter, but now writes books about bloodthirsty dragons, girls wielding really cool weapons, and the transformative power of stories.Follow the Tour
Will you be reading this book?
13 Comments
Justine
I love that you mentioned the book’s past and present narration jumping, I usually find it when books are like this really hard to relate only then later to skim on. I see that it works and flows on easily. And I am a huge fan of fantasy book. Definitely would add this to my unending tbr. Haha
Faye
It honestly flows so naturally that I don’t think you’ll need to. But I totally understand that it can disrupt the flow so it’s always best to read it how you need to! Hope you enjoy the book if and when you get to it :)
Nicola
I can’t wait to read it! Heard so many brilliant things about it!
Faye
I hope you love it when you get to it Nicola! :D
Kelsey
Oh wow I wasn’t aware of this book but I think I will check it out after your review! I do love a split timeline plot.
Lily
I just finished this book and loved it so much! Great review.
Amber @ Books of Amber
I still haven’t started this series but I need to! I have a copy of The Last Namsara so I might try to get to it before the end of the year.
Daniella
Great review! This isn’t something I would usually read but your review is making me want to :)
Daniella x
http://www.dontbendthespine.com
Erin @ Lavish Literature
Great review! I love vivid and immersive fantasy worlds, and I’m glad to see that the dual timeline flowed naturally (I’m always concerned about that particular narration style). I’m also excited to see that Ciccarelli is from Ontario – I’ve been hoping to read more Canadian authors, so I’ll definitely have to give this a read!
Faith
I didn’t realise there was a second book in the series already, but I did buy The Last Namsara about a month ago. I picked it up on impulse, rather than because I already knew a lot about it or having read loads of reviews which is quite different to how I’ve bought most of my books this year! It’s encouraging that you really enjoyed the second though and I really should bump it up on my list now I know there’s another to get stuck into too!
Totally agree about fantasy books, probably why the vast majority of my reading is fantasy or sci fi haha. I’m all about the world-building and characters so I’m feeling super positive after your review!
Sarah
I still haven’t read The Last Namsara. It’s on my shelf glaring at me!
kris
I really need to read the last namasara ASAP! it’s been on my shelf staring at me for too long!
Jackie
Alright, I am obsessed with this cover! I am glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like something I would enjoy. I might add it to my TBR!