✨ Book Review - The Gilded Cage by @lynettenoni ✨

I have had two fantastic reads lately that have broken my reading slump - EOTV and The Gilded Cage.

This is the sequel to The Prison Healer, so if you haven’t read this I would 100% recommend getting your hands on both. The Australian pub day for The Gilded Cage is September 28 🎉

It was great to get a better understanding of the different characters introduced in TPH as well as meeting some fantastic new characters. I absolutely loved Caldon his sass and but also depth throughout. I also can’t wait to find out more about Tor hopefully in the next book.

I will say this - Lynette Noni came to hurt us with this book but in the best way possible. There was politics and intrigue with just enough romance and joy to balance everything out.

This review copy was sent by the fantastic team at @penguinbooksaus and I’m now impatiently waiting for book three, The Blood Traitor in 2022. I have so many unanswered questions that I need responses for ASAP!!

5/5 stars

I would give this a 4.5 out of 5 but I'm rounding up due to the fact I couldn't put this down.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Some spoilers below!*

This follow up to the Prison Healer does not disappoint. There was explosive action, wild confrontations and some plot twists I didn't see coming. There was some predictability with what was happening overall, and sometimes Kiva was frustrating, but I understand where the author is trying to direct things with the way the ending played out.

That ending though. So we ALLL KNEW the entire time that Kiva's lies were going to catch up with her and Jaren was going to find out in the worst way possible and biiiiiig surprise that's what happened. The drama at the ending was rough my anxiety was through the roof. I was sad for what Tipp had to go through, I wish that had played out differently. AND I'm so mad at where Kiva ends up right at the very end. I have so many thoughts about where book three is going to take us.

I highly recommend checking this series out. It's really fun. I love the banter, the characters, the setting and how interwoven all the plot lines and intrigue are. I can't believe book three isn't out for a while I'll be dying waiting!

I was nervous going into this book because of how amazing The Prison Healer was and how close together these two released, but holy shit…. The Gilded Cage was equally as phenomenal, and I’m beyond upset with that ending

I absolutely loved The Prison Healer so I knew I desperately wanted The Gilded Cage as an ARC to read it ASAP and it did NOT disappoint.

I love everything about this series. The characters, the plot, the magic system. There were so many new elements introduced in this book because the setting is very different from The Prison Healer. New characters like Kiva and Jaren's families, more about the rebel plot, and much more about the magic system. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book and I never wanted to put it down.

If you read the first book, you may also understand when I say the ending hurt my heart but I also expected it to so I somehow survived. Reading this series is not for the faint of heart, Lynette Noni takes you on a wild ride you simultaneously want to draw out for maximum enjoyment and finish as quickly as possible.

There is a *smidge* of middle book syndrome in the middle. Noni does a good job of keeping the plot moving quickly throughout, but it's hard to ignore that it is a middle book in a trilogy so a lot is set up for the final book. Besides that, I have zero negative or even neutral comments to make - everything about this book was amazing and this series continues to amaze and surprise me.

I cannot wait for The Blood Traitor. I highly, highly recommend this series for SJM and YA fantasy fans.

**Thank you to Clarion Books and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

Didn't realize this was a sequel. Need full story to provide a good solid review. Thank you for the opportunity and sorry I cannot help much more than that for now!

Normally, the second book in a series falls completely flat and I begin to question why I decided to get sucked into another series only to be disappointed yet again. I am happy to say that this was not the case with The Gilded Cage!

I flew through this book like nobody's business and am chomping at the bit for the third installment.

Were there issues with the book? Sure. Did I care? Absolutely not.

4.5/5 ⭐️

Whew, what a wild ride! This one was so much better than the first, honestly. It took me a sec to get into but once I was like 7 chapters deep, I could not put it down. I was reading while I ate meals - which I NEVER do. I just needed to know how the conflict was going to turn out.

This one was much more face paced and I think it greatly helped that they weren’t stuck in one location (like the last book), so there was also the introduction of many more characters that really added to the story.

I freaking love Caldon. Love him so much. Lowkey might love him more than Jaren 😅 he’s snarky, hilarious, but ferocious in his loyalty to his family and those he cares about. He pleasantly surprised me so many times and he’s the perfect side kick for Kira.

Kira, I feel has so much potential to step into her heroine role but isn’t quite there yet. I was getting annoyed with her multiple times with her “I wouldn’t let myself think that-“ , “I won’t admit how I feel-“ and constant denial of reality.

Overall, it gave what it needed to gave in terms of fantasy. There were plot twists, there were secrets and details you needed to pay close attention to. I had so many theories - some correct, some absolutely not 😂 the cliffhanger…REALLY, Lynette? Really. I wish it would’ve gave us something to look forward to but still, I’m so intrigued to see how the story plays out in the next book.

Thank you Netgalley and Clarion Books for allowing me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You. Are. Not. Prepared. For. This. Book!

Neither was I, apparently! What the heck is with Noni's cliffhangers!? Why you do this to us poor readers?! What was that? I feel like my soul hurts after finishing this book! The plot twists, the cliffhanger, the bittersweet moments, Jaren (my cinnamon roll), Kiva and her secrets from him... they are each bullet wounds I'll have until Book 3 comes out in June of 2022!

Lynette Noni did not disappoint with this sequel. I love the progression and development of each character and their story. Kiva is still a great MC we are following and her feelings towards the Rebel movement and the Vallentis family are valid and understandable. I enjoyed Caldon and hope we get more of him in the finale.

I do kind of cross my fingers that we will get another POV or two with everyone so split up unless Noni writes the story in a way where we are fine without multiple POVs.

The lies and twists were all great and gut-wretching, I am thoroughly pleased with how the plot lines went and looking so forward to finding out how it all ends.

Thank you again for making my day by allowing me to read an advanced copy!!

5 stars

This series is addicting, but ultimately disappointing. The first book ended with such an interesting set-up, but this one felt too slow and (at points) stupid.

How come none of the people in the palace realized that Kiva was their enemy? That seems pretty obvious.

The ending of this book also has a whole bunch of twists, but none of them make sense. So, overall, this was an okay idea with a pretty mediocre execution.

In this sequel, Kiva has finally escaped Zalindov, only to find herself at the royal palace surrounded by her enemies. Or, they should be anyway, but Jaren continues to be irresistible, Caldon turns out to quite charming as well and even the rest of the family doesn’t seem so bad. So it’s a little hard to be traitorous, as expected. The storyline here plays out fairly predictably, but that doesn’t keep Noni from twisting the plot enough to keep it intriguing.
Kiva’s reunion with her siblings isn’t as she expected, clearly after 10 years a lot can change. It becomes a struggle to sort truth from lie and who she should be keeping secrets from. I wanted to shake some sense into Kiva a few times but often am reminded she was 7-years -old when she was sent away, and has spent 10 years isolated in a death prison. For a smart girl, she still has a lot to learn about people and street smarts. Even Jaren is so enamored I was cringing a bit, but only because Noni has created characters you cannot help but like and root for. The creation of complex characters we love, and villains we love to hate is something Noni crafted so well. There are introductions to more characters, political agendas and backstory to delve deeper into that play a significant importance in what’s to come so the pacing was slower than book one, but it was still an enjoyable read and there is still good tension to keep the pages turning throughout.

Really love this book: the way you can never predict what’s gonna be next is awesome. All the character are well made, and diversity is present

**I received an ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.**

First, let me stop crying. Some of this book drug on a little slow, but I couldn't stop reading at any point. About halfway through, my mind was as troubled as Kiva's and I felt her inner turmoil. I love when a book is able to drag me into the character's position and question everything I know so far. However, I did NOT need this sob-fest that the last few chapters handed me because I am DEVASTED that I will have to wait for the third book. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, and this is why. Ms. Noni did it again on an amazing book with characters that I loved so much! Fingers crossed for a quick release of book three so my heart can begin to heal!

Plot: .5
Prose/Writing: 1
World building: 1
Characters: 1
Themes: .5
4/5

What an incredible sequel to The Prison Healer! Kiva struggles with her moral dilemma of deciding which side she wants to be loyal to. She grows more uncertain as she learns many new tidbits of information, making her question everything she’s ever known.

The first half of the book was pretty slow with little action. Kiva spent this time learning more about the kingdom, people, and culture. The last half was incredible! Was it slightly predictable? Yes and no. Did I still enjoy the ride? Hell yes.

We got to learn more about the magic and briefly how it works. I really wanted more of it, the magic system came through more like an afterthought.

I did enjoy seeing Kiva open up more and deepening friendships. Tipp is so precious!! He remains my favorite character. We must protect him at all cost!
Cal was also a favorite with his charisma and cheek.

The romance in this book was quiet and even though it was present, it was in the background of the story. Jaren, our golden boy, remains sweet and perfect as ever throughout.

We’re kept on our toes as we’re left with yet another plot twist in the very end. Whyyyyy?!?! This book was phenomenal and I can’t wait for the next one!


**I was provided an eArc of this book by the publisher for an honest review.

The second book in the Prison Healer series picks up soon after the end of the previous book with Kiva now at the palace with Jaren and his family, where she soon finds herself in the middle of a political rouse.

While some of the book is slow moving, I enjoyed the buildup of all that's revealed. I enjoyed seeing Kiva at the palace and grow closer with Jaren and his family. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Caldon and seeing his sarcastic wit. While staying at the palace Kiva is reunited with her family that she has not seen since her imprisonment. It was interesting to see their interactions and what her siblings intentions are regarding getting revenge on the throne.

This was a fun sequel with twists along the way and an interesting cliffhanger that leaves me eager for the next book.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 out of 5 stars
Oh my wow! I’m floored with this one for so many reasons. First off, this is book 2 to The Prison Healer. With book 1, I felt a huge disconnect with the MC, Kiva. I could feel the makings of an incredible story but it wasn’t quite there yet. Kiva lacked emotion, and lacked my full attention. But with this book? Noni knocked it out of the park! I was nervous since this one was so long (450 pages) but I quickly zoomed through it and couldn’t wait to get back to it.

Secondly, those cliffhangers and twists! I will forever hate and love cliffhangers but wow, Noni knows how to pull one over on you! I was shocked multiple times and couldn’t believe where the story was going. I thought I knew, but oh no, I had no idea.

This one is full of so much delicious drama. Kiva is stuck between two difficult situations and I just wanted to smack her multiple times! Oh she would have deserved it with her naïveté and stupidity but somehow that endeared her to me.

Content Summary: Most of the numbers are fairly low. There is one passionate kiss, there is violence but few bloody details. I think most readers would enjoy this one!

Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers/ Clarion Teen for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book releases October 12, 2021.

Since I LOVED The Prison Healer I was concerned that The Gilded Cage would not hold up...no need to worry folks! This was filled with the background we were missing in the first novel. Still full of excitement, daring and burgeoning magic, but a little more depth to the characters...oh and CALDON! he is just dreamy!

This book is the sequel to The Prison Healer. It's a pretty nice sequel however I still feel disconnected with the characters, I don't find them easy to like. I find this book too similar to most YA books with the same construct I can find in other books. I am dropping this series and don't think I would continue

If you enjoyed the Prison Healer, you will absolutely adore this. It was fun and fast-paced. The romance is quite PG but still very sweet, and I love Kiva so much as a protagonist!!

I feel like I've come to expect iconic plot twists from Lynette Noni and the end of this book DELIVERED.

An excellent continuation of the series!

Another Advanced Reader Copy from Netgally

The gilded cage is the follow up to The prison healer and as with its predecessor it’s a high fantasy novel that delivers dynamic characters, thrilling plots and an ending to make you scream.
Noni uses book 2 to further develop the characters we met in book one and introduce some new favourites. We get a deeper glance into Jaren and Kivas families and histories. The story gives the reader a clearer picture of the past and present, with Kiva stuck in the middle attempting to reconcile both. Walking a fine line between what she believes and what’s she experience, The gilded cage leads Kiva and the reader on a whiplash journey to figure out whose side to be on. It’s a emotional back and forth ride that gives you more questions than answers. And if you thought the cliffhanger of book one was cruel I assure the cliff hanger of book two is excruciating leaving you bouncing in your seat for book 3. A fantastic additional to the high fantasy genre for YA but also one that can be enjoyed and appreciated by readers of all ages.

The Prison Healer was a good story. It wasn't the book of the year but it was still entertaining, and the end was very promising. Alas, The Gilded Cage was underwhelming. It had the potential to be a great sequel, instead suffered of the second book syndrome where nothing remarkable happens. Only towards the end we have something but it was too late for my liking. Besides this lack of action, what disappointed me was Kiva. She was a completely different person from the girl we knew in The Prison Healer, and not in a good way. In this book she was too naive and dumb, and her inner turmoil annoyed me in the end. Just get a grip and decide what to do. I loved more the other characters, especially Cal. The worldbuilding was well developed but not fully exploited. It's a pity, because I had great expectations for this book but it didn't live up to them. I hope the last book will be better.