The Gilded Cage: A Dark Fantasy Adventure of Vengeance, Secrets, and Shifting Loyalties (The Prison Healer, 2)

The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni is a compelling blend of fantasy, mystery, and intrigue that instantly pulled me into a world of magic, power, and treachery. We again follow Kiva, living within the walls of the palace-like "cage," Kiva is both a prisoner and a pawn in a dangerous game of politics and power. The author does an excellent job of showing how Kiva's captivity is both physical and psychological, creating a strong sense of claustrophobia and frustration that mirrors her own feelings. I read the last 200 pages in one sitting and I must say, I was very tense and it felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. Especially with the last couple chapters, I think I had to remind myself to breathe. The character of Kiva is so very well-developed, and I fell in love with her. Her resilience, determination, and struggles with loyalty shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. I found myself constantly wanting to scream through the book to help her make her decisions. The diverse cast of characters all leave you feeling a certain type of way about each one of them and they are all just as beautifully crafted as Kiva, where I feel as though secondary characters sometimes don't get as much depth. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, as Kiva navigates dangerous alliances, unearths dark secrets, and faces challenges that test her loyalty and survival. Kiva’s struggle to reclaim her autonomy in a world that seeks to control her is deeply resonant, making the novel more than just a fantasy tale—it’s a story of self-discovery and defiance. Noni has once again crafted such a beautiful story arc, immersive atmosphere and characters you cannot help but love or loathe. I am so excited to start The Blood Traitor but I know I will be devastated when I have to say goodbye to these characters

Although I did not enjoy this volume of the series as much as The Prison Healer, it did not disappoint. Noni does a good job throwing in unexpected plot and character twists. The ending guarantees I will be reading the third book because, NOW WHAT?!?!

First of all, I want this review to share everything I loved and there’s no way to do that without spoiling the first book and a little of this one so if you’re here this is your warning that spoilers are ahead. First of all, I loved everything about this book, even as it raised my anxiety and broke my heart. I had so much fun, and I felt almost every emotion possible. I saw so much of myself in Kiva, to be treated that way by your family through to the end, I was so proud of her when she decided she wasn’t going to follow in her family’s footsteps anymore for a cause she didn’t believe in. We are immediately graced in this book with Caldon, Jaren’s cousin, who is easily one of my favorite characters. I absolutely love that he knew who she was from the beginning and gave her a chance to choose who she ultimately wanted to be in the end. I loved the dynamic between these two. Full on Feyre/Cassian vibes but better. Even in the very end, his “RUN” was so much like Aren’s from The Bridge Kingdom that I was losing my mind for him. While at the same time absolutely in agony over Jaren. JAREN, whose only crime was loving his people and his little criminal too much. Considering the fact that Cal got him and Naari out before s**t hit the fan and that Cal knows Kiva’s secrets, I have a feeling (a HOPE) that Jaren might not hate our little criminal for long. Because our little criminal is BACK IN ZALINDOV. Even if he hates her, there’s no way he leaves her there. I was kind of expecting her to be back because when I peeked in my copy of The Blood Traitor after it arrived yesterday, I saw the map of Zalindov. I was holding out hope that it was because we were back to take care of the Warden, but I was so very wrong. Just like I was wrong about Mirryn. I initially thought it would be ironically funny for her girlfriend to be Zaleeka, only to be wrong about that in the most horrible way. I am hoping, though, that her betrayal to her family will be another good thing for Kiva because maybe Jaren won’t blame her for absolutely everything? Although she did literally give up the kingdom’s deepest secret, so he better give her at least a little bit of a hard time.

Absolutely 100000% better than the first and I LOVED the prison healer! Left me on a cliffhanger so I’m IMMEDIATELY downloading the last book!

I liked the first book. I absolutely LOVED this one. The plot twists! The yearning! The sneaky spy shenanigans! I can't wait to find out what happens! With a lot of series the plot gets a little thin and if you put the book down for a while it's hard to get back into it once you've picked it up again. Not this one! There is something engaging in every chapter. It is relentless but not exhausting-ly so. Excellent writing, excellent pacing, top tier world building. Chefs kiss in every possible way.

