Read for: Netgalley/ Requested Review
Synopsis: "Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved.
Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world.
A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.
Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price?
A boy dreams of revolution.
Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution.
And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.
He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?"
My Review: I must admit that I didn't know too much about this book before picking it up, I loved the cover and have really been enjoying fantasy books lately so thought I would give this one a try. I am so glad I did read it, I was very pleasantly surprised. While there is a lot of magic but it is oddly underused and kind of an after thought for the people with the power. There is a tiny bit of romantic attraction but it is well integrated into the story and does not take over like so many other YA fantasy books. The best part of this book by far is all the political maneuvering, there are so many players and political goals that there is a ton of intrigue, as this is the first book you don't get to find out what each person's end goal is or who will gain the upper hand. This is definitely a series I will be following as it progresses.
Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world.
A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.
Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price?
A boy dreams of revolution.
Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution.
And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.
He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?"
My Review: I must admit that I didn't know too much about this book before picking it up, I loved the cover and have really been enjoying fantasy books lately so thought I would give this one a try. I am so glad I did read it, I was very pleasantly surprised. While there is a lot of magic but it is oddly underused and kind of an after thought for the people with the power. There is a tiny bit of romantic attraction but it is well integrated into the story and does not take over like so many other YA fantasy books. The best part of this book by far is all the political maneuvering, there are so many players and political goals that there is a ton of intrigue, as this is the first book you don't get to find out what each person's end goal is or who will gain the upper hand. This is definitely a series I will be following as it progresses.
My Rating: I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this book, it is a great start to a new series. I love all the political plots going on and can't wait to see what happens in future books. I give this one a rating of Four Paws!
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To found out more about Vic James and her work you can visit her Goodreads Page or her Website.
Gilded Cage was just released yesterday and you can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
The romance doesn't take over the plot?! I'm shocked. It sounds like it does from the synopsis. I love political intrigue on fantasy books. I might just have to read this one now.
ReplyDeleteI know right?! It was so great to see the romance develop quickly and take over the plot. Now I can't say where it will lead in the future books but at least for now it is a breath of fresh air. There are a lot of political plots going which is so fun to read.
DeleteI've been seeing this book around a lot, and I've been interested. It is nice to see a good review for it! Yay! Hooray for romances that don't become the main focus!!
ReplyDeleteIt was so good and I am glad I took a chance on reading it. I almost wouldn't even call it a romance, it is more of an attraction and flirting. I am looking forward to when more books come out to see where she takes these characters and plot lines.
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