Sapphique

Catherine Fisher

Dec 2010 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

Finn has escaped Incarceron, but Keiro and Attia are still Inside. Outside, things are not at all what Finn expected - and both Finn's and Claudia's very lives hang on Finn convincing the Court that he is the lost prince. Back Inside, Keiro and Attia are on the hunt for Sapphique's glove, which legend says he used to escape. In order to find it, they must battle the prison itself. Incarceron has built itself a body and it wants to go Outside - just like Sapphique, the only prisoner Incarceron ever loved.

"High-intensity, mind-bending . . . Fisher further explores themes of reality, illusion, and freedom without losing her intensely original world-building and authentic characters." - Booklist, starred review

"Even as the steadily ratcheting certainty of impending catastrophe keeps the pages turning, the sheer richness of the evocative descriptions demands that every sentence be savored. . . . For those who can appreciate the interplaying reflections of lies, myths and memory, a modern masterpiece." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ratings and reviews

I’d have to say this book was a much better improvement than Incarceron. There was more action, the pace was quicker, and the intrigue was turned up a little higher to get the plot rolling. The action did make the novel go quicker although I preferred reading more about Keiro and Attia than Claudia and Finn. Although I used to like Claudia before, she seemed to morph into some sort of selfish spoiled brat who didn’t care much except her own needs. Finn also turned into a mopey brat that cared only for Keiro (which makes sense, but it was borderline obsessive.) Despite the negative comments I see about Keiro (thoughout different websites reviewing Sapphique), I’d have to say he was my favorite character in this book. (Besides Jared). He had this undeniable charm and despite being a selfish, egotistical jerk, he wasn’t whiny and did not mope around like a twit. Although the majority of his actions were all to meet his own ends and he’s just as selfish as Claudia might be, there’s just something charming about Keiro that’s likable. I thought he was an excellent character despite his ‘supporting’ status. Finn may seem central to the plot, but he doesn’t shine as much as Keiro does. There are different points of view in the story, unlike Incarceron where it switched from Claudia to Finn. Now, there a different points of view but this time it switches settings. (From being inside Incarceron, to being outside of it). It’s not so bad, although some readers may find it a bit confusing, and the flow of the plot does get bumpy once in a while. The ending of the book was interesting and does leave a lot of room for another installment. I wouldn’t mind a trilogy, as the story has taken a turn for the more exciting. I’d actually like to know what happens to Keiro next as he looks like he could be a catalyst for something big. It was a great ending to the duology (although it looks like there might be a third?) and worth the read. The action helps the plot carry forward and makes the reading go faster. Some might be daunted by the task of reading another ‘chunky’ book. However with the fast pace, the action, and the bits of intrigue, reading this shouldn’t take long at all.

Phenomenal sequel in my opinion, great pace. Makes you think, definately worth reading if you enjoyed the first one. And to comment on one comment above, the go in depth about what and where the prison is and how it came to be, though they don't really touch the era, however it was inferred to be futuristic, forced to act like a social front of he early 1900's.

It's such a treat to read, the world building is marvelous and the characters intrigued me to no end... even after a couple years after I've finished these books I Still can't stop thinking about them. Highly recommended series. You must be open and give them a fair chance, you will not regret your time lost!!

About the author

Catherine Fisher is an acclaimed novelist and poet, and has written many fantasy books for young people. She lives in Wales.