Long Time, No Read! And Gilded Cage by Vic James

Wow, it has been a while since I posted anything...but I've been a bit busy. The past two years I've taught high school English to freshmen.  On top of that, I started my second graduate program, this time in English. It has been a crazy adventure, but has left little time for writing. I have been able to sneak in some novel in between my busy schedule. :)

One such novel is Gilded Cage by Vic James. Here is the inside flaps synopsis:

In a darkly fantastical debut set in modern-day Britain, magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.
 
This is the darkly decadent world of Gilded Cage. In its glittering milieu move the all-powerful Jardines and the everyday Hadleys. The families have only one thing in common: Each has three children. But their destinies entwine when one family enters the service of the other. They will all discover whether any magic is more powerful than the human spirit.

Now, when I first picked this young adult novel up, I was expecting another Red Queen (a book I was not a fan of). I was pleasantly surprised! Unlike the Red Queen, Gilded Cage had characters I was intrigued by and cared about. I cheered them on and wanted them to succeed in each of their individual endeavors. Even the revolution aspect of the novel was not over done and tired. You understood where the characters were coming from and often felt their helplessness when they realized what they were truly up against.

I also delighted in the twists and turns of the plot. I don't want to give much away, but there is mystery, politics, deceitful plans, and a touch of romance. At one point, my mouth fell open in surprise and I whispered "no way!" (in a room full of strangers, mind you). You also get the full British experience while reading it. There are a couple of slang words I did not understand and had to look up, but overall it was an enjoyable escape.

I highly recommend you check out this book. I borrowed it from the library, but it is going on my list of future purchases. Definitely a must read for those who enjoy fantasy with a bit of a darker edge.