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hibashakes's review against another edition
4.0
Took a year and a month and ie finally finished it!!!
It was awesome, I can't wait until the second book!
It was awesome, I can't wait until the second book!
mandy_smithburrows's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely worth the read ^^
Is one of the best I have read in a while, definitely recommend!
Is one of the best I have read in a while, definitely recommend!
slsj_'s review against another edition
2.0
This books was at best unappealing and boring. Which is disappointing because I really wanted to like it. I was gearing up to give it five stars from the get go.
The character of Cleo was severely over-praised when all I saw her as was a spoiled brat who usually got her way. She was also constantly referred to as "fiery" which I failed see. Yes, she had some attitude, but I've see far more brave and fearless woman in YA. Ones that don't tend to fall in love so easily, and almost get captured but then get rescued more times that I can count.
The way Magnus felt about his sister made all his chapters awkward. Even though I knew from the beginning that she wasn't his sister. We pretty much all knew, but the point was: he didn't. Either way Magnus was my favorite character. I saw depth in him which I saw in no one else.
Jonas, who I thought would steal the show for me turned out to be completely predictable. Besides my annoyance at him calling Cleo beautiful every chance he got, he didn't have any personality I could account for. He did what I expected him to do.
And finally, Lucia. Poor sweet vapid Lucia. She gave me nothing. She probably would have been more interesting if she returned her brothers feelings, but no not even that. Her dormant powers awakened, she hid it at first but then they came out in the open and she did what she was told to do with them.
I think the world building was amazing. I can accredit Ms. Rhodes for that, but aside for the incredible world with the original set up of land and history between the nations, without good characters this book fell flat for me.
There was no diversity whatsoever between any of the main characters, they were all...pretty. There was also too many characters. It was a good thing four of them died because I could not keep up. The concept is also great. Elemental magic, I mean come on. Which frustrates me even more because I really wanted to like this, and it sucks that I didn't so I probably won't continue the series.
The character of Cleo was severely over-praised when all I saw her as was a spoiled brat who usually got her way. She was also constantly referred to as "fiery" which I failed see. Yes, she had some attitude, but I've see far more brave and fearless woman in YA. Ones that don't tend to fall in love so easily, and almost get captured but then get rescued more times that I can count.
The way Magnus felt about his sister made all his chapters awkward. Even though I knew from the beginning that she wasn't his sister. We pretty much all knew, but the point was: he didn't. Either way Magnus was my favorite character. I saw depth in him which I saw in no one else.
Jonas, who I thought would steal the show for me turned out to be completely predictable. Besides my annoyance at him calling Cleo beautiful every chance he got, he didn't have any personality I could account for. He did what I expected him to do.
And finally, Lucia. Poor sweet vapid Lucia. She gave me nothing. She probably would have been more interesting if she returned her brothers feelings, but no not even that. Her dormant powers awakened, she hid it at first but then they came out in the open and she did what she was told to do with them.
I think the world building was amazing. I can accredit Ms. Rhodes for that, but aside for the incredible world with the original set up of land and history between the nations, without good characters this book fell flat for me.
There was no diversity whatsoever between any of the main characters, they were all...pretty. There was also too many characters. It was a good thing four of them died because I could not keep up. The concept is also great. Elemental magic, I mean come on. Which frustrates me even more because I really wanted to like this, and it sucks that I didn't so I probably won't continue the series.
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/
Check out my series review for the first three books here: https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/series-review-falling-kingdoms-1-3-by-morgan-rhodes/
Critically
Plot – 3.5 out of 5 stars
boring in the beginning, different elements like lots of fucking death, magic, mystery, betrayals, and war, there are a lot of local folktales and legends that kind of set up the magic system and the conflict, the ending for me was predictable but I still ended up enjoying myself while reading.
Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
easy to read, flies by, engaging, mysterious, lots of different and distinct POVs, really visual and descriptive, but has a tendency to repeat phrases
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
Everyone knows this series has a lot of characters so I’m going to talk about each of them.
Cleo annoyed me at first. She’s really petulant and spoiled which makes sense because of her life. However, she’s fierce and protective of her family, she loves them so much and she’s determined to get her life back.
Magnus is kind of a douche. I did not like him because he’s super arrogant and cold. He’s a bit self-centered and has some questionable desires but he also has a sensitive soul. And he doubts his decisions constantly which I have to say made me feel a little bad for him.
Lucia is kind of bland. She’s really sweet and caring but extremely sheltered. She’s neglected a bit by her family and when things start changing for her, she doesn’t really have anyone to turn to. Her emotions are all over the place and she’s pretty powerful but we’ll see how she handles it.
Jonas is just lost. Poor guy. His life is turned upside down after the death of his brother and his desire for revenge pulls him into this half-ass attempted at revolution that doesn’t end up turning out like he hoped. I really want him to catch a break.
Emotionally
The first book was supposed to be much more exciting in my opinion.
The plot is solid. We follow a group of characters as their lives turned upside down because of poverty, a looming war and the search for magic. The beginning of this book was a bit boring to be quite honest. I wanted to be automatically swept away into this world and that did not happen at all. I feel like the world building was done well. I could clearly picture the three different kingdoms in this world with their similarities and differences. Though at times, it felt like there was a lot of emphasis placed on the contrast of them to be able to describe them so well. All of them are really different but there is something that is intriguing about all of them specially because of their connections to each other and the criss crossed political lines they weave. Slowly but surely the pace picked up and toward the middle and beyond there was more action and intrigue, magic and death. I was pretty much warned about the constant deaths in this book but honestly, some still caught me completely off guard. From the middle point on to the end, the story was more fast paced and I enjoyed it a lot more. Then there were the characters and I have to say that I wasn’t the biggest fan of any of them in this book.
Cleo is the character that you get when a princess isn’t in line for the throne. She’s petulant and spoiled and even her biggest problems aren’t that big of a deal in the beginning. I was not a fan of how she threw herself into dangerous situations without thinking them through or the fact that she fell in insta love really freaking quickly, but she managed to win me over with her love and devotion to her friends and family.
I was definitely not Magnus’ fan in this book either. He’s really arrogant, distasteful and kind of a douche. But it doesn’t even come from a genuine rudeness. He just wants to suck up to his Dad and I feel like he could’ve had better motivations to be the way he is.
Jonas is probably the smartest character in this first book. Because of his circumstances, he catches trickery and lies much faster than the rest of them. He knows what’s up but is not that good at stopping it.
And then there’s Lucia, who I believe is way too clueless, naive and sweet to be a part of this series. From what I saw in this first book, she needs a freaking backbone and some glasses because not only do other people walk all over her but they manipulate her quite easily as well. That was a bit disappointing but those last few chapters blew the away.
Overall, I was hoping this series would be an instant favorite for me but it wasn’t. It took me a long time to be really invested in the story and into the characters. I wish it was more action packed because that’s how I like my fantasy but there is a lot of potential in the last few books to make it an explosive ending which I hope happens. I am thinking of trying to read the Book Of Spirits And Thieves trilogy as well since it feels like it has more elements than this one.
Check out my series review for the first three books here: https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/series-review-falling-kingdoms-1-3-by-morgan-rhodes/
Critically
Plot – 3.5 out of 5 stars
boring in the beginning, different elements like lots of fucking death, magic, mystery, betrayals, and war, there are a lot of local folktales and legends that kind of set up the magic system and the conflict, the ending for me was predictable but I still ended up enjoying myself while reading.
Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
easy to read, flies by, engaging, mysterious, lots of different and distinct POVs, really visual and descriptive, but has a tendency to repeat phrases
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
Everyone knows this series has a lot of characters so I’m going to talk about each of them.
Cleo annoyed me at first. She’s really petulant and spoiled which makes sense because of her life. However, she’s fierce and protective of her family, she loves them so much and she’s determined to get her life back.
Magnus is kind of a douche. I did not like him because he’s super arrogant and cold. He’s a bit self-centered and has some questionable desires but he also has a sensitive soul. And he doubts his decisions constantly which I have to say made me feel a little bad for him.
Lucia is kind of bland. She’s really sweet and caring but extremely sheltered. She’s neglected a bit by her family and when things start changing for her, she doesn’t really have anyone to turn to. Her emotions are all over the place and she’s pretty powerful but we’ll see how she handles it.
Jonas is just lost. Poor guy. His life is turned upside down after the death of his brother and his desire for revenge pulls him into this half-ass attempted at revolution that doesn’t end up turning out like he hoped. I really want him to catch a break.
Emotionally
Spoiler
There is so much hype for this series that I expected a lot more. The first book was underwhelming, the second one was a bit better and by the third one I realized I have a love/hate relationship with this series.The first book was supposed to be much more exciting in my opinion.
The plot is solid. We follow a group of characters as their lives turned upside down because of poverty, a looming war and the search for magic. The beginning of this book was a bit boring to be quite honest. I wanted to be automatically swept away into this world and that did not happen at all. I feel like the world building was done well. I could clearly picture the three different kingdoms in this world with their similarities and differences. Though at times, it felt like there was a lot of emphasis placed on the contrast of them to be able to describe them so well. All of them are really different but there is something that is intriguing about all of them specially because of their connections to each other and the criss crossed political lines they weave. Slowly but surely the pace picked up and toward the middle and beyond there was more action and intrigue, magic and death. I was pretty much warned about the constant deaths in this book but honestly, some still caught me completely off guard. From the middle point on to the end, the story was more fast paced and I enjoyed it a lot more. Then there were the characters and I have to say that I wasn’t the biggest fan of any of them in this book.
Cleo is the character that you get when a princess isn’t in line for the throne. She’s petulant and spoiled and even her biggest problems aren’t that big of a deal in the beginning. I was not a fan of how she threw herself into dangerous situations without thinking them through or the fact that she fell in insta love really freaking quickly, but she managed to win me over with her love and devotion to her friends and family.
I was definitely not Magnus’ fan in this book either. He’s really arrogant, distasteful and kind of a douche. But it doesn’t even come from a genuine rudeness. He just wants to suck up to his Dad and I feel like he could’ve had better motivations to be the way he is.
Jonas is probably the smartest character in this first book. Because of his circumstances, he catches trickery and lies much faster than the rest of them. He knows what’s up but is not that good at stopping it.
And then there’s Lucia, who I believe is way too clueless, naive and sweet to be a part of this series. From what I saw in this first book, she needs a freaking backbone and some glasses because not only do other people walk all over her but they manipulate her quite easily as well. That was a bit disappointing but those last few chapters blew the away.
Overall, I was hoping this series would be an instant favorite for me but it wasn’t. It took me a long time to be really invested in the story and into the characters. I wish it was more action packed because that’s how I like my fantasy but there is a lot of potential in the last few books to make it an explosive ending which I hope happens. I am thinking of trying to read the Book Of Spirits And Thieves trilogy as well since it feels like it has more elements than this one.
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
5.0
1st time reading:
I really liked this book. There was a lot of world building at the beginning and there are a LOT of characters, which can be very confusing at first, but honestly I found it easy to keep up with. As I said, I really liked this book, especially because I can see that there is a lot of potential for the next ones in the series. I love Cleo and the strength that she shows. I am really excited to see what happens in further books.
2nd time reading:
OK so this book is a reread and I, once again, loved it. I loved it even more than the 1st time around!! I have read up to book 4 at this moment in time and in order to prepare myself for the release of Immortal Reign I decided to buddy-reread this entire series.
Now that I am used to more fantasy novels (and that I know these characters already) I don't find that there are too many characters to keep up with (note I am also reading GoT and The Way of Kings at the moment ;) ).
I absolutely loved being back in this world and finding my beloved characters again! Cannot wait to see how this whole series wraps up!
I really liked this book. There was a lot of world building at the beginning and there are a LOT of characters, which can be very confusing at first, but honestly I found it easy to keep up with. As I said, I really liked this book, especially because I can see that there is a lot of potential for the next ones in the series. I love Cleo and the strength that she shows. I am really excited to see what happens in further books.
2nd time reading:
OK so this book is a reread and I, once again, loved it. I loved it even more than the 1st time around!! I have read up to book 4 at this moment in time and in order to prepare myself for the release of Immortal Reign I decided to buddy-reread this entire series.
Now that I am used to more fantasy novels (and that I know these characters already) I don't find that there are too many characters to keep up with (note I am also reading GoT and The Way of Kings at the moment ;) ).
I absolutely loved being back in this world and finding my beloved characters again! Cannot wait to see how this whole series wraps up!
astheplotthickens24's review against another edition
5.0
“I never said she was evil. Nor was she good. Even in the darkest and most cruel person, there is still a kernel of good. And within the most perfect champion, there is also darkness. The question is, will one give in to the dark or the light? It’s something we decide with every choice we make, every day that we exist. What might not be evil to you could be evil to someone else. Knowing this makes us powerful even without magic.”
Where is the sequel? I need the sequel! I'm dying to read the sequel!!!!
I am completely overwhelmed by the feels. I hated the first chapter, I swear I hated it that I stopped reading the book for like a day or two because I thought the entire book would feature only Cleo's POV but I was wrong. I couldn't help myself not to compare this book with A Game of Thrones, I don't know who among the characters were good or evil, I was able to see inside their minds because each chapter feature each of their POVs And it was so utterly good that I neglected all of my school works knowing the deadline to my projects will be tomorrow. Hahaha and now I need to finish them all with a limited amount of time but who cares? If it's a good book then the home works could wait.
I hated Cleo at first because I thought she was a coward princess who doesn't know how to stand for the right things and only think of what would benefit her, but I was wrong, as of now she's my most favorite character. Lucia on the other hand was different. I don't like her, I don't know why, I just do. You know when you hate someone for no particular reason? That's what I felt for her. I know it's petty but that's what I feel. So yeah.
I have the sequel somewhere on my shelf but I wasn't sure where, if I can't find it today then I'll just buy the Kindle version, this series is just so good. It easily became one of my favorites. I ship Jonas and Cleo but Magnus and Cleo too. I know it's a peculiar OTP team up but who cares? A reader can hope.
5 blazing stars! If not 10.
PS: the book cover is so badass! Love it so much!
Where is the sequel? I need the sequel! I'm dying to read the sequel!!!!
I am completely overwhelmed by the feels. I hated the first chapter, I swear I hated it that I stopped reading the book for like a day or two because I thought the entire book would feature only Cleo's POV but I was wrong. I couldn't help myself not to compare this book with A Game of Thrones, I don't know who among the characters were good or evil, I was able to see inside their minds because each chapter feature each of their POVs And it was so utterly good that I neglected all of my school works knowing the deadline to my projects will be tomorrow. Hahaha and now I need to finish them all with a limited amount of time but who cares? If it's a good book then the home works could wait.
I hated Cleo at first because I thought she was a coward princess who doesn't know how to stand for the right things and only think of what would benefit her, but I was wrong, as of now she's my most favorite character. Lucia on the other hand was different. I don't like her, I don't know why, I just do. You know when you hate someone for no particular reason? That's what I felt for her. I know it's petty but that's what I feel. So yeah.
I have the sequel somewhere on my shelf but I wasn't sure where, if I can't find it today then I'll just buy the Kindle version, this series is just so good. It easily became one of my favorites. I ship Jonas and Cleo but Magnus and Cleo too. I know it's a peculiar OTP team up but who cares? A reader can hope.
5 blazing stars! If not 10.
PS: the book cover is so badass! Love it so much!
kayteaface's review against another edition
3.0
Although I really didn't like this, I feel it would be unfair to give it anything less than 3 stars.
Unfortunately, I found this extremely disappointing. I can easily switch back and forth between adult and YA styles of high-fantasy and love books from both, so I didn't go into this YA novel expecting the epicness of books such as A Game of Thrones. However, I was expecting more than what this book delivered.
• To me, the world-building was lacking. I know there are three kingdoms, I know the kinds of climate they have - but, other than that, I couldn't get a feel for this world.
• I can't point out a character, other than the completely batshit King of Blood, who actually had a backbone and stuck to their guns. Even the main characters were weak-willed, constantly going back on their decisions and questioning themselves. I myself couldn't see any decent character development; Cleona, Magnus, and Jonas all seemed as childish and petty as they did at the start of the book - apart from the fact that Magnus now seems like he's on the brink of completely cracking and possibly heading in the same direction as his father.
