Incarceron – a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology – a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber – chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here.
In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison – a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device – a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn’s escape is born … ‘I loved the book. It’s a crazy, cool, dark world … it’s a great story.’ — Taylor Lautner, star of the Twilight movies
In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison – a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device – a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn’s escape is born … ‘I loved the book. It’s a crazy, cool, dark world … it’s a great story.’ — Taylor Lautner, star of the Twilight movies
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Reviews
'One of this year's most striking fantasy novels'
'A far-future thriller combines riveting adventure and masterful world-building with profound undertones. ... Like the finest chocolate, a rich confection of darkness, subtlety and depth, bittersweet and absolutely satisfying.'
'a tour de force'
'... imaginatively drawn and vividly described. ... an exciting adventure story.'
'... stands out above all others ... It's imaginative scale and gobsmacking finale make it one of the best fantasy novels written for a long time.'
'a deliciously dark and scary ride.'
'one of today's best fantasy writers ... a deliciously dark and scary ride.'
'... imaginative, rich in texture and vividly realised. Catherine Fisher writes with consummate skill and depth of feeling.'
'a smart, complex, engrossing and emotionally involving read.'
'a deep and sophisticated adventure story'
'... a riveting book that keeps you turning pages. There are plenty of plot twists, mysteries, excitement, and secrets to hold your attention from the beginning to the very end. Even things that seem obvious may not be as they seem; there's enough ambiguity to keep you guessing.'
'This gripping futuristic fantasy has breathless pacing, an intelligent storyline, and superb detail in rendering both of the stagnating environments. ... With some well-timed shocking twists and a killer ending, this is a musthave.'
'... brilliantly realized ... reader attention never flags through this elegant, gritty, often surprising novel.'
'Complex and inventive, with numerous and rewarding mysteries, this tale is certain to please.'
PRAISE FOR THE ORACLE SEQUENCE:
'... a rich, resonant conclusion to the series.'
'Vivid, complicated, and thoroughly engrossing, this fast paced adventure keeps readers avidly turning pages until the majestic conclusion.'
... an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended.
suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please.
A crisp, quick-moving narrative and fully fleshed out characters will keep readers hooked
A powerful and very exciting adventure story.
'... one of the most skilled and original writers currently working in young adult fantasy'
'Beautifully imagined and realised, this novel of future regression is rich with strong characters, big issues and a compelling plot. It is a barnstorming piece of serious fantasy that doesn't put a foot wrong.'
'Catherine Fisher is an artist with words ... An engrossing, intricate story of an extraordinary journey undertaken by richly imaginative characters'
'... wholly engaging and rushes along as a breathless and nail-biting pace ... a gripping read that should enthral both young and old fans'
One of today's best fantasy writers...readers can look forward to a deliciously dark and scary ride
Complex and richly imagined
Imaginatively drawn and vividly described
Catherine Fisher is an artist with words -- a brilliant writer and of fantasty and Incarceron maintains the high standard set by The Oracle and The Snow Walker trilogies...An engrossing, intricate story of an extraordinary journey undertaken by richly imaginative characters
Complete and believable. The story is wholly engaging and rushes along at a breathless and nail-biting pace with plenty of heroic moments and near misses...A gripping read that should enthral both young and old fantasy fans alike.
Beautifully imagined and realised...a barnstorming piece of serious fantasy that doesn't put a foot wrong...tense and fast-paced with a real atmosphere of menace
Fisher remains a superb writer
One of this year's most striking fantasy novels
The plotting is intricate and the levels of legend and action are multi-layered...A tense and complicated fantasy adventure
One novel stands out above all others...thrilling...a modern version of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast, though given a better plot, people we care about and a prose style honed by decades of writing poetry
Tackled with creativity, courage and originality
A riveting book that keeps you turning pages