Review and Book Trailer: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

INCARCERON -- A futuristic prison sealed from view, no one knows how to get in or out. Where the descendants of the original prisoners live in the dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building (as big as Texas) which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons.

A young prisoner Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life and cannot believe he was born in the prison. Some....most say he has always been here. In the outer world, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, Claudia, is trapped in her own prison. A futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era. Her father has her marrying someone whom she despises. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But, there comes a moment when Finn, inside the prison, and Claudia on the outside, simultaneously find a device -- A Key. A crystal key. Through which they can talk to each other, see each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born.

I actually liked this book. The very first scene is intense. The author, to me, has a small problem not explaining herself entirely, but, I think I'm overly picky! I wasn't aware there was a sequel coming out or my review would have been entirely different. The ending had so much left to explain. The characters were all good throughout the book. She discussed each of them enough that you had a good handle on their purpose.

I enjoyed Fishers writing style and her characterization. Her wonderful description has this unique world dancing off the pages. It comes alive. Sadly, a few things were predictable. I figured out the mystery behind Finn's past. I like it, though, where it was going and why.

Incarceron is great for those who like intriguing, complex plots.

Look for the sequel, Sapphique, available December 2010!

~Amy

Parents need to know:  There is NO sex and very little language. So young readers would be fascinated as well!  For more details about content, go to Incarceron on Parental Book Reviews.

A movie in the making!
Incarceron has been picked up by Fox 2000.
(From Cinimatical)
No talents have been attached yet, but Variety tells us that Fox 2000 and Seed Productions (co-owned by Hugh Jackman) have made development a new priority. There are currently only two books in the series, with the second entry a year away from US publication, but by the time Incarceron starts to roll, Fisher should have more installments on shelves. In the mean time, hop below to check out a book trailer for Incarceron.