Book 119: Incarceron

Incarceron, by Catherine Fisher

I think “Incarceron” may be one of the most unique books I’ve read in quite a while. Fisher grabbed my attention on the very first page, and didn’t let go until the very last page. This is one of those books where I ask myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

The concept is interesting: a prison that is alive. Incarceron was originally created to “take care” of the inmates by educating, civilizing, and nurturing them. But something went drastically wrong, and instead of a utopian society the inmates live in territorial and savage tribes. Inside the prison, the reader meets Finn, a boy who was created by the technology that runs Incarceron.

The world outside of Incarceron is absorbed in Protocol, a mingling of technology and 17th century customs. Claudia is the Warden’s daughter, and has been prepared for marriage to a Prince for her entire life; yet she longs to buck the Protocol that strangles her world.

Finn and Claudia, one stuck inside and one stuck outside, will cross paths when each finds a key. For Finn the key is his way to escape a world where he never belonged. For Claudia, the key is her path to a grand adventure and an answer she’s sought for years.

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, because I think this book is best when you read it fresh, with no preconceptions or ideas about what will happen. I very much enjoyed “Incarceron,” and I think it’s one that will appeal to teens and adults.

I have a few little quibbles, such as I would’ve liked more information on Claudia’s world as I found it very fascinating, but I did like how Fisher let the reader piece together information on their own. But that’s simply my view, as I love lots of information. Everything else is done very nicely: the characters are strong, interesting, identifiable. The plot is so chock full of twists and turns that you likely won’t be able to predict what will happen next. The worldbuilding is unique, as it’s a cross between a utopia ideal, historical customs, and a technical prison.

The ending left me hanging, but fans will be happy to know a sequel is due out in December 2010.

4/5.