User:AnodyneLime/Sapphique

Sapphique (2008) is a young-adult fantasy and science fiction novel written by Catherine Fisher, first released on the eighteenth of September, 2008 in the UK. It is the second and last book in the series, and concludes the tale of Finn’s pursuit for freedom. Sapphique is to be published in the US in the twenty eighth of December, 2010.

Plot Summary
Finn has escaped Incarceron, but fails to find true freedom. His oath-brother Keiro and companion Attia are still trapped inside, and he feels imprisoned in his future role as King for a world that has no time. Sapient Jared works himself closer to death trying to unlock the technology of the Portal, while the Queen of the Realm begins to plot all their deaths. The Outside may as well be Inside. Meanwhile, Attia and Keiro work together to steal the Glove of Sapphique from a crazy sorcerer named Rix. But Incarceron needs it to escape itself, and is more than willing to lie, cheat and kill for it.

Inspiration and origins
On her website, Catherine Fisher suggests that “...maybe escape is not the same thing as freedom.” Around this idea, she wrote the sequel, putting more focus into the themes of filial relationships and freedom. Even Incarceron seeks escape, poisoned by the desire of a human, Sapphique. Fisher sites myths, metaphysical questions, and poetic snatches as inspiration whilst developing the story.

Critical Reception
The book had received generally positive reviews form book critics. Booklist praised Fisher’s “intensely original world-building and authentic characters” and concluded that the bittersweet ending “fits perfectly” in relation to the theme of hope.