Review: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Published December 12th, 2012
Razorbill
412 pages (Hardcover)

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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? (From Goodreads)

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I've been digging the fantasy genre of late, and Falling Kingdoms did not disappoint.

Set in the land of Mytica, Falling Kingdoms has a feel similar to A Song of Fire and Ice (note that I have not read the books, this is based off the two seasons of Game of Thrones I've watched).  As far a settings go, there was not a ton of description beyond the three kingdoms within Mytica.  Some other areas are mentioned in vague detail, and will hopefully become more prominent in future books.  

Morgan Rhodes was not afraid to kill characters, but not until after you became attached, or when you weren't expecting it.  I won't spoil anything but OMG I was not pleased.  So, there is this...

The characters were really well done, and I truly developed some strong feelings for some of them.  Example, I hate Cleo, one of several main characters.  She felt like your typical teenage brat to me, and I was not digging it.  Compare this to Jonas, who I should have hated but couldn't!  I also liked Magnus and Lucia and Theon and ugh...

The story is complex, but not too complicated to confuse you.  I really enjoyed the many perspectives used.  The story follows, for the most part, Cleo, Magnus, Lucia, and Jonas.  Four "protagonists" (you can be the judge on that one) is a lot, but it worked well.  There were some timing issues that come with so many perspectives, but they never threw me off too badly.

Falling Kingdoms was a great read for anyone interest in, but intimidated by, fantasy novels.  I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.

Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah L. Maas

Published August 27th, 2013
Bloomsbury
420 pages (Hardcover)

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An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for? (From Goodreads)

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I'm going to focus on the characters here.  The plot and setting and all that were decent enough.  It's the characters here that I feel the need to discuss.

Celaena did absolutely NOTHING for me.  There is something about her that just didn't make sense to me.  She was an assassin, but so materialistic.  Apparently she has no problem with blood money and burning dresses.  Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't figure her out.  Add on her attitude and I was annoyed.  Everything is black and white to Celaena.  It seemed that every scene ended with some melodramatic woe-is-me statement.  This started to get on my nerves very fast.

That being said, I really enjoyed the perspectives of Choal and Dorian.  I wish that there had been more Dorian.  His story actually got really interesting, but more focus was placed on Choal.  This is justifiable, given what is happening in the book, but I really would have loved more Dorian.  As characters, both were a lot more, in my opinion, likable.  I felt a lot more for these two than Celaena, and found myself skipping chunks of the book in order to get back to Dorian and Choal's perspectives.

That all being said, I think that any fans of Throne of Glass will be blown away by this sequel.  There is lots of action and romance and good stuff in there that I really did enjoy, I just grew tired of Celaena's perspective.

Review: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Published August 27th, 2013
Greenwillow Books
448 pages (Hardcover)

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The epic conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.

Elisa is a fugitive in her own country.  Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness.  As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined.  And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history.  She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most.  (From Goodreads)

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I AM NOT READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO THIS SERIES!  I had huge expectations for this book, The Bitter Kingdom did not disappoint.

The Bitter Kingdom was everything I wanted, plus some.  It's basically the badass save-Hector-and-the-world show.  A lot happens here, and it is all woven together beautifully.  It's intricate and crazy and infinitely fun.  Saving the world isn't simple, and Rae Carson pieced it together in a fantastic way.

We've watched Elisa develop from a insecure girl to a full-blown queen worthy of the title.  This is character development at it's finest folks.  Like, take notes.  She's negotiating and scheming and she never would have done that before!  Then there is Hector.  I LOVE HECTOR.  He's a certifiable badass and loyal and so madly in love with Elisa that I cried.  No joke, I cried.  As far as characters go, they felt so bloody real that I want them in my life.  This can be said about all of them too.  The relationship between Mara and Belen was fantastic.  Then there is Red, a new character to The Bitter Kingdom that made me so happy!  We can look at Storm, too, and see crazy development in him.

I'm attached to this world and don't want to let go.  I want more!  A seperate series about Belen and Mara?  Maybe Red when she grows up?  Some Rosario?  Enough questions are left open that *could* fuel more books.  I'm begging here.  Please give me more.  Please.

In summary, go check out The Girls of Fire and Thorns and The Crown of Embers, because The Bitter Kingdom was the best conclusion I could ask for. 

Single Shot: The King's Guard by Rae Carson

Published July 30th, 2013
Greenwillow Books
111 pages (eBook)

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At fifteen years old, Hector is the youngest squire in the most elite military force in the country. And his first day is disastrous. Everyone assumes the only reason he was recruited is his close personal association with King Alejandro, not because he's really earned it.

But Alejandro needs Hector for a secret mission, one that gives him the chance to prove to everyone—including himself—that he is worthy to be a Royal Guard. Hector must break into the ancient Fortress of Wind to retrieve something so important that the kingdom's future depends on it. What Hector finds in the fortress will stretch his bond of friendship with his king near to breaking. And it will prepare him to become the fearsome warrior and lord commander Elisa will never let go.  (From Goodreads)

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If you want to feel all the Hector feels, The King's Guard is for you. 

This novella follows Hector just proving how much of a badass he is, even at the age of 15.  It is an interesting addition the series, providing insight into Hector's past that isn't seen in the three main novels.  You can definitely get by not reading this,  but who wouldn't want more Hector?  Nothing here is crucial, but you do gain more insight into Hector, as well as Lucio and Fernando, two more minor characters in the series.

The story isn't bad either.  I wouldn't call it mind-blowing, but it was still good and worth the couple bucks.  If you love the series and the Hector feels, give The King's Guard a try!

Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Published April 3rd, 2013
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
385 pages (Hardcover)

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Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for? (From Goodreads)

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I love this book!  I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I love the setting.  15th century Brittany is a nice change for someone who doesn't usually do historical.  The writing is that strong!  I mean, my knowledge of 15th century Brittany is pretty much non-existent, but I was instantly drawn in and embracing it!  I felt like I was there!  The conflict is awesome.  I loved the battle and the strategy and alliances and twists and turns!

I love the characters!  Sybella is a badass who's been through some serious shit.  She has some suicidal tendencies, and it was a joy to see her progression!  Then there is Beast, who is a f**king beast!  Again, badassery.  In Samantha's world, this instantly meant *swoon*!  The character development was amazing.  Every single character has depth and complexity that comes out through the story.

I love the plot!  Dark Triumph starts part way through the events of Grave Mercy (check out my review here), and explains what Sybella was up to during the first book.  Sybella's progression in dealing with her past while battling the political turmoil of the novel intertwined beautifully.  I also like that this book highlights more of a personal side to the series.  Grave Mercy focused more on the politics and history, but this time round we see more romance and personal relationships.  Robin LaFevers actually addresses this in an Author's Note at the end of the novel.  I'm glad that she does, because it was what I was thinking the whole time!  Dark Triumph was a perfect balance.

Dark Triumph is amazing and gorgeous and spectacular.  It will draw you in and tear your soul apart!  So, you know, go buy this book immediately!

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Published June 4th, 2013
Henry Holt and Co.
435 pages (Hardcover)

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Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long. 

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.  (From Goodreads)

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Awesome book.  Pure awesome.

It takes a good fantasy to really attract my attention.  Very few even interest me enough to attempt a read.  This book did just tempt me.  I was pumped to read it!  Magic in a mystical version of Russia?  BAM.  I was no match.  And it is done well.  The magic is complex and thought provoking, in that it kept me engaged and very concerned about what would happen next.  The setting is also complex and well written, with a map, an addition that I love.

As usual, the character dynamics are my favourite part.  Character growth is a huge component of this book.  Alina is changing with the growth of her magic.  Mal is adapting to all this crazy-ness, and it impacts their relationship.  There is an actual, palpable cause-and-effect there.  Then there is The Darkling, who I wish we had seen more of, but has left a lot of room open for what madness could ensue.  Sturmhond is a great addition, providing that snark factor I adore.  As for Genya, my favourite character from Shadow and Bone, I hope book three allows for more of her.

I will admit though, that I found the middle of the book a little slow.  I was just craving some sort of action or event that would draw me back in.  The beginning was engaging from the start, and the end was solid, but that centre chunk was missing a little something.

While I will say I enjoyed Shadow and Bone a wee bit more, Siege and Storm is a fantastic sequel that left me craving more!

Much love, Samantha