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stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
2.0
I read this like.. 10 books ago, and can barely remember anything about it. So we’ll roll with this messy ’review’.
It’s such a shame. This series had a lovely start. It is definitely fantasy lite, with minimum world-building, but I looked past it because of the extremely fast pacing and compelling plot.
Unlike the first installment, Rebel Spring switches perspective in a strange and inconsistent order. I feel we lingered too long in Cleo’s head, when other important storylines that gave us insight on what was going on with several people at the same time were neglected.
The pacing is excruciatingly slow, with a weak plot that's barely going anywhere.
Beware of insta-love.
Guys, this is a fantasy book.. Not a reality show. THERE IS A WAR GOING ON, AND ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS MAKE OUT.
There’s a lot of love drama and not nearly enough action.
The romance in this book is either creepy and taboo, not reciprocated or plain silly.
Before this I would’ve recommended the Falling Kingdoms series to any fantasy lover, but now I’m hesitant. Let’s hope book 3 is better, because this was a poor sequel.
It’s such a shame. This series had a lovely start. It is definitely fantasy lite, with minimum world-building, but I looked past it because of the extremely fast pacing and compelling plot.
Unlike the first installment, Rebel Spring switches perspective in a strange and inconsistent order. I feel we lingered too long in Cleo’s head, when other important storylines that gave us insight on what was going on with several people at the same time were neglected.
The pacing is excruciatingly slow, with a weak plot that's barely going anywhere.
Beware of insta-love.
Guys, this is a fantasy book.. Not a reality show. THERE IS A WAR GOING ON, AND ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS MAKE OUT.
There’s a lot of love drama and not nearly enough action.
The romance in this book is either creepy and taboo, not reciprocated or plain silly.
Before this I would’ve recommended the Falling Kingdoms series to any fantasy lover, but now I’m hesitant. Let’s hope book 3 is better, because this was a poor sequel.
lilygrace27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
harleyrae's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! I loved the first one, and I love this one even more! This series is turning out to be one of my favorite YA Fantasy series.
I love how this book is told in many POV, it gives you a chance to see both sides of the story and all of the main characters thoughts. My favorite POVs are Cleo, Jonas, and Magnus. They are by far my favorite characters in the entire book as well. I'm not a huge fan of Lucia and Lysandria, they are my least favorite and I had no interest whatsoever in reading their POV.
I still wish there was a little bit more world building, we are introduced to a new land(even though we don't travel there) beyond the one the story takes place in. I'm hoping that because it was talked about every once in awhile we will possibly go there or it might become a bigger part of the story. It was just nice to see life beyond Mythica.
All in all I LOVE this series and I can't wait to continue onto the next book.
I love how this book is told in many POV, it gives you a chance to see both sides of the story and all of the main characters thoughts. My favorite POVs are Cleo, Jonas, and Magnus. They are by far my favorite characters in the entire book as well. I'm not a huge fan of Lucia and Lysandria, they are my least favorite and I had no interest whatsoever in reading their POV.
I still wish there was a little bit more world building, we are introduced to a new land(even though we don't travel there) beyond the one the story takes place in. I'm hoping that because it was talked about every once in awhile we will possibly go there or it might become a bigger part of the story. It was just nice to see life beyond Mythica.
All in all I LOVE this series and I can't wait to continue onto the next book.
leafblade's review against another edition
4.0
I am SO invested!!!! You know when you're in deep shit when you only like about half of the characters but you still can't stop reading
It is so refreshing to see a YA author that is simply not scared to kill important characters off. Oh, you liked that one? They're gone now. (But in a good way, not in an "everything has to HaVe MeAniNg"/JKR way nor in an "this was done just for shock value"/GRRM way)
(Also the snippet, the teaser of Gay™ we got near the end....... this is the hill I'm willing to die on)
It is so refreshing to see a YA author that is simply not scared to kill important characters off. Oh, you liked that one? They're gone now. (But in a good way, not in an "everything has to HaVe MeAniNg"/JKR way nor in an "this was done just for shock value"/GRRM way)
(Also the snippet, the teaser of Gay™ we got near the end....... this is the hill I'm willing to die on)
marscandy37's review against another edition
5.0
"Sometimes to regain sanity, one had to acknowledge and embrace the madness."
This was me reading this book:
This book floored me. It had so many twists and turns I think I might have pulled something.
