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The Golden Cage (A Dance of Dragons #0.5) Kindle Edition

by Kaitlyn Davis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 213 ratings
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An ancient evil awakens.
Three unlikely heroes rise.
An age of myth is reborn.

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes a fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce!

In the land of Ourthuro, cruelty is a way of life. The king rules with an iron fist and no one dare defy him—no one except his daughter. Princess Leena is keeping a dangerous secret, she has fallen in love with a soldier and it would mean both of their lives if her father ever discovered their affair.

But Leena will risk it all to be with the man she loves—her heart, her life, her freedom. And when her brother's birthday celebration takes a dangerous turn, Leena is forced to make a decision that will change the fate of her nation and eventually the world.

If you like rebellious princesses, forbidden romance, magic, and gut-wrenching twists, don't miss The Golden Cage! This is a prequel novella to The Shadow Soul (A Dance of Dragons Book 1).
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    The A Dance of Dragons Novellas
  2. Print length
    74 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    March 31, 2014
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. Grade level
    7 - 12
  8. File size
    3900 KB
  9. Page Flip
    Enabled
  10. Word Wise
    Enabled
  11. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

RAVE REVIEWS for THE GOLDEN CAGE!
"Gorgeous writing (spellbinding is a word that fits well here), creative and unique world and characters that steal your heart away, this is an unbelievably fantastic beginning to what is sure to be a new favorite series. I'm so eager for more! This one is free, and SO worth your time!" -- Candace's Book Blog
"Mind. BLOWN. Do you know that one book that made you love a certain genre again because it was so amazingly & beautifully written?? Well, The Golden Cage is the book that made me realize how good Fantasy can be." -- Spiced Latte Reads

"I'm not a great reader of novellas, but I LOVED this one!... There is love here, and horror and violence also, in the vein of Game ofThrones, and I was captivated from start to finish." -- Deborah Jay

"My super short review: Wow. My more extensive review: Just wow. This novella was gripping and full of fantasy and intrigue and I just didn't want it to end." -- Brooke Blogs

"I must say this book had me enthralled into it's world from the very beginning... I cannot wait to continue on with this series. It already holds true to it's promise of being very much like three of my favourite series: Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones." --ireaditandwept

About the Author

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com
Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more! bit.ly/KaitlynDavisNewsletter
Facebook - Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks/Instagram - @kaitlyndavisbooksTwitter - @DavisKaitlyn
For her contemporary romances written as Kay Marie, visit Kay's Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kay_marie

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00JEN90C8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smashwords (March 31, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 31, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3900 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 74 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1722494743
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 213 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kaitlyn Davis

Kaitlyn Davis

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more! bit.ly/KaitlynDavisNewsletter

Facebook - Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks/

Instagram - @kaitlyndavisbooks

Twitter - @DavisKaitlyn

A Complete List of Books by Kaitlyn Davis

The Raven and the Dove, an avian-inspired fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde! New in 2020!

The Raven and the Dove

The Hunter and the Mage - Coming Sept 2020

Untitled Book 3 - Coming in 2021

Untitled Book 4 - Coming in 2021

Midnight Fire, a bestselling YA paranormal romance with over 250,000 copies sold! - Start this series for free today! amzn.to/1NAIBDU

Ignite

Simmer

Blaze

Scorch

Burn

Midnight Ice, a companion series to Midnight Fire!

Frost

Freeze

Fracture

Shatter

Once Upon A Curse, a USA Today "must-read" YA series of fairy tale retellings!

Gathering Frost

Withering Rose

Chasing Midnight

Parting Worlds

Granting Wishes

A Dance of Dragons, a YA epic fantasy that was just selected as an SPFBO finalist! - Start this series for free today! amzn.to/1MuVm7V

The Golden Cage (novella)

The Shadow Soul

The Silver Key (novella)

The Spirit Heir

The Bronze Knight (novella)

The Phoenix Born

The Iron Rider (novella)

For her contemporary romances written as Kay Marie, visit Kay's Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kay_marie

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
213 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Goose Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Ready to Read More!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a novella but it packs a lot of "grab you" in such a small page count! A king with 12 daughters and one son. At his fifth birthday he is gifted a sword with jewels and a sharp edge and because of a small misstep by the servant presenting it to him, the little boy becomes a barbaric image of his father in one small act. It is the last act that gives Leena the push to leave with her lover. She wanted to save her half brother, keep him from being like their father, but seeing no chance of it now, she and her lover plan their escape. As you can imagine, things aren't that simple.

It's a good story, Leena reminding me of a strong heroine from other stories. For some reason it feels like this setting is in the Far East, but there really isn't a reason I can say why. Just my idea. I thought at first with the twelve sisters this would be part of a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. No, not at all. There is the hint of political scheming going on, a barbaric and misogynistic ruler, and adventure. I've read the synopsis for the next full novel and I can't see how they are connected at all, but I am going to read it. The story is not unique, but it is compelling enough that I want to know what happens to Leena and what that next story has to do with her story.

If you enjoy fantasy, I think you'll enjoy this one. The world building has just begun but the palace, the place where Leena lives is the Gold kingdom and down it goes from there until the stone meets the ocean. I think this is going to be really good. And even the hint of dragons....I'm ready to read more.
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Sofia Li
4.0 out of 5 stars Rich world building. Unique premise. Likable Characters.
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2014
Verified Purchase
Disclaimer: I received this book from CBB Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. On another note, I apologize for any weird formatting of this post because I am currently on vacation and can't fix any formatting bugs.
Onto the review. I normally don't read novellas, as in the last one was probably "Double Crossed" by Ally Carter. My point is that I don't usually read novellas. Nevertheless, I signed up for this blog tour, and here I am.

While The Golden Cage had a plot line that seemed to be a classic, involving forbidden love between two people of different social statuses. I sincerely enjoyed the it. I am aware that it is a prequel to The Shadow Soul, but I haven't read it yet, so I can't tell you if it made any difference or impacted the overall story arc. What I can tell you is that I want to now read The Shadow Soul because I have read The Golden Cage.

The story itself is something I would almost guess is from a picture book. The novel is less than 100 pages, but it provides a defined exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution like a good little story. Yet, it seems along the lines of a springboard or launch pad for TSS. I was captivated by the setting and various descriptions in TGC. It seems like common sense, but in a number of stories I have read recently, the details were lacking.

The characters and romance of TGC were another plus for myself because in the few pages I read, I became connected to both Mizka and Leena. I actually felt empathy for the lovers situation, and routed for them throughout the story. Don't ask me why I routed for them, because I would quite like to have Mizka and his swoon factor all to myself.

"Mizka's arm wrapped firmer around her waist, lifting her to the ends of her toes. He was tall and lean, but strong and perfectly fit to her body. They molded together like water, with a thud grace. As he moved, so did she."

What I found unique about TGC were the tattoos the people had, and how they were visual representations of people's social classes. I had never previously heard anything along those lines, and the concept fascinated me. I suppose it is similar to someone wearing a Marc Jacobs watch, or Jimmy Choo shoes, but the tattoos seemed so personal, permanent, and IN YOUR FACE. People's tattoos define their identity, history, lives, and individuality. It seems so unlike what we, as a society, would ever do, but beautiful, and a sign of full devotion.

Continuation: 80% One of the perks of signing up for this tour was an eCopy of TSS, and because of Summer Vacation, I will definitely pick it up some time so I can continue with the world Davis has created.

Conclusion: I sincerely enjoyed The Golden Cage considering I don't normally read novellas and want to read the sequel because of the rich world building, likable characters, and unique remise.
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Maureen's Books
5.0 out of 5 stars Review
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
In ‘The Golden Cage’ we follow Princess Leena, one of the many princesses in the Ourthura realm. But Leena isn’t happy with her life as an princess. No, Leena hates her life at the in palace. The only light in her life full of darkness is Mikzahooq, a personal guard with the job to protect Leena. But no one knows Leena and Mikza are secret lovers, desperately looking for a way out of ‘The Golden Cage’.

Although this story is a prequel novella, and there for very short, I loved this story immediately. I’m a real sucker for forbidden love stories and this one pulled me in right from the start. In just a short time Kaitlyn Davis pulls you inside her story and makes you fall in love with the characters. I especially loved the main character Leena and the way she dealt with her life in ‘The Golden Cage’.

Even though there are many love stories out there, I still found this one very original. The tattoos and Leena’s swimming. I really loved it and I just couldn't put it down.

Lying with an cocktail in my hand on the beach, I can definitely conclude that this short novella is a great first book and a great start for beginning in ‘The Shadow Soul (A Dance of Dragons #1)’. I can’t wait to read that book.
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Ron Kell
3.0 out of 5 stars ok short story
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
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I did not like it, it was a short story that wasn't short enough but did not have enough meat for a novel. Perhaps a good editor could have helped tighten it up but still it was true to itself and because i didn't like it was no reason to mark it down below average. Perhaps you will enjoy it, others certainly have
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vera maslow
5.0 out of 5 stars A Novella done right!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2014
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Perfect short story prequel!
It had a beginning, middle and end to the story. It draws you in right from the get go. The author really gives you a good idea of the world build and draws you into the characters. There are hints of what is to come and how much bigger the world may be. Enough of a teaser to think huh? I wonder what is going on with that, but not so much to be unsatisfied with the novella.

