A review by eesh25
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

3.0

This book had a very interesting premise and a beautiful cover. Kingdoms, magic, war, high stakes, badassery... What more do you need?

Unfortunately, the writing was a let-down. It wasn't terrible or anything. Just not that good. It lacked emotion and it was a whole lot of telling and almost no showing.

Like if we find out A hates B, it's not because of something we notice in the behaviour of A, it's because there's a line in the book that specifically tells us so. There were no hints and no subtlety; it was all laid out right there. So, I didn't really feel much for anyone.

Another thing was, motivations were weak. It felt like the author decided where she wanted the characters in the beginning and ending of the novel and what things she wanted done. And it was how those things got done that didn't work.

Example: She wanted a conflict to trigger a war. That's good. But the conflict was when a guy with no skill, who was drunk off his ass, managed to stab and kill another who was skilled. It's not very believable, is it? And the book is full of stuff like this. Much worse stuff.

The characters were okay. I liked the growth we saw in Jonas and I'm anticipating growth with Lucia. I didn't like Cleo. She was bad mix of self-righteousness, I-do-what-I-want and I-get-what-I-want coated in a so-naive-she's-stupid gravy. Not good. I can't wait for her to grow up.

Magnus was my favourite. He seems to be the one with the most brain and I have high hopes for him. I think he'll bring the team together.

Speaking of teams, I want mine!

The only reason I read this book (other than the hype and the cover) was because this seemed like the kind of book where a bunch of very different people are united by a common goal. Then they form a team and kick ass. I want that! Now!

Overall, I liked the book but the writing needs practice and the book had a set-up vibe. The fact that I'm interested and that there wasn't much angst is why I'm giving it three stars.

I think the series will get better.