Link to Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZddu-nllwY ( )

An interesting read that combines fantasy, dystopian literature, alternate history, and political thriller. The unique world building is this novel's greatest asset. The book is set in a present day UK where the aristocratic 1% rule as much through parliament and laws they do through their terrifying and potent use of awesome (if vaugely defined) magical powers (very Britishly termed "Skill").

Amazing premise, surprising and shocking till the very end, this worthwhile read only slightly suffers come some flat characterization and an occasionally hard to follow narrative thread. Defintely looking forward to the next books in the series though. ( )

Vic James’s debut dystopic fantasy, Gilded Cage, blends the magic of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and the well-known squalor of The Hunger Games with a relatable cast of characters and vast plot that reminds me of A Song of Ice and Fire.

In the world of Gilded Cage, not everyone is created Equal. Most aristocrats wield astonishing magical powers in addition to their powers of wealth, governance, and prestige. The common folk are kept down by a law that requires them to complete their “slave days,” ten years of brutal servitude beneath the rule of the Equals. But the commoners can’t cower forever. In Gilded Cage, they begin to realize the strength in their numbers and how oppression steels people who were once soft.

Gilded Cage is characterized by layers. In the way of the best works of fantasy literature, the reader comes away with the impression that they have only read the very surface. The characters seem real. They all have hopes, passions, and dreams. Even those who might be villains have a positive side.

In all, Gilded Cage left me with the impression that there is so much more that this world has to offer. I applaud James for hooking me, and I can’t wait for the next installment of the Dark Gifts series.

*Disclaimer: An ARC of this book was furnished through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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I'm not usually into slave!fic, but this world was fully realized. The characters were complex, especially Renie and Abi. I will read the sequel, if only to find out how a few of the subplots are to be resolved. ( )

Too political and too dark for me... I didn't like any of the characters, and the only ones I felt empathy for were the animals who suffered along the way. Brace yourself for a grim read. ( )