WARNING Some spoilers contained in review! Continue reading at your own risk.
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.
I'm warning you all, this book will take your heart, enrapture it, then crush it under its figurative feet. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes is an incredible, INCREDIBLE fantasy tale that will leave you breathless for more.
Filled with intrigue, unexpected plot twists, in-depth mythology and magic, thorough world building, and political unrest, Falling Kingdoms is everything I could ever ask for in a book described as an "epic fantasy". This is the next best thing since Lord of the Rings or Narnia.
I'll admit, though, I did find some minor flaws with this book. However, it was nothing that made me want to forgo reading it. At first, the writing style was a little spotty. The characters would be talking, but in between each spoken sentence, the author broke the trance to describe the comings and goings of the kingdom. Sure, this was fantastic in the world-building department, as it let you know every little thing about all three kingdoms. However, when this happens for the first 200 pages of the book, it does get a little tiresome, considering every time the author switches POV (Point-Of-View), she felt the need to repeat the exact same thing she described in the previous chapters.
Alternatively, I found it easy to recover from this.
Some say that Falling Kingdoms was annoyingly slow up until the last 100 pages. I am not one of those people. I would describe this book as more of a gradual build up to a much greater climax that is definitely worth waiting for. I admire the author's ability to let the plot flow naturally, rather than try to push it on quickly in an attempt to keep the book fast paced. And, rest assured, there is plenty of conflict midst the gradual build-up.
I adored Cleo and Theon's relationship. I've heard it said that this is just pure lust. I disagree. Their feelings toward each other seem no different than feelings displayed by characters in other works of fiction. However, once their feelings were exposed to each other, things did kind of move a little too quickly for my taste. That is, until the tragic end.
Now, down to the nitty gritty.
Language - "B*st*rd" is used plenty of times, mostly in its literal form; "b*tch" is used a few times; "d*mn" is used three times, if I recall correctly; other mild language as well. (No s-words, or f-words, or their derivatives)
Sexual Content - Next to none. *SPOILERS* It is revealed that one of the characters had a slip-up one night while under the influence of wine. Some crude comments are made.
Violence - Plenty of violence and gore. Throats are slit, heads and limbs are severed, stabbing, and a major battle at the end.
Scary Images - As listed in the violence category. Also, plenty of action and fighting.
Overall, I forgive the author for her overuse of the word "b*st*rd", for she balances that off very well with an exceptional story. I cannot wait until its sequel, Rebel Spring, is released on December 3rd of this year. That's a long wait!
Thank you, Ms. Rhodes, for writing a story that has brought great joy to my life! And I cannot forget to mention that AWESOME cover!!!
5 of 5 stars!!!
God bless,
Brian
Have you read Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes yet? If so, what were your thoughts?
