Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis
Reign Publishing (c) 2017
ARC e-book
Fantasy
Reviewed by Leah
This is a book that doesn't deceive. There is evil in this world, and Allyssa is unfortunate enough to meet some of the worst of it. It is also a reality in which she learns what it means to be powerless, but not helpless.
Summary:
Ambushed on the road to Fren, Allyssa and Odar find themselves the responsibility of the lone assassin that had haunted their steps. He is a clever man who sees much more than they could wish, and whose threats drip with promise and an eagerness to follow through. It is from him that Allyssa is given a startling revelation that fractures what little trust she has left.
Dragged across the country, innocent facts pile atop the others as the mysterious assassin takes them deeper into enemy territory. Crossing the border into Russek seals Allyssa's fate, and she knows that she would rather die than be used to harm her parents or her country. Though a prisoner she might be, she's still willing to fight.
A choice that is taken out of her hands by a charismatic maneuver by Prince Odar. He swore he would do anything to keep her alive; he didn't say it wouldn't hurt.
Trapped in this world of darkness, Allyssa's hope is as transparent as glass, but it's still sharp enough to cut through the despair. All she has to do is hold out for something. Or someone.
Allies are found in the most unlikely of places, and they bring offers that sound too good to be true. They usually are.
Review:
Powerless, but not helpless.
The thing I admired most about the True Reign Series was that Rema never accepted the role of a damsel in distress. While she did need rescuing, it wasn't without her trying to help along an active escape.
Her daughter is the same kind of human being. Allyssa knows she's in trouble, but she's got the skills to get her out of it. All she wants is an opportunity. Throughout this entire book, she actively seeks it. She's a survivor; not a victim.
Granted, there is turmoil here. There are several subplots that slip and slither throughout the main storyline, and they enhance everything about her situation. Secrets meet reality in harsh jabs, sharp barbs, and a few wicked truths.
With the new and chaotic character dynamics exposed like a raw nerve, Allyssa's control over the situation is all but gone. Then she makes a new ally and reality begins again to shape to her will.
To be fair, there's not a lot I can say without giving away too much. This novel is fast-paced, addictive, and full of character. You will feel. Anger, frustration, hurt, relief, elation, and shock. Allyssa's rollercoaster is also the reader's. And it is a rollercoaster.
As with its predecessor, Cage of Darkness focuses most of its energy on its characters. If you're looking for a massive, complicated plot with pawns moved about on a board into the situations that are the most exciting, this book is not what you need. This one is for those of us that want to get into the skin of a single narrator and feel every sharp stab that the writer inflicts on them. (Ms. Davis inflicts a lot; you've been warned.)
This book is about learning who can be trusted and what you're most willing to sacrifice. In times of war, the answers may surprise you.
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