I read The Prison Healer twice in a few months, completely addicted to the story of Kiva Meridan, how she ended up, at seven years of age, in the prison of Zalandov, how she became the prison healer, how she met Tipp, Jaren, and Naari and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. So when Hodder & Stoughton accepted my request for the proof of The Gilded Cage (thank you so much!) I read it straight away. After reading the reactions of those who have already read The Gilded Cage, I went into it both excited and scared and, after finishing reading it, I can say I was right and to say that I ADORED The Gilded Cage is to say little.

Kiva is torn between her loyalty towards her own family and her mixed feelings for the family she’s hated for the last ten years and who she blames for the death of some members of her family. However, she slowly starts realizing that the truth is not at all what she thought, and she feels more and more guilty for the lies and secrets that she keeps both from Jaren and from her siblings.

The Gilded Cage is brilliantly written and once I started reading it was very difficult to put it down. I love the characters: Kiva, the heroine torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings toward her enemy; Jaren, the handsome prince who, I have to say, is too good to be true; the adorable Tipp, who’s become like a younger brother to Kiva; Caldon, the funny and smarter-than-he-looks cousin of the prince; and Naari, the loyal guard who’s become friend to Kiva.

I am dying to get my hands on the third book, The Blood Traitor, especially after yet another shocking ending, full of surprises and revelations that I didn’t see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat. The Gilded Cage is an immersive, intriguing, and superb story of revenge, loyalties, and magic and, together with its prequel The Prison Healer, is at the top of my list of favourite books of the year.

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 about this book and it didn't live up to them. I hope the last book will be better.

Well. WELL. Second books in a series are always read with my breath held, especially ones when I’ve loved the first book as much as I loved The Prison Healer. It’s always such a fear they’re not going to live up to my expectations, but I really didn’t need to worry because The Gilded Cage was absolutely magnificent. It’s everything I wanted it to be and more.

I’m going to try and keep the review spoiler free for those who haven’t read The Prison Healer yet (WHY NOT?!) but this next instalment in the series was written fantastically, full of twist and turn after twist and turn and had me actually biting my nails during the last 10%! It was so STRESSFUL, I loved it!

I loved seeing a different side to Kiva in this book, particularly when that new side is so dramatically revealed to us at the end of book one. I loved all the new characters too, particularly Caldon who was one of my favourites. The series was begging for a sarcy cocky male and he did not disappoint.

I’m so excited to see where this series goes next and honestly cannot wait for the next book. If you love YA fantasy I really cannot recommend these books enough. They’re so GOOD.

This was such a good sequel. The Prison Healer already left me desperate and breathless, and I thought that there was no possible way I could be hit with any more plot twists. But oh boy! I was not ready for what this had in store.

The setting of the first book was largely based in the prison and it was refreshing in this book to learn more about the fantasy world. I adored the political intrigue and court politics that took more of a centre stage in this sequel.

We learn a lot more about the royal family and the scope of the elemental and healing magic that exists within this world. Secrets of the Corentine bloodline are also slowly revealed. And I was hooked! I could not put this book down once I got past the first few chapters. There are constant surprises that keep you rooted to your seat.

The romance between Kiva and Jaren was as sweet as ever and the tension between them had me rooting for them all the way through. I need more of these two! Prince Caldon was a great addition to the main cast and I enjoyed learning more about him, especially as his friendship with Kiva grew throughout the story. The found family trope in this book just hits you hard in the feels. Especially with the inevitable betrayal that you the reader know is lurking around the corner. The author's plot twist level is on the same as Red Queen and These Hollow Vows. If you have enjoyed those books you will no doubt love this series!

All I can say is, I am SO ready for book 3. Bring on June 2022! I NEED to find out what happens next. This series is one of my favourites of 2021 and I need everyone that enjoys fantasy to read this right now!

