Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Finn has escaped Incarceron, but Keiro and Attia are still Inside. Outside, things are not at all what Finn expected - and both Finn's and Claudia's very lives hang on Finn convincing the Court that he is the lost prince. Back Inside, Keiro and Attia are on the hunt for Sapphique's glove, which legend says he used to escape. In order to find it, they must battle the prison itself. Incarceron has built itself a body and it wants to go Outside - just like Sapphique, the only prisoner Incarceron ever loved. "High-intensity, mind-bending . . . Fisher further explores themes of reality, illusion, and freedom without losing her intensely original world-building and authentic characters." - Booklist, starred review "Even as the steadily ratcheting certainty of impending catastrophe keeps the pages turning, the sheer richness of the evocative descriptions demands that every sentence be savored. . . . For those who can appreciate the interplaying reflections of lies, myths and memory, a modern masterpiece." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

I'm not really sure I liked this, but it made the boredom go away for a few hours. Maybe steampunk isn't my cup of tea.

Reader be warned. Much like it's predecessor, Sapphique is heavy on descriptive language. If you had a hard time navigating the first book, you might have difficulty with this one as well. I suppose that's true of any book that takes place in two completely different worlds at the same time. However, one thing that aids the reader this time is a knowledge of the prison and the prisoners within. Previous knowledge is your friend in this book!

Luckily, Catherine Fisher is a master of keeping you so intrigued in the story line that you will find yourself reading on despite any small amount of confusion. Her vivid language weaves a world that pulls you in and keeps you in, much like Incarceron itself. I was so involved in the characters and their individual struggles, that I couldn't put the book down! (Keep in mind this was the third 400+ page book I read in a row.)

The twist in this book (which I shall not spoil) was completely intriguing! An audible gasp escaped my lips when I found out what this book was building up to, and I have to say I was impressed. In the vein of true science fiction love, this book makes up its own rules and creates its own image so that it can turn around and surprise you in an instant. Truth be told, if it wasn't for Catherine Fisher's writing I think I would still be skirting around the edges of my once favorite genre. These two books have pulled me back in for good!

Sadly, there was one thing that bothered me. If you'll recall from my Incarceron review, I absolutely loved Claudia. She was so stoic, so strong and so very willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. That being said, I was a little let down by her character in this book. The certainty and ability to make split decisions that she exhibited in the first book were long gone. Honestly, the one thing that helped me along was the reminder that her father was no longer there to keep her on her toes. Those who have read the first book will understand my thought that the Warden is half of Claudia's character. Without him present she is a whole different person.

Who do I recommend this to? Lovers of science fiction, and of course lovers of the first book! If you were smitten with Incarceron I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy this book. I haven't been able to find any information as to whether or not there will be a third book, but I hope so! I'd love to see more of Claudia and her counterparts.