The Gilded Cage

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!!

WOW!!!! This series is truly great. Lynette Nono takes commonly used tropes in YA fantasy and completely flips them on their head! Just when I thought I predicted something BAM I was wrong.

I absolutely loved this, just wow.

10/10!!!

Let me just start by saying there is quite literally nothing I wouldn’t do for Caldon, and I think Lynette Noni might actually enjoy torturing readers with these endings? Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…

This was SO good. I loved The Prison Healer so much, and I wasn’t sure how this could possibly live up to the twisty ending of book one, but it did!

Things I Liked:
♥ The characters were SO solid. Kiva and Jaren? Absolutely obsessed with them. I think I’ve made my feelings on Caldon pretty clear, and I just loved the rest of the royals and rebels. Although a lot of new characters were introduced, they all felt super intentional and well fleshed out, and even the characters who made me want to scream, I loved reading about.
♥ Kiva’s internal struggle was so well done. I had a feeling of dread in my stomach from the 20% mark, wondering what she was going to do. I really felt her love for each of the sides pulling her apart, and I genuinely wasn’t sure where she was going to fall.
♥ Although most of this book took place in the city, I really enjoyed getting to see little bits and pieces of the city and the surrounding towns. None of it felt like too much information, but it felt super vivid.
♥ Lynette Noni’s writing is just so easily digested. There’s tons of detail on the magic, the characterization, the history, and none of it feels like a slog at any point. She makes it enjoyable to learn the backstory, and it’s nearly impossible to put the book down when you reach the end of the chapter.

Things I Disliked:
♡ Can I just take a moment to complain about that cliffhanger?! Ugh, how long until Book #3... but seriously, that's it. I loved everything.

Overall Thoughts:
This series has been one of my biggest happy surprises of 2021. I am absolutely head over heels in love with Lynette Noni’s writing and absolutely devastated that I now have to wait for book three (once again, THAT CLIFFHANGER?!) This book was an absolute joy.

Content Warnings: Abuse, drug addiction, illness, injury, violence, mentions of sexual assault (of a minor, I think, but I wasn’t totally certain!) mentions of whipping, drugging, death.

Well, if this isn't the most perfect sequel to an already great first book! I loved "The Prison Healer" when I read it not too long ago and was pumped for the sequel. It turned out even better than I expected.

"The Gilded Cage" takes everything its predecessor did well and does it even better. The writing is superb, with the exception of some minor parts of dialogue that seemed a little too 'modern' to fit the setting. They don't really matter though and definitely don't dampen the flow of the story. The story is an exciting spin on tropes we already know from ya fantasy, and this time around I didn't see all the twists coming (which was my main criticism of the first book). Some plot developments are still predictable, but some twists really surprised me.
The characters are mostly wonderfully written and complex, too. Kiva is an amazing, loveable protagonist that I love to follow on her journey. I was a little disappointed because she didn't have as much agency as in the first book, she was quite a bit more passive this time around. Though I'm sure this will change drastically in the third book. Jaren is a little toooooo perfect and could use some more edges but I still very much liked him. Naari doesn't have as much to do as I hoped she would, but she still remains Queen of my heart. Tipp is as adorable as ever. And Caldon is now pretty firmly my new favourite character. Kiva's siblings are complex and interesting too, and I do hope that Tor becomes a more prominent figure in the next book because I adore him. Suffice to say, I think the characters in this series are absolutely great. There is a lot more character development, too, at least when it comes to Kiva. A lot of the other characters, Jaren especially, lack much development, which was an issue in the first book, too. This is, I think, definitely something Noni could work on in her next works.

The romance is deliciously slow-burn and I love that there is a connection between Kiva and Jaren that goes beyond romance, too. They've been through hell together, they're both traumatized, and while I wish this part of both their characters would have gotten even more focus, it was well done. I rarely really get emotionally involved in ya romance anymore, to be honest, but these two are just so adorable! Also, I sure do hope that Caldon and Tor get to know each other real well come the next book, because damn the potential is there and I am i n t r i g u e d.

I'm not the biggest fan of ending every book in a series, or trilogy, with a cliffhanger. Noni, so far, does exactly that and I admit I saw it coming when I neared the end of the book and sighed. At the same time, I absolutely need book 3 n o w, so I guess the cliffhanger still worked for me. It's also a super fast-paced, quick read that I couldn't put down and thus devoured in a single sitting.
This series is way too unknown and should be way more popular. I gave the first book 4 stars, this sequel deserves 4,5 rounded up to 5 stars. Now, if Lynette Noni could give me that third book please...

This book (and this series and this AUTHOR) are beyond incredible! I'm not sure I've ever been so gripped, and I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait for the next book after that ENDING!

Full of action, romance and magic, The Gilded Cage is possibly even better than The Prison Healer (also 5 stars). A new favourite book, with characters I'm obsessed with and a shattering twist.

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

Ahhhh!! This series is just pure perfection and I cannot get enough of it! The characters, the relationships, the drama; it’s all phenomenal and I need book 3 desperately. I absolutely adore Lynette’s writing style, her world building and characters. She’s inventive, original and clever. A new firm favourite for sure!

The first book left me speechless that ending was everything. I loved it so much that i rushed to netgalley to request the second book. The squeals of delight that came from my mouth when i was approved were proof of how excited i was to continue this series.

This book did not disappoint at all. Kiva is an amazing character and reading her growth and discovering who she is and what she wanted was incredible. Jaren is just swoon worthy he's just everything! Caldon is my favourite his humour it's great i love that he's a bit damaged! I just loved learning more about the characters in this book and where thy came from.

We get to learn more about the magic system in this book and it was great. I love every aspect of it!

Yet again Lynette Noni left it on a major cliffhanger and i am not ok! I don't no when the third book is due for release but i needed it yesterday!!

Solid 5 stars!!

*WARNING! The below contains spoilers for The Prison Healer*

My reading slump is over thanks to this book! I can’t thank Kate at Hodderscape enough for approving my request on Netgalley, I’ve never read a galley so fast! I started The Gilded Cage late on Friday eve (my mistake) and I didn’t want to put it down to go to sleep. It’s been a long time since a book kept me up late so thank you Lynette Noni for writing such a captivating story!

The Gilded Cage kicks off not too long after the end of The Prison Healer (previously reviewed), Kiva has arrived at the palace with Tripp, Jaren and Nazeri and soon becomes torn between her duties and her heart as she gets closer to Jaren and his family. The change in setting was perfect, considering book one took place entirely in a prison, it was refreshing to change it up and this really gave the characters room to grow through the narrative of book two. Kiva has gone on such a journey but we knew her background from The Prison Healer, The Gilded Cage develops Kiva but also gives us background to the royal family and it introduces new players - some of them I really enjoyed getting to know (Caldon became a favourite for me in this book).

One of my favourite things about this series (so far) is the amount of content Noni can cover in one book! I’m seriously looking at her back catalogue. This series is fantasy but it includes themes that you would find in a contemporary novel. I love it so much. The world building and magic system is simplistic but effective, leaving focus for the actual storyline. It’s a hard balance to maintain and usually I would worry about ‘second book syndrome’ which many authors struggle with as they try to get the reader up to speed ready for the conclusion book but that doesn’t apply here!

It’s hard to review this one, I’ve thought about it all week as it is full of twists and turns, revelations and secrets - a joy to read. I loved seeing some of Kiva’s family after only having flashbacks in book one and it turned my stomach at the difficult position Kiva was put in by them. I dreaded getting to the end of this book but at the same time I could not stop. My heart rate went through the roof as I was reading, my emotions changed from one page to the next, it really was a rollercoaster! Kiva is such a fantastic character, I connect with her on so many levels thanks to Noni’s talented writing and, thanks to that ending I am absolutely desperate for book three! Every time I thought I had something figured out I was so far from the truth - definitely kept on my toes!

Basically - I loved The Gilded Cage and I need it to be October now so that everyone else can read it too! I also need it to be next March when book three will hopefully be out!

Due out in October 2021, I’m hugely grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this in advance of publication thanks to NetGalley…and now I am in eager anticipation of book three.
The Gilded Cage opens with Kiva going to stay with Jaren. They have become close, and - for obvious reasons - Kiva is worried about her growing affection for this man who’s come to mean so much to her. He saved her during the Trial by Ordeal, and she cares for him, but her mission weighs heavily on her mind.
Much of the book focuses on the growing threat from the Rebels, and though we don’t get a lot of detail it is clear that there’s a more strategic fight going on than we’re told about. Jaren and his family are fighting to save the King, and to try to keep their people safe.
From the outset, I was curious to see how Kiva would adjust to her new situation. She finds it hard to trust people, but a couple of key moments within the book show us that learning to trust your own judgment is often the hardest battle. After the revelations that come thick and fast at the end of this, it’s even harder to see how Kiva can hope to maintain the sense of equilibrium she had discovered thanks to Cal’s training and the support of those she trusts.
This is such a hard review to write as I don’t want to let crucial plot details slip. The pacing drew me in and I felt like I’d been put through the proverbial wringer by the end of it. There were highs…and lows…and I am genuinely excited to see how Noni continues this enthralling tale.

Thanks to #netgalley for the opportunity to read the second book in the Prison Healer series. This book did not disappoint. The character development including what had kept Kiva going during her 10 years in prison made for compelling reading.
The development of friendships and loyalty to family were shown through Kiva’s eyes in a way that made you wanted to scream at her to stop being so naïve and to see how she was still being manipulated by those around her. She made so many dangerous and frustrating decisions that it left you feeling sorry for her and cross in equal measure.
Unlike the first book some of the plot twists were easier to guess but in some ways that was better because as the reader you could see what was coming and become incredibly frustrated with the characters for not seeing it themselves.
All the way through I just wanted Kiva to see what she had and what she could do but she didn’t until it was too late. I cannot wait for the third book as it ended on the worst cliffhanger leaving me heartbroken and angry in equal measure. Definitely a book you won’t be able to put down.

Thank you so much to Hodderscape for a review copy of this book! Over a week later I am still not over this book.....
HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK WAS SOOOOO GOOD!!!! Don't worry no spoilers but beware if you are yet to read The Prison Healer!
I loved The Prison Healer and I think I loved this even more. The book starts a couple months after the events of Prison Healer so there is a little gap in the story but what went on was explained.
In this book we get to find out more about what is really going on with the Royal family, all the politics, and the rebel activity gave me much to think about! I loved getting more insight into the Kingdom and seeing Jaren acting as heir was really insightful. We meet new characters in this book, some you will love, others not so much...
I loved that we got to learn more about the other members of the Royal Family, getting their back story was really interesting and helped me understand them so much better. Caldon is now probably my favourite out of the Royals, I love him so much!
Everything Kiva thought she knew is turned on its head and she is so torn in what to do! The conflict between her heart and her head is a battle we see her struggle with daily. I'm not going to lie there were times when I was screaming at Kiva!
The sloooooowwww burn in this is killing me, like for real please Lynette I need some steam in book 3! There were so many twists and turns in this book, I didn't find it at all predictable and I must have gasped out loud about 5 times! I was an anxious mess at some points, literally on the edge of my seat heart pounding.
I could not put this book down, it was fast paced and there was always something happening and for me there wasn't any "filler" chapters.
I can't even explain how shook I was at the ending, like, I must have stared at the wall for a good 30 minutes after because I literally didn't know what to do with myself. Why do these authors love to torture us with such awful cliff-hangers!!!
I can't believe I have to wait almost a year for book 3, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself!
All the stars!!!!

“Sometimes the people who act like they don’t care are really the ones who care the most.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: graphic injuries, abduction, drugs, and violence.

Kiva Meridan is a survivor. She survived not only Zalindov prison, but also the deadly Trial by Ordeal. Now Kiva’s purpose goes beyond survival to vengeance. For the past ten years, her only goal was to reunite with her family and destroy the people responsible for ruining their lives. But now that she has escaped Zalindov, her mission has become more complicated than ever. As Kiva settles into her new life in the capital, she discovers she wasn’t the only one who suffered while she was in Zalindov—her siblings and their beliefs have changed too. Soon it’s not just her enemies she’s keeping secrets from, but her own family as well. Outside the city walls, tensions are brewing from the rebels, along with whispers of a growing threat from the northern kingdoms. Kiva’s allegiances are more important than ever, but she’s beginning to question where they truly lie. To survive this time, she’ll have to navigate a complicated web of lies before both sides of the battle turn against her and she loses everything.

Kiva is seen in a different light. Outside of Zalindov, she has the chance to be different and enjoy her newfound freedom. But I really loved that this was overshadowed slightly. She has a cause she’s been told to believe in and when everything she’s been raised to believe is utterly wrong, she has to fight with herself about what to do. She’s determined and cautious, desperate to do what’s right - for the greater good. The perpetual conundrum she finds herself in throughout the story really endeared her more to me. I wanted to know more about what makes her tick, and see whether her heart or her head would win out.
We get to see more of Jaren as who he truly is - not prisoner, but heir to a kingdom. What I loved was getting to see the different sides to him: the firm ruler-to-be, the humble prince, the devoted paramour. Just brilliant. There are a few moments where I feel like we could have seen a little bit more of him, not his persona, but there’s truly some growth that’s so good to see.
Introduced to Caldon, we get the sassy cousin who loves to meddle and cause trouble for everyone. All I can say is that I LOVED getting to know Cal. His teasing nature and fiercely loyal, protective instincts just makes him an easily loved character. Here’s hoping we get to see plenty more of him come the third book.
Tipp is freeeeeee! I was so, so happy getting to see Tipp get up to misadventure, growing into himself and enjoying the world outside Zalindov. We get to see the effect his time in prison has had on him - and I am incredibly grateful for that because such a traumatic experience would leave a mark on anyone - and just experience the delightful ball of energy that is that young boy. I do feel that we don’t know what’s going on with him at the end so I hope it’s clarified at the beginning of book three!
I won’t say much but getting to know Kiva’s siblings was definitely interesting! Plots, deceit, reunions and family drama. Love it!

I am honestly in a state of shock after reading this book. The twists. The turns. The emotions. That ending too has utterly RUINED me. I cannot believe I have to wait a year for the third book because that length of time is going to be AGONISING to say the least. Lynette, how dare you rip out my heart so brutally. Ouch...

Overall, The Gilded Cage is an outstanding sequel, leaving you utterly in shock and oh so desperate for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day

Wow this book was incredible. I was hooked from the start. There is always a worry with the second book that it may not live up to expectations of the first book but this lived up to it and more. I really did not know what to expect with this book and found myself so wrapped up in the story, I was fully invested in it. I liked getting to know different characters in this book especially a certain prince 😉 I also loved getting to know more about the magic and history in this book and seeing Kiva open her heart to others and trying to find herself in the world outside of Zalindov. I love Kiva so much, my heart just aches for her and everything she has been through.

