What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 02:10:56
50 copies available
U.S. only
To Cage a Wild Bird
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 02:10:56
50 copies available
U.S. only
Enter the brutal world of Endlock, a prison where the wealthy hunt the inmates for sport. The first novel in an electrifying dystopian romance series, this high-octane debut about forbidden love, found family, and a fight for survival will leave you breathless.
In the city of Dividium, the law is simple: commit a crime, and your punishment is a life sentence in Endlock.
Raven Thorne is Dividium’s most notorious bounty hunter, living on the edge of society. But when her younger brother, Jed, is sentenced to Endlock, Raven will do anything to save him—even if it means getting herself arrested.
Now trapped in a prison where danger lurks around every corner, Raven must use all her cunning and strength to protect Jed—and herself if she is to complete her perilous mission. But there’s one obstacle she never expected: the prison guard who stirs something deep inside her. The man she should hate. The man whose true motives seem impossible to pin down.
In a world where trust is a weapon and love is a liability, Raven must decide if she will risk everything to tear down a vicious system,
In the city of Dividium, the law is simple: commit a crime, and your punishment is a life sentence in Endlock.
Raven Thorne is Dividium’s most notorious bounty hunter, living on the edge of society. But when her younger brother, Jed, is sentenced to Endlock, Raven will do anything to save him—even if it means getting herself arrested.
Now trapped in a prison where danger lurks around every corner, Raven must use all her cunning and strength to protect Jed—and herself if she is to complete her perilous mission. But there’s one obstacle she never expected: the prison guard who stirs something deep inside her. The man she should hate. The man whose true motives seem impossible to pin down.
In a world where trust is a weapon and love is a liability, Raven must decide if she will risk everything to tear down a vicious system,
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 1, 2026
68 people are currently reading
21502 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
August 20, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟 Prison break vibes in a dystopian world where no one can truly survive the prison because the public can pay to hunt the prisoners down!??? Insane! On the edge of my seat for book 2
Read
July 17, 2025post read -
i have mixed feelings about this one! frtc
preread -
this is one of my most anticipated releases this year, so i’m so excited to have an arc!
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!!
—————
gimme gimme gimme 🫴🫴🫴
i have mixed feelings about this one! frtc
preread -
this is one of my most anticipated releases this year, so i’m so excited to have an arc!
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!!
—————
July 19, 2025
DYSTOPIA IS BACK AND I NEED BOOK 2 EXPEDITIOUSLY
August 13, 2025
Was bored out of mind, this took forever to finish considering it was only 368 pages😭 So glad it's over.
The concept behind To Cage a Wild Bird sounded so interesting but sadly it all fell flat. I didn't care about Raven as a main character and even more so for the romance. Which by the way WHY does Vale love her so much immediately???? Like I am genuinely confused, especially in the beginning they barely talked with each other and yet he was acting like a lovesick puppy. And I'm all for lovesick puppies but I just didn't get it here?? Was I missing something??? Either way the romance was boring because I felt absolutely nothing for them. I do not believe they're in love with each other because why?
And the plot!! The potential!! I was intrigued in the beginning but since I hit the 40% mark I was just bored and wanted to get it over with. I had absolutely no motivation to pick up this book and forced myself to binge the rest of the book just so I could finally be done with it. The last 10% was more interesting but at that point I really did not care or feel anything for anyone. (Though if I had to choose a character to like, I did like Yara)
Anyways, this was a disappointment and I was really hoping it would be a fun read but oh well I guess.
Thank you Avon for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
The concept behind To Cage a Wild Bird sounded so interesting but sadly it all fell flat. I didn't care about Raven as a main character and even more so for the romance. Which by the way WHY does Vale love her so much immediately???? Like I am genuinely confused, especially in the beginning they barely talked with each other and yet he was acting like a lovesick puppy. And I'm all for lovesick puppies but I just didn't get it here?? Was I missing something??? Either way the romance was boring because I felt absolutely nothing for them. I do not believe they're in love with each other because why?
And the plot!! The potential!! I was intrigued in the beginning but since I hit the 40% mark I was just bored and wanted to get it over with. I had absolutely no motivation to pick up this book and forced myself to binge the rest of the book just so I could finally be done with it. The last 10% was more interesting but at that point I really did not care or feel anything for anyone. (Though if I had to choose a character to like, I did like Yara)
Anyways, this was a disappointment and I was really hoping it would be a fun read but oh well I guess.
Thank you Avon for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
July 21, 2025
I'm loving the resurgence of the dystopian genre, except for adults! I loved Divergent, The Hunger Games, etc. when I was younger, so to be able to read dystopian books with the same vibes but with grittier plots and steamier romance is such a treat.
To Cage a Wild Bird is an extremely fast-paced and action packed book. For a comparison, it reminded me a lot of Savage Lands. The plot follows Raven, a bounty hunter who is sent to Endlock, an extremely deadly and brutal prison where hardly anyone survives for more than a few weeks / months. After her younger brother Jed is arrested and sent to Endlock, she voluntarily gets herself thrown into the prison with the goal of helping him, and another inmate part of a rebel group, escape. Sparks fly between Raven and a prison guard, Vale, who has extreme authority over Endlock but is mysteriously invested in helping Raven survive.
The strengths of this book lay in the
While I had a hard time connecting to some of the characters and wished the plot was more fleshed out, the concept of Dividium and Endlock captivated me. In Dividium, hunting humans for sport isn't only normalized - it's seen as an important and necessary civilian duty to help the society flourish. Endlock has been capitalized on as Dividium's biggest spectacle and source of entertainment and income: wealthier members of Dividium are able to partake in daily scheduled hunts, where they can select up to ten prisoners to attempt to hunt down and kill (similar to a Hunger Games arena). They literally treat it as if it's laser tag or paintball. It's sickening, but it's a fascinating commentary on the state of our world now.
This book is absolutely gripping, and the characters can never catch a break. I wasn't as sold on the romance; I think the enemies-to-lovers trope could have been executed better with more tension, and I wish the characters had been explored more in depth. Especially Jed: he's the main motivator behind Raven's actions and it's stated over and over again that she would do absolutely anything for him, but there wasn't much there to make me understand his character or make him that compelling. However, between the threat of the hunts, fights between prisoners, and the corrupt world of Dividium, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through! The concept of this book was so fascinating and executed extremely well.
Thank you so much to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC!
To Cage a Wild Bird is an extremely fast-paced and action packed book. For a comparison, it reminded me a lot of Savage Lands. The plot follows Raven, a bounty hunter who is sent to Endlock, an extremely deadly and brutal prison where hardly anyone survives for more than a few weeks / months. After her younger brother Jed is arrested and sent to Endlock, she voluntarily gets herself thrown into the prison with the goal of helping him, and another inmate part of a rebel group, escape. Sparks fly between Raven and a prison guard, Vale, who has extreme authority over Endlock but is mysteriously invested in helping Raven survive.
The strengths of this book lay in the
While I had a hard time connecting to some of the characters and wished the plot was more fleshed out, the concept of Dividium and Endlock captivated me. In Dividium, hunting humans for sport isn't only normalized - it's seen as an important and necessary civilian duty to help the society flourish. Endlock has been capitalized on as Dividium's biggest spectacle and source of entertainment and income: wealthier members of Dividium are able to partake in daily scheduled hunts, where they can select up to ten prisoners to attempt to hunt down and kill (similar to a Hunger Games arena). They literally treat it as if it's laser tag or paintball. It's sickening, but it's a fascinating commentary on the state of our world now.
This book is absolutely gripping, and the characters can never catch a break. I wasn't as sold on the romance; I think the enemies-to-lovers trope could have been executed better with more tension, and I wish the characters had been explored more in depth. Especially Jed: he's the main motivator behind Raven's actions and it's stated over and over again that she would do absolutely anything for him, but there wasn't much there to make me understand his character or make him that compelling. However, between the threat of the hunts, fights between prisoners, and the corrupt world of Dividium, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through! The concept of this book was so fascinating and executed extremely well.
Thank you so much to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC!
September 1, 2025
HELL. YEAH.
Divergent meets Hunger Games meets Prison Break (Theo James included)
This book was FUN & nostalgic in a 2010s dystopian-fad way. I’ve been in a paralyzing reading slump this month & I just read this book in less than 24 hours. Slump: GONE.
Things to know:
- She’s a bounty hunter
- Her little brother gets arrested & sent to a prison where the inmates are hunted for sport
- She purposefully gets arrested to save him
- She meets a hot, mysterious stranger
- MMC gives Theo James as Four (HOTTTT)
Fast paced, entertaining, & at times - stressful
Divergent meets Hunger Games meets Prison Break (Theo James included)
This book was FUN & nostalgic in a 2010s dystopian-fad way. I’ve been in a paralyzing reading slump this month & I just read this book in less than 24 hours. Slump: GONE.
Things to know:
- She’s a bounty hunter
- Her little brother gets arrested & sent to a prison where the inmates are hunted for sport
- She purposefully gets arrested to save him
- She meets a hot, mysterious stranger
- MMC gives Theo James as Four (HOTTTT)
Fast paced, entertaining, & at times - stressful
June 26, 2025
YALL ARENT READY
Want to read
September 5, 2025Dying to read this one. Prison break meets Hunger Games - ish? If someone wants to send the ARC my way......I'd be forever grateful. 🥹😭A girl can hope!
August 30, 2025
The only word I can use to describe To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast is bingeable. I’m so glad dystopian books are coming back because this satisfied a craving I didn’t know I had and I found myself losing track of time reading it. I could sit here and try to compare it to other famous dystopian books but honestly I don’t want to because I truly feel this story brings the foundation of a good dystopian book together with fresh elements that make for a captivating story. I can't wait to continue the story!
July 23, 2025
TO CAGE A WILD BIRD, ever since Brooke (side note in my head your name is breakfast lol) announced this I was dying to get my eyeballs on it! Dystopian romance HELLOOOOO GIMME! I read this in one afternoon! The plot was pacy and captivating I couldn't stop reading it goes at a breathless pace I NEEDED to know what was gonna happen, theres a lot of unease and tension, the commentary on politics/rebellion/society was GRITTY, I thought that the romance was more insta than slow burn, I appreciated the moments of delicious tension and spice we did get, I would of liked more build up to their connection HOWEVER I'm anticipating that the next book will be heavily focused on that, I loved Raven and how bad ass she was, willing to do anything to protect her brother, there is a found family aspect which I love SO much in books, as she makes friends (unwilling to let anyone get close at first, eventually she falls for their charms, as did I) the loyalty and camaraderie with the side characters was 🤌 I'm still sobbing over a certain characters death 😢 😭 why Brooke why! AND THAT ENDING!!!!!!! I can't wait for the next installment of this! I need it now 😂!
July 31, 2025
I devoured this book! Hands down, the best dystopian romance of the year. I’m desperate for more!
Thank you so much to Wayward for my advanced reader copy!
Thank you so much to Wayward for my advanced reader copy!
June 28, 2025
ARC Review
I picked this up mostly out of curiosity — it’s the first book under the new “WAYWARD TxF” imprint, and the synopsis really had me intrigued.
We follow Raven as she enters Endlock Prison, notorious for its vast hunting ground where the wealthy can pay to hunt inmates, to attempt to help her younger brother escape— while she is there, Raven ends up teaming up with Vale, one of the guards.
The worldbuilding was really interesting! Not overly complicated, but the little tech details, prison dynamics, and class hierarchy really helped me enjoy parts of this book.
I liked Raven — she’s smart, sarcastic, and clearly trying to stay in control in a totally messed-up world.
But the second Vale walks on-page? It's as if her brain turns to mush.
Like girl, you're infiltrating a death-prison — can we not lose all logic because he's hot and broody? It’s a pet peeve of mine when characters act super smart until a love interest enters the room.
Also, the romance was one of the weaker points for me. It was fast. Like... blink and we’re kissing.
This book is advertised as enemies-to-lovers and slow burn and it is NEITHER.
The romance felt rushed and underdeveloped. Vale fell for Raven way too quickly, and I didn’t really understand the connection. It was another lust over love situation.
The story seemed to push a deep emotional bond that just wasn’t built up enough at the beginning to feel earned.
I guess I wished the book didn’t lean so hard into the (not so well developed) romance when the dystopian plot was so much more compelling. The world, the prison system, the corruption — all of that could’ve carried the story on its own. Instead, the romance overshadowed a lot of what made the concept unique, which was disappointing.
As for found family — there were definitely glimpses of it, and those were my favorite scenes. I loved the small moments of bonding between Raven and the other inmates. They deserved a lot more page time, honestly— and if we’d had more chances to connect with them earlier on, some of the emotional beats toward the end would’ve hit harder in my opinion.
At the end, most of the reveals were easy to guess, and throughout the book I had multiple moments where I was waiting for the story to pick up again.
Overall, To Cage a Wild Bird had a strong foundation — and I think the author has some really creative ideas — but this one just didn’t come together for me.
If you're in the mood for danger, prison politics, a steamy romance, this might be a fun pick for you.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I picked this up mostly out of curiosity — it’s the first book under the new “WAYWARD TxF” imprint, and the synopsis really had me intrigued.
We follow Raven as she enters Endlock Prison, notorious for its vast hunting ground where the wealthy can pay to hunt inmates, to attempt to help her younger brother escape— while she is there, Raven ends up teaming up with Vale, one of the guards.
The worldbuilding was really interesting! Not overly complicated, but the little tech details, prison dynamics, and class hierarchy really helped me enjoy parts of this book.
I liked Raven — she’s smart, sarcastic, and clearly trying to stay in control in a totally messed-up world.
But the second Vale walks on-page? It's as if her brain turns to mush.
Like girl, you're infiltrating a death-prison — can we not lose all logic because he's hot and broody? It’s a pet peeve of mine when characters act super smart until a love interest enters the room.
Also, the romance was one of the weaker points for me. It was fast. Like... blink and we’re kissing.
This book is advertised as enemies-to-lovers and slow burn and it is NEITHER.
The romance felt rushed and underdeveloped. Vale fell for Raven way too quickly, and I didn’t really understand the connection. It was another lust over love situation.
The story seemed to push a deep emotional bond that just wasn’t built up enough at the beginning to feel earned.
I guess I wished the book didn’t lean so hard into the (not so well developed) romance when the dystopian plot was so much more compelling. The world, the prison system, the corruption — all of that could’ve carried the story on its own. Instead, the romance overshadowed a lot of what made the concept unique, which was disappointing.
As for found family — there were definitely glimpses of it, and those were my favorite scenes. I loved the small moments of bonding between Raven and the other inmates. They deserved a lot more page time, honestly— and if we’d had more chances to connect with them earlier on, some of the emotional beats toward the end would’ve hit harder in my opinion.
At the end, most of the reveals were easy to guess, and throughout the book I had multiple moments where I was waiting for the story to pick up again.
Overall, To Cage a Wild Bird had a strong foundation — and I think the author has some really creative ideas — but this one just didn’t come together for me.
If you're in the mood for danger, prison politics, a steamy romance, this might be a fun pick for you.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.25 stars)
I’m always on the hunt for a new and exciting dystopian read, and this one absolutely delivered. It’s intense, gritty, and layered with just the right amount of rebellion, emotional depth, and found family goodness.
We follow Raven, an FMC who had me rooting for her from page one. She’s the kind of bad bitch you can’t help but love. Fierce, guarded, and unapologetically determined. But what really hooked me was watching her slowly open herself up to connection. The vulnerability she showed by allowing friendships to form was such a powerful contrast to the brutal world she’s surviving in. And her dynamic with Vale? Chaotic, passionate, and addictive.
One of my favorite elements of the story was the strong sense of chosen family. The prisoners aren’t just surviving together, they’re fighting for each other. Whether it’s helping out with everyday survival or risking it all during the deadly Hunt, there’s something deeply emotional about their bond.
If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, this will scratch that itch and then some. It’s like a darker, more twisted version with higher stakes and sharper edges. I’m seriously hoping for a sequel because if this is a standalone, I will simply not recover.
I’m always on the hunt for a new and exciting dystopian read, and this one absolutely delivered. It’s intense, gritty, and layered with just the right amount of rebellion, emotional depth, and found family goodness.
We follow Raven, an FMC who had me rooting for her from page one. She’s the kind of bad bitch you can’t help but love. Fierce, guarded, and unapologetically determined. But what really hooked me was watching her slowly open herself up to connection. The vulnerability she showed by allowing friendships to form was such a powerful contrast to the brutal world she’s surviving in. And her dynamic with Vale? Chaotic, passionate, and addictive.
One of my favorite elements of the story was the strong sense of chosen family. The prisoners aren’t just surviving together, they’re fighting for each other. Whether it’s helping out with everyday survival or risking it all during the deadly Hunt, there’s something deeply emotional about their bond.
If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, this will scratch that itch and then some. It’s like a darker, more twisted version with higher stakes and sharper edges. I’m seriously hoping for a sequel because if this is a standalone, I will simply not recover.
July 20, 2025
Wow. 5 stars. I love it so much.
August 4, 2025
I forgot how much I loved I dystopian settings, and this book reminded me quickly!
Raven is a bounty hunter. She hunts the criminals of Dividium to earn credits. Without these credits she cannot support her meager life and keep her brother Jed fed.
What happens to the criminals? They are sent to Endlock, a twisted prison system, one which allows wealthy citizens the enjoyment of hunting live prey... humans.
Raven finds herself having to help the Collective- the rebel alliance in order to save her brother and it lands her smack dab in Endlock. While she schemes her escape based on the Collective's needs, she finds more than she bargained for in and outside of the hunting grounds.
Excellent world building and found family vibes, and the spark between Raven and Vale-- hot cha cha.
The only thing I am unhappy about is the sudden ending of the book and knowing I won't have the next installment for some time.
This is due out NEXT YEAR and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the chance to read this prior to it's March 2026 release.
Raven is a bounty hunter. She hunts the criminals of Dividium to earn credits. Without these credits she cannot support her meager life and keep her brother Jed fed.
What happens to the criminals? They are sent to Endlock, a twisted prison system, one which allows wealthy citizens the enjoyment of hunting live prey... humans.
Raven finds herself having to help the Collective- the rebel alliance in order to save her brother and it lands her smack dab in Endlock. While she schemes her escape based on the Collective's needs, she finds more than she bargained for in and outside of the hunting grounds.
Excellent world building and found family vibes, and the spark between Raven and Vale-- hot cha cha.
The only thing I am unhappy about is the sudden ending of the book and knowing I won't have the next installment for some time.
This is due out NEXT YEAR and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the chance to read this prior to it's March 2026 release.
June 15, 2025
AN INSTANT FAVOURITE!!!
I’ve had my eye on this book ever since Brooke first teased it on Instagram, and wow!! it absolutely blew me away. If you're a dystopia girly or a fan of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this is a must-read. Brooke delivers a stellar debut packed with gripping storytelling, and I’m still reeling from how good it was.
It’s got everything I love: immersive world-building, fast-paced plot, found family, a delicious slow-burn romance with the most satisfying payoff, and characters that made my heart race and ache all at once.
Raven, our FMC, is such a badass. I adored how fiercely she stands up for her people, and just watching her open up and trust others was so beautiful. And our MMC, Vale. Oh, Vale. Sweet, swoony, hot - this man had me twirling my hair and giggling the entire time. He can guard me ANYTIME.
Brooke’s use of the Hunt as a plot device was masterful. It introduced Endlock’s complex political system in such an organic way—never info-dumpy, always purposeful. Every detail tied back into the narrative seamlessly, and I was genuinely in awe of how cleverly everything was constructed.
If this book is not already on your radar, it needs to be. THIS IS GOING TO BE YOUR NEXT OBSESSION. Please do yourself a favor and go preorder it so you can read it when it’s out.
Thank you @bantambooksuk for the ARC ❤️
I’ve had my eye on this book ever since Brooke first teased it on Instagram, and wow!! it absolutely blew me away. If you're a dystopia girly or a fan of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this is a must-read. Brooke delivers a stellar debut packed with gripping storytelling, and I’m still reeling from how good it was.
It’s got everything I love: immersive world-building, fast-paced plot, found family, a delicious slow-burn romance with the most satisfying payoff, and characters that made my heart race and ache all at once.
Raven, our FMC, is such a badass. I adored how fiercely she stands up for her people, and just watching her open up and trust others was so beautiful. And our MMC, Vale. Oh, Vale. Sweet, swoony, hot - this man had me twirling my hair and giggling the entire time. He can guard me ANYTIME.
Brooke’s use of the Hunt as a plot device was masterful. It introduced Endlock’s complex political system in such an organic way—never info-dumpy, always purposeful. Every detail tied back into the narrative seamlessly, and I was genuinely in awe of how cleverly everything was constructed.
If this book is not already on your radar, it needs to be. THIS IS GOING TO BE YOUR NEXT OBSESSION. Please do yourself a favor and go preorder it so you can read it when it’s out.
Thank you @bantambooksuk for the ARC ❤️
August 17, 2025
Thank you to Avon for the advance reading copy of my newest book obsession!
Dystopian is back in 𝘛𝘰 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘈 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘥. This fast-paced, gripping debut will imprison readers in its pages, especially fans of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴.
Raven is a bounty hunter in Dividium, delivering vicious criminals to their imprisonment, hunting, and death at Endlock. When her brother is unfairly arrested, she's willing to become an inmate to break him - and an engineer vital to the rebel cause - out from the inside. With cameras lurking in every corner, wristbands tracking her moves, and vengeful criminals seeking her pain for their arrests, she'll have to outwit the system, outlast the hunt, and avoid falling in love with a handsome guard to complete her mission.
Despite its inspiration from popular dystopian stories, 𝘛𝘰 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘈 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘥 feels fresh and exciting. The concept is thought-provoking and fascinating. It's addictive, hooking the reader from the first page and taking off at such a pace that's difficult to put down. The writing style is readable and bingeable, not overly beautiful prose but also not overly simple. It makes for such an entertaining experience!
My heart was pounding for Raven and her friends as they faced endless dangerous situations inside Endlock. She's rebellious, strong, resourceful, loyal to her brother and slow to trust others. She hides behind a shield of sarcasm, and her character growth shines in her newly developed friendships. Vale is loyal, respectful, and supportive, and his interactions with Raven are intoxicating.
The found family trope is wonderfully written into this serious story, providing balance and hope through difficult times. I became so attached and fearful for the well-being of several prisoners! I'm eager for more of this entire cast in the next installment.
The dystopian setting explores cover-ups and propaganda with nods to the moral complications of the world and its politics. Characters weigh self preservation and personal threats against the common good, and I think the series will continue to present challenges that further develop these difficult decisions.
I'm really excited for where the plot is leading for the next book! I wish this series opener had been a bit longer, providing additional scenes and backstory. I loved the characters, plot, and world so much that it left me wanting more! It ends on a moderate cliffhanger and seemingly logical stopping point; I'll be desperately awaiting the sequel!
Dystopian is back in 𝘛𝘰 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘈 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘥. This fast-paced, gripping debut will imprison readers in its pages, especially fans of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴.
Raven is a bounty hunter in Dividium, delivering vicious criminals to their imprisonment, hunting, and death at Endlock. When her brother is unfairly arrested, she's willing to become an inmate to break him - and an engineer vital to the rebel cause - out from the inside. With cameras lurking in every corner, wristbands tracking her moves, and vengeful criminals seeking her pain for their arrests, she'll have to outwit the system, outlast the hunt, and avoid falling in love with a handsome guard to complete her mission.
Despite its inspiration from popular dystopian stories, 𝘛𝘰 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘈 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘥 feels fresh and exciting. The concept is thought-provoking and fascinating. It's addictive, hooking the reader from the first page and taking off at such a pace that's difficult to put down. The writing style is readable and bingeable, not overly beautiful prose but also not overly simple. It makes for such an entertaining experience!
My heart was pounding for Raven and her friends as they faced endless dangerous situations inside Endlock. She's rebellious, strong, resourceful, loyal to her brother and slow to trust others. She hides behind a shield of sarcasm, and her character growth shines in her newly developed friendships. Vale is loyal, respectful, and supportive, and his interactions with Raven are intoxicating.
The found family trope is wonderfully written into this serious story, providing balance and hope through difficult times. I became so attached and fearful for the well-being of several prisoners! I'm eager for more of this entire cast in the next installment.
The dystopian setting explores cover-ups and propaganda with nods to the moral complications of the world and its politics. Characters weigh self preservation and personal threats against the common good, and I think the series will continue to present challenges that further develop these difficult decisions.
I'm really excited for where the plot is leading for the next book! I wish this series opener had been a bit longer, providing additional scenes and backstory. I loved the characters, plot, and world so much that it left me wanting more! It ends on a moderate cliffhanger and seemingly logical stopping point; I'll be desperately awaiting the sequel!
July 15, 2025
1000000/10 Get this book on your radar besties, if you’re looking for the ultimate 2010s dystopian vibes with a prison where inmates are hunted for sport, secrets galore and the MOST delicious prisoner x guard romance, look no further !!!!
To Cage A Wild Bird is an outstanding debut novel from Brooke Fast, from the first page I was hooked. Our FMC Raven was very relatable and likeable, the plot was unlike anything I've read before and executed very well. The romance... oh boy. Just wait until you all meet Vale.
This book was fast paced, exciting, very intense at times, and just overall a very lovely experience. Did the ending have me pulling out my hair? Yes. I want to know what happens next, desperately.
Raven is one of those FMCs that you can't help but like, she's very fierce and loyal to those she loves and her sarcastic comments throughout the book had me reeling. She really is a bad b*tch.
Vale, oh how I love this man. He would do anything for those he loves and trusts and he is a man more of actions than words. I'm very excited t see how things go for him especially in book two.
One of my favourite tropes is found family and I think Brooke mastered this one beautifully, by the end of this book we have our very own prison family that had my heart melting (and breaking.. at times.)
The world building was detailed and done well, I wasn't sure what to expect when the plot seemed focus around Endlock prison, in many novels I have read the setting is often overlooked with the most detail being on the MCS - this wasn't the case in TCAWB. I could literally envision myself in Endlock and felt like I could see everything vividly as it went on within the hunts.
The hunts were another aspect that added a trill to the plot, the thought of wealthy citizens paying to hunt prisoners for sport is unheard of and Brooke has created something very intriguing here. The hunts also benefitted the plot greatly it helped with the explanation of the political system and where each character stood in the hierarchy.
The romance was delicious, I'm not sure if I would consider it a slow burn purely for the fact that I felt things progressed quite quickly (I'm not complaining), but the tension between Raven and Vale was electric and I was so here for it. It was more of a hate to love (on the FMCs side).
Overall, To Cage A Wild Bird was utterly fantastic and I think it's going to be one many readers will be excited for in 2025. I'm already dreaming about having book two in my hands.., well done Brooke on writing such a fantastic debut.
To Cage A Wild Bird is an outstanding debut novel from Brooke Fast, from the first page I was hooked. Our FMC Raven was very relatable and likeable, the plot was unlike anything I've read before and executed very well. The romance... oh boy. Just wait until you all meet Vale.
This book was fast paced, exciting, very intense at times, and just overall a very lovely experience. Did the ending have me pulling out my hair? Yes. I want to know what happens next, desperately.
Raven is one of those FMCs that you can't help but like, she's very fierce and loyal to those she loves and her sarcastic comments throughout the book had me reeling. She really is a bad b*tch.
Vale, oh how I love this man. He would do anything for those he loves and trusts and he is a man more of actions than words. I'm very excited t see how things go for him especially in book two.
One of my favourite tropes is found family and I think Brooke mastered this one beautifully, by the end of this book we have our very own prison family that had my heart melting (and breaking.. at times.)
The world building was detailed and done well, I wasn't sure what to expect when the plot seemed focus around Endlock prison, in many novels I have read the setting is often overlooked with the most detail being on the MCS - this wasn't the case in TCAWB. I could literally envision myself in Endlock and felt like I could see everything vividly as it went on within the hunts.
The hunts were another aspect that added a trill to the plot, the thought of wealthy citizens paying to hunt prisoners for sport is unheard of and Brooke has created something very intriguing here. The hunts also benefitted the plot greatly it helped with the explanation of the political system and where each character stood in the hierarchy.
The romance was delicious, I'm not sure if I would consider it a slow burn purely for the fact that I felt things progressed quite quickly (I'm not complaining), but the tension between Raven and Vale was electric and I was so here for it. It was more of a hate to love (on the FMCs side).
Overall, To Cage A Wild Bird was utterly fantastic and I think it's going to be one many readers will be excited for in 2025. I'm already dreaming about having book two in my hands.., well done Brooke on writing such a fantastic debut.
August 29, 2025
To Cage A Wild Bird
4⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for providing me with this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
A new voice in dystopian romance is here and this time…I trust it.
Brooke Fasts debute dystopian is a fresh take on the genre with an intriguing set up, likable protagonists that are all a little morally grey, and a believable romance that isn’t the center of the story but does add to it instead of detracting.
Raven Thorne is a bounty hunter who sends the worst criminals to Endlock, the prison where the rich hunt the prisoners for sport. Raven is just trying to survive, like anyone else, but she has her younger brother to take care of as well. She’s morally grey, pushing her morals aside to make sure her brother survives day to day in the lower sector where food is scarce and comfort is nowhere to be found.
When Ravens brother is arrested she decides to go in after him. Tasked by the rebel group “The Collective” to help another prisoner escape in exchange for he brothers freedom, she enters endlock and faces those who she once helped put away.
Ravens character growth during her time at Endlock was what I was most worried about but I was pleasantly surprised when, instead of becoming even more detached, she ends up forming strong bonds with those around her. This isn’t just a romance book, it’s a book about friendship and the things we’re willing to do to save the ones we love.
Vale, ravens love interest, is also a very complex character who wants to do good every day but exists in a society where it’s impossible to remove the good entirely from the bad. The son of an evil political leader, Vale walks a tight rope of being kind and brutal in order to fly under the radar while trying to do some good in this brutal world.
Endlock is like if Hostel and The Purge had a love child except it’s not only allowed by the government, but the government profits off of it. The prison system is horrifying but definitely a commentary on our current American for-profit prison system. As is the way the system is set up, keep the poor hungry, keep them poor, and they’ll do the work for you. They’ll turn on each other and leave the riches for the top.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest in the series. Brooke Fast did an incredible job establishing a world that I cannot wait to see torn down.
4⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for providing me with this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
A new voice in dystopian romance is here and this time…I trust it.
Brooke Fasts debute dystopian is a fresh take on the genre with an intriguing set up, likable protagonists that are all a little morally grey, and a believable romance that isn’t the center of the story but does add to it instead of detracting.
Raven Thorne is a bounty hunter who sends the worst criminals to Endlock, the prison where the rich hunt the prisoners for sport. Raven is just trying to survive, like anyone else, but she has her younger brother to take care of as well. She’s morally grey, pushing her morals aside to make sure her brother survives day to day in the lower sector where food is scarce and comfort is nowhere to be found.
When Ravens brother is arrested she decides to go in after him. Tasked by the rebel group “The Collective” to help another prisoner escape in exchange for he brothers freedom, she enters endlock and faces those who she once helped put away.
Ravens character growth during her time at Endlock was what I was most worried about but I was pleasantly surprised when, instead of becoming even more detached, she ends up forming strong bonds with those around her. This isn’t just a romance book, it’s a book about friendship and the things we’re willing to do to save the ones we love.
