From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

Incarceron (Incarceron, #1)

Catherine Fisher

Why we're reading this: Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live…more
[close] 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 ..

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Jan 28, 2012 🥀 Rose 🥀 rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult, dystopian-speculative-fiction, steampunk

Finally a young adult book that isn't all about the romance. This is truest a sci-fi treat to be savored. The author switches prospectively between out two young protagonists Claudia and Finn. We toggle between two worlds, that one of which is called incarceron which is a living prison that started out as an experience 160 years ago as a prison for scum. Criminals, murderers. Some of the original inventors went in with the prisoners to help establish this world however it just de-evolved into a Finally a young adult book that isn't all about the romance. This is truest a sci-fi treat to be savored. The author switches prospectively between out two young protagonists Claudia and Finn. We toggle between two worlds, that one of which is called incarceron which is a living prison that started out as an experience 160 years ago as a prison for scum. Criminals, murderers. Some of the original inventors went in with the prisoners to help establish this world however it just de-evolved into a dark and brutal place. Finn who lives within the prison feels that he was not born there but comes from the outside a place with color and stars. He has memories of this place. When he finds a key that a.lows him contact with the outside, this is where Claudia lives.

Claudia is the daughter of the warden of incarceron. She has always been curious about the prison. No one knows where it is or what it is only that it issupposed to be a paradise that o one can leave and no one can go into, ever.

Claudia's world is outside but really live in a prison of their own. A world that has technologies but are no longer allowed to use them. They live in a world stuck in time a sort of pre-Victorian world where no machines are longer allowed and you must follow protocol by staying in character of the time. Once Claudia learns how to steal her fathers key to the prison and learns to communicate with Finn do they plan their escapes from the prisons they have both been living.

This is a highly I inventive story with some likable and not so like able characters. Claudia herself is difficult to get really close to but you root for her just the same. She's petulant but you get why so you cut her some slack. I like Finn however I do hope he develops into a stronger man. There are the people you meet who follow finn on his journey to be free and claudias tudor Jared whom I liked very much if anything for the way he loves her. Her father the warden is hard and cold along With the scheming queen. And then there is incarceron itself. Think of Hal on 2001. You get the idea.

My only grumble would be that I wished the author had a better handle on descriptions. I had difficulty with the descriptions and feel of the prison. More detailed explain actions in certain parts that didn't always make clear sense. These things would be less forgiving of me if this was not young adult. I do cut some slack here. Overall a good read.
I look forward to the sequel.
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Apr 02, 2010 ☼Bookish in Virginia☼ rated it liked it · review of another edition

The build up for this book was amazing. The ads... the video... the rave reviews here. I was so prepared to love it. But unfortunately it was only okay.

For one thing, I was expecting the prison to be dark and strange: It was a prison. Actually a rather standard sci-fi prison. Something I would expect Mr. Spock to be able to defeat with his logic. For another thing, I found myself in the odd position of being more interested in Claudia and her world on the outside, than Incarceron and Finn on the ...more

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Mar 23, 2010 Esther rated it it was amazing

Shelves: __mine-and-i-m-keeping-it, favourites, zz-2010, ya, fantasy, zz-2010-from-my-own-shelves, steampunk, dystopia, series-loved-or-to-continue, author-female

Amazing!! My favourite book of 2010

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Jul 30, 2010 Cheer Papworth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian, ya

If you enjoyed The Maze Runner or The Hunger Games, you should read this book. I am looking forward to reading the sequel. Strong characters and loads of intrigue and action. At times I felt like the author didn't completely describe what was happening in enough detail and it left me slightly confused. This book is science fiction through and through...a little bit like those crazy dreams you have when you are taking cold medicine. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I have a copy of this book if anyo ...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Ami E. Bowen rated it liked it

Shelves: most-engaging-stories, not-to-be-missed-series, favourite-books, favorites, read-60-books-in-2012-challenge

Well, the story was good but it dragged a bit near the end and my attention kept wandering off the page, but it was enjoyable...even with the predictable ending...well...I loathe spoilers so I will try to be as vague as can be. Though, one part actually DID suprise me! Have you ever read a book where, from the very first chapter, you have this almost gut feeling that you know exactly who the characters are and exactly what has or is going to happen? This book is beginning to look that way for me ...more

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Mar 23, 2011 Joanna rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, ya

I'm still not sure if I really liked it. It took some time to get into the book and despite the vivid description of actual surroundings there was little to no background on this vastly different world. The reader has to piece things together as we go along. I didn't care for the characters all that much, the main guy Finn, is very two dimensional and I had a hard time figuring out why we were supposed to root for him. Claudia was much more developed but despite her training and intelligence sti ...more

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Apr 24, 2010 Kaye rated it it was ok

Shelves: sci-fi, youngadult, read_in_2010

Wow, I stand in the minority on this one. I thought this book was okay. The concept was incredibly unique, which was good. I was initially fascinated, but around the halfway point of this book, things started to feel rushed, and plot lines were becoming overly complicated. The amount of intrigues and double dealing started to feel like I was reading a Wilkie Collins novel, but with less supporting evidence.

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Nov 30, 2010 Cole rated it really liked it

4.5 I may choose to write a more thorough review later, but what a splendid find. Creepy mysterious and interesting, this one sucked me in. I finished it in one day, and am grateful the second is already out.

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Nov 21, 2011 Cindywho rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy-sf, ya

It may have been my bad mood, but somehow, this one drove me a little more batty. I can't quite put my finger on it - too contrived? too weird? (that's usually not a problem for me) Oh well. ...more

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