REVIEW:
Nor Iron Bars a Cage refers to a well-known poem by Richard Lovelace (“To
Althea from Prison”) that begins with “Stone walls do not a prison make nor
iron bars a cage.”
It is a fitting title for Caprice Hokstad's fantasy, not only because the heroine is
confined to a cucking cage for a while, but because of the prominence of such
themes as slavery, love, and true freedom. Hokstad is remarkably adept at
weaving these ideals throughout her tale in an allegory that demonstrates true
sacrificial love and the complex relationship between God and His people. At
every turn there are contrasts clearly drawn between scriptural ideals—
friendship, loyalty, fatherly love, and a servant heart—and the corrupted values
of the self-serving and wicked. As the second book in the Ascendency Trilogy,
Nor Iron Bars A Cage takes the story outside of Latoph, Mrs. Hokstad’s
descriptive skills bring the scenes and people to life quite vividly, often in stark
opposition to the society and geography in Duke Vahn’s country.
The tale is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a fantasy that is most
definitely geared to adults. Although mature themes and violence are
presented in a tasteful manner, this is not suggested for young teens. Parents
are the best judges of whether or not their children are mature enough for the
subject matter.
Nor Iron Bars a Cage refers to a well-known poem by Richard Lovelace (“To
Althea from Prison”) that begins with “Stone walls do not a prison make nor
iron bars a cage.”
It is a fitting title for Caprice Hokstad's fantasy, not only because the heroine is
confined to a cucking cage for a while, but because of the prominence of such
themes as slavery, love, and true freedom. Hokstad is remarkably adept at
weaving these ideals throughout her tale in an allegory that demonstrates true
sacrificial love and the complex relationship between God and His people. At
every turn there are contrasts clearly drawn between scriptural ideals—
friendship, loyalty, fatherly love, and a servant heart—and the corrupted values
of the self-serving and wicked. As the second book in the Ascendency Trilogy,
Nor Iron Bars A Cage takes the story outside of Latoph, Mrs. Hokstad’s
descriptive skills bring the scenes and people to life quite vividly, often in stark
opposition to the society and geography in Duke Vahn’s country.
The tale is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a fantasy that is most
definitely geared to adults. Although mature themes and violence are
presented in a tasteful manner, this is not suggested for young teens. Parents
are the best judges of whether or not their children are mature enough for the
subject matter.
SUMMARY:
Two baby boys are lost in the hostile country of Ganluc-one the firstborn son
of a prince and princess (third in line for the Royal Throne of Latoph) and the
other a bastard half-breed born to an Itzi slavegirl and fathered by a licentious
owner who was executed for treason. Yet Duke Vahn is determined to rescue
both of these boys. Scores of knights and bounty hunters have risked their
lives trying to retrieve them, yet none can even find a clue to their
whereabouts. When all else fails, a bold plan is proposed to send Vahn's most
trusted servant posing as a runaway slave in order to gather information.
Reluctantly, Vahn sends a strange trio off to Ganluc-his brave captain, a
middle-aged healer, and an Itzi slave. Little does he know what challenges
await both the trio and his own house, now forced to survive without its key
leaders.
Two baby boys are lost in the hostile country of Ganluc-one the firstborn son
of a prince and princess (third in line for the Royal Throne of Latoph) and the
other a bastard half-breed born to an Itzi slavegirl and fathered by a licentious
owner who was executed for treason. Yet Duke Vahn is determined to rescue
both of these boys. Scores of knights and bounty hunters have risked their
lives trying to retrieve them, yet none can even find a clue to their
whereabouts. When all else fails, a bold plan is proposed to send Vahn's most
trusted servant posing as a runaway slave in order to gather information.
Reluctantly, Vahn sends a strange trio off to Ganluc-his brave captain, a
middle-aged healer, and an Itzi slave. Little does he know what challenges
await both the trio and his own house, now forced to survive without its key
leaders.
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