Author: Catherine Fisher
Publication Date: January 26, 2010
Genre: YA Dystopian
Copy provided by: Won from a contest
Summary (via Goodreads):Incarceron is a prison unlike any other: Its inmates live not only in cells, but also in metal forests, dilapidated cities, and unbounded wilderness. The prison has been sealed for centuries, and only one man, legend says, has ever escaped.
Finn, a seventeen-year-old prisoner, can’t remember his childhood and believes he came from Outside Incarceron. He’s going to escape, even though most inmates don’t believe that Outside even exists. And then Finn finds a crystal key and through it, a girl named Claudia.
Claudia claims to live Outside—her father is the Warden of Incarceron and she’s doomed to an arranged marriage. If she helps Finn escape, she will need his help in return. But they don’t realize that there is more to Incarceron than meets the eye. Escape will take their greatest courage and cost far more than they know.
Because Incarceron is alive.
Why I read this: I had it lying around for a while and when the sequel came out, I figured it was time to buckle down and read it.
Plot: Following two different characters, this book alternates point of views between the stunning and cunning Claudia and the ever deceptive Finn. I loved diving into the world that Fisher created - one set in the past of their own doing and involving technology I cannot ever believe could exist. With a mix of horror and fantasy elements, a dark world lies to be discovered and I read wide-eyed as we discover both the world of Incarceron and the world around it. Definitely a dark tale, and one that ends with a sliver of hopefulness on what will happen next.
Characters: I really enjoyed the depth of Finn's character. You seemed to be a bit inside his head, but he is truly revealed by the other characters for who he really is and well, it's not all pleasant. Claudia is also a fantastic mix of good and evil, having the cunning and motivation to be either. She seems like a bored spoiled child but there is a lot more depth to her as well.
Relatability: Fans of dystopian and fantasy (especially of the darker nature) will enjoy this novel.
Cover Commentary: Love it. You have to touch it to really understand how awesome it is.
Rating: 5/5 Roses 
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Great review! This book is really great and makes you almost feel inside that two different worlds.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Finn and Attia is an amazing character too.
I started this book, I think maybe last year, and never made it very far at the time. I was liking it, but it was just bad timing. I have to try again...
ReplyDeleteI too enjoyed this book and the sequel. I thought they were very different and the world was a very interesting one.
ReplyDeleteGreat review :) I loved it, too! Still haven't read Sapphique...
ReplyDeleteI've had this book on my TBR for the longest I really need to go pick it up but I keep getting distracted with all these new releases. Awesome review you just gave me a reason to make sure I purchase it on my next book spree
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book too, though I wanted more from the characters because the book felt a little plot heavy to me. It was just such a fantastic concept though and you're 100% right fans of dystopian (especially darker dystopian) will love it.
ReplyDeleteI loved both the books in this series and actually got my mom (who reads Christian romance and a little historical romance, etc) to read them and she loved them! Who knew?! It's always great to turn someone on to something they never would have otherwise read.
ReplyDeleteSome people have said there's too much description, but I thought it was just perfect! Glad you liked it too!