Sapphique

Gr 7 Up—Two worlds collide in Catherine Fisher's sequel (2010) to Incarceron (2010, both Dial). Finn has managed to escape the brutal prison, Incarceron, but is bewildered by the outside Realm that forces Protocal—living as though they were in the 18th century—upon its citizens. With the warden's daughter, Claudia, Finn races to prove himself a prince and assist his friends Kiero and Attia who remain inside Incarceron. Unknown to Finn, Kiero and Attia are determined to find their own way out of the prison. They join forces with Rix, a magician who holds the glove of Sapphique, the first man to escape Incarceron. The technology of Incarceron is in control and determined to use the glove of Sapphique to gain human form. If it does, everyone in the prison will die. Kim Mai Guest delivers a brilliant performance that manages to keep the complex plot and multiple characters straight. She gives each character a unique voice and expands their personalities beyond the written word. While the plot lacks the punch of the first story, listeners will relish this sequel.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK