Review of "Incarceron"

"Finn had been flung on his face and chained to the stone slabs of the transitway."

     From author Catherine Fisher comes Incarceron, a science-fiction novel so unique it's like she rediscovered the genre. Finn has lived in Incarceron for as long as he can remember, but the tattoo on his wrist and a smattering of almost-memories have him convinced he's from the Outside. He and his oath-brother, Keiro, survive by working with--and sometimes double-crossing--a scum gang within the prison. Though he yearns to escape, Finn knows it's impossible...until he comes to possess a key etched with the image on his wrist and a direct line to the Warden's daughter. Armed with the key and several compatriots, Finn sets out on an epic journey to escape Incarceron forever.

     This isn't only a story about Finn, however. Enter Claudia, princess-to-be and daughter of Incarceron's Warden. In the world where she lives, everything is governed by Protocol, a technology-based set of laws that locks the land into a specific Era, preventing the forward motion of time. Claudia was originally engaged to Prince Giles, but after his tragic death in a horse riding accident, her engagement was shifted to the less pleasant Prince Caspar. Claudia doesn't want to get married, least of all to Caspar. Together with her tutor, Jared, she breaks through her father's security in a fit of rebellion, only to discover an old crystal key marked with a holographic eagle. Through it, she has a direct line of communication with Finn, a prisoner she quickly determines to break out. But staging an Escape is harder than it sounds, especially since Incarceron has something major working in its favor: this prison is alive.

     Words cannot express how incredible Fisher's writing is. From the first page onward, she sweeps readers off their feet with fast-paced action, smooth dialogue, and worldbuilding that sucks you right in. Whether it's emotions, physical descriptions, character development, or setting, this author is adept at making everything more realistic than seems possible.

     The characters in this novel are remarkably well developed. Keiro, Finn's oath-brother, is strong-willed and selfish, but also caring and insightful. Claudia is spoiled but kind, with startling depth. Finn is a very round character with lots of thoughts and emotions swirling around inside him, while Jared is calm, analytical, and completely devoted to his student. Together, these characters balance each other out and give the story a firm, solid edge that grounds it in reality. Never mind the fact they live in a prison made entirely of metal, or that the Realm in which Claudia lives is only an illusion. When Incarceron's pages are open, suspension of disbelief comes naturally, and a great deal of it is due to the principle characters.

     The plot of Incarceron is fairly straightforward. Finn and his friends go from Point A to Point B to Point C, following the path of the mythical Sapphique, allegedly the only man who ever escaped the massive prison. They face a magician, thieves, frightening weather, and a monster straight from Sapphique's legends, all in the hopes that getting past these obstacles will lead to escape. Claudia, meanwhile, must keep out of Court politics and search for the entrance to Incarceron if she is to have any chance of freeing her new friend. But when the prison in question is a living thing, nothing is ever as expected.

     As far as ratings go, this is a pretty clean read. Though Finn and Keiro are members of a street gang, the violence is pretty basic and there's no gore to be found. Swearing is nearly a no-go. This makes for a refreshing take on the classic "survivors are thugs with dirty mouths" approach, and actually makes it easier to sympathize with the characters.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an immersive science fiction story about fighting for a better life and the power of change. Finn, Claudia, Keiro, and Jared are great characters neck-deep in their own troubles, with unique personalities and backstories to match. Even Incarceron itself is beautifully written, with a distinct character and amazing worldbuilding to match. Catherine Fisher has done a brilliant job with Incarceron, earning it five stars with remarkable ease.