happylittlestar's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I read better fantasy books but I guess I shouldn't compare this to Games of Thrones of the Mistborn trilogy because those are just on a whole new level. This is a good YA fantasy, though I found the characters a bit immature and hot headed. This is a good first book to a series and I am hoping its get better as the series continues.
Some complaints I have with this book is how the two female characters have so many suitors, I didn't know who would end up with who. Cleo and Theon's relationship was ridiculous, I mean where the actual relationship, there was barely any interaction between the two and bam they are in love. Though that love didn't last very long more like 2 seconds. I think that's the main complaint I have with it. The story is fast pace but we barely get to know what is happening because it's never really mention.
I read better fantasy books but I guess I shouldn't compare this to Games of Thrones of the Mistborn trilogy because those are just on a whole new level. This is a good YA fantasy, though I found the characters a bit immature and hot headed. This is a good first book to a series and I am hoping its get better as the series continues.
Some complaints I have with this book is how the two female characters have so many suitors, I didn't know who would end up with who. Cleo and Theon's relationship was ridiculous, I mean where the actual relationship, there was barely any interaction between the two and bam they are in love. Though that love didn't last very long more like 2 seconds. I think that's the main complaint I have with it. The story is fast pace but we barely get to know what is happening because it's never really mention.
aelynreads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Wow, I enjoyed this book so much! The comparisons to [b:Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1436732693s/13496.jpg|1466917] are spot on, although this book is definitely aimed at a Young Adult audience as it has that easy readability of the YA genre. Despite that, it does still have the gripping action, the brutal deaths and the multiple perspectives that makes it feel very similar to GoT, and it absolutely gripped me.
Like GoT, [b:Falling Kingdoms|12954620|Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)|Morgan Rhodes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1337026387s/12954620.jpg|18111704] is set across multiple kingdoms with different Kings, who each have various aims. Of course, there are many other important and interesting characters, as well as a religious/supernatural aspect that you just know is going to become more important later in the series.
I think Falling Kingdoms is a fantastic introduction to the world and sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the series. The reason I have only given it 4.5 stars, rather than 5, is because it felt like an introductory book. Don't get me wrong, it had a great plot and really immersed me in the world, but the characters are the real stars of the show, and it obviously takes time for them all to be introduced and for the reader to understand the personality and desires of each one.
Having said that, I just know I am going to love love love this series. The writing is basically addictive, the plot is intriguing and dramatic, and the characters are beautifully written with so much depth and personality to them. Like GoT, you find yourself rooting for characters on completely opposing sides, waiting to see how their interactions might play out.
This book has all the intrigue, politics, mystery and magic of Game of Thrones, but is incredibly readable, despite having many complex characters and relationships. I honestly can't wait to dive into the next book!
Wow, I enjoyed this book so much! The comparisons to [b:Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1436732693s/13496.jpg|1466917] are spot on, although this book is definitely aimed at a Young Adult audience as it has that easy readability of the YA genre. Despite that, it does still have the gripping action, the brutal deaths and the multiple perspectives that makes it feel very similar to GoT, and it absolutely gripped me.
Like GoT, [b:Falling Kingdoms|12954620|Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)|Morgan Rhodes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1337026387s/12954620.jpg|18111704] is set across multiple kingdoms with different Kings, who each have various aims. Of course, there are many other important and interesting characters, as well as a religious/supernatural aspect that you just know is going to become more important later in the series.
I think Falling Kingdoms is a fantastic introduction to the world and sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the series. The reason I have only given it 4.5 stars, rather than 5, is because it felt like an introductory book. Don't get me wrong, it had a great plot and really immersed me in the world, but the characters are the real stars of the show, and it obviously takes time for them all to be introduced and for the reader to understand the personality and desires of each one.
Having said that, I just know I am going to love love love this series. The writing is basically addictive, the plot is intriguing and dramatic, and the characters are beautifully written with so much depth and personality to them. Like GoT, you find yourself rooting for characters on completely opposing sides, waiting to see how their interactions might play out.
This book has all the intrigue, politics, mystery and magic of Game of Thrones, but is incredibly readable, despite having many complex characters and relationships. I honestly can't wait to dive into the next book!
becs_l's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
I want to read the sequel right now. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.
I want to read the sequel right now. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.
l_j_m's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rokward's review against another edition
3.0
2.75/5
First off, the whole Theon/Cleo plotline was WAY too rushed. They've only known each other for what, a month or so, and they believe that they've already fallen in love with each other? It would be slightly more believable if the writing revolving them were better.
Also, there was some dialogue in this novel that seemed awkward. It mainly came in the form of people speaking long, dramatic, poetic speeches when they weren't called for.
Another thing: I wasn't too keen on the magic system in this novel. Maybe it's because Rhodes intends on expanding further on this series, but I'm going to see what happens in the following books.
That being said, these characters were well thought out, and I liked how the perspective sometimes shifted outward to more secondary characters, like Lucia and Nic. And the politics were very intriguing! I found the tensions between the three kingdoms cool, which is probably the reason I sped through this book so quickly. since everyone's saying the fourth and fifth books are the best, I'm going to keep on with this series.
First off, the whole Theon/Cleo plotline was WAY too rushed. They've only known each other for what, a month or so, and they believe that they've already fallen in love with each other? It would be slightly more believable if the writing revolving them were better.
Also, there was some dialogue in this novel that seemed awkward. It mainly came in the form of people speaking long, dramatic, poetic speeches when they weren't called for.
Another thing: I wasn't too keen on the magic system in this novel. Maybe it's because Rhodes intends on expanding further on this series, but I'm going to see what happens in the following books.
That being said, these characters were well thought out, and I liked how the perspective sometimes shifted outward to more secondary characters, like Lucia and Nic. And the politics were very intriguing! I found the tensions between the three kingdoms cool, which is probably the reason I sped through this book so quickly. since everyone's saying the fourth and fifth books are the best, I'm going to keep on with this series.
llona_llegaconlalluvia's review
1.0
invasione, magia, tradimenti.
scrittura elementare e personaggi ridicoli
scrittura elementare e personaggi ridicoli
iphi_kc13's review against another edition
4.0
I thought with all the changing perspectives I wouldn't enjoy this, but I've really enjoyed seeing all the different POVs. It's interesting to have the differing opinions and thought processes. I'm anxious to read the next one and see how the characters grow and change.
raeanne's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know who dubbed it "the YA Games of Thrones" but it works, I'd just add "dumbed down" to the description. It's more fantasy standard and didn't get me hooked. The magic isn't that interesting (from what we see in this installment anyways), the characters are bland and none grabbed me, and in the end, I just didn't care.
Sure, I don't want a tyrant to take over, but the alternative is a rich, dumbfuck elitist and the stupid, lying, asshole tribesman leader. I'd actually be okay with a mass character extinction in this book but of course it doesn't happen.
Rebels I feel for more in general but they're going about it stupidly. I definitely want the spoiled princess to get a clue and the sorceress to get a brain and a backbone but ehhh. It's too much effort without pay off to follow through.
Sure, I don't want a tyrant to take over, but the alternative is a rich, dumbfuck elitist and the stupid, lying, asshole tribesman leader. I'd actually be okay with a mass character extinction in this book but of course it doesn't happen.
Rebels I feel for more in general but they're going about it stupidly. I definitely want the spoiled princess to get a clue and the sorceress to get a brain and a backbone but ehhh. It's too much effort without pay off to follow through.
bookstoashes's review against another edition
3.0
2.8 Stars
This book can be summed up pretty quickly. Lots of death, annoying characters, and very slow plot development. I have NO idea why so many people fangirl over Magnus, like EW! No, just no. I know Lucia isn't really related to him but he grows up with her from the age of 2 years old thinking she's his sister, and STILL loves her in a way thats not typical with brother/sister relationships.
Even before finding out her true identity he eyed her and said how much he loves her. Creepy! Also he seems to be growing more and more corrupt, I don't feel bad for him at all and to be frank if he died I'd be more relieved than upset lol
Cleo is very annoying, the romance with Theon made me roll my eyes, I'm actually glad he died :P , I like her a lot more with Jonas since there can be more development with those two.
Nic is probably my favourite character. He's the only sincere person who isn't incredibly annoying or bland. Most of the characters are similar, they don't have super unique writing styles but for some reason Nic really interested me despite being a side character (sadly).
The book wasn't horrible, I know they do get better the more you read so I do plan on continuing, but it took me 10 days to finish this book which is crazy, I usually finish books in half the amount of time, so I was slightly bored of it and had a difficult time finishing it.
Look forward to reading the others and seeing if it does in fact get better! :)
This book can be summed up pretty quickly. Lots of death, annoying characters, and very slow plot development. I have NO idea why so many people fangirl over Magnus, like EW! No, just no. I know Lucia isn't really related to him but he grows up with her from the age of 2 years old thinking she's his sister, and STILL loves her in a way thats not typical with brother/sister relationships.
Even before finding out her true identity he eyed her and said how much he loves her. Creepy! Also he seems to be growing more and more corrupt, I don't feel bad for him at all and to be frank if he died I'd be more relieved than upset lol
Cleo is very annoying, the romance with Theon made me roll my eyes, I'm actually glad he died :P , I like her a lot more with Jonas since there can be more development with those two.
Nic is probably my favourite character. He's the only sincere person who isn't incredibly annoying or bland. Most of the characters are similar, they don't have super unique writing styles but for some reason Nic really interested me despite being a side character (sadly).
The book wasn't horrible, I know they do get better the more you read so I do plan on continuing, but it took me 10 days to finish this book which is crazy, I usually finish books in half the amount of time, so I was slightly bored of it and had a difficult time finishing it.
Look forward to reading the others and seeing if it does in fact get better! :)
lilith_knight's review against another edition
3.0
"A sunrise was the most beautiful thing in the whole world, even during a time of war."
Ok. Real talk. This review ended up being more of a rant than I initially planned so, sit comfortably, gather your patience and sip your tea, because I'm about to spill mine.
Sigh.
I mean, I should have guessed it by now: popular/over hyped reads rarely sit well with me. But I was really hyped about this one, dammit! Sad face.
Anyway, Falling Kingdoms isn't among the worst fantasy books I've ever read, but it isn't among the best either. It lies somewhere in the middle, between the mediocre and the entertaining, and I'm going to explain why.
Falling Kingdoms follows four different characters (and some other side-characters from time to time) in the three kingdoms of Mytica, during a time of unrest, following the murder of a peasant boy. As each kingdom uses this event for its own political purposes, our protagonists' lives intertwine and not always for the best.
Worldbuilding:
The most disappointing part of the book for me was the world of Mytica. It's pretty generic 101 fantasy, *useless* map included. The history of the three kingdoms is told through myths and legends which would be a cool idea, had it not been done in an info-dumpy way by various people in the book. Worst of all, there isn't much to be said about the world, so repeating the legends again and again, didn't add a lot to the (almost non-existent) complexity of the worldbuilding.
Also, I thought that some aspects were not well thought out, such as the ease the characters had with travelling even without any money left, as well as the politics and warfare of this world, that sometimes felt oversimplified to me, to the point that they didn't even seem plausible. It was really a huge let down that sometimes distracted me from enjoying the story.
Plot:
Another generic aspect of the book, that to be honest I thought it was quite weak and repetitive. Some evil deeds here and there, a princess that does whatever the fuck she wants, gets captured, escapes, gets captured again and yada yada. Add to the mix a hint of magic, a touch of death (ok maybe not just a touch) and sprinkle it with chaos and war and you have your average fantasy pre-packaged meal. You've read it before, and you've read it better.
Also, a lot of things that could have been great plot twists were given to us from the start of the book (like Lucia's real parentage and abilities). I found it such a waste of an opportunity to add some mystery to the plot.
It is important to say though, that despite all its generic-ness, it is highly entertaining. I read it in 2-3 days (in a time that I hardly read any books), and really enjoyed it. To me, Falling Kingdoms is the equivalent to fast food, it is not necessarily good, and you'll never really know what has been put inside (it could be fried chicken, but it could also be fried plastic, you never know for sure) but it is yummy still (I didn't know where I was going with this comparison, but I really wanted to make it).
Characters:
Continuing with my favorite part of the novel, and its saving grace. Even though I really can't say that the characters are that complex and multidimensional, they had their character development(s) and they didn't get on my nerves (<-important).
Cleo: even though we're mainly following four protagonists, Cleo takes the biggest portion of the book. She is the youngest princess of Auranos, and she basically does as she pleases and creates a whole lot of a mess in the process. She's really immature and naive, but that's something that it's acknowledged during the story, and is actually consistent with her character. She's a sixteen-year old princess, so of course she would be spoiled and immature. Despite all her character's faults though she really was a likeable person (which really surprised me). She is truly such a kind and gentle being, always with pure motives, that has gone through hell from a point and on, that you couldn't really be angry with her, despite her challenging naïveté. Even though she was a damsel in distress pretty much the whole time waiting for a hero to save her royal ass, she had her strong moments here and there (which I very much appreciated), and I'm eager to see how her character will develop in the next book.