Picking up shortly after The Prison Healer left off, The Gilded Cage follows Kiva as she navigates the world outside of Zalindov, the death prison where she spent the last ten years of her life. Though just because she’s no longer trapped behind concrete walls, doesn’t mean she’s free. Eyes are everywhere in the royal palace and she knows that sneaking out to see her family, the leaders of the rebels, could mean a one way ticket back to the place that haunts her dreams. Worse still, her healing magic is growing stronger, erupting out of her at the sight of the smallest graze, and it won’t be long before someone finds out.

Her brother and sister are thrilled to have someone behind enemy lines, but the more time she spends with Jaren and his family, the more she begins to doubt the stories of her heritage. She knows that Jaren should be her sworn enemy. After all, she is a descendant of the Rebel Queen and a rightful heir to the throne, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t bring herself to hate him. In fact, she can’t imagine a future without him.

Soon Kiva must decide where her allegiances truly lie. Does she put her faith in the rebel cause or does she betray her family to protect those who have welcomed her as one of their own? Is losing Jaren worth gaining the throne?

I am so unbelievably thankful to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with this ARC. After the explosive ending of The Prison Healer, I can’t imagine having to wait for the next book.

Needless to say, Lynette Noni has done it again. She created an intense and imaginative novel which had me flailing my arms around in anguish. That’s a good thing, by the way!

The pacing was slower than the first book, with a less dramatic plot line. The immediate danger of the prison is gone, replaced instead with the calmness of a royal palace and all the luxury you could imagine. There is still danger and lies and plenty of action, but that mostly takes place in the later chapters. One thing I utterly adored about The Prison Healer was the setting. I had never read anything quite like it, so this location change did bring some sadness (though definitely not for Kiva).

Similarly to the first book, I found the story quite predictable. I could see the ending coming but that didn’t change my reaction when the heart-stopping revelations actually took place.

The characters are exquisite and I love them, especially Caldon who takes centre stage, bringing with him heartache, humour, and plenty intrigue. He is, I must admit, my new favourite and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in book three.

The relationship between Jaren and Kiva was so believable and I loved the angsty slow-burn development of their romance. In the first book, there was attraction but there was no instant love which is a refreshing take on YA fantasy romance. Seeing them come together, after such a traumatic time Zalindov, was so sweet.

The connection between Kiva and her family was extremely thought-provoking. Things have changed since she was a child and the familial bond is tested. I loved reading about her conflicted emotions on where her allegiances lie. It was a deep-dive into whether your family is worthy of your love if they do nothing to earn it.

If I’m being critical then I will say that Kiva annoyed me a little more in this book. She seemed very oblivious to things going on around her which had me yelling at the pages and burying my head in my hands.

But that ending!!! Lynette Noni, you cannot expect me to go on with my normal life after reading such an explosive final page.

At the end of the day, The Gilded Cage is a dark and dangerous sequel to The Prison Healer and it will be a long and torturous wait until we are blessed with book three!

Headlines:
Messed up families
Slow burn persists
Secrets, lies and reveals

Having spent all of book one in the prison and loving that context, I didn't know how it would be out of captivity for these characters. I did take some adjusting and it took me a little while to get into this installment but boy, I really did get into it.

The Gilded Cage was very much a time of Kiva living a double life, it was uncomfortable for her but it did bring about a clarity in her thinking and allegiances; I loved witnessing that. Jaren remained the uncomplicated human he is, genuine with integrity and totally sold on Kiva. Jaren's family was a freaky s**t show and Kiva's was worse. As we got to know these other members of both families, it was pretty double-crossing, mind-blowing and totally gripping.

"You say you became the darkness, that it consumed you, but I call bull on that. I've never met anyone who shines as brightly as you do."

I did not know which way the dice was going to roll in this story, there were plenty of twists and so many were unexpected. That didn't stop me speculating and messaging friends who had read with my nonsensical speculations. It ended just as I expected, with jaw on the floor and feeling a little hopeless. Reading these books is like an addiction, a good one...like chocolate.

Bring on the conclusion, Lynette Noni; I am ready!

Thank you Hodder Books for the early review copy.

🌟B O O K R E V I E W🌟

The Gilded Cage - Lynette Noni

I absolutely loved The Prison Healer when I read it earlier this year and I was excited to read the second instalment of this magical fantasy series. I wasn’t disappointed.

This book opens with Kiva Meridan or, as we now know, Corentine having escaped Zalindov prison with Jaren Vallentis who is in fact the heir to the throne of Evalon - her families throne. Kiva has sworn to get back to her family and take back their rightful throne and have vengeance for the deaths of her family years before. Kiva is taken into the inner circle of the royal Vallentis family, they trust her but the question is will she betray them to her family? Is family everything?

‘𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕖’𝕤 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕔𝕒𝕘𝕖, 𝕘𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕚𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕪 𝕓𝕖.’

I felt really at home back in this world with Kiva, Jaren , Naari and Tipp. It was as if I hadn’t been away. Kiva is conflicted by her feelings for Jaren, she knows they are falling for each other but she wants to find her family and is torn by her loyalty to them. This world is expanded and new characters are brilliantly woven in to the storyline. We meet Kiva’s family, siblings Tor and Zuleeka and we learn more about Jaren’s family too. The rebellion and other kingdoms come to the fore with kidnap, threats and hidden magical powers unravelling as we read.

‘ℍ𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕚𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕗𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘.’

Kiva is fighting her feelings for Jaren, trying to hide her magic and not wanting to betray her family. This story built and built and I was once again sucked into this, racing through it.
There are plenty of twists to keep us on our toes, it is gripping and fast moving.
The world that has been built is fabulous and fantastical. I love a magical story and this really hit the spot again. I loved how I was so wrong footed, this is fast becoming one of my favourite series and the end, well wow!! Lynette Noni has done it again….when’s the next book out please?

✩✩✩✩✩

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy of this book

The story continues where the previous book left off. With Kiva and Jaren’s friendship and Tipp (who I adore!) along for the ride too. After a shocker of an ending from the previous book I was dying to get stuck into this and see where the story went and boy was it good. I love Kiva’s relationships with both Jaren and Tipp and also the new people she meets, particularly caldon who seems to have a wide head on his shoulders.

The whole book is so good and I enjoyed everything about it. I very much look forward to book 3 when it’s published next year.

I have to start with my thanks to netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for access to this arc it was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and I was not disappointed.

I have literally just finished reading the whole book in one 4 hour sitting and all I have to say is wow yet I’m also completely distraught! This story gripped me from the first chapter of the prison healer and the gilded cage has completely met every expectation of a sequel so much I am dying inside at the thought of waiting till June for the next instalment!

I won’t give many spoilers but gear up for a real adventure through this book I felt as though I was within the pages of Kiva’s story and ugh the writing and the sass of the characters I just honestly loved it!

I can not wait for book 3! 5 stars from me.

It’s no secret that I love this series.
And I loved the second book even more.

I really liked that in this book, we dig deeper into the characters and their feelings. The author reveals more about how they feel and how they change and grow and that’s amazing to read.

The plot gets even better as the main character is torn between two sides not knowing which to support more and what matters more for her.

The plot gets more twisted and reveals more hidden truths that complicates things and lands the main character where she started.

If you haven’t read this yet, add it to your tbr list! If you have it in your tbr list already, start reading it now!

I absolutely loved the Prison Healer and so I was really excited about „The Gilde Cage“. I like the cover very much and it fits with the first part perfectly. Lynette Noni has a wonderful writing style. It’s really comfortable to read. It is easy to read, emotional and exciting. The pages just flew by while reading and I couldn’t put the book down, even for a second. It was just so much fun. Compared to volume one, “The Gilde Cage” is told a little slower and more quietly. Nevertheless, there is a certain tension brewing and you are always excited about what happens next. The book starts about six weeks after volume one and we’re in the capital. Lynette Noni has created a wonderful setting and you quickly notice that nothing is what it sometimes seems.

I love Kiva, she is a strong character, adaptable, tough and still she has a great sense of honor and is there for her friends. You could really understand her conflict and her feelings. We suffer with kiva and we only wish her the best. She is going through great development in this part of the series. In “the Gilde Cage” you get to know Jaren even better and I can understand many of his actions very well. The tender love between him and Kiva is really well written. Still, I think it’s good that the love story isn’t the main focus of the whole plot. But my very favorite character is and will always be a Tipp. He’s just so sweetly naive and he hasn’t lost his innocence despite being trapped in Zalindov for years.

„The gilded cage“ was a worthy second part of this wonderful series but the ending … the ending killed me. I also had to shed a few tears. I need the third part asap, because this ending cannot stay that way…

I really recommend this book.

I didn’t see it until it was too late. And I almost regret reading this early because I have to wait until next year now.
This book will make you think that everyone is safe, while in reality, anyone could betray anyone (sounds like something from Red Queen).

At first, I felt like the stakes weren't high enough, because Kiva is finally free from Zalindov and can start her life without the fear of dying. Which obviously isn't true, because not only is she supposed to spy on the royal family for her siblings, but she is their biggest threat. Lynette Noni managed to convince me that there is no real threat and that everything will be alright, while also somehow keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen.

Kiva left the prison with determination to bring the Vallentis family to their knees, but the more time she spends with them, the harder it gets. Not only is she falling for Jaren, but his family seems so perfect and loving, not to mention that he is beloved by his people, who believe that he is the ruler they've been waiting for. Of course, this puts Kiva in a difficult position. She has to decide which side is she going to fight for and who is she going to betray. Kiva's internal battle was central to this story and it caused her a lot of problems.

I really enjoyed learning more about the world and the lore of this world and it all actually play a really important part in the plot. With the addition of some new characters, there are actually more lives at stakes than you could think of. I think that Lynette Noni portrayed that false safety perfectly, because even I as a reader, who should expect something big to happen, didn't make all the connections until it was too late and was practically screaming and gasping along with Kiva when she realized some things. I mean, the cover was right there and I didn't get it until the end (wink wink).

The relationships in this book are slowly growing stronger and with new characters being more developed, the list of people I care about is getting longer! I had my predictions about potential deaths for some characters ((view spoiler)). I can't wait how the events of this book will impact these characters and how their final journey will look like in the next book!

The ending of this book left me in a shock so great, that I tossed and turned in my bed and everytime I tried to finally fall asleep, all I could think about was the final scene. I'm sure that the first few chapters of The Blood Traitor (I thought the title had an entirely different meaning.. just shows how good of a story Lynette Noni wrote) are going to be brutal to read. But I can't wait.

The Guilded Cage
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was very kindly approved for this ARC through @netgalley. I absolutely could not wait to get stuck into The guilded cage and i can tell you I absolutely loved it, its draws you in and refuses to let go. So I won't say much, becuae I don't want to release any spoilers. I love how the characters all gel together in these books. I'm not normally a massive fan of YA. But I loved this. Kiva has alot of decisions to make in this book. Being pulled this way and that. Her head is definitely fighting with her heart. It's an adventure from start to finish. I'm not actually sure how long it will take me to get ober that ending. I just need more!!! And I will definitely be reading more. @lynettenoni thank you for allowing me to read this. Only problem is I have to wait longer now for the next one!! 😭😭😭😭

A big thank you to @hodderscape @netgalley
@hodderandstoughton @hodderbooks
You say you become the darkness and that you were consumed by it. I call bull on that, becuae I have never met someone shine as bright as you. 😭😭😭😭😭 im a sucker for little quotes like that. Xx

I absolutely loved the second instalment in the Prison Healer trilogy!

I was unsure what to expect as I couldn't guess what was going to happen after the first book, and if I'm honest I did find this one slightly slower than the first one, but I think this was mostly due to the fact that we spend a lot more time with the characters and learning more about them, rather than having a lot of action in the book.

I'd say that the first 30-40% is mostly the slow part, but the atmosphere does begin to build, with the last 25% being the part that I sped through to find out what was going to happen.

You meet more of Kiva's family in this book, while seeing her learn to adapt to being outside of Zalindov, her conflicting feelings about who she is and where she stands in the political society she is in, as well as what her relationship with the other characters will mean in the future.

This series has definitely been a surprise for me, and I'm so excited for the third book, I'm just sad I need to wait so long for book three after that cliffhanger!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

The Gilded Cage picks up right after the end of The Prison Healer. Kiva survived the Zalindov prison and the deadly Trials, and now resides in the palace. Here she reunifies with her siblings, while also building relationships with the royals. Kiva is torn within her loyalty between the rebels and the royalty, and has some important decisions to make.

First of all, the prison healer was one of my favourite books I read this year and was so excited to read the arc!! I am so happy to report that this book did not disappoint, I enjoyed this just as much as the first book!

This book has of course a different setting from the first. It is a bit slower plotwise, as it focuses more on worldbuilding and explaining the politics. After having read the end, it does feel like the book is one big build up that sets up for the third and final book, but to be honest I didn't mind. The writing is yet again wonderful and expansive. And I liked learning more about the world, the palace and the surrounding towns after beeing stuck in Zalindov for the entire first book.

This book has some slooow burn omg. The tension between Jaren and Kiva, I couldn't take it! Besides the romance we also were introduced to so many great new characters and friendships. I loved the banter Kiva had with Caldon, and also Rhess and Torell were amazing and absolute sweethearts.

Overall, the book may be slower paced but it was still fantastic. The plot twists in the last ten percent of the book (and the cliffhanger!! i'm shocked and heartbroken) blew me away. The ending ruined me and I am already counting the day until book 3 releases. If you are a fan of YA Fantasy you definitely need to read this.

TL;DR Recommendation:

READ THIS SERIES RIGHT NOW, YOU PLONKER.

I CANNOT DEAL WITH ALL THESE CLIFFS.

If you read The Prison Healer then this is the book you’ve been waiting for and let me just tell you right now – your emotions probably won’t be able to handle this one either. Here’s what you’re in for:

✨ More Kiva
✨ More complications
✨ Family hell-bent on ruining all the fun
✨ An ending that will absolutely fling you sideways

Kiva is free. After escaping the shithole otherwise known as Zalindov, she’s off to live her new life as the love interest of Jaren and (probably the more important part) a rebel spy from the other royal family. Before she knows it, she’s knocked over the noggin and dragged away to chat with her real family which sets the royal family into overdrive trying to find her.

Before long, Kiva has become part of their family which causes a few problems as you can imagine.

She has to pick – them or her heart. Which let’s face it, sucks.

Honestly, I love this book. It’s so hard to put it into words with gushing as the screen which no one wants to read. The twists and turns will cause you whiplash, tension that will cause you to shift in your seat and a grin that will end up plastered all over your face.

This is a ridiculously easy read that you’ll devour in a weekend. You should absolutely read this series and then console me whilst I wait for the next one.

Oh, and I will protect Tipp with my life and Caldon is my new bestie. Kill off either of them, Ms Noni, then you’ll have a sobbing mess on your hands.

BOOK REVIEW: The Gilded Cage by @lynettenoni

*DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE PRISON HEALER*

5 Stars

I was so excited to read The Gilded Cage because I adored the first in the series: The Prison Healer.

In this book Kiva has finally escaped the death prison Zalindov and is living with the Royal family in the capital. She finds herself struggling with her magic and also torn between her royal friends and her rebel siblings.

