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powisamy's review
4.0
Review to come...
I really enjoyed the Last Namsara when I read it last year so I was, therefore, super excited when I got the opportunity to review the second book in this series (although it is a prequel series.) I really enjoyed the Caged Queen and would highly recommend. It is definitely the perfect autumnal and winter read!
Although I enjoyed The Last Namsara I was actually really excited due to the premise surrounded around the sisters of the story and this was ultimately what I loved the most. Seeing Roa's life in the story and the lengths that she would go to save her sister was great and I was highly invested in their story. This made the story and the plot go so quickly and I raced through the book as I wanted to know what happens next.
I also liked the relationship between Dax and Roa and it was a quite complex relationship. I loved to see it develop throughout the story as this was the lynchpin to the whole story. It was just so good.
I think that the writing in the book is also just so great. Ciccarelli can just write and that it is all I can say. Her writing is so poetic and she is just a great storyteller. The book contains breaks from the story that develops the world which the book is set and I loved this parts. Her writing definitely shines here.
On the subject of the world, I do love a world that has dragons in it and this does so bonuses all around. I feel like the dragons definitely take a back seat in the story compared to the first book but I feel like this was just another part of the world to explore.
As someone who read the Last Namsara last year, I couldn't remember any of the characters and plots but this does not make any difference in the story. It is therefore perfect for anyone!
The Verdict:
The Caged Queen is a perfect prequel to the Last Namsara with the same amazing writing and characters that we have seen before. Perfect for those who read The Last Namsara or otherwise!
I really enjoyed the Last Namsara when I read it last year so I was, therefore, super excited when I got the opportunity to review the second book in this series (although it is a prequel series.) I really enjoyed the Caged Queen and would highly recommend. It is definitely the perfect autumnal and winter read!
Although I enjoyed The Last Namsara I was actually really excited due to the premise surrounded around the sisters of the story and this was ultimately what I loved the most. Seeing Roa's life in the story and the lengths that she would go to save her sister was great and I was highly invested in their story. This made the story and the plot go so quickly and I raced through the book as I wanted to know what happens next.
I also liked the relationship between Dax and Roa and it was a quite complex relationship. I loved to see it develop throughout the story as this was the lynchpin to the whole story. It was just so good.
I think that the writing in the book is also just so great. Ciccarelli can just write and that it is all I can say. Her writing is so poetic and she is just a great storyteller. The book contains breaks from the story that develops the world which the book is set and I loved this parts. Her writing definitely shines here.
On the subject of the world, I do love a world that has dragons in it and this does so bonuses all around. I feel like the dragons definitely take a back seat in the story compared to the first book but I feel like this was just another part of the world to explore.
As someone who read the Last Namsara last year, I couldn't remember any of the characters and plots but this does not make any difference in the story. It is therefore perfect for anyone!
The Verdict:
The Caged Queen is a perfect prequel to the Last Namsara with the same amazing writing and characters that we have seen before. Perfect for those who read The Last Namsara or otherwise!
roguebubbles's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
per_fictionist's review
5.0
CAGED QUEEN IS PERFECT and continues with the story of the secondary characters from the LAST NAMSARA and well let's just say THE TENSION BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR CHARACTERS KILLED ME!!!! THE TENSION OOOFEEE!
meeghanreads's review
5.0
I'm a fortunate reader. I get pleasure just from the escapism of books, and even if I know in my heart that the book isn't very well written, or the world building is a little off – I can usually still manage to find something in it that I can enjoy.
This is not one of those books where I found something to hold it together. This books is wonderful and beautifully written, with deep and wholesome characters, and the ending rips you apart in the best way possible by putting you back together as well. Yes, I was bawling my eyes out, but I think in some ways this story healed a small tear in my heart. It reminded me that love is bigger than everything, including death – and that's something we should all keep with us.
I also know that a lot of people who loved The Last Namsara (just like I did) have put off reading this book because it's not Asha's story. But I can say for certain that it is a continuation of the story, and it wouldn't be as good if it wasn't told from Roa's perspective because Roa is the one whose turn it is now to find herself and be who she was meant to be – just like Asha did.
Let's talk about this book a little bit more, and I will try not to gush too much.
Just like in The Last Namsara, this story is interspersed with tales from the culture of the main character. In Asha's story, they were stories of the dragons, the culture of the draksors, and they were such beautiful stories. In The Caged Queen the stories were those of Roa's people – the Scrublanders. The stories are beautiful tales, primarily about the legend of the Sky Weaver: a sentient being who weaves people's souls into stars in the sky when they die. The stories also provide you the backstory of Roa and her sister, and their shared childhood with Dax, Asha's brother.
It flickers back and forth to the present day, where we see how Roa became the Queen, and what she still needs to do to make sure her people are looked after, and that Dax stays true to his promises to her. She also needs to stay true to what is important to her – but how far is Roa willing to go for that? That's the real question.
The world building is beautiful and poetic. I love how Ciccarelli wove these three different cultures into one story. I love how the pieces of the past reflect on the current day. How it forged alliances and how miscommunications can create such deep mistrust. I love the intrigue of the court, the deceit, and most of all how love for family can overrule even the sanest of people.
In terms of pace, I guessed some of the main twists, but not in a "this book is annoying and predictable" way, just in a "I hope this happens, because if it doesn't I might cry" or in a "no, surely not" way... which you know, can be better or worse, but certainly not edge-of-your-seat diminishing.
This book absolutely does justice to this greater story. In fact, it makes me even more hopeful for the third and final instalment: The Sky Weaver (released late 2019).
This is not one of those books where I found something to hold it together. This books is wonderful and beautifully written, with deep and wholesome characters, and the ending rips you apart in the best way possible by putting you back together as well. Yes, I was bawling my eyes out, but I think in some ways this story healed a small tear in my heart. It reminded me that love is bigger than everything, including death – and that's something we should all keep with us.
I also know that a lot of people who loved The Last Namsara (just like I did) have put off reading this book because it's not Asha's story. But I can say for certain that it is a continuation of the story, and it wouldn't be as good if it wasn't told from Roa's perspective because Roa is the one whose turn it is now to find herself and be who she was meant to be – just like Asha did.
Let's talk about this book a little bit more, and I will try not to gush too much.
Just like in The Last Namsara, this story is interspersed with tales from the culture of the main character. In Asha's story, they were stories of the dragons, the culture of the draksors, and they were such beautiful stories. In The Caged Queen the stories were those of Roa's people – the Scrublanders. The stories are beautiful tales, primarily about the legend of the Sky Weaver: a sentient being who weaves people's souls into stars in the sky when they die. The stories also provide you the backstory of Roa and her sister, and their shared childhood with Dax, Asha's brother.
It flickers back and forth to the present day, where we see how Roa became the Queen, and what she still needs to do to make sure her people are looked after, and that Dax stays true to his promises to her. She also needs to stay true to what is important to her – but how far is Roa willing to go for that? That's the real question.
The world building is beautiful and poetic. I love how Ciccarelli wove these three different cultures into one story. I love how the pieces of the past reflect on the current day. How it forged alliances and how miscommunications can create such deep mistrust. I love the intrigue of the court, the deceit, and most of all how love for family can overrule even the sanest of people.
In terms of pace, I guessed some of the main twists, but not in a "this book is annoying and predictable" way, just in a "I hope this happens, because if it doesn't I might cry" or in a "no, surely not" way... which you know, can be better or worse, but certainly not edge-of-your-seat diminishing.
This book absolutely does justice to this greater story. In fact, it makes me even more hopeful for the third and final instalment: The Sky Weaver (released late 2019).
pero_tefi's review
4.0
whoops, forgot to add this to the currently reading, welp. Don't read if you haven't read the first book
So, another four stars, remember how I said the first one felt like it was driven by a "destined to be" sort of trope? well this didn't have that. This time we are following Roa's pov, the new queen wife of Dax, Asha's brother who lead a revolt in the first book. Wait, is this spoilers? shit, maybe they are. okay I added a warning, so, we follow Roa, new queen, who has a desert hawk as a companion which we quickly realize is the soul of her dead sister trapped in the bird. Yeah, crazy shit either way, we follow her months after Asha's escape, and see just how Dax is supposedly reigning just to find that he isn't doing great (cough cough wink wink this is part of a scheme). Roa, seeing Dax is a fool, quickly finds reason to distrust him and joins a new revolt against the king so her people can be free, and, to save her sister's soul from becoming corrupt.
