Cage of Darkness
Reign of Secrets #2
by Jennifer Anne Davis
Source: Purchased eBook
Stars: 4 out of 5
Warning: May contain spoilers if you haven’t read the first book!
Description:
While traveling to Fren, Allyssa and Odar are hijacked by a ruthless assassin who divulges a stunning secret that changes everything.
Trying to come to terms with this newfound revelation, Allyssa is taken to Russek and delivered into the hands of a malicious and twisted royal family. She finds herself an unwilling pawn in a risky political game that will either end with her death or the annihilation of her beloved kingdom. Unsure of where the lies end and the truth begins, she must survive the brutal family and escape the fortified castle, all the while coming to grips with her feelings for Odar.
In a kingdom filled with darkness, Allyssa enters a game where one wrong move means death, secrets hide around each corner, and it will take every ounce of cunning she has to survive.
My Review:
It’s hard to think about how I feel about this book. It’s complicated. The last quarter had me feeling all sorts of emotions. It was very well done. The rest of it was good too, but not as good as the first book or ending.
“She’d always played the part of the dedicated princess. The Russek court was no different. Allyssa was just playing a different part in the game this time. And this was one game she couldn’t lose.”
What I liked:
- Allyssa is tough as steel in this book. Sure, she was tough in the last book, but in this one she has to face some horrendous things that would leave most people weak and giving up, but she resolves to stick up to what she knows is right no matter how hard it is.
- Kerdan was a fascinating character in both good and bad ways. I wasn’t surprised with what happened with him in end, but still really enjoyed his character throughout the novel.
- There’s a lot of angst in this book, which I really enjoyed. I liked following all the action and plot along as it went.
- Soma. Gak! He’s such a bad character in a great way. He made me feel like I needed to take a shower. Poor Allyssa having to deal with him.
- Russek has some good world building. It’s different than what Allyssa is used to and made for a cold read.
- Not gonna lie. I cried. Always a sign of a well written book.
What I didn’t like:
- Prince Odar. Sad to say. I really liked him in the first book, but this time around, he’s not around much. And then how he acts at the end of the book, just gah! Couldn’t take it.
- For the series being named Reign of Secrets, there wasn’t much secret to me. The twists were all expected. I suppose they were secret to Allyssa, but I found it an easy guess. Maybe I was just really in tune with the book? I know others said they thought it was surprising, so…?
“The crown used to feel heavy—like a cage tying her to her destiny. Now, without it, she felt naked and yearned for the one thing she’d fought so hard to break free from.”
This book goes by its title and is really dark. Torture and violence. Just an FYI.
While I didn’t like this book as much as the first, I still loved this book so hard. It’s an awesome, gritty book that left me feeling gutted–in a good way. I can’t wait for November for the third book in the series. I would highly recommend this series for anyone that likes YA fantasy that turns a little gritty.
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