The Cage #1 The Cage

Presenting The Cage #1 The Cage by Megan Shepherd.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughtertrilogy.

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?

With such big names like The Maze Runner and Scott Westerfeld mentioned how can you not give this is a chance. The end of 'The Madman's Daughter' series comes the beginning of something new from author Megan Shepherd. Call it a mellowed down version of The Maze Runner and you will know what I am talking of. Was expecting much more action but the flow of words was nicely paced and the plot unhurried.

Intelligent Aliens putting humans in a cage-like zoo environment. This is the story of Cora, Lucky, Rolf, Nok and Leon (there was another there but she died). All of them paired off and the aliens only want them of live peacefully, cooperatively and procreate. A weird situation for the teenagers in itself. Rolf & Nok hit it off quick, Leon was aggressive and Lucky most appropriately fell for Cora but she won't stand for this forced confinement or the rules set by the aliens and does all she can do to finds a way out.

Not sure if anybody put those elements out as a story. Kudos Ms. Shepherd for thinking something original and giving it enough details and background to build and assemble on. And then Cora goes and develops the hots for the alien caretaker, Cassain. I think there is a term for it somewhere, not sure I remember it at the moment but really feelings for the alien, by that I mean very very huge and black eyes (irises & pupils missing) and telekinetic powers. Although i'm not sure i'm phased by it anymore what with more than enough alien-human YA romances these days.

I didn't quite like the humans too really. They felt suspicious and paranoid but I suppose you would too if you are held captive in as cage and been told to react and live according to the rules of the captors ..... And that's what really came off of the story by the author's impeccable words. Classified as a sci-fi dystopia, it felt more like a psychological thriller to me and it kept me vested in the story trying to find out what happened next.

Everyone deals with captivity in their own ways. Some turn complacent, some aggresive, some trying to ingrate themselves with everyone for safety, some go in denial and some rebel and find a way out. Every character here is different, from their looks to their personalities and that adds to the spices to it all. They try to band together, they argue, get violent and turn into a jealous herd if one gets more than the fair share ..... So their interactions were real unpredictable. The pressure of the cage actually makes them into zoo animals in some instances .....

Which was pretty cruel. The playing field is never really constant here. The humans may have their secrets but so does Cassian but to find out more we have to wait for the sequel. Of course I state again, I was expecting more action but the author has set a good pace here in this mellowed beginning. So we keep our fingers crossed for the future and what it brings.

"A human zoo with it vibrantly clashing inmates. If you liked The Maze Runner then you will enjoy this"

Genre :      Young Adult, Gothic, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Release Date: 26th May, 2015

My Copy: publisher and edelweiss

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Other Books by the author (review links):
              #1 The Madman's Daughter
                     #2 Her Dark Curiosity 
              #3 A Cold Legacy

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository