Status
Available
Call number
Series
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Collections
Publication
Dial (2010), Hardcover, 450 pages
Description
After his escape from the sentient prison, Incarceron, Finn finds that the Realm is not at all what he expected, and he does not know whether he is to be its king, how to free his imprisoned friends, or how to stop Incarceron's quest to be free of its own nature.
User reviews
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the sequel to Incarceron. I got an advanced reading copy of this book through Around the World Arc Tours. I liked it a bit better than the first book, you get to learn a lot more about Incarceron and about the Realm outside of the prison.
A lot happens in this book. Finn is struggling to fit
Overall this was an entertaining read. A lot happens in this book and the plot moves quickly. Fischer's strength as a writer is creativity. This is a very creative story, although some aspects of Incarceron have been done before. Basically Incarceron is a prison that gains awareness; this is something I've seen before in Resident Evil (The Red Queen taking over the building) or even the movie The Cube. I am sure there are other references, but overall this is a creative book and engaging.
The place this book falls short is characterization. None of the characters are all that engaging or likable. This is no different from the first book, Incarceron, so if you liked that book than you will like this book too. Finn is kind of wishy washy and has trouble finding any confidence to do what needs to be done, that is until later in the book. Claudia is at times kind of bitchy, although I do sympathize with her character. Claudia has a lot to put up with and a lot to accomplish and, outside of Jerad's assistance, she doesn't get a lot of help. Kiero continues to be borderline evil and is in his own way intriguing.
We get to see more of the horrors inside Incareron and Incarceron continues to gain sentience. You learn a lot more about how the prison was made and how it began to think for itself. Some of the revelations that are revealed around the relationship between Incarceron and the Outside are interesting too.
Something that I liked, but I can see it pissing people off, is the ending. The ending resolves most of the story but doesn't do it in a very happy way. I did think it was a realistic way and that it matched the rest of the story well. It would have been nice to have a couple chapters to resolves what happened after. So, as I said I thought the ending was appropriate if not thrilling. But I bet that it is going to really irritate a lot of people.
Overall this was a great read. If you enjoyed the first book you will enjoy this one. If you didn't enjoy the first book I would pass on this one. This book was creative and engaging, but is weak on characterization and ends in a way that may be unsatisfying for some. I would recommend these books for middle grade or higher level readers. If you like Suzanne Collins Underland Chronicles or Garth Nix's Keys to the Kingdom, I think you would like this series as well
A lot happens in this book. Finn is struggling to fit
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in in the Outside world. Claudia and Jared are at Finn's side and trying to help him remember his identity. Because of his birthmark Finn is the supposed Prince Giles of the realm. The Queen is not happy with this and will stop at nothing to discredit Finn's claim to the throne. Inside Incarceron things are not much better. Keiro and the slave girl are traveling together and trying to acquire Sapphique's Glove in hopes that it will lead them out of Incarceron; the Warden is also trapped in Incarceron.Overall this was an entertaining read. A lot happens in this book and the plot moves quickly. Fischer's strength as a writer is creativity. This is a very creative story, although some aspects of Incarceron have been done before. Basically Incarceron is a prison that gains awareness; this is something I've seen before in Resident Evil (The Red Queen taking over the building) or even the movie The Cube. I am sure there are other references, but overall this is a creative book and engaging.
The place this book falls short is characterization. None of the characters are all that engaging or likable. This is no different from the first book, Incarceron, so if you liked that book than you will like this book too. Finn is kind of wishy washy and has trouble finding any confidence to do what needs to be done, that is until later in the book. Claudia is at times kind of bitchy, although I do sympathize with her character. Claudia has a lot to put up with and a lot to accomplish and, outside of Jerad's assistance, she doesn't get a lot of help. Kiero continues to be borderline evil and is in his own way intriguing.
We get to see more of the horrors inside Incareron and Incarceron continues to gain sentience. You learn a lot more about how the prison was made and how it began to think for itself. Some of the revelations that are revealed around the relationship between Incarceron and the Outside are interesting too.
Something that I liked, but I can see it pissing people off, is the ending. The ending resolves most of the story but doesn't do it in a very happy way. I did think it was a realistic way and that it matched the rest of the story well. It would have been nice to have a couple chapters to resolves what happened after. So, as I said I thought the ending was appropriate if not thrilling. But I bet that it is going to really irritate a lot of people.
Overall this was a great read. If you enjoyed the first book you will enjoy this one. If you didn't enjoy the first book I would pass on this one. This book was creative and engaging, but is weak on characterization and ends in a way that may be unsatisfying for some. I would recommend these books for middle grade or higher level readers. If you like Suzanne Collins Underland Chronicles or Garth Nix's Keys to the Kingdom, I think you would like this series as well
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LibraryThing member yearningtoread
Finn has Escaped from Incarceron, but is now living in another prison. The gaudy clothes, the lights, the fake people who don’t really believe he’s Giles… Even Claudia seems to be doubting him. While he wants her to believe in his identity, he doesn’t even believe it himself. The fits still
On the other side of reality, Attia and Keiro are still in the prison, fighting for their lives. But now there’s Rix involved, an insane man who believes he’s the Dark Enchanter. He is said to have possession of the Glove, Sapphique’s Glove, the Prison’s Glove. The Glove that can get them out of here. But how long can they follow Rix without being killed? And the Prison itself… It’s acting strangely. It seems to be pulling away, focusing hard…
How can these two worlds connect? Will there be a new way to travel between the worlds, now that the keys have disappeared with the Warden? Can Finn remember his supposed past, and prove to everyone he is Giles? And will Attia and Keiro find the Door that freed Sapphique from the Prison?
_____________________________
Oh. My goodness. Where to begin…
I loved everything about this book. Literally, everything. I can’t think of one thing that I would even say was remotely uninteresting or slow or bad or confusing. Everything was perfect, set into place. That’s my one word description: perfect. Ridiculously so.
Let me start with Jared. Oh, how I love him. I loved him in Incarceron, and my love grew in Sapphique. He is my favorite in every way: who he is, his part in the story, everything he says and does and the way he thinks about things. The way he feels for everyone around him, especially Claudia. Gosh.
Claudia and Finn are another matter – both are feisty in their own manner, and yet both have the same vision against protocol for the kingdom. The way they interacted together was just wonderful. Their characters are absolutely complimentary for the purpose of the story. Even if you can’t picture them getting along well, Fisher makes it work in a way that is undeniably genius. You know that if they live through this war with the Queen, they will be great rulers together.
One thing that I noticed in Sapphique that wasn’t very prominent in Incarceron was Caspar’s character: Idiot. Dunce. Total follower and complainer. Weak. Vulnerable. Pitiful. (All of these in a slightly…humorous manner.) While I knew he was some of these, his character was much more developed and delved into in Sapphique. And I liked what I saw. I laughed out loud at some of the things he said and did, and his character added so much more to the story. He was a useful tool, one that added depth and life to the story.
And the writing… I mean – who writes like Catherine Fisher? She has the right phrases, the right dialogue, the right word choices. It’s all perfect, and it fits in a glorious, powerful pattern that creates an story that would, to anyone else, be hard to write. A lot of other reviewers talk about how hard it was to write a review for Incarceron…can you imagine how hard it would be to write the actual book? But Fisher has it down.
Combine the writing with the story line, and you get something that you don’t see every day. These books are full of raw, penetrating power. Every sentence reflects this; and the story is real. When I read it, it came alive. I felt as though I lived there, that the Realm was real – that Incarceron really was alive. That it existed somewhere, and I was a part of it. The characters became my friends, and my enemies. Their struggles became mine. I fought alongside them. And on top of that…. (Yes, there’s even more!) Catherine Fisher is the QUEEN of twists and cliff-hangers. Wanna know how many I counted? Ok, nevermind, I lost count… But, if I’m being hoenst, there was at least one cliffhanger every chapter, and usually there was a twist, too. Fisher manages to build up a whole world in only a few pages, where what you believe about it is so certain and firm and you think it can never be changed – and then with one sentence, one word, you discover that you were completely and utterly wrong.
Sound fascinating? I think yes.
After this rollercoaster of a story, what did I think? What did I feel? What did I do? When it was over, I felt whole. It was incredibly perfect, how she finished off these powerful books. The climax surpassed even my highest expectations (which, because of my love for Incarceron, were really high). I had NO idea what she had planned for the end. I actually cried during the last 20 pages. I couldn’t believe what had happened, and it was so emotional (for me, as I was totally attached to the characters) and just wonderful. (And let’s just say…….Jared.) The last few pages just make your heart melt. I was very pleased. And I know I’ll read it again – I’ll probably read it many times. It’s one of those that you’ll never get enough of. At least, I know I won’t.
Highly recommended, ages 15 to 100.
(“B**ch” is repeated twice. Other than that, it’s only intense action and some violence that is something to look out for for younger readers.)
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come, and he rants and rages about the smallest things. Jared is dying; the medication only helps for a while, and then the pain comes back - worse. The Queen is just as vicioius as before; even more so now. She has tricks and schemes up her sleeves – Finn knows it, even if no one else does. On the other side of reality, Attia and Keiro are still in the prison, fighting for their lives. But now there’s Rix involved, an insane man who believes he’s the Dark Enchanter. He is said to have possession of the Glove, Sapphique’s Glove, the Prison’s Glove. The Glove that can get them out of here. But how long can they follow Rix without being killed? And the Prison itself… It’s acting strangely. It seems to be pulling away, focusing hard…
How can these two worlds connect? Will there be a new way to travel between the worlds, now that the keys have disappeared with the Warden? Can Finn remember his supposed past, and prove to everyone he is Giles? And will Attia and Keiro find the Door that freed Sapphique from the Prison?
_____________________________
Oh. My goodness. Where to begin…
I loved everything about this book. Literally, everything. I can’t think of one thing that I would even say was remotely uninteresting or slow or bad or confusing. Everything was perfect, set into place. That’s my one word description: perfect. Ridiculously so.
Let me start with Jared. Oh, how I love him. I loved him in Incarceron, and my love grew in Sapphique. He is my favorite in every way: who he is, his part in the story, everything he says and does and the way he thinks about things. The way he feels for everyone around him, especially Claudia. Gosh.
Claudia and Finn are another matter – both are feisty in their own manner, and yet both have the same vision against protocol for the kingdom. The way they interacted together was just wonderful. Their characters are absolutely complimentary for the purpose of the story. Even if you can’t picture them getting along well, Fisher makes it work in a way that is undeniably genius. You know that if they live through this war with the Queen, they will be great rulers together.
One thing that I noticed in Sapphique that wasn’t very prominent in Incarceron was Caspar’s character: Idiot. Dunce. Total follower and complainer. Weak. Vulnerable. Pitiful. (All of these in a slightly…humorous manner.) While I knew he was some of these, his character was much more developed and delved into in Sapphique. And I liked what I saw. I laughed out loud at some of the things he said and did, and his character added so much more to the story. He was a useful tool, one that added depth and life to the story.
And the writing… I mean – who writes like Catherine Fisher? She has the right phrases, the right dialogue, the right word choices. It’s all perfect, and it fits in a glorious, powerful pattern that creates an story that would, to anyone else, be hard to write. A lot of other reviewers talk about how hard it was to write a review for Incarceron…can you imagine how hard it would be to write the actual book? But Fisher has it down.
Combine the writing with the story line, and you get something that you don’t see every day. These books are full of raw, penetrating power. Every sentence reflects this; and the story is real. When I read it, it came alive. I felt as though I lived there, that the Realm was real – that Incarceron really was alive. That it existed somewhere, and I was a part of it. The characters became my friends, and my enemies. Their struggles became mine. I fought alongside them. And on top of that…. (Yes, there’s even more!) Catherine Fisher is the QUEEN of twists and cliff-hangers. Wanna know how many I counted? Ok, nevermind, I lost count… But, if I’m being hoenst, there was at least one cliffhanger every chapter, and usually there was a twist, too. Fisher manages to build up a whole world in only a few pages, where what you believe about it is so certain and firm and you think it can never be changed – and then with one sentence, one word, you discover that you were completely and utterly wrong.
Sound fascinating? I think yes.
After this rollercoaster of a story, what did I think? What did I feel? What did I do? When it was over, I felt whole. It was incredibly perfect, how she finished off these powerful books. The climax surpassed even my highest expectations (which, because of my love for Incarceron, were really high). I had NO idea what she had planned for the end. I actually cried during the last 20 pages. I couldn’t believe what had happened, and it was so emotional (for me, as I was totally attached to the characters) and just wonderful. (And let’s just say…….Jared.) The last few pages just make your heart melt. I was very pleased. And I know I’ll read it again – I’ll probably read it many times. It’s one of those that you’ll never get enough of. At least, I know I won’t.
Highly recommended, ages 15 to 100.
(“B**ch” is repeated twice. Other than that, it’s only intense action and some violence that is something to look out for for younger readers.)
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LibraryThing member bell7
The following necessarily contains ***spoilers*** for Incarceron.
After escaping Incarceron, Finn and Claudia find themselves in a battle of wits with Queen Sia, who does not want Finn - possibly the missing Prince Giles - to inherit the throne. Meanwhile, Attia, left behind in the prison, lives by
Given the revelations at the end of Incarceron, I'd hoped for a little more backstory about Claudia and Finn. Instead, we fast forward a mere few months to Finn already trying to fit into the court and Claudia struggling to keep her position in court as the Warden's daughter. The plot moves along quickly as Attia and those in Incarceron works towards escape while Finn, Claudia, and Master Jared work on the Portal, trying discover Incarceron's secrets. The ending left me a little confused and disappointed, wondering if I'd missed something or I wasn't a smart enough reader to put all the pieces together. I'm not sorry I read it, but like other readers, I didn't like it quite as much as the first book.
After escaping Incarceron, Finn and Claudia find themselves in a battle of wits with Queen Sia, who does not want Finn - possibly the missing Prince Giles - to inherit the throne. Meanwhile, Attia, left behind in the prison, lives by
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her wits and tries to hold on to the belief that Finn did not abandon them. But the prison has plans of its own - can anyone stand against Incarceron itself?Given the revelations at the end of Incarceron, I'd hoped for a little more backstory about Claudia and Finn. Instead, we fast forward a mere few months to Finn already trying to fit into the court and Claudia struggling to keep her position in court as the Warden's daughter. The plot moves along quickly as Attia and those in Incarceron works towards escape while Finn, Claudia, and Master Jared work on the Portal, trying discover Incarceron's secrets. The ending left me a little confused and disappointed, wondering if I'd missed something or I wasn't a smart enough reader to put all the pieces together. I'm not sorry I read it, but like other readers, I didn't like it quite as much as the first book.
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
In this sequel to Incarceron, Finn has left Keiro and Attia behind in the prison, where the Warden is also trapped. Claudia is trying to help Finn take his place in the Realm despite the Queen's attempt to put a pretender on the throne, while Jared searches for a way to rescue Incarceron's
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inhabitants, as well as a cure for his own malady. Meanwhile, Inarceron itself is growing more volatile and willful. This book, like its predecessor, is strong on creativity and plot (though the pacing drags in places), but weak on character and writing style. Fans of the first book should enjoy this one just as much, or possibly more, but readers new to the series should start with Incarceron in order to gather all necessary background information. The inconclusive ending of this book suggests that this series may continue for at least one more volume. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwormygirl
Sapphique!!! Oh yes, the follow-up to Incarceron. WARNING: If you have not read Incarceron please do not read the following review as it does contain mild spoilers... just know that it rocked just as much as the first and you should quickly run to your nearest bookseller and get both books stat.
In
Claudia believes Finn is the missing prince but there is so much court intrigue, deception and even death threats that she has to constantly be on guard, all while Jared spends his time trying to re-open the portal to Incarceron and, of course, keep himself alive long enough to get it done - since his health is rapidly declining.
Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia are still in Incarceron. It's been months since Finn escaped and they no longer trust nor believe that he will be back for them. They have decided that if they want out, they must do it on their own. Thus, they are on a mission to find Sapphique's Glove - rumored to be an emergency exit out of the prison. But as always, the prison has its own agenda and it wants the glove for itself and will stop at nothing to get it.
What an amazing adventure Sapphique was. I honestly felt much more comfortable reading this second installment. Ms. Fisher's writing felt more fluid, it was more fast-paced, there weren't as many ups and downs as there were in Incarceron, it was more steady when it came to action, adventure and just keeping you at the edge of your seat - it was a definite thrill ride. Once again I really felt connected to these characters. I went through the same emotions they were going through - and let me tell you this was one angst-filled book. I felt my heart at my throat more than once. There were so many things going on that I just was never sure where it was going to go.
All in all, this was a very satisfying sequel. I think I might even like it more than Incarceron. It is full of adventure, danger, excitement, and a few surprises (which I didn't see coming). My only concern is whether or not this is the end of the story...? I mean, it does resolve satisfactorily, and most of my questions were answered, and this seems like the end (and very likely is the end) but I still felt like there should be more. I think (and hope) Ms. Fisher left an opening for a possible third book... that's my opinion. Then again I am biased since I am in love with the world created in these books. I'll just keep my fingers crossed in the hopes that she'll succumb and give us more. Phenomenal.
In
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this sequel to Incarceron, Finn has left the only world that he can remember and is now in a new one... the outside. But it definitely is not the paradise that he envisioned. As future king of the Realm, he is under heavy scrutiny as to his whereabouts for the years he was missing. He still does not remember that he was Prince Giles, his seizures and blackouts continue, and to make matters worse, an impostor acting as the "real" Prince Giles has come to challenge Finn's claims.Claudia believes Finn is the missing prince but there is so much court intrigue, deception and even death threats that she has to constantly be on guard, all while Jared spends his time trying to re-open the portal to Incarceron and, of course, keep himself alive long enough to get it done - since his health is rapidly declining.
Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia are still in Incarceron. It's been months since Finn escaped and they no longer trust nor believe that he will be back for them. They have decided that if they want out, they must do it on their own. Thus, they are on a mission to find Sapphique's Glove - rumored to be an emergency exit out of the prison. But as always, the prison has its own agenda and it wants the glove for itself and will stop at nothing to get it.
What an amazing adventure Sapphique was. I honestly felt much more comfortable reading this second installment. Ms. Fisher's writing felt more fluid, it was more fast-paced, there weren't as many ups and downs as there were in Incarceron, it was more steady when it came to action, adventure and just keeping you at the edge of your seat - it was a definite thrill ride. Once again I really felt connected to these characters. I went through the same emotions they were going through - and let me tell you this was one angst-filled book. I felt my heart at my throat more than once. There were so many things going on that I just was never sure where it was going to go.
All in all, this was a very satisfying sequel. I think I might even like it more than Incarceron. It is full of adventure, danger, excitement, and a few surprises (which I didn't see coming). My only concern is whether or not this is the end of the story...? I mean, it does resolve satisfactorily, and most of my questions were answered, and this seems like the end (and very likely is the end) but I still felt like there should be more. I think (and hope) Ms. Fisher left an opening for a possible third book... that's my opinion. Then again I am biased since I am in love with the world created in these books. I'll just keep my fingers crossed in the hopes that she'll succumb and give us more. Phenomenal.
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LibraryThing member lost.in.stories
Sapphique begins soon after the evens in Incarceron with Finn and Claudia together in the outside world and Attia and Keiro still stuck in the prison. At first it appears that Finn has been accepted by the court as the real prince Giles and is waiting to be crowned, however Queen Sia has other
Back in the prison Attia and Kiero are trying to find the Glove of Sapphique in order to escape from Incarceron, except the prison also wants the glove in order to fulfill its plan which, if enacted, could destroy both worlds.
Sapphique delves deeper into the outside world, what it’s like for not just the ruling elite but for the workers. We also discover that whilst it may seem a beautiful place all is not what is seems, what is real and what is not in this world? We also are taken on a journey through more of the prison.
Wow, this was an amazing sequel to Incarceron, with so many plot twists and turns that I did not see coming, Catherine Fisher truly is a remarkable story teller. I especially loved how descriptive Fisher was about the world she created. We were left with a satisfying ending, one that was not all neatly tied up however it wasn’t sad either. That said I feel that the ending left the reader with hope, hope for the future even though there is still work to be done. Great sequel to an excellent series, I highly recommended this series.
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ideas. Finn is still torn about leaving Kiero and Attia in the prison and wants to find a way to get them out whilst Claudia tells him he must be patient and wait until after he is crowned. Soon it become apparent that whilst Finn may have escaped Incarceron he is still in a prison of sorts, he has simply replaced one prison for another. Back in the prison Attia and Kiero are trying to find the Glove of Sapphique in order to escape from Incarceron, except the prison also wants the glove in order to fulfill its plan which, if enacted, could destroy both worlds.
Sapphique delves deeper into the outside world, what it’s like for not just the ruling elite but for the workers. We also discover that whilst it may seem a beautiful place all is not what is seems, what is real and what is not in this world? We also are taken on a journey through more of the prison.
Wow, this was an amazing sequel to Incarceron, with so many plot twists and turns that I did not see coming, Catherine Fisher truly is a remarkable story teller. I especially loved how descriptive Fisher was about the world she created. We were left with a satisfying ending, one that was not all neatly tied up however it wasn’t sad either. That said I feel that the ending left the reader with hope, hope for the future even though there is still work to be done. Great sequel to an excellent series, I highly recommended this series.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
NOTE: This review contains very minimal spoilers for Book One (Incarceron) and no spoilers for this book.
Incarceron is a dystopian young adult novel about a prison seemingly the size of a whole world.
Sapphique is actually is a bit less trippy than Incarceron until you get to the end, at which
In Sapphique, which takes place four months after Incarceron, Finn and Claudia are on the Outside of the Prison (part of which has now turned into a sentient being). Claudia’s father – a.k.a. The Prison Warden, as well as Finn’s oathbrother Keiro, and the girl Attia, are stuck on the Inside. All of them are struggling to get the magical glove of the mysterious Sapphique, who is a possibly real or possibly just legendary being who actually escaped from the prison. Somehow the glove will break down the barrier between the Prison and the Outside, allow the prisoners to escape, and do all sorts of other things we don’t know about but of which we should be very, very afraid. So throughout the book, the glove passes back and forth as various characters snatch it from various others, shouting “My Precious!” No wait, wrong story. Drat.
Discussion: Claudia has undergone a personality transplant between the time of Book One and Book Two, and it’s not a good change. In fact, she is such a witch I can’t understand why she still has passels of loyal adherents and admirers.
The star of this book to my mind, even more than in Book One, is the faithful and feisty girl Attia. Keiro is also looking way better as a character than Finn, who spends most of Book Two as a moody, wishy-washy, whiny pain-in-the-neck. Finn claims he is the missing Prince Giles, but can’t actually remember being Giles. He's mad that everyone else seems to believe some other guy (who is much more convincing) is Prince Giles. So he runs off and sits in the grass and sulks a lot. It might also be that Finn, who is much more obsessed with Keiro than Claudia, is gay and doesn’t know it, and is profoundly depressed then on two levels at the prospect of life with witchy Claudia.
Jared is more mysterious and magical than ever, as is the new character, Rix. These characters personify the illusion and identity-switching that are so central to this book. (There is even a masquerade ball, in case you need the point hammered home.) Thus, you never really know with anybody, and in particular, with Jared and Rix, who they really are and if what other characters see them do is what they're actually doing. Or, as Rix explains to Attia, “To take a man’s mind and twist it to believe the impossible…. That is magic.” (Or plot manipulation.) There’s a lot of that going on in this book.
Evaluation: The sequel is definitely not a stand alone book. But even if you have read the first book, many events in this book don’t make sense. One is just supposed to accept the inexplicable - presumably, as part of the general theme of illusion. Still, speculative fiction needs to demonstrate internal logic and consistency, and I don’t see that happening in this book. I like the dynamics of the relationship between Keiro and Attia, but in general, I can’t say I thought the book had much to recommend it.
Incarceron is a dystopian young adult novel about a prison seemingly the size of a whole world.
Sapphique is actually is a bit less trippy than Incarceron until you get to the end, at which
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time it is evident that only by taking LSD or the equivalent will it all become clear (or you won’t care if it isn’t, so it doesn’t matter). In Sapphique, which takes place four months after Incarceron, Finn and Claudia are on the Outside of the Prison (part of which has now turned into a sentient being). Claudia’s father – a.k.a. The Prison Warden, as well as Finn’s oathbrother Keiro, and the girl Attia, are stuck on the Inside. All of them are struggling to get the magical glove of the mysterious Sapphique, who is a possibly real or possibly just legendary being who actually escaped from the prison. Somehow the glove will break down the barrier between the Prison and the Outside, allow the prisoners to escape, and do all sorts of other things we don’t know about but of which we should be very, very afraid. So throughout the book, the glove passes back and forth as various characters snatch it from various others, shouting “My Precious!” No wait, wrong story. Drat.
Discussion: Claudia has undergone a personality transplant between the time of Book One and Book Two, and it’s not a good change. In fact, she is such a witch I can’t understand why she still has passels of loyal adherents and admirers.
The star of this book to my mind, even more than in Book One, is the faithful and feisty girl Attia. Keiro is also looking way better as a character than Finn, who spends most of Book Two as a moody, wishy-washy, whiny pain-in-the-neck. Finn claims he is the missing Prince Giles, but can’t actually remember being Giles. He's mad that everyone else seems to believe some other guy (who is much more convincing) is Prince Giles. So he runs off and sits in the grass and sulks a lot. It might also be that Finn, who is much more obsessed with Keiro than Claudia, is gay and doesn’t know it, and is profoundly depressed then on two levels at the prospect of life with witchy Claudia.
Jared is more mysterious and magical than ever, as is the new character, Rix. These characters personify the illusion and identity-switching that are so central to this book. (There is even a masquerade ball, in case you need the point hammered home.) Thus, you never really know with anybody, and in particular, with Jared and Rix, who they really are and if what other characters see them do is what they're actually doing. Or, as Rix explains to Attia, “To take a man’s mind and twist it to believe the impossible…. That is magic.” (Or plot manipulation.) There’s a lot of that going on in this book.
Evaluation: The sequel is definitely not a stand alone book. But even if you have read the first book, many events in this book don’t make sense. One is just supposed to accept the inexplicable - presumably, as part of the general theme of illusion. Still, speculative fiction needs to demonstrate internal logic and consistency, and I don’t see that happening in this book. I like the dynamics of the relationship between Keiro and Attia, but in general, I can’t say I thought the book had much to recommend it.
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LibraryThing member roses7184
Reader be warned. Much like it's predecessor, Sapphique is heavy on descriptive language. If you had a hard time navigating the first book, you might have difficulty with this one as well. I suppose that's true of any book that takes place in two completely different worlds at the same time.
Luckily, Catherine Fisher is a master of keeping you so intrigued in the story line that you will find yourself reading on despite any small amount of confusion. Her vivid language weaves a world that pulls you in and keeps you in, much like Incarceron itself. I was so involved in the characters and their individual struggles, that I couldn't put the book down! (Keep in mind this was the third 400+ page book I read in a row.)
The twist in this book (which I shall not spoil) was completely intriguing! An audible gasp escaped my lips when I found out what this book was building up to, and I have to say I was impressed. In the vein of true science fiction love, this book makes up its own rules and creates its own image so that it can turn around and surprise you in an instant. Truth be told, if it wasn't for Catherine Fisher's writing I think I would still be skirting around the edges of my once favorite genre. These two books have pulled me back in for good!
Sadly, there was one thing that bothered me. If you'll recall from my Incarceron review, I absolutely loved Claudia. She was so stoic, so strong and so very willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. That being said, I was a little let down by her character in this book. The certainty and ability to make split decisions that she exhibited in the first book were long gone. Honestly, the one thing that helped me along was the reminder that her father was no longer there to keep her on her toes. Those who have read the first book will understand my thought that the Warden is half of Claudia's character. Without him present she is a whole different person.
Who do I recommend this to? Lovers of science fiction, and of course lovers of the first book! If you were smitten with Incarceron I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy this book. I haven't been able to find any information as to whether or not there will be a third book, but I hope so! I'd love to see more of Claudia and her counterparts.
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However, one thing that aids the reader this time is a knowledge of the prison and the prisoners within. Previous knowledge is your friend in this book! Luckily, Catherine Fisher is a master of keeping you so intrigued in the story line that you will find yourself reading on despite any small amount of confusion. Her vivid language weaves a world that pulls you in and keeps you in, much like Incarceron itself. I was so involved in the characters and their individual struggles, that I couldn't put the book down! (Keep in mind this was the third 400+ page book I read in a row.)
The twist in this book (which I shall not spoil) was completely intriguing! An audible gasp escaped my lips when I found out what this book was building up to, and I have to say I was impressed. In the vein of true science fiction love, this book makes up its own rules and creates its own image so that it can turn around and surprise you in an instant. Truth be told, if it wasn't for Catherine Fisher's writing I think I would still be skirting around the edges of my once favorite genre. These two books have pulled me back in for good!
Sadly, there was one thing that bothered me. If you'll recall from my Incarceron review, I absolutely loved Claudia. She was so stoic, so strong and so very willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. That being said, I was a little let down by her character in this book. The certainty and ability to make split decisions that she exhibited in the first book were long gone. Honestly, the one thing that helped me along was the reminder that her father was no longer there to keep her on her toes. Those who have read the first book will understand my thought that the Warden is half of Claudia's character. Without him present she is a whole different person.
Who do I recommend this to? Lovers of science fiction, and of course lovers of the first book! If you were smitten with Incarceron I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy this book. I haven't been able to find any information as to whether or not there will be a third book, but I hope so! I'd love to see more of Claudia and her counterparts.
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LibraryThing member BookSwarm
Okay, first things first. I love this cover. It's so different but works perfectly for the book.
SAPPHIQUE is a sequel to INCARCERON (which rocked) and this review will no doubt be filled with spoilers (there's no good way around it when you're reviewing a sequel). Read INCARCERON first. It's worth
SAPPHIQUE picks up where the first book left off, with Finn on the Outside, still trying to remember his past and wondering if he truly is the lost heir to the Kingdom; Claudia still scheming with Jared, trying to get the Portal to work; and Attia and Keito on the Inside of the prison, Incarceron, lying and stealing their way to the heart of the prison where the Warden is trapped.
Finn is way emo throughout the majority of the book, always wanting what he can't have. He regrets leaving Attia and Keito behind (though there was no way to bring them along when he and Claudia escaped), he doesn't want to play all the Court games like he's supposed to, and the romance between Claudia and him is practically nonexistent. Claudia is still pretty self-involved, too, though she tries to help Finn navigate the Court and Jared repair the Portal.
Attia and Keito have it even harder inside the prison--Incarceron is trying to build itself a body so it can "escape". However, if it leaves, everyone trapped in the prison will die. Out of all of them, Attia is probably my favorite character. She's smart, she's determined and she doesn't put up with any of Keito's crap (and he tries to dish out a lot of it. Jerk.). As Incarceron pulls power from everywhere it can, hoarding the power for itself, both worlds begin to crumble.
I loved the contrast of the two worlds. Inside, people felt trapped in their harsh, ugly world but they had the dream of a better place outside. Outside, it may look beautiful on the surface, but underneath it all, things are ugly with no possibility of escape. Truly a case of the grass is always greener.
SAPPHIQUE is a fantastic read that had me staying up late at night so I could find out where the twisting path Catherine Fisher led me down ended. And it was so worth it.
SAPPHIQUE is a sequel to INCARCERON (which rocked) and this review will no doubt be filled with spoilers (there's no good way around it when you're reviewing a sequel). Read INCARCERON first. It's worth
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your time. This series is so incredibly imaginative and beautifully descriptive. SAPPHIQUE picks up where the first book left off, with Finn on the Outside, still trying to remember his past and wondering if he truly is the lost heir to the Kingdom; Claudia still scheming with Jared, trying to get the Portal to work; and Attia and Keito on the Inside of the prison, Incarceron, lying and stealing their way to the heart of the prison where the Warden is trapped.
Finn is way emo throughout the majority of the book, always wanting what he can't have. He regrets leaving Attia and Keito behind (though there was no way to bring them along when he and Claudia escaped), he doesn't want to play all the Court games like he's supposed to, and the romance between Claudia and him is practically nonexistent. Claudia is still pretty self-involved, too, though she tries to help Finn navigate the Court and Jared repair the Portal.
Attia and Keito have it even harder inside the prison--Incarceron is trying to build itself a body so it can "escape". However, if it leaves, everyone trapped in the prison will die. Out of all of them, Attia is probably my favorite character. She's smart, she's determined and she doesn't put up with any of Keito's crap (and he tries to dish out a lot of it. Jerk.). As Incarceron pulls power from everywhere it can, hoarding the power for itself, both worlds begin to crumble.
I loved the contrast of the two worlds. Inside, people felt trapped in their harsh, ugly world but they had the dream of a better place outside. Outside, it may look beautiful on the surface, but underneath it all, things are ugly with no possibility of escape. Truly a case of the grass is always greener.
SAPPHIQUE is a fantastic read that had me staying up late at night so I could find out where the twisting path Catherine Fisher led me down ended. And it was so worth it.
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LibraryThing member eljabo
Thank goodness I finally finished this book. The last few chapters were torture. I've been looking forward to this sequel ever since I finished Incarceron. Unfortunately, all my enthusiasm was dampened once I started reading it.
The back-and-forth chapters alternating between Keiro/Attia and
Nothing happened in this book. There were no concrete answers on anything. The entire thing was hours of my life I will never get back. In fact, I feel more confused now than I did when I started it.
The only thing stopping me from giving it 1-star is the fact that I finished it. I try to save my 1-stars for books I can't bear to finish.
The back-and-forth chapters alternating between Keiro/Attia and
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Claudia/Finn(Giles?) were horrific. To be honest, I didn't give two figs about Keiro and Attia. Tell me the deal with Claudia & Finn (Giles). Nothing happened in this book. There were no concrete answers on anything. The entire thing was hours of my life I will never get back. In fact, I feel more confused now than I did when I started it.
The only thing stopping me from giving it 1-star is the fact that I finished it. I try to save my 1-stars for books I can't bear to finish.
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LibraryThing member KClaire
Follow up to Incarceron, but not quite as good.
LibraryThing member CCCalGal
An excellent sequel to be sure, this storyline can also stand on its own. With vivid imagery and delicious emotional battles "Sapphique" is one of those books that you just don't want to put down. Young readers and teens will find the fantasy of this book puzzling and spellbinding at the same time.
I have noticed some readers have labled this as a romance, but there is little romance in it. Most of the relationships are friendship at best.
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The author carefully gives just enough information to the reader to keep them wanting more and leads them to a climax which is both fulfilling and open to a continuation. The characters are unique and come with their individual problems, each one that the readers can relate to: being an outcast, lack of self-esteem, strong in thought, questioning their place and purpose. All of this at a level that would entice a well-read middle school through high school. While the storyline solves few of the emotional problems the characters have, it does resolve the main issues of good vs. evil and the existence of the imaginable. A good book for readers to continue the series or just pick up for a fun read.I have noticed some readers have labled this as a romance, but there is little romance in it. Most of the relationships are friendship at best.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
Sapphique is the sequel to the enchanting novel Incarceron. I was incredibly excited about Sapphique, and I devoured the book in just two days (even with work). While I have to warn that Sapphique isn't as good as Incarceron, it's still an wonderfully enchanting sequel that continues the story and
Now that Finn has escaped from Incarceron, he teams up with Claudia, the Warden's daughter, to claim his rightful place as the true Prince Giles, heir to the realm. War breaks out between factions about the true identity of Prince Giles. Meanwhile, Attia and Keiro, still in Incarceron, discover a magician who is using what he claims to be the glove of the famous Sapphique, the only man who ever escaped from the prison. Sapphique has always been a legend, though some of the stories are so crazy that they cast doubt on the actual existence of Sapphique. As the two plot lines come together, more fascinating secrets about Incarceron and Sapphique are revealed.
Though not as good as Incarceron, Sapphique is an action-packed, exciting novel that weaves together myth, fantasy and politics into a page-turning reading experience. Though the two plot lines seem a little disconnected, and the Sapphique Attia/Keiro subplots felt nearly pointless (except to keep some of the action inside the prison and explore the legends of Sapphique), I could overlook it and enjoy the action and twists and turns of the story. Sadly, Sapphique isn't as windy as Incarceron and ends up at a satisfying, though predictable conclusion that I hoped would be just a little more explosive.