Rebel Spring starts right where Falling Kingdoms left off, with Auranos conquered and the Princess Cleiona a prisoner of war. Albeit a very cushy prison with gilded bars. She is forced to endure the Damoras, knowing that any dangerous action from her would mean her certain death. Meanwhile King Gaius is using her people's love of their fallen princess as a tool to control them into being complacent, while his true plans unfold with no one the wiser. The Princess Lucia is still asleep in a coma state as her brother, Magnus, watches pining away from his forbidden feelings for his adopted sister, which she does not share. And Jonas continues the fight to bring down the King who has now begun building his blood road into the Forbidden Mountains, using the Paelsians as little more than slave labor in his mad rush to complete it as swiftly as possible. Then things get really complicated...as if they weren't already, with an arranged marriage, a kidnapping, more murder than you could possibly imagine and several interesting stolen kisses.
To say I loved [book:Rebel Spring|16000044] is putting it mildly. I really loved [book:Falling Kingdoms|12954620], but I was apprehensive about it's sequel because lets face it, this is the territory that many authors start to fall flat. I didn't want to tarnish the first book with soiled feelings for the second. Thankfully, that definitely wasn't the case here. I think I loved this book more than the last.
Rebel Spring was filled with twist and turns so sharp it would make you dizzy just thinking about it. I'm one of those people who isn't taken by surprise in a story. Usually I'm really good about knowing where things are headed. That's not really a problem though because I like that. I enjoy having some idea as to the destination of a story. As I'm reading I usually get a feel as to who is in danger of being axed, who will fall in love with whom and so on and so forth. This book used that against me. I was sure someone would be incredibly important only to be killed three seconds in. That didn't just happen once, but several times. It left me shocked and reeling. I started to look at the book with suspicion after a while thinking, "should I get my hopes up? Is this one going to work out this time?" I don't trust myself anymore!
The characters were extremely well rounded. I expected some character development in the sequel. To learn more about the people involved in the outcome of this book. I was really please that this sequel delivered on that, tenfold. All the characters learned something about themselves and changed a lot by the end. I was most impressed with Cleiona, and I already had a sweet spot for her for private reasons, but this book cemented her as my favorite character. In Falling Kingdoms she had been spoiled and coddled. She was impulsive, doing things without thinking it through. Her real strength of character only showed after all the events at the end of Falling Kingdoms unfolded. In Rebel Spring, that strength evolved Cleiona into a shrewd woman, calculating every action and biding her time, with a patience I never thought she possessed. She thought of her kingdom and her people, putting their welfare before her own. She was cool headed in the face of constant abuse. She showed herself to be the queen she rightfully was.
There was an element of romance in some situations, but I refuse to talk about it here, because, like I said I don't trust myself...
The dialogue in this book was writing goals for me. I loved the interactions between the characters. How real and poignant their back and forth conversations were. Even when they weren't talking, the looks that they gave each other spoke volumes. POV changes were seamless really. Each chapter ended perfectly, keeping you interested. The plot was well thought out, and I felt that the smaller conflicts in the overall book were resolved, and yet the major conflict still had room for development.
Another reviewer compared this book to [book:A Game of Thrones|13496], and though I'm reluctant to agree it does have a Games of Thrones feel, I think it stands on his own merit as well. It has great characters, an interesting plot and premise and it's well written. It is enough to keep me satisfied and that's saying something.
I think as far as sequels go, this one was perfection and I'm really looking forward to reading the third book. I don't think that [author:Morgan Rhodes|5295120] will disappoint me. Then again...I don't trust myself anymore!
This was me reading this book:
This book floored me. It had so many twists and turns I think I might have pulled something.
Rebel Spring starts right where Falling Kingdoms left off, with Auranos conquered and the Princess Cleiona a prisoner of war. Albeit a very cushy prison with gilded bars. She is forced to endure the Damoras, knowing that any dangerous action from her would mean her certain death. Meanwhile King Gaius is using her people's love of their fallen princess as a tool to control them into being complacent, while his true plans unfold with no one the wiser. The Princess Lucia is still asleep in a coma state as her brother, Magnus, watches pining away from his forbidden feelings for his adopted sister, which she does not share. And Jonas continues the fight to bring down the King who has now begun building his blood road into the Forbidden Mountains, using the Paelsians as little more than slave labor in his mad rush to complete it as swiftly as possible. Then things get really complicated...as if they weren't already, with an arranged marriage, a kidnapping, more murder than you could possibly imagine and several interesting stolen kisses.