Wonderfully put together novella. It drew me in and loved the little story in it while leaving me really interested in reading the series. The pacing was quick and flowing. I think this may be the first novella I read that didn't just give me a taste of the author's writing and series, but really pulled me in. I have high hopes for the authors writing ability and this series.

If you want a taste of what this author has to offer in this series pick it up. A fantasy world with a class system, set in a small kingdom.
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Top reviews from other countries

Sandra Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty promising start to a potential brilliant series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm not sure on the exact order I should be reading these books in, as some prequels are best read after the first book but hey I'll read it first, I can also re-read it after book one.

MY REVIEW
I downloaded this one when it was free on Amazon UK. The cover features a female floating in water, and there is also a golden cage which is very imposing and totally relevant to the plot of the book too. Would the cover make me pick it up in a book store? Yes, definitely!
The book is set in the metallic, gleaming city of Orthuro. This dazzling city is ruled with a fierce, often cruel to those around him called King Razzaq. The novella is initially set within the Palace during a celebration of the marriage of King Razzaq's eldest daughter. Leenaka or Leena for short is the next eldest daughter so it is with mixed emotions that she attends the party. On one hand she is happy for her elder sister, but on the other she is only too well aware that as the next daughter to be matched will be her. Leenaka does not wish to be matched to some rich spoilt nobleman as she has already found love herself. Sadly a forbidden love. Leenaka has fallen for one of the palace guards. He is in fact her personal guard, Mikzahooq, Mikza for short. Leena is floating in her "high happy love bubble" when her father brings her back down to earth with an enormous devastating thud. He has somehow found out about the illicit love meetings. To say King Razzaq is furious, enraged and his temper is like an erupting volcano is an understatement! He has Mikza thrown in the palace dungeons. Leena is confined to her room. Now Leena feels desperate and truly alone. It was only Mikza that made putting up with the prison like feel to her life, worth it and that kept her going. Leena and Mizka had been working towards a plan of running away together. . .but everything was lost now. Leena isolates herself from everyone and spends her time in her pool far under the water. It was the only place that Leena could find any type of peace now she was separated from Mikza. Leena is so desperate to see Mikza even it is only to say goodbye, she manages to find one of the guards who is friends with him and asks him for help. Then at risk to himself also, Tam smuggles Leena down to the dungeons to sees Mikza. Leena expected Mikza to have been beaten but nothing could have prepared her for what she see's. King Razzaq has granted Mikza his life but has made him into a "nobody". Everyone in Outhuri have tattoo's, they reveal what "class" you are in. The richer the person the more intricate the tattoo's design. As a trusted member of the palace guard Mikza's arms were covered in complex, elaborate designs. . . or they were. King Razzaq has ordered the tattoos to be removed and the only way for them to be permanently removed and for him to be changed to the lowest of the low within the class system of his peers. The apalling sight of Mikza's now heavily scarred tattooed arms literally grinds whats left of Leena's already broken heart to dust. To remove Mikza's tattoo's have been cut off his arms! We also learn that the King has made a "deal" with Mikza, not that Mikza had much of a choice. The King has granted Mikza his life if her promises to never see Leena again. Naturally he had to promise this and as a man of his world he tell Leena that there is no way they can ever be together. It is with a heavy, crushed hearts that they couple say their final goodbyes.
So did I enjoy the prequel novella? I really loved this prequel novella. Would I recommend the prequel novella? Yes, I think it could be read as I read it as a prequel or after reading the fist novel of the series. It is certainly well worth reading. Has reading the prequel novella made me want to read more of this series? Oh yes, as soon as I finished this novella, I immediately wanted to dive right into the first full novel, The Shadow Soul. Would I be interested in reading other titles by this author? I will without a doubt be checking out other titles by this author.
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Nino
5.0 out of 5 stars Want to know more
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2016
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this is the first book I have read by this author and based on this I will definitely be reading more, especially with how this book ended. I can't wait to find out how the story carries on!
brilliant writing and so compelling, a book with the life experiences of sadness and love making people stronger. would love to find out more about leena.

this is a definite read for everyone, loved it
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d.wellman
3.0 out of 5 stars to short
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2018
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not to good
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Cal from herefordshire
5.0 out of 5 stars good story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2015
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Short book but enough to make you read on to next book The silver key
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Lisa Kinshuck
5.0 out of 5 stars A great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2016
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A great read
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