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Falling Kingdoms #3
Gathering Darkness
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2015)War brought them together. Love will tear them apart.
Alliances form across Mytica and beyond as royals and rebels alike race to hunt down the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give their owners god-like power. The stakes have never been higher for Magnus and Cleo, who are brought together by a life or death decision that will lock their fates and change the course of the kingdom forever.
THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo slays with sweetness—and a secret that might control Lucia’s magic—as she and vengeful Jonas lead the hunt for the all-powerful Kindred.
THE KRAESHIANS join the fray. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the vast kingdom across the Silver Sea, prove to be just as ruthless as they are charming as they manipulate their way to victory.
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.
And which side will Prince Magnus choose, now that everyone he’s been betrayed by everyone he’s ever loved?
Alliances form across Mytica and beyond as royals and rebels alike race to hunt down the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give their owners god-like power. The stakes have never been higher for Magnus and Cleo, who are brought together by a life or death decision that will lock their fates and change the course of the kingdom forever.
THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo slays with sweetness—and a secret that might control Lucia’s magic—as she and vengeful Jonas lead the hunt for the all-powerful Kindred.
THE KRAESHIANS join the fray. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the vast kingdom across the Silver Sea, prove to be just as ruthless as they are charming as they manipulate their way to victory.
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.
And which side will Prince Magnus choose, now that everyone he’s been betrayed by everyone he’s ever loved?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
About the author
Morgan Rhodes
29 books6,645 followersMorgan 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,369 reviews
February 3, 2016
I honestly don't know where this series is going to go...that's why it's so good!
Gathering Darkness wasn't my favorite book in the series but I'm excited for Frozen Tides!
Gathering Darkness wasn't my favorite book in the series but I'm excited for Frozen Tides!
January 15, 2017
Re read in audio to finish the series. Still loving it 💕😊
There are a few people in this book that made me rage!
You have King Gaius who is beyond! And what he did to Gregor in front of Lysandra. I CAN'T EVEN!
Another one I didn't like was Melenia. She was just evil and did stupid stuff over what she thought was love.
AMARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her and King Gaius can be thrown on the same fire pit!
I'm on the fence with Prince Magnus, I mean he did one good thing for Cleo. I love Cleo by the way she's so strong and her character is easy to like. And I love Lysandra and Nic.
Jonas, he's a nerd but he tries. lol
Felix . . . hmmm
I want to know more about the Kindred and what's going to happen when they all get the crystals.
Sounds all crazy doesn't it? There's kingdoms that hate one another, naturally. Magic, betrayal, love, and some other crazy going on.
Alexius and Lucia *sob*
All I know is that I hope some evil people get theirs in the next book, or the next one, or the next one. You get what I mean.
Her magic burned withing her, her ring blazed on her finger, but despite the pain and suffering of this night, she'd never felt more powerful in her entire life.
"Will you help me?" he asked again when silence fell between them.
He was dangerous--she felt it down in her very soul. The price of this young man's freedom would be forged from pain, death, and fire.
"Yes," she said.
The single word sealed her fate.
Standing there on the steep Limerian cliffs, she was ready to watch the world burn.
and thus it begins . . .
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
There are a few people in this book that made me rage!
You have King Gaius who is beyond! And what he did to Gregor in front of Lysandra. I CAN'T EVEN!
Another one I didn't like was Melenia. She was just evil and did stupid stuff over what she thought was love.
AMARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her and King Gaius can be thrown on the same fire pit!
I'm on the fence with Prince Magnus, I mean he did one good thing for Cleo. I love Cleo by the way she's so strong and her character is easy to like. And I love Lysandra and Nic.
Jonas, he's a nerd but he tries. lol
Felix . . . hmmm
I want to know more about the Kindred and what's going to happen when they all get the crystals.
Sounds all crazy doesn't it? There's kingdoms that hate one another, naturally. Magic, betrayal, love, and some other crazy going on.
Alexius and Lucia *sob*
All I know is that I hope some evil people get theirs in the next book, or the next one, or the next one. You get what I mean.
Her magic burned withing her, her ring blazed on her finger, but despite the pain and suffering of this night, she'd never felt more powerful in her entire life.
"Will you help me?" he asked again when silence fell between them.
He was dangerous--she felt it down in her very soul. The price of this young man's freedom would be forged from pain, death, and fire.
"Yes," she said.
The single word sealed her fate.
Standing there on the steep Limerian cliffs, she was ready to watch the world burn.
and thus it begins . . .
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Read
August 18, 2017DNF @ 28%
So here is the fucking deal.
I have suffered & I do mean REALLY SUFFERED with this series.
I cannot deal with these paper-fucking-thin, shallow-ass, completely-not-even-worth-my-time, dumb-as-fucking-dirt characters.
I cannot deal with this boring-as-hell, killing-off-characters-left-and-right-for-shock-value, completely-derivative-of-every-fantasy-book-ever plot.
I cannot deal with this childish, who-even-edited-this, are-we-sure-someone-actually-fucking-edited-this writing.
I don't even have the vocabulary to express how much I despise this series.
Regardless of how much I didn't enjoy these books, I had the best time reading this with my lovely pals:
♥ Frankie
♥ Kaylin
♥ Rachelle
♥ Jeremy
♥ Bentley
But this is the end of the road for me. I can't take it anymore & I honestly want these books out of my house as fast as possible. Read at your own risk.
So here is the fucking deal.
I have suffered & I do mean REALLY SUFFERED with this series.
I cannot deal with these paper-fucking-thin, shallow-ass, completely-not-even-worth-my-time, dumb-as-fucking-dirt characters.
I cannot deal with this boring-as-hell, killing-off-characters-left-and-right-for-shock-value, completely-derivative-of-every-fantasy-book-ever plot.
I cannot deal with this childish, who-even-edited-this, are-we-sure-someone-actually-fucking-edited-this writing.
I don't even have the vocabulary to express how much I despise this series.
Regardless of how much I didn't enjoy these books, I had the best time reading this with my lovely pals:
♥ Frankie
♥ Kaylin
♥ Rachelle
♥ Jeremy
♥ Bentley
But this is the end of the road for me. I can't take it anymore & I honestly want these books out of my house as fast as possible. Read at your own risk.
March 19, 2016
Perfection.
2023 re-read.
2020 review: I'm so overwhelmed, I can't even wait another minute to start the fourth book.
2020 update: re-read. Can’t wait for chapter 29 😉😍
2017 review: 5/5 because hOLY CRAP, THIS WAS A GOOD ONE!
2023 re-read.
2020 review: I'm so overwhelmed, I can't even wait another minute to start the fourth book.
2020 update: re-read. Can’t wait for chapter 29 😉😍
2017 review: 5/5 because hOLY CRAP, THIS WAS A GOOD ONE!
January 9, 2014
Craziness!!! My mind was blown in those last 100 pages... so many twists so many feels.. I can't even with this book. It is definitely my favorite out of the series so far! LOVE these books to pieces <3 I cannot wait for the next one!
September 20, 2017
Magnus & Cleo 😍
July 9, 2017
See this review and more like it on www.bookbastion.net!
__________
Break out the bubbly for me friends, because I have finallyescaped finished, this pure torture book!
Cut to me, wondering where all the glowing reviews for this series come from, because I just don't get it.
There are so many better written YA series out there that I would recommend over this one, because this one's got problems. It's derivative to an extreme. Every plot point and character outline is lifted directly from Game of Thrones. You've got incestual siblings and their mean old dad who runs the world. You've got the downtrodden Stark daughter who has been separated from her family; and you've got the pure hearted do-gooders rebelling against those in power.
In this book, everything is painfully simplified. There is no nuance to Morgan Rhode's writing. When she wants you to know that a character's a bad dude, it's going to be telegraphed 14 times in earlier chapters before the big reveal so that there's absolutely no surprise. When she wants you to sympathize with a character she's going to give that character a stock scene where they pour their heart out in an overly sappy monologue that fairly screams: "love him," which only made me dislike them even more.
It feels like there's no heart or soul to this series. No moral lessons underpinning the plot to make this series worth reading. It's poorly plotted events and poorly drawn characters randomly bumping into each other over and over again and sometimes killing each other, which might be entertaining if it was well written. Spoiler alert: it's not, so it was painful to read. And not just for me either.
The Fantasy League I was reading this series with fell apart trying to get through this book. It wasn't from lack of trying - but rather a lack of a reason to care. This series killed off all our interest one by one like some horror movie slasher. By the time I finished it was like I'd just crawled out of the woods at the end of the movie, and I didn't even get an "I survived" t-shirt to make it worth it.
I have to rant about the LGBT rep in this series. In my review for Rebel Spring, I brought up some issues with a particular male character who was revealed to be bisexual. For the record, it was not the fact that this character was revealed to be bisexual that annoyed me. It was the way the reveal was treated: shoehorned into the final 30 pages of the story and the way it played out read more like sexual assault of an intoxicated character, rather than a romantic reveal.
Regardless, because Rhodes had already committed to the storyline at the end of the last book, I went into this one looking forward to seeing how it played out. It's more than disappointing.
It's badly handled and almost offensive to me as a gay man, because it's pretty clear Rhodes had no intention of showcasing a M/M romance in the same way she does her straight pairings.
Keep in mind, at this point in the series Cleo has kissed every leading male character, including some of the ones that are now dead. Straight characters hook up left, right and center in this series while the M/M relationship stagnates and the characters dance around each other, never saying what they mean or expressing real romantic feelings for one another.
Frankly, It's not even a M/M relationship. It's a subplot that was shoehorned in for diversity rep by an author who clearly had no intentions of showcasing it in the same way as she does her straight relationships. It's like someone told Morgan Rhodes that LGBT rep was profitable in the YA community and included the storyline only to draw in those readers, with no real intention to ever do anything with it. To drive that point home,
Seek out other books if you're looking for a well-written LGBT romance. There are plenty of other YA books out there where the author actually wants to write those relationship dynamics. Really, I don't know why I expected more.
Reaching the end of this review, I can feel the weight lifting right off my shoulders because I an finally done with this book, and this series. I won't be reading the rest because I couldn't care less what happens next. To be quite honest, I'll likely be avoiding Morgan Rhodes books in general in the future.
There's lots of great YA series out there. Give one of those a shot before spending money on this one.
★ = 1/5 stars, because Goodreads won't let me give less.
___________
Lord, give me strength!
__________
Break out the bubbly for me friends, because I have finally
Cut to me, wondering where all the glowing reviews for this series come from, because I just don't get it.
There are so many better written YA series out there that I would recommend over this one, because this one's got problems. It's derivative to an extreme. Every plot point and character outline is lifted directly from Game of Thrones. You've got incestual siblings and their mean old dad who runs the world. You've got the downtrodden Stark daughter who has been separated from her family; and you've got the pure hearted do-gooders rebelling against those in power.
