#80 Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Incarceron is a an enormous prison, hidden from view and completely blocked off from the real world. Like all prisoners, Finn was raised in 
Incarceron, but unlike others he has memories of the world outside. When he comes across a crystal key that he suspects will unlock the exit, he embarks on a quest to find his freedom. On the outside, Claudia feels trapped in her own prison, an arranged marriage to a wicked prince. But when she comes across a similar crystal key, she finds that she can communicate with Finn, who looks somewhat familiar to her. Seeing an opportunity for freedom for herself, Claudia is determined to find a way to help Finn escape. Unfortunately, Incarceron is more than just a prison. It is a sentient being that does not want to let any of it's captives go.
I picked up Incarceron after hearing it compared to works by Garth Nix, who's Old Kingdom Trilogy is one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, despite the fact that I love some of Nix's work, there's plenty of it that just leaves me cold. Regardless of all of the positive things I've heard about Incarceron, I can't help but feel the same way about this novel. On a positive note, when it comes to worldbuilding, Incarceron certainly does not lack for originality. The setting of the prison is truly creepy, and the outside world, which has rejected change for a strict adherence to the technology and protocol of a previous era, can be really interesting. I enjoyed the unique mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements that can be found in both settings.
My issues with Incarceron can mainly be found in Fisher's writing style, and the quality of the audiobook. Although Fisher's writing can be lovely, it can also feels melodramatic (especially with some of the dialogue), which I have precious little patience for right now. This feeling of melodrama was enhanced by the narrator chosen for the audiobook. Although Kim Mai Guest certainly has a lovely speaking voice, I found her method of reading to be almost soap opera like at times. As a result, I really couldn't take any of the characters seriously, and I found myself rolling my eyes at times. I never really warmed up to any of the cast (with the exception of Jared, Claudia's tutor), and a handful of them actively got on my nerves, again and again. As a result, I didn't care too much about each of their stories, despite the fact that there were some nice twists at the end.
The quality of an audiobook can really make or break a reading experience. I'm not sure if I would have had fewer issues with the book, had I read it in print form and had been able to craft the characters voices in my head. Regardless, I can only be honest and admit that this book did not work for me as I experienced it, despite it's originality and rich setting. I would not recommend it to others. For anyone really interested in picking up the book, I would discourage you from going the audio route.
Rating: two and a half stars
Length: 458 pages
Source: Lewiston Public Library
Other books I've read by this author: this is my first
Next up, I will be reviewing The Amulet of Samarkan: A Bartimaeus Graphic Novel by Jonathan Stroud and Andrew Donkin, and The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads
Incarceron, but unlike others he has memories of the world outside. When he comes across a crystal key that he suspects will unlock the exit, he embarks on a quest to find his freedom. On the outside, Claudia feels trapped in her own prison, an arranged marriage to a wicked prince. But when she comes across a similar crystal key, she finds that she can communicate with Finn, who looks somewhat familiar to her. Seeing an opportunity for freedom for herself, Claudia is determined to find a way to help Finn escape. Unfortunately, Incarceron is more than just a prison. It is a sentient being that does not want to let any of it's captives go.
I picked up Incarceron after hearing it compared to works by Garth Nix, who's Old Kingdom Trilogy is one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, despite the fact that I love some of Nix's work, there's plenty of it that just leaves me cold. Regardless of all of the positive things I've heard about Incarceron, I can't help but feel the same way about this novel. On a positive note, when it comes to worldbuilding, Incarceron certainly does not lack for originality. The setting of the prison is truly creepy, and the outside world, which has rejected change for a strict adherence to the technology and protocol of a previous era, can be really interesting. I enjoyed the unique mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements that can be found in both settings.
My issues with Incarceron can mainly be found in Fisher's writing style, and the quality of the audiobook. Although Fisher's writing can be lovely, it can also feels melodramatic (especially with some of the dialogue), which I have precious little patience for right now. This feeling of melodrama was enhanced by the narrator chosen for the audiobook. Although Kim Mai Guest certainly has a lovely speaking voice, I found her method of reading to be almost soap opera like at times. As a result, I really couldn't take any of the characters seriously, and I found myself rolling my eyes at times. I never really warmed up to any of the cast (with the exception of Jared, Claudia's tutor), and a handful of them actively got on my nerves, again and again. As a result, I didn't care too much about each of their stories, despite the fact that there were some nice twists at the end.
The quality of an audiobook can really make or break a reading experience. I'm not sure if I would have had fewer issues with the book, had I read it in print form and had been able to craft the characters voices in my head. Regardless, I can only be honest and admit that this book did not work for me as I experienced it, despite it's originality and rich setting. I would not recommend it to others. For anyone really interested in picking up the book, I would discourage you from going the audio route.
Rating: two and a half stars
Length: 458 pages
Source: Lewiston Public Library
Other books I've read by this author: this is my first
Next up, I will be reviewing The Amulet of Samarkan: A Bartimaeus Graphic Novel by Jonathan Stroud and Andrew Donkin, and The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads