FICTION

Gilded Cage

368p. (Dark Gifts: Bk. 1). Ballantine/Del Rey. Feb. 2017. Tr $20. ISBN 9780425284155.
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This captivating dystopian tale of forbidden love has all the makings of a successful YA fantasy novel. Riveting and accessible writing will quickly draw readers into a story full of surprises, grief, and mystery. The book follows two siblings at the bottom of their extremely stratified society. Abi and Luke must endure 10 years of mandatory service to the exclusive and manipulative elite class, ironically named the "Equals." Blending modern technology and Oliver Twist —esque poverty and cruelty, James has created a Britain that teens will want to see fall. Readers will easily connect with the variety of narrators. Some may be turned off by the blatant political undertones, but the plot is so well developed that most won't mind.
VERDICT An easy sell to fans of fantasy and dystopian fiction, but be prepared—teens will be anxious for the next installment in the planned trilogy.

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