**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
*Please note: This is a series that must be read in order. If you are new to this fantastic series, check out the first book, Cage of Deceit!*

Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis is the second in a young adult series called the Reign of Secrets series. It is a young adult fantasy series that totally rocked my world! The first book, Cage of Deceit was my favorite books of 2015. And it continues to be one of my favorite fantasy series I have ever read. It was seriously that good. This is my first book I've read by Jennifer and I have to say, I will be reading many more. As soon as I finished the first book, I was dying and I do mean dying to get my hands on the second book. So as soon as I got an advanced copy of Cage of Darkness, I immediately went on a binge read fest. I re-read book 1, and I loved it just as much as the first time reading it. And then I dove directly into book two.

I loved the disclaimer that she put on page one, about the kind of book this is and the kind of book it is not. It is not a book that wraps up nice and neatly by itself. It is most definitely part of a series and there will be loose ends. You are warned. I loved Cage of Darkness every bit as much as I loved Cage of Deceit, however this is also a book that does not neatly wrap up. Cage of Darkness picks up exactly where book one left off, with Alyssa, Jarvik and Odar in the hands of the Assassin. But trust me when I say that is only the beginning for this story. Cage of Darkness has so many twists and turns- it blew my mind. I love the world that Jennifer Anne Davis has created. It is seriously so politically interesting and richly detailed. I am more than a little obsessed. (Can you tell?)
And I have to say, Cage of Darkness went in a completely different direction than I was expecting. At the end of book one, I had some very strong opinions regarding the love interest, and I was so not expecting that to change at all. But Jennifer Anne Davis is a masterful storyteller and with the plot developing, and new characters and twists added into the mix, I would be lying if I said my opinions did not change. They did. A character that I was totally infatuated with started acting like a bit of a jerk and a new character totally caught my eye. I am just as desperate for the next book because now I have no idea what to do with myself on the love and alliance front. Jennifer Anne Davis you are killing me. And I love it so much!

Allyssa is still a wonderfully complex and multi faceted character. I love her. And Prince Odar is a very complicated character as well. As is all of the characters in the Kingdom of Russek. And I don't want to say much more than that, but if anyone has read the book, I would absolutely love to discuss a certain extremely fascinating character with you. Prince Kerdan has completely captivated me, but maybe not for the reasons you are thinking. He is just so so interesting and different. Jennifer Anne Davis has flipped my world upside down with Cage of Darkness.

There are so many good ole fashion fantasy elements in this series, including kick ass world building, lots of castley- empires, lots of sword fighting and dagger throwing and characters are are engaging and fascinating. To hold me over until the next book, I am going to read the prequel series, featuring Alyssa's parents, the True Reign series. I could see where the series would overlap in this book and I am really excited to read about her parents' story. I cannot recommend this book and this series enough. It is perfect for fans of Mary E. Pearson, Maria V. Snyder (yes, even though there is no magic) Sarah J. Maas, and Rae Carson. Everyone needs to read Cage of Deceit! Everyone. It is one of my favorite fantasy series EVER. And I do not say that lightly. Cage of Darkness is pure magic.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs