Chosen Son

Fallen City Duology #2

by Adrienne Young

The war is just beginning.

When the city fell, Maris lost everything—her freedom, her future, and the man she loved. Now, with Luca trapped behind the gates of Isara, she makes a choice that will change her life forever: to don the armor of the enemy and march back into the heart of the city she was forced to flee. Every step brings her closer to Luca, but also deeper into the blood-soaked machine of war.

Inside Isara’s walls, Luca wrestles with a truth more dangerous than any sword. Once the symbol of the Loyal Legion, he has lost the thing he was truly fighting for—Maris. The shift of the war has left him to question whether he has become a pawn of the gods, and with betrayal lurking in every shadow, Luca must decide who he is: the dutiful soldier forged by rebellion, or the man willing to risk everything for love.

Across battlefields and through broken temples, Maris and Luca’s treacherous paths through Isara are set to collide. And when the gods demand sacrifice, it comes in a form no one could have expected.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication December 15, 2026

About the author

Adrienne Young is the New York Times and international bestselling author of the Sky and Sea duology, the Fable series, and Spells for Forgetting. When she’s not writing, you can find Adrienne on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

For information on release, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for the newsletter at https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/

Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks

Reviews

[⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆ Kim ⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆]

⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (1/7/2026): ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ The book doesn’t come out for another 10 months and I already need this like I need air🥹

[Sarah (bookofsari) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This is one of those books where my rating is almost entirely determined by the second half.

The first half was a struggle for me. Not because it was bad, but because it felt like the story kept stopping to explain itself. There was so much lore, mythology, politics, and setup being thrown at the reader that I found myself wanting the plot to actually move forward. I loved Fallen City, so I was eager to get back into this world, but it took me a while to find my footing here.

Then the second half happened.

Once everything finally clicked into place, I couldn't put it down. The pacing completely transformed. The battles were intense, the twists kept coming, and for the first time in a long time I genuinely had no idea where a fantasy story was heading. Every time I thought I understood the endgame, Adrienne Young pulled the rug out from under me.

I also loved how the larger story concluded. Some of the reveals and final decisions surprised me in the best way, and by the end I found myself especially invested in Aeryn. More than anything, I just wanted good things for her.

That said, there are two things keeping this from being a five-star read.

The first is Maris and Luca's relationship. While I enjoyed both of them individually, I never felt like their story received the emotional resolution I was hoping for. Yes, the flash-forward helps tie things up, but I wanted more meaningful moments between them before we got there. After everything they endured, I needed a deeper connection and conversation than what we ultimately received.

The second is Maris herself. Her character development went in a very different direction than I expected after Fallen City. Some of the choices she makes toward the end felt out of step with the version of her I thought I knew, and I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about that.

Even with those frustrations, this was a satisfying conclusion to the duology. Adrienne Young's writing remains immersive as ever, and once the story found its momentum, I was completely along for the ride.

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

"The man I'd given my heart to was farther away from me than he'd ever been. So, how was it that the knot between us only twisted tighter?"

I think this was a solid conclusion to Fallen City. We catch up with Maris and Luca shortly after the events of book one, and satisfyingly wrap up all of the plot points. There were some minor things that didn't seem to get explained by the end, but more in a "left to your own interpretation" sort of way.

Again I think the world building here is great- it's detailed enough to feel fully fleshed out but not overly complicated. I read book one about a year ago and picked this up not remembering much, but was fully back on board a few chapters in. I absolutely think a map should be included here! Like book one, this story is ENTIRELY set in and around the city of Isara- like the entire point is a city at war and under siege, and we don't have a map?!

I think the story balanced the battle scenes with the more political planning and negotiating in a good way. Even when the pace was slower it continued to feel like the stakes were sky high.

And of course, I loved Maris and Luca. This story opens with them being separated- Luca having sent Maris and his tribune Theo out of the Isara gate to keep them safe. But even when they were apart, they were at the forefront of each other's minds. Their bond was so strong even when days and weeks went by- in this really tragic, star crossed way.

I do think my one complaint here would be that we didn't get a longer epilogue. After everything our characters had been though- and not just Maris and Luca but Theo, Asinia, Aeryn and Vale too- it would have been nice to get to see more of what happens farther down the road.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shakira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen Son by Adrienne Young was such a powerful continuation to this series and I honestly could not put it down. Picking up directly after the devastating events of Fallen City, this book wastes absolutely no time throwing you back into the chaos, heartbreak, and aftermath of war. From the very beginning, you can feel that neither Maris nor Luca are the same people they were before the fall of the Isara, and watching both of them navigate the wreckage left behind was emotionally gripping.