In this book, everything is painfully simplified. There is no nuance to Morgan Rhode's writing. When she wants you to know that a character's a bad dude, it's going to be telegraphed 14 times in earlier chapters before the big reveal so that there's absolutely no surprise. When she wants you to sympathize with a character she's going to give that character a stock scene where they pour their heart out in an overly sappy monologue that fairly screams: "love him," which only made me dislike them even more.
It feels like there's no heart or soul to this series. No moral lessons underpinning the plot to make this series worth reading. It's poorly plotted events and poorly drawn characters randomly bumping into each other over and over again and sometimes killing each other, which might be entertaining if it was well written. Spoiler alert: it's not, so it was painful to read. And not just for me either.
The Fantasy League I was reading this series with fell apart trying to get through this book. It wasn't from lack of trying - but rather a lack of a reason to care. This series killed off all our interest one by one like some horror movie slasher. By the time I finished it was like I'd just crawled out of the woods at the end of the movie, and I didn't even get an "I survived" t-shirt to make it worth it.
I have to rant about the LGBT rep in this series. In my review for Rebel Spring, I brought up some issues with a particular male character who was revealed to be bisexual. For the record, it was not the fact that this character was revealed to be bisexual that annoyed me. It was the way the reveal was treated: shoehorned into the final 30 pages of the story and the way it played out read more like sexual assault of an intoxicated character, rather than a romantic reveal.
Regardless, because Rhodes had already committed to the storyline at the end of the last book, I went into this one looking forward to seeing how it played out. It's more than disappointing.
It's badly handled and almost offensive to me as a gay man, because it's pretty clear Rhodes had no intention of showcasing a M/M romance in the same way she does her straight pairings.
Keep in mind, at this point in the series Cleo has kissed every leading male character, including some of the ones that are now dead. Straight characters hook up left, right and center in this series while the M/M relationship stagnates and the characters dance around each other, never saying what they mean or expressing real romantic feelings for one another.
Frankly, It's not even a M/M relationship. It's a subplot that was shoehorned in for diversity rep by an author who clearly had no intentions of showcasing it in the same way as she does her straight relationships. It's like someone told Morgan Rhodes that LGBT rep was profitable in the YA community and included the storyline only to draw in those readers, with no real intention to ever do anything with it. To drive that point home,
Seek out other books if you're looking for a well-written LGBT romance. There are plenty of other YA books out there where the author actually wants to write those relationship dynamics. Really, I don't know why I expected more.
Reaching the end of this review, I can feel the weight lifting right off my shoulders because I an finally done with this book, and this series. I won't be reading the rest because I couldn't care less what happens next. To be quite honest, I'll likely be avoiding Morgan Rhodes books in general in the future.
There's lots of great YA series out there. Give one of those a shot before spending money on this one.
★ = 1/5 stars, because Goodreads won't let me give less.
___________
Buddy reading this hot mess with the Falling Kingdoms Fantasy League:
🗡Frankie Lovely
🗡Mary, ~Ravager of Tomes~
🗡Kaylin
🗡Rachelle
🗡Jeremy
Lord, give me strength!
December 16, 2013
OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO EPIC
I DONT THINK I CAN WAIT ANOTHER YEAR.
I DONT THINK I CAN WAIT ANOTHER YEAR.
July 1, 2013
Q & A with Morgan Rhodes and you could win the whole Falling Kingdoms series, postcard set and a tshirt in Young Adult Hollywood.
Wait a second. I need to calm the rapid thumping in my chest.
Okay.
Here we go.
Falling Kingdoms is one of my favorite series and its sequel Rebel Spring is by far my favorite book for so many reasons. It cemented my love for this series. And here comes the Gathering Darkness, this book is without mercy the most goriest
It is cruel and there would be a princess, a rebel and a prince kissing but they don’t live happily ever after. They are still at war.
I wouldn’t highlight the book closely, in fear of spoiling the whole book to our dear readers and my friends. I’ll be very vague as I could be.
Gathering Darkness quickly follow up where Rebel Spring wrapped up. In this third book, everything escalated so fast, there was a whirlwind of disaster, romance and action. It was relatively easy to get lost into Rhodes's luscious but brutal world.
Our main characters are back and they are sassier and baddest than yesterday. Every one of them is craftily written and layered as expected from Rhodes. There is nothing more interesting than seeing all of the main characters together having a fiery banter so I hope that would happen in the next couple of books.
The romance doesn’t take over the plot, it is not the entire focus of the story. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing for some of the readers, but all I could say is I want more kissing. I definitely vote for more.
The plot is intricate and there are so many twists every chapter. It is not a perfect book, I have a one problem with it, but aside from that Morgan Rhodes outdid herself again. AND THAT ENDING. Spoiler. It does not end well.
Gathering Darkness is such a great addition to the intense and magical series that is Falling Kingdoms. I am eager to see how the next couple of books would play out.
Review also posted at Young Adult Hollywood.
Thanks to Morgan Rhodes for the ARC!
Edited September 20, 2014.
Cleo and Magnus have more sexual tension than I can actually deal with. THEY NEED TO HIT IT OFF AND STAY MARRIED FOREVER. IM SORRY JONAS.
Wait a second. I need to calm the rapid thumping in my chest.
Okay.
Here we go.
Falling Kingdoms is one of my favorite series and its sequel Rebel Spring is by far my favorite book for so many reasons. It cemented my love for this series. And here comes the Gathering Darkness, this book is without mercy the most goriest
It is cruel and there would be a princess, a rebel and a prince kissing but they don’t live happily ever after. They are still at war.
I wouldn’t highlight the book closely, in fear of spoiling the whole book to our dear readers and my friends. I’ll be very vague as I could be.
Gathering Darkness quickly follow up where Rebel Spring wrapped up. In this third book, everything escalated so fast, there was a whirlwind of disaster, romance and action. It was relatively easy to get lost into Rhodes's luscious but brutal world.
Our main characters are back and they are sassier and baddest than yesterday. Every one of them is craftily written and layered as expected from Rhodes. There is nothing more interesting than seeing all of the main characters together having a fiery banter so I hope that would happen in the next couple of books.
The romance doesn’t take over the plot, it is not the entire focus of the story. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing for some of the readers, but all I could say is I want more kissing. I definitely vote for more.
The plot is intricate and there are so many twists every chapter. It is not a perfect book, I have a one problem with it, but aside from that Morgan Rhodes outdid herself again. AND THAT ENDING. Spoiler. It does not end well.
Gathering Darkness is such a great addition to the intense and magical series that is Falling Kingdoms. I am eager to see how the next couple of books would play out.
Review also posted at Young Adult Hollywood.
Thanks to Morgan Rhodes for the ARC!
Edited September 20, 2014.
Cleo and Magnus have more sexual tension than I can actually deal with. THEY NEED TO HIT IT OFF AND STAY MARRIED FOREVER. IM SORRY JONAS.
December 21, 2014
“Believe in magic.Believe in the impossible.”
I do believe in magic.I do believe in the impossible.I believe in acts of courage and kindness even when is seems a lost cause,I believe in the knight in shining armor (whoever that legendary rescuer might be,even myself),I believe that no matter what the good will prevail,and thanks to Gathering Darkness,I believe that even the most hideous actions,the most desperate and lost heroes can be redeemed.
“When the sorceress' blood is spilled,they will finally rise.And the world will burn.”
The world will burn leaving nothing but ashes,but no one is willing to stop searching for the elemental crystals.As we learn more about the godesses and the reasons behind Melenia's interest in the world of the Mortals,Magnus is trying to deal with the devastated truths that were revealed to him,Cleo to reclaim her kingdom,Jonas to keep the resistance alive and Lucia to fight the gathering darkness that tries to consume her.The Kraeshian royals seem determined to find the Kindred for themselves,the Watchers are divided and the people of Mytica still suffer under the cruel rule of the King of Blood.Blood is the answer to everything.
“Hatred is like fire.It burns the one who harnesses it.It's also extremely hard to see more helpful truths through its flames.”
Even though the third book of the Falling Kingdoms series started off rather slowly,it truly compensated in the last chapters.I could hear my heart pounding loudly in my chest,my jaw was clenched and I tried really hard to deal with the numerous deaths and revelations and the choices some of the heroes made.Morgan Rhodes can cause some strong emotions and make her heroes become a part of your universe,to make you concerned about them and their future,and share their feelings.There were many interesting characters (and most of them died,obviously) and she effortlessly prepared the road for an intense next book (until the release of which I will suffer,again obviously.)
“Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile.”
Cleo is developing her deception skills,she tries to manipulate and guide people towards her goal,despite the ache in her heart every time she has to pretend that she has made peace with the demise of her family and the loss of her kingdom.I still fiercely believe that her cause is the right one and that her heart is the purest,she actually came to care about Lucia and she fought to discover something good in Magnus.
“There is no goodness inside of me princess,so please don't waste time fantasizing that there might be.”
But there is.Igniting hatred in order to cover it didn't work for him,because Cleo got under his skin,and found out that he is selfish and selfless,mean and kind,all at once.Cleo and Magnus feel so wrong due to their past but so right at the same time,I don't know when it happened but I ship them.Hard.He will do the right thing in the end.I believe in him.
“We both want to embrace who we are,we both want to stop being used by others and discarded at their will.We both desperately want control over our destinies,and revenge over our enemies.”
Lucia my dear,your dream of being free of whoever tries to control you is fair,but you seriously need to consider visiting a therapist.He could help you with your anger management and your resentment towards everyone.
“Everything he touched turned to ash.”
Except saving Lys,Jonas didn't make a single right choice.If it wasn't for Cleo guiding him,he would wander aimlessly in Paelsia reciting how much he wants a better future for his people.The way he handled things with Felix is one example of said weak choices.
December,you can't come fast enough.
April 17, 2015
2023
Ok, just finished the audiobook and it was great. It's been a long time since I read this one originally and (thanks to my terrible memory) I was just as shocked this time around by the deaths as I was last time.
Looking forward to finding out how this ends finally.
2015
Just finished Book 3 and it was AWESOME!
How did I not know about this series before a month ago?!
I'm guessing it was because my Pushy Librarian wasn't quite pushy enough.
Anyway, this is a reallyreallyreally good mature young adult fantasy. If you're into that sort of thing, you should really give these books a shot.
The main thing that I love about these books (as I've mentioned before) is that you never know who the hell is going to end up getting offed by the end of the book. Some of the characters that I thought would make it to the end of this one most certainly didn't.
And to top it off, there were a few unexpected saves , as well!
Only not by a mini-Godzilla...
Magnus & Cleo are the heart of this story, but the other characters are all well fleshed out and just as important, in my opinion. However, I could probably stand to lose any of them. Whereas, Rhodes needs to keep in mind that I Will Not Tolerate anything happening to either of my favorites!
Because I'm sure she cares what I think. Really.
Alright.
So the mystical gateway Road-thingy is almost finished, the rebels are still getting slaughtered every time they turn around, Nic may have fallen for a treacherous prince, the evil Watcher chick has all of her nefarious plans in motion, Lysandra has her head (quite literally) on the chopping block, a hawk turns into a human and renounces his immortality, Jonas has been befriended by an assassin with a dark past, Cleo is playing a dangerous game inside the palace walls, Magnus has to decide whether or not he's going to stand by his father, and it looks like Lucia has totally trusted the wrong guy!
Oh, yeah. It's getting goooood.
I can't believe it took me this long to discover this series! The next book doesn't come out until December, but you can bet I'll be standing in line to get my hands on it.
Book One Falling Kingdoms
Book two Rebel Springs
Ok, just finished the audiobook and it was great. It's been a long time since I read this one originally and (thanks to my terrible memory) I was just as shocked this time around by the deaths as I was last time.
Looking forward to finding out how this ends finally.
2015
Just finished Book 3 and it was AWESOME!
How did I not know about this series before a month ago?!
I'm guessing it was because my Pushy Librarian wasn't quite pushy enough.
Anyway, this is a reallyreallyreally good mature young adult fantasy. If you're into that sort of thing, you should really give these books a shot.
The main thing that I love about these books (as I've mentioned before) is that you never know who the hell is going to end up getting offed by the end of the book. Some of the characters that I thought would make it to the end of this one most certainly didn't.
And to top it off, there were a few unexpected saves , as well!
Only not by a mini-Godzilla...
Magnus & Cleo are the heart of this story, but the other characters are all well fleshed out and just as important, in my opinion. However, I could probably stand to lose any of them. Whereas, Rhodes needs to keep in mind that I Will Not Tolerate anything happening to either of my favorites!
Because I'm sure she cares what I think. Really.
Alright.
So the mystical gateway Road-thingy is almost finished, the rebels are still getting slaughtered every time they turn around, Nic may have fallen for a treacherous prince, the evil Watcher chick has all of her nefarious plans in motion, Lysandra has her head (quite literally) on the chopping block, a hawk turns into a human and renounces his immortality, Jonas has been befriended by an assassin with a dark past, Cleo is playing a dangerous game inside the palace walls, Magnus has to decide whether or not he's going to stand by his father, and it looks like Lucia has totally trusted the wrong guy!
Oh, yeah. It's getting goooood.
I can't believe it took me this long to discover this series! The next book doesn't come out until December, but you can bet I'll be standing in line to get my hands on it.
Book One Falling Kingdoms
Book two Rebel Springs
February 23, 2014
Before Reading- After Reading Review Below
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
December 9?
YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!
This is me-
Oh My Gosh. I just need Magneo to happen!
Oh wait, they did! BUT NOW YOU NEED TO REALIZE THAT YOU ARE MADLY IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER SO I CAN MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE!
After Reading
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! That was my reaction when I held Gathering Darkness and that will continue to be my reaction. I am going to try and have minimal spoilers in this book. However one major one at the center of our disputes will be there and that is the one about who Cleo ends up with with.
Character Perspectives
Cleo
Cleo wants to save Auranos from the rule of an evil king. She feels like a pawn, she wants to control her destiny and have her throne back, and she'll do whatever it takes.
Magnus
Magnus has been betrayed by everyone he loves, he feels lost and alone. However, he knows that Cleo is a greater threat to his father's kingdom than anyone knows, but Magnus has a secret, he is, too.
Lucia
Lucia is the one who is the key to finding the Kindred, she can take out an army alone, and she has attracted the attention of the Watchers. Alas, in Mytica you never know who you can trust, and who has other motives. Everyone has their own agenda, and Lucia's sick of them not caring about her, the one in the center of them all.
Alexius
Alexius is a Watcher who works for the one woman who could destroy him, Melanie. Melanie has given Alexius a daunting task he doesn't want to go through with, but Melanie has bound Alexius to her, and he is left without a choice.
Nic
Nic is Cleo's best friend, and the only family either of them has anymore. The palace is filled with people who hate Auranos, and those who are from it, given Nic a dangerous disadvantage. Not to mention, a mysterious prince who you don't know who's side he's on until the very end.
Plot
I am going to take important events from chapters and use a visual representation to explain what happens
Prologue
Prologues almost never make sense until the end, as this one did.
Chapter Two
Foreigners with their own plans and ideas come into Mytica, only to cause more trouble.
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Cleo makes an unlikely friend.
Chapter Eight
Plans go into to action.
Chapter 14
The Execution
Chapter Seventeen
Drinking the Pain Away
Chapter Twenty
Secrets are unleashed and deception is inevitable.
Chapter Twenty-Five
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY! EVERY TIME I THINK WE ARE IN THE CLEAR SOMETHING WORSE HAPPENS!
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Final Judgement and Live Changing Decisions
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The person Cleo ends up with is revealed.
Chapter Thirty Two
We're doomed.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Chapter Thirty Six
Next book everyone is doomed. I can feel it.
Overall
Overall this book was flipping fantastic, I LOVE IT AND I WOULD GIVE IT 10 OUT OF 5 STARS!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
December 9?
YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!
This is me-
Oh My Gosh. I just need Magneo to happen!
Oh wait, they did! BUT NOW YOU NEED TO REALIZE THAT YOU ARE MADLY IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER SO I CAN MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE!
After Reading
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! That was my reaction when I held Gathering Darkness and that will continue to be my reaction. I am going to try and have minimal spoilers in this book. However one major one at the center of our disputes will be there and that is the one about who Cleo ends up with with.
Character Perspectives
Cleo
Cleo wants to save Auranos from the rule of an evil king. She feels like a pawn, she wants to control her destiny and have her throne back, and she'll do whatever it takes.
Magnus
Magnus has been betrayed by everyone he loves, he feels lost and alone. However, he knows that Cleo is a greater threat to his father's kingdom than anyone knows, but Magnus has a secret, he is, too.
Lucia
Lucia is the one who is the key to finding the Kindred, she can take out an army alone, and she has attracted the attention of the Watchers. Alas, in Mytica you never know who you can trust, and who has other motives. Everyone has their own agenda, and Lucia's sick of them not caring about her, the one in the center of them all.
Alexius
Alexius is a Watcher who works for the one woman who could destroy him, Melanie. Melanie has given Alexius a daunting task he doesn't want to go through with, but Melanie has bound Alexius to her, and he is left without a choice.
Nic
Nic is Cleo's best friend, and the only family either of them has anymore. The palace is filled with people who hate Auranos, and those who are from it, given Nic a dangerous disadvantage. Not to mention, a mysterious prince who you don't know who's side he's on until the very end.
Plot
I am going to take important events from chapters and use a visual representation to explain what happens
Prologue
Prologues almost never make sense until the end, as this one did.
Chapter Two
Foreigners with their own plans and ideas come into Mytica, only to cause more trouble.
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Cleo makes an unlikely friend.
Chapter Eight
Plans go into to action.
Chapter 14
The Execution
Chapter Seventeen
Drinking the Pain Away
Chapter Twenty
Secrets are unleashed and deception is inevitable.
Chapter Twenty-Five
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY! EVERY TIME I THINK WE ARE IN THE CLEAR SOMETHING WORSE HAPPENS!
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Final Judgement and Live Changing Decisions
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The person Cleo ends up with is revealed.
Chapter Thirty Two
We're doomed.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Chapter Thirty Six
Next book everyone is doomed. I can feel it.
Overall
Overall this book was flipping fantastic, I LOVE IT AND I WOULD GIVE IT 10 OUT OF 5 STARS!
July 8, 2017
Wh...Wha-t have I just finished?! This book has completely changed the direction of the series. UNEXPECTEDLY AMAZING is just an understatement of what this book is.
Overall, this book is a turning point in the series. And so far the best in the series.
🌟🌟4.5 Stars🌟🌟
July 8, 2017
Overall, this book is a turning point in the series. And so far the best in the series.
🌟🌟4.5 Stars🌟🌟
July 8, 2017
March 10, 2017
Update 3/14/2017: I'm downgrading this to 4.5 stars. Comparing it to the previous two books, I think it's more appropriate for it to be a 4.5 instead of a full 5, which was my rating for the previous two books.
Original Review:
Basically, I'm in hell and I want out. Did I sign up for this kind of pain? No (Yes). GUYS, I lost count of how many times I wanted to throw this book against a wall.
I originally wanted to give this 4.5 stars. I gave Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring both 5 stars, but with Gathering Darkness, there was something lacking. Don't ask me what it is, because I'm not even sure what it is. I don't know. Yes, the book put me in misery and pain. Yes, it surprised me on countless occasions. Yes, I'm trash for the characters and the ships. Yes, I'm living for the plot. Yes, I binged it. SOOOOOO, I decided to ignore this something and rate the book a 5 because the book is perfect, let's be real. IF YOU HAVEN'T PICKED UP THE SERIES, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DO IT.
I still can't review this properly, I'll try to put effort into the characters section, because that's my favorite section. Just don't expect too much.
The plot? Well, the plot is one big tangled web and basically, don't trust anyone. Also, nobody is safe. The random deaths are still there and I think this is the first time I feel overwhelmed by them.
The characters? I'm trash for them, although I did want to smack some of them on the head.
- Magnus is still my baby and I adore him, but he was an idiot this book, let's be real. I definitely do understand why he was acting the way he was, but still, LET MY SHIP SAIL. LET MAGNEO SAIL. HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THIS SHIP YOU GUYS????? I LIVE FOR MAGNEO.
- Jonas is still the same rebel leader with plans that go horribly wrong. There wasn't too many Jonas chapters in this book and weirdly I was... okay with it? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love him and all, but I just slightly lost interest in whatever he was going through. Why? I don't know.
- Lucia... oh Lucia. She's insane. Even more insane than in Rebel Spring. She's naive, too, but I completely understand that because she's 16 years old. Poor baby, she went through hell this book and I can't even begin to imagine how that will affect her in the next book.
- Now, Cleo, she's still pretty much the same. I love her, I love her determination to get her kingdom back. However, she didn't have any major development this book and that's fine because I don't see any room for that at that point.
- AND KING GAIUS, YOU PIECE OF SHIT, WHY AREN'T YOU DEAD YET?!?!?!
- Nic... oh Nic, you messed up so much in this book. BUT HE'S A POOR BABY TOO. THEY'RE ALL MY BABIES. Except the obvious shit characters.
- Lysandra, who was introduced in the previous book, also went through something really bad this book. Poor baby. I love how strong she is despite it all. However, we also didn't get many chapters for her as much as we did in Rebel Spring.
- Now, the Kraeshian (I can't even bother to check the spelling) siblings. I really liked Ashur, but Amara... GAH, I WANT TO KILL HER.
- This book also introduces a new character, Felix. I basically instantly loved him. I'm so excited to see more of his character!
I don't know what else to say? I just want to cry because I love this series so much?????
Daily reminder from yours truly: Read the books!
Original Review:
Basically, I'm in hell and I want out. Did I sign up for this kind of pain? No (
I originally wanted to give this 4.5 stars. I gave Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring both 5 stars, but with Gathering Darkness, there was something lacking. Don't ask me what it is, because I'm not even sure what it is. I don't know. Yes, the book put me in misery and pain. Yes, it surprised me on countless occasions. Yes, I'm trash for the characters and the ships. Yes, I'm living for the plot. Yes, I binged it. SOOOOOO, I decided to ignore this something and rate the book a 5 because the book is perfect, let's be real. IF YOU HAVEN'T PICKED UP THE SERIES, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DO IT.
“In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished.”
I still can't review this properly, I'll try to put effort into the characters section, because that's my favorite section. Just don't expect too much.
The plot? Well, the plot is one big tangled web and basically, don't trust anyone. Also, nobody is safe. The random deaths are still there and I think this is the first time I feel overwhelmed by them.
The characters? I'm trash for them, although I did want to smack some of them on the head.
- Magnus is still my baby and I adore him, but he was an idiot this book, let's be real. I definitely do understand why he was acting the way he was, but still, LET MY SHIP SAIL. LET MAGNEO SAIL. HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THIS SHIP YOU GUYS????? I LIVE FOR MAGNEO.
- Jonas is still the same rebel leader with plans that go horribly wrong. There wasn't too many Jonas chapters in this book and weirdly I was... okay with it? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love him and all, but I just slightly lost interest in whatever he was going through. Why? I don't know.
- Lucia... oh Lucia. She's insane. Even more insane than in Rebel Spring. She's naive, too, but I completely understand that because she's 16 years old. Poor baby, she went through hell this book and I can't even begin to imagine how that will affect her in the next book.
- Now, Cleo, she's still pretty much the same. I love her, I love her determination to get her kingdom back. However, she didn't have any major development this book and that's fine because I don't see any room for that at that point.
- AND KING GAIUS, YOU PIECE OF SHIT, WHY AREN'T YOU DEAD YET?!?!?!
- Nic... oh Nic, you messed up so much in this book. BUT HE'S A POOR BABY TOO. THEY'RE ALL MY BABIES. Except the obvious shit characters.
- Lysandra, who was introduced in the previous book, also went through something really bad this book. Poor baby. I love how strong she is despite it all. However, we also didn't get many chapters for her as much as we did in Rebel Spring.
- Now, the Kraeshian (I can't even bother to check the spelling) siblings. I really liked Ashur, but Amara... GAH, I WANT TO KILL HER.
- This book also introduces a new character, Felix. I basically instantly loved him. I'm so excited to see more of his character!
I don't know what else to say? I just want to cry because I love this series so much?????
Daily reminder from yours truly: Read the books!
December 31, 2018
Re-read, part three, with Alison!
Whoa. I did not expect that! THAT’S what’s in the crystals?!!! :O Oh myyy...
Yay! My ship is sailing whooooo hooooo! Magneo for life!!! It’s about time Magnus recognised how he really felt about Cleo! My babies!!! <3
Also, Jonas. Grrr. Can’t he do anything correctly?! So bloody USELESS. I felt worse for Felix, rather than Jonas. Eek. And I’m STILL indifferent to Lucia. I find her entire plot line to be rather tedious, if I’m being honest.
Anyway onto book four!
Whoa. I did not expect that! THAT’S what’s in the crystals?!!! :O Oh myyy...
Yay! My ship is sailing whooooo hooooo! Magneo for life!!! It’s about time Magnus recognised how he really felt about Cleo! My babies!!! <3
Also, Jonas. Grrr. Can’t he do anything correctly?! So bloody USELESS. I felt worse for Felix, rather than Jonas. Eek. And I’m STILL indifferent to Lucia. I find her entire plot line to be rather tedious, if I’m being honest.
Anyway onto book four!
June 6, 2016
*4.5 Stars*
Cleo's cheeks flamed. "I hate you."
"Good. You should never forget your place in this palace. You continue to live only because my father doesn't yet want you dead. You have no power here. And, most especially, you have no power over me."
It’s always extremely hard to talk about each book in a long series in a review, because you begin to spoil and become repetitive….but for Magnus?? I’d try just about anything. This series, while easily dismissed by those who aren’t truly enraptured by one of the characters, has a way of really getting under your skin. It’s not so much the scenarios, though those are of some note as well, but about the characters and the deep-rooted connections you make with them.
In all honesty, had I not connected immediately with Magnus, this series would have been discarded like many before. I am very busy, and I really only get to read around when I go to bed-about 10 PM, and then it’s right back to the 8-5 grind and I have to wait all over again. So, when I begin a book, series, whatever, I make sure it’s worth my time and that it touches my heart, one way or another. Some books touch me because of just their content (this is probably tribute to a couple years ago, more so than now) and some reach me on a far deeper level than I could possibly imagine....and that is because of the characters.
Magnus glanced at Cleo. She held her arms across the bodice of her rose-colored gown, which was far fancier than anything typically worn on a walk through a thick forest on a hot day. She regarded him with a silent, sour expression-not a new look for her by any means.
“And why are you here?” he asked her.
“I want to help,” she replied.
“Oh, yes. So helpful.”
I never realized, until recently, how much my favorite books really center on the characters and their development. It's far more important to me now to have character-driven stories rather than all action and no character arcs. Sure, my absolute favorites are those that perfectly balance both story and people, but, lately, more often than not it’s all about if the characters reach me and touch my soul.
Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile.
And I’m not saying that action doesn’t pull me in….but it's definitely not my only drive anymore….and you can tell solely on my reviews that my preferences have changed. So, my point? This series, while action heavy and full of blood, destruction, mayhem, and peril, didn’t grip me for that reason. No, this series gripped me on a far more addicting level, and that honor solely belongs to my dear Magnus….and even Cleo.
As the series has progressed, these two characters have obviously grown, interacted, and became the obsession of many a fangirl-me included-and now, here in book three, we are really getting deeper into their minds, and with that, my obsession is reaching an all-time high. And, frankly, the stories have became far more interesting.
“I think that you hate your father. You hate him almost as much as I do.”
It took him a moment to realize he’d stopped breathing. “And what difference would it make if you’re right?” he finally managed.
“All the difference in the world.”
And, let’s face it, our ship is finally sailing…or is it??? The other best part about this series? I, for once, literally have no fucking clue what’s going to happen and the sexual tension is DRIVING. ME. CRAZY. The twists and turns and admissions and deaths and ridiculous decisions…I swear, even halfway through book four, my head is still spinning. Stop it, Morgan Rhodes! Just…..STOP IT. Make it happen. Fetch TOTALLY needs to happen…PLEASE??
UGH.
So yeah, this isn’t a great review, but it’s not like anyone can read it if they haven’t read the series if I go all spoilery, so I chose to just…blabber. I miss blabbering. Blabbering about boys and books really does make me happy. So. Yeah. Take what you will from this nonsense…I’m off to work…and then tonight I’m hoping to FINALLY get what I want. I’m totally trusting Brittney, here. She threw me a trust bone, damn it. So I guess I’m supposed to sit here and wait and…trust. You know, until this alleged bone gets here. Ugh.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
****************
Cleo's cheeks flamed. "I hate you."
"Good. You should never forget your place in this palace. You continue to live only because my father doesn't yet want you dead. You have no power here. And, most especially, you have no power over me."
MY HEART.
Need I say anything else? I mean...Magnus...
and Magduck! lolz
RTC.
October 15, 2015
Gathering Darkness was without a doubt one of the best books I have read of 2016, yes I know its January but still. For those of you who have stumbled across my reviews on Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring, you will have noted that I really enjoyed the books but there was something missing, that initial spark or driving force being liking and loving a book. My feelings of Gathering Darkness- I love this freaking book. It's now one of my favourite series.
Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring are like the stepping stones in the series, slowly preparing you for what’s to come, drawing you into this fantasy world full of love, betrayal and vengeance, which makes Gathering Darkness the book that dominates them all, leaving you a little breathless, in a state of shock and with a little trickle of fear that things are only just getting started.
“Hatred is like fire. It burns the one who harnesses it. It’s also extremely hard to see more helpful truths through its flames.”
Gathering Darkness makes quick work of bringing you up to speed on the past events of the series and soon enough the plot is under way and your immersed once again in this ferocious magical world. Cleo, Jonas, Magnus and Lucia are locked and loaded in the this explosive sequel, better yet each is unrecognizable since book one, they continue to grow and change and not sometimes for the better but you can’t help but love them anyway, their journey is not one for the light hearted but their courage and commitment to their beliefs is contagious.
“Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile.”
I must commend yet again the multiple POV’s and how wonderfully entangled the writing is, you move smoothly from character to character and kingdom to kingdom but you don’t feel jolted and confused, everything is effortless. We also get to know the trickster Kraeshian sibling’s Prince Ashur and Princess Amara. Seemly innocent in the beginning but I assure you they have their own schemes and prove to be one of the biggest players in this ruthless game searching for the Kindred.
“Fear and intimidation are tactics that work very well on those who allow themselves to be afraid and intimidated.”
Now I must talk about the romance, once more the romance never takes center stage but these mere snippets of moments are filled with such delicious tension, angst and smothering desire that I find myself developing the most unhealthy obsession with these characters and ships. I have fully jumped ship and I regret absolutely nothing, they are my life now,so sad and I will not be swayed.
“It was desperate, this kiss. Violent, even.”
As I’ve said above this book was explosive, I mean fast-paced, full of action, don’t-you-dare-put-me-down-or-you’ll-miss-something-good, all consuming plot that makes the pages fly by. There were so many plot twists, shocking betrayals and although it pain’s me to even think of them but heartbreaking loses. I didn’t think Rhodes could be more brutal but again I’m in awe of her dark and bewitching skill to completely change a character that makes you-the reader throw away all those past opinions and feel a sense of kindred to them.
“That is your greatest mistake. The love you felt for him wasn’t love at all—it was obsession. Real love means sacrifice, not selfishness.”
I may never recover from the cliffhanger, I’m actually telling people “don’t read this book unless you have Frozen Tides within arms reach.” And I stand by it. So many revelations come to light but it is not without sacrifice, I’m actually in complete denial about one aspect of the ending, I refuse to believe it, it’s cruel, devastating and just plain agony to think about. I currently have Frozen Tides within arms reach and it’s a battle every day to not tear my way through it like a possessed animal but the mere thought that Frozen Tides could end even half as badly as Gathering Darkness stills my too eager fingers because then I will be left waiting in agony for the next instalment and much-needed answers. I’ll eventually break down but I have some pretty epic books coming up on my TBR so I’ll stay strong, for now.
Gathering Darkness outshines its predecessors and shows a glimpse into just how giant and complex this world is and what exactly Rhodes has in store for her readers. You think you know the Kindred? You think you know what everyone is fighting for? Think again!
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring are like the stepping stones in the series, slowly preparing you for what’s to come, drawing you into this fantasy world full of love, betrayal and vengeance, which makes Gathering Darkness the book that dominates them all, leaving you a little breathless, in a state of shock and with a little trickle of fear that things are only just getting started.
“Hatred is like fire. It burns the one who harnesses it. It’s also extremely hard to see more helpful truths through its flames.”
Gathering Darkness makes quick work of bringing you up to speed on the past events of the series and soon enough the plot is under way and your immersed once again in this ferocious magical world. Cleo, Jonas, Magnus and Lucia are locked and loaded in the this explosive sequel, better yet each is unrecognizable since book one, they continue to grow and change and not sometimes for the better but you can’t help but love them anyway, their journey is not one for the light hearted but their courage and commitment to their beliefs is contagious.
“Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile.”
I must commend yet again the multiple POV’s and how wonderfully entangled the writing is, you move smoothly from character to character and kingdom to kingdom but you don’t feel jolted and confused, everything is effortless. We also get to know the trickster Kraeshian sibling’s Prince Ashur and Princess Amara. Seemly innocent in the beginning but I assure you they have their own schemes and prove to be one of the biggest players in this ruthless game searching for the Kindred.
“Fear and intimidation are tactics that work very well on those who allow themselves to be afraid and intimidated.”
Now I must talk about the romance, once more the romance never takes center stage but these mere snippets of moments are filled with such delicious tension, angst and smothering desire that I find myself developing the most unhealthy obsession with these characters and ships. I have fully jumped ship and I regret absolutely nothing, they are my life now,
“It was desperate, this kiss. Violent, even.”
As I’ve said above this book was explosive, I mean fast-paced, full of action, don’t-you-dare-put-me-down-or-you’ll-miss-something-good, all consuming plot that makes the pages fly by. There were so many plot twists, shocking betrayals and although it pain’s me to even think of them but heartbreaking loses. I didn’t think Rhodes could be more brutal but again I’m in awe of her dark and bewitching skill to completely change a character that makes you-the reader throw away all those past opinions and feel a sense of kindred to them.
“That is your greatest mistake. The love you felt for him wasn’t love at all—it was obsession. Real love means sacrifice, not selfishness.”
I may never recover from the cliffhanger, I’m actually telling people “don’t read this book unless you have Frozen Tides within arms reach.” And I stand by it. So many revelations come to light but it is not without sacrifice, I’m actually in complete denial about one aspect of the ending, I refuse to believe it, it’s cruel, devastating and just plain agony to think about. I currently have Frozen Tides within arms reach and it’s a battle every day to not tear my way through it like a possessed animal but the mere thought that Frozen Tides could end even half as badly as Gathering Darkness stills my too eager fingers because then I will be left waiting in agony for the next instalment and much-needed answers. I’ll eventually break down but I have some pretty epic books coming up on my TBR so I’ll stay strong, for now.
Gathering Darkness outshines its predecessors and shows a glimpse into just how giant and complex this world is and what exactly Rhodes has in store for her readers. You think you know the Kindred? You think you know what everyone is fighting for? Think again!
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
October 10, 2017
Okay, I've got a question.
How, in the name of all things sacred and holyMagnus Lukas Damora included, am I supposed to go to sleep after this?
No, seriously, someone please answer me.
I'm asking those who've read this book already, in particular. How did you menage to go on with your life after finishing this? Enlighten me, you selfish fools!
My head is a mess. My heart, empty and numb. My feels? All over the place.
I've obviously just lost a duel against overwhelmingness and I have no idea what to do with myself, now.
I devoured this book. Read it in one sitting, again, like I did with Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring. I probably look like Bela Lugosi, now, bloodshot eyes, all pale and crinkled.
It left me weak and thirsty, panting and sweating.
Basically like sex, minus the happy ending, plus the angst.
Honestly, if I ran a marathon I probably wouldn't be this distressed. Now that I think about it twice, these two days filled withthe devil itself Morgan Rhodes and her books, sort of felt like a marathon. Or a triathlon. I got no medal, though. Only a huge, slimy hole where my heart used to reside.
And to think I even had to pay for it!
I wasn't even halfway through it when shit started to go down and all I kept doing was turning pages and screaming. I'm pretty sure by now my neighbors think I've spent the night killing bears or doing karate in my living room, but the truth is that this book is the paper embodiment of what the fuck you wouldn't expect to love this much in a world already packed with mediocre WTFs.
And when it's like this, trust me, screaming comes natural.
This book is my favorite so far.
It has everything. Snarky plots and villain agendas. Infinitely frustrating but, oh, so satisfying character developments. Easily understandable and catchy writing. A couple of unnecessary love-drama attempts here and there for the sake of whatever. A few moments that made my insides squirm. Some good ol' stabby stab stab. Well portrayed examples of the destructive power of lies. Precarious family and friendship dynamics opposed to real feelings and emotions. A fair amount of heart-stopping moments that left me speechless and breathless. Romance-not-romancebecause what else would you call this mess?.
As I said, everything.
I'll never stop saying this: I am so glad I started this series. It owns me. It literally got me on fire, and I'm not even exaggerating.
I'll probably add something to this review, tomorrow, when my hands have stopped shaking and my brain isn't trying to escape my skull, anymore.
For now, let me just leave you with...
Intense, uh?
Now multiply this by infinity and you'll get a hint of how I feel like.
I'm dying. *cries in sarcasm* Ain't that great?
the-day-after edit: I survived.
Barely and not without a little pain, but I'm still here.
How, in the name of all things sacred and holy
No, seriously, someone please answer me.
I'm asking those who've read this book already, in particular. How did you menage to go on with your life after finishing this? Enlighten me, you selfish fools!
My head is a mess. My heart, empty and numb. My feels? All over the place.
I've obviously just lost a duel against overwhelmingness and I have no idea what to do with myself, now.
I devoured this book. Read it in one sitting, again, like I did with Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring. I probably look like Bela Lugosi, now, bloodshot eyes, all pale and crinkled.
It left me weak and thirsty, panting and sweating.
Basically like sex, minus the happy ending, plus the angst.
Honestly, if I ran a marathon I probably wouldn't be this distressed. Now that I think about it twice, these two days filled with
And to think I even had to pay for it!
I wasn't even halfway through it when shit started to go down and all I kept doing was turning pages and screaming. I'm pretty sure by now my neighbors think I've spent the night killing bears or doing karate in my living room, but the truth is that this book is the paper embodiment of what the fuck you wouldn't expect to love this much in a world already packed with mediocre WTFs.
And when it's like this, trust me, screaming comes natural.
This book is my favorite so far.
It has everything. Snarky plots and villain agendas. Infinitely frustrating but, oh, so satisfying character developments. Easily understandable and catchy writing. A couple of unnecessary love-drama attempts here and there for the sake of whatever. A few moments that made my insides squirm. Some good ol' stabby stab stab. Well portrayed examples of the destructive power of lies. Precarious family and friendship dynamics opposed to real feelings and emotions. A fair amount of heart-stopping moments that left me speechless and breathless. Romance-not-romance
As I said, everything.
I'll never stop saying this: I am so glad I started this series. It owns me. It literally got me on fire, and I'm not even exaggerating.
I'll probably add something to this review, tomorrow, when my hands have stopped shaking and my brain isn't trying to escape my skull, anymore.
For now, let me just leave you with...
This princess, who looked at him tonight with hope rather than hate shining in her eyes...if he let her, she could destroy him.
Intense, uh?
Now multiply this by infinity and you'll get a hint of how I feel like.
I'm dying. *cries in sarcasm* Ain't that great?
the-day-after edit: I survived.
Barely and not without a little pain, but I'm still here.
July 12, 2017
DNF @ 25ish%
I have exactly no motivation to continue this series. The characters are ridiculously basic as they tumble through a formulaic plot. And the inconsistencies!
It's just not good for my blood pressure to continue the misadventures of:
- Jonas, incompetent rebel everyone loves
- Magnus, the moody prince only the fan base seems to love
-Cleo, as she constantly bemoans her circumstances because no one loves her
And I'm still angry about the ending of the previous book, which included an awful attempt at LGTB+ representation and the use of sexual assault as a plot device.
This one just seems more of the same, with new characters and even less plot.
Bowing out of a BR with these peeps!
Bentley, Mary, Frankie, Jeremy, and Rachelle.
They are all lovely, talented GRs, and they made reading this series fun! ❤️
I have exactly no motivation to continue this series. The characters are ridiculously basic as they tumble through a formulaic plot. And the inconsistencies!
It's just not good for my blood pressure to continue the misadventures of:
- Jonas, incompetent rebel everyone loves
- Magnus, the moody prince only the fan base seems to love
-Cleo, as she constantly bemoans her circumstances because no one loves her
And I'm still angry about the ending of the previous book, which included an awful attempt at LGTB+ representation and the use of sexual assault as a plot device.
This one just seems more of the same, with new characters and even less plot.
Bowing out of a BR with these peeps!
Bentley, Mary, Frankie, Jeremy, and Rachelle.
They are all lovely, talented GRs, and they made reading this series fun! ❤️
March 9, 2015
If you would all be as Kind as to excuse me while I scream from having my mind blown that would be greatly appreciated.
Why is my mind blown? Because this series has officially become one of my absolute favorites. And it's because of what a wild ride this book was. Full of numerous deaths and revelations, this was by all means the definition of epic.
Morgan Rhodes really knows how to make your heart pound and making you lose your mind. This world, it's insane. I can't say much about the plot due to spoilers, but holy hell was it epic.
"In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light extinguish."
MY SHIP FINALLY STARTED SAILING. MAGNEO HAS STARTED SAILING.
Jesus the amount of times I swooned, cried and just burst out of pure joy was ridiculous. I loved the development of the growing romance between Magnus and Cleo. It was EVERYTHING I've ever wanted in an epic fantasy.
All the secrets, twists and betrayals were unbelievable. Why kill off one character when you can kill off everyone just when I start to care for them, the more the merrier, right???
God this was perfection. My absolute favorite in the series so far, and I don't think I can wait a week for Frozen Tides because THAT ENDING. HOLY FIRE GOD. WHY CAN'T THESE BOOKS BE LONGER. I NEVER WANT THEM TO END.
Why is my mind blown? Because this series has officially become one of my absolute favorites. And it's because of what a wild ride this book was. Full of numerous deaths and revelations, this was by all means the definition of epic.
Morgan Rhodes really knows how to make your heart pound and making you lose your mind. This world, it's insane. I can't say much about the plot due to spoilers, but holy hell was it epic.
"In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light extinguish."
MY SHIP FINALLY STARTED SAILING. MAGNEO HAS STARTED SAILING.
Jesus the amount of times I swooned, cried and just burst out of pure joy was ridiculous. I loved the development of the growing romance between Magnus and Cleo. It was EVERYTHING I've ever wanted in an epic fantasy.
All the secrets, twists and betrayals were unbelievable. Why kill off one character when you can kill off everyone just when I start to care for them, the more the merrier, right???
God this was perfection. My absolute favorite in the series so far, and I don't think I can wait a week for Frozen Tides because THAT ENDING. HOLY FIRE GOD. WHY CAN'T THESE BOOKS BE LONGER. I NEVER WANT THEM TO END.
January 13, 2019
✅ Twists and betrayals (and deaths...)
✅ Magic system
✅ Characters (even the villains are great)
✅ Pace and action
✅ Plot
✅ Romance / Hate-to-love
🆗 Jonas and Lucia
OMG! There are just so many twists and betrayals in this book! I am terrified about what will happen next because we still have 3 more books before the end of this series, and with this author, SO MANY things can happen in the span of 3 books. I just couldn't put this book down once I started it, and I am so happy that I waited until the whole series was out before reading it because I don't have to wait before starting the fourth book!
We are also getting more information about the Kindreds, the elementia, and the prophecy. This story continues to move forward with a great pace and an intense and complex plot, making this whole series unputdownable.
As always, Cleo and Magnus are awesome and amazing in this book . Poor Magnus is starting to care and to feel emotions and he doesn't know what to do with it, and it made me love him even more, my poor traumatized baby.
I LOVE MAGNUS DAMORA so much. He's such an amazing character! He is trying so hard to find his place and purpose, he wants to please his father but has come to realize that he does not want to become like him. He knows what's expected of him, but deep down he doesn't want to be a cold and cruel prince and he seems to truly care about the welfare of the people of Mythica in general. Poor Magnus doesn't know how to handle feelings such as caring and love and I have a feeling the next book is going to be even better on the romance part.
Cleo is an amazing character too. She's cunning and gets braver in this book. She's ready to take risks if it means undermining King Gaius and getting back her kingdom and she gets more involved with Jonas the rebel, which could have been a good alliance if only Jonas was more efficient as a leader, a fighter, and a decision-maker. She fights with smiles and pretty lies instead of magic and swords like the Damoras do and I fall more in love with her character with every book. Her strength of character and resiliency are admirable.
My feelings towards Lucia and Jonas didn't change much since the second book. Lucia's getting on my nerves, I don't care about her character, and I don't care about her plot-line that much, even though I know it's essential for the whole story to move on. Jonas is still trying and failing to accomplish whatever it is that he hopes to do with his stupid decisions... He's probably the worst rebel in the history of rebels, all of his plans in the second and third books are major fuck ups. He's a nice but not that lovable character (kind of), but a horrible leader and rebel.
Also a special mention to f*cking Amara Cortas (and Ashur). I didn't trust her from the start, it was clear that she was a manipulative and vicious viper, but she still took me by surprise. I am not over the last 50 pages of the book yet and while I hate her as much as I hate King Gaius, I love her character and I don't want her to disappear from this series just yet. I don't want her to win, but I like the drama and ruthlessness that she can (and probably will) add to the plot... But I still want her to die a horrible death after she's contributed her part to this series. She deserves to die. Slowly. She also better not try to go near Magnus again, that bitch...
0.5 Crimson Dagger ⭐⭐⭐
1. Falling Kingdoms ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Rebel Spring ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Magic system
✅ Characters (even the villains are great)
✅ Pace and action
✅ Plot
✅ Romance / Hate-to-love
🆗 Jonas and Lucia
“Hatred is like fire. It burns the one who harnesses it. It's also extremely hard to see more helpful truths through its flames.”
OMG! There are just so many twists and betrayals in this book! I am terrified about what will happen next because we still have 3 more books before the end of this series, and with this author, SO MANY things can happen in the span of 3 books. I just couldn't put this book down once I started it, and I am so happy that I waited until the whole series was out before reading it because I don't have to wait before starting the fourth book!
We are also getting more information about the Kindreds, the elementia, and the prophecy. This story continues to move forward with a great pace and an intense and complex plot, making this whole series unputdownable.
“You want to know why I did what I did?" His dark brows drew together as if he were only now allowing himself to consider this question. "It's fairly simple, actually. It's because, without your bravery in the face of all that's happened to you, without your constant scheming behind my back, without that fire of hatred and contempt and hope in your eyes when you look at me..." He hissed out a breath. "In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished.”
As always, Cleo and Magnus are awesome and amazing in this book . Poor Magnus is starting to care and to feel emotions and he doesn't know what to do with it, and it made me love him even more, my poor traumatized baby.
This boy who had saved her life, who was cruel and kind, strong and weak. Who was selfish and selfless all at once.
I LOVE MAGNUS DAMORA so much. He's such an amazing character! He is trying so hard to find his place and purpose, he wants to please his father but has come to realize that he does not want to become like him. He knows what's expected of him, but deep down he doesn't want to be a cold and cruel prince and he seems to truly care about the welfare of the people of Mythica in general. Poor Magnus doesn't know how to handle feelings such as caring and love and I have a feeling the next book is going to be even better on the romance part.
Some sought revenge against their mortal enemies with the edge of a sword. Her plan for vengeance began with the edge of a smile.
Cleo is an amazing character too. She's cunning and gets braver in this book. She's ready to take risks if it means undermining King Gaius and getting back her kingdom and she gets more involved with Jonas the rebel, which could have been a good alliance if only Jonas was more efficient as a leader, a fighter, and a decision-maker. She fights with smiles and pretty lies instead of magic and swords like the Damoras do and I fall more in love with her character with every book. Her strength of character and resiliency are admirable.
My feelings towards Lucia and Jonas didn't change much since the second book. Lucia's getting on my nerves, I don't care about her character, and I don't care about her plot-line that much, even though I know it's essential for the whole story to move on. Jonas is still trying and failing to accomplish whatever it is that he hopes to do with his stupid decisions... He's probably the worst rebel in the history of rebels, all of his plans in the second and third books are major fuck ups. He's a nice but not that lovable character (kind of), but a horrible leader and rebel.
Also a special mention to f*cking Amara Cortas (and Ashur). I didn't trust her from the start, it was clear that she was a manipulative and vicious viper, but she still took me by surprise. I am not over the last 50 pages of the book yet and while I hate her as much as I hate King Gaius, I love her character and I don't want her to disappear from this series just yet. I don't want her to win, but I like the drama and ruthlessness that she can (and probably will) add to the plot... But I still want her to die a horrible death after she's contributed her part to this series. She deserves to die. Slowly. She also better not try to go near Magnus again, that bitch...
0.5 Crimson Dagger ⭐⭐⭐
1. Falling Kingdoms ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Rebel Spring ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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June 18, 2013
UPDATE: Dec. 10, 2014
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR GD
Right off the bat, I LOVED this book! I read it within a 24 hour period, which is huge for me since my other anticipated reads usually take me about 2-3 days to finish. But I just devoured this book and although short-lived I loved every minute of it. GD definitely does not disappoint. Even after I was done with it I found myself rereading my favorite passages. Right from the beginning of this book down to the last page everything was on higher stakes and you could simply feel the tension resonating all throughout the book. I have to admit that in the beginning it did have a slow start but a few chapters in and I was hooked once again into this exhilarating world. I thoroughly enjoyed going back to this world that Morgan has created and reuniting with all of my favorite characters. Everything essentially picks up right where RS had left off and I loved that there were no big time gaps in this book and we're plucked back into the world. There were so many twists in this book that had me gasping to downright giggling. Some of my favorite passages in this book were (you guessed it;)) the scenes with Cleo and Magnus. Their banter and hate for each other had me smiling through their scenes together. You can definitely see through each of their facades that they both harbor feelings for each other that neither of them will admit, not even to themselves. I would think that their relationship would have progressed by the end of GD, but I kind of like that Morgan Rhodes really takes her time with their scenes together that will culminate into a slow-burn romance (which is my favorite kind of romance). With each scene they have together Cleo is able to peel back layers of Magnus and manages to get him to let his guard go down when he's around her. However, I'm still wary of Magnus' romantic feelings for Lucia. Yes, he still cares deeply for Lucia, but we can also see that Lucia no longer visits his dreams anymore either. We can see that there's this rift that is forming between them. And Magnus can also see that Lucia is not the only one that doesn't see him as a monster or just a replica of his father, King Gaius. No matter how civil they try to act to one another they always end up in a heated argument, which feeds into their sexual frustrations for each other. I just can't wait where their relationship goes from here. After the events that took place in GD, there has definitely been a reduction on the love web. I love that Morgan utilizes her characters as pawns on a chess game because she has her pieces scattered everywhere. And I love that you don't really know what move is going to happen next. Even the ending (which btw ends in a cliffhanger) caught me by surprise that I'm not really sure where the rest of the series is headed. Overall, GD was a fantastic sequel that did not disappoint!
UPDATE: Dec. 5, 2014
LOOK AT THIS PROMOTIONAL PIC FOR GATHERING DARKNESS I FOUND ON MORGAN'S TWITTER!!
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUSPICIONS THAT THESE ARE MAGNUS AND CLEO
Just the past couple of weeks Morgan has dropped so many clues about these two:
End of Update
{{This review contains spoilers for FK and RS. This is pretty much just me ranting about the romance that was set up in RS}} After I read Falling Kingdoms I was so sure that Cleo and Jonas would hook up. And I never really considered Magnus as a prospect for Cleo romantically. But I slowly found myself liking Magnus more in Rebel Spring, and I really seemed to enjoy the scenes in which Cleo and Magnus are bickering. I wouldn't mind if they do end up together and they seem to be brushing off on each other. I found it pretty cute when the other would start defending the other about their motives (i.e. Magnus defending Cleo's honor and Cleo defending Magnus to Nic after the assassination attempt). And out of the two guys that Cleo locks lips with in Rebel Spring I found her kiss with Magnus a lot steamier. Even though their marriage was not of their own accord I think that their marriage has forced them to bond and I think as of the moment they really need each other to balance the other out. Their romance resembles that of Beauty and the Beast in which Cleo tries to seek out the real Magnus underneath the facade to be the perfect son to his father; several times Magnus and Cleo bicker about whether or not he even has a heart, and I found this parallel very endearing.
Though the romance in this novel seems to be all over the place, just the number of guys who are interested in Cleo is astounding: Theon, Aron, Nic, Jonas, and Magnus. I mean I know she is described as this "golden princess," but all of these guys are just falling for her right and left.
I found that some of the romantic revelations that went on in Rebel Spring solved some of the issues with some the characters like having Magnus marry Cleo would solve the Magnus-having-feelings-for-his-sister problem and Lucia having a thing for Alexius would relieve some of the weirdness going on between her and Magnus and having Nic suddenly become the LGBT character in the series knocks him off as a potential love interest for Cleo (even though Theon and Aron were also killed off in order to knock them out of the running as well).
And another thing...I would root for Cleo and Jonas if there weren't so many obstacles like Cleo's marriage to Magnus (that's kind of a big hurtle to get through and I don't think the concept of divorce even existed let alone an option and I doubt the author would kill him off, at least not until the last book in the series) and her status as the last heir to her kingdom and the fact that she has obligations to her people and Jonas is not even of royal blood to consider him for a long-term relationship for someone who is now a queen in her own right.
Overall, after reading Rebel Spring all of my emotions are kind of jumbled, but as of right now I am really rooting for Magnus and Cleo to make it through to the end! <3
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR GD
Right off the bat, I LOVED this book! I read it within a 24 hour period, which is huge for me since my other anticipated reads usually take me about 2-3 days to finish. But I just devoured this book and although short-lived I loved every minute of it. GD definitely does not disappoint. Even after I was done with it I found myself rereading my favorite passages. Right from the beginning of this book down to the last page everything was on higher stakes and you could simply feel the tension resonating all throughout the book. I have to admit that in the beginning it did have a slow start but a few chapters in and I was hooked once again into this exhilarating world. I thoroughly enjoyed going back to this world that Morgan has created and reuniting with all of my favorite characters. Everything essentially picks up right where RS had left off and I loved that there were no big time gaps in this book and we're plucked back into the world. There were so many twists in this book that had me gasping to downright giggling. Some of my favorite passages in this book were (you guessed it;)) the scenes with Cleo and Magnus. Their banter and hate for each other had me smiling through their scenes together. You can definitely see through each of their facades that they both harbor feelings for each other that neither of them will admit, not even to themselves. I would think that their relationship would have progressed by the end of GD, but I kind of like that Morgan Rhodes really takes her time with their scenes together that will culminate into a slow-burn romance (which is my favorite kind of romance). With each scene they have together Cleo is able to peel back layers of Magnus and manages to get him to let his guard go down when he's around her. However, I'm still wary of Magnus' romantic feelings for Lucia. Yes, he still cares deeply for Lucia, but we can also see that Lucia no longer visits his dreams anymore either. We can see that there's this rift that is forming between them. And Magnus can also see that Lucia is not the only one that doesn't see him as a monster or just a replica of his father, King Gaius. No matter how civil they try to act to one another they always end up in a heated argument, which feeds into their sexual frustrations for each other. I just can't wait where their relationship goes from here. After the events that took place in GD, there has definitely been a reduction on the love web. I love that Morgan utilizes her characters as pawns on a chess game because she has her pieces scattered everywhere. And I love that you don't really know what move is going to happen next. Even the ending (which btw ends in a cliffhanger) caught me by surprise that I'm not really sure where the rest of the series is headed. Overall, GD was a fantastic sequel that did not disappoint!
UPDATE: Dec. 5, 2014
LOOK AT THIS PROMOTIONAL PIC FOR GATHERING DARKNESS I FOUND ON MORGAN'S TWITTER!!
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUSPICIONS THAT THESE ARE MAGNUS AND CLEO
Just the past couple of weeks Morgan has dropped so many clues about these two:
End of Update
{{This review contains spoilers for FK and RS. This is pretty much just me ranting about the romance that was set up in RS}} After I read Falling Kingdoms I was so sure that Cleo and Jonas would hook up. And I never really considered Magnus as a prospect for Cleo romantically. But I slowly found myself liking Magnus more in Rebel Spring, and I really seemed to enjoy the scenes in which Cleo and Magnus are bickering. I wouldn't mind if they do end up together and they seem to be brushing off on each other. I found it pretty cute when the other would start defending the other about their motives (i.e. Magnus defending Cleo's honor and Cleo defending Magnus to Nic after the assassination attempt). And out of the two guys that Cleo locks lips with in Rebel Spring I found her kiss with Magnus a lot steamier. Even though their marriage was not of their own accord I think that their marriage has forced them to bond and I think as of the moment they really need each other to balance the other out. Their romance resembles that of Beauty and the Beast in which Cleo tries to seek out the real Magnus underneath the facade to be the perfect son to his father; several times Magnus and Cleo bicker about whether or not he even has a heart, and I found this parallel very endearing.
Though the romance in this novel seems to be all over the place, just the number of guys who are interested in Cleo is astounding: Theon, Aron, Nic, Jonas, and Magnus. I mean I know she is described as this "golden princess," but all of these guys are just falling for her right and left.
I found that some of the romantic revelations that went on in Rebel Spring solved some of the issues with some the characters like having Magnus marry Cleo would solve the Magnus-having-feelings-for-his-sister problem and Lucia having a thing for Alexius would relieve some of the weirdness going on between her and Magnus and having Nic suddenly become the LGBT character in the series knocks him off as a potential love interest for Cleo (even though Theon and Aron were also killed off in order to knock them out of the running as well).
And another thing...I would root for Cleo and Jonas if there weren't so many obstacles like Cleo's marriage to Magnus (that's kind of a big hurtle to get through and I don't think the concept of divorce even existed let alone an option and I doubt the author would kill him off, at least not until the last book in the series) and her status as the last heir to her kingdom and the fact that she has obligations to her people and Jonas is not even of royal blood to consider him for a long-term relationship for someone who is now a queen in her own right.
Overall, after reading Rebel Spring all of my emotions are kind of jumbled, but as of right now I am really rooting for Magnus and Cleo to make it through to the end! <3
March 18, 2018
This book left me feeling seriously conflicted.
To be honest, there were huge chunks of it I simply didn't enjoy and it felt more like a chore than anything remotely resembling pleasure to get through. Most of the story felt like it was going around in circles and every chapter often just repeated the same sentiments over and over again from each character's POV.
Personally, there is nothing more frustrating in a series than when an author feels the need to recap what happened in the previous books. What sane individual is going to pick up the 3rd book in a series and read it as a standalone? I feel like it's lazy storytelling and a complete waste of time. For me, a lot of Gathering Darkness felt like a desperate need to reach a word count instead of focusing on plot progression and there were many times when I felt a compelling urge to throw the book out the window. ESPECIALLY when it came to Jonas' chapters. Holy chicken nugget in a biscuit dipped in mashed potato! What an incredibly pointless and annoying character! He, by far, wins all the awards for the horndoggiest character ever written. He goes from lusting after one character to another and then even pervs a fucking statue ffs! The man is incorrigible!
Now that I've got all of that out of my system, I have to say that the ending of this book was so bloody brilliant that I very nearly gave it a 4 star rating. But alas, overall, I just felt like the book waffled way too much until it finally got there.
I was going to take a break before beginning Frozen Tides but I NEED MORE MAGNEO IN MY LIFE!!! That, and my bae, Lucia is on the cover. *sigh* My poor, beautiful sorceress. I just want her to be happy. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK, MORGAN RHODES, YOU MAGNIFICENT BUT MERCILESS MURDERER OF DARLINGS!?
To be honest, there were huge chunks of it I simply didn't enjoy and it felt more like a chore than anything remotely resembling pleasure to get through. Most of the story felt like it was going around in circles and every chapter often just repeated the same sentiments over and over again from each character's POV.
Personally, there is nothing more frustrating in a series than when an author feels the need to recap what happened in the previous books. What sane individual is going to pick up the 3rd book in a series and read it as a standalone? I feel like it's lazy storytelling and a complete waste of time. For me, a lot of Gathering Darkness felt like a desperate need to reach a word count instead of focusing on plot progression and there were many times when I felt a compelling urge to throw the book out the window. ESPECIALLY when it came to Jonas' chapters. Holy chicken nugget in a biscuit dipped in mashed potato! What an incredibly pointless and annoying character! He, by far, wins all the awards for the horndoggiest character ever written. He goes from lusting after one character to another and then even pervs a fucking statue ffs! The man is incorrigible!
Now that I've got all of that out of my system, I have to say that the ending of this book was so bloody brilliant that I very nearly gave it a 4 star rating. But alas, overall, I just felt like the book waffled way too much until it finally got there.
I was going to take a break before beginning Frozen Tides but I NEED MORE MAGNEO IN MY LIFE!!! That, and my bae, Lucia is on the cover. *sigh* My poor, beautiful sorceress. I just want her to be happy. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK, MORGAN RHODES, YOU MAGNIFICENT BUT MERCILESS MURDERER OF DARLINGS!?
May 29, 2016
Buddy read with Diana Bautista!!!
"Darkness rose up to cover him like a thick cloak. Soon he’d make them all burn for what they’d done to him."
This was a fun read, definitely better than the second book! I want to start the fourth one right now, but the 5th book doesn't come out till December!! Must wait a few months. :(
"Darkness rose up to cover him like a thick cloak. Soon he’d make them all burn for what they’d done to him."
This was a fun read, definitely better than the second book! I want to start the fourth one right now, but the 5th book doesn't come out till December!! Must wait a few months. :(
December 3, 2016
THAT ENDING .Why is this series so damn addictive?? My mind still needs to heal from that cliffhanger.
This.series.is.so.freaking.good
Since i can't exactly explain in words let me just sum it up with gifs
first off, i have officially become a huge Magnus fan
also this book had such a slow burn romance that it will keep you waiting and when it does happen:
also you will be introduced to a new characters as usual, one being Felix
also new political tensions arise when the Kraeshians(idk if thats how you spell it) come into the picture, one of them being Amara
(i swear if sth bad doesn't happen to her soon i will rage cry)
believe me when i say that, things actually DO start happening in this book
ABOUT TIME it happened really
Also what on earth was that ending?? (beware people this series is known for its cliffhangers i swear they will kill you)
In the last book i felt like not much really happened?? But so many things finally happened in this book i'm still reeling from it. Where the last book i felt like the only thing that managed to happen was a heck load of blah blah blah-ing from the characters but not really any action, this one had so many things going on i feel really glad that i continued. This series is going to keep on getting better from now i'm sure of that! I'm such trash for the main ship though. Their romance is so slow-burn i can't even *feels*
I can't even really say much about this book except that you GOTTA READ THIS and feel my pain!!
This.series.is.so.freaking.good
Since i can't exactly explain in words let me just sum it up with gifs
first off, i have officially become a huge Magnus fan
also this book had such a slow burn romance that it will keep you waiting and when it does happen:
also you will be introduced to a new characters as usual, one being Felix
also new political tensions arise when the Kraeshians(idk if thats how you spell it) come into the picture, one of them being Amara
(i swear if sth bad doesn't happen to her soon i will rage cry)
believe me when i say that, things actually DO start happening in this book
ABOUT TIME it happened really
Also what on earth was that ending?? (beware people this series is known for its cliffhangers i swear they will kill you)
In the last book i felt like not much really happened?? But so many things finally happened in this book i'm still reeling from it. Where the last book i felt like the only thing that managed to happen was a heck load of blah blah blah-ing from the characters but not really any action, this one had so many things going on i feel really glad that i continued. This series is going to keep on getting better from now i'm sure of that! I'm such trash for the main ship though. Their romance is so slow-burn i can't even *feels*
I can't even really say much about this book except that you GOTTA READ THIS and feel my pain!!
January 25, 2020
4.5 Golden Stars
it's my least favourite in this series (the plot was more talking than actions) but I'm struggling to give it 5 stars or not.
It had many Beautiful moments (especially after chapter 17! *heart eyes*) or Exciting, Mysterious when they tried to cross each other, Funny when it was the sarcastic arguing; as you noticed, I updated my progress very often, because I wanted to manifest my feelings! (or I would explode! no kidding!)
many Mind-Blowing situations! & the Climax!
I laughed, I smirked (at sarcastic comments), I shouted internally! (at the stupidity of my fav characters!) I cried, I screeched! (because of my ships) I swore a few times & there was heart in my eyes! I was startled & thrilled! I screamed (internally), I could've fallen of my seat out of too much anticipation! & had all kinds of emotions.
Magnus, Prince of Sass, charming as always.
& his chapters were the most fascinating ones.
This book had many revelations & twists.
I found two absolute ships in this book.
Magnus, Jonas, Felix, Ashur, Nic, Alexius; characters I cared & liked.
each Cleo, Lucia or Lysandra had moments when I hated them, but there were moments I liked them too (sinus-like interest); Between them, I think Lysandra was the best, &Cleo had a good character development, I hated her at book one, now I admire her. (since the middle of the book, it stayed this way, let's see how long it lasts.)
the world is gray; anyone would manipulate the others to achieve their own goals, each character I believe as good ones did make mistakes, but still all of them are interesting. the power play & politics in this story is very intriguing.
-
World building: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
Plot: ★★★★/5
General idea: ★★★★★/5
it's my least favourite in this series (the plot was more talking than actions) but I'm struggling to give it 5 stars or not.
It had many Beautiful moments (especially after chapter 17! *heart eyes*) or Exciting, Mysterious when they tried to cross each other, Funny when it was the sarcastic arguing; as you noticed, I updated my progress very often, because I wanted to manifest my feelings! (or I would explode! no kidding!)
many Mind-Blowing situations! & the Climax!
I laughed, I smirked (at sarcastic comments), I shouted internally! (at the stupidity of my fav characters!) I cried, I screeched! (because of my ships) I swore a few times & there was heart in my eyes! I was startled & thrilled! I screamed (internally), I could've fallen of my seat out of too much anticipation! & had all kinds of emotions.
Magnus, Prince of Sass, charming as always.
& his chapters were the most fascinating ones.
This book had many revelations & twists.
I found two absolute ships in this book.
Magnus, Jonas, Felix, Ashur, Nic, Alexius; characters I cared & liked.
each Cleo, Lucia or Lysandra had moments when I hated them, but there were moments I liked them too (sinus-like interest); Between them, I think Lysandra was the best, &
the world is gray; anyone would manipulate the others to achieve their own goals, each character I believe as good ones did make mistakes, but still all of them are interesting. the power play & politics in this story is very intriguing.
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World building: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
Plot: ★★★★/5
General idea: ★★★★★/5
December 31, 2017
This book was amazing! I love this series so much! These books are so addicting. I can't wait to read the next book, I just want to binge read this series. If you love Fantasy, I really recommend this series :)
November 2, 2016
I was talking to some of my friends at about the half way point of this book and I was complaining because so far the first 2 books were only 4 stars and this one was also looking like being a 4 star. However, the last 200 pages completely changed my opinion because it was ridiculously intense. I was on the edge of my seat reading it and I had to take breaks because I was so stressed. I was pretty sure that our main characters would survive this book but I was still extremely worried that someone was going to (literally) lose their head.
I was set on taking a break between book 2 and 3 but I was too addicted to the story to leave the world just yet. I almost fell into a slump because of it so I had to read a quick trashy novel to deal with it. Even though this book ended on a type of cliffhanger (nothing was really resolved), I'll still be taking a tiny break from the world.
Even though I finished this book last night I can't even remember half of the plot. It was so intense though and I was genuinely concerned for the safety of my favourites. So many twists shocked me (I actually sent videos to my friends of me screaming at how shocked I was).
The thing that changed this book from a 4 star to a 5 star were the SHIPS (don't read this section if you don't want to find out the ships)
Magnus and Cleo are my 2 favourites characters and the fact that they're a ship makes me insanely happy. I love them so much. There's literally nothing better than an enemies turned to lovers.
"In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished."
Literally this quote made me melt. This was followed by Cleo telling Magnus she hates him and then they started making out and omg my heart was about to explode. I just love it so much!
Jonas and Lysandra was also a really cute new ship that I was totally rooting for since book 2. Their sneaky little kiss was so cute and I hope we get more of them.
Poor little Lucia and I felt so bad for her when .
I love this series so much and I'm 200% addicted!
I was set on taking a break between book 2 and 3 but I was too addicted to the story to leave the world just yet. I almost fell into a slump because of it so I had to read a quick trashy novel to deal with it. Even though this book ended on a type of cliffhanger (nothing was really resolved), I'll still be taking a tiny break from the world.
Even though I finished this book last night I can't even remember half of the plot. It was so intense though and I was genuinely concerned for the safety of my favourites. So many twists shocked me (I actually sent videos to my friends of me screaming at how shocked I was).
The thing that changed this book from a 4 star to a 5 star were the SHIPS (don't read this section if you don't want to find out the ships)
Magnus and Cleo are my 2 favourites characters and the fact that they're a ship makes me insanely happy. I love them so much. There's literally nothing better than an enemies turned to lovers.
"In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore. And, whatever the cost, I refuse to let that light be extinguished."
Literally this quote made me melt. This was followed by Cleo telling Magnus she hates him and then they started making out and omg my heart was about to explode. I just love it so much!
Jonas and Lysandra was also a really cute new ship that I was totally rooting for since book 2. Their sneaky little kiss was so cute and I hope we get more of them.
Poor little Lucia and I felt so bad for her when .
I love this series so much and I'm 200% addicted!
April 8, 2018
3.75 The stakes have never been higher. ★'s
“There are no guarantees in this life, only strong possibilities. That's enough for me.”
“You don't cry when someone pushes you down. You get up. You get up and you fight back. And pretty soon nobody's going to shove you anymore because they'll see it's not worth it.”
Okay... So I gotta say, I still didn't love it! But at least "Gathering Darkness" was better than Rebel Spring even if only by a little bit. My biggest problem with this series is the relationships. Especially the new relationship between , though I seen it coming from a mile away! I have a hard time believing in the relationships. I honestly doubt any of these characters even know what real love is! Seeing as how the word LOVE gets tossed around more often than not. As I have said before, these said feelings come out of nowhere. One moment everything is normal than BAM feelings blossom out of thin air. It just really annoys me because one of my favorite things about reading is getting to see love grow and become strong. Getting to see two people grow together and become who they were always meant to be but this series does not give me this pleasure :( The fault of this disconnect for me could be that the characters spend way to much time alone and not enough time with each other. They don't really get the chance to actually bond and to truly get to know one another. Plus its all pretty predictable! I felt that this book was a lot slower but towards the middle/end is where it finally started picking up speed and become more interesting. I also really don't like Jonas being the "rebel leader". I mean c'mon it's laughable at best. He really doesn't do much rebelling and when he does people die!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Despite this ↑↑↑ it was still an enjoyable read for the most part. I do still like the world and the plot. I love my girl Cleo! She is my favorite character :D Shes like the only one, I can say that I FEEL I truly know. I wish it was from her POV more often than any of the others. In this installment there is a lot of death, betrayals, twists and turns, new friends/new enemies and even more death. Who can be trusted? Where do your loyalties lie? Mine have been and will always remain with Princess Cleo ;)
*This cover though, it's really something pretty*
“It was desperate, this kiss. Violent, even.
But of course it was. It had been building up between them for such a long time, as the battle about this boy who had destroyed her life had raged inside her. This boy who had saved her life, who was cruel and kind, strong and weak. Who was selfish and selfless all at once.”
“Magnus had come to a horrible realization. One that he knew would cause him nothing but pain and suffering from that day forward.
But there was no changing the truth of it.
He had fallen in love with her.”
“There are no guarantees in this life, only strong possibilities. That's enough for me.”
“You don't cry when someone pushes you down. You get up. You get up and you fight back. And pretty soon nobody's going to shove you anymore because they'll see it's not worth it.”
Okay... So I gotta say, I still didn't love it! But at least "Gathering Darkness" was better than Rebel Spring even if only by a little bit. My biggest problem with this series is the relationships. Especially the new relationship between , though I seen it coming from a mile away! I have a hard time believing in the relationships. I honestly doubt any of these characters even know what real love is! Seeing as how the word LOVE gets tossed around more often than not. As I have said before, these said feelings come out of nowhere. One moment everything is normal than BAM feelings blossom out of thin air. It just really annoys me because one of my favorite things about reading is getting to see love grow and become strong. Getting to see two people grow together and become who they were always meant to be but this series does not give me this pleasure :( The fault of this disconnect for me could be that the characters spend way to much time alone and not enough time with each other. They don't really get the chance to actually bond and to truly get to know one another. Plus its all pretty predictable! I felt that this book was a lot slower but towards the middle/end is where it finally started picking up speed and become more interesting. I also really don't like Jonas being the "rebel leader". I mean c'mon it's laughable at best. He really doesn't do much rebelling and when he does people die!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Despite this ↑↑↑ it was still an enjoyable read for the most part. I do still like the world and the plot. I love my girl Cleo! She is my favorite character :D Shes like the only one, I can say that I FEEL I truly know. I wish it was from her POV more often than any of the others. In this installment there is a lot of death, betrayals, twists and turns, new friends/new enemies and even more death. Who can be trusted? Where do your loyalties lie? Mine have been and will always remain with Princess Cleo ;)
*This cover though, it's really something pretty*
“It was desperate, this kiss. Violent, even.
But of course it was. It had been building up between them for such a long time, as the battle about this boy who had destroyed her life had raged inside her. This boy who had saved her life, who was cruel and kind, strong and weak. Who was selfish and selfless all at once.”
“Magnus had come to a horrible realization. One that he knew would cause him nothing but pain and suffering from that day forward.
But there was no changing the truth of it.
He had fallen in love with her.”
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