Vale, ravens love interest, is also a very complex character who wants to do good every day but exists in a society where it’s impossible to remove the good entirely from the bad. The son of an evil political leader, Vale walks a tight rope of being kind and brutal in order to fly under the radar while trying to do some good in this brutal world.
Endlock is like if Hostel and The Purge had a love child except it’s not only allowed by the government, but the government profits off of it. The prison system is horrifying but definitely a commentary on our current American for-profit prison system. As is the way the system is set up, keep the poor hungry, keep them poor, and they’ll do the work for you. They’ll turn on each other and leave the riches for the top.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest in the series. Brooke Fast did an incredible job establishing a world that I cannot wait to see torn down.
August 16, 2025
Follow me on Instagram
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Important Highlights
I think the first thing I want to say, is to stress that this is not fantasy. There are ZERO fantasy elements. This is entirely dystopian with no magic, no mythical creatures, etc. I just wanted to get that out of the way as there is speculation that this will be a Fairyloot monthly book pick. I know Wayward is publishing this, who works with Fairyloot, but it just doesn't fit the bill of what Fairyloot normally puts in their sub boxes. I think this will be an exclusive preorder.
My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
This book was so many things: thrilling, exciting, dark, intense... I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always loved dystopian novels such as Divergent, Hunger Games, etc, and this book is right up there. It is definitely for adults as there is spice, but the dark elements go right along with the others (kids killing other kids for entertainment is pretty dark, so is hunting prisoners for sport). If you loved Hunger Games as a kid, then this book is absolutely for you. There is found family, forbidden romance, and a lot of really dark elements.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Important Highlights
I think the first thing I want to say, is to stress that this is not fantasy. There are ZERO fantasy elements. This is entirely dystopian with no magic, no mythical creatures, etc. I just wanted to get that out of the way as there is speculation that this will be a Fairyloot monthly book pick. I know Wayward is publishing this, who works with Fairyloot, but it just doesn't fit the bill of what Fairyloot normally puts in their sub boxes. I think this will be an exclusive preorder.
My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
This book was so many things: thrilling, exciting, dark, intense... I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always loved dystopian novels such as Divergent, Hunger Games, etc, and this book is right up there. It is definitely for adults as there is spice, but the dark elements go right along with the others (kids killing other kids for entertainment is pretty dark, so is hunting prisoners for sport). If you loved Hunger Games as a kid, then this book is absolutely for you. There is found family, forbidden romance, and a lot of really dark elements.
July 26, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
What to expect:
- found family
- prisoner/guard romance
- prison setting
- a resistance
- dystopian world building
THIS WILL BE THE NEXT BOOK TO BLOW UP, YALL ARE NOT READY.
We are following Raven, a bounty hunter, in the lower sector of Dividium, who helps throw criminals into Endlock prison to make enough money to care for her younger brother, Jed. An altercation breaks out ending in Jed being thrown into the infamous prison, which allows the wealthy to pay to come into the prison to hunt prisoners on the hunting grounds of the prison for sport. Raven works out a plan with The Collective to purposely get herself thrown into Endlock to save her brother along side some other Collective members who are trying to find a way to escape the prison. While trying to find a way to escape on a tight deadline given to them by The Collective, they are having to try to stay alive as they are periodically being chosen for The Hunt. Along the way, a guard, who she’s sworn to hate becomes her best possible way to escape Endlock. He starts helping them plan their escape route while slowly firing up a romance but secrets start to be revealed and obstacles arise.
First off this book was FANTASTIC for a debut novel. This is everything i ask for in a dystopian book. The high stakes, the world building, the secrets that are revealed along the way, the prisoner/guard trope, found family. You grow a connection to all of these characters while you’re curling your toes hoping none of them die during these hunts. Raven is such a badass FMC and i cannot WAIT to get back into her story in book two. I cannot say a single negative thing about this novel because this was nothing short of a good time!!
What to expect:
- found family
- prisoner/guard romance
- prison setting
- a resistance
- dystopian world building
THIS WILL BE THE NEXT BOOK TO BLOW UP, YALL ARE NOT READY.
We are following Raven, a bounty hunter, in the lower sector of Dividium, who helps throw criminals into Endlock prison to make enough money to care for her younger brother, Jed. An altercation breaks out ending in Jed being thrown into the infamous prison, which allows the wealthy to pay to come into the prison to hunt prisoners on the hunting grounds of the prison for sport. Raven works out a plan with The Collective to purposely get herself thrown into Endlock to save her brother along side some other Collective members who are trying to find a way to escape the prison. While trying to find a way to escape on a tight deadline given to them by The Collective, they are having to try to stay alive as they are periodically being chosen for The Hunt. Along the way, a guard, who she’s sworn to hate becomes her best possible way to escape Endlock. He starts helping them plan their escape route while slowly firing up a romance but secrets start to be revealed and obstacles arise.
First off this book was FANTASTIC for a debut novel. This is everything i ask for in a dystopian book. The high stakes, the world building, the secrets that are revealed along the way, the prisoner/guard trope, found family. You grow a connection to all of these characters while you’re curling your toes hoping none of them die during these hunts. Raven is such a badass FMC and i cannot WAIT to get back into her story in book two. I cannot say a single negative thing about this novel because this was nothing short of a good time!!
August 24, 2025
Prison Break meets Hunger Games
I feel like this was a great set up book for what this could turn into. If there’s one thing about me…I will devour a dystopian book. The premise of this was perfect, and I feel like this is setting up for a lot more in book 2.
After a civil war, and nuclear attack the United States was divided. We follow Raven who lives in the lowest sector of Dividium, where most of the poor live, with limited food and cramped confinements. Every crime is punishable by a life sentence in Enderlock prison, where the wealthy can pay to hunt prisoners like a tourist vacation.
Ravens parents were part of a rebel group and after being caught harboring fugitives, Raven had no choice but to take a job as a bounty hunter in order to support herself and her younger brother. When her younger brother finds himself in Endlock, Raven has no choice but to get herself sent there in order to try and break him out…the last thing she planned on was a certain guard coming into the picture.
There were so many secrets uncovered while she was there, about what was actually going on in Dividium, and just how corrupt the leaders were. However, it was sort of something that was just said and not really built upon, which is why I’m hoping we get more into that as the series continues.
The ending of this book was truly diabolical, and I need book 2 immediately!!
