Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Reviewed by ChrisRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Ratings Explanation
Language: One or two swearwords.
Violence: A man is shot in the back with an arrow and killed. A few other fights with little description. There is the fear of violence overarching the story.
Adult Themes: A kidnapping.
Synopsis
Sapphique is the sequel to Incarceron, and is the end of the story. It continues to intrigue in Catherine Fisher’s twisted world where the prison, Incarceron, is linked to the outside world, the Realm, where progress is outlawed. Fisher creates a world filled with details and interesting characters. Finn has escaped the prison Incarceron, but finds the cushy life he expected in the Realm is full of danger and intrigue instead. His friends Attia and Keiro are still inside the prison, seeking a way out, and trying to survive. The prison, which is sensient, has taken an interest in Keiro and Attia because they have the glove of Sapphique, the key to escape. The prison wants to escape too. It wants to see the stars, see outside itself. But if that happened, all the millions of prisoners would be left to die in the dark and cold, with no life support. It seems apocalypse in on the horizon inside the prison, while old-fashioned war has begun in the Realm. The end of both worlds comes with a surprise ending.
This was a great story. The worlds created in Incarceron and Sapphique have a lot of texture, smells, sounds, space, and lots of other sensory details. It is not a deep story, but has lots of adventure and intrigue, with good and evil hiding in ways that makes us question our heros, but all is sorted out in the end. Claudia in particular has a strong voice and a defiant, courageous personality, but she is balanced by the ruthless Keiro. With strong male and female characters, it would appeal to most young people. Appropriate for ages 12+