Review#107 - The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli

Details:

Title: The Caged Queen

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Publisher: Gollancz

ISBN 13: 978-0062568014

Synopsis:

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished - until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax - the heir to Firgaard's throne - was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax's promises go unfulfilled. Roa's people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises - an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

Review:
I admit that when I first started this I missed Asha since this book focused on Roa. It is set post The Last Namsara and follows Roa and Dax as they deal with the fall out from the first book. As well as being an engrossing sequel it's also a very poignant story about dealing with loss and grief without losing yourself in the process. I liked Roa as a character, getting to know her was interesting and the old stories interspersed within the book were lovely. A very enjoyable read which I sped through.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.