I can’t wait to read the next book and really don’t know what to expect. I am still reeling after that ending ffffff there are no words!!!! I feel like this is how I have felt with each book, I honestly had no clue what to expect and I love that, even if I constantly feel on edge and nervous as to what might or might not happen. These books are thrilling reads with a lot of action, mystery and adventure that have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This book has completely stolen my heart, the story is so gripping and will be a story that stays with me long after I have finished it

What the????
So I devoured the first book and the ending shook me so I immediately requested this arc and was not disappointed.
While I had a hard time wondering if I should like Kiva or not I felt fairly sure I knew what would happen..but no lynette did it again, she surprised me with that ending, this very rarely happens and never twice In a row. I don't know what to do with myself now having to wait so long for the 3rd book.
Another easy 5* book.
That EVERYONE needs to read

Lynette Noni does it again! I loved The Prison Healer - even if I did spoil myself for the final reveal by decoding the whole of the note image the first time it appeared. As a note, the same thing happens in this ARC in that when Kiva writes a coded note the same image appears that contains all the notes in the book.

The Gilded Cage picks up a few weeks after the end of The Prison Healer. Kiva and Tipp are settling into the palace, and we get to meet more of Jaren's family - and Kiva's. I loved most of the new characters, although I did feel that Jaren's character development was sidelined (as in, he didn't really have much unfortunately). There's also another mystery regarding Kiva's family and what's really going on there, which I loved.

Like The Prison Healer, this is full of twists and turns - some I saw coming, some I didn't. One had me groaning, "Please, no!" out loud at around the 80% mark when I started to get suspicious - turned out I was mostly right but not in the way I thought, which I loved.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this but you do need to read The Prison Healer first if you haven't already. A very solid 4.5 stars (knocking off half a star for Jaren's I'm-perfect-with-no-character-development-ness).

My best read this year so far. Book 1 and book 2 are really masterpieces. I fell deeply in love with the characters. The world is so interesting. There is not one part that is boring. Sometimes you think you could predict the story but there is always a suprise and so many good twists.
It is a book that you care about, you want to read again and you will want to read book 3 immediately! I highly recommend this serie!

An undeniably spectacular and incredibly addictive sequel to The Prison Healer,trust me you won’t want to put it down.

Kiva is a survivor.

She survived 10 years inside Zalindov prison,she even survived the deadly Trial by Ordeal—Now,her thoughts turn to vengeance. For Kiva has spent the past decade hoping to reunite with her family and destroy all those responsible for ruining their lives. But, after escaping Zalindov her mission is more complicated than ever.

Settling into her new life in the capital, Kiva discovers that she wasn’t the only one to suffer all those years—her siblings and their beliefs have changed too. Soon it’s not just her enemies she keeping secrets from, but her own family as well.

With tensions brewing outside the city walls, both from the rebels as well as a growing threat in the Northern Kingdoms;Kiva must decide where her loyalties truly lie.To survive, she’ll have to navigate the web of secrets and deceit before both sides turn against her and she looses everything.

I absolutely loved the Prison Healer and was incredibly excited for the chance to read The Gilded Cage—I can honestly say,it definitely didn’t disappoint!

The writing is yet again, phenomenal with a more expansive look outside of Zalindov, I enjoyed seeing more of the towns and cities within Evalon and exploring a little of the culture (the river festival sounded wonderful.)

There was also more scenes involving the elemental magic that was previously introduced—I really enjoyed seeing more of the different elements in action. Seeing the magic being used by some of the new introduced characters, such as Queen Arianna and how that differs to the way it was used in The Prison Healer, was definitely enlightening.

I also really enjoyed seeing Kiva again, learning to adapt to life outside of prison and reuniting with her family. Her development here is also handled incredibly well and I truly empathised with her internal struggle in having to choose between trusting her family or trusting the very people who destroyed her family.

The tension between her and Jaren was more palpable than ever and made for some very good (and angsty) romantic scenes. We also got to explore the backstories for Naari and Prince Caldon which helped me to empathise with them a little more (along with the introduction of several new characters.)

Honestly, I don’t want to say too much (in case of spoilers) but I can guarantee it’s just as action packed and plot twisty as it’s predecessor—in fact I’d argue;with all the factions and intrigue,it’s even better.

If you love YA Fantasy (and S.J Maas worthy plot twists) then you just HAVE to check out this series, it’s absolutely mind blowing!

Thanks again to Hodder&Stoughton & NetGalley for the ARC.

If you enjoyed Prison Healer you will love The Gilded Cage, it only got better! The continued world-building is great and I love the main characters and certain relationship developments (you know who I mean!)

It is the perfect continuation to Prison Healer, can I have book 3 now... PLEASE!

The gilded cage is a fast paced, edge of your seat sequel to the Prison Healer. I really enjoyed the first in the series and this second encounter with the newly freed Kiva is even better than the first!

The plot moves on to how Kiva, Tipp and Javen adjust to life in the Palace. We're introduced to Jaren's family and get to know a whole new bunch of well fleshed out and memorable characters. My particular favourite was Kiva's eccentric Grandmother. I was howling with laughter at her ''book club' scene!

Through exciting twists and turns we learn more secrets about both families and are torn apart by Kiva's inner turmoil. There's political intrigue, a fab little slow burn romance and betrayal aplenty.

Another amazing novel by Noni which has left me desperate for the next instalment.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #hodderandstoughton for allowing me to read this amazing e-arc.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! I have been so excited to read this book since receiving the Prison Healer in the FairyLoot subscription box a few months back. Having to wait till the release date for this book was going to be painful so getting it in advance for a gift indeed! I am only sad now that I have to wait till next July for book 3! So here’s hoping I can request an arc of that at some point because Lynette Noni’s writing is addictive and i need to find out what happens next!
I am hoping FairyLoot does a matching copy to the rest of the series so i can have them all eventually looking gorgeous on my shelves because these books are amazing on the inside and the out. The covers drags you in and the writing keeps you there!

Absolutely incredible.
If you loved the first book, or liked the first book but would have liked it to be a bit faster paced (like the last few chapters were), then you will not be disappointed by this sequel.
I wound up finishing this at 3.30am because from about halfway through there wasn’t a moment to put it down. I was GRIPPED.
The main characters from The Prison Healer still feature heavily, but we meet a whole new cast of supporting characters who add another dimension to the story.
I absolutely loved the twists and turns. I’m not often surprised by books, but the plot surprised me several times.
Overall, The Gilded Cage is a fabulous sequel to The Prison Healer. This series has rapidly become one of my favourites ever, and I absolutely can’t wait for the third book in the trilogy.

Oh! My! God! The Gilded Cage was absolutely everything I could have wanted from this book and more. Last month I read The Prison Healer and fell head over heels in love with it. I was completely obsessed and said that it was my favourite YA Fantasy ever... well, let me tell you... that is absolutely nothing compared to this masterpiece!

The Gilded Cage picks up right where The Prison Healer left off, with Kiva out of Zalindov and on her way to enemy territory. Kiva goes through a massive journey through this one. She has to deal with her growing feelings for Jaren, and her feelings of accountability to her family. She really wars with these two sides of her throughout the book... with disastrous consequences.

I went through such an emotional journey throughout this book. I am absolutely head over heels in love with Jaren. He is just the sweetest and perfect guy and he is head over heels in love with Kiva. I just loved seeing their relationship blossom in this book. I was swooning and my heart was bursting one minute and then the next I was on the verge of an anxiety attack over what was happening. That is a sign of a fantastic author to make me feel everything so much. I went through such a rollercoaster of emotions while reading. My utter love of Kiva and Jaren. My absolute terror of what was going to happen. My utter heartbreak at that ending. I was left screaming "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME LYNETTE?!?!?"

The Gilded Cage was utter perfection. It was packed full of emotion and it had the most incredible fast-paced plot. I was left reeling so many times from the twists and turns hidden around every corner. I couldn't believe what was happening and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I needed to make sure my favourites were okay.... I am absolutely dying to get my hands on the third book in this series. I loved every single second! It was perfection! My favourite read of the year so far!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Prison Healer became one of my favourite reads this year so when I saw that I've been approved to read The Gilded Cage I was BEYOND ecstatic.

As with all other series where I fell in love with the first book, I had my fears that the second book will not live up to it's predecessor. Boy was I wrong. This book was everything. TPH was really good, but THIS was even better. We get to meet new characters who are every bit as fandom worthy as Kiva, Jaren, Tipp and Naari are. I am happy to report that this series is truly inclusive, the characters are diverse and have strong individual personalities. I also appreciated that most characters had their fair share of flaws as well. Not Jaren of course, he's way too good for that. Thank you Lynette Noni, like I really needed all of his perfection after every men tinder could offer. Also Rhys beware because Jaren is here for the Bookbae throne and I might just have to cheat.

The story gets more tangled with twists and turns in every chapter. You can expect dark circles under your eyes because this is a book where each chapter ending leaves you unsatisfied, so naturally you'll have to read until you drop. I also want to prepare you all for the emotional rollercoaster and a cliffhanger ending that left me sitting on my bed contemplating my life. Because The Gilded Cage will be published in October so I have no clue when book three will hit the shelves and how long I'll be suffering without answers, and Jaren.

I am so so thankful that I've found this series though and thank you for @lynettenoni for creating this world.

If you haven’t read The Prison Healer yet, I strongly advise you to do so.

I got my e-arc via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I’m at a loss for words. Genuinely speechless and heartbroken and in shock and I’m not sure how long it’ll take me to get over that ending.

I have no idea how to review this without giving anything away, but what I can say is this; the writing is phenomenal - the short time it took me to devour this, every minute of my day was filled with thoughts of what will happen next. I was utterly enchanted from the beginning straight through to the end.

The plot development and the plot twists are mind blowing. Normally, I can guess pretty easily about people’s motives and how things will turn out, but I didn’t see any of those twists coming at ALL. So, cue speechlessness.

The characters. Oooh the characters. If I had the time (and wasn’t utterly brain dead) to write an ode to each of them in this series, I absolutely would. I loathed and I loved so damn hard that some parts physically pained me to read.

As for the romance, you want slow burn? This book took it to another level. The angst and palpable tension between Kiva and Jaren is off the charts, and everything I’ve ever wanted in slow burn.

The banter-friendship that forms between Caldon and Kiva was so nice to read, and definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. Actually, Cal in general quickly became one of my favourite characters, from his arrogant, light hearted humour to his open attraction to Torell (which, can I just say, is a ship that I will go down with).

I’m trying to form an eloquent review to do this series justice but honestly just- read it and see for yourself.

This has been a highlight of my year so far and I feel honoured to have been provided with this arc. June 2022 for the next instalment? Are you trying to kill me??

This book was everything I wanted and then some. It was the perfect sequel and I don't know what to do with myself until the next book comes out.

In The Gilded Cage we are introduced to new characters, two of which have stolen my heart away. I will do anything for Caldon and Tor, they are my precious babies to the point where I don't care if everything else goes to hell as long as they're happy. Also, Rhess and Tor are the real ship here, fight me all you want, but I need that story to be told and I need it to be epic.

But in the mean time, I do love a good slow burn romance. The angst in this book, you guys. Chef's kiss, that's all I will say. And the friendship between Caldon and Kiva, that was probably what made this book for me. I love them. Platonic relationships are so underrated.

As well as getting to know more about the characters and their relationships, in this book we also dive deeper into life at the palace and court politics, as well as the whole magic aspect of the story. A big part of this is Kiva trying to come to terms with who she is and who she wants to be and, although I could see most plot twists coming, I don't know what to do with that cliffhanger. Like, is that even fixable? That can't be the way it stays forever, I mean it can and we could still get a happy ending that way, but I don't want it to. (I know I'm probably making no sense, just do yourself a favor and go read the book please)

Anyway, it was awesome, I flew threw it and I would devour the next book right now if I could.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a digital review copy in exchange of an honest and voluntary review.

4.5 ⭐️
I was lucky to be given an ARC by NetGalley for this book. My opinions are truly my own.

I loved the Prison Healer and was dying to read what happened with Kiva next. Without spoiling anything, I can say that the writing style follows that of TPH. So if you liked the first book, you’ll definitely like this one.
Slow burn romance much?
Side note: while I spent the book thinking it was predictable, I never saw the end coming!

“The Gilded Cage” is the next book in the Prison Healer series.
Let me just start by saying Lynette you did it again! I say this about quite a few books but this was so fun to read and it was such a struggle to put it down even when it was nearly 3am.
“The last thing i want is to make her feel like she’s trapped in another kind of cage, gilded though it might be.”
The pace of this book was slightly slower than The Prison Healer but this is because we learn a lot of information in this book but we still get quite a lot of action.
“I know what it’s like to become that darkness, how consuming it is. It’s so much easier to hide in the night than to fight for the light.”
I loved reading about the relationships between Kiva and other characters but i absolutely loved Caldon and i hope we get to see more of him in the next book.
I did lose a bit of my love for Kiva as sometimes i thought she was just being, in all honesty, stupid. Like i get why she did some of them but i don’t see how she didn’t realise that she was being manipulated.
There is a lot more world building and quite a few plot twists that we’re so cleverly written that i was actually shocked.
The writing was immaculate and i can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released!
A massive thank you to NetGalley and Lynette Noni for another fantastic book!

I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Gilded cage has 5 stars for itself and 10 stars for Caldon. He only had a small cameo in the first book, but here it's like you've meet your long lost handsome brother that you want to protect with your own life, and he wants to protect his
"Your magic is pure, your heart is true. You have to fight it."
"Be the light in the dark."
I loved Prison healer for all the plot twist that were making me reconsider my deduction choices, in Gilded cage we can experience one betrayal after another and I'm here for it, some people can call Kiva naive, but if only you'll read closely you're actually following her adventure of grief and heartbreak when every next truth is revealed - I can't imagine what I'd feel in her place so I won't judge her whatsoever.
Have I mentioned Caldon? Just once?
Boiii, he's the best this series could get, I was quoting every single word he said, and took this story to whole another level.
And the ending, to think I have to keep myself breathing until spring 2022 to get another chapter of this story makes me starting to Google ways to fast forward time.
If you loved Prison healer, you'll adore this sequel and new doors it opens. If you weren't a fan of the first book please still give Gilded cage a chance - I can guarantee you'll be positively surprised!

Fantastic sequel that thankfully didn't suffer the series book curse!

It takes a lot for a second book to live up to the expectations and hype following an amazing first book in a series....
Noni not only delivered, she left it signed sealed and gift wrapped!

The level of world building was just as, if not even more fantastic than TPH. I found myself again, fully immersed in the world of Princes, magic, betrayal and so much more. It felt like I was living with these amazingly brought to life characters.

The amount of secrets in these pages should probably have left me dizzy with confusion and needing a Kiva remedy... however, they're introduced so fluidly that it reads so simply and without effort.

I can not WAIT for the next installment of this series. Can only hope and pray that it will be on our screens one day too!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion*

And Again Lynette Loni surprised me with another amazing book.
It picks up about 6-8 weeks after the events of the first book. Due to the change of scenery, this book was very different, but it still had a feeling of familiarity. This is probably due to Loni's amazing character work. I just loved learning more about Kiva, Jaren, Tipp, and all the other characters. And all the new characters are either very lovable or extremely hateable.
And the story...damn..so many twists and turns. Some I expected, some took me completely of guard and for some I had a feeling. But the mix of this is what made this book so very much enjoyable.
So if you liked the first book, plot twists and a very very slow slow-burn you will definetly enjoy this book!
Also, that cliffhanger...mean, like I need book 3 now!

A phenomenal follow up and second part to this duology which YA readers will absolutely devour. I am sure this will be another huge success.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5/5 ⭐
The star 0.5 less for Kiva's questionable decisions even though the story entirely based on it.
It felt so good to be back the amazing characters and to know more about Jaren's family and Kingdom. The story kept escalating and the pace was very good. With Kiva reunited with her family of rebels, she has to choose whether to support them or Jaren and whichever she chooses there'll be dire consequences. It all ends where it started.
I loved the story development, the old and new characters, the seriousness of the plot and the cunning politics. I hated Kiva's decisions at times but she couldn've been kept innocent and still make her a victim. I feel hurt for a lot of characters and I badly want to read the next book now.

Before I start, I want to give a huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

If you remember The Prison Healer ended on one hell of a twist, as Kiva has escaped the death prison, Zalindov with Jaran and Tripp, revealing her true identity. The Gilded Cage picks up from this point, where we find Kiva living in the palace with no idea what her next steps may be, but with her plans to betray Jaren and his family to the rebels intact. However, as the story progresses she becomes more and more conflicted, as the royal family take her in as one of their own.

Kiva’s conflict is central to the storyline, which for some readers may be a tad frustrating, but for me brings a whole new dimension to the story. Themes of family as being that of blood - blood is thicker than water, etc and family as found or chosen abound throughout the book.

In addition there are all of the politics, intrigue and twists that Lynette Noni delivers beautifully. Plus, a few reveals that really shine a light on certain characters, which as a reader make you want to shake Kiva a little, but again Noni is brilliant at illustrating how sometimes you can be so close to something, you just can’t see the whole picture.

There are some new characters in this book, including Caldon, who we really didn’t get to know previously. Caldon is bold, arrogant and seriously sassy, but he is a character with depth and there’s a heart wrenching back story that goes a long way into delivering a greater depth of understanding him. Tipp is still very much present in the book, as are Jaren and of course Naari.

If you loved The Prison Healer, then obviously you’ll jump at this 2nd book in the series…you have to, it definitely does NOT suffer from 2nd book syndrome and is just as phenols as Book 1!

If you haven’t read either book yet, but love magic, great storytelling, and are looking for a book that is going to hook you from start to end, grab them both. You won’t regret it…I’ve already got my ore-order in for The gilded Cage and am already champing at the bit for book 3!!!

WOW. After I read the first book I fell in love with the characters and didn't think the 2nd book could top it. But it did. This book kept me on my toes and I need the next one asap! I couldn't believe the twists and turns and secrets that we find out, I had to stop for some parts to process what had just happened. Lynette Noni is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I can't wait for The Blood Traitor to come out. One of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given to a book.

I opened this book with a sense of dread! Hear me out! I knew what was at stake here for Kiva and I really didn't want her to go down the path she intended....but I knew this was going to get my stomach in a knot!

And it did. So badly! But I loved every minute of it!

We saw more of the world outside of the prison, in Evalon, where Kiva now lives in the palace with all the luxury and comforts she could want. We see the Royal family and we also are introduced to Kiva's family and we hear about the politics of their world.

Jaren, Tipp and Naari are back and we also see more of Caldon and the Royal family dynamics which were actually very heartwarming for the most part. Talking of Jaren. I love him! I want him to be mine!

I really don't want to say more about the plot but you can expect drama, family reunions, secrets that are revealed, twists and an ending that will make you want to scream!!!

'Be the light in the dark, Kiva.'

This book blew me away. After devouring The Prison Healer, I wanted to get my hands on this as soon as possible. That ending of TPH left me needing more and I was so lucky to get this on Netgalley. In the sequel, we follow on from the ending of TPH and continue to follow Kiva on her revolution. Kiva continued to grow on me as a character, as did Jaren. And who doesn’t live Tripp!? I loved exploring learning more about Kiva’s family, more about the Royal Family and more about elemental magic. Like TPH, this books dropped hints throughout it in advance of any twists and I loved that. I’m keeping this review spoiler free so won’t go into too much detail. I continue to love Noni’s writing style and I cannot wait for book three. The endings that Noni gives us are just incredible. If you haven’t guessed, this series is by far one of my favourite ever!

ALL THE STARS!!!

When I first started out with The Prison Healer I was honestly asking myself why the bloody fuck people were raving about it. I didn’t understand whatsoever. And then I got to 50% in and boy did things start getting real.

The Gilded Cage is the second instalment in The Prison Healer series and I can honestly say I enjoyed it a lot more than the first book. This book is more fast paced and instantly gets to the interesting action which is something that I particularly enjoyed.

One thing I absolutely adored was seeing and experiencing Kiva’s inner turmoil about who (and where) her allegiance laid with. The high stakes she faced trying to figure out who she wanted to be in this new world of hers was absolutely insane.

I’m going to be honest, this review is all over the place because it’s been a week now and I am still reeling over that twist ending. I am in shock, I cannot cope and I am all up in my feels.

What happens next?!? 😭

Holy freaking hell!!

After the that ending in The Prison Healer, I knew that it was going to be a wild ride in The Gilded Cage! And I wasn’t wrong!
I guessed some parts before they were revealed, but…well…see my opening line.

Kiva is out of Zalindov, but that doesn’t mean she’s free. A new prison has sprung its walls around her and while it may not be as brutal as her former home, it is just as dangerous. She will have to learn diplomacy, she will have to learn secrecy, she will have to learn to keep her damn magic under control.

I usually find that the middle book of a trilogy suffers a little. Some seem like fillers, book-ended by the opening and closing of the story. I am pleased to say that that affliction doesn’t apply to this story.

There’s civil unrest, an undercurrent of something brewing, more Royals than you can poke a stick at, and the suspense is everywhere leading (glueing) the reader to the final pages and for the second time in this trilogy That.Ending!!

I don’t know if my heart can take much more of this…

I’ve warmed to YA Fantasy over the course of this year, perhaps I’ve unfairly judged it in the past. Or perhaps Lynette Noni is just that good. It’s probably a little of both.

How in the hell am I’m going to cope with waiting so long for the last book???!!!

Thank you so much to Lynette Noni, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“You say you became the darkness, that it consumed you, […] but I can bull on that. I’ve never met anyone who shines as brightly as you do.”
•
Not only Lynette Noni broke my heart (again) but she left me with this huuuge cliffhanger (AGAIN) and I really don’t know how I can cope with it 😭. I devoured this book and didn’t want to let it go. Kiva’s journey is so interesting and difficult, not only because she has to struggle to find a way to live after 10 years in prison, but also because she doesn’t know what to choose between her family and her heart. I loved seeing her interact, not only with Jaren, but also with the Vallentis family and, of course, her own family…. (Okay I won’t comment on her sibilings because I could become offensive 🤬). She needs to hide her power and her past, but also try to start following her dreams, because now that she is free, she can! And Jaren is so supportive in that, I would say it’s even annoying at time how perfect he is but after that ending I am not ready to speak about him 😰. Basically the only thing I can do is crying and tick off the days till the new book is released. It doesn’t happen very often that I want to yell at characters but this time it did happen and after hours I still want to take two characters, bring them to life and hurt them badly.. so much for those who say reading is relaxing 😂!

Let me just say a massive thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and of course Lynette Noni for letting me read this absolute masterpiece.

**Contains Spoilers**


After reading and marvelling at the complex but very much magical first book The Prison Healer I fell in love with Noni’s writing style. Whilst it is jam packed with information and hidden plots it is super easy to read and The Gilded Cage was no exception to this.
The Gilded Cage for me was completely different in storyline to The Prison Healer. The Prison Healer was full of action and drama whereas The Gilded Cage was full of background, family, love and of course a bucket load of angst.
I so desperately wanted Jaren and Kiva’s relationship to progress into something so so much more but alas taking over a throne isn’t that easy. Throw in her rebel siblings and a half decent amount of betrayal it makes it even harder for her and Jaren to become more.
Tipp of course is just far too adorable and I have to say even Caldon was a firm favourite character of mine too!

One thing I will say is what the fu--- was that ending???!!!!!! Another impressive cliff-hanger leaving me absolutely reeling in the aftermath of a Lynette Noni spectacular.

After finishing this book I was once again left a little bit empty because I don’t have book three (The Blood Traitor) to immediately dive into…. I am praying for an early release or even the E-ARC of that book just to receive some closure (like a relationship you never want to end but can see the finish in the distance).

The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni✨


Now, when I read The Prison Healer I was immediately obsessed. That book is pure perfection - so I was worried where this one was going to go…

…but there was no need to worry. Not at all. This sequel is EVERYTHING. I physically couldn’t put it down.

The writing is stunning, I was enraptured from the very beginning- dying to know what happens after the cliffhanger from the previous book.

The characters are exciting and well developed, all of our favourites from book one make an appearance with some others becoming firm favourites.

I love how the idea of found family is so prominent in this series, the relationships are so natural and well written. And Kiva? I love her. Want to shake her sometimes, but she’s definitely one of my favourite protagonists. Her character growth is on point!

The book gives you answers, and bounds of new information. I’m almost terrified of what is going to happen next…

AND I thought the first cliffhanger was painful, this wait is going to hurt. I need to know what happens next. I’m stressed okay😅

Out in October (UK) - believe me, this is a book you want to preorder. It’s so worth it😍

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

publication date ; 0ct 12

This book was a perfect sequel , picking up right from it left in the first book the prison healer , fast paced and even more complex. Now that kiva was out of the prison the problems for her have increased as her life isn't just constricted to the prison but beyond those walls, in a much larger kingdom which she wants to regain . but due to her growing affection for the crowned prince due to which she is in a conflict who to show her loyalties towards , whether to complete what her mother wanted from her or side the people who have treated her like family now that her own siblings are hiding things from her , well 10 years of separation can do it .

the characters showed so much development from the first book , from kiva who was now now learning the extent of her magic and what all it cam do and what it did in the past with people who possessed it , learning secrets which were hidden from her for all those years,
Jaren my god I waited for him , every scene with him had a different light to it , and after that ending I want to what becomes of him in the final installment.

The amount of plot twists in this single book were mind blowing and I couldn't see a single of them coming specially the last one which made me scream . ALSO THE ANGSTT , IT . WAS . KILLING . ME . but yes to more of it in the 3rd book .
In short this book was perfect and you should read it .

trigger warnings; mentions of death , violence [ knife ] , imprisonment , drug abuse .

thank you netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me an arc of this book .

Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start? This book was so good and left me with three words upon finishing - "what the fu--??".

The Gilded Cage is the second instalment in The Prison Healer trilogy. The Prison Healer quickly became one of my favourite reads of 2021 when I finished it recently and The Gilded Cage certainly doesn't disappoint. Kiva has survived not only Zalindov - "The Death Prison" but also The Trial by Ordeal - both of which people never survive in. Now that Kiva has left - or rather escaped - Zalindov, she is living in the palace of the very people who put her in Zalindov in the first place. Now Kiva has to decide where her loyalties really lie; to the royal family who are nothing like the rebels led her to believe, or to her brother and sister, the people now leading the rebel mission.

Picking this book up, I was thrust right into the story following Kiva's escape. There's no journey to the palace which I quite liked otherwise I feel like it would have been boring and it would have taken me so long to get into. At the start of this book we go to the roots of Kiva being a healer and the story behind her father too.

The story is quite slow paced but this did allow the story to be told in a bit more depth and allow for a little bit of character development.

Like in The Prison Healer, Tipp is adorable and still deserves the entire world and I swear to almighty god, if Noni kills him off in the last book, we're gonna have a serious problem. I loved the character of Prince Caldon, Jaren's cousin. He's the perfect example of how people can seem perfectly fine on the outside and be a fearsome warrior and appear that everything is fine when in fact, internally, they're fighting some really tough demons.

The writing, the plot, the characters, the world in this book are just phenomenal and I'm excited, yet scared, for the final instalment.

This review has been taken from my blog, which will be published on https://princessofink.wordpress.com on September 21st 2021 at 9am UK time. Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the eARC, which was provided to me in exchange for this honest review.

My actual rating for this book is 4.5 stars (not 5).

The Gilded Cage is a stunning, action-packed sequel to The Prison Healer that will have you on the edge of your seat. With a signature Lynette Noni cliffhanger, this book will leave you desperate for the last instalment in this thrilling trilogy.

The Gilded Cage blew me away. There are tons of twists in this book, some small and some big. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, Lynette Noni proved me wrong and made something even better happen. The reveals in this sequel are peppered throughout, always leaving you wanting the extra bit of information the characters carefully withhold. Between the overall plot of this book and the clever way hints and important things are hidden in plain sight, The Gilded Cage cements Lynette Noni’s status as a masterful storyteller. I’m genuinely afraid of what’s she’s cooked up for The Blood Traitor, given the twists and turns these first two books have taken.

After the events of the first book, Kiva, Jaren and co find themselves in Vallenia, the capital city of Evalon. With this change in setting came a whole new host of supporting characters, including Kiva’s older siblings and the rest of the royal Vallentis family. I loved all of the new characters this book brought us! Though I presume you’re meant to dislike – or at least, distrust – some of them (and at times, I certainly did), I really liked the complexity and tension they all added to Kiva’s life. Throughout the book, she struggles with her promise to help her siblings bring down the Vallentis family while feeling drawn to the warmth and kindness Jaren, his siblings and even his parents offer, and that was really interesting to see play out and affect the choices Kiva made.

For some reason, I wasn’t as keen on the romance between Kiva and Jaren this time around. There’s not much of it (the main plot definitely takes centre stage), but I found it a bit cringey whenever Jaren would call Kiva pet names, like “beautiful” or “sweetheart”. I didn’t have a problem with him being “the nice guy” in the first book, so I’m not sure what prompted this feeling in The Gilded Cage. It just made me feel… icky.

I loved the expansion of the world that this plotline gave us. Now she’s out of Zalindov, Kiva was able to properly explore (some of) the kingdom outside the prison walls. If you thought Noni’s vivid imagery with Zalindov prison was impressive, you’re not ready for the likes of the River Palace, Silverthorn Academy and all the other places Kiva’s mission takes her.

We also get to see more of the elemental magic system in The Gilded Cage, which is featured more prominently than in the first book. As a huge fan of elemental magic systems, I really enjoyed this! It was great to see the different ways both new and returning characters (such as Queen Ariana and Princess Myrrin) used their magic, especially against each other in a particular action scene.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Gilded Cage. I adored all the political intrigue and complex situations Kiva had to manage and the resulting twists and turns. The tension from some of the reveals had me feeling so tense and slightly breathless at times! The only reason why I have rated this book 4.5 stars and not 5/5 is because of Jaren/his pet names and the romance subplot – but that shouldn’t sway you from reading this book! You absolutely should!

Warning! This is the second installment in The Prison Healer trilogy so be aware that the following review may contain spoilers regarding the first book, The Prison Healer of which a review can be found in one of my earlier posts!

Lynette Noni definitely didn’t hold back in any regard when writing the book. In The Gilded Cage, the second book in The Prison Healer trilogy, everything is taken to the next level. The first book was a joy to read but it was clearly just the introduction, the beginning of the adventure which really takes off in The Gilded Cage. The intrigues a deeper, the secrets more dangerous and the plot twists are more twisted than ever. Every single time I thought I had it all figured it out, something happened or was revealed that changed everything. Happiness, grief, betrayal, loyalty and heartbreak - this book’s got it all. It’s hands down one of the best books I’ve read this year.

In The Gilded Cage, we are also introduced to so many new fantastical characters. I love Kiva and Jaren - of course I do - but these new characters truly enhances the story a lot. Especially a certain elderly woman and her book club… Such a brilliant addition that one, just thinking about it makes me smile.

Prepare yourselves because this is the adventure you’ve all been waiting for. The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni is definitely YA fantasy at its very best!


***I received an ARC of The Gilded Cage through NetGalley (thank you Hodder & Stoughton) in exchange for an honest review.***

thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. i loved the first book, so i was really looking forward to this one, and i certainly was not disappointed. i absolutely loved this book. because of this i am giving it 5/5 stars.

Did the twist in the Prison Healer shock you? Don’t worry , the Gilded Cage has more twists and is actually better than the first book!! I loved this book and all its themes (romance, found family, revenge ) . It’s hard to review without spoiling the first book but it’s such a good book!! I love a strong female lead with a range of emotions ❤️❤️

After the ending of the first book I had to read this one immediately. It was more slow paced than the previous book, but still it was amazing and surprising. In the Gilded Cage we get to know new people and new locations. We meet siblings of the main character, but also the characters known from The Prison Healer like Caldon (who was amazing btw). The plot was interesting and the ending... Why another cliffhanger? Now I can't wait to read the third book. 5/5⭐

Thank you NetGalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

The Prison Healer series is absolutely incredible so far. The Gilded Cage continues the story a couple of months after The Prison Healer ended and this time we get to explore the wider world in which the series is set. I was absolutely enthralled from page 1. I adored the characters in the first book and was delighted to learn more about them in this second book, the character development is supremely done! Each and every single character, even the new ones we meet in this book, is well rounded and 'feels' real. The writing style and the descriptions of the world were done so well that I really felt totally immersed and could imagine everything playing out like a movie in my head.
In this book Kiva finds she has to deal with the conflict of what her family expects her to do and the new life she wants to lead. She has her heart on both sides and her inner battle is heart breaking. And let's just not even talk about Kiva and Jaren because that will they / won't they romancy angst between them was KILLING me! I mean... for crying out loud Kiva, just kiss the dude!
Again I absolutely adored this book, just as I expected to. I love that the world and the characters are growing as the series progresses. I'm so incredibly excited to read the next book and also so incredibly upset that I have to wait until 2022! ha ha ha....
P.S. I still want to be Kiva ha ha ha.....

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

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!!!!!!

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!

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.

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.

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 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!

🌟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

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!

Wow, what an incredible follow up to The Prison Healer - absolutely fantastic. Again, wonderfully written and gripping right from the start! Would definitely recommend!

This hurts. A lot.

That’s the review, lol. I am kidding, but that’s pretty much how I would sum up this book. Don’t worry, I will tell you more about The Gilded Cage, the brilliant sequel of The Prison Healer. But truth is, I was in pieces at the end of this book and I should warn you before you pick this up, you should prepare yourself to be destroyed. Also, if you haven’t read The Prison Healer you should not read this review as it contains spoilers of the first book.

The Gilded Cage takes place a little after the events of the first book. Kiva is out of Zalindov prison, protected by Jaren, who is also the current heir to the throne. The same throne Kiva is secretly plotting to take, as she is trying to get revenge on the people who destroyed her family (so yeah, you know, Jaren’s family). Kiva is finally reunited with her long lost brother and sister but, while her feelings for Jaren keeps growing, she often questions her allegiances and loyalties.

In this sequel you will get both sides of the story, you will get to meet the whole royal family but also Kiva’s remaining family’s side. Like Kiva, you will probably struggle to pick a side. I was personally not ready to like Caldon so much and he is possibly one of my favourite characters of this series (and I’m sure he will become your next new fictional boyfriend). And I was also not ready to like Kiva’s brother, Tor, so much.

It is a solid sequel, it raises the stakes of the first book, it introduces many new amazing characters, and you get a glimpse of the world outside Zalindov and the royal ruling family. Compared to the first book, you can expect a different pace and less action, as this story is mostly focused on politics and family issues. Because of the way it ends, I have high expectations that we will continue to explore this world in the next book and get more entangled with all the lies and plotting of this world.

It answered lots of questions posed at the end of The Prison Healer, which was my favourite part, I love it when I don’t have to wait until the very last chapter of a series to know what I need to. While some secrets were finally told, this sequel will just leave you with even more mysteries and plots to unravel. The ending will kill you, I’m sorry, I can’t sugarcoat it. It’s such a great story so far, Lynette Noni is such a mastermind, the writing is super engaging and the plot twists are so unexpected, it was difficult to put it down (even if I had the urge to scream and throw my kindle at the end).

I have to admit, there were moments where I wanted to shake Kiva and tell her to wake up, but it was a difficult journey for her and I felt how she was questioning everything she was doing and feeling. She was a character split in two and I felt for her during the whole book. Finally, I feel the moral obligation to add that the slow burn romance in this book is ridiculously good.

I am sure that if you loved The Prison Healer, you will definitely love the sequel as well. The Gilded Cage is more about the politics around Vallentis and Corentine family members. It was what I was expecting from this sequel and so much more. I want book three right now, please.

Thank you so much Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. The opinions above are my own.

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.

Wow! This book is just as good as the first!

This book picks up where we left off in book one, with Kiva, Jaren and Tipp escaping from the prison and heading back to the palace.

I don’t want to give more than that as I don’t want to say any spoilers, but omg!!! So many twists and turns I just did not see coming!

This book keeps you just has hooked as book one, with so many characters you can not help but love (Caldon!); but keeping to the originality of the story and the reasons behind why everyone is doing what they are!

I am now absolutely devastated I have to wait for the next book! This is slowly becoming one of my favourite series I’ve read!

I loved this series!!!!! the characters, the world-building. I was a little apprehensive about which direction the author would go after the bombshell ending of the last book. However, they did not disappoint at all. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new series.

Where do I even start! The prison healer series might be my favourite series of 2021 we see so many trilogies fall down in the second book, but my friends The Gilded Cage is an epic sequel that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Not a single page was wasted it was pure magic!

It follows off exactly where we left off Kiva is in the Capital and living a life caught between the boy she loves and duty to her family. We get to learn more about each sides family and family secrets are revealed.

The ending might have you wanting to throw the book at the wall or put it in the naughty corner! Cannot wait for the third book! I have a feeling it’s going to be EPIC

4,5 stars

OMG the angst!! What a rollercoaster of emotions here!
I wanted to peek at the ending, badly, so many times as I was biting all my nails and needed reassurance about Kiva and Jaren. But I resisted and when I reached the end….what a finale! On a huge cliffy where my heart goes to Kiva and Jaren!
How will I wait for the third and last book in the series?

Now that some of my pent-up emotions are out of the way, let’s get to what is The Gilded Cage about.
WARNING: If you haven’t read the Prison Healer yet, don’t go further as you’ll get spoilers for book 1!

The Gilded Cage begins after the Prison Healer ended.
Kiva and Tipp are both in Vellantis, in the palace, invited by Jaren.
Jaren still cares very much about Kiva and all along, he’ll be a real cinnamon roll. Not only is Jaren handsome and talented in combat and magic but he also has a heart of gold and he’ll prove it countless times!
That’s why Kiva, being the daughter of the last rebel Queen and decided to have a revenge is absolutely torn about it!
All along, she’ll be torn between her allegiance to her family, her sister the harsh and fierce Zuleeka and her brother the brave but sweet Torell, and between Jaren and his family as they welcomed her with open arms.
Everyone in the royal family was so kind to her. Even the infuriating Caldon , Jaren’s cousin, real flirt but expert in combat and drill sergeant to Kiva.

So even when her brother and sister wanted her to help them dethrone the royal family, Kiva couldn’t help but dream of another future. One as a healer, one with Jaren.

Things really got messy and complicated for her and I was on pins and needles all the time!

I wanted Kiva to let go of her revenge and choose to forgive. I wanted her to explain to her siblings why she couldn’t follow that path. And I was also angry because Jaren did certainly not deserve such duplicity!

We’ll have many twists, one of the biggest right at the end,an amazing cast of characters, conflicted feelings, choices to make, secrets uncovered about Kiva’s family and her power, and a huge cliffhanger!

I promise you won’t be able to stop reading!

RATING: 4.5

Thank you so much Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing sequel of one of my fav reads of this year.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! That ending made me so angry I almost had an heart attack. Those last plot twists made me want to throw something at the wall.
I especially loved Kiva and Jaren relationship on this book. The pining and yearning OMG it was so perfect. Although in this book my fav character was for sure Caldon. He was so funny and smart-ass, every dialogue with he had with Kiva made me want to laugh so hard,
After the ending of The Prison Healer I was really curious on how the author would continue the story and I must tell I was NOT disappointed. I loved all the twists and turns the story took.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series since this is becoming my favorite series of this year.

Thank you so much to Lynette Noni and Hodder and Stoughton for an arc edition of The Gilded Cage in exchange for my honest review.

Fresh off the back of a read of The Prison Healer, I was super excited to get stuck into the sequel. Picking up a few months after we left off at the end of the previous books, I was so excited to see our girl Kiva out in the world outside of the prison walls.

I loved every minute of this book. From the continued slow burn relationship between Kiva and Jaren, the friendships with both Naari and Tipp, and the addition of some pretty awesome side characters like Caldon, Tor and Rhess, everything drew me in and made me want to read more.

But can we take a minute to talk about the last 10% of the book and how much it broke my heart please? I need to get a copy of the next book straight away because I need answers!

I could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting!! The story and plot had me hooked from the start. There was definite character growth and plot twists that took me by surprise. Loved the slow burn romance.
I need book 3 now!!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Such a great read!!!
Lynette Noni has worked her magic in this fantastic read. I was a little nervous going in, Often times in trilogies the second book syndrome is very very real! But this was not one of those times! The character growth, the plot twists!! The slow burn romance - swoon!!!

Lynette has such a wonderful gift of storytelling and it definitely shines through in her work, a brilliant read. But the ending?!? How do I get my hands on book 3😂

Lynette noni did it again !!!! I love this series so much!! Although this wasn’t as action packed as the first book, it was just as thrilling and focused more on the characters rather than the plot. This book was mostly just setting up the next book but we get loads of information on both Kira and Jaren’s families. And omg JAREN !!!! I love him so much and my heart HURTS for him and kiva. Truthfully I expected to find Kiva annoying in this book but instead I ended up liking her to much more as compared to the first book. The conflict she was going through was so intense and that ending hit me right in my feels. I’m not going to be okay until the next book comes out, until then I will be waiting in pain. I love the extended cast so much too! Caldon is amazing and Tor is the best brother ever. Thank you so so much netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e-arc!!!

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

I thought The Prison Healer was amazing, but honestly The Gilded Cage was even better. This was so incredible, absolutely loved this from beginning till the end. The story continues in this book, the plot was so great. Felt so many emotions, the betrayal?? I’m still hurt bout that.

I absolutely loved the characters, each of them are written so well and with the introduction of new characters it still all made sense. Also the slow burn romance was slowly killing me.

Absolutely such a fantastic easy story, I’d recommend reading this. I’m so in love with this serie, I honestly can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.

Well where do I start with this review... the twists and turns in this book made me pace my bedroom floor whilst desperately trying to finish the book, just to be left with the biggest cliffhanger!
This book series is probably one of the best YA novels I have read in a while, it's almost enemies to lovers and by the end of the book you don't trust any of the characters.

I like that even though this book has some magic in it, there isn't too much. It's a nice break from some of the other fantasy novels I have been reading where every main character is given some kind of power. I think the only downside I had to this book was that it wasn't long enough! I felt that the ending was rushed and would have enjoyed the whole final arc to have been spread out a bit more but it did keep the pace up for the last 100 pages of the book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc of this book and I am so excited for the next book in this series.

Lynette Noni has done it again.

I’m absolutely devastated.

Quite honestly, the long length and the beginning of this book was lacklustre. The charm to the first book is its unique and harrowing setting - the prison. This book is a lot more political. About learning to live with your enemies, but maybe not everyone is who they seem.

The writing though, god. It’s so easy to be suckered in and fall for literally every character. I love Kiva and Jaren together like I’ve never loved any book character before. I love Prince Caldon too. Hell yeah I do.

Kiva is busy spending her whole time trying to remember that Jaren is from the family of her enemies. Whilst saying oh no, don’t take off your shirt, oh no, that shirt looks so good on you. I’m HERE for all of it!

This is a phenomenal YA fantasy and I’ve fallen for it hook, line, and sinker. The writing, world-building, characters, plot - this series has it all.

Please, please read The Prison Healer. Fall into Lynette’s gripping words and take part in Kiva’s journey. I will rave about this book until I am blue in the face.

Thank you SO MUCH again to Kate at Hodderscape for granting me an e-copy on NetGalley. I can’t wait to have an actual physical copy in my hands.

Wow! The plot was even more intense than in the first book, with a more vast world than just the prison, it leaves room for a lot of things to happen and it did happen. We started to hear about more kingdoms and their impact on the royal family and that was so interesting. Also, I loved discovering the capital and the places that become very important in the book. The plot twists were quite surprising even though you can guess pretty much what might happen, I still really liked the revelations that occurred in this second book.

As well as expanding the world, this book also introduces you to a lot of new characters and develops some characters that were already in the first book. This part was my favorite because you get to know a lot about Kiva's sister and brother, Caldon (who clearly became my favorite character), Jaren's cousin, and the whole royal family. You grow fond of Jaren's family so it really helps you understand Kiva's indecision throughout the book. Top marks from me!