Book Review: King's Cage

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I hate to admit it, but I kinda love this story. Is the world building terrible? Yes. Do I dislike most of the main characters? Yes. Can I still not get enough? YAAASSSSSS.

I read this book for one reason (MAVEN) and that one reason didn't disappoint (MAVEN IS AWESOME). There is something strange about rooting for the "bad guy" in these stories. But he isn't really the bad guy is he? I mean, if his mother hadn't messed around in his head ALL THE TIME he wouldn't be so messed up?

Right? I am right, right? This isn't Stockholm syndrome is it?


Okay, let's talk plot. There isn't much going on here. An extension of the war(s) that started in book one. But we are in book three ... this is part of the problem. Not enough story, too much book.

Okay, how about Characters? I mean MAVEN, but other than him we have Cal and Mare and Cameron ... but they are kinda boring. LOL. I mean, how much can Mare feel angsty about losing her brother? How much can the reader take being told Cal is controlling himself but the whole room heats up? What is the point of Cameron's character? I mean, isn't she just mini-Mare?

Evangeline was an interesting character because she is TERRIBLE, but then all of the sudden she is a "main" character and I think we are expected to like her? After that she totally falls flat on the page.

What is the romance with Cal and Mare? In book one I wanted her to love him because I didn't want her to love Kilorne (spelling? I listened to this last book, have no clue if that is spelled correctly). But now, now their "romance" has ZERO passion. In fact, I think most of the book lacks passion and they are at war for a cause they are willing to die for. What is happening here?

World-building? Well three books in I have a better grasp on what is going on. But I don't think it was until this book that I understood this was Dystopian and not historical fantasy. The use of the word "plastic" was so sudden and jarring I was confused for a second.

So, if the plot is lacking, the characters fall flat, and the world-building leave a lot to be desired, then why am I three books deep into this series? No, honestly, I'm asking, why do I keep reading (MAVEN).

Okay, will I read the fourth book (is that the end *fingers crossed*), yep. Will I enjoy it? Probably not, I mean, Maven could come out on top, force an unwilling Mare to be his bride, and then I'd probably be happy. Probably? I doubt that is where the story is headed. I just don't know why I keep reading.


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