To say I loved [book:Rebel Spring|16000044] is putting it mildly. I really loved [book:Falling Kingdoms|12954620], but I was apprehensive about it's sequel because lets face it, this is the territory that many authors start to fall flat. I didn't want to tarnish the first book with soiled feelings for the second. Thankfully, that definitely wasn't the case here. I think I loved this book more than the last.
Rebel Spring was filled with twist and turns so sharp it would make you dizzy just thinking about it. I'm one of those people who isn't taken by surprise in a story. Usually I'm really good about knowing where things are headed. That's not really a problem though because I like that. I enjoy having some idea as to the destination of a story. As I'm reading I usually get a feel as to who is in danger of being axed, who will fall in love with whom and so on and so forth. This book used that against me. I was sure someone would be incredibly important only to be killed three seconds in. That didn't just happen once, but several times. It left me shocked and reeling. I started to look at the book with suspicion after a while thinking, "should I get my hopes up? Is this one going to work out this time?" I don't trust myself anymore!
The characters were extremely well rounded. I expected some character development in the sequel. To learn more about the people involved in the outcome of this book. I was really please that this sequel delivered on that, tenfold. All the characters learned something about themselves and changed a lot by the end.
Spoiler
Magnus learned just how cruel the man who he wanted to be like was, and vowed never to become like him. Cleo learned that the key to her imprisonment lied inside her cage. Jonas learned that the essence of a great leader was not only to give orders but to follow them when they were sound. Lucia learned her powers were more a curse than a gift, and that she may not be strong enough to control them.There was an element of romance in some situations, but I refuse to talk about it here, because, like I said I don't trust myself...
The dialogue in this book was writing goals for me. I loved the interactions between the characters. How real and poignant their back and forth conversations were. Even when they weren't talking, the looks that they gave each other spoke volumes. POV changes were seamless really. Each chapter ended perfectly, keeping you interested. The plot was well thought out, and I felt that the smaller conflicts in the overall book were resolved, and yet the major conflict still had room for development.
Another reviewer compared this book to [book:A Game of Thrones|13496], and though I'm reluctant to agree it does have a Games of Thrones feel, I think it stands on his own merit as well. It has great characters, an interesting plot and premise and it's well written. It is enough to keep me satisfied and that's saying something.
I think as far as sequels go, this one was perfection and I'm really looking forward to reading the third book. I don't think that [author:Morgan Rhodes|5295120] will disappoint me. Then again...I don't trust myself anymore!
dembury's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty solid installment of the "Falling Kingdoms" series- it definitely moved the plot forwards, introduced a couple promising characters (I want to know more about Prince Ashur!), and I can see the overall plot being something I *really* get into. I'm for sure reading the next book!
I do think a couple aspects could use some improvement. Firstly- where tf are the adults in this book? Like, I know it's YA and adults generally don't have as much as a role, but come on. I especially had a tricky time reading about the rebel camp because it's seriously composed of ALL TEENS. I find it impossible to believe that no adults in Auranos are actively trying to protest the new king and also apparently never interact with Jonas's rebels. Side note: Jonas bugs me- how did this wishy washy boy with very little skill at thinking ahead become leader of the rebels??? I protest.
Secondly, the writing and dialogue is fairly predictable. Nothing in this book surprised me or went in a direction I couldn't see coming. This series gets compared to "Game of Thrones" quite a lot, but where GoT throws in sucker punches and rips the rug out from under you, "Falling Kingdoms" has (so far) gone down a much more predictable route. Fingers crossed for some more unexpectedness in the rest of the series!
Lastly, there is so much sidestepping and teasing in this book! I understand that it's a 6-book series and things build up over time, but all the chapters with King Gaius or the Watchers just seemed to be there so Rhodes could tease about what the true purpose is of the road. There's a fine line between building up and dragging things on, and Rhodes is straddling that line.
Also- UGH I was starting to have hope for Magnus as a character, but Chapter 23 just made him even a bigger jerk in my eyes. He's so aggressive and harsh towards Cleo and the way he pushes her around (literally) is just awful. I JUST WANT TO SEE MORE OF CLEO AND LUCIA TEAMING UP! YASSSS GIRLS YASSSSS.
So anyways. A good installment but there's plenty of room for improvement! On to book 3 :)
I do think a couple aspects could use some improvement. Firstly- where tf are the adults in this book? Like, I know it's YA and adults generally don't have as much as a role, but come on. I especially had a tricky time reading about the rebel camp because it's seriously composed of ALL TEENS. I find it impossible to believe that no adults in Auranos are actively trying to protest the new king and also apparently never interact with Jonas's rebels. Side note: Jonas bugs me- how did this wishy washy boy with very little skill at thinking ahead become leader of the rebels??? I protest.
Secondly, the writing and dialogue is fairly predictable. Nothing in this book surprised me or went in a direction I couldn't see coming. This series gets compared to "Game of Thrones" quite a lot, but where GoT throws in sucker punches and rips the rug out from under you, "Falling Kingdoms" has (so far) gone down a much more predictable route. Fingers crossed for some more unexpectedness in the rest of the series!
Lastly, there is so much sidestepping and teasing in this book! I understand that it's a 6-book series and things build up over time, but all the chapters with King Gaius or the Watchers just seemed to be there so Rhodes could tease about what the true purpose is of the road. There's a fine line between building up and dragging things on, and Rhodes is straddling that line.
Also- UGH I was starting to have hope for Magnus as a character, but Chapter 23 just made him even a bigger jerk in my eyes. He's so aggressive and harsh towards Cleo and the way he pushes her around (literally) is just awful. I JUST WANT TO SEE MORE OF CLEO AND LUCIA TEAMING UP! YASSSS GIRLS YASSSSS.
So anyways. A good installment but there's plenty of room for improvement! On to book 3 :)
drridareads's review against another edition
4.0
Well my recall of this is probably jumbled up with the third book. Idk. But let's try this before i forget most things about this book.
Plot
So basically what's happening is that King Gauis is building a road linking all of Mytica to get hold of the kindred. And Lucia is in an induced coma. Magnus and Cleo are to married. And Jonas people are rebelling. Some deaths here and there; some satisfactory some devasting.
Characters
I'm gonna start with my fave King Gauis . I love me a ruthless villain. Rhodes absolutely brilliant creative mind came up with this. Let's look at him a little;
With unexpected speed, he took hold of her head with both hands and twisted sharply. The girl’s neck broke with a loud crack. She crumpled to the ground, her wide eyes now blank and glazed and absent of life.
It had all happened in an instant.
Magnus stared at his father, unable to conceal his horrified shock. “You didn’t have to do that!”
The king wiped his hands off on the front of his black surcoat. “Meaningless servants can be replaced. She was nothing special. I’ll find another to attend your sister.”
He just fucking murdered someone without any remorse only reaction he had to it was wipe his hands. No biggie he just kills everyday. Gotta keep them hands clean though.
Gaius. He is a monster with a cold heart and a black soul.
Couldn't agree more.
Also during this book he gets visits by Melenia an immortal watcher. And he seduces her. HE SEDUCES AN IMMORTAL GODDESS..
He has such pride; it's fascinating how high regard he has for himself
He was born for a greatness beyond that which he’d already achieved. He was born to be an immortal god, the most powerful king the universe had ever known. Everything and everyone would bow before him.
Eternally.
Jonas
Jonas was a leader. He believed that destiny wasn’t to be accepted with head bowed; it was to be challenged at every turn.
When he nearly dies in the end..
I was hoping we'd get more of his feelings when Brion dies towards the end..I'm really sorry if this happens in the third book and not this
He's a foolish rebel. I really thought that since the book was named Rebel Springs the rebels would get some upper hand in this book. Guess I was wrong though.
He certainly does not give up though.
And I know everyone's all for Magneo but I like Cleo and Jonas...Clonas?
Cleo
On the surface, she was just a girl not yet out of her teens, small in stature and slight in figure, born and bred into a spoiled life of excess and luxury. At first glance, no one would ever perceive her as a threat.
But she knew that she was. Her heart now beat for one reason, the only thing that helped stanch the flow of incapacitating grief.
Vengeance.
i gotta say I do like where her character arc is going.
Lucia
Ah. Our Sleeping Beauty. She even gets a love interest while sleeping. Let's talk about that a little; her love interest is watcher; a thousand years old immortal watcher to be precise. And Lucia is in her teens if I remember correctly. Anyone else finding this pedophilic or is it like Twilight????
Also I don't really like Lucia; she's the most dull most powerful character ever.
Magnus
I liked him much much better in this book. He had these conflicting sides; he cared but he's the son of the King of Blood.
He wanted so desperately not to care about this—not to care about anything but finding the Kindred for himself and for Lucia—to be as cold and ruthless as his father found it so easy to be.
If only that were possible.
Prince Ashur
He had this subtle mysterious vibe to him and I was totally digging it. Also since I fancasted everyone in my review for Falling Kingdoms so I'm going to fancast him.
I think Mena Massoud (Alladin) would be so cool
Queen Althea
“He thinks I’m weak, that I stand by and watch him work his darkness without opinion or judgment. That I am only a dutiful wife who is of no consequence. But he’s wrong. I see my purpose now, Lucia. It’s to stop him any way I can. He doesn’t realize what it is he hopes to unleash upon the world. He thinks he can control that which is uncontrollable.”
I'm so happy we got see her develop more.
Nic
Still the adorable friend.
Lysandra
She was a cool addition and I liked her but I honestly don't remember her much to fancast her.
Oh and Aron The Dick
Watchers
There were more of them in this book. Even though their all mighty I don't really care much about them
So these are my thoughts. It would be nice to know what you thought of this.
Giving it 3.5 stars. Cause I don't think this book was that much important in terms of plot. But very enjoyable.
Thanks Ahmed for recommending this! I swear I'll continue this
________________
Well that was some ride..
Full review too come..soon..hopefully..maybe
Plot
So basically what's happening is that King Gauis is building a road linking all of Mytica to get hold of the kindred. And Lucia is in an induced coma. Magnus and Cleo are to married. And Jonas people are rebelling. Some deaths here and there; some satisfactory some devasting.
Characters
I'm gonna start with my fave King Gauis . I love me a ruthless villain. Rhodes absolutely brilliant creative mind came up with this. Let's look at him a little;
With unexpected speed, he took hold of her head with both hands and twisted sharply. The girl’s neck broke with a loud crack. She crumpled to the ground, her wide eyes now blank and glazed and absent of life.
It had all happened in an instant.
Magnus stared at his father, unable to conceal his horrified shock. “You didn’t have to do that!”
The king wiped his hands off on the front of his black surcoat. “Meaningless servants can be replaced. She was nothing special. I’ll find another to attend your sister.”
He just fucking murdered someone without any remorse only reaction he had to it was wipe his hands. No biggie he just kills everyday. Gotta keep them hands clean though.
Gaius. He is a monster with a cold heart and a black soul.
Couldn't agree more.
Also during this book he gets visits by Melenia an immortal watcher. And he seduces her. HE SEDUCES AN IMMORTAL GODDESS..
Spoiler
It's great how they think both think their playing each other..He has such pride; it's fascinating how high regard he has for himself
He was born for a greatness beyond that which he’d already achieved. He was born to be an immortal god, the most powerful king the universe had ever known. Everything and everyone would bow before him.
Eternally.
Jonas
Jonas was a leader. He believed that destiny wasn’t to be accepted with head bowed; it was to be challenged at every turn.
Spoiler
TELL ME WHY THE PLAN TO KILL THE KING AND MAGNUS DIDN'T WORK? CAUSE JONAS WASTED TIME IN TALKING TO THE KING? Let me tell you I absolutely hate it when they waste time arguing or showing off to each other before the actual fight in movies and books too.When he nearly dies in the end..
I was hoping we'd get more of his feelings when Brion dies towards the end..I'm really sorry if this happens in the third book and not this
He's a foolish rebel. I really thought that since the book was named Rebel Springs the rebels would get some upper hand in this book. Guess I was wrong though.
He certainly does not give up though.
And I know everyone's all for Magneo but I like Cleo and Jonas...Clonas?
Cleo
On the surface, she was just a girl not yet out of her teens, small in stature and slight in figure, born and bred into a spoiled life of excess and luxury. At first glance, no one would ever perceive her as a threat.
But she knew that she was. Her heart now beat for one reason, the only thing that helped stanch the flow of incapacitating grief.
Vengeance.
i gotta say I do like where her character arc is going.
Lucia
Ah. Our Sleeping Beauty. She even gets a love interest while sleeping. Let's talk about that a little; her love interest is watcher; a thousand years old immortal watcher to be precise. And Lucia is in her teens if I remember correctly. Anyone else finding this pedophilic or is it like Twilight????
Also I don't really like Lucia; she's the most dull most powerful character ever.
Magnus
I liked him much much better in this book. He had these conflicting sides; he cared but he's the son of the King of Blood.
He wanted so desperately not to care about this—not to care about anything but finding the Kindred for himself and for Lucia—to be as cold and ruthless as his father found it so easy to be.
If only that were possible.
Prince Ashur
He had this subtle mysterious vibe to him and I was totally digging it. Also since I fancasted everyone in my review for Falling Kingdoms so I'm going to fancast him.
I think Mena Massoud (Alladin) would be so cool
Queen Althea
“He thinks I’m weak, that I stand by and watch him work his darkness without opinion or judgment. That I am only a dutiful wife who is of no consequence. But he’s wrong. I see my purpose now, Lucia. It’s to stop him any way I can. He doesn’t realize what it is he hopes to unleash upon the world. He thinks he can control that which is uncontrollable.”
I'm so happy we got see her develop more.
Nic
Still the adorable friend.
Spoiler
Did Rhodes just decide to make a straight character gay out of the blue cause it's in all the books now? I don't like it when this happens. She could've added some different character. She could've subtly paved the way for it but it just seems like what happened to a character in ACOTAR. You want to add queer character don't do it halfheartedlyLysandra
She was a cool addition and I liked her but I honestly don't remember her much to fancast her.
Oh and Aron The Dick
Spoiler
got what he deservedWatchers
There were more of them in this book. Even though their all mighty I don't really care much about them
Spoiler
We gotta have a memorial for Phaedra and her sacrifice thoughSo these are my thoughts. It would be nice to know what you thought of this.
Giving it 3.5 stars. Cause I don't think this book was that much important in terms of plot. But very enjoyable.
Thanks Ahmed for recommending this! I swear I'll continue this
________________
Well that was some ride..
Full review too come..soon..hopefully..maybe
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating 4.5 stars
Getting better but damn some of these characters though
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 – 4 out of 5 stars
much more exciting than the first one but still boring beginning, it’s full of action, betrayals, magic, violence and death, the folklore and legends are developed and expanded on, this one is also much darker than the first book, the world building is also much greater in this one
Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
multiple and distinct POVs, visual, descriptive, engaging, easy to read, more fast paced though the beginning is still slow, the author tends to use declarations of love/romance and deaths as shock factors which become sort of predictable after awhile
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
Cleo is definitely getting a bit of backbone in this book. She’s got her vengeful spirit on and she’s fierce against the people she does not like. However, she can get easily distracted from her goal by other things and she gets easily persuaded by other people. Yet I loved her determination and I hope she succeeds.
Oh Magnus. He’s still a little arrogant douche but he has a vulnerable side that is slowly coming out. He kind of gets kicked around a lot and he has a wounded pride. But he’s still fierce and determined to be a badass. But I don’t know how I feel about him completely.
Lucia just makes me want to give her a poor hug. She’s lost and vulnerable and doesn’t really have anyone to talk to. Her powers are beyond her control and there isn’t anyone around who can explain things to her but I feel like she will become a force to be reckoned with.
Jonas just can’t catch a break. He lets his emotions get the better of him and is always angry. He makes decisions and jumps into dangerous situations without thinking them through rationally. He’s definitely not the smartest rebel leader but his heart is in the right place.
Emotionally
After not really loving the first book, I didn’t know what to expect from the second book but I’m glad I enjoyed it a lot more.
The plot is dark. We’re back in Mytica with our eclectic cast of characters. Each are in different stages within the plot but they’re all constantly in danger. There are so many different things going on all at once that it almost became too much to keep up with. The rebel cause has started growing but they don’t have the man power or the courage to start making any real difference in their situations. The world itself and how the author built it in this book was a lot more in depth. We are traveling deeper into each kingdom so we get to see more of the lives of the people who aren’t directly in the plot. We’re also given a lot more insight into the magic system. The prophecy, what certain things are used for and how much each character knows about it all comes together and it’s really interesting to see how far apart but close they all are. Even with all of that, the plot was still slow in the beginning and I’m not completely sold on the story. The tension and high stakes are missing for me. There are so many different POVs that as a reader, I feel all knowing and that makes it so not even the plot twists surprise me anymore. I know there’s going to be a lot of deaths, I know things won’t happen the way they’re planned and it takes away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Yet I’m still intrigued and interested to see how things will play out in the next book.
Cleo is definitely much more tolerable in this book. She’s kind of between a rock and a hard place considering she’s basically a prisoner of war. She’s not as annoying because she is more focused on vengeance and getting her throne back but she gets easily distracted and lets boys cloud her judgement too easily.
Magnus is still an arrogant little shit head but we get to know a lot more of his personality and intentions in this book. He has a softer, kinder soul than he lets people see and I liked that contrast about him. But I’m still not sold.
Jonas is turning out to be a stupid hothead and that makes me kind of mad. I really liked him in the first book because I thought he had his shit together and was the smartest but this book destroyed that idea. He’s getting reckless, not thinking his plans through and it definitely costs him a lot. It makes him vulnerable to the evil he’s fighting which is not good.
I consider Lucia to be officially a crazy lady. The girl is turning out to be a psycho. She’s super powerful and everything but I think the power is controlling her instead of visa versa. And even with all of that, she’s still the most easily manipulated character in the entire series. And. It’s. So. Frustrating. Girl needs to get her act together and something needs to pop off with all these people.
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.
Getting better but damn some of these characters though
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 – 4 out of 5 stars
much more exciting than the first one but still boring beginning, it’s full of action, betrayals, magic, violence and death, the folklore and legends are developed and expanded on, this one is also much darker than the first book, the world building is also much greater in this one
Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
multiple and distinct POVs, visual, descriptive, engaging, easy to read, more fast paced though the beginning is still slow, the author tends to use declarations of love/romance and deaths as shock factors which become sort of predictable after awhile
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
Cleo is definitely getting a bit of backbone in this book. She’s got her vengeful spirit on and she’s fierce against the people she does not like. However, she can get easily distracted from her goal by other things and she gets easily persuaded by other people. Yet I loved her determination and I hope she succeeds.
Oh Magnus. He’s still a little arrogant douche but he has a vulnerable side that is slowly coming out. He kind of gets kicked around a lot and he has a wounded pride. But he’s still fierce and determined to be a badass. But I don’t know how I feel about him completely.
Lucia just makes me want to give her a poor hug. She’s lost and vulnerable and doesn’t really have anyone to talk to. Her powers are beyond her control and there isn’t anyone around who can explain things to her but I feel like she will become a force to be reckoned with.
Jonas just can’t catch a break. He lets his emotions get the better of him and is always angry. He makes decisions and jumps into dangerous situations without thinking them through rationally. He’s definitely not the smartest rebel leader but his heart is in the right place.
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.After not really loving the first book, I didn’t know what to expect from the second book but I’m glad I enjoyed it a lot more.
The plot is dark. We’re back in Mytica with our eclectic cast of characters. Each are in different stages within the plot but they’re all constantly in danger. There are so many different things going on all at once that it almost became too much to keep up with. The rebel cause has started growing but they don’t have the man power or the courage to start making any real difference in their situations. The world itself and how the author built it in this book was a lot more in depth. We are traveling deeper into each kingdom so we get to see more of the lives of the people who aren’t directly in the plot. We’re also given a lot more insight into the magic system. The prophecy, what certain things are used for and how much each character knows about it all comes together and it’s really interesting to see how far apart but close they all are. Even with all of that, the plot was still slow in the beginning and I’m not completely sold on the story. The tension and high stakes are missing for me. There are so many different POVs that as a reader, I feel all knowing and that makes it so not even the plot twists surprise me anymore. I know there’s going to be a lot of deaths, I know things won’t happen the way they’re planned and it takes away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Yet I’m still intrigued and interested to see how things will play out in the next book.
Cleo is definitely much more tolerable in this book. She’s kind of between a rock and a hard place considering she’s basically a prisoner of war. She’s not as annoying because she is more focused on vengeance and getting her throne back but she gets easily distracted and lets boys cloud her judgement too easily.
Magnus is still an arrogant little shit head but we get to know a lot more of his personality and intentions in this book. He has a softer, kinder soul than he lets people see and I liked that contrast about him. But I’m still not sold.
Jonas is turning out to be a stupid hothead and that makes me kind of mad. I really liked him in the first book because I thought he had his shit together and was the smartest but this book destroyed that idea. He’s getting reckless, not thinking his plans through and it definitely costs him a lot. It makes him vulnerable to the evil he’s fighting which is not good.
I consider Lucia to be officially a crazy lady. The girl is turning out to be a psycho. She’s super powerful and everything but I think the power is controlling her instead of visa versa. And even with all of that, she’s still the most easily manipulated character in the entire series. And. It’s. So. Frustrating. Girl needs to get her act together and something needs to pop off with all these people.
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
4.0
1st and 2dn read: so much death! so much intrigue!! I loved it so so so much!!! no words! wow
astheplotthickens24's review against another edition
5.0
As usual the cover was gorgeous <3 *insert thousand claps here with matching sound effects*
"But even the coldest hate can shift into something warmer if given enough time, just as an ugly caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly."
There were so many deaths and there was a particular death that I am extremely happy it happened. I ended the first book with Cleo being my favorite character but now I'm not so sure anymore. She's the very definition of a princess, fragile, pretty and cowardly. She could have tried many things and see what will happen but she didn't! It frustrates the hell out of me. I still like Cleo but I am hoping to see her development as a character soon enough and while Lucia is also one of the main characters in this book I find it hard in me to find a connection with her, I found myself glad that she's becoming the villain in this book but the ending came so I wasn't sure if she'll still be one.
My current favorite now is Jonas and Magnus, the two doesn't go along pretty well but I like them and the fact they could possibly be infatuated with Cleo makes me so happy because I ship JoLeo and LeoNus (I suck at giving a pair name) I would gladly accept who Cleo would end up between the two of them. Jonas is the handsome rebel leader that I find really attractive coz he's sassy *squeals* and Magnus is the ice prince who looks heartless and cold on the outside but a really understanding person on the inside and that fact that Cleo couldn't see that makes me wanna hit her so bad she'll see the Kraeshan Empire.
It's finally taking shape, the main characters were starting to form a strange camaraderie with each other and I am so intrigued on what will happen next because this book was so unpredictable and I do certainly hope that Magnus, Jonas and Cleo will manage to stay alive at the end of the series. The King of Blood's greed will be his undoing and that was a certain fact.
The Rebel Spring is one of the coolest sequel that was ever made, I'm really satisfied on how the story flowed, weak characters were eliminated and even though there are some deaths just like that wasn't so appealing to me because she could have help the rebel's cause much better, I still do think that it was sacrifice that was meant to be made.
I love these book series and I do hope they'll release the Fifth book real quick because I will savour and finish these book for like a week considering that there are currently only four books.
5 stars :)
"But even the coldest hate can shift into something warmer if given enough time, just as an ugly caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly."
There were so many deaths and there was a particular death that I am extremely happy it happened. I ended the first book with Cleo being my favorite character but now I'm not so sure anymore. She's the very definition of a princess, fragile, pretty and cowardly. She could have tried many things and see what will happen but she didn't! It frustrates the hell out of me. I still like Cleo but I am hoping to see her development as a character soon enough and while Lucia is also one of the main characters in this book I find it hard in me to find a connection with her, I found myself glad that she's becoming the villain in this book but the ending came so I wasn't sure if she'll still be one.
My current favorite now is Jonas and Magnus, the two doesn't go along pretty well but I like them and the fact they could possibly be infatuated with Cleo makes me so happy because I ship JoLeo and LeoNus (I suck at giving a pair name) I would gladly accept who Cleo would end up between the two of them. Jonas is the handsome rebel leader that I find really attractive coz he's sassy *squeals* and Magnus is the ice prince who looks heartless and cold on the outside but a really understanding person on the inside and that fact that Cleo couldn't see that makes me wanna hit her so bad she'll see the Kraeshan Empire.
It's finally taking shape, the main characters were starting to form a strange camaraderie with each other and I am so intrigued on what will happen next because this book was so unpredictable and I do certainly hope that Magnus, Jonas and Cleo will manage to stay alive at the end of the series. The King of Blood's greed will be his undoing and that was a certain fact.
The Rebel Spring is one of the coolest sequel that was ever made, I'm really satisfied on how the story flowed, weak characters were eliminated and even though there are some deaths just like
Spoiler
Phaedra's deathI love these book series and I do hope they'll release the Fifth book real quick because I will savour and finish these book for like a week considering that there are currently only four books.
5 stars :)