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Canary Club #0.1
Gilded Cage
Masie, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious boot-legger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father’s empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family’s dangerous secrets Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future—and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. As she watches her world fall apart, Masie must decide whether to take her place in the hierarchy, or spread her wings, leaving the people she loves, and the life she despises, far behind her.
Two worlds collide in Gatsby era New York, in a time of dazzling speakeasies and vicious shoot-outs, of gritty gangsters and iridescent ingénues, where not everything that sparkles is gold.
*This is the first of the Canary Club series and is a short story introduction into the forthcoming novels.
Two worlds collide in Gatsby era New York, in a time of dazzling speakeasies and vicious shoot-outs, of gritty gangsters and iridescent ingénues, where not everything that sparkles is gold.
*This is the first of the Canary Club series and is a short story introduction into the forthcoming novels.
Unknown Binding
First published December 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Sherry D. Ficklin
44 books669 followersSherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.
Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.
Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 11, 2017
Masie has been attending boarding school which for her has been an escape from her crazy family. Her father, Dutch Schultz, is a notorious boot-legger and quite controlling of his family. When Masie receives a phone call at school that something has happened to her mother she immediately rushes back home to find out what's wrong.
After arriving home and finding her mother has been hospitalized and has now become yet another family secret. Masie finds that her time away has protected her from her father's torment as his business may be failing. Her brother is right in the middle of the business while the boy she'd had a crush on has become the family enforcer and has a much darker side than she remembers much like her father.
Gilded Cage is a prequel novella in a new series, the Canary Club, by Sherry D. Ficklin. While the story is a short one it certainly gives a great look into the setting and characters that had this reader wanting to know more and continue on reading. A somewhat mob-like family it didn't take long to get hooked onto wanting to know what was going on and what would happen next.
In the end I wanted to give this one a full five stars just by how quickly I flew through reading and was left with the feeling of wanting to know what would happen next which is what you hope when picking up a new series. But there was one issue I had with reading this ARC copy and that was that there were a lot of typos involved. Hopefully these will be resolved by publication but it was a tad annoying and hard to overlook and call this one perfect so for now I'd give this read 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
After arriving home and finding her mother has been hospitalized and has now become yet another family secret. Masie finds that her time away has protected her from her father's torment as his business may be failing. Her brother is right in the middle of the business while the boy she'd had a crush on has become the family enforcer and has a much darker side than she remembers much like her father.
Gilded Cage is a prequel novella in a new series, the Canary Club, by Sherry D. Ficklin. While the story is a short one it certainly gives a great look into the setting and characters that had this reader wanting to know more and continue on reading. A somewhat mob-like family it didn't take long to get hooked onto wanting to know what was going on and what would happen next.
In the end I wanted to give this one a full five stars just by how quickly I flew through reading and was left with the feeling of wanting to know what would happen next which is what you hope when picking up a new series. But there was one issue I had with reading this ARC copy and that was that there were a lot of typos involved. Hopefully these will be resolved by publication but it was a tad annoying and hard to overlook and call this one perfect so for now I'd give this read 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 18, 2016
*Received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
This book packed a lot of emotions into a small amount of pages. Masie returns home from boarding school to family drama and violence. Her father is a prick, her mother is mentally unstable, her brother is quickly becoming more involved in the family business, and the boy she loves has changed in some very bad ways. Their love is forbidden, and when I say forbidden I mean her dad would break Vinny's legs, among other body parts, if he knew. Masie is caught between loving her family, but hating their lifestyle. Loving Vinny, but fearing whats he's become. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
This book packed a lot of emotions into a small amount of pages. Masie returns home from boarding school to family drama and violence. Her father is a prick, her mother is mentally unstable, her brother is quickly becoming more involved in the family business, and the boy she loves has changed in some very bad ways. Their love is forbidden, and when I say forbidden I mean her dad would break Vinny's legs, among other body parts, if he knew. Masie is caught between loving her family, but hating their lifestyle. Loving Vinny, but fearing whats he's become. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
December 3, 2016
Wow. I was not prepared for my attention to be snared like it did. I typically have issues with fulfillment when it comes to shorts, but this was short, sweet and sealed the deal for me.
