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Scepter Series #2
Cage of Shadows
Who—or what—will you choose, when the shadows close around you? Please Cage of Shadows is the second book in the Scepter Series and continues directly after the events in House of Scepters.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Kaveh uh Fehl, you're going down in history as my absolute favorite overpowered dark shadow general, everyone else should look up to you.
Kaveh uh Fehl, you're going down in history as my absolute favorite overpowered dark shadow general, everyone else should look up to you.
September 27, 2020
Magnificent. Warm. Beautiful. Awe inspiring.
Yes, all the words Kaveh would use to describe Nin, but let me steal them to describe not only her but this book in general. I loved House of Scepters but this book... I can’t find proper words to describe how much I adore it. It was absolutely beautiful whether it was happy or heartbreaking scenes. Anne’s writing is magnificent and it consumes me no matter if I’m reading her books for the first or millionth time.
“You’ve had knowledge of countless people. To you, the bond is probably just like any other foolish relationship you participate in—one of many that have floated through your mind. I have only you.”
I don’t even know where to start. The world building, the plot, the court politics, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. It was all a thing of beauty, especially the latter.
This series has not only some of the best characters I have ever read about but also such an interesting storyline and action that it will keep you glued to your kindle screen, unable to concentrate on anything else. We find out much more about the empire, it’s politics, the blessed Fehls and the magic in this second book and I couldn’t be happier that this world is the same as in the Ren Crown series, even if it’s so many years apart. I loved all the little tidbits about the layers that we knew from Ren but also all the new information. It’s so so interesting and Anne’s intelligence never stops fascinating me.
“It made her mind whirl. He had accepted their bond so quickly—like a man starving. He had already slotted her into a permanent spot at his side, a mere eight days after forming their oath. Kaveh ul Fehl, the man who needed no one.”
Now let me talk about my most favorite thing in this book, the reason why I have almost the whole book highlighted: Nin. Kaveh. Nin and Kaveh. Tali. Tali and Nin. Tali and Rone.
The most amazing character development? Belongs to Kaveh ul Fehl. The way he went from seeing Nin as an enemy to a temporary, unwanted partner in getting The Scepter of Darkness to an asset because of her powers to a friend and someone much more, who he started trusting and caring about without even noticing because he couldn’t help being captivated and absolutely bewitched by her warmth, kindness, spirit, bravery, selflessness, endless curiosity and loyalty was the most beautiful thing. I finished a few days ago and I still can’t wrap my head around the fact how beautiful (yes I know I repeated this a hundred times already but I can’t help it) and enchanting Kaveh’s and Nin’s relationship development was. Seeing him go from being only focused on battles and conquering to actually starting to feel attachment - affection - love towards Nin to the point where seeing her caged and exploited for her powers was so unbearable that he broke all his principles made me ache with love and pain for him. Pain because you could feel his conflict SO well through the whole book, his upbringing and all the values emperor raised him with kept telling him one thing, but his heart was slowly telling him something completely different. The ending broke me. My heart broke because of what emperor did to Nin and Kaveh and about the whole thing afterward because I can only imagine what kind of emotional damage it did on Kaveh 😭
“There were things there within the bond, things that he was helpless to name or identify. Things that made him vulnerable, that made him want to lash out and push away, but also to yank her to his chest and never let go.”
Nin was already my favorite girl in the first book but now my love for her is on the same level as my love for Ren and if you know me you know that there’s no other character I love as much as her. Nowadays, everyone loves heroines that are morally gray but for me these two girls that are the representation of unconditional love, kindness, warmth, tenderness, softness, care, selflessness, sacrifice, strength, loyalty, devotion, bravery are everything. I’m forever grateful to Anne because she gave me these two characters that are a source of endless inspiration.
“Here was a woman who was as brutal as he, but in her desire to save instead of to destroy. A woman who was fiery beneath a calm facade. A pretty facade that hid a jewel nearly too beautiful to gaze upon.”
And please add Taline to that list. Just like with Nin, finding out even more about all the abuse and pain she had to go through and yet she was still of full of kindness and loyalty, trusting Nin without a single doubt and never hesitating to do whatever it takes to protect her no matter the damage to herself made me cry so many times. I love these girls and their bond, I love how they healed each other and became the source of unconditional love to each other, how they became each other’s safe haven and how they would sacrifice themselves just so the other would be safe, happy and never experience pain again fills me with infinite warmth and love.
Last but not least, I loved how along with Taline we saw Rone in completely different light. Right as Tali softened and started to care about him, I did too. I loved how during their journey they both opened up to each other and dropped the facade they used to push each other away because they were scared of getting hurt. It was beautiful. Okay, I promise this was the last time.
I want to say so much more but I feel like this is just rambling that’s not deserving of the magnificence that is Cage of Shadows so if you actually read to the end of this babble that was just me telling how in love I’m with these characters, I strongly recommend you to read this series, you won’t regret it for a single minute.
Yes, all the words Kaveh would use to describe Nin, but let me steal them to describe not only her but this book in general. I loved House of Scepters but this book... I can’t find proper words to describe how much I adore it. It was absolutely beautiful whether it was happy or heartbreaking scenes. Anne’s writing is magnificent and it consumes me no matter if I’m reading her books for the first or millionth time.
“You’ve had knowledge of countless people. To you, the bond is probably just like any other foolish relationship you participate in—one of many that have floated through your mind. I have only you.”
I don’t even know where to start. The world building, the plot, the court politics, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. It was all a thing of beauty, especially the latter.
This series has not only some of the best characters I have ever read about but also such an interesting storyline and action that it will keep you glued to your kindle screen, unable to concentrate on anything else. We find out much more about the empire, it’s politics, the blessed Fehls and the magic in this second book and I couldn’t be happier that this world is the same as in the Ren Crown series, even if it’s so many years apart. I loved all the little tidbits about the layers that we knew from Ren but also all the new information. It’s so so interesting and Anne’s intelligence never stops fascinating me.
“It made her mind whirl. He had accepted their bond so quickly—like a man starving. He had already slotted her into a permanent spot at his side, a mere eight days after forming their oath. Kaveh ul Fehl, the man who needed no one.”
Now let me talk about my most favorite thing in this book, the reason why I have almost the whole book highlighted: Nin. Kaveh. Nin and Kaveh. Tali. Tali and Nin. Tali and Rone.
The most amazing character development? Belongs to Kaveh ul Fehl. The way he went from seeing Nin as an enemy to a temporary, unwanted partner in getting The Scepter of Darkness to an asset because of her powers to a friend and someone much more, who he started trusting and caring about without even noticing because he couldn’t help being captivated and absolutely bewitched by her warmth, kindness, spirit, bravery, selflessness, endless curiosity and loyalty was the most beautiful thing. I finished a few days ago and I still can’t wrap my head around the fact how beautiful (yes I know I repeated this a hundred times already but I can’t help it) and enchanting Kaveh’s and Nin’s relationship development was. Seeing him go from being only focused on battles and conquering to actually starting to feel attachment - affection - love towards Nin to the point where seeing her caged and exploited for her powers was so unbearable that he broke all his principles made me ache with love and pain for him. Pain because you could feel his conflict SO well through the whole book, his upbringing and all the values emperor raised him with kept telling him one thing, but his heart was slowly telling him something completely different. The ending broke me. My heart broke because of what emperor did to Nin and Kaveh and about the whole thing afterward because I can only imagine what kind of emotional damage it did on Kaveh 😭
“There were things there within the bond, things that he was helpless to name or identify. Things that made him vulnerable, that made him want to lash out and push away, but also to yank her to his chest and never let go.”
Nin was already my favorite girl in the first book but now my love for her is on the same level as my love for Ren and if you know me you know that there’s no other character I love as much as her. Nowadays, everyone loves heroines that are morally gray but for me these two girls that are the representation of unconditional love, kindness, warmth, tenderness, softness, care, selflessness, sacrifice, strength, loyalty, devotion, bravery are everything. I’m forever grateful to Anne because she gave me these two characters that are a source of endless inspiration.
“Here was a woman who was as brutal as he, but in her desire to save instead of to destroy. A woman who was fiery beneath a calm facade. A pretty facade that hid a jewel nearly too beautiful to gaze upon.”
And please add Taline to that list. Just like with Nin, finding out even more about all the abuse and pain she had to go through and yet she was still of full of kindness and loyalty, trusting Nin without a single doubt and never hesitating to do whatever it takes to protect her no matter the damage to herself made me cry so many times. I love these girls and their bond, I love how they healed each other and became the source of unconditional love to each other, how they became each other’s safe haven and how they would sacrifice themselves just so the other would be safe, happy and never experience pain again fills me with infinite warmth and love.
Last but not least, I loved how along with Taline we saw Rone in completely different light. Right as Tali softened and started to care about him, I did too. I loved how during their journey they both opened up to each other and dropped the facade they used to push each other away because they were scared of getting hurt. It was beautiful. Okay, I promise this was the last time.
I want to say so much more but I feel like this is just rambling that’s not deserving of the magnificence that is Cage of Shadows so if you actually read to the end of this babble that was just me telling how in love I’m with these characters, I strongly recommend you to read this series, you won’t regret it for a single minute.
June 20, 2021
kaveh come collect your hugs
February 2, 2022
(3.5)
Rep: West Asian coded cast & setting
CWs: gore, violence
Rep: West Asian coded cast & setting
CWs: gore, violence
September 20, 2020
this is arguably my favorite book of the entire year! I screamed the ENTIRE time and lost my whole mind at the end. I love all of these characters so much—nin, kaveh, taline, and rone all own my heart and I am so glad to know them.
but GOOD GOD KAVEH’S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!! SO GOOD!!! nin and kaveh are officially on my top 10 favorite ships and I would do ANYTHING for them in a heartbeat. they invented enemies to lovers and battle couples and sunshine/grump and all the good tropes. we are blessed.
5/5 stars but honestly? this book deserves 10/5 stars. absolutely perfect. *chef’s kiss*
but GOOD GOD KAVEH’S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!! SO GOOD!!! nin and kaveh are officially on my top 10 favorite ships and I would do ANYTHING for them in a heartbeat. they invented enemies to lovers and battle couples and sunshine/grump and all the good tropes. we are blessed.
5/5 stars but honestly? this book deserves 10/5 stars. absolutely perfect. *chef’s kiss*
June 22, 2023
4.5 upgraded to 5
September 29, 2020
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
July 1, 2023
Strength beyond power. Devotion beyond allegiance. Loyalty beyond truth. Family that was forged in fire.
THIS WAS PURE GENIUS AND I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY.
For a more coherent review please see Nav's.
November 3, 2021
"To you, the bond is probably just like any other foolish relationship you participate in—one of many that have floated through your mind. I have only you."
I needed to start this review with that quote, it's been living in my mind rent-free since I read it and it still makes me scream. Kaveh and Nin relationship went from enemies to allies to partners to friends to lovers, the slow building of their bond was beautiful.
Now, the book: I felt like someone smashed my heart with that end.
Strength beyond power. Devotion beyond allegiance. Loyalty beyond truth. Family that was forged in fire.
I'm not a big fan of trilogies cause it always feels like the story's been delayed with death chapters where nothing happens, but this one...there's always *something* happening.
Everything in this book feels right, the world-building, the plot, the character's development, the cute moments that felt so sacred for both couples, THE END. No matter how many theories or ideas I wasn't expecting that end. I feel like this story is so well constructed, while there're plenty of clues everywhere is not obvious and always surprises me. I love it.
"Was he willing to let the scepter be wielded by another hand? He looked at her. To save her. The answer was yes."
Though Kave had an amazing development, Rone grew so much too, for someone well known for only caring about himself, his character slowly accepted that sometimes, some people deserve to be trusted, to be protected.
And Taline and Nin...both girls were amazing in the first book and are even better in this one, strong independent characters that fight till their last moment, never giving up, and loving each other so deeply.
September 17, 2020
*sips on coffee, puts glasses on and cracks knuckles*
Oookaaaay, now that I'm caffeinated and not in a daze from finishing this AWESOME second edition in the amazing series that we've been blessed with at the crack of dawn, let me tell you why this book is the prime example of how to write the second installment in a series.
1) An engaging plot
A lot of series suffer in this category, but no, not this one. We were left with so many uncertainties with the first book's ending; no idea if Kaveh would have a change of heart, or Rone would keep his promise to Nin despite it contradicting with his bigger goal, if Nin's secrets would be out in front of the Emperor or the fate of Tehrasi with the Scepter of Darkness no longer hidden. There was already a lot in play, but then the author comes in and throws another curveball. The Empire starts getting attacked from within. It was already a court of mistrust and power hungry spawns but with the assassination attempts increased twofolds, not only on Padifehls but all of the first blessed Fehls, there is a deeper, more dangerous coup at play that even Sher Fehl can't ignore.
2) Character.fucking.development
I mean, we already love Nin and Taline and find Rone amusing. Didn't need more development there. What I was dying to see was Kaveh's feelings change and his priorities shift. It was bound to happen cause who could ever resist the loyalty and selflessness of Ninli ul Summora? And as expected, I wasn't disappointed at ALL. Kaveh knew Nin was powerful and would make a great asset, but to see his view change from seeing her as a coveted pawn to someone he trusted and would defy orders for was a gift. Not only Kaveh, but seeing Taline be so incredibly strong, even after almost losing herself to madness, or Rone, who doesn't believe in caring or trusting, willing to sacrifice himself for Taline, made my heart swell and ache at the same time. And then there's Nin, always there with her empathy and understanding, wanting to write her own destiny, willing for everyone around her to be a better version of themselves, ready to sacrifice herself for Tehrasi and its people. She is such a beacon of light and warmth that even the Shadow Prince of darkness himself couldn't resist getting closer and honestly, if that's not how you write your MF'ing characters, I don't know what is.
3) World building
I thought we had known much about the layers from the Ren Crown series, but boy was I wrong. There is so much more magic to discover, so many more secrets to unfurl, so many geographical and historical intricacies to marvel at. I can't wait to reread and dissect all the easter eggs in this series. There is so much happening in the book that it's hard to let yourself just enjoy the world but it is such a beautifully dangerous world to explore and lose yourself in. And we are only covering 2 layers!! Imagine the possibilities...
4) No floundering but an actual direction to where the story's headed
This is where most second books fail. I am always wary of reading a second installment because there is a whole lot of fat nothing that happens. In this series though, with the constant switching POVs and so much going on in the magical and non-magical layers, I could only take breaks to text Ella about how this damn book was drowning me in feels.
5) No useless characters
All the characters introduced are characters that play a part and not just act as plot conveniences to aid or abet the MCs when needed. Ilsura's darkness, Nera's anger, Aros' cunning, Osni's madness, Sher Fehl's hubris, all of them make this story a whole.
Oh wait, I lie. Etelian ul Fehl is a useless waste of space and I can't comprehend why he's still alive.
6) Conniving yet motivated villains (that I respect)
Villains being evil for the sake of being evil and bad is a pet peeve. I LOVE villains that are motivated by something in their past and are actually characters you might not love or trust, but can understand and respect. Crelu ul Osni's motives were clear from the first book but knowing that he isn't the mastermind alone in causing the Empire's demise was expected yet so thrilling to read. The Emperor, even with his single-minded purpose of coveting all, had admiring motivation in him. To see his love for Kaveh and his weakness for Nera and her children, made him such a well fleshed out character that
7) Heart-wrenchingly beautiful dialogue
I think my highlights and bookmarks and notes for this book could make a novella in itself. I sobbed, okay? At the middle of the night, curled up with my kindle, seeing the character who didn't understand love or feelings, feel lost and empty when deprived of it was a breaking point. It hurrttt.
8) Nail-biting action
I was at the edge of my seat, not just figuratively but literally, during all action scenes. Be it Rone and Taline trying to fight the Pentalayersits, Osni and the Empire's assassins at the same time or Kaveh and Ninli locked with the Emperor and others during the ending chapters, trying to survive with almost no odds in their favor.
9) Poignant backstories
I was soooo looking forward to finding out more about everyone's pasts! It was sad but it only made me love all our MCs so much more. Still don't know what Rone's powers are but I'm sure we'll find out in the last book.
10) That ending
Can I please get the next book like yesterday? K, thx, bye.
Rating: 11/10
----------------------------------------------------------
Been a while since a book made me stay up till 4 in the morning. This was GLORIOUS! Full review to come.
Oookaaaay, now that I'm caffeinated and not in a daze from finishing this AWESOME second edition in the amazing series that we've been blessed with at the crack of dawn, let me tell you why this book is the prime example of how to write the second installment in a series.
1) An engaging plot
A lot of series suffer in this category, but no, not this one. We were left with so many uncertainties with the first book's ending; no idea if Kaveh would have a change of heart, or Rone would keep his promise to Nin despite it contradicting with his bigger goal, if Nin's secrets would be out in front of the Emperor or the fate of Tehrasi with the Scepter of Darkness no longer hidden. There was already a lot in play, but then the author comes in and throws another curveball. The Empire starts getting attacked from within. It was already a court of mistrust and power hungry spawns but with the assassination attempts increased twofolds, not only on Padifehls but all of the first blessed Fehls, there is a deeper, more dangerous coup at play that even Sher Fehl can't ignore.
2) Character.fucking.development
I mean, we already love Nin and Taline and find Rone amusing. Didn't need more development there. What I was dying to see was Kaveh's feelings change and his priorities shift. It was bound to happen cause who could ever resist the loyalty and selflessness of Ninli ul Summora? And as expected, I wasn't disappointed at ALL. Kaveh knew Nin was powerful and would make a great asset, but to see his view change from seeing her as a coveted pawn to someone he trusted and would defy orders for was a gift. Not only Kaveh, but seeing Taline be so incredibly strong, even after almost losing herself to madness, or Rone, who doesn't believe in caring or trusting, willing to sacrifice himself for Taline, made my heart swell and ache at the same time. And then there's Nin, always there with her empathy and understanding, wanting to write her own destiny, willing for everyone around her to be a better version of themselves, ready to sacrifice herself for Tehrasi and its people. She is such a beacon of light and warmth that even the Shadow Prince of darkness himself couldn't resist getting closer and honestly, if that's not how you write your MF'ing characters, I don't know what is.
3) World building
I thought we had known much about the layers from the Ren Crown series, but boy was I wrong. There is so much more magic to discover, so many more secrets to unfurl, so many geographical and historical intricacies to marvel at. I can't wait to reread and dissect all the easter eggs in this series. There is so much happening in the book that it's hard to let yourself just enjoy the world but it is such a beautifully dangerous world to explore and lose yourself in. And we are only covering 2 layers!! Imagine the possibilities...
4) No floundering but an actual direction to where the story's headed
This is where most second books fail. I am always wary of reading a second installment because there is a whole lot of fat nothing that happens. In this series though, with the constant switching POVs and so much going on in the magical and non-magical layers, I could only take breaks to text Ella about how this damn book was drowning me in feels.
5) No useless characters
All the characters introduced are characters that play a part and not just act as plot conveniences to aid or abet the MCs when needed. Ilsura's darkness, Nera's anger, Aros' cunning, Osni's madness, Sher Fehl's hubris, all of them make this story a whole.
Oh wait, I lie. Etelian ul Fehl is a useless waste of space and I can't comprehend why he's still alive.
6) Conniving yet motivated villains (that I respect)
Villains being evil for the sake of being evil and bad is a pet peeve. I LOVE villains that are motivated by something in their past and are actually characters you might not love or trust, but can understand and respect. Crelu ul Osni's motives were clear from the first book but knowing that he isn't the mastermind alone in causing the Empire's demise was expected yet so thrilling to read. The Emperor, even with his single-minded purpose of coveting all, had admiring motivation in him. To see his love for Kaveh and his weakness for Nera and her children, made him such a well fleshed out character that
7) Heart-wrenchingly beautiful dialogue
I think my highlights and bookmarks and notes for this book could make a novella in itself. I sobbed, okay? At the middle of the night, curled up with my kindle, seeing the character who didn't understand love or feelings, feel lost and empty when deprived of it was a breaking point. It hurrttt.
8) Nail-biting action
I was at the edge of my seat, not just figuratively but literally, during all action scenes. Be it Rone and Taline trying to fight the Pentalayersits, Osni and the Empire's assassins at the same time or Kaveh and Ninli locked with the Emperor and others during the ending chapters, trying to survive with almost no odds in their favor.
9) Poignant backstories
I was soooo looking forward to finding out more about everyone's pasts! It was sad but it only made me love all our MCs so much more. Still don't know what Rone's powers are but I'm sure we'll find out in the last book.
10) That ending
Can I please get the next book like yesterday? K, thx, bye.
Rating: 11/10
----------------------------------------------------------
Been a while since a book made me stay up till 4 in the morning. This was GLORIOUS! Full review to come.
September 17, 2020
Another great book! In this one you can really start to see the links in the world system with the Ren series. Of course she ended it on a cliff hanger though so I'm eagerly awaiting the third in the series!
April 3, 2021
*3,75 NIN AND KAVEH & RONE AND TALINE BOTH COUPLE LOVE OF MY LIFE I LOVE THEM SO MUCHHHH. Sério eu me apaixonei muito pelo kaveh nese livro, ele com a nin era a coisa mais fofa do mundo, e o rone com a taline meu deus do céu muito fofos também.
June 9, 2025
I won’t lie, I even read this book during work bc it’s just that good. It’s a good continuation of the story, and also it’s just so soft. God bless
April 1, 2021
NIN AND KAVEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i’m speechless
November 10, 2021
Estuvo muy bueno el libro, mejor que el primero pero creo que es porque ya le tengo cariño a los personajes mas que otra cosa.
Tengo que decir que no me gustó que hubiera dos tramas intercaladas, es algo personal eso, siempre me gusta una más que la otra y entonces me empieza a aburrir la que no me gusta. En este caso la aburrida fue la de RoneTaline en el mundo no-mágico porque al principio no pasaba nada, eran solo ellos caminando por ahí. En cambio en la trama de NinKaveh estaban que si en el frente de las batallas, estaban contando cosas de sus vidas desde el principio y todo era más interesante.
Me encantó el desarrollo de los personajes, en especial Kaveh y Rone. Ambos empiezan a ver el mundo de una manera distinta por pasar tanto tiempo con Nin y Taline respectivamente. Kaveh empieza a cuestionar decisiones del imperio, acepta un poco las cosas que Nin le cuenta, se abre con ella con respecto a algunas cosas de su vida y termina poniéndola por encima de todo lo que conoce. Por otro lado, Rone se da cuenta de que por algunas personas vale la pena abrirse y confiar, vale la pena querer sin importar el dolor que pueda traer.
Nin y Taline no tuvieron este nivel de desarrollo, fue más como que se mantuvieron estables, no se dejaron corromper por el poder que les dio el cetro (a Taline) y la magia Kaveh (Nin). Eso de ellas me gustó. Admito que me frustra un poco la manera de ser de Taline, en especial todo su problema con las personas que no se quedan con Nin luego de ser salvadas pero a la vez la entiendo, me gusta que sepa y acepte cuando comete un error al usar esa situación para cobrar un favor.
Tengo una super queja y es que ya el slow burn de NinKaveh pasó de lindo a ridículo, ya quiero que por lo menos se besen. Lo poderosos que serían estos libros si fueran NA no me deja en paz.
El final fue un shock y a la vez predecible, tipo si veía venir quien era el que estaba detrás de todas las muertes y ataques al imperio, pero toda la escena como tal me dejó con la boca abierta. No podía parar de leer.
Me gustan los malos de la historia porque tienen buena motivación, tipo los entiendo y amo cuando pasa eso. En especial el emperador que en realidad lo que hizo fue cometer errores por amo que lo llevaron a un trágico final. Igual no le perdono que le quitara los poderes a Kaveh y se los llevara a la tumba, pero lo entiendo.
No se qué pasará ahora, me duele que Kaveh esté sin poderes, no se quiénes de los que queda en el imperio son de fiar, no se qué tan difíciles van a ser Rone y Taline para aceptar a Kaveh, no se cómo hará Nin para resolver todo.
Tengo algunas teorías y espero que se cumplan por lo menos las relacionadas a los poderes de Kaveh, si no los recupera voy a odiar el libro.
Tengo que decir que no me gustó que hubiera dos tramas intercaladas, es algo personal eso, siempre me gusta una más que la otra y entonces me empieza a aburrir la que no me gusta. En este caso la aburrida fue la de RoneTaline en el mundo no-mágico porque al principio no pasaba nada, eran solo ellos caminando por ahí. En cambio en la trama de NinKaveh estaban que si en el frente de las batallas, estaban contando cosas de sus vidas desde el principio y todo era más interesante.
Me encantó el desarrollo de los personajes, en especial Kaveh y Rone. Ambos empiezan a ver el mundo de una manera distinta por pasar tanto tiempo con Nin y Taline respectivamente. Kaveh empieza a cuestionar decisiones del imperio, acepta un poco las cosas que Nin le cuenta, se abre con ella con respecto a algunas cosas de su vida y termina poniéndola por encima de todo lo que conoce. Por otro lado, Rone se da cuenta de que por algunas personas vale la pena abrirse y confiar, vale la pena querer sin importar el dolor que pueda traer.
Nin y Taline no tuvieron este nivel de desarrollo, fue más como que se mantuvieron estables, no se dejaron corromper por el poder que les dio el cetro (a Taline) y la magia Kaveh (Nin). Eso de ellas me gustó. Admito que me frustra un poco la manera de ser de Taline, en especial todo su problema con las personas que no se quedan con Nin luego de ser salvadas pero a la vez la entiendo, me gusta que sepa y acepte cuando comete un error al usar esa situación para cobrar un favor.
Tengo una super queja y es que ya el slow burn de NinKaveh pasó de lindo a ridículo, ya quiero que por lo menos se besen. Lo poderosos que serían estos libros si fueran NA no me deja en paz.
El final fue un shock y a la vez predecible, tipo si veía venir quien era el que estaba detrás de todas las muertes y ataques al imperio, pero toda la escena como tal me dejó con la boca abierta. No podía parar de leer.
Me gustan los malos de la historia porque tienen buena motivación, tipo los entiendo y amo cuando pasa eso. En especial el emperador que en realidad lo que hizo fue cometer errores por amo que lo llevaron a un trágico final. Igual no le perdono que le quitara los poderes a Kaveh y se los llevara a la tumba, pero lo entiendo.
No se qué pasará ahora, me duele que Kaveh esté sin poderes, no se quiénes de los que queda en el imperio son de fiar, no se qué tan difíciles van a ser Rone y Taline para aceptar a Kaveh, no se cómo hará Nin para resolver todo.
Tengo algunas teorías y espero que se cumplan por lo menos las relacionadas a los poderes de Kaveh, si no los recupera voy a odiar el libro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
I really like Anne's style of writing. She is wonderful at world building and story telling.
I immediately jumped into book 2 after book 1.
The story is very good and written well.
My only complaint is I don't feel like I am a part of the world or a part of the book. I am just reading a story.
But, the story is absolutely an excellent one with great characters and arcs.
Was anxious again to move straight to the next book.
I immediately jumped into book 2 after book 1.
The story is very good and written well.
My only complaint is I don't feel like I am a part of the world or a part of the book. I am just reading a story.
But, the story is absolutely an excellent one with great characters and arcs.
Was anxious again to move straight to the next book.
October 9, 2020
aarrrrgghh!! loved it! where is the next? thank god for this author and her books in this time of darkness
July 25, 2021
wow the character developments are just *chef's kiss*
August 28, 2021
The character development in this book is really great looking forward to seeing how the third book ties everything up.
January 16, 2022
NO WORDS, NO TOUGHTS, HEAD EMPTY, HWAT
February 11, 2022
no le di 5 pq no hubo besito
October 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
August 26, 2022
“We, both of us, were blessed by our births. Or cursed. I was born to plenty, and I come from a long line of people born to plenty. I had every advantage at birth. And when I Awakened to power, I Awakened to a torrent—to skills that most do not have. I know my fortune. And I know my misfortune, too. For those born to plenty, do we not have a duty to those born to less?”Amazing. Brilliant. Magnificent. Show stopping. Never been done before. All the words that I think that could describe how good this book was, how much I enjoyed, and loved reading it. The politics of the empire was discussed even further thanks to Ninli and Kaveh, and I loved reading everything about it as it actually represented the politics of today, how privileged people should help those who aren't. It's like the lines were really timeless, and would absolutely make you think a lot about now. Very fitting indeed.
I also loved how Taline and Rone bonded since they got thrown together into another realm. We were able to see much more of their dynamic, and I was able to loved Taline more. The same goes to Ninli, this book made me love her more the more her devotion, kindness, and loyalty were shown all throughout. Everyone's backstory was discussed here which helped me understand their internal monologues from the previous book.
Although my most favorite part in this book, aside from Ninli and Kaveh's political discourses, and moments shared that developed their relationship, was Kaveh's character development. It was shown from the previous book how dark his character is. The emperor's “war machine,” his most loyal right-hand man. But ever since meeting Ninli, his views about the world have changed. His ways have changed as the world can also be conquered through kindness, and servitude to the people you promised yourself to serve, to use your privilege in helping others. From seeing Ninli as the emperor's enemy, his enemy, to an ally then a friend, and finally to something more than that. The way he also realized how much he was deprived of parental love. I couldn't have loved him more for that. It was definitely heartbreaking what the emperor did to him, I just cannot imagine the emotional damage it gave him.
Everyone says that second installments in a book series are the most boring ones, but Cage of Shadows is different. This wasn't a boring read, it was very engaging especially with its political theme and I loved every second of reading it. I can't wait to read the last book. 🫶🏽
January 27, 2024
“Power is fickle. Love is not.”
Anne Zoelle, yet again, impresses me with the way she write her characters. The development of the characters and their relationships in this book was magnificent.
Nin and Taline being so fiercely protective and devoted to each other make my heart warm. Found family trope always kills me.
(“You can’t trust me.” He stared at her for a long moment. “There is no one I trust more.”)
Rone begrudging acceptance to caring for the Summora girls, exposing his power for their sake.
(“What do you do after the world is the empire? What do you do when there is no one left to conquer? Where does your thirst to conquer go? Who is left to sate it?”
He looked at her. “You.”)
And KAVEH going through a rollercoaster of emotions through this book, questioning his father, learning to trust Nin and enjoy her company, tried to protect her, only to end up losing his magic😭
Going to start the last book immediately.
Anne Zoelle, yet again, impresses me with the way she write her characters. The development of the characters and their relationships in this book was magnificent.
Nin and Taline being so fiercely protective and devoted to each other make my heart warm. Found family trope always kills me.
(“You can’t trust me.” He stared at her for a long moment. “There is no one I trust more.”)
Rone begrudging acceptance to caring for the Summora girls, exposing his power for their sake.
(“What do you do after the world is the empire? What do you do when there is no one left to conquer? Where does your thirst to conquer go? Who is left to sate it?”
He looked at her. “You.”)
And KAVEH going through a rollercoaster of emotions through this book, questioning his father, learning to trust Nin and enjoy her company, tried to protect her, only to end up losing his magic😭
Going to start the last book immediately.
August 29, 2023
”If you put complete stock in what you have at any moment, you won’t be able to endure when things change. And they always change. Life moves. Like the waves.”
Watching Nin talk Kaveh out of being a psychopath will always be a pleasure.
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