I love that dystopian romance genre is back but in a more adult version! It’s bringing back the nostalgia of my teen years spent devouring books like Divergent or The Hunter Games but with more adult content. It was as if The Hunger Games and Savage Lands (one of my favourite series 🫶🏻) had a baby together so there are some similarities to other dystopian books but honestly I don’t think it’s possible to create something completely new with the amount of amazing books we have out there! So I genuinely think Brooke did an amazing job at putting her own spin to dystopian romance 👏🏻

The book had a fast paced plot and some fantastic characters. The FMC Raven was very well fleshed out. I love that she wasn’t a complete badass from the very beginning but just a young woman trying to protect her family. She was very relatable and although she made some questionable choices at times it coexisted perfectly with her personality and character growth.

The plot was interesting and I was captivated from the very beginning. The book was full of tension and action mixed with some emotional moments. I also loved how the found family trope was written! It developed naturally and the side characters were fleshed out well. The friendships were truly beautifully written and felt very realistic.

The one thing that felt a little bit flat to me was the romance. I enjoyed both the FMC and the MMC as characters separately but I found the tension between them lacking and couldn’t get truly invested into their relationship. That was probably a persona preference so don’t lay that discourage you from picking it up though!

Overall this was a really good read! If you love dystopian romance this book is perfect for you! It blends your typical dystopian plots with some fresh ideas and I had a lot of fun reading it!!!

Tropes:

⚔️dystopian romance
⚔️prison setting
⚔️reluctant allies to lovers
⚔️found family
⚔️slow burn

I'm a sucker for a dystopian story and this one did not disappoint. It was gripping,romantic, and a little predictable in places (but I wasn't mad at that).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be looking forward to book 2!

"Little Bird, the first time I saw you, it was like you lit me on fire."

Dystopian books are baccccck baby!!

If you know me by now, you know dystopian books are truly my absolute faves, I will read and demolish them all. To Cage a Wild Bird was no different. This book had me hooked from page one, and all the way up until that cliffhanger of an ending! Brooke's world building was so riveting and refreshing, from learning about the prison systems, to discovering the secret rebellion (which I'm so excited to see more about in book two), to watching the hunting games which is a little reminiscent of Squid Game (which I'm also currently obsessed with).

We're thrown immediately into a world of hunting and danger, when Raven, a bounty hunter, lands herself in prison to save her younger brother after he gets imprisoned in the deadly Endlock prison, a place where you life is for forfeit as soon as you step foot inside. It's a place where the prison guards are your worst enemies... all except Vale. He's full of secrets, and is incredibly moody but for some reason, Raven is someone who catches his eye.

To Cage A Wild Bird is a fast paced and action packed book, full of forbidden love, found family (with secrets), an incredibly built dystopian world with high stakes and maybe even some betrayals... if you want a intense and arresting (get it) book, you'll love this!

I am asking myself two questions: 1. why did I get one of my most anticipated books of the year in full knowledge that it's sequel will not be available to me until (likely) AT LEAST 2026, and possibly later. And second--BROOKE WHYYYYY!!!!
From page one I was hooked. I am a guardian in the same way that Raven is, and this scratched something in my brain. AND VALE ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?
5 stars, no notes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

“I suppose anyone foolish enough to cage a wild bird shouldn't expect them to sing for their captor”

Raven Throne is a bounty hunter living in the lowest of three sectors in the city of Dividium. Trading lives for food and shelter for her and her brother Jed, she helps capture criminals so they can be sent to Endlock Prison, a place where the wealthy pay to hunt prisoners for sport. When Jed gets arrested, Raven follows suit, willing to do anything to protect her brother during the hunts and find a way out of the inescapable prison. But considering Raven sent over 100 criminals to Endlock, she first must watch her own back for other prisoners out for revenge. For the first time ever, Raven is forced to open up and work with others as they plan their escape including a prison guard she can’t seem to stay away from.

I’ve been following Brooke online for a while so I was super excited when this book was announced because she always has stellar recommendations. This was a really good debut, I think the premise and world building were really unique, the concepts of hunting prisoners was brilliant, and Endlock prison was a great setting for this story. I definitely wouldn’t call the romance enemies to lovers or slow burn, it leaned more towards insta-lust and forbidden romance. Overall, Raven was a fun, witty character who was easy to root for. It wasn’t perfect by any means but a solid debut and a great jumping point for the rest of the series.

This was that good I finished it in 4 hours - I literally could not put it down.

The Purge meets The Hunger Games.

Dystopian fantasy romance - yes please! We follow our fmc Raven who makes a deal with the Collective to help some of their people escape prison in exchange for her brother being included in the escape. However this is no ordinary prison, and all those who are in it are at risk of being chosen by the wealthy to be hunted for sport. With the help of the prison guard, our mmc Vale, who at first Raven swears is an enemy, and some other inmates we follow their journey in escaping the prison and in the process surviving death in the games when selected.

I couldn’t put this down as I just had to know more as the story went on and I loved following the relationship between Raven and Vale. There was never a dull moment and I was on edge the whole time waiting for the moment they escaped and how they would do it - and if they would all make it!

There were twists and turns and truths were slowly being rebel wars which kept me guessing about who could be trusted and what was going to happen.

And that ending! I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the gang, and how it was left I literally cannot wait for the next book. Exactly how I love to finish a book and know that it was good - I need more immediately.

I can see this becoming very popular.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing with me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Raven is a bounty hunter, who finds herself in prison with several of her marks when she has to rescue her brother. But this is a prison like no other, as in Dividium convicts are hunted to the death by the wealthy and nobody survives for long ...

This was such a gripping book! I was intrigued by the whole set up and loved the elements of found family. The only downside was the romance - the MMC had zero personality compared to literally every other character and as far as I'm concerned could have been left out of the book completely.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Netgalley for a digital proof in exchange for an honest review.

The world building was definitely the best part of the book. I liked the set up and the different systems in place. However, the main character was so completely oblivious at times and it really pissed me off at times.

The friendships were great and I wish there was more focus on each of the other characters. Surprisingly, I was not really a fan of Vale. Or the romance at all. The things he would say were so cringey and cheesy. I didn’t feel any connection at all. It was definitely not enemies to lovers and definitely NOT a slow burn either. Also, their disagreements were hardly relevant.

Idk 🤷‍♀️ it had so much promise but I actually wish the romance didn’t take over.

3.5 Stars

I love a good dystopian novel. To Cage a Wild Bird is inspired by The Hunger Games and the Divergent Series. This book was such a page turner at the beginning, but I felt like the plot went a bit flat as you progressed with the story. There were many predictable things happening and I could guess half the things that were about to happen.

The story itself is very interesting, and I will be continuing the series to see where it goes. I feel like there could've been a bit more depth to Raven and Vale's relationship. Everything seemed a bit rushed, but I am curious to see where the story goes.

3.5⭐️

I flew through To Cage a Wild Bird, the fast-paced plot and dystopian world kept me hooked from the start. It’s marketed as a slow burn/enemies-to-lovers romance, and while I loved the dynamic between the characters, I found myself wanting a bit more emotional buildup and tension in the romance to really feel the payoff. The pacing and plot kept things engaging throughout, and I stayed invested in how everything would unfold. A promising start with room to grow.. I am curious to see where the story goes and will definitely be continuing the series!

Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Wayward TxF and Brooke Fast for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

What to expect:
- found family
- prisoner/guard romance
- prison setting
- a resistance
- dystopian world building

THIS WILL BE THE NEXT BOOK TO BLOW UP, YALL ARE NOT READY.

We are following Raven, a bounty hunter, in the lower sector of Dividium, who helps throw criminals into Endlock prison to make enough money to care for her younger brother, Jed. An altercation breaks out ending in Jed being thrown into the infamous prison, which allows the wealthy to pay to come into the prison to hunt prisoners on the hunting grounds of the prison for sport. Raven works out a plan with The Collective to purposely get herself thrown into Endlock to save her brother along side some other Collective members who are trying to find a way to escape the prison. While trying to find a way to escape on a tight deadline given to them by The Collective, they are having to try to stay alive as they are periodically being chosen for The Hunt. Along the way, a guard, who she’s sworn to hate becomes her best possible way to escape Endlock. He starts helping them plan their escape route while slowly firing up a romance but secrets start to be revealed and obstacles arise.

First off this book was FANTASTIC for a debut novel. This is everything i ask for in a dystopian book. The high stakes, the world building, the secrets that are revealed along the way, the prisoner/guard trope, found family. You grow a connection to all of these characters while you’re curling your toes hoping none of them die during these hunts. Raven is such a badass FMC and i cannot WAIT to get back into her story in book two. I cannot say a single negative thing about this novel because this was nothing short of a good time!!

ever since Brooke (side note in my head your name is breakfast lol) announced this I was dying to get my eyeballs on it! Dystopian romance HELLOOOOO GIMME!  I read this in one afternoon! The plot was pacy and captivating I couldn't stop reading it goes at a breathless pace I NEEDED to know what was gonna happen, theres a lot of unease and tension, the commentary on politics/rebellion/society was GRITTY, I thought that the romance was more insta than slow burn, I appreciated the moments of delicious tension and spice we did get, I would of liked more build up to their connection HOWEVER I'm anticipating that the next book will be heavily focused on that, I loved Raven and how bad ass she was, willing to do anything to protect her brother, there is a found family aspect which I love SO much in books, as she makes friends (unwilling to let anyone get close at first, eventually she falls for their charms, as did I) the loyalty and camaraderie with the side characters was 🤌  I'm still sobbing over a certain characters death 😢 😭 why Brooke why! AND THAT ENDING!!!!!!! I can't wait for the next installment of this! I need it now 😂!

To Cage a Wild Bird had all the ingredients to soar. A compelling premise, a dystopian setting with accessible world-building, and characters that felt thoughtfully crafted and dynamic. It started strong and I was genuinely intrigued.

But somewhere along the way, the spark dimmed. The plot, while solid, unfolded in a way that felt too familiar, lacking the tension or unpredictability I crave. The emotional depth, especially from the romance, the anticipation of pain and the trauma surrounding her parents, didn’t land for me. I wanted to feel dread, grief, guilt, fear, longing, but instead I felt detached.

It’s not that the writing was off. The prose fits the genre well and nothing felt out of place. But coming after two books this weekend that absolutely wrecked me emotionally, this one felt muted by comparison. I wish I could pinpoint exactly what was missing. Maybe it’s the emotional layering, the detail, or the pacing of those key moments. Whatever it is, it left me wanting more depth, more ache, more heart.

Huge thank you to the publishers and authors for my ARC! That has not influenced this review and all views are my own!

Ever since I finished Throne of Glass, I’ve been chasing to try and find the same thrilling excitement. And let me tell you, this book is it.

I absolutely love strong FMCs. Assassins, princesses, bounty hunters, you name it and I WANT it. This FMC is all of my favourite things; ruthless, fearless, dominating, and independent. I just absolutely adore her. The loyalty and protectiveness she has for her family and friends is completely unmatched. It’s so interesting to see her development throughout the book - she knows she’s a baddie. She is THAT girl 💅

The plot twists…wow. I’ll keep this review spoiler free but do not go into this book thinking it’s some fairytale enemies to lovers fluffy novel because it is so far from that. The twists and turns are unpredictable and really do keep you on your feet. You think you’ve figured something out then it turns out to be the opposite of what you thought it was.

The building of the relationships in this book feels really genuine. People don’t just immediate trust each other or connect, there’s that genuine fear and apprehension that I think we’ve all experienced when meeting someone new. There’s a really interesting focus on the dynamics between the different characters and how some things flourish.

I really love the setting of the book too. It’s a great mixture of The Hunger Games and Battle Royale and other dystopian novels but it has its own uniqueness so it feels like you’re reading something completely new. The references are definitely in there but Brooke has made such a good effort to make it completely different at the same time.

This book is addicting. It will make you feel every single feeling as a human being; sadness, joy, shock, anger, frustration, fear. This book really pulled a lot of feelings out of me and Brooke’s writing is truly incredible. This is one of those books that I would give 100 stars to because I know I’m going to remember this one. It’s going to stand out from all of the other books I’ve read because it demands attention. Brooke will break your heart, heal it again then bury it!

To summarise: the FMC is an unapologetic baddie, and I want to be her best friend. This is one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read. I NEEEEEED number 2

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

DNF

I don't know. I might give this another go because at least then I'd already know what to expect.

I was bracing myself for some high stakes dystopian. I was imagining Prison Break x The Hunger Games. But what I got was... not that. And I'm really disappointed.

I didn't get to read very far so I don't know if it might have gotten better for me. But I'm dropping this for now because I have other books I'm really excited to read. Might come back to this. (Maybe?) Because I keep seeing so many rave reviews and now it feels like I'm missing out on something great. I guess we'll see...

Now I am normally a contemporary romance girl. I’ve read some romance sc fi books before but I never loved them. However I saw the description for “To Cage a Wild Bird” and I knew I had to read it. Reading this I felt the same way I felt reading the first “Hunger Games” I couldn’t tell you how many years ago. On top of that we got almost like a Prison Break story line AND a forbidden romance, SOLD. This was a great debut for Brook Fast and I can’t wait to see what else she puts out.

This book was SO good. I LOVED it!
So engaging and well written. I hope I'm right in that fairyloot will be doing one of their beautiful special editions of this books!
Because I NEEED it!

Five stars for Brooke Fast's debut! This had all the good trappings (pun intended) of the classic aughts Dystopian. Immersive world-building, tension, never knowing who to trust. Fast masterfully weaves strong and vivid emotion, plus steamy romance, into this book. I flew through the pages and held my breath on more than one occasion. I'm honestly a little mad at myself that I finished it so quickly, because now I have to wait even longer for book 2. Can't wait to finish this duology and see what else Fast writes!!

1000000/10 Get this book on your radar besties, if you’re looking for the ultimate 2010s dystopian vibes with a prison where inmates are hunted for sport, secrets galore and the MOST delicious enemies to lovers (prisoner x guard) romance, look no further !!!!

To Cage A Wild Bird is an outstanding debut novel from Brooke Fast, from the first page I was hooked. Our FMC Raven was very relatable and likeable, the plot was unlike anything I've read before and executed very well. The romance... oh boy. Just wait until you all meet Vale.

This book was fast paced, exciting, very intense at times, and just overall a very lovely experience. Did the ending have me pulling out my hair? Yes. I want to know what happens next, desperately.

Raven is one of those FMCs that you can't help but like, she's very fierce and loyal to those she loves and her sarcastic comments throughout the book had me reeling. She really is a bad b*tch.

Vale, oh how I love this man. He would do anything for those he loves and trusts and he is a man more of actions than words. I'm very excited t see how things go for him especially in book two.

One of my favourite tropes is found family and I think Brooke mastered this one beautifully, by the end of this book we have our very own prison family that had my heart melting (and breaking.. at times.)

The world building was detailed and done well, I wasn't sure what to expect when the plot seemed focus around Endlock prison, in many novels I have read the setting is often overlooked with the most detail being on the MCS - this wasn't the case in TCAWB. I could literally envision myself in Endlock and felt like I could see everything vividly as it went on within the hunts.

The hunts were another aspect that added a trill to the plot, the thought of wealthy citizens paying to hunt prisoners for sport is unheard of and Brooke has created something very intriguing here. The hunts also benefitted the plot greatly it helped with the explanation of the political system and where each character stood in the hierarchy.

The romance was delicious, I'm not sure if I would consider it a slow burn purely for the fact that I felt things progressed quite quickly (I'm not complaining), but the tension between Raven and Vale was electric and I was so here for it. It was more of a hate to love (on the FMCs side).

Overall, To Cage A Wild Bird was utterly fantastic and I think it's going to be one many readers will be excited for in 2025. I'm already dreaming about having book two in my hands.., well done Brooke on writing such a fantastic debut.

To Cage A Wild Bird is an adult dystopian in which criminals are sent to prison to be hunted by the richer society. When Raven's brother is arrested, she makes a pact to help him escape and find a community outside Dividium in which she will have a better life. But things are never simple and there are a lot of people who have a vendetta against Raven and will do anything to see her dead. Not to mention the hot and heavy guard who swears to protect her but also keeps a lot of secrets from her. TCAWB is an exciting debut in which morality is tested - what is truly right and what is truly wrong?