2.5/3 Stars THE GILDED CAGE, the second book in THE PRISON HEALER trilogy by Lynette Noni, has descriptive, engaging writing that bolsters a cast of dense characters and a mediocre plot. After winning her freedom through the Trial by Ordeal, Kiva finds herself in the home of her enemies and battling her heart as her loyalties to her family collide with her burgeoning love and respect for the Vallentis family. What I liked: Noni’s writing definitely drew me into the world. Even as I was scoffing and rolling my eyes at a multitude of character decisions, I couldn’t stop reading her words. Kiva’s friendship with Caldon was funny and they connect on a tragic level that she doesn’t get from Jaren. I don’t think this will be a romantic relationship. Kiva’s relationship with Jaren - even though he is too much of a golden boy for me, he is really sweet and kind and treats Kiva really well even if he’s a little daft because of it when it comes to discovering who she is. Things I didn’t like: Many of the characters made frustrating decisions or ignored blatant connections due to weak rationalizations all to create tension and plot. A lot of the twists and plot points were telegraphed and far too easy to figure out. A lot of characters and motivations seemed flat. Kiva didn’t feel like she had a real goal she was working toward. She just waffled around about her feelings. There was a lot of “saving/conflict” because people just happened to be around. In general, I felt like there was a lot of weak writing and I would be specific, but spoilers. THE GILDED CAGE has some great writing moments, but the book as a whole falls flat for me. If you were already thrown off by the out-of-the-blue twist in THE PRISON HEALER, then I would suggest not bothering with this book. If you’re curious about what happens, it’s an easy read, just not a great one.

"Trust is the first ingredient in a recipe for betrayal." WARNING: review contains spoilers for the Prison Healer. Six weeks after the shocking revelations from the Prison Healer finale, Kiva has found herself in the heart of enemy territory. Living in the palace with Jaren and his family, she now has the opportunity to discover truths that will aid her family and the rebel cause. Unfortunately she is struggling with where her allegiance truly lies. After an entire book set in a prison, I was curious if Noni would be able to achieve the world building needed for this book. She certainly delivered with Wenderall and all of its magnificent cultural detail and politics. The PTSD and trauma of living in a death prison for 10 years was heartbreaking. I enjoyed watching Kiva's relationship with the Vallentis family, especially Jaren, unwillingly flourish. I loved the reunion with her siblings and the realization that people change, especially after war and difficult circumstances. Are the bonds of found family stronger than blood? The characters in this book are so intriguing! Caldon and his sass quickly became a favorite of mine. Zuleeka was so difficult and realistic of her situation. It was wonderful to see Jaren in his role of royalty and to watch Kiva develop as an individual with her own desires. Filled with magic, love, betrayal, espionage, twists, and court politics, Noni has once again shown her talent for creating an amazing story. The finale will leave you with your jaw on the floor. I will be on pins and needles, not so patiently, waiting for the Blood Traitor!

What just happened?! 4 stars for the frustrating amount of lies and her warring loyalties that Kiva frets over the whole book but I get it. Plus, I have to remind myself that she is 17 and spent most of her life in a death prison so her childlike naïveté is ultimately understandable including her devotion to her blood family. Still, it was super frustrating a lot of the time to read her thoughts especially when it was soooo obvious Jaren was just a truly great guy and that a certain other someone is a total snake in the grass. At times I was so disgusted with her misplaced loyalty that I almost stopped reading but the writing is so good and the plot ultimately fascinating I kept reading. I’m getting a little bit of catching fire vibes with the ending of this book. Heading off to read book 3 now! How is this mess going to be resolved?!

Al principio fue una lectura muy lenta y estaba manteniendo los problemas que tenía con el primer libro. Pero a partir de la mitad mejoró considerablemente el ritmo y la intriga que mantiene al lector enganchado fue en aumento. Como dije, de la mitad en adelante hay mucha intriga y eso me mantuvo pegada al libro, y le aplaudo eso a la autora. Definitivamente algo que Lynette Noni sabe hacer bien es dejar a los lectores con ganas de saber qué va a pasar a continuación. Este libro no tiene mucha acción, al igual que el anterior, pero tiene mucha conspiración, puñaladas por la espalda y cliffhangers que te dejan con ganas de saber qué les depara el destino a estos personajes, y eso es para mi lo mejor de este libro.

Oh my word. Book 2 if the Prison Healer Series... What can I say but... wow! I have only read a few books in my lifetime that leave me so amazed at the authors ability to weave a story and this is one of those books. This book is about lies and betrayal but also about the importance of family and blood. Returning to freedom with members of the Royal House, Kiva has escaped prison only to end up in a Guilded Cage with her families enemies. But what if the people you should be afraid of is not the ones you were told to be afraid of but something or someone else entirely. This book makes Kivas story both heart breaking and brilliant as she navigates truth, family ties, politics and her growing feelings for someone she shouldn't love but who proves every time how worthy they are to be loved. Worth a read! Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The second hand anxiety and discomfort with this is the only downside but push through those moments and it's worth it! Oh is it worth it. This is another cliffhanger and I'm off to start book 3!

So many twists and turns. No second book syndrome here. Gilded Cage continues its epic story and I loved every page. And that ending...shook. Can't wait to see how it all ends! I'm really enjoying all the world building and history of this world and the complicated political intrigue! Th found family dynamics and the romance is perfect. Will likley be a top series read of 2024!

melhor trilogia do mundooo

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