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!

The Thirteenth Tale

The Thirteenth Tale. Diane Setterfield. 2006. Atria. 416 pages.

For Margaret Lea books are the main focus of life. She lives above her father’s bookshop, she reads daily, she has simple writings published and she would rather be reading than interact with people. Things change on the day she receives an unexpected letter. One of the country’s best loved – and most mysterious – contemporary authors requests Margaret to write her biography. Miss Vida Winter is a famous author who is as well known for not revealing any personal information as for her bestselling books. For some reason she has selected an unknown amateur author to share the truth she has kept hidden from the world. Why is she ready to tell her story and why choose Margaret? As Miss Winter begins to reveal the story of her haunted past Margaret must discover the hidden truth and face pains in her own history. Together Miss Winters and Margaret begin a ghostly tale of loss and attempt to bring peace through truth.

I am always on the lookout for the next interesting new book to read. When I saw this book added to several “must read” lists I figured I’d give it a try and was not disappointed. This story has a strange ghostly feel to it and brings to mind stories like Jane Eyre or Rebecca. This book kept me guessing and made me look over my shoulder once or twice. The characters are haunted by tragedy in the past and the revelations take time to discover. This was a great read and was one of those books that stayed with me and played in my mind over and over. Reading this story was like taking a walk into the mysterious past. 

The Host

The Host. Stephanie Meyer. 2008. Little, Brown and Company. 619 pages.

“I knew it would begin with the end, and the end would look like death to these eyes. I had been warned.” The majority of humanity has been conquered an inhabited by an alien life form. These enemy souls have traveled the universe becoming a part of the beings they encounter. When the Wanderer inhabits the body of Melanie Stryder she is not prepared for the consequences. Most species disappear willingly, allowing their bodies to be controlled forever, but not Melanie. Her strong will forces her enemy to encounter a power she has never felt: love. Melanie’s love for her family and friends drives her alien invader to become part of her life and experience her love and her fight for freedom. Can anything stop the power of human love?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very intriguing to read a story from the perspective of the “enemy” and feel empathy towards a figure that should be hated. While reading I was not exactly sure where the story was going or what I wanted to happen. In the end I was pleased with the resolution. This is also a pleasant read if you are looking for an interesting read without anything vulgar. Stephanie Meyer has a very imaginative approach to her books and I have not been disappointed with her works. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi/fantasy reads.