Those of us with power are collected and stuffed into prisons. They found me when I was still just a child. I've spent my whole life caged, beaten and experimented on. I'm nothing but a nightingale shifter, little power to combat the torture.
The last thing I ever expected was to find my mates in this hell, but they're brought in, snarling and furious and huge.
Too bad if our mate bond is discovered, we'll be killed. And too bad they want nothing to do with a weak bird who can only run from danger. They don't have time for a mate when they need to work on their plan to escape and get back to the people who need them.
They act like I do when I have plans of my own that don't include a broody incubus, a blood-thirsty unicorn, or a bratty vampire.
Unfortunately, we may end up needing each other if we want to survive the Arcane Prison, much less find our way to freedom.
This is a reverse harem prison series which means the FMC doesn't have to choose a love interest. If that or MM offends you, this probably isn't your cup of tea.
An expert in parkour, Helene Gadot moonlights as a Nail Polish Namer and occasional ghostwriter. She lives with her husband and trio of rugrats in the South. Helene has a serious coffee mug and throw pillow addiction, and when she isn't reading or writing, she's probably shopping online.
I love a nice surprise. Don’t write this one off as another abused heroine “caged” and saved by her harem of possessive asshole supernaturals. Okay it kind of is that but I’m also happy to report it has 100% more substance than 90% of those others.
”I’m no hero or leader or warrior or champion. I’m just a flightless bird with no real strength or power. But I’ve learned a lot from the Arcanes who have come and gone here in this hellhole. And my benevolent nature only goes so far. I only have so much restraint. Everyone has a point at which they snap.”
Warning: not for the faint of heart. It’s not dark but it is violent.
I am a fan of this growing prison trend. This prison is for not convicts but all supernaturals or “arcane” as their called here. Shifter, Mage, Jinn whatever, they all go to a prison. Well it’s more of a torture chamber/concentration camp. But the inmates aren’t bully’s trying to be top of the pecking order, the guards are the bad guys. It’s pretty brutal and not not diluted down for delicate readers, you’ve been warned. Allegra was born and raised in this place and has suffered, a lot. She’s a nightingale and not some alpha shifter with awesome hidden powers that will destroy everyone in the end. She’s as funerable as an MC will get. But does she want her mates to come and in and save her. Nope, they might be fated mates but both sides are rejecting the bond and that’s what makes this more interesting.
”She’s spent her whole life starving, separated from her nightingale, never exploring the world, never getting drunk in a tavern, never learning how to fight, never falling in love. Just this drudgery. And now, her mates have somehow found her and we tell her we don’t want her? We are the biggest pricks.”
It’s easy to throw in a fated mates and get the instant relationship but Gadot doesn’t take the easy way out. It’s much more satisfying to see connections grow over time and not by some bond.
I love an under-dog and it doesn’t get much more so than Allegra. But she’s not just some weak bird who’s only good for singing. She’s got depth. What she lacks in psychical strength she makes up for in will. Something her mates have to discover instead of writing her off on first impressions.
There was no “immediately getting hard” and barely any romance but it was about more than that! It’s a slow burn Fated Mates.. if can believe it!
“Not everything is about you men, you know. She can have a wonderful and fulfilling life that’s shockingly not based on some idiot with a cock he thinks is the most important thing in the world to her. Who she ends up with doesn’t matter. What she does with her life is what matters. Same for you three fools. Now, try to get over yourselves and focus on the plan to get us all out of here and not your romantic drama.“
It also doesn’t end or turn out like you would think either. This one goes against all the other ones I’ve read with similar themes. I read it much too quickly and of course, as usual, I’m gutted now I can’t read on yet. It’s books like this that are keeping me going during this lockdown!
It’s one for the fans of the broken heroine. Anyone who enjoyed ones like Hunted I think might enjoy this one also!
There were some grammatical issues. In one scene, a character is referred to as "he" in another, as "she". One of the main character's names is Gavyn, but occasionally, we see it written as Gavin. You get the idea. Yes, these are minor typos, but they mess up the reading flow.
The idea was interesting, but I would have liked more world building and maybe more glimpses into the character's pasts. HOW did the Arcanes become ruled by humans? How are they not able to fight back with all of their powers?
The romance/RH part of this is also interesting because everyone is in agreement to fight the bond. It was unique in regards to other RH stories, where one person wants the mate bond, and the others fight it. I would categorize this as slow burn, since there are no steamy scenes in this installment (which I'm happy about because, you know, they're all in a hellish prison).
The ending was not a cliffhanger, but it's also not in any way a resolution to the story. It's very open ended, and leaves room (and expectation) for the next installment. I probably won't be picking up the next one.
This one is weird. Allegra has fated mates but neither she or they want the bond. They all fight it but for different reasons. They guys kind of come round but basically everything else comes before her. I almost respect them for putting the mission first but I don't like the way they treat her. Ive rated it 4 stars purely for the world building. There are a number of errors in it that must have slipped by a proof-reader
4 stars Great start to the series! I am really exited to get to know the characters more! Well I didn’t like the main characters choice to find her first mate toward the ending. I can get over this, and I will be reading the next book.
I feel like I'm jinxed. The last few books I've read have had so much potential but just don't match up to it at all. I'll admit that in the RH genre, I prefer the academy story rather than prison but this sounded interesting so I gave it a go. I love unusual shifters so I was interested in a nightingale shifter. I think I'd have just liked more from Allegra. She's been in this cruel prison her entire life, I'd have liked this to have effected her a bit more. Either be a little bit callous as she's desensitised to the violence, or be more compassionate than she is. I wasn't fussed about any of the men. The main three were just dicks to her, I understand that it was deliberate to distance themselves from Allegra but that's no way to get me to invested in a romance when the only thing keeping them together is a supernatural pull. I don't even like her friend. I'd have preferred it if he is her mate and it took something to trigger the bond. Maybe the prison doctor had severed the bond? Rather than him being in love with Allegra and saying if he meets his mate, they'll cross that bridge when they get to it. Plot-wise, I've got mixed feelings. The world building was interesting and I kind of want to see where it goes. BUT I don't think this should have been the first book. I'd have preferred it to be set after this book and this be a prequel for people who want to know what happened. Have her searching for a mate she thought was dead while fighting for the resistance while being united with her estranged group of mates on a mission. Would I recommend it? Not thank you. Will I be carrying on the series? I don't think so. While I'm naturally curious about what happens, I don't care enough to read another book to find out.
I was pleasantly surprised by Caged because the FMC isn’t some completely helpless damsel in distress for the guys to swoop in and protect.
Allegra is a bird shifter and has only known the inside of a prison her whole life. She’s nineteen years old and has been through the horrors the guards and doctor have shown her, but continues to remain strong despite her prey status among the shifters. Allegra is not some weak songbird but she’ll portray herself to be in order to survive.
When new arrivals come into the prison, three Arcana stand apart from the rest as Allegra’s mates. She doesn’t want anything to do with them and quickly finds out they feel the same way. They all have their different reasons but have mutually agreed to let the bond fizzle out. However, it’s harder to do when they are in such close proximity to each other and can’t deny the draw to learn more about each other, especially from the guys. The more they see that Allegra isn’t some sad, powerless victim, the more they grow interested in her.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the slow burn. It especially drew me in because they are fated mates but they are slowly building an actual relationship with each other. Not to mention the other unconventional non mate romance building. I’m excited to see how all the relationships work out in the future. Also the fluid sexuality between everyone is refreshing. If you’re into MM then you’re gonna be happy with this book.
The plot moved along well and the characters were developed enough for me to distinguish each from one another. I hope for more development as the series grows but I’m happy with the story’s direction. Even at the end of the book, they have gone their separate ways because it’s not all about the romance. There is more important things going on that need to take precedence.
I probably won’t read the second book just yet because I don’t want to end on a cliff hanger when the third book isn’t even out yet.
I’d recommend this book for those who like the supernatural prison RH trend and love a good slow burn romance.
Positive It had a great cast of characters. Yes, at first it was difficult to differentiate each RH-male, which is often the given case in this genre and which passes once the (good) story picks up. Each of the character, beyond the harem members, feel rich. The author suceeded in giving them detailed characterisations, offering something to the book. Even 3 weeks after having read them, you still remember them. Particularly the revelation about Rowan
So this story is a powerful one. Highlighting the strength and silent grace that is found within the battered body of trapped Nightingale. What she endures, what she has had to endure everyday of her life in captivity is a testament to strength. The fact that her song is still so beautiful and innocent does her resilience. I think it's hard to write a hard that can show both weakness while remaining strong and strength while showing weakness. The author does a good job of balancing that with Allegra's character. While this book is the slowest of the slow burns (they barely kiss on the lips), I do appreciate that this story is more about Allegra finding herself than her mates. It's about finally being free and deciding what to do for herself not what her body is telling her. I like that change in plot change. Usually it all about the mates. I'm interested to see where this all goes. There's a lot of little "hmmm" nobles that I hope come to something in later books. Really hoping the next book is sooner rather than later
Good story although I kinda wish it was first person pov with only the occasional glimpse into the guys minds so that I could connect with the fmc more. The m/m wasn't too bad as it seemed more physical than emotional just doing it because they needed to and there wasn't much of it as there's very little privacy in a prison. The end was ridiculously predictable I'm kinda getting sick of this 'almost' killing the bad guy endings I mean we all know they're not really dead but for some reason the characters never think they could still possibly be alive I mean it so obvious unless you see the dead body there's always a possibility! Anyway I'm going to DNF this series for now, will probably reread when the next books come out. Not much romance in this one a bit of a slow burn but their connection doesn't feel that deep yet, they don't get to spend much time together.
I thought this was a unique take on a fated mates book.
It was very enjoyable and entertaining and I’m going to continue with the story.
I did note a number of spelling errors and other mistakes that could have been picked up in editing, which seemed very careless and did spoil it a little for me.
The spice is also extremely tame, not quite fade to black but a bit disappointing for a reverse harem genre in my opinion. It almost felt like the author felt awkward writing it, and it showed.
OK, loved this book. Loved it, it was bloody brilliant. I think the FMC is just extraordinary, on the outside, quiet, weak, fragile, broken but on the inside kind, caring, loving, strong, just so strong, raging with anger and vengeance, clever and a real fighter in spite of her grief. I love the characters of her 3 mates, and her best friend - the story is fantastic, violent and bloody but so is the world she has created. I truly cannot wait for book 2. This one ends on a wierd kind of cliffhanger but a dark one - can't wait!!! It's a great great read. One or two little spelling /grammar mistakes but nothing that detracts from the story. Enjoy!
This is an interesting premise for a book and I'm really glad I picked it up. Fated mates is usually a hard no for me but I LOVED how Allegra didn't lose herself and stayed true and strong. A breath of fresh air in this genre!! I'm looking forward to jumping into the next book.
There were occasional pacing issues where it felt like I was moving through actions and scenes too quickly and had trouble connecting to the story during these parts, but it wasn't so bad that it pushed me away from the book.
Caged by Helene Gadot is such a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I have loved reading and can not wait to see what this author will write next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I THOUGHT THIS WAS A REALLY GREAT STORY. FROM THE START OF THE STORY I WAS PULLED IN. THE STORY IS WELL WRITTEN. I ENJOYED THE CHARACTERS AND THOUGHT THEY WERE WELL WRITTEN AND DEVELOPED. THIS IS BOOK 1 OF THE ARCANE PRISON SERIES AND IM LOOKING FORWARD TO BOOK 2. I WOULD RECOMMEND READING.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 Star = DNF. 2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy. 3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. 3.5 Star = Finished. Story was good. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one. 4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & will definitely pick up next in the series! 5 Star = Bloody LOVED it! ❤️
Caged, the first book of the Arcane Prison series, is an ebook I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. A well-paced story, but some readers may be turned off by excessive violence and torture. Good world-building and character development. Cliffhanger ending, but it was done in a good place to set up the next book.
An incredible, amazingly original reverse harem tale of heartbreak, hope and maybe love. The characters in this story go through so much it’s hard to believe it fits into the first part of the story. I would highly recommend this book to not just anyone but everyone.
Ok I got this cause of the cover and wellll unicorn! That dress is fantastic! And I'm glad I picked it up its well written there of course is a darker theme so not for everyone, but I loved it devoured it and well does have a cliffhanger but I'm excited for book 2!!🥰
So the story as a whole was good, unique and intriguing. That said....editing editing editing. There were a lot of errors in that department. Not enough that I couldn't finish the story but definitely enough that it took away from it a bit.
Stayed up all night reading this one! Couldn't put it down. Allegra is so strong and has suffered so much. I hope she gets the HEA she deserves in the next book. RH. Interesting world building. Multiple POV. Not very steamy but imagine the next book will be. Can't wait
Dark, gritty and magical. A thrilling start to what promises to be an exciting new RH series. I really enjoyed the characters and the story left me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I can’t wait for more!!
RH, prison, magic, mates, friends, based female, sexy males, sadistic guards - did I forget to mention magic, mates and sexiness? I loved this book and going to read book 2
DNF at 59%. I just couldn’t continue with the lack of connection with the MmCs. I can’t say I really liked any of them. The plot was okay but honestly wasn’t picking up enough for me half way through the book.