I highly recommend "Cage of Stars". Jacquelyn Mitchard writes books that tug at your heart strings and encourages you to re-exam how you feel/think about topics that you thought you had fully developed your beliefs about. This novel was hard to begin because of the horrific event that happens in the beginning, but it is the catalyst for the entire novel and necessary for the plot. The novel delves deep into different characters individual struggles with grief, forgiveness, mercy, revenge or retribution, and what humanity means. Cage of Stars is thought-provoking and inspiring. Most pleasantly, I was surprised that views and opinions evolved and changed as I read Cage of Stars. Stick with the novel. You will be rewarded with an excellent, surprising ending and epilogue.