Caged in Darkness (Caged #1) by J.D. Stroube

A witch raised in a cage of darkness...

Savannah Cross was born into a life of isolation and abuse. As a child, she witnessed her parents perform acts of malevolent evil, and now feels permanently tainted by their dark deeds.

When a coven discovers a tear stricken child, wounded on their elders lawn, they offer her a sanctuary she has never known. Savannah spends the next several years shattered, continuously looking over her shoulder, waiting for the darkness to claim her.

On her 16th birthday, Savannah’s life takes a drastic turn.She is consumed by overwhelming power that forever alters her emotionally and physically.

She must choose between two loves; the one who taught her to smile or the darkly seductive stranger who tempts her towards another path. Savannah must decide between the coven that was her haven and another one vying for her initiation. Just as Savannah begins to grasp what fate has in store for her, an evil looms over her loved ones; coming to claim an unbreakable debt.

How will she choose and survive the greatest evil she has ever witnessed... long enough to have a choice to make.

Goodreads Summary

This is a very interesting fantasy novel.  The author includes many twists to keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat.  The ending is not predictable at all-a little unexpected.  The reader will enjoy getting to know the characters and watching their progress and growth in the novel; there are a few sudden character development traits that might leave the reader a little confused for a few seconds, but it doesn't detract much from the story. 

Savannah is the main character.  She has very "negative" parents to say the least, they both practiced bad magic.  They even perform human sacrifice rituals that will leave the reader with a bad taste in his/her mouth.  They don't appear to care for Savannah much at all-she is kept in a cage in parts of the book.  Savannah escapes at age 9, wandering to a home that she believes is safe.  She is taken in, but she still has trust issues.  The reader sees her story truly take off at age 15, where all the trouble starts when Savannah accidentally releases a demon. 

This book is fast-paced and fun to read.  Savannah is an intriguing main character, she will keep the reader paying attention.  The secondary characters are just as exciting to get to know-some in a bad way, most good.  The reader will have a fairly easy time getting into the story and staying there.  This book is recommended to fantasy readers.

4 Stars