Finn has finally escaped Incarceron, the living prison containing thousands of criminals and their descendants, only to enter a world where time is frozen so that power remains with certain people. Finn has left behind his oath brother, Keiro, and his friend, Attia, but even with Claudia and Jared’s help, he doesn’t seem to be able to free them.
In addition, Finn is supposedly the heir to the throne, but he is challenged by another boy whom claims to be next in line, whom appears to be identical to Finn. As Finn cannot remember his life before Incarceron, he has no way of disproving this. With the question up in the air, Finn knows that his life is at stake. He has Claudia, though, and she is determined to prove that Finn is her long lost betrothed.
But while the issues of false character and possible assassination occur, Incarceron is growing desperate to escape itself. Attia and Keiro search for Sapphique’s glove, a bargaining chip, so that they might be able to guarantee their safety when Incarceron shuts down.
Following Finn’s and Claudia’s adventures in Incarceron, Sapphique delves further into the corrupt structure of Claudia’s society while allowing the ancient prison to finally be revealed. Fisher does not disappoint fans of her first novel in the series, for the action continues impressively. Claudia’s ambition contrasts with Finn’s neverending guilt as they try to determine if Finn is really the heir to the throne.
At the same time, in Incarceron, Kiero and Attia bargain with the ultimate enemy, the prison. Surprisingly, Incarceron becomes an even more dynamic character. It is very obvious that the prison is alive now, and determined to escape itself; having such a character keeps Sapphique original and enjoyable.
For fans of fantasy, Sapphique is a must-read, for it contains everything a good fantasy should: a complex plot, an alternate reality, and very radical characters. Just be sure to read Incarceron first.
- Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin Group)
- Date of Publication: December 28, 2010
