Incarceron

Incarceron. Catherine Fisher. 2007. Hodder Children's Books. 464 pages.

Incarceron is a mysterious prison that is hidden from the outside world. In ages past it was sealed and since then no one has gone in or out. The prisoners of Incarceron have a dismal existence and are forced to live in primitive groups in order to survive. The prison is always adapting and appears to be almost alive. There are rumors in the outside world about its location, purpose and state, but the prison has been forgotten by time and is under the control of the warden. One of the prisoners, Finn, has no memories of his past.  He has visions of images that leave him to believe that he came from outside the prison.

This story takes place in a kingdom that is bound by law to live in a past era. Their advanced technology is used to preserve a perfect state of medieval life. This life includes a ruthless queen, a wayward prince, and a court full of secrets. In just a matter of days Claudia is being forced to marry the prince and become a pawn in the hands of her father, the warden of Incarceron. The warden is a harsh man who is feared by all and who has been planning Claudia's life and future since childhood. With Claudia's last few days of freedom she determines to locate the prison and discover what it is that her father is hiding. She finds a strange key that allows her to communicate with Finn in the prison. Claudia and Finn set out on a race against time to escape from Incarceron and uncover secrets that will free them and the kingdom.

I really enjoyed this book. It was futuristic, but in the past at the same time. The characters were really interesting. I liked Finn's tortured life and his unknown past that kept pushing him to escape. He was a hero who didn't quite know what he was supposed to do. I also enjoyed Claudia's character as she tried to maneuver through the burdens of court and dealing with her father. Claudia is strong and smart and capable and is trying to make one last effort at freedom before she much join the court. Everyone in this world lives with  secrets and though they are all masquerading as medieval nobles, their technology allows for more intrigue and danger. This was a good fantasy read and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!