Gilded Cage by Vic James

Gilded Cage (The Dark Gifts Trilogy, #1)

by Vic James

From the bestselling author of Sanctuary comes a thrilling Orwellian vision of Britain, with a rebellious Hunger Games heart. Gilded Cage is the astonishing debut novel by Vic James, and the first title in her electrifying The Dark Gifts Trilogy.

A modern Britain.
An age-old cruelty.

Britain's magically skilled aristocracy compels all commoners to serve them for ten years – and now it's the Hadleys' turn. Abi Hadley is assigned to England's most ruthless noble family. The secrets she uncovers could win her freedom – or break her heart. Her brother Luke is enslaved in a brutal factory town, where new friends' ideals might cost him everything.

Then while the elite vie for power, a young aristocrat plots to remake the world with his dark gifts. As Britain moves from anger to defiance, all three must take sides. And the consequences of their choices will change everything, forever.

'A dark and intriguing vision of an alternate, magic-drenched Britain, Gilded Cage kept me up way into the night'– Aliette de Bodard, author of The House of Shattered Wings

Continue the fantasy series with Tarnished City and Bright Ruin.

Reviewed by Terri M. LeBlanc on

2 of 5 stars

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I acquired Gilded Cage by Vic James at MidAmericon II last summer. I was thrilled to get an ARC, by chance, at the event and even more delighted when a few of my fellow bloggers started mentioning the book because I had picked up a copy months prior! I’m rarely ahead of book craze game so I was somewhat proud of myself for selecting a book that others were excited to read as well.

At the end of the Gilded Cage left me with too many questions.

What EXACTLY can the Equals do? Is Skill magic? Where does the power come from? Why do some people have Skill and others don’t? Because I got the distinct feeling that perhaps Skill can be transferred and/or manipulated by Skilled folks who have stronger powers than another.

What is the political game at foot here? Instead of love triangle, there is a political game triangle (maybe even a different shape happening) and it is confusing! Silyen, Bouda, Silyen’s father and his cronies, the Equals trying to bring justice to the Unequals/Slaves/Commoners (what were they called again?!)

What is the point to having so many points of view in such a short book?

Here’s the list: Leah (who only shows up once), Abi, Luke, Silyen, Gavar, Euterpe (who only shows up once), Bouda.

The multiple points of view muddled the story, created an incomplete picture. As a reader, I felt detached from the story. I spent most of my time struggling to get to know the characters and understand their motives, as well as figuring out the world and its rules. In the end I was angry at the rushed ending and confused about how the world worked.

Unfortunately, Gilded Cage is a mess. Told from way to many points of view, you never get a complete painting of the world, its political structure, its magical rules or what game is being played. There are two many players for a three hundred page young adult novel. This felt like a Song of Fire and Ice (aka The Game of Thrones) for kids, but less masterfully composed.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 March, 2017: Finished reading
  • 25 March, 2017: Reviewed