This novel takes place in the Gatsby Era, it follows Masie Schultz's family. She has recently come home from boarding school due to a family emergency involving her mother. When she returns home she finds that life is much darker, things have changed while she's been gone and her father's club is in danger of flopping. More than that, his business in general has begun to threaten the family.
It is clear at once how Masie has remained fairly pristine and innocent due to the protection of the boarding school, while everyone seems more than a few shades darker and run down by the hardships of the life Dutch Schultz has sculpted for them.
Each character has a life of their own, they are full of depth and you are easily able to connect with them. I enjoyed all of the characters, even the ones that had me glaring at them. Really, Ficklin drew me in with her story writing, she sets the scenes so beautifully, immerses us in the world and allows us to connect with Masie above all else.
I can't wait to read more. I found myself on the last page wanting more!
Website - Facebook - Instagram
This novel takes place in the Gatsby Era, it follows Masie Schultz's family. She has recently come home from boarding school due to a family emergency involving her mother. When she returns home she finds that life is much darker, things have changed while she's been gone and her father's club is in danger of flopping. More than that, his business in general has begun to threaten the family.
It is clear at once how Masie has remained fairly pristine and innocent due to the protection of the boarding school, while everyone seems more than a few shades darker and run down by the hardships of the life Dutch Schultz has sculpted for them.
Each character has a life of their own, they are full of depth and you are easily able to connect with them. I enjoyed all of the characters, even the ones that had me glaring at them. Really, Ficklin drew me in with her story writing, she sets the scenes so beautifully, immerses us in the world and allows us to connect with Masie above all else.
I can't wait to read more. I found myself on the last page wanting more!
Website - Facebook - Instagram
December 21, 2016
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did! Long after reading the first page, I found myself wanting a lot more of this book. I was gripped from the very first page and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end.
The world building was spot on, and I felt like I'd been transported from my bed to this world. The author has a talent for creating worlds that feel so lifelike and original.
I always struggle with short stories, because I feel like it's hard to relate to the characters and to care about them in such a short amount of time. However, I didn't have that problem with this book and I beyond excited to read more of this authors writing.
My only problem is that I want more and I want more NOW! I'm thrilled that there will be another book after this one!
The world building was spot on, and I felt like I'd been transported from my bed to this world. The author has a talent for creating worlds that feel so lifelike and original.
I always struggle with short stories, because I feel like it's hard to relate to the characters and to care about them in such a short amount of time. However, I didn't have that problem with this book and I beyond excited to read more of this authors writing.
My only problem is that I want more and I want more NOW! I'm thrilled that there will be another book after this one!
November 17, 2016
I was so excited to read this novella set in my favorite historical period. As usual, Ms. Ficklin does not disappoint! Masie is a young woman with heart and courage, trapped in a world that is equally glamorous and dangerous. Her father, Dutch, is a self-made man who's built his empire on alcohol in the time of prohibition. However, his hold on the city is fragile; only the most ruthless will win. Masie wears her heart on her sleeve, and we see her lingering innocence in comparison to those who have succumbed to corruption. She is a flawed, though likeable, heroine, which only makes her more endearing. I, for one, can't wait to see the storyline developments in this new, thrilling series.
March 23, 2018
*Source* Kindle
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Novelette 1- Gilded Cage - Overage rating 3.5
Masie Schultz, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious bootlegger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father's empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved, Vincent Coll, has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family's dangerous secrets, Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future—and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. ++ Pay attention to the secondary characters in this story like JD, who is Masie's brother, and June West, who is JD's girl. Both will appear again in this anthology. Masie will also appear in the full length story called "The Canary Club."
