Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms book #4) by Morgan Rhodes

 Title: Frozen Tides

                                                                   Author: Morgan Rhodes

                                                                   Published: December 15th 2015 by, Razorbill 

                                                                   Series: Falling Kingdoms book #4

                                                                   Genre: YA, Fantasy

                                                                   Stars: 4/5

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

This is the fourth book in the Falling Kingdoms series and it still produces the same goods as the previous books. Click here to read my review on book 1, book 2 and book 3.

The plot line is still the same but perhaps slightly a tad bit more confusing. It seems as the series go on and as the readers, we find out more, the plot line thickens and more ingredients are added to the bubbling potion that will erupt by the end of the whole series. 

Our four main characters: Cleo, Magnus, Lucia and Jonas are still in the midst of all the elemental, Kindred and Watchers business and none have found a solid answer as to how to end this all.

The four main characters are all set in their own journey but they do see each other along the way.

We see a whole new side to Lucia in this book. She simply does not care about anyone at the beginning of the book and wants everyone to feel the same level of grieve and hurt that she experienced. Her vision in this book did annoy me and what did not help was that she became all pally with the fire Kindred, who was let out from his globe in book 3 by Lucia. Both are vengeance seeking creatures and because of this they tend to create some damage wherever they go. However, near the end of the book, once Lucia finds out a little secret about herself, her vision become a little bit clearer and she realises the damages she has caused.

 Jonas. Ah, Jonas. Constantly failing in whatever he was doing that even his hard core fans were getting tired of him. Nonetheless, throughout this book he does seem to be making moderate steps at achieving a better world, or at least getting some worthwhile people on his side.

Cleo and Magnus. I put them together and for all of you who have read this book will understand. They are so similar yet so different from each other. One is literally like light, whilst the other is dark. They need and want each other and as the readers you desperately want the two characters to make up their mind quicker and just get together! No doubt that it is Magnus who is more afraid of revealing his true feelings even though his teasing and arguments with Cleo was comical at times.

As always with the Falling Kingdoms books, there are sudden deaths. I always have to remind myself never to get attached to these characters because they could disappear in a blink of an eye. 

Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms book #3) by Morgan Rhodes

 Title: Gathering Darkness

                                                                   Author: Morgan Rhodes

                                                                   Published: December 9th 2014 by, Razorbill

                                                                   Series: Falling Kingdoms book #3

                                                                   Genre: Fantasy, YA

                                                                   Stars: 4.5/5

In GATHERING DARKNESS, book three of the New York Times bestselling Falling Kingdoms series, the stakes have never been higher as three teams push forward on a race to find the Kindred, the four elemental crystals possessing ancient all-powerful magic, first:

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred - the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic...

• THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

• THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia's overpowering magic - all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

• THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia's powers to unveil the Kindred.

The only certainty in the dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica... but fate can be fickle when magic is involved. 

These books just keep getting better.  Read my reviews of book 1 here and book 2 here.

So in terms of the characters, they pretty much stay the same. The four main protagonists; Lucia, Cleo, Magnus and Jonas are very much alive and taking hold of the book. Additional characters are included such as Amara, Ashur’s sister, and who very much is a snake. And of course Felix.

I can’t put my finger on him, what him and his power’s exact purpose is. Towards the end you realise he was just a lonely boy looking to make some real friends. However, at the sudden turn of events, the readers are left wondering where his true loyalty lies. He’s just an interesting fella.

There’s one major relationship within this book and that’s between Magnus and Cleo. I know I’ve said in my reviews of the two previous books that I really want Cleo and Jonas to become an item and how I hate Magnus due to his disgusting feelings towards his sister (adopted or not adopted) however, that mayyyy have changed a bit in this book (eeike). Okay, I really like love-hate relationshops and Magnus and Cleo’s relationship is the exact definition of that. They hate each other so much and they have reasons to, especially Cleo. But there’s these moments in the book where they see the other side to the person and can’t help admiring them......butttt Magnus (majority of that time) just goes and ruins it all by saying something or doing something on purpose. That boy is just so afraid to let anyone in. And also there is no attraction on Cleo’s behalf towards Jonas. It’s towards the end when I was really clutching the pages and desperately hoping for something to happen between Magnus and Cleo. Safe to say we are not disappointed!

Majority of the plot line in this book is to find the four crystals that have been scattered all over the place. There’s some secrets spilled in this book, some people that you just cannot trust and one major villain appearing at the end of the book. Anddd we just all know Lucia has gone and turned that forever curling leave right over to the dark side *cue dramatic music*.

Like I said, these books just keep on getting better and I have no idea how this is all going to play out at the end. 

Rebel Spring (Falling Kingdoms book #2) by Morgan Rhodes

 Title: Rebel Spring

                                                                   Author: Morgan Rhodes

                                                                   Published: December 3rd 2013, by Razorbill

                                                                   Series: Falling Kingdoms book #2

                                                                   Genre: Fantasy, YA

                                                                   Stars: 4/5

Love, power, and magic collide with war in the second book of the Falling Kingdoms series

Auranos has fallen and the three kingdoms—Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia—are now united as one country called Mytica. But still, magic beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...

When the evil King Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land, forcing Cleo the dethroned princess, Magnus the reluctant heir, Lucia the haunted sorceress, and Jonas the desperate rebel to take steps they never could have imagined.

***THIS BOOK WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST BOOK AND SOME SPOILERS FOR THE THIS BOOK**

One word: AMAZING!! Oh and can we just take a minute to gush over the book’s cover! I mean I adored the first book’s cover but I’m in love with this one!

Normally, I’m a bit apprehensive reading any sequel to such a great book but Rebel Spring does it justice.