Sapphique isn't Incarceron, but it's a worthwhile sequel to the original.
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comes to a satisfying, though expected, ending.Now that Finn has escaped from Incarceron, he teams up with Claudia, the Warden's daughter, to claim his rightful place as the true Prince Giles, heir to the realm. War breaks out between factions about the true identity of Prince Giles. Meanwhile, Attia and Keiro, still in Incarceron, discover a magician who is using what he claims to be the glove of the famous Sapphique, the only man who ever escaped from the prison. Sapphique has always been a legend, though some of the stories are so crazy that they cast doubt on the actual existence of Sapphique. As the two plot lines come together, more fascinating secrets about Incarceron and Sapphique are revealed.
Though not as good as Incarceron, Sapphique is an action-packed, exciting novel that weaves together myth, fantasy and politics into a page-turning reading experience. Though the two plot lines seem a little disconnected, and the Sapphique Attia/Keiro subplots felt nearly pointless (except to keep some of the action inside the prison and explore the legends of Sapphique), I could overlook it and enjoy the action and twists and turns of the story. Sadly, Sapphique isn't as windy as Incarceron and ends up at a satisfying, though predictable conclusion that I hoped would be just a little more explosive.
Sapphique isn't Incarceron, but it's a worthwhile sequel to the original.
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LibraryThing member ericajsc
As with Incarceron, I hesitate to say much about this book, which makes writing a review a difficult task. So this may possibly be the most circumspect review ever, but I don’t want to be responsible for spoiling anything for anyone.
What stands out most about this book is that it is not a light
The ending surprised me, not only by what happened (which, by the way, had me saying, “Wha…?” because it was so crazy and unexpected) but because there seemed to be more of a conclusion than I expected for a second book. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a lot that needs to be resolved, but the rest of the story seems to be taking a different direction than I ever thought it would. That makes me even more excited to find out what happens next.
What stands out most about this book is that it is not a light
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read. There is so much going on that I found that I had to be on full alert for every word or I’d miss something. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing – I’m grateful for reads that don’t downplay the intelligence of the audience – but it is one of the books that I have to be in the right mood to read it. As a result, there were moments when I just didn’t feel like picking the back up to dive into another chapter. However, once I was reading it I was hesitant to put it down. The chapters were perfectly designed to build up the momentum to keep me reading, but it seemed like every chapter took a while to get to that point of excitement. It’s kind of like when you know you need to sneeze and you’re sure that you’re about to and then… nope, just kidding. It wasn’t until over halfway through the book that I felt like the pace was finally picking up and leading to something big – even though I was kind of confused the whole time about what that would be. (And that’s not a bad thing.)The ending surprised me, not only by what happened (which, by the way, had me saying, “Wha…?” because it was so crazy and unexpected) but because there seemed to be more of a conclusion than I expected for a second book. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a lot that needs to be resolved, but the rest of the story seems to be taking a different direction than I ever thought it would. That makes me even more excited to find out what happens next.
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LibraryThing member Unkletom
Spoiler alert: This review reveals information about the plot of Incarceron. These books should be read in order so readers interested in Sapphique should first read Incarceron.
Sapphique concludes the story first introduced to us in Incarceron even though many parts of it read like the second book
Meanwhile, back in Incarceron, Keiro and Attia travel through previously unseen reaches of the prison in search of a reportedly magical gauntlet that promises to be the last remaining key to escape Incarceron. They are joined in their quest by Rix, an eccentric enchanter who may or may not be all there.
While we see and learn more of the world we were introduced to in Incarceron, we are left at Sapphique’s conclusion with at least as many questions as we had at its beginning with one of the biggies being what is more real, Incarceron or the Realm outside. We know from the first book that illusion plays a role in the richly displayed world dictated by The Protocol but how much of it is real and how much is a sham? Catherine Fisher has said that Incarceron is not a trilogy and that Sapphique concludes the story but there is still a lot of leeway for another book. We will have to wait and see. I suspect we will hear more of Incarceron, Sapphique and the Realm in the future.
Sapphique concludes the story first introduced to us in Incarceron even though many parts of it read like the second book
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of a trilogy. Finn (or is he Giles?) has escaped from the sentient and self-sustaining prison, Incarceron, and is struggling to adapt to life in the 'real world' of the royal court. He's also trying everything he can to bring his friends Keiro and Attia out of Incarceron, fearing that they believe he has betrayed them. But many people in the Realm doubt that he really is the crown prince and his problems at court are compounded when another claimant to the throne appears and ably sets out to convince all that Finn is a fraud.Meanwhile, back in Incarceron, Keiro and Attia travel through previously unseen reaches of the prison in search of a reportedly magical gauntlet that promises to be the last remaining key to escape Incarceron. They are joined in their quest by Rix, an eccentric enchanter who may or may not be all there.
While we see and learn more of the world we were introduced to in Incarceron, we are left at Sapphique’s conclusion with at least as many questions as we had at its beginning with one of the biggies being what is more real, Incarceron or the Realm outside. We know from the first book that illusion plays a role in the richly displayed world dictated by The Protocol but how much of it is real and how much is a sham? Catherine Fisher has said that Incarceron is not a trilogy and that Sapphique concludes the story but there is still a lot of leeway for another book. We will have to wait and see. I suspect we will hear more of Incarceron, Sapphique and the Realm in the future.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
The much-anticipated sequel to Incarceron, I blazed through Sapphique in two days; it was much more easy for me to become involved in Fisher’s fantasy world this time around, now that I had become invested in the characters (namely, Finn, Claudia, and Jared—not so much Keiro).
Finn finds that
Inside the prison, the Warden now is playing a dangerous game with Incarceron itself, as Incarceron begins building a body in the plans to go Outside. Attia and Keiro must keep Sapphique’s magical glove from reaching the prison’s grasp, but they are, of course, waylaid at every twist and turn of the prison’s tunnels and traps.
I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, but appropriate; Fisher did not go “the easy way out” and try to tie everything up too neatly. Fans of epic fantasy will certainly enjoy this fantasy with well-defined characters and magical situations.
Finn finds that
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life on the Outside is not as he expected; he is struggling to comes to terms with the Protocol of life outside of the prison. To further complicate matters, Queen Sia is claiming that Finn is not the true heir to the throne, and Finn’s memory loss is an enormous detriment to his case. His patience and time is running thin.Inside the prison, the Warden now is playing a dangerous game with Incarceron itself, as Incarceron begins building a body in the plans to go Outside. Attia and Keiro must keep Sapphique’s magical glove from reaching the prison’s grasp, but they are, of course, waylaid at every twist and turn of the prison’s tunnels and traps.
I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, but appropriate; Fisher did not go “the easy way out” and try to tie everything up too neatly. Fans of epic fantasy will certainly enjoy this fantasy with well-defined characters and magical situations.
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
I admit that I am disappointed in this book. I was hoping for something more but all I got was a repetitive book.
First off the plot, its basically the same. In the first book they are trying to get out of Incarceron and in this one they are trying to get back in. I kept getting frustrated cause I
There were however, a few now elements in the book but it wasn't till the very end. Some new changes were made that at least perk up my interest and was able to finish the book. Also because of the new changes, I am anxious to see how it will effect the next book.
As a fan of the first book, I am a little bummed that this book wasn't at all what I expected. I am hoping the next book with the new changes really grabs me. I still love the series, but I just needed something more.
First off the plot, its basically the same. In the first book they are trying to get out of Incarceron and in this one they are trying to get back in. I kept getting frustrated cause I
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wanted more to happen. All the characters fought the same. Love triangle began. And I had a hard time keeping focused cause of the repetitive story line.There were however, a few now elements in the book but it wasn't till the very end. Some new changes were made that at least perk up my interest and was able to finish the book. Also because of the new changes, I am anxious to see how it will effect the next book.
As a fan of the first book, I am a little bummed that this book wasn't at all what I expected. I am hoping the next book with the new changes really grabs me. I still love the series, but I just needed something more.
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LibraryThing member callmecayce
I liked, but didn't love, Incarceron and it'd been so long since I read it that I couldn't remember if I wanted to seek out the sequel. In the end, the sequel came to me and I read it. It turns out that Sapphique is an excellent book, much better than I remember Incarceron being. I found the plot
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to be much more engaging, though it was similar to that of the first book. I also cared more about all the characters and their future. I found the twists, and there were several, to be well done and while a tiny bit predictable, it didn't matter because they were well plotted. I hope, though don't expect, there to be a third book. Show Less
LibraryThing member stephxsu
Aside from the legendary Sapphique, Finn is the only prisoner ever to escape from the living prison Incarceron. He returns in the middle of court uproar: his friend Claudia, the daughter of the former Warden of Incarceron, is convinced that Finn is the lost prince, heir to the throne. Finn’s own
Back in Incarceron, Finn’s friends Keiro and Attia search for Sapphique’s glove, which may be the only remaining way out of Incarceron. Trouble is, they’re not the only ones who seek the glove: the prison itself wants it, and doesn’t seem to care how many lives get destroyed in the process.
If Incarceron was a great book that “shakes the foundations of your literary beliefs” (quoting from my review of Incarceron), then SAPPHIQUE is a fantasy achievement of canonical proportions. It takes everything we appreciated and were in awe of in the first book and takes it to the next level, making sure that this is a two-book series we will remember for decades to come.
Whereas Incarceron took me a couple of chapters to get into, SAPPHIQUE captured my attention immediately, opening with one of Attia’s attempts to get the Glove. We are already fairly well aware of how Incarceron as well as the Protocol-mandated “real world” operates, and thus the stakes can be all the higher in this sequel. Catherine Fisher loves to write chapters with nail-biting endings that just force you to keep on reading. It’s fast-paced and utterly brilliant.
Incarceron and SAPPHIQUE are part of that rare type of novel where the fast-paced expansiveness of the story excuses weaknesses in characterization. Some readers will still not like Finn, Claudia, Keiro, or Attia in this second book—but they are not really meant to be liked. They are people stuck in life-or-death situations, and they can’t afford to be nice, for to be nice is to lose.
So SAPPHIQUE’s appeal lies not in its characters, but rather in the way Catherine Fisher can tell a story that keeps you glued to the pages. The ending may frustrate some readers, but personally I thought it was the perfect ending to the story, and something that had been building up for a while. SAPPHIQUE is a must-read if you were a fan of Incarceron, and I can only hope that Catherine Fisher will write more extraordinary books in the very near future!
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doubts about his history aside, their lives become even more at stake when another young man shows up, claiming to be the lost prince.Back in Incarceron, Finn’s friends Keiro and Attia search for Sapphique’s glove, which may be the only remaining way out of Incarceron. Trouble is, they’re not the only ones who seek the glove: the prison itself wants it, and doesn’t seem to care how many lives get destroyed in the process.
If Incarceron was a great book that “shakes the foundations of your literary beliefs” (quoting from my review of Incarceron), then SAPPHIQUE is a fantasy achievement of canonical proportions. It takes everything we appreciated and were in awe of in the first book and takes it to the next level, making sure that this is a two-book series we will remember for decades to come.
Whereas Incarceron took me a couple of chapters to get into, SAPPHIQUE captured my attention immediately, opening with one of Attia’s attempts to get the Glove. We are already fairly well aware of how Incarceron as well as the Protocol-mandated “real world” operates, and thus the stakes can be all the higher in this sequel. Catherine Fisher loves to write chapters with nail-biting endings that just force you to keep on reading. It’s fast-paced and utterly brilliant.
Incarceron and SAPPHIQUE are part of that rare type of novel where the fast-paced expansiveness of the story excuses weaknesses in characterization. Some readers will still not like Finn, Claudia, Keiro, or Attia in this second book—but they are not really meant to be liked. They are people stuck in life-or-death situations, and they can’t afford to be nice, for to be nice is to lose.
So SAPPHIQUE’s appeal lies not in its characters, but rather in the way Catherine Fisher can tell a story that keeps you glued to the pages. The ending may frustrate some readers, but personally I thought it was the perfect ending to the story, and something that had been building up for a while. SAPPHIQUE is a must-read if you were a fan of Incarceron, and I can only hope that Catherine Fisher will write more extraordinary books in the very near future!
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LibraryThing member lawral
It took more self-control than I knew I had not to tear into this book as soon as I got it. I wanted to reread the first book so I could pick up all the little things that I was sure would pop up again in this sequel. I suggest you all do the same. Fisher writes a very intricate story, and it
Though the narration still switches between life in the Realm and life in Incarceron, a lot of Sapphique follows Claudia, Finn and Jared in the Realm. Which is what I wanted! I know! But life at court rather than at the Wardenry or with the peasants is pretty boring. And Claudia and Finn both annoyed me. A lot. They're both beyond frustrated at Finn's lack of memory and this frustration manifests itself as doubt on Claudia's part and severe moodiness on Finn's. Neither were the strong and/or sure of themselves leaders that we met in Incarceron. The change in them was totally believable; I just didn't love them as much as I used to.
One of the characters that I loved the most was her son Casper. I know, he's horrible in Incarceron and he comes nowhere near making the switch to "good guy" in Sapphique, but I still loved him. He seemed so lost a lot of the time. You can tell that he really grew up living in the dual shadows of his Queenly mother and Princely half-brother. When Giles comes back, whether anyone believes Finn is the real Giles or not, Casper is left being the younger prince again. The spare. I felt so bad for him, still hanging around Claudia throughout this book even though it's always been clear she has no interest in him. He kept trying to win her back with promises of power and safety, things Finn/Giles couldn't offer her, but rather than coming off as evil and manipulative, he seemed like an unpopular rich kid who buys everyone in his class presents so they'll come to his birthday party.
And then there's Keiro and Attia still in Incarceron following yet another legend of Sapphique, looking for a way out. I liked their storyline a lot, but there was little to no character development in it. It was like Fisher knew she needed danger and action to keep readers interested in between all the palace intrigue in the Realm, so she foisted it all on the two of them. But it's the two of them who manage to pull everything together in the end (I'm being generous because I LOVE Keiro; Attia's the real smartypants in this volume).
Sapphique is a must-read if you are a lover of Incarceron. It's not the thrill ride that the first book was, but questions are answered, loose ends are tied up, and maybe, just maybe, things are allowed to change.
Book source: ARC picked up at ALA
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definitely builds on little clues left behind in the first book. Still, I don't think Sapphique quite lived up to its prequel. Or maybe it just didn't live up to all the hype I'd built up for it in my head. I loved the way I was plopped into the middle of all the characters lives again rather than having the book pick up right where the previous one left off. I really liked that there were so many little clues in the text to lead the reader to what is Really Going On Here. I loved that this book, the end of the Incarceron series (pairing?), was still full of twists right up to the very end. I still loved most of the characters (though not necessarily the same ones I loved in the last book, a fact I also loved). But there was just something missing. I didn't stay up until 4 in the morning to finish Sapphique. I took a leisurely week to read it.Though the narration still switches between life in the Realm and life in Incarceron, a lot of Sapphique follows Claudia, Finn and Jared in the Realm. Which is what I wanted! I know! But life at court rather than at the Wardenry or with the peasants is pretty boring. And Claudia and Finn both annoyed me. A lot. They're both beyond frustrated at Finn's lack of memory and this frustration manifests itself as doubt on Claudia's part and severe moodiness on Finn's. Neither were the strong and/or sure of themselves leaders that we met in Incarceron. The change in them was totally believable; I just didn't love them as much as I used to.
One of the characters that I loved the most was her son Casper. I know, he's horrible in Incarceron and he comes nowhere near making the switch to "good guy" in Sapphique, but I still loved him. He seemed so lost a lot of the time. You can tell that he really grew up living in the dual shadows of his Queenly mother and Princely half-brother. When Giles comes back, whether anyone believes Finn is the real Giles or not, Casper is left being the younger prince again. The spare. I felt so bad for him, still hanging around Claudia throughout this book even though it's always been clear she has no interest in him. He kept trying to win her back with promises of power and safety, things Finn/Giles couldn't offer her, but rather than coming off as evil and manipulative, he seemed like an unpopular rich kid who buys everyone in his class presents so they'll come to his birthday party.
And then there's Keiro and Attia still in Incarceron following yet another legend of Sapphique, looking for a way out. I liked their storyline a lot, but there was little to no character development in it. It was like Fisher knew she needed danger and action to keep readers interested in between all the palace intrigue in the Realm, so she foisted it all on the two of them. But it's the two of them who manage to pull everything together in the end (I'm being generous because I LOVE Keiro; Attia's the real smartypants in this volume).
Sapphique is a must-read if you are a lover of Incarceron. It's not the thrill ride that the first book was, but questions are answered, loose ends are tied up, and maybe, just maybe, things are allowed to change.
Book source: ARC picked up at ALA
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LibraryThing member shannonkearns
the sequel to "incarceron" the book again switches between people trapped inside of the prison and those on the outside. a good read and an entertaining story that also makes you think. i really enjoyed the questions the books raised about the nature of good and evil, the ideas of freedom, the
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questions of uptopia. i found these books to be more philosophical that typical young adult fare and i loved that about them. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jaie22
Not great, but I had to know what happened to the characters. Not bad, either. Actually probably better than Incarceron.
LibraryThing member xXlovelyxladyXx
Sapphique was a spectacular ending to Incarceron. Although I'm so sad this series is done, the ending was just great. Their was action, excitement, and THANK GOD the writer didn't drown this book in romance. I mean, I'm not against love or anything, but too much teenage hormones would have taken
So this glorious adventure continues with Claudia and Finn, who has escaped from Incarceron and is now trying to adjust to life as a prince. Easier said than done. Claudia is dying to get Sia off the throne, Finn to be king, searching for her father, the warden in Incarceron and of course, finding the prison to release Keiro and Attia. Finn is haunted by memories of his old life, trying to assure himself he is king when he honestly has no memories of his past and dying to find Keiro. Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia might know a way of escape...but so does the prison. And Jared fights against the disease that will eventually kill him, so can he help the prisoners escape before that time comes?
Well, first things first, what I love about this series is that everything started off as a mystery and even though it wrapped up pretty nicely, there were still some things left up to the imagination. There was not one moment when I wasn't dying with excitement and wanting more.
Although Claudia got really annoying at times and I honetly just wanted to smack her around, I pretty much liked everybody. Yes, even Keiro. He may be vain and selfish and uncaring, but that's just the way he is. If you lived in a sadistic plague-ridden prison and had to survive by stealing and even killing, then yes, its understandable. At least to me. And you know, he does care for his friends, he just shows it in strange ways. I bet if I lived in a prison like that, I'd do the same thing for survival, especially if I'd never been outside. Seriously, he is my favorite character. I liked Attia so much more in this book than the other for some reason. Her and Keiro were very cute together...and Finn was just precious.
Basically I loved this book. Catherine Fisher really knows how to keep you on your toes and the mystery of Sapphique really left me amazed. I can't wait to read more of her books. :)
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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away from the story.So this glorious adventure continues with Claudia and Finn, who has escaped from Incarceron and is now trying to adjust to life as a prince. Easier said than done. Claudia is dying to get Sia off the throne, Finn to be king, searching for her father, the warden in Incarceron and of course, finding the prison to release Keiro and Attia. Finn is haunted by memories of his old life, trying to assure himself he is king when he honestly has no memories of his past and dying to find Keiro. Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia might know a way of escape...but so does the prison. And Jared fights against the disease that will eventually kill him, so can he help the prisoners escape before that time comes?
Well, first things first, what I love about this series is that everything started off as a mystery and even though it wrapped up pretty nicely, there were still some things left up to the imagination. There was not one moment when I wasn't dying with excitement and wanting more.
Although Claudia got really annoying at times and I honetly just wanted to smack her around, I pretty much liked everybody. Yes, even Keiro. He may be vain and selfish and uncaring, but that's just the way he is. If you lived in a sadistic plague-ridden prison and had to survive by stealing and even killing, then yes, its understandable. At least to me. And you know, he does care for his friends, he just shows it in strange ways. I bet if I lived in a prison like that, I'd do the same thing for survival, especially if I'd never been outside. Seriously, he is my favorite character. I liked Attia so much more in this book than the other for some reason. Her and Keiro were very cute together...and Finn was just precious.
Basically I loved this book. Catherine Fisher really knows how to keep you on your toes and the mystery of Sapphique really left me amazed. I can't wait to read more of her books. :)
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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LibraryThing member mannperkins
I enjoyed this book more than the first. It had lots of high and lows that kept you intrigued throughout the book.I would have loved more of a love twist with Claudia and Finn but I really like how Finn evolved into a stong king through this book.
LibraryThing member MeganB66
A sequal to Incarceron. Is Finn the real prince Giles? Will the portal ever be fixed? Is the warden lost in Incarceron forever/ Will Attia and Kiero ever get to the outside? All questions you are left with at the end of Incarceron and that continue to be questioned throughout the whole book.
A good
A good
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sequal that answered many questions but i was left wanting more. There were some slow sections with Finn and Claudia that just seemed to be repeated constantly. I did enjoy the story and maintain its something fun but not great. Show Less
Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Children's Literature — 2011)
CCBC Choices (2012)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Teens (Fiction — 2010)
Language
Original publication date
2008-09-18 (UK)
Physical description
464 p.; 8.1 inches
ISBN
0803733976 / 9780803733978
Local notes
Finn has escaped from the terrible living Prison of Incarceron, but its memory torments him, because his brother Keiro is still inside. Outside, Claudia insists he must be king, but Finn doubts even his own identity. Is he the lost prince Giles? Or are his memories no more than another construct of his imprisonment? And can you be free if your friends are still captive? Can you be free if your world is frozen in time? Can you be free if you don't even know who you are? Inside Incarceron, has the crazy sorcerer Rix really found the Glove of Sapphique, the only man the Prison ever loved. Sapphique, whose image fires Incarceron with the desire to escape its own nature. If Keiro steals the glove, will he bring destruction to the world? Inside. Outside. All seeking freedom. Like Sapphique.