Maris goes through such an incredible journey in this book. After surviving the fall of the city and realizing that the Gods are far from finished with her, she is forced to become stronger in ways she never expected. I loved seeing her evolution here. Protected by one of Luca’s loyal servants, she slowly takes up arms and begins fighting not just for survival, but to reclaim her city and her future. There is such a quiet fury and determination in her throughout the story, and even when she is physically and emotionally exhausted, she keeps moving forward. Watching her carry the weight of loss, destiny, and responsibility while still holding onto pieces of herself made her such a compelling FMC.

And then there is Luca… honestly, his storyline hurt my heart in the best way. While Maris is learning to fight, Luca is doing the opposite. He lays down his weapons and instead uses his intelligence, strategy, and influence to try to end the war. But he is broken by the loss of Maris and struggling to maintain the trust and loyalty of his men after everything that happened. You can feel how much guilt, grief, and love he carries in every chapter. His journey feels quieter than Maris’s at times, but no less devastating.

The emotional tension between Maris and Luca remains one of the strongest parts of the series. Even though Fallen City leaned more heavily into the romance, I actually appreciated how Chosen Son broadened the scope of the story while still keeping their connection at its core. Their love becomes something painful, sacrificial, and deeply tied to the fate of the world around them. Both of them are constantly being used and manipulated by the Gods, the war, and the expectations placed on them, and it creates this emotional push and pull that made me ache for them the entire time.

The pacing of this book is relentless in the best way. There is constant action, shifting alliances, political tension, betrayals, and revelations that keep the story moving. The alternating POVs worked so well because you get to see how differently Maris and Luca are surviving the same war. Every time I thought the story might slow down, something else happened that completely pulled me back in.

And emotionally? This book put me through it. I got angry. I cried. I cheered. I literally gasped at some of the reveals and choices these characters had to make. Adrienne Young does such an incredible job balancing epic fantasy stakes with deeply personal emotional journeys, and that is what made this story hit so hard.

What I loved most is that Chosen Son truly feels like the book that ties everything together. While the first book focused more on the romance and connection between Maris and Luca, this installment expands the world, the conflict, and the mythology while still giving emotional payoff to the characters we have grown attached to. And by the end, it genuinely felt like the story had been wrapped up with care and purpose.

Overall, Chosen Son is an emotional, action packed, and deeply satisfying continuation that delivers on both character growth and high stakes fantasy storytelling. Maris and Luca’s journeys through grief, war, faith, and love made this impossible to put down, and I loved every second of the emotional chaos.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ali Fredrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I wouldn’t give for this to be turned into a movie 😩 this was everything I needed from this book and more! Absolute perfection from page one! Adrienne Young is a literary master and I love her. This story picks up right after Fallen City ends and you are just instantly transported right back into the emotions and world of Luca and Maris and I swear my heart was racing the entire time.

I will be thinking about this duology forever

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Liana Gold]

There is love and then there is duty. Love is like war--very easy to begin but very hard to stop.

Wow wow wow! My day just became even better when I saw this available. I was patiently awaiting for this. I remember when I read Fallen city, I fell in love with the Greco-Roman inspired world and the rebellion. The love story was very much. subplot but it took me by surprise and it was so well done.. I couldn't stop thinking about it for a long time. And now.. here we are with a conclusion.

This will be my priority next month!


Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press/Saturday Books and the author, Adrienne Young for an early ARC.

Publication date: December 15, 2026

[The Chapter Chaser]

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books for the ARC.

⭐ 3.5 to 4 stars.......I’m honestly conflicted right now, especially since Fallen City was one of my top books last year.

Part of me feels frustrated by the direction this sequel took, while another part genuinely enjoyed the reading experience, the emotional weight, and several aspects of the execution, especially the epic battles (which I absolutely loved) and the development of some of the other characters, all alongside Young’s amazing and captivating writing.

So honestly… I think I need a moment to process this book properly. My expectations for book two were probably very different from what the story was actually trying to do, and I don’t want to misjudge it because of that.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty follow up to the first book, with even higher stakes.

While opinions were divided on ‘Fallen City’, for me, I had instantly fallen in step with the characters and the unusual narrative that jumped around. This isn’t a romance first story, but in a way historical fiction with minor (minor!) fantasy elements as we witness war from different angles. A bonus for me was also getting Maris and Luca’s tragic love story told.

‘Chosen Son’ is written in a linear fashion this time, though still with POV’s alternating between the main characters.

Maris is returning, fighting to get back to Luca, while Luca is fighting to end the war, to play his role (all while believing Maris is away and safe). There’s this push and pull, a suspense, that kept me reading as I learned pieces of information from both characters, not knowing how their decisions would affect the other upon collision. Knowing about the fire wine, while knowing Maris would be present? My stomach was in knots.

I found this sequel to be more action packed, more emotionally driving than the first, which had more down times with politics and narration since half the book was spent looking into the past. Here we get major transformations in characters, Maris in a sense went through an entire metamorphosis. The atmosphere was brutal, I felt the exhaustion of the battles taking place, and the descriptions of the violence and fighting were well done. (Sometimes it’s hard to picture fight scenes as the intensity they’re meant to be)

I had no idea how this was going to end, up until the ending itself. There were so many ways the author could have taken with the conclusion, which had me glued to my kindle, but it was handled wonderfully.

Théo seriously is my fave in this😭 The bond between him and Maris was so sweet.

*ARC courtesy of netgalley*

[Simran K · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was mostly disappointed with Fallen City last year, Chosen Son redeemed some parts of this story. I enjoyed the heavy political intrigue and the found-family relationship between Theo and Maris. I thought the story itself ended in the best possible way without it being too perfectly wrapped up. The pacing was the right amount to keep me engaged and the story was easy to read, which is why I flew through it!

I wish it didn't only revolve around the battle though. All of the book, with the exception of the last few chapters, takes place during the battle against Valshad, which did get a bit repetitive. We get a 2-3 small chapters at the end that tell us what happens 3-5 years later but not much else. While Maris and Luca's growth as individual characters really carried the plot, I still found myself not caring for them as a couple. We never saw how or why they fell in love, we were just told they did, which is disappointing because Adrienne Young writes some of the most touching and emotionally compelling love stories. That said, her illustration of the bond between Theo and Maris was exquisite and one of the best parts of the book. You could really feel Theo's love for Maris as an older, protective brother figure.

Overall, I liked this installment better than the first and it was an enjoyable conclusion to the duology. However, this story as a whole is probably not one of my favorite Adrienne Young stories. Although, I would be interested in a Vale and Aeryn spin-off.

Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Saturday Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I just think this duology was not for me. I thought "Fallen City" was alright, but I thought the downfall of it was the Past vs. Present POV's, and the lack of emotional attactment and depth with the characters. I was hopeful that we would get more depth and connection to the characters and story in this book... but unfortunately this book didn't do that for me.

There was a lot of telling and not showing in terms of Maris and Luca's love. They are never together, and even their thoughts of each other seem to have been incredibly shallow. I didn't believe their love, nor did I care enough to root for it. We had no time to sit with them in their love and feelings and devotion. And that was very upsetting to me. They had cute moments in "Fallen City", but really nothing in this book.

There was no feeling or emotional depth behind this book. I didn't feel for or know these characters. Everything felt very surface level and I felt like I didn't know a single character on a deeper level.

I constantly felt like I was missing information. I was confused a lot, and it was hard to grasp things because I felt like we floated past a lot of information and moments. Didn't really connect.

I think it was written well, I thought the descriptions of things were well thought out, but in terms of connection to characters and the story... I just couldn't.

Really sad, but it is what it is!

[Sofia&#; thebookishpalss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25⭐️

“ She would never remember the ash floating in the air like snow or see the river's canal empty….
But one day we would have to tell them the story. We had to tell them the truth.
That mortal men are flawed, as are the gods. That we crushed a precious thing in our hands as we tried to save it. And one day, when the same story started over again, that we hoped they would do better. Be gentler. If there was one thing I still prayed for, it was that. “

This was such an anticipated read for me (especially after how Fallen city had ended) and i’m glad it didn’t disappoint! In this second book we get to see a new side of our beloved characters, especially for what concerns Maris’ journey throughout Chosen Son.
She has to deal with her rush decision of joining the Valshad army at the end of book 1 and this will inevitably change the role that she had grown accustomed to her whole life that of a noblewoman, a devotee to the gods and a magistrate. What I really appreciated was her bond with Thèo as well as learning his true identity! I felt Luca’s shock about it as my own😂

Adrienne Young’s writing is as evocative as always, but I felt like sometimes I wasn’t as engrossed in the narration as had happened in book 1. The main love story definitely took a step back in Chosen son (which i didn’t necessarily appreciate😔) but that reunion was epic (and traumatising!! Got me crying like a baby) and the last chapter incredibly sweet.

It was nice seeing the future of the city of Isara after so much suffering and i appreciated the steps the characters made to rid themselves of the will of the gods and of the notions of fate/destiny, by taking into their own hands their paths. I felt for Luca when he was required to surrender his moral compass and i appreciated his decision to dedicate himself to what he truly loved afterwards! I didn’t feel very connected to Althea unfortunately, overall i think that her presence was a bit superfluous and her connection with Maris and the others felt a bir forced.

Overall a good sequel, but a bit subdued compared to the first one!

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to early read it!

[Amber Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team!!
Luca and Mari’s’ story continues in final book of this duology. We left Fallen City at the brink of a second war and Chosen Son takes of right where it ends. After Luca sends Maris away in an attempt to protect her, she uses the opportunity of being recruited by her city’s enemy to return to Isara to get back to Luca. During her time in training she meets Aeryn, leader of this battle and daughter to the consul, and feels a pull towards her. Luca is strategizing and preparing for war and experiences the physical, mental, and emotional weight of war while also questioning his beliefs. Several battles ensue and the story ends with a fresh start for Isara without the influence of magic or the gods.
I was very excited for the opportunity to read this arc because I loved Fallen City and was hoping that all of my questions would be answered. What I loved about this book is the depth that it took the reader into the backgrounds of war and the emotional toll it has on those involved, however, the first 40% of the book was all planning and training and it felt like it dragged on a bit. I also enjoyed the way the story unfolded for Maris and Aeryn and the impact the women involved had on the outcome. I did feel like there were quite a few plot holes and I still have several questions that weren’t answered. The biggest one being, what did Valshad need the godsblood for? Nobody was questioning why they would go to such lengths for it. Also I feel like there was a lot more to uncover with Aeryn’s connection to the gods. Overall I enjoyed the book but it left me with a lot of unanswered questions.

[Ashlee Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying and well-executed conclusion to the duology. In this sequel, Maris and Luca find themselves on opposite sides of Isara's city gates and the war. Both of them are left questioning what they are fighting for--Maris, for the freedom and the love she was forced to leave behind; Luca, for the future he thought he was forced to sacrifice.

All in all, I thought this was enjoyable. I liked that it highlighted the complexities of war, as well as human nature, with good and bad being a nuanced, fluctuating thing. I also appreciated the inner turmoil Luca had to work through with regards to his role in the rebellion, his purpose with the gods, particularly with how it related to sacrifice and his love for Maris. I liked the focus on friendship development between Maris and Theo as well. It added a found family element, which I couldn't help but champion.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.

BOOK BLOG

[Mary Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This book was a slog to get through so I skipped to the end. I couldn’t understand anyone’s motivations and Maris’ actions were idiotic.

[svea.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, Saturday Books and Adrienene Young for the eARC. This is an honest, profound, and personal review.

When I finished Fallen City as a five-star read last week and realized that its sequel was a Read Now title on NetGalley, it felt like fate. Being able to dive right into the sequel instead of waiting another six or seven months? THANK YOU SO MUCH.
The story picks up right where the Fairyloot bonus epilogue left off. The annotations in that bonus epilogue hinted at secrets and revelations. And rightly so! But I wasn’t prepared for the first big reveal to already happen in Chapter 1. And what a reveal it is! It makes so much sense, yet I had absolutely no clue until it happened!

I really liked how the tables were turned: Maris was the one in the siege camp, while Luca was in the Citadel. Seeing Maris evolve from a tender-hearted woman, whose only scars were internal and whose only calluses came from writing, into a formidable warrior was exquisite—a triumph against every gender stereotype. Seeing Luca as a scientist was just as delightful, as it reflects his true essence and the intellectual core we caught a glimpse of in the "before" timeline of book 1.

While I mourned the loss of the non-linear timelines that made book one a masterpiece, the dual POV in a single timeline allowed for a different kind of tension. Seeing the story through both their eyes while they were apart created a bittersweet distance. We watch them fighting their own separate battles while simultaneously fighting for each other. The irony of Luca being relieved that Maris isn't seeing the horrors of war, while she is actually experiencing them firsthand, was brilliantly executed. The realization that she was the victim of his most horrific inventions while he thought she was safe elsewhere added a devastating layer to their connection.

Although the first book was heavy on politics—one of my personal highlights, even if it wasn’t for everyone—this sequel might appeal more to the average reader. The story is action-packed, the stakes are high, and the fear of losing lives hits harder than ever! One scene in particular, around the 75% mark, left me breathless and with tears in my eyes.

However, the story didn’t quite live up to book 1—partly because of the shift in tone resulting from the linear narrative and the generally gloomier atmosphere due to the increased focus on combat—but also because there were a few things that kept pulling me out of the story. Some aspects of the narrative didn't quite add up. For one thing, the resolution at the end of Book 1 seemed to be glossed over. The agreement was that people could leave the city in exchange for the Godsblood, yet the citizens departed without the priestess ever being handed over. That confused me right from the start, and kept me wondering why the invaders were reiterating their demand for her, especially since they already had the upper hand and could have taken the city back then. What struck me as even stranger was the strategic logic regarding the fleeing citizens. It felt jarring that the invasion force would so readily allow people who had just fled the city to join their ranks. Since they left willingly and weren't exiled, they shouldn't have any animosity toward the city—they only fled to escape the impending invasion. Their loyalty would be highly suspect, so why on earth let them join you at the risk of being betrayed? In a high-stakes military setting, this felt like a glaring strategic oversight that didn't quite align with the otherwise clever political world-building.

But if you can overlook these points, this is a great follow-up. I loved how the mystery of the gods unfolded. Even when they took a backseat, they remained a powerful driving force that brought the story full circle. Combined with an ending that hit every mark and masterful foreshadowing throughout, it’s an absolutely devastatingly beautiful conclusion.

Overall, a very strong 4-star read. While I missed the complex timelines of the first book, the emotional payoff was well worth the wait. Despite the minor strategic inconsistencies, it’s a fast-paced, action-filled finale that brings this unique duology to a deeply satisfying close. It is a testament to how much a character can evolve when pushed to their limits—a powerful story about healing, growth, and finding one's true essence amidst the ruins.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏛️ Roman Empire-inspired
⏳ Dual POV
⚔️ Star-crossed Lovers
⚖️ Political Warfare
🏹 Female Growth Arc

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨But if we lived to see the other side of this, if we survived this ending, we would make something new ✨️

✨That I’d tried to save my city, and I’d failed. But I would save Luca✨️

✨The only thing I could be sure of was that there was no greater punishment than being allowed to fall in love. I’d never known a colder cruelty than that✨️

~
📖 Summary:
The war is just beginning.
After Isara falls, Maris disguises herself as the enemy to save Luca, the man she loves. Inside the city, Luca questions his loyalty, the gods he serves, and the war consuming them both. As their paths collide in war-torn Isara, the gods demand an unthinkable sacrifice.

💭 My Thoughts 💭
Going into this book, my expectations were honestly really high because I loved the first book so much! Book 1 completely pulled me in with its atmosphere, emotional tension, and character relationships, so I was expecting to feel that same level of connection here. While I still enjoyed this sequel overall, it didn’t impact me quite as deeply as the first one did 🙃
One of my biggest issues was the pacing toward the end. The story spent a lot of time building up the emotional stakes, political tension, and the weight of the war, but the ending felt a little rushed to me compared to everything that came before it.

I wanted more time with certain moments and character decisions because there was so much emotional potential there 😭 Some parts that should have hit really hard emotionally felt like they moved by too quickly.

That being said, I still really appreciate Adrienne Young’s writing and the amount of care she puts into her stories 😉☝️her prose is absolutely beautiful, and she has such a talent for creating vivid imagery that makes every setting feel alive.

The battle scenes were honestly incredible — intense, cinematic, and easy to picture the entire time. She writes action in a way that feels both immersive and emotional, which is not easy to do.

I also have to give credit to the romance because Adrienne Young consistently writes relationships with so much longing, tension, and emotional depth 😭🫴💕 Even when I struggled with parts of the plot, the connection between the characters still kept me invested.

She has a way of making romance feel tender and meaningful without taking away from the larger story. It was a cinematic masterpiece to watch these 2 characters fight for their love 🥹

Even though this book didn’t fully live up to the incredibly high expectations I had after book 1, I still enjoyed being back in this world and can absolutely see the effort and talent behind the writing.

Adrienne Young remains such a strong storyteller, and I’ll definitely continue picking up her books in the future ✌️😉
~

Characters:
✨Only one purpose left that took shape in my mind’s eye. I would get back to Luca. I would save him. And if I had to, I’d cut the throats of a thousand men to do it.✨

Maris: Ahhh, Maris Caspira — my warrior queen. I absolutely loved her character development throughout this duology. She became my favorite character not just because of how much she grew, but because of the strength, grace, and resilience she carried through every challenge. Honestly, her entire journey was chef’s kiss. Forever obsessed with my warrior queen 😩💓
~
✨I’d finally gotten what I wanted, only to lose the only thing I needed. ✨

Luca: PLEASE, PLEASEEE CH 29-33!?!?!? ADRIENNE WHYYY DID YOU DO MY MAN LIKE THAT I KID YOU NOT I THREW MY KINDLE ACROSS THE ROOM MULTIPLE TIMES 😫 Give this man all the good things because wow 😭🫴 The inner turmoil he went through, the constant battle with himself, and then the choice he ultimately made!? Oh, my poor man. Carrying something like that on his conscience could not have been easy. I loved getting to see Luca in such a raw, vulnerable light — it made his character feel even more real and heartbreaking. Young did an incredible job with his development, and I will forever love these two 🤧👏🙌

~
Theo: Okay sooo, I was honestly surprised by how much I loved Theo and Maris’s relationship. He gave such protective older-brother energy, and I loved how much time and care he put into helping her grow and train. What made it even better was how safe and comfortable Maris felt with him. Their development from book 1 to book 2 was written so well, and Theo easily became one of my favorites in the second book because of how selfless and caring he was toward her 💕
~
The conclusion to this duology was wrapped up beautifully — I just wish we had more time with these characters and this world, which is always a good sign! I truly hope Adrienne Young continues writing such gorgeous prose and immersive worlds because I will absolutely be picking up every single one of her books, thank you very much 😝☝️
~
God bless everyone

[Morgan Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love, duty, sacrifice, religion, and guilt are central themes in the second half of the Fallen City duology by Adrienne Young.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read an eARC.

I was really excited to return to the world of Isara, especially since Fallen City was a four-star read for me. At the end of the first book, our FMC, Maris, and MMC, Luca, are torn apart by the revolution they unintentionally helped ignite. In an effort to protect her from the war closing in around them, Luca forces Maris to flee the city.

Chosen Son picks up immediately where book one left off. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, I found the opening a little jarring because there was very little recap of the events from the first installment. I honestly struggle to remember the details of books I read a year ago, so while I appreciated being thrown straight back into the world, I think even a brief refresher would have helped ground the reader. Because of that, I found the beginning somewhat difficult to follow.

At the start of book two, the roles are essentially reversed: Maris is outside the city trying to get back in, while Luca remains in the capital trying to defend it. The citizens who were allowed to flee are then asked to join Valshad’s military—the very army attacking their home. This became one of the biggest sticking points for me throughout the novel. I had a difficult time fully buying into the idea that ordinary citizens would so quickly turn against their own city, especially when many of the original rebels were still inside the capital fighting alongside Luca. I also struggled to understand why their enemy would trust these new recruits not to betray them. It was a plot point that continually pulled me out of the story.

Throughout the novel, Luca and Maris wrestle with guilt—toward each other, themselves, their mentors, and their countrymen. While these emotional conflicts were clearly meant to reinforce the book’s larger themes of honor, duty, sacrifice, and faith, they eventually began to feel repetitive. At times, it felt as though the same ideas were being revisited without adding much new emotional depth or forward momentum to the story.

In many ways, book two felt like one extended battle sequence. I was hoping for more plot development outside of the warfare itself, and especially more focus on the emotional connection and romance between Maris and Luca. In that regard, I was mostly disappointed. There is a section around the 70% mark that finally delivered some of the emotional depth I had been wanting, but it only lasted for a few chapters. That said, I did really enjoy learning more about Theo’s backstory—he easily became my favorite side character in the series.

Overall, I really wanted to love this conclusion because I thought Fallen City laid the groundwork for a compelling finale. While the duology still has an interesting premise and strong thematic ideas, Chosen Son ultimately ended up being more of a miss than a hit for me.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen Son • Adrienne Young
Fallen City Duology #2

One phrase: war, gods, and devastating love ⚔️💔

Chosen Son was such a powerful continuation to Fallen City, and I honestly could not put it down.

This book picks up right after the devastating events of book one and wastes absolutely no time throwing you back into the chaos, grief, betrayal, and aftermath of war. From the very beginning, it is clear that Maris and Luca are not the same people they were before Isara fell, and watching them navigate what is left behind was emotionally gripping.

Maris goes through such an incredible journey in this book. After surviving the fall of the city and realizing the gods are far from finished with her, she is forced to become stronger in ways she never expected. I loved seeing her step into that quiet fury and determination. She is exhausted, grieving, and carrying the weight of destiny, but she keeps moving forward anyway.

And Luca?

His storyline hurt my heart in the best way.

While Maris is learning to fight, Luca is trying to lay down his weapons and use strategy, influence, and intelligence to end the war. But he is also broken by the loss of Maris and struggling under the weight of guilt, loyalty, and what it means to be used by forces bigger than himself.

The emotional tension between Maris and Luca remains one of the strongest parts of this duology. Fallen City leaned more heavily into the romance, but I really appreciated how Chosen Son expanded the world, the war, and the mythology while still keeping their connection at the center.

Their love feels painful, sacrificial, and tied to everything around them. The gods, the war, the betrayals, the expectations, all of it creates this ache that follows them through every chapter.

The pacing was relentless in the best way. There is action, shifting alliances, political tension, broken temples, betrayals, and reveals that kept me fully locked in. The alternating POVs worked so well because you get to see how differently Maris and Luca are surviving the same war.

And emotionally? This book put me through it.

I got angry. I cried. I cheered. I gasped. Adrienne Young does such a beautiful job balancing epic fantasy stakes with deeply personal character journeys, and that is what made this hit so hard.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
⚔️ war torn fantasy
💔 separated lovers
👑 fallen city aftermath
🗡 heroine takes up arms
🧠 strategist MMC
🕯 gods and sacrifice
🔥 political tension
👀 betrayal and secrets
🏛 broken temples
🥀 grief and guilt
💞 love against war
😭 emotional duology finale

📚 Read this if you like:
Epic fantasy romance, mythology, war torn kingdoms, separated lovers, emotional character growth, political betrayal, and stories where love and sacrifice are tangled together until it hurts.

This was action packed, emotional, deeply satisfying, and such a strong conclusion to Maris and Luca’s journey.

#ChosenSon #AdrienneYoung #FallenCityDuology #FantasyRomance #BookReview @Saturdaybooks @Stmartinspress

[Lis Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this title.

I really liked Fallen City and it was a 4.5-star read for me.

Unfortunately, I did not feel the same about this second book.

I am, personally, not a fan of the FMC/MMC (love interests) being separated for half the book (in this case, really, almost 3/4 of the book) trope. In general, to me, it adds absolutely nothing to the readers emotional attachment to the main characters.

In this case though, I will say that the trope did serve the larger purpose, at least with the FMC, of giving Maris a chance to grow outside of her original space. It also led to two of the most interesting relationships with secondary characters that the book had to offer. Unlike the first book, I almost felt as though the romance was not even necessary any longer. It became secondary to everything else here, whereas in the first book it was truly the beating heart of the story.

I never say this, because I love a duology, but feel like this may have needed a third book.

A duology should come to a satisfying, wrapped-up conclusion, and this did not do that for me. Some examples:
1) I could have done with much more of the secondary characters and what their futures really held. I loved the progression of the relationship between Theo and Maris as well as the potential for seeing what becomes of Vale and his relationships.
2) The "gifted" or "chosen" piece that was so interesting in the first book almost seemed skimmed over. Why did the Gods gift those that they did, why did they keep taking those gifts away, was all of this really just to, what?, get all the chess pieces to a specific spot? All some silly game? I still don't know. It was all too convenient to switch and swap gifts constantly just to move along the desires of the gods. And it got a bit confusing. At the very least one of these gods might have shown up once or twice, made an appearance and answered for what they did!
3) The conclusion to the main villain(s) story was extremely anti-climactic and there was no opportunity to explore all of the interesting new villains that showed up in this second book.
And many others.

But ultimately, I felt more invested in the main characters relationships with others than the main couple themselves, and felt slightly cheated out of more information about many other things. This title could have used a lot less filler and much more substantial plot action.

It felt very much like a second book in a trilogy rather than a conclusion to a duology. Unless, of course, the author plans on more books from this universe - then most of this review would need to be revisited.

All that said, being the lover of all things Roman and a great fan of this author, I did still enjoy it and would recommend it to others.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. Adrienne Young has such a beautiful way of writing that I get completely pulled into her stories. She writes love and devotion in a way that feels so deep and all consuming, and Maris and Luca’s relationship is exactly that. This book had even more action than the first, and we jump right back in where Fallen City left off. After Luca’s deception leaves Maris separated from him, we get to watch her navigate a whole new side of this world alongside Théo. I also really enjoyed getting glimpses of Aeryn’s POV and seeing how she fits into the bigger picture.

Maris and Luca’s love is so tragic, but so beautiful. They’re both fiercely devoted to each other, they just show it in very different ways. Maris wants to fight beside Luca, while Luca’s way of loving her is trying to keep her far away and safe. Watching Maris fight her way back to him made me love her even more. She’s become one of my favourite FMCs. She’s fiercely loyal, determined, and has this quiet rage inside her that I absolutely loved. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Maris and Théo. It wasn’t loud or overly emotional, just a quiet understanding that suited them perfectly.

While Maris is trying to get back to Luca, Luca is fighting battles of his own. I loved watching him slowly realize he’s meant for more than just being a Centurion and seeing him understand that his mind can be just as powerful as any weapon. He’s also the only one left who can carry on the knowledge of the late philosopher, which adds another layer to his growth.

I also really enjoyed Aeryn’s addition to the story and honestly wouldn’t complain about a spin-off one day because I feel like there’s still so much more to her character. I think she fit into the story perfectly, and now I want more of her and Vale.

