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The Prison Healer #2
The Gilded Cage
Kiva trades one cage for another when she leaves behind a deadly prison for a deceptive palace.
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 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.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
5776 people are currently reading
86622 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Noni
35 books8,233 followersAustralian author Lynette Noni studied journalism, academic writing, and human behaviour at university before venturing into the world of fiction. She is the #1 bestselling and award-winning author of THE PRISON HEALER series, THE MEDORAN CHRONICLES, and the WHISPER duology. To date, her books have sold more than one million copies in over 20 countries across the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,315 reviews
October 11, 2021
omg. that last page has me S T R E S S E D. i can already feel the pre-mature ageing happening because of it. 😫
this definitely doesnt suffer from ‘second book syndrome.’ its such a strong sequel that i feel is even better when it comes to developed characters (tipp still has my heart), plot (even more political scheming with so many new players in the game), and writing (really good pacing).
but similar to the first book, whats keeping me from giving this 5 stars is the way the plot unfolds (aka the reveals towards the end). its pretty twisty, but nothing specific really shocked me and each little thing still feels very dang convenient. however, the overall vibe is pretty effective, as i do feel very anxious for the characters at the moment.
but only because of that last page. my goodness. the next book better cure the ulcer i now have. lol.
thanks clarion books for the ARC!
↠ 4.5 stars
this definitely doesnt suffer from ‘second book syndrome.’ its such a strong sequel that i feel is even better when it comes to developed characters (tipp still has my heart), plot (even more political scheming with so many new players in the game), and writing (really good pacing).
but similar to the first book, whats keeping me from giving this 5 stars is the way the plot unfolds (aka the reveals towards the end). its pretty twisty, but nothing specific really shocked me and each little thing still feels very dang convenient. however, the overall vibe is pretty effective, as i do feel very anxious for the characters at the moment.
but only because of that last page. my goodness. the next book better cure the ulcer i now have. lol.
thanks clarion books for the ARC!
↠ 4.5 stars
March 3, 2025
4.25 stars! Just like book 1, THE ENDING WENT CRAZY. This series is perfectttt if you love twisty endings (who wouldn't?). I'm glad this book moved a lot faster during the middle than book 1! And it's nice coming into a book where I'm already invested in the characters and plot.
And the romance is sooo cute. Jaren & Kiva's interactions are so so adorable. But I think whats stopping this series from being 4.5+ stars for me is that I find Jaren a little bland😅😅
I do however LOVE Caldon!! We get a ton of him in this book and he might be my fav character.
I also love that we delve way more into the fantasy and politics plot in this book. I think if you like series like The Selection or Powerless then you would enjoy this series (I feel like they have somewhat similar political dynamics).
The way this book ended sets up book 3 for a crazy and highstakes plot!!👀👀👀👀 Excited for the next & final book!
And the romance is sooo cute. Jaren & Kiva's interactions are so so adorable. But I think whats stopping this series from being 4.5+ stars for me is that I find Jaren a little bland😅😅
I do however LOVE Caldon!! We get a ton of him in this book and he might be my fav character.
I also love that we delve way more into the fantasy and politics plot in this book. I think if you like series like The Selection or Powerless then you would enjoy this series (I feel like they have somewhat similar political dynamics).
The way this book ended sets up book 3 for a crazy and highstakes plot!!👀👀👀👀 Excited for the next & final book!
August 24, 2023
Ending went absolutely crazy yet again
June 30, 2022
After reading this you cannot convince me Kiva was capable of surviving 10 years at a death camp.
October 6, 2024
Koniec. Przepadłam, TO JEST NAJLEPSZA SERIA FANTASTYCZNA YA EVER
June 15, 2022
LYNETTE NONI HOW DARE YOU???
this book was like knowing titanic will eventually sink and you still watch it sink at the end and feel the stab of pain all over again.
like the main character, reading this book was like walking on two edged sword, either you have to betray the new family you found and be with your true family (your family ain't a normal family, the rebel cause) or put your real family aside and be with your lover and the new found family, (which again it's another family betraying)
YOU ARE LOSER EITHER WAY🙃
(Actually, to be perfectly honest, there are multiple ways to preserve that , ngl😏)
🛑 This review is Spoiler Free 🛑
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
The Gilded Cage is a book full of drama and deceit. And I will go this much far to say that the characters here are in their less intelligence🙃. EXCEPT FOR ONE PERSON THAT I WILL GET TO HIM LATER.
I seriously need to talk to kiva (The main character). because, even when you’re mad at her, you still want to love her. This installment only works because she makes some seriously questionable decisions. like girl, either go to your family and betray your prince, or be with your prince and betray your family, at least this way you can keep one of them, but absolutely you have to be pain in the ass and lose them both🙂😑🙃
and honestly, this girl lived a fair amount of her life in that bloody prison, everyday stressful than the other. and even though she just only broke out of that hell hound, she has to choose and betray and do something. like give her some peace for ever-world's love,WOULD Y'ALL??
Noni also uses this opportunity, and then the book as a whole, to explore Jarren’s character. Kiva’s seen him under life-threatening pressure, so now she explores other aspects of his personality. He continues to be the caring and just prince which makes her allegiance to the rebels all that harder. I will say that building him up in this manner meant that Jarren had no obvious flaws.
In retrospect, he is incredibly trusting but during the story he comes off as a little too perfect. I do look forward to seeing Jarren react to the ending of this book, once the next one comes out.
And the romance! don't get me start with that because ahhhhh
Jaren was so soft, he didn’t hold back in his affection for Kiva, all the while ensuring she wasn’t overwhelmed in adjusting to life outside Zalindov. I love the romance just as it is. even though we didn't got chance to further swooning over them 😭😭 I wouldn’t have minded the book being longer if it added a few extra romantic chapters, but as it was, by this point, I trust Noni will not let me down and will floor me in the finale.
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
Okay I really like Jaren, but if you think he is my favorite, you are abosofuckinglutely WRONG.
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO :
(please don't say my name , please don't say my name)
Prince Caldon 🥰🥰🥰
anyway guys, he is so great, we didn't get enough of him in last book, but I'm so happy we had him and his sarcasm here. he is very loyal to his family and I just love everything about this family and their interaction. about the quote I put there, just wanted to mention that he is also observant and smart (Yeah remember I said there's one person who is at his best?? There you go 🤗) don't freaking underestimate him or he :
caldon and Kiva's friendship was so sweet ugh I love them so much. The training and conversations they had together were amazing, specially when Kiva's brother came to palace and you see😃:
I mean, YES HOLY SHIT YES😃. please for the love of god Torell and caldon??? I didn't know that could be a thing bro. I don't want a possible romance between Caldon and TORELL, I WANT A FUCKING ROMANCE FOR THEM.
PLEASE HEAR ME MISS NONI.
(and thanks for not making this into love triangle miss noni or I'll ...💀 )
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
After Noni pulled the mother of all twists in The Prison Healer, I spent a good majority of The Gilded Cage trying to anticipate jaw dropping plot twists. Silly me who thought she knows what will happen at the end but , i guess the jokes on me . Noni is clearly a master in the art of deception and misdirection. The one thing The Gilded Cage promises is what you think you know… think again.
The ending left me dry mouthed, unable to breathe properly for some time and a cold horrible hollowness in my chest. It is the definition of a painful cliffhanger. So, naturally, I can quite easily say this is the best YA series of 2021.
Also, I was asking myself during this book, why "The Gilded Cage"? I guess after that unfortunate and unfair ending, I got my answer.🤐😪😪
Poor Kiva. petition for kiva to sign her up for therapy session.
The Blood Traitor is going to be full throttle, and a nomination for the crowning spot as my most anticipated 2022 release.
LET THE WAITING BEGAN.
this book was like knowing titanic will eventually sink and you still watch it sink at the end and feel the stab of pain all over again.
like the main character, reading this book was like walking on two edged sword, either you have to betray the new family you found and be with your true family (your family ain't a normal family, the rebel cause) or put your real family aside and be with your lover and the new found family, (which again it's another family betraying)
YOU ARE LOSER EITHER WAY🙃
(Actually, to be perfectly honest, there are multiple ways to preserve that , ngl😏)
🛑 This review is Spoiler Free 🛑
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
The Gilded Cage is a book full of drama and deceit. And I will go this much far to say that the characters here are in their less intelligence🙃. EXCEPT FOR ONE PERSON THAT I WILL GET TO HIM LATER.
I seriously need to talk to kiva (The main character). because, even when you’re mad at her, you still want to love her. This installment only works because she makes some seriously questionable decisions. like girl, either go to your family and betray your prince, or be with your prince and betray your family, at least this way you can keep one of them, but absolutely you have to be pain in the ass and lose them both🙂😑🙃
You need to choose . It’s him or us. Them or us. You can’t have it both ways. Kiva pushed her sister’s voice away and, through dry lips, asked, “Choose?”
and honestly, this girl lived a fair amount of her life in that bloody prison, everyday stressful than the other. and even though she just only broke out of that hell hound, she has to choose and betray and do something. like give her some peace for ever-world's love,WOULD Y'ALL??
Noni also uses this opportunity, and then the book as a whole, to explore Jarren’s character. Kiva’s seen him under life-threatening pressure, so now she explores other aspects of his personality. He continues to be the caring and just prince which makes her allegiance to the rebels all that harder. I will say that building him up in this manner meant that Jarren had no obvious flaws.
In retrospect, he is incredibly trusting but during the story he comes off as a little too perfect. I do look forward to seeing Jarren react to the ending of this book, once the next one comes out.
And the romance! don't get me start with that because ahhhhh
Jaren was so soft, he didn’t hold back in his affection for Kiva, all the while ensuring she wasn’t overwhelmed in adjusting to life outside Zalindov. I love the romance just as it is. even though we didn't got chance to further swooning over them 😭😭 I wouldn’t have minded the book being longer if it added a few extra romantic chapters, but as it was, by this point, I trust Noni will not let me down and will floor me in the finale.
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
The first is that I know exactly who you are, Kiva Corentine, and I have almost since the day we met.”
Okay I really like Jaren, but if you think he is my favorite, you are abosofuckinglutely WRONG.
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO :
Prince Caldon 🥰🥰🥰
anyway guys, he is so great, we didn't get enough of him in last book, but I'm so happy we had him and his sarcasm here. he is very loyal to his family and I just love everything about this family and their interaction. about the quote I put there, just wanted to mention that he is also observant and smart (Yeah remember I said there's one person who is at his best?? There you go 🤗) don't freaking underestimate him or he :
" I mean it. as much as I love you, if i get so much as a hint that you've lied to me and you're planning to hurt my family, I'll slit your throat myself. Understood??"
caldon and Kiva's friendship was so sweet ugh I love them so much. The training and conversations they had together were amazing, specially when Kiva's brother came to palace and you see😃:
Have you seen him?” Caldon interrupted. “Corentine or not, anyone with functioning eyes would be attracted to him.”
And while I think your sister is a nasty piece of work, your brother —” “Please don’t start telling me how attractive he is again.”
I mean, YES HOLY SHIT YES😃. please for the love of god Torell and caldon??? I didn't know that could be a thing bro. I don't want a possible romance between Caldon and TORELL, I WANT A FUCKING ROMANCE FOR THEM.
PLEASE HEAR ME MISS NONI.
(and thanks for not making this into love triangle miss noni or I'll ...💀 )
═══ ↞✸↠ ═══
After Noni pulled the mother of all twists in The Prison Healer, I spent a good majority of The Gilded Cage trying to anticipate jaw dropping plot twists. Silly me who thought she knows what will happen at the end but , i guess the jokes on me . Noni is clearly a master in the art of deception and misdirection. The one thing The Gilded Cage promises is what you think you know… think again.
The ending left me dry mouthed, unable to breathe properly for some time and a cold horrible hollowness in my chest. It is the definition of a painful cliffhanger. So, naturally, I can quite easily say this is the best YA series of 2021.
Also, I was asking myself during this book, why "The Gilded Cage"? I guess after that unfortunate and unfair ending, I got my answer.🤐😪😪
Poor Kiva. petition for kiva to sign her up for therapy session.
The Blood Traitor is going to be full throttle, and a nomination for the crowning spot as my most anticipated 2022 release.
LET THE WAITING BEGAN.
July 29, 2022
Do I like the book? Yes.
Should you read the book? Yes.
Is our main character stupid? Also yes.
Should you read the book? Yes.
Is our main character stupid? Also yes.
September 20, 2021
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
I forced myself to the end of this book, mainly because I wanted to know if my predictions about what would happen were correct. They were.
The issue I had was that the central conflict (Kiva's family are rebels but she's in love with the crown prince) didn't have any real ground to stand upon, because there was nothing supporting WHY Kiva's family should get the throne. Her grandmother summed it up perfectly:
"You plan to follow blindly in your family's ill-fated footsteps, seeking to steal a throne that you believe is yours for no other reason than a diluted bloodline."
An old blood claim - that's literally ALL their reasoning for why they should be on the throne. Oh, sure they have a few personal grievances, but there's never any proof that the royals are bad rulers. Half the rebels are vaguely mentioned "malcontents" (without a reason why they're angry) and the others, we're somehow expected to believe, are fanatics annoyed by the toppling of this family's ancestor several hundred years before.
If there was some mention of bad rulership or tax issues or a famine or literally any of the issues that could cause someone to be angry with a ruler, then I might have felt that the rebels had a foot to stand upon. But they didn't, and the book goes out of its way to show that these are good rulers (so that Kiva's torn and made to rethink) so I could not believe that there was a big enough rebel movement. It just wasn't believable.
Plus, her brother's OK, but her sister is a horrid piece of work. And they've all abandoned her for a decade, so her love seemed excessive, and just there to give her a reason to work for the rebels. In short, the premise was flimsy and all designed to set up a conflict of loyalties that I could not believe for one minute as it lacked any sort of justification.
The story itself is so predictable. On page five, I made a bet with myself about how it would all turn out, and I was completely and utterly correct. It's the middle book of a trilogy, so you know it's going to end with Kiva deciding her family are wrong and that the current royals should have the throne, but she's going to be revealed when her family win - and win because of her (thus adding betrayal and romantic angst to the next book.)
The major problem with this is the decisions she makes that gets to that state are stupid. It felt like she was only making them because she knew what plot points had to happen. "Oh no, I've decided that I won't betray the royals and my family are wrong, but immediately after this decision, I'm still going to tell them the exact thing they need to win."
I forced myself to the end of this book, mainly because I wanted to know if my predictions about what would happen were correct. They were.
The issue I had was that the central conflict (Kiva's family are rebels but she's in love with the crown prince) didn't have any real ground to stand upon, because there was nothing supporting WHY Kiva's family should get the throne. Her grandmother summed it up perfectly:
"You plan to follow blindly in your family's ill-fated footsteps, seeking to steal a throne that you believe is yours for no other reason than a diluted bloodline."
An old blood claim - that's literally ALL their reasoning for why they should be on the throne. Oh, sure they have a few personal grievances, but there's never any proof that the royals are bad rulers. Half the rebels are vaguely mentioned "malcontents" (without a reason why they're angry) and the others, we're somehow expected to believe, are fanatics annoyed by the toppling of this family's ancestor several hundred years before.
If there was some mention of bad rulership or tax issues or a famine or literally any of the issues that could cause someone to be angry with a ruler, then I might have felt that the rebels had a foot to stand upon. But they didn't, and the book goes out of its way to show that these are good rulers (so that Kiva's torn and made to rethink) so I could not believe that there was a big enough rebel movement. It just wasn't believable.
Plus, her brother's OK, but her sister is a horrid piece of work. And they've all abandoned her for a decade, so her love seemed excessive, and just there to give her a reason to work for the rebels. In short, the premise was flimsy and all designed to set up a conflict of loyalties that I could not believe for one minute as it lacked any sort of justification.
The story itself is so predictable. On page five, I made a bet with myself about how it would all turn out, and I was completely and utterly correct. It's the middle book of a trilogy, so you know it's going to end with Kiva deciding her family are wrong and that the current royals should have the throne, but she's going to be revealed when her family win - and win because of her (thus adding betrayal and romantic angst to the next book.)
The major problem with this is the decisions she makes that gets to that state are stupid. It felt like she was only making them because she knew what plot points had to happen. "Oh no, I've decided that I won't betray the royals and my family are wrong, but immediately after this decision, I'm still going to tell them the exact thing they need to win."
November 6, 2023
2.75⭐️ Kiva was a supposed villian and still manages to be a doormat 🤦🏾♀️
***
everyone says this is much better so I'm excited 🤭🤭
***
everyone says this is much better so I'm excited 🤭🤭
January 11, 2022
Bloody hell.. really, it took literally 94% for Kiva to figure out that her sister is EVIL? Don’t tell me no one saw that coming from the beginning of this book 🙄
I stand with my previous opinion, Jaren is the only one I liked and he is too good for her.
I stand with my previous opinion, Jaren is the only one I liked and he is too good for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
4.5 rounded up
read twice
❀࿐ post reread ~
ive officially decided that i like caldon better than jaren. ofc i still love jaren, but caldons just superior.
frtc if i ever get around to it <3
read twice
❀࿐ post reread ~
ive officially decided that i like caldon better than jaren. ofc i still love jaren, but caldons just superior.
frtc if i ever get around to it <3
April 19, 2025
Im sorry but WHAT THE ACTUAL FACK DID I JUST READ. Ive never had a main character be as fucking stupid as Kiva is. Bitch was either throwing up, getting kidnapped or crying about one of the stupid ass men in her life. That is ALL SHE DOES IN A 400+ PAGE BOOK. I AM BEYOND LIVID. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BADASS HEALER WE HAD IN BOOK 1?! SHE MUST HAVE FUCKING DIED BECAUSE I DONT KNOW WHO THIS BITCH IS, BECAUSE ITS CERTAINLY NOT KIVA.
The reason I’m so mad is that I thought we were past the point, in 2022, that the main female protagonist’s only characterization was that she would be obsessed with a man. A man who by the way is a fucking piece of cardboard.
Overall this book sucked major ass. 97% of it is just characters talking and having dialogue that has absolutely nothing to do with the overarching plot, not that this book has any resemblance of a plot. There is no central conflict. All of the characters are dumb as hell. Ive never heard so many gross pet names in my life. Why is Kiva now reduced to a play thing for the male characters to protect????? I’ve also honestly never read a book where almost every character is one dimensional. Also another point, why is every female character literally the embodiment of evil while every male character is good to the point of perfection?????!!!!!!! I literally just want to punch every character in the face and never read this book again, and yes I WOULD 100% STILL DROP KICK TIPP INTO FUCKING NEXT YEAR. THAT CHILD IS STILL ONE OF THE MOST ANNOYING CHARACTERS IVE EVER READ. LIKE PLEASE SHUT UP.
Also that ENDING?!?!?!?! I’m sorry WHAT?!???? That’s probably one of the stupidest endings/sorta plot twists I’ve ever read. This author relies wayyyyy too much on plot twists at the very end of her books in order to keep readers hooked for the next book. It worked for book 1, but doesn’t work for book 2, and I guarantee literally anyone that the author will do the exact same thing for book 3. She is not actually a good writer, she just has found a way to grab readers attention by surprising them with plot decisions that have nothing to do with the rest of the book. This book was a waste of a trilogy.
Reasons why Jaren is one of the most cringey fake ass goody two shoes nice guys I’ve ever had the displeasure to read about.
1. He says “sweetheart” to Kiva all of the time. It’s fucking annoying.
2. He kisses Kivas temple constantly, basically every chapter, even though they’ve barely had any inkling of a romantic relationship.
3. He calls Kiva beautiful but in a cringey tinder boy way.
4. He says you are perfect just as you are multiple times to Kiva, even though he doesn’t actually know anything about her. He’s just in love with the girl she presents to him. Sort of like Summer in the movie 500 Days of Summer.
5. They (Kiva and Jaren) call each other irresistible and I swear to god I ALMOST THREW UP. At least it would’ve been 50 times less than the amount of times Kiva threw up in this book.
6. He is so one dimensional, I honestly can’t remember anything about the asswipe. He has no personality traits and no grit. He is just *there*.
Reasons why Caldon is the characterization of a white cis male frat boy who is only nice to the bitches he wants to sleep with.
1. He calls kiva sweet cheeks.
2. He calls kiva Sunshine.
3. He hits on and sexualizes almost every single character in this book.
4. He’s a master manipulator, but at least he has some resemblance of a personality, granted it is one of a Dick.
5. He is solely “in love” with Kiva based upon the fact that she’s “different” and went through “some hard stuff” like him. Again I thought we were passed the point of writing characters like this.
6. He is creepy and gives me the stomach icks.
Reasons why Kiva is definitely that pick me girl who can’t get involved in anything because it “stresses her out” and is a performative activist, meanwhile they’re are literally people dying next to her. LIKE BITCH DO SOMETHING. ANYTHING. HAVE A FUCKING THOUGHT OF YOUR OWN. PLEASE. BLINK IF YOU ARE ALIVE AND HAVE ANY THOUGHTS BEHIND THOSE GREEN EYES YOU MENTION EVERY CHAPTER.
1. Throws up every chapter.
2. Obsesses about Jaren like a whiny bitch.
3. Gets captured every other chapter even though she does receive training.
4. Can’t use her magic because she doesn’t feel like actually controlling it.
5. Can’t make a decision to save her life.
6. Just wanders aimlessly around for about 80 percent of the book.
7. Is fucking stupid.
8. Doesn’t have a thought of her own.
9. Gets influenced easily.
10. Can’t do shit by herself.
11. Cry’s. Like a lot.
The reason I’m so mad is that I thought we were past the point, in 2022, that the main female protagonist’s only characterization was that she would be obsessed with a man. A man who by the way is a fucking piece of cardboard.
Overall this book sucked major ass. 97% of it is just characters talking and having dialogue that has absolutely nothing to do with the overarching plot, not that this book has any resemblance of a plot. There is no central conflict. All of the characters are dumb as hell. Ive never heard so many gross pet names in my life. Why is Kiva now reduced to a play thing for the male characters to protect????? I’ve also honestly never read a book where almost every character is one dimensional. Also another point, why is every female character literally the embodiment of evil while every male character is good to the point of perfection?????!!!!!!! I literally just want to punch every character in the face and never read this book again, and yes I WOULD 100% STILL DROP KICK TIPP INTO FUCKING NEXT YEAR. THAT CHILD IS STILL ONE OF THE MOST ANNOYING CHARACTERS IVE EVER READ. LIKE PLEASE SHUT UP.
Also that ENDING?!?!?!?! I’m sorry WHAT?!???? That’s probably one of the stupidest endings/sorta plot twists I’ve ever read. This author relies wayyyyy too much on plot twists at the very end of her books in order to keep readers hooked for the next book. It worked for book 1, but doesn’t work for book 2, and I guarantee literally anyone that the author will do the exact same thing for book 3. She is not actually a good writer, she just has found a way to grab readers attention by surprising them with plot decisions that have nothing to do with the rest of the book. This book was a waste of a trilogy.
Reasons why Jaren is one of the most cringey fake ass goody two shoes nice guys I’ve ever had the displeasure to read about.
1. He says “sweetheart” to Kiva all of the time. It’s fucking annoying.
2. He kisses Kivas temple constantly, basically every chapter, even though they’ve barely had any inkling of a romantic relationship.
3. He calls Kiva beautiful but in a cringey tinder boy way.
4. He says you are perfect just as you are multiple times to Kiva, even though he doesn’t actually know anything about her. He’s just in love with the girl she presents to him. Sort of like Summer in the movie 500 Days of Summer.
5. They (Kiva and Jaren) call each other irresistible and I swear to god I ALMOST THREW UP. At least it would’ve been 50 times less than the amount of times Kiva threw up in this book.
6. He is so one dimensional, I honestly can’t remember anything about the asswipe. He has no personality traits and no grit. He is just *there*.
Reasons why Caldon is the characterization of a white cis male frat boy who is only nice to the bitches he wants to sleep with.
1. He calls kiva sweet cheeks.
2. He calls kiva Sunshine.
3. He hits on and sexualizes almost every single character in this book.
4. He’s a master manipulator, but at least he has some resemblance of a personality, granted it is one of a Dick.
5. He is solely “in love” with Kiva based upon the fact that she’s “different” and went through “some hard stuff” like him. Again I thought we were passed the point of writing characters like this.
6. He is creepy and gives me the stomach icks.
Reasons why Kiva is definitely that pick me girl who can’t get involved in anything because it “stresses her out” and is a performative activist, meanwhile they’re are literally people dying next to her. LIKE BITCH DO SOMETHING. ANYTHING. HAVE A FUCKING THOUGHT OF YOUR OWN. PLEASE. BLINK IF YOU ARE ALIVE AND HAVE ANY THOUGHTS BEHIND THOSE GREEN EYES YOU MENTION EVERY CHAPTER.
1. Throws up every chapter.
2. Obsesses about Jaren like a whiny bitch.
3. Gets captured every other chapter even though she does receive training.
4. Can’t use her magic because she doesn’t feel like actually controlling it.
5. Can’t make a decision to save her life.
6. Just wanders aimlessly around for about 80 percent of the book.
7. Is fucking stupid.
8. Doesn’t have a thought of her own.
9. Gets influenced easily.
10. Can’t do shit by herself.
11. Cry’s. Like a lot.
March 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
This trilogy has me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD! While I didn't rate this as high as the first one, I still think this was an amazing second book to the series. To think I only have one more book left makes me so sad because I could read a million of these. 😭
One of my favorite parts about this trilogy are the characters. In this case, the characters really do make the story. There's love, loss, grief, and faltering loyalty. Such a good combination for an adventurous fantasy! Kiva has grown so much, especially since the first book. This book had such a strong, STRONG sense of found family and I loved it. This series is such a highlight of family is everything even when it shouldn't be. The introduction of Jaren's family was just the cherry on top addition. Caldon has to be my new favorite character cause that man is SO FUNNY and Tipp, of course, must be protected at all costs. I love that kid. 🙂↔️
The main reason I took off a half star and this book wasn't a 5 star was because the middle of the book was reallyyyy slow. It took a while and a lot of build up to get to the point. However, the beginning and ESPECIALLY the end were 5 star points. I think my favorite part of the plot was the politics. It's so easy to understand and follow, yet it's so engaging and keeps your attention the entire time. There is ALWAYS something going on. I know I said this about the first book and I'm going to say it again: this book is supposed to be Young Adult, but doesn't read that way. Once again, the plot is complex and the integration of more fantasy elements was *chefs kiss*.
Overall, this adventurous fantasy series holds such a special place in my heart. I could not recommend this series enough!! If you haven't read it yet, DO IT! I need this series injected into my bloodstream; it is so addicting. The middle may have been too slow for my liking, especially given how the rest of the book was, but in the end I think it's completely worth it. This book was a roller coaster with twists and turns and plot twists like you wouldn't believe. Truly magical. 💚
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This arrived merely hours ago, almost right after I finished the first one. This trilogy has me absolutely obsessed 🤌🏼✨
This trilogy has me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD! While I didn't rate this as high as the first one, I still think this was an amazing second book to the series. To think I only have one more book left makes me so sad because I could read a million of these. 😭
One of my favorite parts about this trilogy are the characters. In this case, the characters really do make the story. There's love, loss, grief, and faltering loyalty. Such a good combination for an adventurous fantasy! Kiva has grown so much, especially since the first book. This book had such a strong, STRONG sense of found family and I loved it. This series is such a highlight of family is everything even when it shouldn't be. The introduction of Jaren's family was just the cherry on top addition. Caldon has to be my new favorite character cause that man is SO FUNNY and Tipp, of course, must be protected at all costs. I love that kid. 🙂↔️
The main reason I took off a half star and this book wasn't a 5 star was because the middle of the book was reallyyyy slow. It took a while and a lot of build up to get to the point. However, the beginning and ESPECIALLY the end were 5 star points. I think my favorite part of the plot was the politics. It's so easy to understand and follow, yet it's so engaging and keeps your attention the entire time. There is ALWAYS something going on. I know I said this about the first book and I'm going to say it again: this book is supposed to be Young Adult, but doesn't read that way. Once again, the plot is complex and the integration of more fantasy elements was *chefs kiss*.
Overall, this adventurous fantasy series holds such a special place in my heart. I could not recommend this series enough!! If you haven't read it yet, DO IT! I need this series injected into my bloodstream; it is so addicting. The middle may have been too slow for my liking, especially given how the rest of the book was, but in the end I think it's completely worth it. This book was a roller coaster with twists and turns and plot twists like you wouldn't believe. Truly magical. 💚
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This arrived merely hours ago, almost right after I finished the first one. This trilogy has me absolutely obsessed 🤌🏼✨
June 28, 2023
“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. 𝘼 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩.”
The amount of stress this book puts on me MY GOD. The story was extremely repetitive. For 50% of the story I'm bored, stressed, and just mad at Kiva most of the time. It started to pick up at 80%, and I thought it would shock me, but it came out so underwhelming, and the ending is just so stupid. And no, I don’t find any plot twists, just plot disappointments.
Kiva is a piece of work omg. There is no way in hell she survived 10 years in prison if she behaved like that. I feel like I read two different Kivas. The Kiva in book 1 is definitely not the Kiva in book 2. My whole journey through reading this book has been about wanting to smack the hell out of her.
Jaren the sweetest, bravest, just so genuine, amazing he deserved nothing but happiness.
ALSO Jaren deserved better. I REPEAT
JAREN. DESERVE. BETTER
Jaren honey leave her, take my advice and leave her.
ALSO CALDON MY LOVE?? YOU DROPPED THIS KING 👑👑
I love him so much and he is the main reason I'm going to read book 3.
The way I thought this book was going to serve angst because of the end of book 1? Nah just utterly madness, annoyance and disappointment.
Jaren and Caldon carried the whole book honestly. I finished the book because of them.
5 stars for Jaren and Caldon
0.5 star for Kiva.
3 stars for the story.
----------
i know this book is going to
July 29, 2025
જ⁀➴ 𝟒.𝟐𝟓₊˚⊹🌹 𝟘𝟟/𝟚𝟞/𝟚𝟝—𝟘𝟟/𝟚𝟡/𝟚𝟝
JAW ON THE GROUND!! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! no time for a review right now because i am already RUSHING to get the next book.
rtc when i can think properly.
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟎𝟎 🌹
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
╰┈➤ tropes to expect!
🜲 elemental magic
♡̷ warring kingdoms
🜲 lovers to enemies
♡̷ plot twists/betrayal
🜲 royalty setting
♡̷ hidden identity (fmc)
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
the ratings for this trilogy only get higher with every book so i’m so excited to keep going!! the plot twists in the last book had my jaw on the GROUND so obviously i had to jump into this one!! 👀 (warning: tropes contain spoilers for the first book!)
JAW ON THE GROUND!! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! no time for a review right now because i am already RUSHING to get the next book.
rtc when i can think properly.
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟎𝟎 🌹
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
╰┈➤ tropes to expect!
🜲 elemental magic
♡̷ warring kingdoms
🜲 lovers to enemies
♡̷ plot twists/betrayal
🜲 royalty setting
♡̷ hidden identity (fmc)
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
the ratings for this trilogy only get higher with every book so i’m so excited to keep going!! the plot twists in the last book had my jaw on the GROUND so obviously i had to jump into this one!! 👀 (warning: tropes contain spoilers for the first book!)
![Profile Image for ari [semi ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757265812i%2F180071670._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 28, 2025
6⭐
now playing: the villain - john michael howell
“Be the light in the dark, Kiva.”
spoilers for the first book
14+
romance: 5/10 (main characters innocently share a bed, main characters kiss foreheads and jaws and necks, main characters kiss one time. A few times where it’s mentioned that Kiva’s core turns molten 🤨)
cursing: 2/10 (I remember a few times of shit, bitch, hell, and damn but that’s it I believe)
violence: 5/10 (blood, kidnapping, more blood, none of which is gory)
other: drugs are consumed and one character is a recovering addict. Caldon is bi, Mirryn has an ex girlfriend who she still loves
tw: mentions of past rape, suicidal thoughts, greif
tropes: forbidden love
third person
I broke your heart, left it in pieces
– OVERVIEW –
I–what.
I genuinely have no words for that ending. Like I might actually lose my mind if I don’t pick up the last book rn.
My hands are legitimately shaking while I’m writing this. I have chills.
WHAT THE HECK GUYS 😭
I am not okay. At all. 🥲👍
I WAITED TWO BOOKS FOR THE SLOW BURN TO BURN AND WHEN THEY FINALLY KISSED I SCREAMED BUT IT LASTED FOR TWO SECONDS. BRUH.
Honestly, I have no idea how she managed this tension bc it’s so obvious from the very first book that Jaren would die for Kiva, and he wants to marry her. BUT SOMEHOW she managed to give my little golden retriever boy all the same torture as us bc my man waited SO long. Like buddy even had the “stay” trope (is that a trope? Where one of them begs the other to stay the night with them?) BEFORE they kissed on the lips (my man loves his temple and forehead kisses.)
I just–
If a guy wrapped me in his arms and kissed my temple or forehead and whispered “I’ll always wait for you.” or “You’re safe with me.” in my ear, I would freaking MELT, like knees give out type shiz. How Kiva withstood so long I have no idea, bc I am ON MY KNEES for this man 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
(those are real Jaren quotes btw)
When I realized who’s blood is on the dagger, I started bawling. I was inconsolable.
Now you’re in the dark, and I’m the reason
– PLOT –
And today’s youtube clickbait title to describe the plot 🥲👍
Sofia the First Theme Song **dark**
It’s been so hard lookin’ in the mirror
– CHARACTERS –
Kiva
⤷ She was better in the first book
Jaren
⤷ 🫃 this will be him when I’m done with him
Tipp
⤷ he’s perfect
Caldon
⤷ he’s my bestie. I love him
Naari
⤷ she’s amazing
’Cause when I do, it all is clear,
– CONCLUSION –
ALL I WANT IS CLOSURE IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?
Anyway. Read this 🥺🥺🥺
the only villain here is me
– PLAYLIST –
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/t...
Spotify: work in progress
post-read
guys….wtfrick frack paddy wack give a dog a bone
rtc as soon as i stop sobbing
now playing: the villain - john michael howell
“Be the light in the dark, Kiva.”
spoilers for the first book
14+
romance: 5/10 (main characters innocently share a bed, main characters kiss foreheads and jaws and necks, main characters kiss one time. A few times where it’s mentioned that Kiva’s core turns molten 🤨)
cursing: 2/10 (I remember a few times of shit, bitch, hell, and damn but that’s it I believe)
violence: 5/10 (blood, kidnapping, more blood, none of which is gory)
other: drugs are consumed and one character is a recovering addict. Caldon is bi, Mirryn has an ex girlfriend who she still loves
tw: mentions of past rape, suicidal thoughts, greif
tropes: forbidden love
third person
I broke your heart, left it in pieces
– OVERVIEW –
I–what.
I genuinely have no words for that ending. Like I might actually lose my mind if I don’t pick up the last book rn.
My hands are legitimately shaking while I’m writing this. I have chills.
WHAT THE HECK GUYS 😭
I am not okay. At all. 🥲👍
I WAITED TWO BOOKS FOR THE SLOW BURN TO BURN AND WHEN THEY FINALLY KISSED I SCREAMED BUT IT LASTED FOR TWO SECONDS. BRUH.
Honestly, I have no idea how she managed this tension bc it’s so obvious from the very first book that Jaren would die for Kiva, and he wants to marry her. BUT SOMEHOW she managed to give my little golden retriever boy all the same torture as us bc my man waited SO long. Like buddy even had the “stay” trope (is that a trope? Where one of them begs the other to stay the night with them?) BEFORE they kissed on the lips (my man loves his temple and forehead kisses.)
I just–
If a guy wrapped me in his arms and kissed my temple or forehead and whispered “I’ll always wait for you.” or “You’re safe with me.” in my ear, I would freaking MELT, like knees give out type shiz. How Kiva withstood so long I have no idea, bc I am ON MY KNEES for this man 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
(those are real Jaren quotes btw)
When I realized who’s blood is on the dagger, I started bawling. I was inconsolable.
Now you’re in the dark, and I’m the reason
– PLOT –
And today’s youtube clickbait title to describe the plot 🥲👍
Sofia the First Theme Song **dark**
It’s been so hard lookin’ in the mirror
– CHARACTERS –
Kiva
⤷ She was better in the first book
Jaren
⤷ 🫃 this will be him when I’m done with him
Tipp
⤷ he’s perfect
Caldon
⤷ he’s my bestie. I love him
Naari
⤷ she’s amazing
’Cause when I do, it all is clear,
– CONCLUSION –
ALL I WANT IS CLOSURE IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?
Anyway. Read this 🥺🥺🥺
the only villain here is me
– PLAYLIST –
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/t...
Spotify: work in progress
post-read
guys….wtfrick frack paddy wack give a dog a bone
rtc as soon as i stop sobbing
April 9, 2025
3.5 ☆
“Not all scars are as visible as this. I daresay you have many more inside you. But never forget that every scar is beautiful. And you should never, ever be ashamed of them.”
book 1 was definitely better than this sequel for me. the pacing was so uneven, i almost wanted to dnf during the middle at one point. Kiva is in a new situation now, but the threats are still the same if what she’s planning gets found out. the highlight of this was actually Caldon, was not expecting him to become such a good friend to Kiva and provide all the snark and entertainment while also having a lot of emotional depth. i still think the romance is cute, but I always find the direction it’s headed to be predictable. it’s like I know what to expect from Kiva and how Jaren will react to her now. the side characters are everything to me though, i love them. the ending wasn’t as shocking as book 1 but it did pique my interest.
“Not all scars are as visible as this. I daresay you have many more inside you. But never forget that every scar is beautiful. And you should never, ever be ashamed of them.”
book 1 was definitely better than this sequel for me. the pacing was so uneven, i almost wanted to dnf during the middle at one point. Kiva is in a new situation now, but the threats are still the same if what she’s planning gets found out. the highlight of this was actually Caldon, was not expecting him to become such a good friend to Kiva and provide all the snark and entertainment while also having a lot of emotional depth. i still think the romance is cute, but I always find the direction it’s headed to be predictable. it’s like I know what to expect from Kiva and how Jaren will react to her now. the side characters are everything to me though, i love them. the ending wasn’t as shocking as book 1 but it did pique my interest.
June 27, 2023
4 ⭐
This was a really enjoyable read!! 🤩🤩 A very entertaining fantasy book and a great sequel 💗💗
The Gilded Cage is the sequel to the Prison Healer, which I read earlier this year and really liked. It continues Kiva's journey as she struggles between family loyalty and her growing feelings for Jaren. The rebels are rising and Kiva is not sure who to trust. Because everyone has ulterior motives and they're all fighting for the throne....
Despite really enjoying the first book, I was unsure how the story would continue in here. But I ended up thinking the direction the story took was really good!! 🤩🤩 I honestly think this book was even better than the Prison Healer 💗💗
Starting with the characters! ✨ I do like the characters in this series- they're not my all time favorite, but they're genuinely likeable and i think the author has done a decent job of developing them 💕
➡️ Kiva: I do really like Kiva! 🤩🤩 is she my favorite mc ever? ... No. But I still think she is very easy to root for and her struggles feel very genuine. Poor girl is going through it but I admire her determination to keep going 💗💗
➡️ Jaren: Jaren is literally the purest, sweetest guy ever 🥰🥰 It's obvious how much he cares for others and he understands and accommodates Kiva's needs above anything else 😍 I'm definitely more of a 'dark, brooding villain guy' kind of person but I do still really like Jaren 💗
➡️ Caldon: my new favorite character in the series!! 😍😍 he's the joking sarcastic kinda character but the way its so obvious he cares sm and his protectiveness over Kiva?? 🤭🤭 I really like Jaren but CALDON- love him sm 💗💗
➡️ Tipp: usually I don't like kids in books but Tipp??? Literally so precious. Must be protected at all costs 💗💗💗
➡️ Zuleeka: she can go jump off a cliff <3
I also really liked the writing and plot in this book!! 🥰🥰 Lynette Noni's writing is really good- very smooth and easy to read. It's also just so effortlessly entertaining and I really like that 🤩🤩 The plot was very interesting and took a really cool direction. I liked the court politics aspect of it. However, it could be a bit slow at times 🙁
But the ending- OH. MY. GOODNESS. I AM IN SHOCK 🤯🤯🤯 Some of the twists I guessed but others caught me OFF GUARD. Definitely don't read this series if you aren't prepared for some mean cliffhangers 🙈🙈
There is also a romance subplot in this series- and it's pretty cute!! 🥰🥰 I've never been OBSESSED with it but I can definitely feel the chemistry. Jaren is literally so obsessed with Kiva 😩😩 They had some pretty good scenes in here and I definitely thought the romance got better from book 1 💗💗 it's definitely not as romance heavy as some other fantasy series tho.
Overall, this was a great read!! 🤩🤩 would definitely recommend if you want:
✔ Entertaining writing
✔ Cute romance
✔ Decent characters
✔ Really good plot twists!!
This is proving to be a very enjoyable series so far 💗💗
《 2023 Challenge: Book 82 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I really enjoyed this!! 🤩🤩 It was such a great sequel 💗💗 but guys THE ENDING- OMG. I AM IN SHOCK 😳😳😳
RTC!
This was a really enjoyable read!! 🤩🤩 A very entertaining fantasy book and a great sequel 💗💗
The Gilded Cage is the sequel to the Prison Healer, which I read earlier this year and really liked. It continues Kiva's journey as she struggles between family loyalty and her growing feelings for Jaren. The rebels are rising and Kiva is not sure who to trust. Because everyone has ulterior motives and they're all fighting for the throne....
Despite really enjoying the first book, I was unsure how the story would continue in here. But I ended up thinking the direction the story took was really good!! 🤩🤩 I honestly think this book was even better than the Prison Healer 💗💗
Starting with the characters! ✨ I do like the characters in this series- they're not my all time favorite, but they're genuinely likeable and i think the author has done a decent job of developing them 💕
➡️ Kiva: I do really like Kiva! 🤩🤩 is she my favorite mc ever? ... No. But I still think she is very easy to root for and her struggles feel very genuine. Poor girl is going through it but I admire her determination to keep going 💗💗
➡️ Jaren: Jaren is literally the purest, sweetest guy ever 🥰🥰 It's obvious how much he cares for others and he understands and accommodates Kiva's needs above anything else 😍 I'm definitely more of a 'dark, brooding villain guy' kind of person but I do still really like Jaren 💗
➡️ Caldon: my new favorite character in the series!! 😍😍 he's the joking sarcastic kinda character but the way its so obvious he cares sm and his protectiveness over Kiva?? 🤭🤭 I really like Jaren but CALDON- love him sm 💗💗
➡️ Tipp: usually I don't like kids in books but Tipp??? Literally so precious. Must be protected at all costs 💗💗💗
➡️ Zuleeka: she can go jump off a cliff <3
I also really liked the writing and plot in this book!! 🥰🥰 Lynette Noni's writing is really good- very smooth and easy to read. It's also just so effortlessly entertaining and I really like that 🤩🤩 The plot was very interesting and took a really cool direction. I liked the court politics aspect of it. However, it could be a bit slow at times 🙁
But the ending- OH. MY. GOODNESS. I AM IN SHOCK 🤯🤯🤯 Some of the twists I guessed but others caught me OFF GUARD. Definitely don't read this series if you aren't prepared for some mean cliffhangers 🙈🙈
There is also a romance subplot in this series- and it's pretty cute!! 🥰🥰 I've never been OBSESSED with it but I can definitely feel the chemistry. Jaren is literally so obsessed with Kiva 😩😩 They had some pretty good scenes in here and I definitely thought the romance got better from book 1 💗💗 it's definitely not as romance heavy as some other fantasy series tho.
Overall, this was a great read!! 🤩🤩 would definitely recommend if you want:
✔ Entertaining writing
✔ Cute romance
✔ Decent characters
✔ Really good plot twists!!
This is proving to be a very enjoyable series so far 💗💗
《 2023 Challenge: Book 82 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I really enjoyed this!! 🤩🤩 It was such a great sequel 💗💗 but guys THE ENDING- OMG. I AM IN SHOCK 😳😳😳
RTC!
September 10, 2025
4.25
This was such a YA fantasy second book but done in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE.
Need to jump into the third book ASAP because I fear I am way too attached to these characters at this point.
This was such a YA fantasy second book but done in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE.
Need to jump into the third book ASAP because I fear I am way too attached to these characters at this point.
February 19, 2025
4.5 fucking ⭐
I'm done. I'm actually done. Normally, I don't swear on the internet, but I hate this fucking bitch, and I want to scream it at the top of my lungs.
I'm so pissed off rn. KIVA, you are the stupidest fucking female lead in the history of female leads. Haven't you ever heard the quote "blood runs thicker than water"?? Even if you had, I'm sure the meaning would've flown over your head like how evil and venomous your fucking bitch of a sister did.
You have no cause. There is no "US" She doesn't serve any fucking cause except for herself!!!! How dumb and trusting you have to be to not notice that???
Sorry guys my blood is boiling rn. I'll get back to you once I cool down.
I'm done. I'm actually done. Normally, I don't swear on the internet, but I hate this fucking bitch, and I want to scream it at the top of my lungs.
I'm so pissed off rn. KIVA, you are the stupidest fucking female lead in the history of female leads. Haven't you ever heard the quote "blood runs thicker than water"?? Even if you had, I'm sure the meaning would've flown over your head like how evil and venomous your fucking bitch of a sister did.
You have no cause. There is no "US" She doesn't serve any fucking cause except for herself!!!! How dumb and trusting you have to be to not notice that???
Sorry guys my blood is boiling rn. I'll get back to you once I cool down.
October 13, 2021
Waste of time.
I give at least 3 stars to books that keep me reading till the end.
This is the case of me reading the whole thing thinking "No way, this can't be it, there must be something later, something clever, something different." So I kept reading only to find that nope, that's it. There's nothing behind the boring slog, annoyingly stupid MC and the ending that you see miles away (excluding the obligatory cliffhanger). The plot runs in circles again and again without any meaningful escalation. There's few things that annoy me more than ungrateful brainless MCs that don't deserve their friends. In fact, I'll give the next book 5 stars if Jaren beheads Kiva or puts her in some dungeon to teach her a lesson. Being an idiot isn't an excuse for wanting to get your friends killed.
I give at least 3 stars to books that keep me reading till the end.
This is the case of me reading the whole thing thinking "No way, this can't be it, there must be something later, something clever, something different." So I kept reading only to find that nope, that's it. There's nothing behind the boring slog, annoyingly stupid MC and the ending that you see miles away (excluding the obligatory cliffhanger). The plot runs in circles again and again without any meaningful escalation. There's few things that annoy me more than ungrateful brainless MCs that don't deserve their friends. In fact, I'll give the next book 5 stars if Jaren beheads Kiva or puts her in some dungeon to teach her a lesson. Being an idiot isn't an excuse for wanting to get your friends killed.
July 14, 2021
This is the second instalment in The Prison Healer series.
Kiva escaped the death-prison, that was her home for the past decade, and now resides in the opulence of the palace. She is out of place there, and not merely due to her lack of royal blood but for the secrets she keeps close to her. If who she really is, and who her family are aligned with, ever become exposed then her death will be the outcome. But, for now, she sleeps soundly inside the lair of those she once thought her enemy, leading her to wonder if the allies and antagonists of her story had became twisted along the way.
This second series instalment was a bit more of a quieter one, compared to what had come prior to it. It was no less of an enjoyable read for this, however. Kiva had much to ponder and her focus lay in understanding the political machinations that the different individuals around her would have her take a central role in.
This led to a slower-pace, a gentle unravelling of the story, and fewer shocking reveals. It also ensured a true understanding of world politics, a better feel for the geography of the land, as well as those who reside within it, and a well set-up third book, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lynette Noni, and the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, for this opportunity.
Kiva escaped the death-prison, that was her home for the past decade, and now resides in the opulence of the palace. She is out of place there, and not merely due to her lack of royal blood but for the secrets she keeps close to her. If who she really is, and who her family are aligned with, ever become exposed then her death will be the outcome. But, for now, she sleeps soundly inside the lair of those she once thought her enemy, leading her to wonder if the allies and antagonists of her story had became twisted along the way.
This second series instalment was a bit more of a quieter one, compared to what had come prior to it. It was no less of an enjoyable read for this, however. Kiva had much to ponder and her focus lay in understanding the political machinations that the different individuals around her would have her take a central role in.
This led to a slower-pace, a gentle unravelling of the story, and fewer shocking reveals. It also ensured a true understanding of world politics, a better feel for the geography of the land, as well as those who reside within it, and a well set-up third book, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lynette Noni, and the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, for this opportunity.
January 14, 2025
best believe i’ve ordered the third one STRAIGHT AWAY
June 4, 2025
⋆˚࿔ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
5⭐️
This book ate—the magic system gave major Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes and I was obsessed!
Their little found family moments? So precious I could cry.
But seriously, can Keva catch a damn break?? That girl has been through everything—hell and yet it just keeps coming.
Me: giggling like a fool over that one kiss
Also me: emotionally slapped by the ending 😭
Now… let’s talk about Caldon. I know Jaren is supposed to be the guy™ but Caldon is out here stealing every scene. He’s cocky, hilarious, and chaotic in the best way. I don’t even ship him with Kiva, I just want him around forever. And the crush on Kiva’s brother?? Comedy GOLD.
Zuleeka? Yeah, I knew I didn’t trust her. She’s got that “certified villain energy” and not in a good way.
Also… Jaren’s sister being evil just because she’s in love with That Girl™? Honestly… valid.
I just need my little disaster family back together again, that’s all I want
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ 𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I’m begging this book to turn my whole day around
5⭐️
This book ate—the magic system gave major Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes and I was obsessed!
Their little found family moments? So precious I could cry.
But seriously, can Keva catch a damn break?? That girl has been through everything—hell and yet it just keeps coming.
Me: giggling like a fool over that one kiss
Also me: emotionally slapped by the ending 😭
Now… let’s talk about Caldon. I know Jaren is supposed to be the guy™ but Caldon is out here stealing every scene. He’s cocky, hilarious, and chaotic in the best way. I don’t even ship him with Kiva, I just want him around forever. And the crush on Kiva’s brother?? Comedy GOLD.
Zuleeka? Yeah, I knew I didn’t trust her. She’s got that “certified villain energy” and not in a good way.
Also… Jaren’s sister being evil just because she’s in love with That Girl™? Honestly… valid.
I just need my little disaster family back together again, that’s all I want
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ 𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I’m begging this book to turn my whole day around
April 6, 2025
Wow this book had so many plot twists. This young adult fantasy book was about family, survival, discovering your powers, betrayal, and love. Gilded Cage continues where the first book ended. Kiva learns more about herself and her family as well she meets new friends and enemies.
This book was immersive and engaging. The pacing was well done, although slow in the middle. The world building was more developed in this book, I enjoyed learned more about the history of the world. But I still felt that something was missing relating to the world building. The magic was interesting and I liked how the author incorporated the magic into the story. There were several very surprising plot twists and revelations. The story telling was well done, the author was able to weave the characters and setting well into the story. The characters were complex and relatable. I love Kiva in the first book, but i didn’t like her as much in this book. She made several decisions and I didn’t age with and had trust issues that could’ve been resolved. There were many scenes at the end that could’ve have been resolved if she trusted someone and made a different decision. I’m in love with Jaren, he is so sweet, kind, strong, charming, and protective. I loved the scene with the kids so much, it warmed my heart. I also love Caldon, he’s funny, charming, stubborn, protective and sassy. I really liked Tipp, Rhee and Tor. I did not like Kiva’s sister at all. I loved the romantic scenes with Kiva and Jaren, it was so sweet and wholesome. The ending was so heartbreaking and surprising, but one aspect about it was predictable. I’m so excited to read the next book!
This book was immersive and engaging. The pacing was well done, although slow in the middle. The world building was more developed in this book, I enjoyed learned more about the history of the world. But I still felt that something was missing relating to the world building. The magic was interesting and I liked how the author incorporated the magic into the story. There were several very surprising plot twists and revelations. The story telling was well done, the author was able to weave the characters and setting well into the story. The characters were complex and relatable. I love Kiva in the first book, but i didn’t like her as much in this book. She made several decisions and I didn’t age with and had trust issues that could’ve been resolved. There were many scenes at the end that could’ve have been resolved if she trusted someone and made a different decision. I’m in love with Jaren, he is so sweet, kind, strong, charming, and protective. I loved the scene with the kids so much, it warmed my heart. I also love Caldon, he’s funny, charming, stubborn, protective and sassy. I really liked Tipp, Rhee and Tor. I did not like Kiva’s sister at all. I loved the romantic scenes with Kiva and Jaren, it was so sweet and wholesome. The ending was so heartbreaking and surprising, but one aspect about it was predictable. I’m so excited to read the next book!
December 13, 2024
KURWA NIE MÓWCIE DO MNIE TERAZ.
IDĘ CZYTAĆ TRZECI TOM.
ZAKOŃCZENIE ZMIOTŁO MNIE Z PLANSZY, ZARAZ KOGOŚ NORMALNIE ZABIJE!
PRZEPRASZAM ŻE KRZYCZĘ ALE DO CHOLERY JASNEJ!!!!!
A tak na spokojnie:
Nie da się nie pokochać Jarena, Caldon jest świetny, Tor ma moje pełne współczucie, w ogóle found family tu mnie dojeżdża.
ALE TA JEBANA ZULEEKA I JESZCZE JEDNĄ DZIUNIA MAM NADZIEJE ŻE NIEDŁUGO BĘDĄ WĄCHAĆ KWIATKI OD SPODU. OD PIERWSZEGO SPOTKANIA TAK JEJ NIENAWIDZIŁAM I KURWA SŁUSZNIE!
IDĘ CZYTAĆ TRZECI TOM.
ZAKOŃCZENIE ZMIOTŁO MNIE Z PLANSZY, ZARAZ KOGOŚ NORMALNIE ZABIJE!
PRZEPRASZAM ŻE KRZYCZĘ ALE DO CHOLERY JASNEJ!!!!!
A tak na spokojnie:
Nie da się nie pokochać Jarena, Caldon jest świetny, Tor ma moje pełne współczucie, w ogóle found family tu mnie dojeżdża.
ALE TA JEBANA ZULEEKA I JESZCZE JEDNĄ DZIUNIA MAM NADZIEJE ŻE NIEDŁUGO BĘDĄ WĄCHAĆ KWIATKI OD SPODU. OD PIERWSZEGO SPOTKANIA TAK JEJ NIENAWIDZIŁAM I KURWA SŁUSZNIE!
August 4, 2022
I honestly did not enjoy reading this second book, half the time I spent wishing I could smack the hell out of Kiva and the other half just waiting for Jaren to find out the truth because it was inevitable.
I'm just going to air out my frustrations real quick.
The sister who spends ten years reassuring you she's on her way to save you acts like a bitch the first time she sees you, after you managed to escape all without her promised help. Red flags anyone?
You manage to sneak in to a council meeting but when they actually start talking about the normal running of the country you are bored out of your mind. Isn't that a sign from the heavens that you shouldn't actually run things? Granted, Kiva did realize this later on but still.....
Also Zuleeka does not care about the people, what with all the rebel activities, attacking innocent villagers and causing chaos. Kiva's family lost everything because of needless violence, why would they do the same to other families just living their lives if they honestly think they are good enough to rule the people?
Finally, the Vallentis family are good people, without some of them (Jaren😍) Kiva would still be rotting in Zalindov because it was quite clear that her family was never going to rescue her. The Vallentis are also good rulers, the nation is prospering, the people are happy. Delora said it perfectly, Kiva's family is seeking to steal a throne they believe is theirs for no reason other than a diluted bloodline.
With that said, I loved getting to know each member of Jaren's family, and seeing Tipp be a normal kid was amazing. I enjoyed getting to know Jaren as a prince, He would make a great King someday. Kiva was my biggest disappointment, she spent all her time hurting the people who actually cared about her, caught up in a dilemma when the answer was so clear to see ( Yes, maybe I'm a little bit biased😉).
The ending saved this book for me, it was great, which shows that the next book will be promising, there'll be bigger fish to fry. And that betrayal, I did not see it coming.
Ps. Caldon was an absolute delight. I'm so curious about his love interest I could die🤗🤗
I'm just going to air out my frustrations real quick.
The sister who spends ten years reassuring you she's on her way to save you acts like a bitch the first time she sees you, after you managed to escape all without her promised help. Red flags anyone?
You manage to sneak in to a council meeting but when they actually start talking about the normal running of the country you are bored out of your mind. Isn't that a sign from the heavens that you shouldn't actually run things? Granted, Kiva did realize this later on but still.....
Also Zuleeka does not care about the people, what with all the rebel activities, attacking innocent villagers and causing chaos. Kiva's family lost everything because of needless violence, why would they do the same to other families just living their lives if they honestly think they are good enough to rule the people?
Finally, the Vallentis family are good people, without some of them (Jaren😍) Kiva would still be rotting in Zalindov because it was quite clear that her family was never going to rescue her. The Vallentis are also good rulers, the nation is prospering, the people are happy. Delora said it perfectly, Kiva's family is seeking to steal a throne they believe is theirs for no reason other than a diluted bloodline.
With that said, I loved getting to know each member of Jaren's family, and seeing Tipp be a normal kid was amazing. I enjoyed getting to know Jaren as a prince, He would make a great King someday. Kiva was my biggest disappointment, she spent all her time hurting the people who actually cared about her, caught up in a dilemma when the answer was so clear to see ( Yes, maybe I'm a little bit biased😉).
The ending saved this book for me, it was great, which shows that the next book will be promising, there'll be bigger fish to fry. And that betrayal, I did not see it coming.
Ps. Caldon was an absolute delight. I'm so curious about his love interest I could die🤗🤗
November 21, 2024
what the hell... co ja mam ze sobą zrobić do następnej części
July 2, 2024
The Gilded Cage" is an excellent novel, no doubt about it; the pacing is perfect, making it an engaging and a thrilling read.
My beef is what the author, Noni, did with the main character, Kiva. She went from a beloved, sacrificing, wholly devoted, witty, and brilliant character in the first book, to a confused, lying, hypocritical, deceitful, and brainless character in the second. I was not happy with this change.
However, I managed to continue to love her relationship with Jaren and hoping against hope that she right her wrongs and for some semblance of old Jaren in the last book in the series.🤞
My beef is what the author, Noni, did with the main character, Kiva. She went from a beloved, sacrificing, wholly devoted, witty, and brilliant character in the first book, to a confused, lying, hypocritical, deceitful, and brainless character in the second. I was not happy with this change.
However, I managed to continue to love her relationship with Jaren and hoping against hope that she right her wrongs and for some semblance of old Jaren in the last book in the series.🤞
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