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A review by amybraunauthor
The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli
5.0
And we're back with another epic story and romance from the ISKARI universe! Since this story mainly focused on Roa, I wasn't sure where it would go and how she would compare to Asha. I'll say right off the bat that it's a much more political intrigue and conspiracy story. The level of betrayal was waaaaay steeper than the previous instalment, and I felt that between the two, this is the stronger of the two in terms of the story.
To be clear, I LOVED this book. It's everything THE LAST NAMSARA was, just a different type of story. There are a few nitpicks, but honestly, I was just as invested and holding my breath as the pages turned. The story was heart-wrenching and complex and tense. The characters were even more complicated, and the core of the book.
I definitely wanted to keep reading, and even though there were some things I managed to predict some plot elements, I still wanted to know how else the character's plans could go awry. There were a few unanswered elements and actions that didn't seem to have the consequences I'd anticipated or expected, but I still have no complaints!
As before, the side characters are all very interesting and have their own strong backstories that add to the main plot. The two big draws however, are Roa and Dax. I'll say right now that I always liked Dax, but completely fell in love with him in this book. He's just so GOOD. Not perfect, but good.
By contrast, Roa is delightfully complex. While I never hated her, even when her choices frustrated me, I understood her motives and sympathized with her. I was surprised by the depth of her loyalty, and wish she'd been willing to trust more. She's still a strong, conflicted character, and not a conventional hero.
I'm absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the next book, and the next young woman who's got a story to tell.
To be clear, I LOVED this book. It's everything THE LAST NAMSARA was, just a different type of story. There are a few nitpicks, but honestly, I was just as invested and holding my breath as the pages turned. The story was heart-wrenching and complex and tense. The characters were even more complicated, and the core of the book.
I definitely wanted to keep reading, and even though there were some things I managed to predict some plot elements, I still wanted to know how else the character's plans could go awry. There were a few unanswered elements and actions that didn't seem to have the consequences I'd anticipated or expected, but I still have no complaints!
As before, the side characters are all very interesting and have their own strong backstories that add to the main plot. The two big draws however, are Roa and Dax. I'll say right now that I always liked Dax, but completely fell in love with him in this book. He's just so GOOD. Not perfect, but good.
By contrast, Roa is delightfully complex. While I never hated her, even when her choices frustrated me, I understood her motives and sympathized with her. I was surprised by the depth of her loyalty, and wish she'd been willing to trust more. She's still a strong, conflicted character, and not a conventional hero.
I'm absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the next book, and the next young woman who's got a story to tell.