By: Aislin Freedman, Sophomore
Looking for your next high-fantasy read? Well look no further! Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes is a novel that will grab you and not let go. The book takes place on the continent of Mytica, across the three countries of frozen Limeros, dying Paelsia, and flourishing Auranos. Watchers live in a paradise on a different plane of existence from Mytica, and they watch over the world of mortals in the form of golden hawks. Many years ago, there was a war between the goddesses Cleiona and Valoria, leading to the scattering of the kindred, powerful elemental stones.
Cleiona (Cleo) Bellos faces political complications and the threat of an unwanted arranged marriage, living in luxury as princess of Auranos.
Jonas Agallon and his family live in near poverty, in a small village in Paelsia, but his life is overturned when his brother is brutally murdered.
Magnus Damora struggles with maintaining appearances around his ruthless father, king of Limeros, as well as hiding his intense but unrequited love from even those closest to him, as well as protecting his sister. Lucia Damora doesn’t know anything. Not yet.
Building layer atop layer of intrigue, this novel has been often compared to R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. And while I wouldn’t go so far as to say they are equals, they definitely share similar aspects. Falling Kingdoms is faster paced, easier to finish, as well as less intricate, with fewer moving parts to follow and need to remember.
Yet there is still plenty of political intrigue and magic to go around. The book feels magical, and easily transports you into the world the characters live in. Each chapter brings a new layer of story, and with each word you read, you will become more and more attached to the characters. Even the evil Sabina the witch is a fascinating character, filled with treachery and conniving secrets.
All in all, this was a good book. Maybe not my favorite book I’ve ever read, but pretty good nonetheless, and a great book for someone looking for minor (or major) escapism, just to get away from the complications of real life, and into the complications of fictional life. A break all of us need once in awhile.