The Cage audiobook

I am truly surprised at how much I liked this book. I had read so many negative reviews about it, that I started reading it thinking I wasn't going to like it, that it was going to be a waste of time; I couldn't have imagined how wrong I was. Despite some shortcomings, this story is quite captivating and entertaining. I loved how in the beginning, everything indicated (view spoiler)[Lucky would be our romantic hero (hide spoiler)], how expected that was and how a well made twist, an unexpecteded and very welcome one, changed that. Romance is a very important part for me in a book. If a book doesn't have enough, if it is not fulfilling or is too cliche, I usually quickly loose interest on the story and consequently I don't continue with the series. With The Cage, I enjoyed the romance a lot and yet I loved that I was just as into the plot as I was into the romance. It's been a long time since a young-adult fantasy book made me appreciate and really enjoy its romance, and I can say the same about it's story. I am glad I gave this book a chance, even if I only did it because I didn't know what to read, and I was felling warm and lazy on the grass beside the swimming pool. I do recommend this book to young-fantasy readers. I am excited to continue this series.The Hunt (The Cage #2)The Gauntlet (The Cage #3)

A brilliant, exciting tale of what it's like to be human, even when all hope is lost. Shepherd perfectly contrasts freedom and entrapment, humanity and alien nature, loss and love.

Zugegeben, das Buch hat definitiv seine Schwächen und die Charaktere sind bis zum Schluss allesamt sehr unrealistisch und unsympathisch geblieben, aber die Geschichte hat mich echt gepackt und ich bin super gespannt, wie es weitergeht 😏

I loved this one! It definitely made a 9-hour flight go by quickly.

Rating - 3.5Take a seat children, I have a story to tell.I am going to try and do my review in a different format this time. Might be a little easier for me. So I picked this book up a couple days before the release, I do believe my local bookstore was getting sick of me. I was honestly stocking the store for when they got their deliveries and asking if they had it in yet. The Cage was one of my highly anticipated books of 2015. The Good- Cassian or "The Caretaker" I loved him throughout this whole book. His character was awesome.- The setting/cage was so interesting, how all those different areas all mixed in together and how they melded and bent to cause everyone to always end up where they started.- the idea of the book was unique and interesting- the writing was beautiful, I flew through this book.- ah the romance that built between Cora and Cassian. So much swooning.- THAT TWIST, THAT GASP-TACULAR TWISTNow the dreaded bad parts- Everyone who had a POV in the book. Seriously, what the crap was Megan thinking with these characters. We have one very jealous, abusive type, one who sleeps with everyone and CORA OMG COULD YOU EVER LET CASSIAN SAY ANYTHING. I was so sick of the way that Cora would just CUT Cassian off every time he wanted to tell her the truth or anything. I wanted to slap her and be like CORA STFU AND LET THE MAN/ALIEN SPEAK DAMNIT!!!- The escape plan or lack thereof. What was she going to do when she found the fail safe, really stupid Cora.- Rolf and Nok, ridiculous. that is all- REPRODUCE, if you have read this you know the ending WTF DID REPRODUCING HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!- the puzzles and tokens, again what was the point?- was the tundra not cold? A tiny summer dress and bare feet and not dying of hypothermia?- WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO KISS?! Ok that is just something that made me upset hahaOverall I enjoyed the book, I did. I will be continuing on and I will probably be counting down the days too. I devoured this book and even with some tiny hiccups I couldn't stop reading it to figure out what was happening. I love Cassian.. need more Cassian. Can we have a book with Raffe from Angel Fall and Cassian.. Omg can I be in this book. *swoon*

4.5 StarsFREAKING FANTASTIC!!!Things I loved:* It was so interesting and different.* ALIENS!* There was a sort-of love triangle that I actually really liked.* I could not put this sucker down. I was GLUUUUED to those pages. Until like 4am. Yikes.* The ending had me CLAWING for more. But it was still a satisfying ending (not open-ended or annoyingly cliffhangery).Things I didn't like:* I didn't like Rolf's character development. I loved him at first but HATED him at the end.* Sometimes Cora could do annoying/stupid things.* I got annoyed how no one questioned one of the MASSIVE reveals ((view spoiler)[that Earth was "gone". If someone told me "Earth is gone", I'd ask A MILLION questions.. like, "What happened? What do you mean by 'gone?' When did this happen? How did it happen? Who's responsible? But everyone was just like, "Oh, it's gone. How sad." WHAT THE FUCK DOES "GONE" MEAN!?!?! (hide spoiler)]).

The Cage opens up with Cora Mason waking up in a desert, with no idea as to how she got there. When she explores her surroundings, and discovers other people, she finds a mix of environments right next to each other: a farm next to a jungle, a tundra next to a desert. When their jailer, a guard called Cassian, appears, the group realise that they are no longer on Earth, and have been put in a zoo, where the exhibits are humans. “There was one thing she had learned, living caught between the human and the Kindred world. It didn’t matter what race you came from: there were good and bad among every species.” This book took me a little bit to get into, mostly because it was so fast paced. Normally, I love fast paced books but the pace in this was a little too fast, if that even makes sense? I’m used to slow unravelling mysteries, where the clues are revealed bit by bit, and it’s so agonising and frustrating because you want all the answers. But in The Cage, by page 60-70, the characters all discover that they have been taken by aliens and that they are on another planet. That felt so quick to me. I mean, I expected it to take a while for them to figure out where they were, and even longer than that for one of the aliens to appear and actually interact with them. Despite the quick pace, I found myself quickly absorbed into the story and could not put the book down. I tried to predict where the plot was going and what was actually going to happen but I couldn’t, and I way off the mark anyway. But I had a really big interest in the story, and I did not see the ending coming. “This was what had changed, and it was so devastatingly simple: she had become a person to him; he had become a person to her. Human, Kindred—it didn’t matter. It was just her, and him, standing in the sea.” When I first read the synopsis of this book, I rolled my eyes at the part that mentioned that Cora was falling for her captor. I was like, here we go again, this is going to be such a bad romance to read about. But I was pleasantly surprised. From the minute Cassian appears and introduces himself to the group, there was a certain pull that Cora felt, so much so that I felt it as well. And I thought that there’s no way this is going to be a genuine romance, because isn’t that like stockholm syndrome because he’s her captor? But my god, the romance developed so slowly, it was amazing. Cassian is by far one of the most interesting characters in this entire series and the way that he interacted with Cora was really interesting to read about, especially because there is so much tension in all of the scenes they had together, and it all culminated in that scene where they kiss which was… perfect, in every single way. You’d think, after having read a few books where some sort of betrayal happens at the end that I would have seen the ending of this book coming, but I absolutely didn’t. I was shocked just like Cora was and the way that the ending came about and how it was executed was just so clever. “Why do you want to stay here so badly?” Cora snapped.“It isn’t about staying here,” he said. “It’s about staying alive.” Overall, although it took some time to adjust to the fast pace of this book, The Cage was an enjoyable first book, with a really gripping romance, that promises more good things to come in the later instalments.

Wat een tof boek zeg! Lees hier mijn recensie:http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...

Ich bin absolut begeistert von dieser Geschichte, eine geniale Mischung aus Maze Runner, Panem und noch einen Buch, das würde allerdings zu viel spoilern. Ich bin jedenfalls absolut begeistert und möchte mehr!!!

Remember that post from a few weeks ago, about whether you review with your head or your heart ? Keep that in mind, because this one is really not coming from my head, or any logical place. For a logical breakdown, I am sending you over to Kirsty-Marie @ Studio Reads, because her review has logic and explains how she feels, and I agree with a lot of what she says.My review? Well.... I really, really liked this book. It was addicting to me, really. At first I wasn't sure about it, because it is seriously an alien race abducting teens and putting them in a human, earth-like zoo. That sounds odd, obviously. And at first, I suppose it was, but since I was quite curious, the oddness was a good thing. Each of the characters had very different backstories and perspectives as well, which definitely added to my interest and the mystery in general.But then some characters started making some very questionable decisions, and I felt like maybe it was going to delve too far into unbelievability territory. I mean, a few were even starting to be fine with being in a human zoo. As I read, though, I realized that a lot of these strange choices may have had to do with the psychological torment that these characters are facing. They're basically completely unsure who they can trust, and this includes among themselves. That aspect fascinated me to no end, and led to a lot of turmoil within the group. Also, I am pretty sure certain group members are completely insane which absolutely added to the intrigue.Then there's the romance, which when I first heard of it, my answer was basically: Because there is a human boy who at first, our main character Cora has affections for. Not deep ones, mind you, since they kind of just met and were thrown in a zoo, but he is the one she thinks she can trust the most, and likes the most. Enter Cassian, the Robot/Oscar Statue that is the caretaker of the humans. He seems to be protective over Cora, but is he trustworthy? Who cares, because Cora's got a case of the swoons! Okay, from the sound of it... it's a lot of nope. But. I can't even help it, by the end, I shipped them, and I don't even mind admitting it. This is basically what I loved about this book, condensed: Insanely unique plot and worldbuilding. Very complex characters and fabulous psychological questions were raised. Quite thought provoking and exciting, which to me, is the best of both worlds. I liked the romance, even though everyone else likely things it's creepy. Bottom Line: I adored, and I need the next book immediately. Please and thank you.**Copy provided for review**This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight

Well that was fun. The Cage by Megan Shepherd is the story of a young girl who awakens and finds herself in a strange place, surrounded by 5 other young adults. They've been kidnapped by an alien race known as the Kindred and they are in a kind of a habitat under 24 hour observation. (Which reminds me of that Star Trek episode where the crew was being watched by those black and white people, but I digress). The kids are told that they need to follow three simple rules: 1)They must solve enrichment puzzles. 2)They must maintain their health. 3)They must procreate within 21 days. Yup, that last one is one doozy. The book has an intriguing premise. Put together 3 boys and 3 girls carefully selected for each other based on an alien's view of what criteria is important (mostly genetic selection). Then watch and see what happens. At first, the teens play along. The puzzles are entertaining and they are rewarded with tokens with which they buy candy and other stuff. The habitat is fascinating - there is a jungle, a desert, an ocean, snow covered mountains, and a small town. But nothing is as it seems. Cora is a pretty feisty character. She's been through a lot, having spent 18 months in a detention facility for a crime she did not commit. Cora's sole goal is to find a way to escape from her captors and get back to Earth. I liked Cora - she seemed to be the only one looking for a way out, despite the threats from the Kindred. The Cage is well written and it will keep you reading through the night. Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for a review copy of this book.

Geweldig! Soms had het wat spannender gemogen maar voor de rest was het top! Dit verhaal is zo origineel en ik had nooit verwacht dat ik dit zo leuk zou vinden! Ik begin zo snel mogelijk in deel 2!

GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS!!!! I'm going to flat out honest right here--I almost didn't read  The Cage. Sure the cover was interesting, but I wasn't a huge fan of  Her Dark Curiosity (though I loved The Madman's daughter), so I was pretty much about to avoid this book. But then after a month of seeing the cover everywhere, I skimmed across the synopsis and all of a sudden this was a read it now or die type of book. So I downloaded. And I read it in one day.Holy shit guys. Just. Holy shit.There were so many unique things about this book--just the idea of it alone was enough to have me bouncing in excitement. And the world? The romance? The characters? I just. Wow.First of all the world. It's always creepy when someone wakes up in a place they don't know. Even worse when they're being pushed and pulled around like dolls. Even even worse when you realize they're in basically a zoo. While this book is majorly categorized as a sci-fi, there were a few moments where this book honest-to-god creeped me out. The psychological games that were played and the constant question of What the hell is happening kept me on my toes and, honestly, I didn't expect anything that actually happened in this book. Shepherd could've taken this book in so many different directions and she, by far, chose the best possible route. Because this was me throughout the book: WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED.We all know I'm not always a fan of multiple POVs, yeah? I hate them. I rarely seem to be able to understand each character to the point where I adore them as much as I should and there's always something strangely lacking about the character in multiple POV books. But in the case of The Cage I loved it. We got to see each characters' POV, and while I did hate several of the characters (I swear to God, Rolf.) it was interesting seeing things from everyone's POV--especially when they started slipping deeper into insanity and paranoia.Rolf. Oh my God. He's a secondary character, but I'm starting with him because he was insane. I wasn't absolutely pleased with his character development and, quite frankly, I wanted to smash his head through a glass wall sometimes. Am I being violent?But Cora. Cora sometimes made stupid mistakes and she was definitely impulsive, but she didn't annoy me as much as you'd think. Compared to everyone else, she was the one with the most sanity and the only one who really tried to do anything. She was smart and determined and pretty badass at times, I'll give you that.And ow, onto the biggest worry: the "forbidden attraction between Cora and Cassian." Yeah. I know. That was the part that had me hesitating too. BUT GUYS. The romance actualyl kind of takes a back seat on this one. Granted, a lot of the plot hinges on their romance, but Cora only showed any feelings (or, you know, non-murderous feelings) towards Cassian in the last third of the book. If there was insta love, if anything it was on Cassian's part and that really didn't bother me. I found the way he wanted to protect Cora adorable and incredibly endearing. It was sweet and just adorable. (view spoiler)[ BUT IT WAS ALL A LIE IT WAS ALL A FRIGGIN LIE UGHHHHHHH (hide spoiler)]The Cage is a must read. Must. Read. It's fast paced and thrilling and there are so many questions I have that had better be answered in book two! The Cage, while a fantastic novel in itself, seems to set itself up for an even larger and even more ridiculously amazing plot and sequel that'll probably have me utterly shocked.Find more reviews at ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>

What would you do if you woke up as an exhibit in a zoo? Well that's pretty much what happens to Cora Mason and 4 other teenagers that inhabit The Cage.Taken by an alien race, they must discover the motives behind their captivity to survive the challenges that are put before them. Some want to escape, some are happy with the status quo and some will do anything to create change...but will they all survive?Cora finds herself attracted to the strange and mysterious ”caretaker”, Cassian. Can her relationship with Cassian lead to their freedom?I found The Cage to be a unique and entertaining young adult read. The theory behind this world is alluring with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. I loved how they introduced a character that has been captive since young into the dynamic and that persons take on their captivity. I did feel the story's tempo was slowed by the amount of time the The Cage's occupants spent constantly bickering and vacillating about escape. Ultimately, this was a great start to a new series.I look forward to seeing where Shepherd will go next with this storyline...but I have heard vengeance is a dish best served cold.I received this ARC copy of The Cage from Balzer + Bray in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 26, 2015.Written by: Megan ShepherdSeries: The CageSequence in Series: 1Hardcover: 400 pagesPublisher: Balzer + Bray (May 26, 2015)Rating: 3.5ISBN-10: 0062243055ISBN-13: 978-0062243058Genre: Young Adult | Dystopian | ScifiFind this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ItunesFor Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com

THE CAGE is a beautiful and bizarre and chilling and fantastic story with a killer ending. It is a read that is full of surprises - creepy, dark and disturbing surprises. It brings together elements of dystopia, sci-fi, thriller and horror in a way that is different and compelling and absolutely riveting. It delivers the unexpected and a read that is unputdownable.Told from multiple points of view, readers will get to see inside the minds of each of the human captives. They’ll get a peek at their motives. They’ll gain a better understanding of why each acts the way they do and why some are more willing than others to fall in line. But readers won’t get to know every secret, they won’t be able to trust everyone. Except, possibly, for Cora Mason.Cora is a strong and very determined heroine. She’s not willing to give in without a fight. She’s not willing to accept what’s been told to her without question. Even if no one is willing to stand with her. Even if the odds are against her. Even if not giving in will likely result in her death or something far worse.THE CAGE starts off feeling very much a dystopian novel with its manufactured climates meant to test the captives. But it quickly becomes something other with its awards system of unusual and sometimes childish prizes, its strangely put together meals, its not-quite-right town. It gives readers the sense that something is off before introducing just what makes it so strange.And once it does, it takes an even darker turn, as the captives learn what’s happened to them, what’s expected of them, and what happens if they fail.Megan Shepherd has created a story that is delightfully unsettling. With both her setting and her characters, she adds in elements that are slightly sinister, ominous, spine-tingling, disconcerting to keep readers just a touch off-kilter without always knowing exactly why. She leaves no one’s behavior, from her human captives to her alien captors, above suspicion, to keep readers guessing as to who is sane, who is trustworthy, who can be relied upon or who will be the most likely to betray.And she fills her story with moments that will shock and surprise, moments that will horrify, and a twist or a few that will be utterly jaw-dropping.For readers looking for a story that is different and imaginative, thrilling, gripping, weird and wonderful, with the promise for even more of the same in the sequel, THE CAGE is a must.Original GR comments:What a weird and wonderful and awesome read. It had notes that were familiar but was quite unlike any story I've read before. I love the world the author imagined it was creepy and unsettling, I adored the strong and determined heroine she introduced, and the beings who held them in captivity were utterly fascinating and alien and disturbing.There were a number of surprises and twists and turns and I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel. Given what happened right there at the end I'm kind of DYING to know.Review TK.