Magnus:
-tormented boy™
-anti-hero
-has lustful feelings for his sister
-his heart slowly turns into ice (not literally you fools)
What's not to love?
I was sure he would be my favorite character even before starting the book, and I wasn't mistaken. He is, by far, the most complex and morally grey of the bunch, a young boy trying to become a monster in order to make his cruel father proud and desperately in love with his sister (she's adopted but he doesn't know it). I was so thankful his narrative claimed the second biggest portion of the book, and I can't wait to see what terrible deeds my poor boy will do in the future.
Lucia: she is Magnus' sister, and a newly awakened sorceress, that seems kind and loyal to her family and kingdom, but unfortunately, I can't say much beyond that, because her character was explored the least. What a pity, really.
Jonas: a peasant boy, whose brother's death fills him with rage and makes him join a war that is not quite right. He is cruel, and manipulative towards the ones he hates, but his motives are understandable and realistic.
The side characters were also quite likeable, and I only wish they had more time in the book, so we could know them better. Maybe in the future installments.
Writing:
Ms. Rhodes apparently didn't only take fantasy 101 classes, but also cliché writing 101. What the eff.
Unfortunately her writing is really bland, boring and frustratingly repetitive.
To me, a good writing style can easily make you fall in love with a world and its characters, even if the aforementioned are not that complex in the first place. Words are powerful, and if you know how to use them properly you can make any reader your humble slave.
Well, Ms. Rhodes preferred to just repeat every plot point instead (at least a hundred times in the book), as if to remind us what is happening (we know, lady, we know! We’ve been reading your damn book for hours!), and also use every textbook cringey cliché phrase that has ever existed.
Breaths that the protagonist didn't realize they were holding? Check!
Eyes that can show you every part of the emotional spectrum at once, plus how many sugars you like to take your coffee with? Also check!
(She didn't use the electrifying touch of the love interest though, I'll give her that, but considering there are five more books out there, I'm not very optimistic).
Also, is 'distaste' her favorite word? Because she sure loooooves to use it.
Anyway, as you can see, I have many opinions about this book, so why 3 stars instead of 1 or 2 you ask? Well, it might be generic and oversimplified, but it was still fun, and I actually liked the characters! Simple as that.
I do have plans on giving this series a second chance, mainly because I want to see more character development, more blood and death and also my beautiful boy Magnus being happy. :)
Ok. Real talk. This review ended up being more of a rant than I initially planned so, sit comfortably, gather your patience and sip your tea, because I'm about to spill mine.
Sigh.
I mean, I should have guessed it by now: popular/over hyped reads rarely sit well with me. But I was really hyped about this one, dammit! Sad face.
Anyway, Falling Kingdoms isn't among the worst fantasy books I've ever read, but it isn't among the best either. It lies somewhere in the middle, between the mediocre and the entertaining, and I'm going to explain why.
Falling Kingdoms follows four different characters (and some other side-characters from time to time) in the three kingdoms of Mytica, during a time of unrest, following the murder of a peasant boy. As each kingdom uses this event for its own political purposes, our protagonists' lives intertwine and not always for the best.
Worldbuilding:
The most disappointing part of the book for me was the world of Mytica. It's pretty generic 101 fantasy, *useless* map included. The history of the three kingdoms is told through myths and legends which would be a cool idea, had it not been done in an info-dumpy way by various people in the book. Worst of all, there isn't much to be said about the world, so repeating the legends again and again, didn't add a lot to the (almost non-existent) complexity of the worldbuilding.
Also, I thought that some aspects were not well thought out, such as the ease the characters had with travelling even without any money left, as well as the politics and warfare of this world, that sometimes felt oversimplified to me, to the point that they didn't even seem plausible. It was really a huge let down that sometimes distracted me from enjoying the story.
Plot:
Another generic aspect of the book, that to be honest I thought it was quite weak and repetitive. Some evil deeds here and there, a princess that does whatever the fuck she wants, gets captured, escapes, gets captured again and yada yada. Add to the mix a hint of magic, a touch of death (ok maybe not just a touch) and sprinkle it with chaos and war and you have your average fantasy pre-packaged meal. You've read it before, and you've read it better.