Thank you so much to Avon publishing for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like this was a great set up book for what this could turn into. If there’s one thing about me…I will devour a dystopian book. The premise of this was perfect, and I feel like this is setting up for a lot more in book 2.
After a civil war, and nuclear attack the United States was divided. We follow Raven who lives in the lowest sector of Dividium, where most of the poor live, with limited food and cramped confinements. Every crime is punishable by a life sentence in Enderlock prison, where the wealthy can pay to hunt prisoners like a tourist vacation.
Ravens parents were part of a rebel group and after being caught harboring fugitives, Raven had no choice but to take a job as a bounty hunter in order to support herself and her younger brother. When her younger brother finds himself in Endlock, Raven has no choice but to get herself sent there in order to try and break him out…the last thing she planned on was a certain guard coming into the picture.
There were so many secrets uncovered while she was there, about what was actually going on in Dividium, and just how corrupt the leaders were. However, it was sort of something that was just said and not really built upon, which is why I’m hoping we get more into that as the series continues.
The ending of this book was truly diabolical, and I need book 2 immediately!!
Thank you so much to Avon publishing for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2025
I am in my distopian era and I’m loving it. Set in desolate future US where civil war has ravished the country and small societies have survived.
I really enjoyed the world building and the detail of what had caused the collapse of society and how they now live with the different tiers of society. I liked that this is a pure distopian with no magic it’s a nice change of pace.
I loved Raven and how she developed through our from bounty hunter to her time in the prison and the relationship with Vale was perfect. I was worried the dynamic could be questionable with the power difference but it worked.
Thank you NetGalley and Weyward for the eARC
I really enjoyed the world building and the detail of what had caused the collapse of society and how they now live with the different tiers of society. I liked that this is a pure distopian with no magic it’s a nice change of pace.
I loved Raven and how she developed through our from bounty hunter to her time in the prison and the relationship with Vale was perfect. I was worried the dynamic could be questionable with the power difference but it worked.
Thank you NetGalley and Weyward for the eARC
September 1, 2025
Review to come when I’m back from traveling so placeholder for now but loved this! Dystopian is so back!
August 14, 2025
2/5
Well this felt like a 393930 paged novel! Amazing concept, an execution that fell FLAT for me.
Raven is your average main character, she doesn’t stand out from most but she isn’t awful either.
Vale is as interesting as a puddle really, but he does show some depth near the end so I can’t say he sucks.
The side characters are likeable!
The plot is BORING. Genuinely I don’t think much even HAPPENED like Raven did a lot of nothing for 99% of this book. There were so many interesting topics brought up, especially food insecurity, and I think had those been more at the forefront of this novel, I would have been much more invested. Alas, they were not :(
Everything was just so predictable and I can’t say that I had any attachment to any of the characters because I just did not feel like the author was able to fully make them connectable to me.
The romance was an insta love mess. I could not take their chemistry seriously because they just were the exact opposite of a slowburn. I was dying with how quickly things moved.
The pacing also was a STRUGGLE. There is a portion of this novel where NOTHING happens at all except for Raven and Vale having romantic interactions and that’s fine but for a dystopian novel I still expected the core issues to somehow be a constant thread and not something picked up and put down pretty frequently.
Unfortunately this was not for me at all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc!!
Well this felt like a 393930 paged novel! Amazing concept, an execution that fell FLAT for me.
Raven is your average main character, she doesn’t stand out from most but she isn’t awful either.
Vale is as interesting as a puddle really, but he does show some depth near the end so I can’t say he sucks.
The side characters are likeable!
The plot is BORING. Genuinely I don’t think much even HAPPENED like Raven did a lot of nothing for 99% of this book. There were so many interesting topics brought up, especially food insecurity, and I think had those been more at the forefront of this novel, I would have been much more invested. Alas, they were not :(
Everything was just so predictable and I can’t say that I had any attachment to any of the characters because I just did not feel like the author was able to fully make them connectable to me.
The romance was an insta love mess. I could not take their chemistry seriously because they just were the exact opposite of a slowburn. I was dying with how quickly things moved.
The pacing also was a STRUGGLE. There is a portion of this novel where NOTHING happens at all except for Raven and Vale having romantic interactions and that’s fine but for a dystopian novel I still expected the core issues to somehow be a constant thread and not something picked up and put down pretty frequently.
Unfortunately this was not for me at all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc!!
July 26, 2025
Hunger Games meets Fortnite.
THINGS AND STUFF
-sectors
-patrol guards, checkpoints, identity wristbands
-rebel group
-bounty hunter x prison guard
-forbidden love
-forced proximity
-found family
-hunted for sport
-#IsThisAKissingBook open door
Thank you Avon for the advanced copy!
THINGS AND STUFF
-sectors
-patrol guards, checkpoints, identity wristbands
-rebel group
-bounty hunter x prison guard
-forbidden love
-forced proximity
-found family
-hunted for sport
-#IsThisAKissingBook open door
Thank you Avon for the advanced copy!
August 31, 2025
Probably closer to 2.5 ★ but rounding up.
I could see the potential here, and the story had strong bones, but it, sadly, didn’t stick the landing for me.
One of my biggest struggles was that for all of the darkness happening within the world, especially at the prison, things felt too neat. Many actions and events just didn’t make sense to me and seemed to occur either for the sake of shock value or to simply move the plot along at a faster pace. Solutions to problems were quickly found and people were moving in and out of supposedly very dangerous spaces with ease. It made the risks feel less risky and dampened my experience in getting the full impact of the dystopian context.
I also never really clicked with the MMC, Vale. I was neither a fan of the instalust nor the immediate nickname he gave her. It gave me the ick, as did some of his dialogue. I think my negative feelings
here were mostly due to it reading like his character never fully formed, like the author wasn’t quite sure what or who she wanted him to be.
This book does check the dystopian box for what is going on within the world, but I never felt the tension or anxiety that I would expect while reading a novel labeled dystopian. Because the romance was lackluster for me, and that was a core component of the story, it made everything else fall a bit flat. I would’ve loved more one-on-one time (or even small group time) with the FMC and the side characters to grow more connected to them and, in effect, be more greatly impacted by what happens to them.
I did enjoy the first 20% of this, but as the story progressed, I became more disconnected from it. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. It does end on a cliffhanger, so there’s certainly some questions to be answered. However, I just wasn’t invested enough by the end there to want to seek them out.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this text in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
I could see the potential here, and the story had strong bones, but it, sadly, didn’t stick the landing for me.
