VeganCleopatra

3 to 3.5 stars

I enjoyed The Caged Graves but it didn't grip me enough to warrant a greater rating. I really enjoyed that the author took two genuine graves that locals know surprisingly nothing about and created her own story (even using the accurate names). I did enjoy the mystery Salerni created surrounding the caged graves, although it may have been a bit convoluted at times. The main character of Verity is a good character, believable and never wanders into one-dimensional status. There is a love triangle which includes her arranged marriage beau Nate and the local apprentice doctor Hadley. Unfortunately I never truly believed in the relationship between Nate and Verity despite Verity's talk about their many exchanged letters. The face to face interactions often came off cold and I was left unimpressed by Nate. I think we were supposed to come to love Nate and I feel as though this would have been aided if the author had added in a chapter or two at the beginning featuring Verity and Nate's letters prior to us meeting Nate in person. As for Hadley, I did grow to like him more than Nate overall but again, the relationship/interactions never felt wholly believable.

Overall the story is satisfying and appealed to me greatly due to choice of a historical setting (1860s with a tie to the Revolutionary War). The characters were well-drawn and the atmosphere was well played. This would appeal to someone who enjoys historical fiction and/or YA books as long as you don't dislike love triangles.