All the same feelings I had whilst reading The Falling Kingdoms’ came rushing back whilst reading ‘Rebel Spring’, especially in the love department.  Click here to read my review on the first book. I mean come onnn, did anyone ever think that Cleo and Magnus might be a thing? Okay, I admit I had a tiny suspicion in the first book since both are of royal blood of enemy lands and they just despised each other (and we all know whenever a pair can’t stand each that normally leads to a relationship blooming). But I was sure she was going to get with Jonas.....although it’s not actually clarified that Cleo and Magnus are together, together.....but you know where I’m going with this.

Okay, my all time favourite character in this book is still Cleo. She’s such a brave character despite everything that has happened with her. Although there are numerous times when she felt like giving up, she always got back on her feet and continued with her agenda. I like her, I like her a lot.

Now, I hated Magnus in the first book (mostly it’s to do with his disgusting obsession over his sister ((adopted)), Lucia). However, in this book you see Magnus in a very different light. HE HAS A HEART! 

Yes and before you go thinking, no, it’s not made out of ice! Result. There are numerous times when he stopped his father from killing someone in cold blood and to reconsider his punishment. Although, he still has an agenda in this book that will ultimately get him closer to his sister (he thinks), he’s character has slightly grown on me....and I’m not ashamed to admit that.

Jonas, ahhhh Jonas. The gorgeous sun-kissed rebel. I just adore him, no matter how stubborn he can get, I just do. Whilst he does try to get his little group of rebels rallied up, they don’t succeed on several occasions. Buttt, this all better change in the third book which I think Jonas is going to play a very big part in. Perhaps become Paelsia’s new chief leader???

I don’t really have anything to say about Lucia, only that’s she’s become slightly evil by the use of her corrupted power and that she’s fallen in love with a Watcher, Alexius (I told you so!). I suspect in the third book, she’s either going to turn into a Watcher to be with him or Alexius is going to come to earth and become human to be with her. Either way, they’re going to end up with each other whilst he helps to restore the balance on earth and in the Sanctuary.

New characters were also interested, such as a new love interest for Jonas. Although their personalities were okay, I didn’t really care much about them.

Just like in Game of Thrones, characters also die....very suddenly and those who you thought were going to live until the end of the book. I need to remind myself not to get so surprised with these deaths and to never get attached to a character... except the four main characters.

All in all, I loved this book. There were some twists and turns and some unexpected news and is going to make the third book a much anticipated book to read!

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

  Title: Falling Kingdoms

                                                      Author: Morgan Rhodes

                                                      Pages: 412

                                                      Published: December 11th 2012, by Penguin Books

                                                      Series: Fallen Kingdoms #1

                                                      Genre: Fantasy, Magic, YA

                                                      Stars: 4/5 starts

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?

                                                  

Okay, this book rocked! I loved every bit of it and so far the fantasy genre is delivering well!!!

Of course, just as everyone was saying, this is basically a teen version of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones (which I have to add....loveeeee!). I absolutely loved the description that Morgan brought out in this book what with the scenery, the culture and all in all the three kingdoms.

a land that is made up of three kingdoms and belief over two goddesses, peace is no longer part of their lives and war is very much upon them all. One princess must travel into an enemy’s territory searching for something long forgotten, another princess must control her powers. A prince must overcome his forbidden love and a young brother, a rebel wants to avenge his brother’s death.

Okay dokayyyy, on to the characters of this book.

I actually, surprisingly, really admired Cleo. She is the youngest princess of the Auranos kingdom and at first she was portrayed as someone who is naive and stubborn, getting everything she wants. Yeah, basically a spoilt brat. Quit fitting for a princess I may just add. However, she definitely matures throughout this book and takes on more responsibilities. I just admired her for that, especially when she tries to stay positive, something terrible happens to her or her loved one around her. I mean, come on Morgan, give the girl some slack at least?!

Next up is Jonas who lives in the Paelsia kingdom, which not only the land between the other two kingdoms, but also the poorest and ruled by a lazy, irresponsible and selfish chief....not to mention a fat one at that. After seeing the death of his eldest brother at the hands of a royal Aurano, she swears to avenge his death and start a rebellion....which he pretty much does albeit in a different way to what he imagined. I absolutely loved him *sigh*, a very rough time of guy buy still sooo adorable! Oh and he is most definitely in love with Cleo. His obsession about her and her-so-called part in his brother death and wanting to kill her does in no way hide the fact that he is slightly smitten with her and me thinks some romance will happen between them  two in the next book oh lalala.

I just like to mention quickly here that just like Game of Thrones, you have no idea who is good or who is bad. I mean they all think they have good intentions but they do horrible acts in order to achieve them....aside from Jonas....leave Jonas alone....his poor!

Oh and another thing, every single death in this book comes all of a sudden. I literally jumped out of my seat whenever someone got killed suddenly! Yesh!!

Okay, next two characters are from the Limeros kingdom. Lucia is the most strongest sorcerer and I really like her. She was humble and nice. Magnus, her so called brother, did not warm up to me so much. I found him cold, moody and just very unlikeable. It did not help with his sick attraction to his so called sister!

I really liked the different points of view from these characters and how different their lives were from each other. I also liked the different weathers that each character experienced from different parts of the kingdom. This book it definitely one of betray, power and lust. It’s also nice to see a young person’s point o view amidst all this chaos.

Filled with mythology and cultural references, this book is definitely built on magic and the foundations of two goddesses.

One thing I liked to point out is that I did wish for the female characters to be a bit stronger in this book, doing at least some of the fighting, rather than staying indoors. I knowwww, it doesn’t fit with the plot line, but hey maybe in the next two books? 

Notable quotes/passages:

“Then his heart, now broken into a thousand pieces, slowly began to turn to ice.” 

Book Trailer: