Our two main characters live in two very different worlds. Claudia is on the “outside” betrothed to the Heir Prince, and Finn is in Incarceron, the prison, “below.” Both are fighting for their freedom yet continually finding themselves pawns in everyone else’s games! Will they ever be free? Will Finn ever get out of the prison? Will Claudia be forced to marry the pig-headed prince?

I thought that the visual descriptions of beauty versus squalor and filth were great, as were the images of the era clothing, mannerisms and protocol of the rich. I never really liked either main characters though. Claudia is generally ruthless and one-dimensional. Finn is weak and naive and always letting himself be used by everyone else. Neither of the characters change or grow.

I would love to imitate the imaginative world and the great supporting cast. Unfortunately, I did not think that this book was really worth my time, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Enjoyment Level: 2/5 – I was bored and just didn’t care.
Beginning: 1/5 – confused
Middle: 4/5
Ending: 3/5 – no character arc

“The bodice was too tight, but she was used to it. Her hair was fiercely brushed and the pearl net penned into it; it crackled with static on the velvet of her shoulders. Breathless, the old woman stepped back. “You’d look better if you weren’t scowling.” “I’ll scowl if I want to.” Claudia turned to the door, feeling the whole dress sway. “One day, I’ll howl and scream and yell in his face.” “I don’t think so… you’re just as terrified of him as everyone else.”

Kate

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
© 2007, Penguin Group
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3396-1
442 pages