I will be honest, the first part of the book was annoying cause even in Asha's perspective thinking her brother wouldn't know how to rule I figured out very quickly that Roa's perceptions were so fucking wrong and that Dax would be more intelligent than he seemed and less of a flirt. Maybe it's because I read the Thief, which reminded me a lot of this book, and we follow a similar sort of narrative of the undI loved it. But the first part in which we have to follow these wrong perspectives of Dax and how Roa kept getting it all wrong was a bit annoying, more so cause it took more than half of the book and I wanted to get to the actual relationship between them growing and being built and it felt a bit rushed when it happened, or like, cut and pasted together weirdly. So yeah, another four stars but still loving this ride.
So, another four stars, remember how I said the first one felt like it was driven by a "destined to be" sort of trope? well this didn't have that. This time we are following Roa's pov, the new queen wife of Dax, Asha's brother who lead a revolt in the first book. Wait, is this spoilers? shit, maybe they are. okay I added a warning, so, we follow Roa, new queen, who has a desert hawk as a companion which we quickly realize is the soul of her dead sister trapped in the bird. Yeah, crazy shit either way, we follow her months after Asha's escape, and see just how Dax is supposedly reigning just to find that he isn't doing great (cough cough wink wink this is part of a scheme). Roa, seeing Dax is a fool, quickly finds reason to distrust him and joins a new revolt against the king so her people can be free, and, to save her sister's soul from becoming corrupt.
I will be honest, the first part of the book was annoying cause even in Asha's perspective thinking her brother wouldn't know how to rule I figured out very quickly that Roa's perceptions were so fucking wrong and that Dax would be more intelligent than he seemed and less of a flirt. Maybe it's because I read the Thief, which reminded me a lot of this book, and we follow a similar sort of narrative of the undI loved it. But the first part in which we have to follow these wrong perspectives of Dax and how Roa kept getting it all wrong was a bit annoying, more so cause it took more than half of the book and I wanted to get to the actual relationship between them growing and being built and it felt a bit rushed when it happened, or like, cut and pasted together weirdly. So yeah, another four stars but still loving this ride.
jadeyrae's review
5.0
The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli is the sequel/companion to The Last Namsara, which happened to be one of my favourite reads of 2017, so I was eagerly awaiting this one… so eagerly. I couldn’t wait to dive in, and this did not disappoint me one bit.
The synopsis of this book starts with “ What would you sacrifice for love? Death-defying, world-altering love?” But please, do not let this fool you into believing this is a cheesy love story, for the love they talk of is the love between sisters, a bond unbreakable, even in death.
Spoiler warning, if you haven’t read The Last Namsara, do not read on, it will spoil that book enormously (unless you don’t care, then be my guest!). I will, however, try not to spoil this one for you, as this is a review.
In this novel we follow Roa, who has recently become Dragon Queen, and King Dax’s wife in an attempt to support her homelands by sitting on the throne. She holds no love for her husband, and in fact wishes him dead for the accident he caused 8 years previous, killing her sister, Essie. But there might be a way to bring Essie back - killing the one who should have died in her place with the skyweavers knife. Roa must sacrifice the king, to bring back her true love, the one she could never let go, her beloved sister. In doing so, dooming herself.
I loved how this focussed so strongly on the sisterly bond between Essie and Roa, and so beautifully on the topic of grief. Our main character has lost so much and holds on so tight to that one thing keeping her afloat. I think the plot flowed beautifully, and kept me so thoroughly engrossed in this novel. At all times I was eager to read on and learn more, I wanted to gobble this story down. Not only did we have the emotional plot of Roa’s love and loss, but there was, of course, a lot of action, a few dragons, and a plot to overthrow the throne - all things I kinda dig in a fantasy novel! I loved each aspect of this story so thoroughly, and was completely hooked.
I know that a few people were worried about going into this with the switch of the main character, people would miss Asha. But as much as I thought I would miss Asha, I was excited to learn more about Roa, I loved what we saw of her in book 1, and was very excited to learn more about this incredibly strong and courageous woman. The more I learned about Roa, the more I enjoyed her. I mean sure, she makes some stupid choices, but we all do, and in those heart-tearing situations, can you blame a girl? She was enjoyable to read about, and a character I came to care for a lot. I would actually go as far as to say I preferred Roa to Asha, I feel she’s slightly less problematic, and a lot more likable.
Accompanying Roa in the limelight, we have Dax, Dragon King, cunning and courageous… if not a bit clumsy and foolish. He was a delight to read about too, I adored his character development, and the more we read about him the more I cared for him too (even though Roa’s planning to kill him, oops). Dax’s character has a lot of layers, and it took some digging to get to the core of him, but it was worth it. He was a quality character.
I found something about each of these characters compelling to be honest with you, I didn’t feel that any of the side characters were flat or underdeveloped, each one had their own narrative that we got a peek into, and I really liked that. The relationships were all nicely fleshed out and it all made sense to me, I loved it.
It is probably no secret that atmosphere is so wonderfully important to me in any novel, the atmosphere of a book really can make or break it for me. I was immersed in the atmosphere of this book, it sucked me in and wouldn’t let me out. There’s such a rich culture about this world that so beautifully made, along with the dangerous politics and fantasy air, I couldn’t ask for more (expect maybe more dragons?)
I absolutely adore Kristen’s writing style. I love the way she includes the ‘old stories’ in between chapters, this time mixed in with stories of Essie and Roa’s past. Although it separates the story, I don’t feel this breaks the pace at all, or removes me from the narrative. It adds another dimension for me, and I really like it. It adds to the ‘ancient’ and fantastical air of the novel, gives it a history, building on the culture of the world. Kristen’s word building was beautiful to me, along with the development of her characters, everything she’s constructed in these books just feels so deep to me, and I feel so connected. Is there a potential for me to be looking at her writing through rose tinted specs as I love the story so much? Maybe… but I care not. I feel the connection to these books.
I can’t sing my praises loud enough for this, ‘The Last Namsara’ was so strong, and in a way I did worry that ‘The Caged Queen’ wouldn’t live up to it, or my expectations... but it so completely did. I had an enormously fun time reading this, the wait, although painful, was worth it. Now I must endure that again for the third novel!
To conclude, I feel like all I’ve done just there is gush about how much I loved this, but it can’t be helped. I loved it, and I am not sorry about it. I love this world, and can’t wait for more (although it’s a very long wait!)
The synopsis of this book starts with “ What would you sacrifice for love? Death-defying, world-altering love?” But please, do not let this fool you into believing this is a cheesy love story, for the love they talk of is the love between sisters, a bond unbreakable, even in death.
Spoiler warning, if you haven’t read The Last Namsara, do not read on, it will spoil that book enormously (unless you don’t care, then be my guest!). I will, however, try not to spoil this one for you, as this is a review.
In this novel we follow Roa, who has recently become Dragon Queen, and King Dax’s wife in an attempt to support her homelands by sitting on the throne. She holds no love for her husband, and in fact wishes him dead for the accident he caused 8 years previous, killing her sister, Essie. But there might be a way to bring Essie back - killing the one who should have died in her place with the skyweavers knife. Roa must sacrifice the king, to bring back her true love, the one she could never let go, her beloved sister. In doing so, dooming herself.
I loved how this focussed so strongly on the sisterly bond between Essie and Roa, and so beautifully on the topic of grief. Our main character has lost so much and holds on so tight to that one thing keeping her afloat. I think the plot flowed beautifully, and kept me so thoroughly engrossed in this novel. At all times I was eager to read on and learn more, I wanted to gobble this story down. Not only did we have the emotional plot of Roa’s love and loss, but there was, of course, a lot of action, a few dragons, and a plot to overthrow the throne - all things I kinda dig in a fantasy novel! I loved each aspect of this story so thoroughly, and was completely hooked.
