Robin Roe

What an amazing book this was; both horrific and wonderful at the same time. I absolutely adored the main characters, Julian and Adam, who both narrated the story. Their voices were authentic and distinctive, and from the start I was pulled into their story. Their friendship was precious and portrayed beautifully.

Even though there was a four year age difference, Julian felt much younger simply because of his circumstances. He was such a beautiful character and all I wanted to do was take him show more home and shield him from the world. His story tore my heart to pieces. I was appalled at everything he had to endure.

Then there was Adam; dear, dear boy! I loved him, too. His protective, big-brother attitude towards Julian was truly touching. He was so kind, caring and just plain nice, and the fact he had ADHD added another interesting element to the book. Adam's mother and his friendship group were all very relatable and supportive characters, and well-fleshed out.

There was only one despicable character in this book - Russell. I hated him with a passion and often had murderous thoughts towards him. His cruelty was horrendous.

"A List of Cages" was emotionally draining and is certainly the best book I've read so far in 2017. I can't believe this was a debut novel, there was so much soul in it. Thank you Ms Roe, this is one novel that has truly moved me and will remain with me for a very long time. Highly recommended. show less

This book was provided to me as an advance reader copy by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and show more Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years. Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives. First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.

Trigger warning: This book contains multiple instances of emotional and physical abuse.

We’re not even two weeks in, and I can already tell you this is going to be a year of emotionally charged reading. A List of Cages is horrible and wonderful, ugly and beautiful, soul-crushing and uplifting. It is all of them at the same time. It almost broke my brain because I was feeling too many emotions, and it almost broke my heart because it was so nightmarishly real. Thank goodness there are people like Adam and his mom in the world, because I can tell you there are definitely “Julians” out there who need them. I love and hate this book. I would recommend A List of Cages to readers 14 and older who can handle such an emotionally mature subject. show less

This book had me riveted and drained me at the same time. Sayers has the perfect life: friends, money, a girlfriend who loves him. That all comes crashing down when he is kidnapped. What he thinks will end quickly becomes a daymare and nightmare all wrapped up in one. He begins to BELIEVE he is the son of his kidnapper due to the mental bashing he takes from Caleb. Will his daymare/nightmare end, even when he does escape? Has he lost who he was. There was the before, the after and the show more aftermath, having to discover who he truly is and how to live with the damage caused by his kidnapper.

I may not sleep for a while after reading this. This book packed a PUNCH. It should truly be 4.5 stars. Only gave it that rating because of the rawness and a couple of continuity issues, but other than that, just wow. Don’t read this book late at night. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. show less

This book was provided to me as an advance reader copy by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and show more Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years. Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives. First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.

Trigger warning: This book contains multiple instances of emotional and physical abuse.

We’re not even two weeks in, and I can already tell you this is going to be a year of emotionally charged reading. A List of Cages is horrible and wonderful, ugly and beautiful, soul-crushing and uplifting. It is all of them at the same time. It almost broke my brain because I was feeling too many emotions, and it almost broke my heart because it was so nightmarishly real. Thank goodness there are people like Adam and his mom in the world, because I can tell you there are definitely “Julians” out there who need them. I love and hate this book. I would recommend A List of Cages to readers 14 and older who can handle such an emotionally mature subject. show less