The gripping New York Times bestseller that is Game of Thrones for teens
In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:
Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.
Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.
Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.
Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .
The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?
Falling Kingdoms
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Falling Kingdoms will gut you emotionally. It will make you ache, cry, and beg for the sequel as you turn the last page. I absolutely loved it." —Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Queen
"This triple-layered tale of bloodshed, heartbreak, and tangled court intrigue kept me turning pages very late into the night." —Lesley Livingston, award-winning author of Wondrous Strange
"From an opening dripping with blood, magic, and betrayal through complex interweaving plots detailing treachery, deceit, and forbidden love, this novel is the first in a projected series that will immediately engage readers and keep them intrigued. --Booklist
"This triple-layered tale of bloodshed, heartbreak, and tangled court intrigue kept me turning pages very late into the night." —Lesley Livingston, award-winning author of Wondrous Strange
"From an opening dripping with blood, magic, and betrayal through complex interweaving plots detailing treachery, deceit, and forbidden love, this novel is the first in a projected series that will immediately engage readers and keep them intrigued. --Booklist
About the Author
Morgan Rhodes is the pen name for a popular author of urban fantasy. This is her first high fantasy novel.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (Michelle Rowen) is a downright good read. Marketed as part of Penguin's Breathless Reads collection, it's a thoroughly captivating and deliciously readable YA fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of George R. R. Martin's bestselling high fantasy series, Game Of Thrones. Personally, I could not put this book down. Told from multiple perspectives, richly imagined and packed with eye-popping action, it's truly a breathless read, and one that I will be recommending to all my friends!
The story focuses on three kingdoms: Auranos, Paelsia and Simeros. The kingdoms managed to co-exist in peace for many years, but when a wine maker's son is killed by a lord from another kingdom, the established peace is threatening to crumble. There is a war brewing and four seemingly unrelated young people find themselves caught in the middle of it.
Impressive world building, thorough character development, intrigue, magic, action, romance... Falling Kingdoms has all that and more! At more than 400 pages, it's not what you'd call a short book, but Rhodes' sharp and concise prose makes it all-too easy to lose yourself in the story and forget the real world for a day or two. With her skilled storytelling, she created a world that is mystical, but believable nevertheless. A visually breathtaking, emotionally stimulating, intensely gripping page-turner of a book!
As I mentioned before, each chapter of the book concentrated on a third-person point of view of a different character. I thought the third-person narrative provided a good (objective) look at all sides of the conflict, though at times I wished the story was told in a more personal first-person narrative instead. Mainly because, while third-person narrative explored the thoughts, feelings and motivations of all four main characters, it did not make their voices distinct enough. That, of course, doesn't mean that I found the characters underdeveloped, I just thought it would've been really interesting to fully explore their unique personalities. Overall, though, I thought Rhodes did a really good job juggling the multiple characters and skilfully intertwining the story lines. The result was simply amazing: the plot line was full of interesting tidbits of information, fresh ideas and surprising plot developments. The story was a complex and multi-layered one, but not overwhelmingly or confusingly so.
I really enjoyed Rhodes writing style. It was more YA and MG-friendly than your usual high fantasy book and I found it easy to read and understand. The descriptions were rich in details, the dialogues - realistic. I loved the intrigue and how fast-paced the story was. I also really appreciated the fact that Rhodes was not afraid to kill off some of the characters and trust me when I say; some of these kills were real jaw-droppers!
All in all, Falling Kingdoms is a fresh and exciting YA fantasy novel that is sure to please a wide range of reading tastes. This book has everything from action and political intrigue to magic and romance. You really don't have to be a high fantasy lover to enjoy this story. The epic scope of the first book in the series promises a fantastic and unforgettable journey and I can't wait to read the next instalment!
The story focuses on three kingdoms: Auranos, Paelsia and Simeros. The kingdoms managed to co-exist in peace for many years, but when a wine maker's son is killed by a lord from another kingdom, the established peace is threatening to crumble. There is a war brewing and four seemingly unrelated young people find themselves caught in the middle of it.
Impressive world building, thorough character development, intrigue, magic, action, romance... Falling Kingdoms has all that and more! At more than 400 pages, it's not what you'd call a short book, but Rhodes' sharp and concise prose makes it all-too easy to lose yourself in the story and forget the real world for a day or two. With her skilled storytelling, she created a world that is mystical, but believable nevertheless. A visually breathtaking, emotionally stimulating, intensely gripping page-turner of a book!
As I mentioned before, each chapter of the book concentrated on a third-person point of view of a different character. I thought the third-person narrative provided a good (objective) look at all sides of the conflict, though at times I wished the story was told in a more personal first-person narrative instead. Mainly because, while third-person narrative explored the thoughts, feelings and motivations of all four main characters, it did not make their voices distinct enough. That, of course, doesn't mean that I found the characters underdeveloped, I just thought it would've been really interesting to fully explore their unique personalities. Overall, though, I thought Rhodes did a really good job juggling the multiple characters and skilfully intertwining the story lines. The result was simply amazing: the plot line was full of interesting tidbits of information, fresh ideas and surprising plot developments. The story was a complex and multi-layered one, but not overwhelmingly or confusingly so.
I really enjoyed Rhodes writing style. It was more YA and MG-friendly than your usual high fantasy book and I found it easy to read and understand. The descriptions were rich in details, the dialogues - realistic. I loved the intrigue and how fast-paced the story was. I also really appreciated the fact that Rhodes was not afraid to kill off some of the characters and trust me when I say; some of these kills were real jaw-droppers!
All in all, Falling Kingdoms is a fresh and exciting YA fantasy novel that is sure to please a wide range of reading tastes. This book has everything from action and political intrigue to magic and romance. You really don't have to be a high fantasy lover to enjoy this story. The epic scope of the first book in the series promises a fantastic and unforgettable journey and I can't wait to read the next instalment!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a fantastically intricate book with three families of characters and lots of mystery and adventure. It is a YA version of a Brandon Sanderson style book which is high praise since he is my favorite fantasy writer. Hence, it is not an easy read, having multiple story lines and several characters. Morgan Rhodes creates a fabulous world, instantly drawing the reader into the story with several murders, an engagement and a betrayal. This is not for the faint hearted, but SO WORTH the effort! Magnificent!!!!
Princess Cleo is part of the Southern Kingdom called Auranos. She is the second daughter and not supposed to be next in line, but her sister is deathly ill and Cleo is desperate to find her help. 16 year old Cleo is engaged to Lord Aron, an eighteen year old scoundrel who is using a secret he holds against Cleo to keep her at his side. Cleo is determined not to marry him, especially after he kills a winemaker in a neighboring kingdom in cold blood. Cleo starts off as a stubborn, willful child, but, by the end of the book, she has suffered and grown into a determined woman.
The young winemaker Tomas is from the Middle Kingdom called Paelsia and he attacked Lord Aron when Aron tried to swindle his father into selling him cases of wine too cheaply. Lord Aron stuck Tomas in the throat with a knife, killing him in front of his family and on his sister's wedding day. Tomas's brother Jonas swore vengeance, especially on Princess Cleo who stood by and let it happen. When the religious leader of the land, Hugo Basilius heard of the murder, he traveled to the neighboring kingdom of Limeros to visit the king Gaius and plan an attack on Auranos in retaliation.
Magnus Damora is the prince of Limeros and is searching for his place in the world. He inexplicably and inappropriately is in love with his sister Lucia but fights to overcome his feelings for her. He desires the approval of his father, the king, who seems to prefer Magnus's illegitimate half brother Tobias. When Hugo Basilius shows up looking for a partner to fight against the powerful Auranos King, Magnus's power hungry father is ready and begins to give Magnus the respect he needs and Magnus finally finds peace in the darkness that lurks inside of him. Lucia is the Key to Limeros successfully overthrowing Auranos and is used wickedly by her father.
Surrounding all these lands is the legend of the Watchers who are said to watch the humans through the eyes of hawks, looking for evidence of the Kindred which will restore their power. This was a fantastic beginning to a well written fantasy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Princess Cleo is part of the Southern Kingdom called Auranos. She is the second daughter and not supposed to be next in line, but her sister is deathly ill and Cleo is desperate to find her help. 16 year old Cleo is engaged to Lord Aron, an eighteen year old scoundrel who is using a secret he holds against Cleo to keep her at his side. Cleo is determined not to marry him, especially after he kills a winemaker in a neighboring kingdom in cold blood. Cleo starts off as a stubborn, willful child, but, by the end of the book, she has suffered and grown into a determined woman.
The young winemaker Tomas is from the Middle Kingdom called Paelsia and he attacked Lord Aron when Aron tried to swindle his father into selling him cases of wine too cheaply. Lord Aron stuck Tomas in the throat with a knife, killing him in front of his family and on his sister's wedding day. Tomas's brother Jonas swore vengeance, especially on Princess Cleo who stood by and let it happen. When the religious leader of the land, Hugo Basilius heard of the murder, he traveled to the neighboring kingdom of Limeros to visit the king Gaius and plan an attack on Auranos in retaliation.
Magnus Damora is the prince of Limeros and is searching for his place in the world. He inexplicably and inappropriately is in love with his sister Lucia but fights to overcome his feelings for her. He desires the approval of his father, the king, who seems to prefer Magnus's illegitimate half brother Tobias. When Hugo Basilius shows up looking for a partner to fight against the powerful Auranos King, Magnus's power hungry father is ready and begins to give Magnus the respect he needs and Magnus finally finds peace in the darkness that lurks inside of him. Lucia is the Key to Limeros successfully overthrowing Auranos and is used wickedly by her father.
Surrounding all these lands is the legend of the Watchers who are said to watch the humans through the eyes of hawks, looking for evidence of the Kindred which will restore their power. This was a fantastic beginning to a well written fantasy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By jody
Format:Hardcover
Read this book in one night. my favorite so far for 2013! Multi-faceted characters, well designed plot and for once, originallity. All in one book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top of the list
Was one of many good books I have read in the past year or two. It is in the top ten list of good books!
Published 18 days ago by Amy Walker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Great book, captivating from beginning to end. The characters draw you in from the beginning. I recommend you read this, if you're looking for a great book for lunch.
Published 26 days ago by Cynder81
4.0 out of 5 stars
Falling kingdoms
It's a good book but it started out really slow and there were way too many characters but it was a good book.
Published 1 month ago by Nathan
2.0 out of 5 stars
Incredibly dull writing.
How did we end up here>
This was one of my very few must-grab reads at BEA last year because I was, and still am, desperate for GOOD fantasy. Read more
This was one of my very few must-grab reads at BEA last year because I was, and still am, desperate for GOOD fantasy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Donna Maybe Dottie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book; couldnt put it down
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, but it kept my attention. I was dissapointed that i finished it as soon as I did.
Published 1 month ago by Barrelracer109
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nice story... I just wish it didn't take that long before anything...
I have two major weaknesses that I never got to overcome - my stupid sense of direction, and my inability to remember names. Falling Kingdoms has tested me on both. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Janus @ The Blair Book Project
2.0 out of 5 stars
Great Potential But Lacking
I had been lusting after this book for ages, and I splurged on it as a post-Christmas present for myself. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nicci @ Paper Dreams
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Fascinating Political Fantasy Novel
What a ride this book has given me! As has become my practice these days, I did not refresh my memory on the book's description before diving in. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kelley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to walk away from!
I couldnt stop reading this book. I found myself invested in each of the main charactors. All of them were alive and real. Cannot wait to continue the story! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Elizabeth Reece
3.0 out of 5 stars
Falling Kingdoms
The story is about 3 kingdoms that were once united: Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia. There's been peace between the countries for centuries but then a wine-maker's son was killed by... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Elysium