This book is definitely different to the first one. The pace is slower and there is less action and drama and more political intrigue. We learn more about the world's politics, the surrounding countries and also delve deeper into the back stories of all the characters. It is different to The Prison Healer but no less brilliant! There is still plenty of twists and turns, drama, action and surprises. We also see a lot more magic which I loved!

Kiva, our fierce female continues to be her amazing, brave self. I adored getting to know her even more and seeing how she changes with the challenges she faces. We definitely see new sides to her!
I also loved learning more about Prince Jaren and his family. Jaren is SO kind and caring and very protective of Kiva.
We see more of all of the side characters including Naari and Tipp, plus the new royal characters, Kiva's siblings and healer friends. They all play such brilliant and important roles and because of this the story becomes wonderfully complex and filled with a huge variety of personalities.
The romance between Jaren and Kiva is a slow burn which fits their personalities well. However there is definitely more sexual tension and their connection is undeniable!

The writing is brilliant and engaging. Lynette Noni has an amazing way with words and she has completely captured my heart with this series.

The Gilded Cage is slower paced, with an excellent storyline filled with intrigue and drama. The characters, the magic and politics had me hooked. I am in love with this series and desperate for the final book! I could not recommend this series more!

I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved The Gilded Cage. The beginning killed me and I definitely be reading it again. I love Kiva and how she adapts to different situations. I need the next book already

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!!!

I knew you’d break my heart

But I did not expect the pure anger and rage I felt along with it!!!

I’m in shock, I did not see that coming

I literally sat in one spot on my sofa for 2 hours as I binge read the last half of this beautiful book. I need book 3…..I gots t’know!!!!!!

I took a leap of faith with an author that was new to me and purchased Lynette Noni's the prison healer and boy I was not disappointed I flew through this book in just 24 hours and I found it gripping and fast paced and after the reveals towards the end and then THAT cliffhanger 😬 I immediately reread it all over again to find the foreshadowing I had missed, and immediately pre ordered the gilded cage and was counting down the days until its release date then I was approved for book 2 and immediately begun.
The gilded cage is book 2 in what I believe will become a trilogy. I always find it hard reviewing the second book in a series. The gilded cage picks up a few month's after leaving Zalindav and the Kiva we meet in book two is not the same Kiva we met in book one. I struggled with the change in pace going into the gilded cage as the plot moves  slower than the prison healer which felt fast paced the gilded cage is much more character and backstories focused which can be expected in a middle book of a trilogy. I did enjoy the back stories and the introduction of new characters I had trouble seeing things from the rebels side and couldn't get behind their ultimate goal i don't often agree with the protagonist thinkings but I really do here.It was a hard struggle with how naive Kiva was in most of the situations we found her in.I know why she had loyalty to them even when they continually let her down and used her.For 10 years she held on and comforted herself with this hope of being reunited and cherished again by her family and this hope I'm sure will have saved her life on many occasions so I understand why she kept on trying to bring those hope filled dreams to fruition and made many seemingly naive decisions once she is around her siblings again. Unfortunately by the last third of this book you begin to realise it cannot end well for anyone if Kiva continues to flip flop and its a heartbreaking realisation as a reader and it's a stressful read as I was reading there were many time's I had to put the book down and they were 'when I pick up that book again I better not read what I think I just read'.
I was angry at kiva and on her behalf a very good amount of the book.
It’s beautifully written and easily becoming one of my favorite series. I eagerly await my fairyloot special edition.
Lynette Noni is a gifted writer and has quickly become a new favorite author for me in 2021!
☆☆Beware this author loves a cliffhanger and they are jaw dropping ☆☆
Lynette Noni is my new cliffhanger queen 👸
Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton. for being kind enough to grant my request for this eARC and the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.This was such a treat. All views and opinions discussed here are my own. Review available on goodreads, waterstone's and amazon

#netgalley #thegildedcage #lynettenoni #cliffhanger queen