I know that a few people were worried about going into this with the switch of the main character, people would miss Asha. But as much as I thought I would miss Asha, I was excited to learn more about Roa, I loved what we saw of her in book 1, and was very excited to learn more about this incredibly strong and courageous woman. The more I learned about Roa, the more I enjoyed her. I mean sure, she makes some stupid choices, but we all do, and in those heart-tearing situations, can you blame a girl? She was enjoyable to read about, and a character I came to care for a lot. I would actually go as far as to say I preferred Roa to Asha, I feel she’s slightly less problematic, and a lot more likable.
Accompanying Roa in the limelight, we have Dax, Dragon King, cunning and courageous… if not a bit clumsy and foolish. He was a delight to read about too, I adored his character development, and the more we read about him the more I cared for him too (even though Roa’s planning to kill him, oops). Dax’s character has a lot of layers, and it took some digging to get to the core of him, but it was worth it. He was a quality character.
I found something about each of these characters compelling to be honest with you, I didn’t feel that any of the side characters were flat or underdeveloped, each one had their own narrative that we got a peek into, and I really liked that. The relationships were all nicely fleshed out and it all made sense to me, I loved it.
It is probably no secret that atmosphere is so wonderfully important to me in any novel, the atmosphere of a book really can make or break it for me. I was immersed in the atmosphere of this book, it sucked me in and wouldn’t let me out. There’s such a rich culture about this world that so beautifully made, along with the dangerous politics and fantasy air, I couldn’t ask for more (expect maybe more dragons?)
I absolutely adore Kristen’s writing style. I love the way she includes the ‘old stories’ in between chapters, this time mixed in with stories of Essie and Roa’s past. Although it separates the story, I don’t feel this breaks the pace at all, or removes me from the narrative. It adds another dimension for me, and I really like it. It adds to the ‘ancient’ and fantastical air of the novel, gives it a history, building on the culture of the world. Kristen’s word building was beautiful to me, along with the development of her characters, everything she’s constructed in these books just feels so deep to me, and I feel so connected. Is there a potential for me to be looking at her writing through rose tinted specs as I love the story so much? Maybe… but I care not. I feel the connection to these books.
I can’t sing my praises loud enough for this, ‘The Last Namsara’ was so strong, and in a way I did worry that ‘The Caged Queen’ wouldn’t live up to it, or my expectations... but it so completely did. I had an enormously fun time reading this, the wait, although painful, was worth it. Now I must endure that again for the third novel!
To conclude, I feel like all I’ve done just there is gush about how much I loved this, but it can’t be helped. I loved it, and I am not sorry about it. I love this world, and can’t wait for more (although it’s a very long wait!)
e_funk44's review
5.0
“The two sisters didn't come wailing. They came quietly, holding on to each other. As if they needed no one's comfort but the other's. As if, as long as they were together, there was nothing to be afraid of.”
The Caged Queen is one of my favorite reads of 2018. I don’t know why I took so long to read this! I seem to be on the unpopular opinion side because I liked The Caged Queen a lot more than The Last Namsara. While I enjoyed The Last Namsara, there was something missing for me. The Caged Queen completely enwrapped me and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the romance, the politics, and the love and friendship of two sisters. And it is very heavy on the romance and has my favorite trope, hate-to-love.
The Caged Queen is more of a companion novel than a sequel as it focuses on two side characters that were introduced in the first book, Roa and Dax. If you’re expecting to see a lot of Asha and Torwin and dragons, then you might be disappointed. However, I fell in love and connected with the characters more so in this book than I did with The Last Namsara.
Roa (leader of the rebels or the scrublanders) and her sister Essie share a magical and strong bond that is really at the root of the plot. There was an accident when they were young and now Essie’s soul is trapped. Dax, the heir to the throne, was responsible for this accident and while Roa swore to hate him and never speak to him again. However, Dax came to her begging for her help to overthrow his cruel father and make her Queen and also free her people, she couldn’t refuse. You might remember this rebellion from the first book. However, there is an opportunity to not only get her revenge on Dax and free her sister she knows she must do everything in her power to do this, even if it means killing her betrothed.
I really loved the bond that Essie and Roa share. It transcends all and is the motivating factor for Roa. She is willing to do anything or her sister, which leads her to not always make the best decisions or not see what is right in front of her. It made me reaaaally frustrated at times with Roa. But a love for a sister is so strong which I relate to. Roa is strong, passionate, and is willing to do anything for the people she loves. Although another super frustrating part about Roa is that she was oblivious about Dax’s feelings and kept looking for the bad in him WHEN HE IS JUST LOVELY.
Speaking of which, I completely fell in love with Dax and he is now one of my favorite book boyfriends. I’m so sad he wont be a main character in the third book. Dax is so clever and smart and charming and handsom and UGH JUST SO WONDERFUL!!! I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone but that twist?! I freaking love Dax!!!!!
“Like a sailor who needs the heavens to find his way home, you were my own star, burning in the night. Helping me find my way.”
Overall, I really enjoyed The Caged Queen and I’m looking forward to the third book in this world even though I’ll miss these characters. One theme that is reoccurring through these books are the strong, badass women and I am. Here. For. It.
The Caged Queen is one of my favorite reads of 2018. I don’t know why I took so long to read this! I seem to be on the unpopular opinion side because I liked The Caged Queen a lot more than The Last Namsara. While I enjoyed The Last Namsara, there was something missing for me. The Caged Queen completely enwrapped me and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the romance, the politics, and the love and friendship of two sisters. And it is very heavy on the romance and has my favorite trope, hate-to-love.
The Caged Queen is more of a companion novel than a sequel as it focuses on two side characters that were introduced in the first book, Roa and Dax. If you’re expecting to see a lot of Asha and Torwin and dragons, then you might be disappointed. However, I fell in love and connected with the characters more so in this book than I did with The Last Namsara.
Roa (leader of the rebels or the scrublanders) and her sister Essie share a magical and strong bond that is really at the root of the plot. There was an accident when they were young and now Essie’s soul is trapped. Dax, the heir to the throne, was responsible for this accident and while Roa swore to hate him and never speak to him again. However, Dax came to her begging for her help to overthrow his cruel father and make her Queen and also free her people, she couldn’t refuse. You might remember this rebellion from the first book. However, there is an opportunity to not only get her revenge on Dax and free her sister she knows she must do everything in her power to do this, even if it means killing her betrothed.
I really loved the bond that Essie and Roa share. It transcends all and is the motivating factor for Roa. She is willing to do anything or her sister, which leads her to not always make the best decisions or not see what is right in front of her. It made me reaaaally frustrated at times with Roa. But a love for a sister is so strong which I relate to. Roa is strong, passionate, and is willing to do anything for the people she loves. Although another super frustrating part about Roa is that she was oblivious about Dax’s feelings and kept looking for the bad in him WHEN HE IS JUST LOVELY.
Speaking of which, I completely fell in love with Dax and he is now one of my favorite book boyfriends. I’m so sad he wont be a main character in the third book. Dax is so clever and smart and charming and handsom and UGH JUST SO WONDERFUL!!! I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone but that twist?! I freaking love Dax!!!!!
“Like a sailor who needs the heavens to find his way home, you were my own star, burning in the night. Helping me find my way.”
Overall, I really enjoyed The Caged Queen and I’m looking forward to the third book in this world even though I’ll miss these characters. One theme that is reoccurring through these books are the strong, badass women and I am. Here. For. It.
roobie's review
3.0
⭐3 stars⭐
"Never reveal yourself. It's the second rule of gods and monsters." She looked up at him. "Do you remember the first?"
"Pay attention."
"Yes! Very good."
"No," said Dax. "I mean: pay attention, I'm about to win the game."
Roa frowned.
"Want to know the third rule of gods and monsters? Just made it up.
Never underestimate a fool."
"Never reveal yourself. It's the second rule of gods and monsters." She looked up at him. "Do you remember the first?"
"Pay attention."
"Yes! Very good."
"No," said Dax. "I mean: pay attention, I'm about to win the game."
Roa frowned.
"Want to know the third rule of gods and monsters? Just made it up.
Never underestimate a fool."