To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast
on November 27, 2025
Published by Transworld Genres: Fiction / Dystopian, Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy, Fiction / Fantasy / Romance, Fiction / Fantasy / Urban, Fiction / Romance / Fantasy, Fiction / Urban & Street Lit
Format: ARC
Pages: 416 
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Source: NetGalley and the PublisherFirst Impressions
From the very first page, To Cage a Wild Bird had its claws in me. This debut novel by Brooke Fast is one of those reads that drops you right into the action and dares you to look away. The story is sharp, tense, and emotional, with a main character who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Raven, our FMC, is easy to root for. She is loyal, fierce, and willing to put herself on the line for those she loves. Fast’s writing captures that desperate mix of grit and vulnerability that makes a character memorable.
World and Atmosphere
The setting of Endlock is raw, dark, and dangerous. I could almost feel the grime on the walls and the weight of the choices Raven was forced to make. Brooke Fast paints the kind of world where survival feels just out of reach, which kept me on edge through every chapter. The world building is solid, even if there are places where I would have liked more depth.
What stood out most for me was the emotional undercurrent of found family. Those moments of connection softened the harsh edges of the story and reminded me why dystopian fiction can hit so hard when it is done well.
The Romance Factor
Now, let’s talk about Raven and Vale. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but their romance develops quickly. I would have loved a slower build that let me sit longer in the tension. Some readers might call it insta-love, and I understand that perspective. Personally, I still enjoyed the dynamic, even if I wanted just a little more time for it to breathe.
Final Thoughts
To Cage a Wild Bird is an exciting and emotional debut that refuses to let go once it has you. The pacing is quick, the stakes are high, and the FMC gives this dystopian world a strong heart. The romance may feel rushed, but it does not take away from the overall impact of the story.
If you enjoy dystopian settings filled with danger, loyalty, and bonds forged in the hardest of circumstances, this book is worth adding to your list. Brooke Fast has delivered a strong first novel, and I will absolutely be picking up whatever she writes next.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🫶🏼 - Ali
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I received this book for free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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