Also, a lot of things that could have been great plot twists were given to us from the start of the book (like Lucia's real parentage and abilities). I found it such a waste of an opportunity to add some mystery to the plot.
It is important to say though, that despite all its generic-ness, it is highly entertaining. I read it in 2-3 days (in a time that I hardly read any books), and really enjoyed it. To me, Falling Kingdoms is the equivalent to fast food, it is not necessarily good, and you'll never really know what has been put inside (it could be fried chicken, but it could also be fried plastic, you never know for sure) but it is yummy still (I didn't know where I was going with this comparison, but I really wanted to make it).
Characters:
Continuing with my favorite part of the novel, and its saving grace. Even though I really can't say that the characters are that complex and multidimensional, they had their character development(s) and they didn't get on my nerves (<-important).
Cleo: even though we're mainly following four protagonists, Cleo takes the biggest portion of the book. She is the youngest princess of Auranos, and she basically does as she pleases and creates a whole lot of a mess in the process. She's really immature and naive, but that's something that it's acknowledged during the story, and is actually consistent with her character. She's a sixteen-year old princess, so of course she would be spoiled and immature. Despite all her character's faults though she really was a likeable person (which really surprised me). She is truly such a kind and gentle being, always with pure motives, that has gone through hell from a point and on, that you couldn't really be angry with her, despite her challenging naïveté. Even though she was a damsel in distress pretty much the whole time waiting for a hero to save her royal ass, she had her strong moments here and there (which I very much appreciated), and I'm eager to see how her character will develop in the next book.
Spoiler
Poor thing she lost everything in the end of the book, but still she endured. And that plot twist with the magic seeds was EVIL.Magnus:
-tormented boy™
-anti-hero
-has lustful feelings for his sister
-his heart slowly turns into ice (not literally you fools)
What's not to love?
I was sure he would be my favorite character even before starting the book, and I wasn't mistaken. He is, by far, the most complex and morally grey of the bunch, a young boy trying to become a monster in order to make his cruel father proud and desperately in love with his sister (she's adopted but he doesn't know it). I was so thankful his narrative claimed the second biggest portion of the book, and I can't wait to see what terrible deeds my poor boy will do in the future.
Lucia: she is Magnus' sister, and a newly awakened sorceress, that seems kind and loyal to her family and kingdom, but unfortunately, I can't say much beyond that, because her character was explored the least. What a pity, really.
Jonas: a peasant boy, whose brother's death fills him with rage and makes him join a war that is not quite right. He is cruel, and manipulative towards the ones he hates, but his motives are understandable and realistic.
The side characters were also quite likeable, and I only wish they had more time in the book, so we could know them better. Maybe in the future installments.
Spoiler
And yes, I knew Theon would die, unfortunately this series is so insanely popular nowadays that not many things stay hidden, and already knowing that the one big ship with Cleo wasn't Theon, I figured he wouldn't survive the book. Also no, I'm not mad at Magnus, to him Theon was the enemy, and he did show sincere remorse over his deathWriting:
Ms. Rhodes apparently didn't only take fantasy 101 classes, but also cliché writing 101. What the eff.
Unfortunately her writing is really bland, boring and frustratingly repetitive.
To me, a good writing style can easily make you fall in love with a world and its characters, even if the aforementioned are not that complex in the first place. Words are powerful, and if you know how to use them properly you can make any reader your humble slave.
Well, Ms. Rhodes preferred to just repeat every plot point instead (at least a hundred times in the book), as if to remind us what is happening (we know, lady, we know! We’ve been reading your damn book for hours!), and also use every textbook cringey cliché phrase that has ever existed.
Breaths that the protagonist didn't realize they were holding? Check!
Eyes that can show you every part of the emotional spectrum at once, plus how many sugars you like to take your coffee with? Also check!
(She didn't use the electrifying touch of the love interest though, I'll give her that, but considering there are five more books out there, I'm not very optimistic).
Also, is 'distaste' her favorite word? Because she sure loooooves to use it.
Anyway, as you can see, I have many opinions about this book, so why 3 stars instead of 1 or 2 you ask? Well, it might be generic and oversimplified, but it was still fun, and I actually liked the characters! Simple as that.
I do have plans on giving this series a second chance, mainly because I want to see more character development, more blood and death and also my beautiful boy Magnus being happy. :)