The writing was nothing special; at times it felt juvenile to me and the story felt predictive. If you're yet to read a large-scale high-fantasy and want to be eased into the genre gently, then I'd say maybe give this a go because it doesn't require you to remember an overwhelming large amount of characters per POV. However, if you're used to these kinds of series and want more from a fantasy novel, I wouldn't recommend it - there are much better ones out there.
Unfortunately, I found this extremely disappointing. I can easily switch back and forth between adult and YA styles of high-fantasy and love books from both, so I didn't go into this YA novel expecting the epicness of books such as A Game of Thrones. However, I was expecting more than what this book delivered.
• To me, the world-building was lacking. I know there are three kingdoms, I know the kinds of climate they have - but, other than that, I couldn't get a feel for this world.
• I can't point out a character, other than the completely batshit King of Blood, who actually had a backbone and stuck to their guns. Even the main characters were weak-willed, constantly going back on their decisions and questioning themselves. I myself couldn't see any decent character development; Cleona, Magnus, and Jonas all seemed as childish and petty as they did at the start of the book - apart from the fact that Magnus now seems like he's on the brink of completely cracking and possibly heading in the same direction as his father.
The writing was nothing special; at times it felt juvenile to me and the story felt predictive. If you're yet to read a large-scale high-fantasy and want to be eased into the genre gently, then I'd say maybe give this a go because it doesn't require you to remember an overwhelming large amount of characters per POV. However, if you're used to these kinds of series and want more from a fantasy novel, I wouldn't recommend it - there are much better ones out there.
teeggzz's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so amazing and thrilling! I loved all of the protagonists and found them all very interesting and unique in their own ways.
Cleo was so strong and kept fighting even when everyone she loved was gone.
Magnus was ruined after his sister's disapproval and struggled to be himself after his father's blood thirsty wrath but he has a big heart.
And Jonas was broken after his brother's death and all he wanted was reveange to set things right for his land.
I loved all the characters dearly although I wasnt so sure about Jonas at the start. At times I was left wondering who I should route for in tough moments.
Over all a magical and action packed storyline about 3 kingdoms on the brink of war.
Although some things were highly predictable I still did enjoy it.
Cleo was so strong and kept fighting even when everyone she loved was gone.
Magnus was ruined after his sister's disapproval and struggled to be himself after his father's blood thirsty wrath but he has a big heart.
And Jonas was broken after his brother's death and all he wanted was reveange to set things right for his land.
I loved all the characters dearly although I wasnt so sure about Jonas at the start. At times I was left wondering who I should route for in tough moments.
Over all a magical and action packed storyline about 3 kingdoms on the brink of war.
Although some things were highly predictable I still did enjoy it.
meyrathedreamer's review against another edition
1.0
I feel like I read a summary, instead of a book.
The story was so rushed. I did not understand when characters had feelings for each other, when did they believe in magic, when did they learn to control their magic. Was I supposed to root for them because, the author decided to say 'oh, she's strong, oh, she is in love, oh he feels bad for the deads.' No. It was poor and lazy writing. And before I knew it, there was a war and the characters I did not care about were in trouble. I am dissappointed.
The story was so rushed. I did not understand when characters had feelings for each other, when did they believe in magic, when did they learn to control their magic. Was I supposed to root for them because, the author decided to say 'oh, she's strong, oh, she is in love, oh he feels bad for the deads.' No. It was poor and lazy writing. And before I knew it, there was a war and the characters I did not care about were in trouble. I am dissappointed.
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
BRILLIANT, EXCEPTIONAL, UNPUTDOWNABLE! Excellent fantasy world-building, flawed, but very well-written characters, great style of writing and eventful and gripping plot make the book impossible to put aside! I liked Cleo and Jonas more than Lucia and Magnus. Cleo was awesome nearly in all situations and I can't wait to know what happens with her in the sequel!
Don't be scared of the abundance of characters at the beginning - you'll remember them in no time, because all the characters, even the evil ones, are unforgettable and charismatic. To put it briefly - the book is amazing and special - just read it!
Don't be scared of the abundance of characters at the beginning - you'll remember them in no time, because all the characters, even the evil ones, are unforgettable and charismatic. To put it briefly - the book is amazing and special - just read it!