I enjoyed the book though the reveal at the end was kind of expected. The only quibble I have was the number of times people tell Alyssa that there is something important she needs to know but then don't find the time to tell her what that important thing is. ( )

There were a lot of things I loved about this book. Alyssa is a great character. She's strong and determined and loyal and caring. She's not invincible but she's not weak or waiting for anyone to rescue her. This wasn't anything particularly new - the twist is fairly easy to see coming but it is solidly written and engaging. The characters are likeable and the bond between Alyssa and her parents is sweet. ( )

Okay, Lit-Cube, you won me over with this book. I admit, when I pulled this out of the Lit-Cube box, I was wary because of the Clean Teen Publishing name on the cover.

This book, thankfully, was not as prudish as I was half-expecting. In fact, it is pretty much on point with other YA fantasies I've read, and is actually more violent than some (mentions of severed heads on spikes, torture, murder, rape, etc.). This seemed a fairly standard YA fantasy with a kickass female protagonist who wants more freedom than she can have as a princess.

The story is fast-paced and the prose well-written. If I had to step back, I find the idea of the princess playing vigilante at night a bit hard to swallow, but I'm willing to overlook that because it actually is fairly plot-relevant.

The surprise twist regarding Prince Odar was not really a surprise. It's fairly obvious to anybody who was paying attention what was going on, and I actually rolled my eyes that Alyssa didn't figure it out herself given the not so subtle hints and her supposed intelligence. The surprise twist about who was behind the assassin was also not very surprising, but less irritating than Odar/Jarvik.

That said. OH MY GOD YOU HOLY CLIFFHANGER, BATMAN! Why is there no book two out yet? Where is book two?

I'll definitely have to check out the rest of the author's work. ( )

Originally seen on
Emily Reads Everything

This book! It was exactly what I didn't even know that I was looking for. I had never heard of this book, or the previous series or this author so I had zero expectations going into it. That made loving it that much more exciting!

Allyssa is my kind of princess. She sneaks out of the castle at night to fight crime. Basically she's a superhero. Plus she doesn't take crap from anyone. She has a temper. She's moody. She turns down disappointing suitors and lackadaisical princes left and right. She wants a man who she can trust; who is as loyal and brave as she is. Someone who is strong enough to rule next to her as the emperor to her empress.

Allyssa's carefree days of being batman are cut short when her country is threatened with war. The only way to secure her country's borders is for her to marry and form an alliance. Allyssa is willing to do this. However, she hasn't given up her dreams of a loving marriage like her parents have.

There's so much I want to say about the relationships in this book but I also don't want to spoil anything. One of Allyssa's suitors, the Prince, is perfect. He's got everything going for him. He's tall, dark and handsome; the perfect courtier. Jarvik, on the other hand, is pushy and rude. He has very strong opinions and isn't afraid to share them; loudly if necessary. He's also the Prince's squire. This means he's always around and in the way.

I saw the big reveal coming from the beginning. This story is so good though, that knowing what was going to happen didn't matter to me a bit. In fact, I was rooting for it, because the story went exactly where I had hoped it would go!

Even more exciting, it turns out that this book is the beginning of a series that is the companion of an already completed series! So now while I'm waiting, not so patiently, for the next Reign of Secrets book, I can read all of True Reign! Thank God there's something to tide me over. ( )

My excitement when I read the synopsis of this book was overflowing. A princess by day and a vigilante at night, I told myself I HAVE to be part of this blog tour! I really enjoy reading these kinds of books and this one, Cage of Deceit, did not disappoint! I haven't read any of Jennifer Anne Davis books before so this is really a great start for me because ... THIS BOOK IS AMAZING.

I will advise you that I will probably have a lot of typos and could-not-put-into-words feelings in this review because I'm still caught up in the moment. Let's just say I have been staring at my e-reader for 10 minutes at the last page of the book and exclaimed WHAT in which I thought I said it internally. Say, why don't you buy this book like right now. *winks* Anyway, I'll count off the things I loved about Cage of Deceit.

Allyssa is a great protagonist. She is fierce, loyal, passionate to her kingdom and to the people she cares about. Her stubbornness, the don't-get-in-my-way attitude, is empowering and the fact that she sneaks out at night to help hunt criminals and visit her best friend proves it. I loved that she wasn't a damsel in distress; she can fight, wield daggers, shoot arrows and can take down men. I just was a bit ticked off when she chased down a criminal, arrogantly taunting him and the nothing-I-can't-handle attitude and she got mad when she got punched in the face. And also the times when people talk to her that they have to discuss something of importance and she isn't even curious to what they are going to say. Hmm.

To the other characters, who should I begin with? First, Darmik and Rema are probably the greatest parents ever. Almost perfect. I loved how they do not force what they want to Allyssa like when she must marry Prince Odar of Fren for the sake of their kingdom, Emperion, yet they give her a choice that if she isn't comfortable with it, it's okay with them and they will find another way to fight and defend against Russek. Second, I admired Grevik's loyalty as Allyssa's best friend. A true friend indeed. Lastly, Marek, Mayra and Madelin, I loved how they all know each other deeply; a great company to be with.

To Allyssa's relationship with Prince Odar and Jarvik, I knew that would happen, just not the last part. True story: I kind of felt what Allyssa felt. I mostly wanted to punch Jarvik in the face on the first half of the book amongst other things I felt. This book frustrated the hell out of me. Like I said, could-not-put-into-words feelings. Why you do this do me, beloved author?

I loved it. I loved almost everything on Cage of Deceit. That said, I felt that it lacked on action and it focused more on Allyssa's developing relationship with Jarvik. Nevertheless, it was amazing. I think you will be too. Now, GO READ IT. *mails Cage of Deceit to you* ( )