Title: Falling Kingdoms
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms #1
Publication details: December 11th 2012 by Razorbill
Genre: High fantasy, young adult
In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.
As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed... and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined. Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.
The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?
It's the eve of war... Choose your side.
An entertaining and intriguing introduction to the world of Mytica.
Plot
Falling Kingdoms follows multiple characters from three different kingdoms whose paths crossed and lives changed because of one incident- an incident that will ignite the war and fall of the kingdoms.
The book starts with the usual introduction of the characters in their respective niches. Then came the inciting incident, and from there, the story progresses into events that will shape the characters' and their kingdoms' future.
I have read quite a number in the fantasy genre. And while Falling Kingdoms has the usual fantasy elements, it still brings something refreshing. Looking into the plot, it was not totally amazing in my opinion but the way each element is weaved together created an entertaining read. I was really intrigued as the plot took shape, and the characters entered each other's lives.
The pacing is varied. However I don't remember the book having dragging parts since we're following multiple characters. The ending is quite a cliffhanger though, so I badly want to read the second book (if only my local bookstore will stock it soon).
The world building is alright. There is nothing really unusual or unique I can remember. But I shall see in the next books. I have yet to explore the world of Mytica.
Revenge, love for family, and trust. These are some of the themes in the book. It also tells that while preconceptions about someone are inevitable, that does not mean that they are the sole basis for our actions toward others. And that no one should judge someone based on those preconceptions.
Plot-wise, Falling Kingdoms is an enjoyable read. I think it did its job setting an intriguing introduction to the series.
Characters
I did not really care much for the characters. They are alright, I guess. But I was not able to connect to any of them. I guess it comes from following multiple characters (main and secondary), and not knowing who will stay or not.
Thankfully though, there are no annoying characters. Some characters may seem shallow though, but I think character developments will take place in the next books.
I shall see.
Writing
The writing style of the author is okay. I liked how the plot and the characters come together as the story progresses. As I have mentioned, the author was able to create a still enjoyable, intriguing read despite the usual fantasy elements.
The flow is also smooth and easy to follow. I don't remember having difficulty understanding the plot line and picturing their world.
-o-
Overall, Falling Kingdom is a good read. I think the author did a good job introducing the series. I definitely want to read the next books, and continue on with the main characters' adventures.
Morgan Rhodes lives in Ontario, Canada. As a child, she always wanted to be a princess - the kind that knows how to wield a sharp sword to help save both kingdoms and princes from fire -breathing dragons and dark wizards. Instead, she became a writer, which is just as good and much less dangerous. Along with writing, Morgan enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, and is an extremely picky, yet voracious reader of all kinds of books. Under another pen name, she’s a national bestselling author of many paranormal novels. Falling Kingdoms is her first high fantasy (Goodreads).