One of the first book reviews I wrote was for Gilded Cage, almost eighteen months ago now. Despite eagerly anticipating the sequel, I lost sight of it, and just realized today that not only is it out, it’s already available in paperback. Used! Needless to say, I am ordering Tarnished City immediately, and I have a co-worker who will want to borrow it as soon as I’m done.
I thought I’d share the review this week. And eventually, I’m sure I’ll have something to say about the sequel.
REVIEW. First published October 15, 2016 (Booklist).
At first glance, the world seems familiar in Vic James’s novel, but that illusion is quickly dispelled. The monarchy has long since been destroyed; the British aristocracy replaced with Equals, people born with magical gifts who lord over the commoners with their powers. The story starts just before siblings Abi and Luke begin their ten years of slavery, which is mandated for all commoners (i.e., those without magic). Unexpectedly separated, they quickly learn how little they understood of the Equals as their views of the world shift. Luke adapts to life in a factory town by joining a rebellion, while Abi and the rest of the family live together but grow apart while serving a powerful family of Equals. Nobody emerges unscathed from their slavery years, as the Hadley family can attest after mere months of service. The twists and turns make this book hard to set down; a second read may reveal many details that readers might breeze past the first time through. Readers will eagerly await the rest of the trilogy started here.