The Gilded Cage

The Prison Healer Series, Book 2

By: Lynette Noni

Narrated by: Jeanette Illidge

Kiva trades one cage for another when she leaves behind a deadly prison for a deceptive palace in this dark and dangerous sequel to The Prison Healer, which Sarah J. Maas called "a must-read."

Kiva Meridan is a survivor.

She survived not only Zalindov prison, but also the deadly Trial by Ordeal. Now Kiva’s purpose goes beyond survival to vengeance. For the past ten years, her only goal was to reunite with her family and destroy the people responsible for ruining their lives. But now that she has escaped Zalindov, her mission has become more complicated than ever.

As Kiva settles into her new life in the capital, she discovers she wasn’t the only one who suffered while she was in Zalindov—her siblings and their beliefs have changed too. Soon it’s not just her enemies she’s keeping secrets from, but her own family as well.

Outside the city walls, tensions are brewing from the rebels, along with whispers of a growing threat from the northern kingdoms. Kiva’s allegiances are more important than ever, but she’s beginning to question where they truly lie. To survive this time, she’ll have to navigate a complicated web of lies before both sides of the battle turn against her and she loses everything.

©2021 Lynette Noni (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Disappointed in Main Character

I enjoyed the first book although it dragged a bit in the middle. Loved the way that this book started but Kiva became willfully naive. I can’t imagine someone who survived 10yrs in a prison would be this trusting of every person around her. The frustration her actions makes me question if I’ll finish the series.

This series is everything

I can't even describe how much I love this series and urge everyone to read it as soon as possible.

Freakin A!

My hearts going to explode! Another Good, no not good AMAZING Book, im buying the 3rd immediately!!!! i need to know what happens!!!! lol im hooked!!!

2nd book better

The first book was slow til about half to 2/3rds in. But I’m glad I persisted. This one was good all the way through. Lots of plot twists. Kept my attention.

Why is Jaren the only one in his family without a British accent?

Story is good for a YA series. Easily listening. In the first book Jaren has a slight southern accent and now it’s a classic American accent but all of his family members have some version of a British accent. Wish there was continuity with the accents

Not the same Kiva

I loved the first book in the series because the heroine was so smart and quick on her feet. This was not the case this time around. Kiva just seemed to have too much allegiance to a mother who willfully left her to die, a sister who only sees her as a pawn, and brother who means well but has no means to actually help her.

Kiva’s actions at first make sense but then dwindle down to acts that seem to only happen move the plot along. She knows her family left her die in a death prison on purpose, but still acts to help them gain a throne they don’t actually rightfully deserve. It’s not even a cause she believes in or will benefit from but she goes through with it anyway. And for what? Loyalty to those who have never been loyal to her? It was just odd to say the least.

Also, Kiva is aware that her family is leading a rebellion but she’s somehow shocked and upset that they harm and kill the very people that they are rebelling against? Towards the end, Kiva becomes a peripheral character in her story, ping ponging between loyalties, and being used a pawn by all. The cliffhanger ending did nothing to make me want to continue the series. The only reason I will be continuing the trilogy is because I was so highly invested in the first title. Admittedly, this book was interesting until Kiva begins behaving in an un-Kiva-like fashion.

The narration was on point, but if the simpering and gullible Kiva we have now had been the one introduced in the first book, I would have never checked in for the second.

Good plot twists, terrible plot overall

I walked away from this book very angry, and it's because the main character doesn't communicate, grow, or develop, and it leads to a devastating cliff hanger. However, a story is supposed to give you a profound emotional impact, and that's exactly what this one did. Can't say I'm fond of how the main character is so indecisive, but ultimately the story will make you feel angry and hurt. And that can only mean it's an amazing story.

stressful in the best way

although i couldn't help but shake my head and shout why Kiva over and over again, The author and VA does stress beautifuly just like her first book. I'm thoroughly invested and desperately hold out hope for a happy ending.

Engaging and Intriguing

The second book in the Prison Healer trilogy, The Gilded Cage, was engaging and kept me on my toes a bit while listening. I enjoyed it but found it slightly more predictable than the first book. While I did not know exactly what the twists would be, the back and forth within the story made this book a little easier to predict or make assumptions about, whereas with The Prison Healer, I didn’t anticipate the final twist at the end at all! I really enjoy this world and this story so far and look forward to seeing what the next installment brings!

Even better than the first book!

Absolutely mind blowing. I thought the first book was good, but this one? 10/10 will be telling everyone to pick up these books.