One of my biggest struggles was that for all of the darkness happening within the world, especially at the prison, things felt too neat. Many actions and events just didn’t make sense to me and seemed to occur either for the sake of shock value or to simply move the plot along at a faster pace. Solutions to problems were quickly found and people were moving in and out of supposedly very dangerous spaces with ease. It made the risks feel less risky and dampened my experience in getting the full impact of the dystopian context.
I also never really clicked with the MMC, Vale. I was neither a fan of the instalust nor the immediate nickname he gave her. It gave me the ick, as did some of his dialogue. I think my negative feelings
here were mostly due to it reading like his character never fully formed, like the author wasn’t quite sure what or who she wanted him to be.
This book does check the dystopian box for what is going on within the world, but I never felt the tension or anxiety that I would expect while reading a novel labeled dystopian. Because the romance was lackluster for me, and that was a core component of the story, it made everything else fall a bit flat. I would’ve loved more one-on-one time (or even small group time) with the FMC and the side characters to grow more connected to them and, in effect, be more greatly impacted by what happens to them.
I did enjoy the first 20% of this, but as the story progressed, I became more disconnected from it. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. It does end on a cliffhanger, so there’s certainly some questions to be answered. However, I just wasn’t invested enough by the end there to want to seek them out.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this text in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
August 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
I am so here for the return of dystopian romances, but this time in the adult genre. I am really blown away that this is a debut book, it was so well done and had me sucked in. This book was very nostalgic for me as I felt I had been thrown back into the hunger games world. There was many similarities of this book to the hunger games but not a straight copy. I feel like it could stand on its own.
The things I loved about this book was the characters and the world. Vale was such a great character, he seemed very genuine and really just cared a lot for others. I really appreciated that he wasn't just blind to Raven but also was looking out for everyone. Trying to make a difference and save who he could. Raven is also a strong character, at times she was I am not like other girls but over all she is a really great character.
The book did a really job bring stress to the story. I do wish there was more time spent in the hunts, it felt like they were just kind of rushed thru. There was only really one or two scenes where we spent time in the hunt. The rest of the time was just a slice of life in the prison while they try to figure out how to escape.
I will for sure continue in this series, I really loved this book and look forward to seeing what Brook Fast does next.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I am so here for the return of dystopian romances, but this time in the adult genre. I am really blown away that this is a debut book, it was so well done and had me sucked in. This book was very nostalgic for me as I felt I had been thrown back into the hunger games world. There was many similarities of this book to the hunger games but not a straight copy. I feel like it could stand on its own.
The things I loved about this book was the characters and the world. Vale was such a great character, he seemed very genuine and really just cared a lot for others. I really appreciated that he wasn't just blind to Raven but also was looking out for everyone. Trying to make a difference and save who he could. Raven is also a strong character, at times she was I am not like other girls but over all she is a really great character.
The book did a really job bring stress to the story. I do wish there was more time spent in the hunts, it felt like they were just kind of rushed thru. There was only really one or two scenes where we spent time in the hunt. The rest of the time was just a slice of life in the prison while they try to figure out how to escape.
I will for sure continue in this series, I really loved this book and look forward to seeing what Brook Fast does next.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
July 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
ANOTHER DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE BANGER.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, I was simply unable to put it down!! This made me realize how much I love a good prison break plot - the meticulous planning, the high stakes, the sheer desperation… SO GOOD.
This had action, this had forbidden romance, this had found family!! Like I said, the plot line of this immediately drew me in and I loved how fast paced it was. Seeing how deep the corruption went in this dystopian society had me reeling and I was so invested in where the story was headed. I loved the character growth we see in our FMC and the relationships we see develop between these side characters. That ending though is going to HAUNT ME and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!
Overall, this was such an easy, binge-able read that wholly satisfied my dystopian craving. I think if you enjoyed Us Dark Few, Silver Elite, and the Hunger Games, you might enjoy this one!
If you’re a dystopian romance lover like me, you’re going to want to read this when it comes out in March! And of course, the biggest thank you to Avon and the author for sending me an ARC of this book - I loved it!
ANOTHER DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE BANGER.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, I was simply unable to put it down!! This made me realize how much I love a good prison break plot - the meticulous planning, the high stakes, the sheer desperation… SO GOOD.
This had action, this had forbidden romance, this had found family!! Like I said, the plot line of this immediately drew me in and I loved how fast paced it was. Seeing how deep the corruption went in this dystopian society had me reeling and I was so invested in where the story was headed. I loved the character growth we see in our FMC and the relationships we see develop between these side characters. That ending though is going to HAUNT ME and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!
Overall, this was such an easy, binge-able read that wholly satisfied my dystopian craving. I think if you enjoyed Us Dark Few, Silver Elite, and the Hunger Games, you might enjoy this one!
If you’re a dystopian romance lover like me, you’re going to want to read this when it comes out in March! And of course, the biggest thank you to Avon and the author for sending me an ARC of this book - I loved it!
June 14, 2025
I have been eagerly awaiting this book for a couple years now since I found Brooke Fast on insta. I squealed so hard when I heard her book had been picked up and ran to netgalley to request as soon as I could.
I was not disappointed! To Cage A Wild Bird is fantastic and I know I'm going to reread this when it get released at the end of the year. I am also needing the sequel yesterday! I need to know what happens next.
Raven Thorne became a Bounty hunter to be able to look after her brother when her parents were sent to Endlock prison. She will do anything to protect her brother Jed, including going to and organising a breakout of Endlock for the rebel organisation her parents were part of, The Collective.
I found Raven to be a likeable character, her reasonings for her actions are completely understandable. The idea of the wealthy hunting prisoners for sport is intriguing yet terrifying.
Dystopia is having a huge come back, and my 2010 self, as well as my current self, is rejoicing.
This book needs all the attention and all the love.
I was not disappointed! To Cage A Wild Bird is fantastic and I know I'm going to reread this when it get released at the end of the year. I am also needing the sequel yesterday! I need to know what happens next.
Raven Thorne became a Bounty hunter to be able to look after her brother when her parents were sent to Endlock prison. She will do anything to protect her brother Jed, including going to and organising a breakout of Endlock for the rebel organisation her parents were part of, The Collective.
I found Raven to be a likeable character, her reasonings for her actions are completely understandable. The idea of the wealthy hunting prisoners for sport is intriguing yet terrifying.
Dystopia is having a huge come back, and my 2010 self, as well as my current self, is rejoicing.
This book needs all the attention and all the love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews