She was raised to be beautiful, nothing more. And then the rules changed . . . In icy Dasnaria, rival realm to the Twelve Kingdoms, a woman’s role is to give pleasure, produce heirs, and question nothing. But a plot to overthrow the emperor depends on the fate of his eldest daughter. And the treachery at its heart will change more than one carefully limited life . . . THE GILDED CAGE Princess … life . . .
THE GILDED CAGE
Princess Jenna has been raised in supreme luxury—and ignorance. Within the sweet-scented, golden confines of the palace seraglio, she’s never seen the sun, or a man, or even learned her numbers. But she’s been schooled enough in the paths to a woman’s power. When her betrothal is announced, she’s ready to begin the machinations that her mother promises will take Jenna from ornament to queen.
But the man named as Jenna’s husband is no innocent to be cozened or prince to charm. He’s a monster in human form, and the horrors of life under his thumb are clear within moments of her wedding vows. If Jenna is to live, she must somehow break free—and for one born to a soft prison, the way to cold, hard freedom will be a dangerous path indeed…
Praise for The Mark of the Tala
“Magnificent…a richly detailed fantasy world.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, Top Pick
“Well written and swooningly romantic.”
—Library Journal, starred review
more
I’ve only recently gotten back into reading fantasy after several years away. I must admit I was attracted by the unusual premise of this book (i.e. it was NOT the usual young man from humble background in small village goes on quest type of story line…)
Anyhow, I was hooked from the first page. It has been a while since I’ve had to lie/cheat & steal for time to keep reading a book–this was one of those times.
This was a book full of surprises. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, it didn’t. Kennedy never took the boring or predictable route.
I was prepared for Jenna to be annoying–she wasn’t. She was extremely sheltered and the way she behaved rang true. I liked how her actions were those of an inexperienced and naive young woman, but her character grew in the face of adversity.
Kennedy has a very clean style that somehow manages to leave you with the impression of having read something far more extensive. I think this book wasn’t much more than 350 pp, but by the time I reached the last pages I cared for Jenna, her younger sisters Inge and Helva, and especially her brother Harlan. I even cared about some of the minor characters, like the blacksmith and his family, who you only get to meet briefly.
I thought Jenna’s mother was a fascinating character. She is a horrible woman, but she isn’t a cardboard cut out of a “bad guy.” I got the sense she became that way out of expediency, not out of choice.
Yes, this is a dark fantasy: it is for grown ups and I’m glad the author doesn’t pull her punches and pretty it up. I like to read nuanced, gritty, and hard-hitting books written for adults and this first installment in the Dasnaria series is certainly that. I don’t think it would be incorrect to call this “grimdark” although Kennedy has a style as distinctively her own as other, equally dark, clever, & fantastic fantasy writers like Abercrombie. There were elements of the book that also reminded me of the King’s Blades series by Dave Duncan–perhaps the world building or the deft handling of the latter half of the book. The spirit of the book is unique and grabbed/surprised me every bit as much as Glen Cook’s first book in the Black Company.
I am officially a hardcore fan of this series and I have high hopes that this is the first of ten books!
Rated 4.5 Stars
Prisoner Of The Crown is part coming of age, part intrigue, part political, part treachery and a whole lot of awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though the dark moments had me up in arms ready to do some damage.
I loved the way the author set this one up, it has me so intrigued and eager to see how things shake out where the power struggle is concerned.
Even more than the power dynamics I’m excited to see what happens next with the main character, Jenna. I’m so ready for the next book in this series. I’m hoping Jenna comes more into her own and is a force to be reckoned with.
I definitely recommend this book.
I’ve been an enthusiastic fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy books for a while now. When I learned that she had another series set in her Twelve Kingdoms universe, I got quite excited.
Prisoner of the Crown is book one of a serialized story about Imperial Princess Jenna. If you’ve read Talon of the Hawk or Edge of the Blade, then this is Harlan and Kral’s sister. We finally get to learn what has happened to her and what became of her life.
Book one has a villain who I can’t wait to see get what’s coming to him. While Jenna has been put through a lot in this story, by the end of the book I felt relief that she’s finally able to take charge of her life and become her own person. I’m very much looking forward to diving into book 2 of this series.
Raised to be beautiful and facing a short, brutal life of abuse, a young woman learns how to survive.
I wanted to see her dance the night before her wedding. I also wanted to help her escape her fate. l I am sure for many young women abuse was closer to the truth than the happy ever after tales we love.
Love this book! Already pre-ordered the second in the series. Can’t wait!!
Prisoner of the Crown by Jeffe Kennedy
The Chronicles of Dasnaria #1
Not a huge fan of Sci-Fi but thought this book might be worth a try. I like to start series with the first book when I can so this was a good first book for me to try by an author I have never read before. I had mixed feelings about the book as half of it told about Princess Jenna’s life as a child and young woman and how she was prepared in a seraglio to later become a well-trained obedient wife. The second half of the story was what happened after she married, spoke of her seeing the outside for the first time as she traveled to her horrible husband’s castle, incorporated a younger brother’s tenacity in keeping her safe and ended with her seeking her freedom from the chains that bound her to her husband and kingdom.
I liked Jenna but found her a bit clueless and do hope she wises up. I am on the fence about this book. I liked parts of it, wished there had been less in the first half and more in the second half and would like to see where the author plans to go with this series. I should also say I am not a fan of abrupt endings and this had a bit of that feel to it.
Did I like this book? Yes & No
Would I read another book by this author? Perhaps, to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Rebel Base Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
This book kept my interest but the ending seemed abrupt. I have not decided whether to continue reading the series.
Tried to follow and get interested, but couldn’t.