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Heroine archetypes
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Synopsis
Kiva trades one cage for another when she leaves behind a deadly prison for a deceptive palace in this dark and dangerous sequel to The Prison Healer, which Sarah J. Maas called "a must-read." 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.
Is The Gilded Cage: A Gripping YA Fantasy of Political Intrigue, Deadly Lies, and Rebellion appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This sequel features a protagonist navigating deadly political intrigue with themes of vengeance, deception, and family betrayal. Moderate violence from the prison setting and political conflict, with complex moral choices.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, betrayal, and deception (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be gripped by Kiva's dangerous mission as she infiltrates the palace, keeps secrets from everyone including her family, and struggles to know who to trust.