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Novelette 1- Gilded Cage - Overage rating 3.5
Masie Schultz, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious bootlegger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father's empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved, Vincent Coll, has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family's dangerous secrets, Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future—and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. ++ Pay attention to the secondary characters in this story like JD, who is Masie's brother, and June West, who is JD's girl. Both will appear again in this anthology. Masie will also appear in the full length story called "The Canary Club."
April 24, 2017
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book revolves around a teenage girl who suffers a family crisis during the Prohibition era. The main character, Masie, was a well written. character as was the rest of the characters in the novel. It was a short novel but it was jam packed with action and awesomeness.
This book revolves around a teenage girl who suffers a family crisis during the Prohibition era. The main character, Masie, was a well written. character as was the rest of the characters in the novel. It was a short novel but it was jam packed with action and awesomeness.
August 18, 2022
Short and a good start
Just not quite enough to invest me. I’m a bit sad that there isn’t a code left for the second prologue to see if it swayed me into continuing the series. Alas not meant to be for me. I do like me a good club singer tho.
3 star listen took about an hour to listen to.
Gifted audio
Just not quite enough to invest me. I’m a bit sad that there isn’t a code left for the second prologue to see if it swayed me into continuing the series. Alas not meant to be for me. I do like me a good club singer tho.
3 star listen took about an hour to listen to.
Gifted audio
February 9, 2018
I really liked this story, and am definitely hungry for more! The characters are great, and I enjoyed the interactions, drama, and thrills throughout. Will definitely be getting more from this series.
March 13, 2017
An entertaining novelette that really gives you the feel of what it was like to be the daughter of a speakeasy owner during the early 1920's. It is the prelude to what will be an enjoyable series, as we follow the sassy, determined and talented Masie in her new role as her father's "canary". The narrator of the audiobook, Megan Kelly, did a great job. She gave the characters individual voices and made the story feel like you were back in the time of gangsters and prohibition. Between the great descriptive writing and the captivating narration you could easily visualize the flapper dresses, smoky club atmosphere and the rough demeaned of Dutch's boys. I will look forward to hearing more in this engaging series. I received the audiobook at no cost and under no obligation to review.
August 18, 2017
Definitely felt like I jumped into a novel halfway through and then the fast forward button was constantly being pushed. The story was way too quick and it felt like it was switching from a mystery to a romance to a thriller all in a matter of a few pages. I get that it's a novella and it's supposed to be quick, but I was not a fan.
December 1, 2016
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...
*****
My Thoughts:
As most of my readers well know, I am a historic fiction freak! I love everything and everything to do with historical literature and am always searching for something new. I've always been of the mindset that the historic genre is the big opportunity the YA market has, but that's another story. With one of my all-time historical series (Stolen Empire) already under her belt, I had no doubt that entering into yet another literary universe of Sherry Ficklin's would be an adventure well worthwhile.
The raging 20s, gangsters, mobs, booze, and rubes: what could be better?
Gilded Cage is a rip-roaring good time! An incredible start to a series that's sure to be the 'bees-knees'.
I'll go ahead and admit that I'm one of the few readers lucky enough to have read Canary Club (Release TBA) [having been fortunate enough to beta-read it for the author]. That being said, I was foaming at the mouth for more from the characters and world that Ficklin created. Even I was shocked at how blown away Gilded Cage left me.
While a quick read, Gilded Cage is everything readers will be looking for and more. A great introduction to the plot and, more importantly, the life of our heroine, Masie Schultz. Our young ingenue will steal your heart and leave you begging for more. Any fan of Ficklin's will well-know her talent for crafting strong female characters and Masie certainly doesn't disappoint.
True to the setting, Ficklin's Canary Club novelettes hold nothing back. They're gritty and dark, complete with a mysterious, yet jovial-tone that fans of the Jazz Era are well acquainted with. Straight from the worlds of Gatsby and Bill McCoy, Ficklin will jazz her way into your bookish hearts with Gilded Cage.
Come for the words, but stay for the party!
It should come as no surprise that I am granting Gilded Cage a near-perfect 5-star review. Be sure to grab yourself a copy today and let's get this joint a-swinging! The perfect read to start your holiday reading season out right!
*****
*****
My Thoughts:
As most of my readers well know, I am a historic fiction freak! I love everything and everything to do with historical literature and am always searching for something new. I've always been of the mindset that the historic genre is the big opportunity the YA market has, but that's another story. With one of my all-time historical series (Stolen Empire) already under her belt, I had no doubt that entering into yet another literary universe of Sherry Ficklin's would be an adventure well worthwhile.
The raging 20s, gangsters, mobs, booze, and rubes: what could be better?
Gilded Cage is a rip-roaring good time! An incredible start to a series that's sure to be the 'bees-knees'.
I'll go ahead and admit that I'm one of the few readers lucky enough to have read Canary Club (Release TBA) [having been fortunate enough to beta-read it for the author]. That being said, I was foaming at the mouth for more from the characters and world that Ficklin created. Even I was shocked at how blown away Gilded Cage left me.
While a quick read, Gilded Cage is everything readers will be looking for and more. A great introduction to the plot and, more importantly, the life of our heroine, Masie Schultz. Our young ingenue will steal your heart and leave you begging for more. Any fan of Ficklin's will well-know her talent for crafting strong female characters and Masie certainly doesn't disappoint.
True to the setting, Ficklin's Canary Club novelettes hold nothing back. They're gritty and dark, complete with a mysterious, yet jovial-tone that fans of the Jazz Era are well acquainted with. Straight from the worlds of Gatsby and Bill McCoy, Ficklin will jazz her way into your bookish hearts with Gilded Cage.
Come for the words, but stay for the party!
It should come as no surprise that I am granting Gilded Cage a near-perfect 5-star review. Be sure to grab yourself a copy today and let's get this joint a-swinging! The perfect read to start your holiday reading season out right!
*****
February 17, 2017
Masie is in school when she's notified she needs to come home immediately due to an emergency with her mother. She's quickly pulled into the dark life her father leads and has to decide whether it's what she wants too. A great, quick read! I enjoyed the characters and would love a longer book with more adventures.
December 1, 2016
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...
As everybody knows who follows me, knows that YA Paranormal is my favorite genre, but I have been following Ms. Ficklin's work for a while now and I am absolutely in love with her style of writing. It's unique in its own way and stands out in a crowd. The stories this author creates leaves a lasting impression on me every time I finish one of her books. When I found out she was releasing a new series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.....and I was for sure not disappointed in this story.
I loved the story-line from beginning to end. It had everything I loved about an era full of fancy dresses, speakeasies, gangsters, and bootlegging. I could actually picture this story unfold in my mind and I couldn't help but stop and daydream about the events as they unfolded. The characters were phenomenally vibrant, colorful, and so much fun to get to know. I really didn't want this story to end. I am actually craving to know more and will be impatiently waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book to come out. This book has left an everlasting impression on my mind and soul and I find myself wanting to go back and get lost in this story all over again. I highly recommend this story to all adults to read and enjoy.
As everybody knows who follows me, knows that YA Paranormal is my favorite genre, but I have been following Ms. Ficklin's work for a while now and I am absolutely in love with her style of writing. It's unique in its own way and stands out in a crowd. The stories this author creates leaves a lasting impression on me every time I finish one of her books. When I found out she was releasing a new series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.....and I was for sure not disappointed in this story.
I loved the story-line from beginning to end. It had everything I loved about an era full of fancy dresses, speakeasies, gangsters, and bootlegging. I could actually picture this story unfold in my mind and I couldn't help but stop and daydream about the events as they unfolded. The characters were phenomenally vibrant, colorful, and so much fun to get to know. I really didn't want this story to end. I am actually craving to know more and will be impatiently waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book to come out. This book has left an everlasting impression on my mind and soul and I find myself wanting to go back and get lost in this story all over again. I highly recommend this story to all adults to read and enjoy.
January 8, 2017
This review and more on So Bookalicious
In general I am a big fan of historical fiction and lately I got really interested in the roaring ‘20s and The Gilded Cage is set in that time period so I had to read it.
The Gilded Cage is a fun short read, normally novellas don’t really interest me since the characters never achieve their full potential in it but this novella got me pretty excited for the full novel.
Masie gets whisked away from boarding school in the middle of the night because of a family emergency. Masie is the daughter of bootlegger Dutch Schultz but she doesn’t have a real place in the family since she’s females and what can they do in a world that revolves around smuggling alcohol and other illegal activities. The 1920’s what an exciting time but also a dangerous one and the novella portrays that really well.
The Gilded Cage is an introduction to the full novel so the direction that the story line will follow is still a bit vague and there is not much character development. But it definitely gets you interested in the remaining of the story. So I believe that it achieved its goal and I cannot wait until the full novel gets released.
In general I am a big fan of historical fiction and lately I got really interested in the roaring ‘20s and The Gilded Cage is set in that time period so I had to read it.
The Gilded Cage is a fun short read, normally novellas don’t really interest me since the characters never achieve their full potential in it but this novella got me pretty excited for the full novel.
Masie gets whisked away from boarding school in the middle of the night because of a family emergency. Masie is the daughter of bootlegger Dutch Schultz but she doesn’t have a real place in the family since she’s females and what can they do in a world that revolves around smuggling alcohol and other illegal activities. The 1920’s what an exciting time but also a dangerous one and the novella portrays that really well.
The Gilded Cage is an introduction to the full novel so the direction that the story line will follow is still a bit vague and there is not much character development. But it definitely gets you interested in the remaining of the story. So I believe that it achieved its goal and I cannot wait until the full novel gets released.
December 1, 2016
Placed in the 1920's, this novella brings the prohibition and all of it's dark sides to life while letting a young girl learn to shine like gold.
Masie, a teenage girl who's spent the last three years at a boarding school, is suddenly called back home. The world that awaits her is harsher than the one she left behind. Her father, a bootlegger, successful club owner and powerful man in the darker world, is being forced to fight for his position. This has changed every family member Masie left behind. And it's about to change her as well.
At around 60 pages, this is a short read. . .and a very engaging one as well. Within these few pages, the author brings the era and characters to life. Masie is a strong character, who promises to have quite the adventure in the books to come. She's easy to sympathize with and never comes across as someone weak or worth pity. The other characters are just as rich and have still unknown backgrounds, which make each and every one simply intriguing.
The ending comes a bit abrupt, but it's only the beginning of a series which promises to be a winner.
You can also see my review under: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhQ...
Masie, a teenage girl who's spent the last three years at a boarding school, is suddenly called back home. The world that awaits her is harsher than the one she left behind. Her father, a bootlegger, successful club owner and powerful man in the darker world, is being forced to fight for his position. This has changed every family member Masie left behind. And it's about to change her as well.
At around 60 pages, this is a short read. . .and a very engaging one as well. Within these few pages, the author brings the era and characters to life. Masie is a strong character, who promises to have quite the adventure in the books to come. She's easy to sympathize with and never comes across as someone weak or worth pity. The other characters are just as rich and have still unknown backgrounds, which make each and every one simply intriguing.
The ending comes a bit abrupt, but it's only the beginning of a series which promises to be a winner.
You can also see my review under: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhQ...
November 23, 2016
I received an ARC of GILDED CAGE in exchange for an honest review.
Masie is the smart, tough, sharp-witted daughter of Dutch Schultz. But it's hard to live the life of a carefree flapper when Daddy is a self-made man with ties to organized crime.
A family crisis has called Masie home from boarding school, but she soon discovers that the real crisis is that she's confined to a gilded cage, when all she wants to do is sing free.
Her family and close friends are slowly being absorbed by the dark life they live and everyone is in danger. Masie will find that sometimes its easier to let go of the ones you care about than lose them to the dark and unrelenting life of the underground.
GILDED CAGE is the first novella in The Canary Club series by Sherry D. Ficklin. I adore any stories involving gangsters and the prohibition period and FIcklin does not disappoint. She has brought the time and the characters to life with amazing clarity. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Masie is the smart, tough, sharp-witted daughter of Dutch Schultz. But it's hard to live the life of a carefree flapper when Daddy is a self-made man with ties to organized crime.
A family crisis has called Masie home from boarding school, but she soon discovers that the real crisis is that she's confined to a gilded cage, when all she wants to do is sing free.
Her family and close friends are slowly being absorbed by the dark life they live and everyone is in danger. Masie will find that sometimes its easier to let go of the ones you care about than lose them to the dark and unrelenting life of the underground.
GILDED CAGE is the first novella in The Canary Club series by Sherry D. Ficklin. I adore any stories involving gangsters and the prohibition period and FIcklin does not disappoint. She has brought the time and the characters to life with amazing clarity. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
December 13, 2016
I’m a sucker for anything written by Sherry Ficklin—she has an incredible way of drawing the reader into each new world with characters that lift off the page, regardless of genre, subject matter, or time period. GILDED CAGE is no exception.
This first novella in Ficklin’s Canary Club series is a delicious blend of the glitz, glam, and dangers of the Prohibition era, brought to life through the authentic voice of a feisty teen protagonist who will sing-sing her way into your heart. It’s dark, gritty, and hella addicting. Not surprising, I read it in one sitting.
Ficklin jams a lot into this novella—gangsters, mobs, romance, suspense, and so much more. It’s truly a rip-roaring romp through the Gatsby Era that will leave you wanting—needing—more. In fact, my only complaint is that after turning the last page, I didn’t have the second instalment in my grabby little hands. Not only is Ficklin a master of her craft, she’s also a master book tease.
This first novella in Ficklin’s Canary Club series is a delicious blend of the glitz, glam, and dangers of the Prohibition era, brought to life through the authentic voice of a feisty teen protagonist who will sing-sing her way into your heart. It’s dark, gritty, and hella addicting. Not surprising, I read it in one sitting.
Ficklin jams a lot into this novella—gangsters, mobs, romance, suspense, and so much more. It’s truly a rip-roaring romp through the Gatsby Era that will leave you wanting—needing—more. In fact, my only complaint is that after turning the last page, I didn’t have the second instalment in my grabby little hands. Not only is Ficklin a master of her craft, she’s also a master book tease.
June 2, 2017
2016 Book Awards
Runner Up: Best Historical 2016
(more information about these awards on my blog)
I received this book as an ARC from Reading Addiction PR on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was certainly an interesting introduction to Sherry D. Ficklin's new series.
Set in New York in the 1920s it follows Masie Schultz, the daughter of bootlegger Dutch Schultz, and her struggle to find a place in a world built on money earned on smuggled alcohol. The novella is quite short and fast-paced - and as it is the introduction to this series you don't get much in way of character development, relationships or world building, but you do get some, just enough to wake your interest and make you think "hm, this series might be interesting".
Due to that I'm giving it a 3 star rating. Once we have the first proper novel for this series I'll probably give it a go as well.
Runner Up: Best Historical 2016
(more information about these awards on my blog)
I received this book as an ARC from Reading Addiction PR on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was certainly an interesting introduction to Sherry D. Ficklin's new series.
Set in New York in the 1920s it follows Masie Schultz, the daughter of bootlegger Dutch Schultz, and her struggle to find a place in a world built on money earned on smuggled alcohol. The novella is quite short and fast-paced - and as it is the introduction to this series you don't get much in way of character development, relationships or world building, but you do get some, just enough to wake your interest and make you think "hm, this series might be interesting".
Due to that I'm giving it a 3 star rating. Once we have the first proper novel for this series I'll probably give it a go as well.
July 28, 2019
*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.*
I didn't realize how much I wanted a Gatsby inspired book until reading this. Gang crime, noir, and booze don't come up in literature enough. If this series turns a bit darker, less cliched and adds a dash of well-placed mystery, it could really succeed.
The main character Masie is sent for from school to confront issues at home and figure out her place in her crime-rich family. She seems to have a good grasp on things and has potential to be a good lead in future stories.
The setting isn't touched on much but I think the author will do a good job expanding it.
The dialogue was a little heavy handed with the slang of that era and seemingly thrown in "just because"; it needed refinement and depth.
Overall I'll look forward to further books.
I didn't realize how much I wanted a Gatsby inspired book until reading this. Gang crime, noir, and booze don't come up in literature enough. If this series turns a bit darker, less cliched and adds a dash of well-placed mystery, it could really succeed.
The main character Masie is sent for from school to confront issues at home and figure out her place in her crime-rich family. She seems to have a good grasp on things and has potential to be a good lead in future stories.
The setting isn't touched on much but I think the author will do a good job expanding it.
The dialogue was a little heavy handed with the slang of that era and seemingly thrown in "just because"; it needed refinement and depth.
Overall I'll look forward to further books.
November 22, 2016
Even caged canaries can sing, and oh, did this novelette SING! This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship and I can not wait to get my hands on the next novelette in the series! Brilliant and dazzling, I can already tell it’s only going to get better as we dive further into the world of all the pretty things and dirty little secrets of the Prohibition era. Masie absolutely sparkles off the page, demanding our attention from the moment we meet her. I’m dying to learn more about June, Vinny, and JD and the secrets we already know they keep. In a world where not everything that glitters is gold, Gilded Cage and the world of The Canary Club is the diamond we’ve been waiting for. Absolutely exquisite! The only thing I would change would be not having to wait for the next one-it’s that captivating. Do not wait to grab this beauty!
March 29, 2017
A splendid, roaring read!
I was intrigued with this series from the first time the author announced about this new series and I must say with every chapter I read, I became more addicted! Chapter one hooked me!
I feel so sorry for Masie - her whole life is turned upside after that one phone call by her cruel and ruthless father.
As every chapter finished, I fell in love with this book more and more. So damn good! But it was too short! I need more! More, I tell you. More.
Favourite quote: "After all, even a caged bird can sing."
This book reminds me of The Great Gatsby. Romeo and Juliet meets The Great Gatsby.
Full of criminals, danger, threats, lies, cheats and star-crossed lovers.
Perfect for readers of historical romances.
I was intrigued with this series from the first time the author announced about this new series and I must say with every chapter I read, I became more addicted! Chapter one hooked me!
I feel so sorry for Masie - her whole life is turned upside after that one phone call by her cruel and ruthless father.
As every chapter finished, I fell in love with this book more and more. So damn good! But it was too short! I need more! More, I tell you. More.
Favourite quote: "After all, even a caged bird can sing."
This book reminds me of The Great Gatsby. Romeo and Juliet meets The Great Gatsby.
Full of criminals, danger, threats, lies, cheats and star-crossed lovers.
Perfect for readers of historical romances.
February 5, 2017
Cue the Roaring 20's in this newest book from Ficklin. She has been one of my all time favorite authors for a while now. And this one will knock your socks off in 68 pages! It was a very short fast little novella that will give you a short, in-depth look at the world Masie is dealing with. The world she has created will open your eyes to all the glamor and horror of the world of gangsters, speakeasies, color wardrobes and bootleg! I finished this in about an hour, and couldn't put it down! I really hope that we get a full fledged novel from this world!
Book in a Pinch
Girl finds her calling in a boot-legger world
Go Into This One Knowing
Perfect for fans of The Diviners by Bray and others who love the roaring 20's!
Book in a Pinch
Girl finds her calling in a boot-legger world
Go Into This One Knowing
Perfect for fans of The Diviners by Bray and others who love the roaring 20's!
December 5, 2016
I love Sherry is drawing us into this new series with just a taste that leaves you wanting more. In this first Novella we are introduced to Masie who has been away at boarding school and is unexpected called home in the wake of a family crisis. Once arriving home the veil of innocence is savaging ripped from her eyes as her eyes are opened to the depth of what her family will do to hold on to their empire and where she lies in the midst of this. I am intrigued to see where the story is going to go. Sherry stories are all unique and draw you in from the first page to the very last without you wanting the story to end.
December 28, 2016
2.5/5
I read the Queen of Someday trilogy last year, and I really, really loved it. Which is one of the main reasons I wanted to read Gilded Cage - a short introduction to this series. I don't think I've read a book that took place in the Gatsby era, so I'm quite excited to learn more about it!
I didn't really enjoy the characters as much as I thought I would. I found Masie, Vinny, JD...all a bit odd. I couldn't really picture them, I didn't enjoy the dialogue either. But since this is a novella, more like a pre-surface of each character and the development of this world, I'm willing to continue on.
I read the Queen of Someday trilogy last year, and I really, really loved it. Which is one of the main reasons I wanted to read Gilded Cage - a short introduction to this series. I don't think I've read a book that took place in the Gatsby era, so I'm quite excited to learn more about it!
I didn't really enjoy the characters as much as I thought I would. I found Masie, Vinny, JD...all a bit odd. I couldn't really picture them, I didn't enjoy the dialogue either. But since this is a novella, more like a pre-surface of each character and the development of this world, I'm willing to continue on.
January 28, 2017
I've been looking for ward to the Canary Club books ever since I heard about them. It was refreshing to read get into something set in the roaring 20's, the time of pro-hibition and speakeasies. The characters are quite what you would expect from this setting, but SF immerses the reader so well into the lush penthouse and gilded night club. The pace is PERFECT for a novellete. I was never bored or waiting for things to happen. SF is one of my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint. Except for the fact that this story is too short! Anxiously awaiting the next installment, and really excited that it's going to be with a different character.
November 25, 2016
Okay, I really didn't know what to expect at the beginning but I'm excited to be invested in this series!
The plotline and writing got me hooked from the beginning. I'm intrigued and I want to know more.
It is short, a novella so a short read but so many things happened.
Marie's father is a criminal/ in mafia. She has been away from it all but she finds herself into the family buisness. I want to know what happens.
Excited for it!
Got the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
The plotline and writing got me hooked from the beginning. I'm intrigued and I want to know more.
It is short, a novella so a short read but so many things happened.
Marie's father is a criminal/ in mafia. She has been away from it all but she finds herself into the family buisness. I want to know what happens.
Excited for it!
Got the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
December 30, 2016
This was a fantastic set up to a series. I really enjoyed this. It was just too short! (in a good way) It was a full, complete, well-paced story. It was an excellent set up, and an excellent read - historical characters in a fictional setting, gutsy dames, beautiful flappers, bootleggers, it's got it all. I just wanted more of these characters! I will definitely be reading more.
December 29, 2016
This book has an amazing premise. Poor little rich girl, yanked out of school to help her criminal father keep up the speakeasy bisuness in the 20's. There's a bit of adventure, romance, mystery... and then it's over. This novella could easily be developed into a full length novel and I wish it was!
December 12, 2016
Great book. I enjoyed the characters. There's a lot of unanswered questions so I'm hoping the next one comes out soon. Loved the clothing descriptions! The scene is the 20's and it's well executed.
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