Hmm, where to begin? This book was very badly written. I had to force myself every step of the way just to finish it.The book is pretty slow but there was a time halfway through the novel when things got exciting until it eventually dropped again and resumed it's slow, agitated state. In general, this book is very confusing, has many plot holes, and wasn't well conceptualized in its characterization. The mindset of the author is going so fast it forgot to give time for the readers to catch up and comprehend what's really happening.I happen to have the second book of the series with me which I got on sale but I don't think it's worth the read after seeing this. “It’s not only the inmates who dream of escape…”Finn has always known Incarceron, the prison with a mind of its own. Three years prior, he woke up in a musky, damp cell that smelled of the unknown. When a woman who may know information about his identity and the mysterious bird tattooed on his writs dies and a key to match lands in his possession, things begin to change. The thing that is most likeable about Finn’s character is that he does not let the prison take away who he is, even though he is not entirely sure who that is. When Attia, a dog-person, joins their travels, he treats her like an equal when Keiro, his blood brother, advises against it. It’s difficult to keep promises within the metallic and life-like walls of Incarceron, but Finn is adamant and true to his word no matter what is thrown at him.In another world, Claudia, the Warden’s daughter, is betrothed to Casper, Queen Sia’s son. Although he wasn’t the first royal that she was supposed to marry. Three years prior, Prince Gilas died in a mysterious horse riding accident, which begins to seem suspicious when sources come to her and speak of treason. After weeks of planning and with the help of Jared, her tutor, she breaks into her father’s office and snatches a key that opens the mysterious—and what she believes to be—paradise that her father guards. In many stories structured such as this, the heroine is completely selfless and kind to everyone. That is not the case with Claudia as she knows her place and, most the time, is not fond of it. The only person she confides in being Jared, the one who has acted as a father figure to her since her father is absent a high percentage of the time. At first, Claudia’s journey begins with her desire to not marry the Casanova she detest, whose only goal is to get an heir so that he can have as many lovers as he pleases. As she learns more of the dangers and true shadows that lurk in the corners of Incarceron, her ultimate goal is to save Finn and freeing the kingdom of Queen Sia’s rule. “There’s no room for weakness in Incarceron. No Mercy for a fatal flaw. Here it’s either killed or be killed.”At first, I had a difficult time getting into this book. It had its slow moments but exciting moments as well. There would be pages where I would pick up the book and contemplate not finishing it, but, suddenly, I’d come across a part that reminded me why I continued to read. It is an adventure story, and for lovers of a good romance, there is not a lot involved. Most of the communication between Finn and Claudia, the ones who have couple potential, is through the keys. However, for lovers of adventures and not knowing what is going to happen next, there is plenty of that. The end of the novel leaves you wondering and curious about the small details that quickly become big details. The sequel is definitely on my TBR pile, though, because I am curious about the rest of the characters, where and how the story will continue. “Do you see the key to Incarceron?Look inside yourself. It has always been hidden there.”
Do You like book Incarceron (2007)?
Two prisons. Two lives. Two keys to connect them. Claudia and Finn are imprisoned, she by restrictions and expectations, and he in a literal prison. While Finn journeys through a vast, sealed world, Claudia must use her wits to survive the plots of conniving courtiers as well as that of her own father, the Warden of Incarceron. By alternating between these two strong characters who desire freedom, we read their tales in parallel. At times one part will hold us in suspense regarding the other, and at other parts the author craftily melds them into one exciting stream. The different circumstances of these two gives us the opportunity to contemplate the concept of "prison", how it is a loss of freedom, not necessarily a place. Tyranny, slavery, gender roles, and restrictive laws are all forms of this that can be seen in this world. Technology is thinly veiled under the guise of the idyllic 17th century, while the prison is a mishmash of places. Heading each chapter is a passage that hints at the history and purpose of Incarceron, which is an entity that watches, breathes, and reacts. People in the past tried to contain their problems by building walls, banning technology, and forcing conformity. However, both their "paradises" failed. Evil remains, and their freedom is lost, yet many of these humans continue to struggle against their chains.
—FaiR
4.5 stars.oh my gosh. oh my gosh. oh my gosh. that was an AMAZING book. I just loved it so much. I didn't think I would like it, but it just turned out to be so great. Even though Keiro seemed like a total traitor at times, I still loved him, and feel so bad that he had to be left behind. I also really liked Claudia and Jared. I loved how it was going from Claudia to Finn all the time. I found it kind of funny actually how whenever they were talking through keys, Finn was in some life threatening danger and Claudia was having a much milder time. I liked the little paragraphs that were at the top of every chapter, although I forgot to read some of them. I can't believe that Kiero is half-man!!!!Sapphique is so confusing!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness! In the second one, I hope they find a way to get Keiro out of the prison!!!
—fairie_a
A bit confusing at some parts, but probably one of my favorite books of all time.
—apattabi
ITS AWESOME!! A lot of conspiracies and theories it is just beautifull
—Hannaandhorses
