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 :) ( )

All meat and no filler in this second book in the series. There's plenty of fleshing out, not only of the backstory, but in terms of the characters. There were times I cringed in sympathy as the good guys were thwarted, often in bloody ways. Very much looking forward to starting the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it. ( )

Oh my god! Will Cleo and Lucia be friends? That would make a power duo! I’d love tam hat but I feel like even with them as enemies that’d be awesome! I’m off to read the third one! ( )

This book is so damn good. The plot is is average but the characters are so complicated and confusing which just makes the book much better. Even the writing style can't help but pull you in.

There are so many deaths that it pierces my heart every time. All my favorite minor characters are getting killed but I really have to say that this series is not what I expected.

This is not a casual read. I have invested in a new fandom and I don't regret it. ( )

I actually quite enjoyed this one. This series isn't necessarily all that great, but it's certainly addictive.

I don't think this is anything out of the ordinary. I like the characters well enough. The world is fairly well developed. The writing is easy to read. The plot, while unoriginal, is certainly gripping and well done. Everything's fine.

But nothing's amazing. I actually really like Cleo, and also a couple of the side characters. But the others? I just don't care. Jonas isn't bad... he's just not anything special. Lucia's fine, but she's just that. Fine. Magnus is, to be quite honest, a jerk, and I actually really dislike him. (Unpopular opinion, I know.)
The world has nothing to differentiate itself from all the other fantasy worlds out there.
Same with the writing.
And the plot.

Also um... It felt to me like there was a lot of unnecessary deaths. Look, I read dark books. Characters dying doesn't bother me. But... they usually feel like they have a point. This just felt like the author went "Hmmm, I need make this more interesting, what should I do? Oh, I know! Let's pointlessly kill off another character! For absolutely no reason!"
It was just too much.

Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm definitely going to continue with the series. It's just nothing special. ( )