Review: Incarceron

Incarceron is the first book in the YA sci-fi/fantasy series Incarceron by Catherine Fisher.

Book Blurb:

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery.

It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons.

A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here.

In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists.

But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other.

And so the plan for Finn's escape is born !

Incarceron is a pretty good read. :)

Finn lives inside Incarceron - he does not remember a time when he was not there - but he has flashes, pictures of things that do not exist in Incrceron - and that makes him think he was once Outside.

Claudia lives Outside - she is the Warden's daughter - and in her world Protocol is observed. This means that her world, her mannerisms, her daily life - is patterned after a time that is considered to be more genteel.

But there are some people who are not happy with Protocol - some people who would see the Queen displaced and another upon the throne - someone who would do away with Protocol and let Time run its course.

I have to admit that Incarceron held my attention. I was fascinated by the world Ms. Fisher has created - and thoroughly enjoyed this read.

If I had to compare the world of Incarceron - it would be to that of The Hunger Games - I got much the same feel from both books.

I give Incarceron 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to the sequel - Sapphique.

M