I was on edge the whole time waiting for these two to find their way back to each other. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and a few moments completely broke me. Fate was truly at play throughout the story, and I loved seeing how Philosopher Vitrasian and Priestess Ophelius had been moving pieces behind the scenes all along. I do wish we’d gotten a little more of the gods and their influence, but overall I loved this conclusion and the little glimpse at the end of their lives after the war.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts are my own. (Sorry for the long review but I adore this duology)

“Damn the gods. Damn the temples, the legion, the Citadel. I am your fate. And you are mine,”

“The man I’d given my heart to was farther away from me than he’d ever been. So, how was it that the knot between us only twisted tighter?”

[Bhumika Parikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Saturday Books for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Full disclosure: I came into Chosen Son without having read Fallen City first. I know, I know. But the premise grabbed me, and when the NetGalley approval came through I couldn't wait. Here's the good news — while I'd absolutely recommend reading book one first (and I'll be going back to do exactly that), I was still able to follow along well enough to get swept up in the story.
And swept up I was.
This book drops you straight into the chaos of war. Maris is on the outside of Isara trying to claw her way back in, and Luca is inside the city wrestling with guilt, loyalty, and the weight of choices he can't take back. The dual POV structure worked really well for me — getting both sides of the same war, the same grief, the same love, made everything feel more emotionally layered. You're watching two people fight their way toward each other while neither one knows exactly what the other is going through, and that dramatic irony kept me turning pages faster than I expected.
Maris was an easy character to root for. Her transformation throughout this book — from someone holding herself together by sheer will to someone who figures out what she's actually made of — felt earned and real. Luca took a little longer to warm up to, but by the midpoint I understood him a lot better, and some of his chapters genuinely hurt in the best way.
The battle sequences are cinematic and immersive without being confusing, which I find rare. And Adrienne Young's prose has this quality where it never slows the story down — it just makes everything feel a little more vivid and alive.
My only honest hesitations: I think some of the emotional beats between Maris and Luca could have used a little more breathing room. A few moments that felt like they should land with a thud went by a bit quickly. And coming in without the context of book one, I occasionally felt like I was missing a layer of investment in their relationship that readers of the first book probably have in spades.
But the ending? Satisfying. The kind of conclusion that feels genuinely earned rather than convenient.
I'm going back to read Fallen City immediately, and I suspect it'll make me want to reread this one all over again with fresh eyes. This duology clearly has something special going on.
Highly recommended for fans of war-torn fantasy, star-crossed romance, Greco-Roman inspired worlds, and stories that aren't afraid to let their characters suffer a little before the light comes through.

[elle ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are stories that leave a deep imprint on your heart and will remain with you throughout the years, and this is one of them.

”I am your fate. And you are mine.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 stars

This duology is like if Divine Rivals was adult instead of YA; it reminds me of my reading experience of Wild Reverence.

*The biggest thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Adrienne Young for this uncorrected ARC.

🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢

We pick up right where we left off, with Maris and Luca on opposing sides of the war. Maris and Théo have joined the Valshadi legion, and Luca remains Centurion for the New Legion— and their fates will intersect at just the right moment.

🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢

We get:
🏺Political corruption
🏺Love split by two sides of a war
🏺Gods using humans as pawns
🏺Found family
🏺Greco-Roman themes

°˖➴ I am absolutely obsessed with this book and in awe of what Young was able to accomplish. I devoured this book so quickly and am already excited to reread the duology in the future.

The story really revolves around the dehumanization that war causes and what people are willing to do when everything is at stake. Luca’s character reminded me of Oppenheimer in a way with the fire wine: creating something horrible and then regretting it after seeing the consequences. I absolutely loved how he handled it; it made his character feel even more complex as he struggled with his decisions on his side of the war.

°˖➴ I LOVE Théo— he must be protected at all costs. His character is fantastic, and his backstory had me shocked. It tied everything together perfectly.

Maris’s character arc is exactly what I’m looking for in fantasy. She became a legionairre and was strong in mind and body, but it wasn’t rubbed in our faces like it so often is with FMCs being a badass character. I loved her and her connection with Aeryn.

°˖➴ I also was so pleased with Luca’s arc in this story; it feels like he’s exactly where he belongs.

Aeryn and Vale were such strong side characters as well. The trade at the end had me tearing up.

The romance is just fantastic; I am so impressed with everything Young did with Maris and Luca.

🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢🏛️𓏢⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆🏛️𓏢

This is expert level writing. Everything is artfully done, the prose are beautiful. It just feels so intricate and thoughtful. I haven’t read many books that feel this way, and it was such a treat. I cannot recommend this duology enough.

[Jaici Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright now THIS BOOK is how you write a sequel!! I genuinely thought this was perfection as a follow up to Fallen City and just how every second book in a duology should be done. Incredible, truly. I would urge anyone to read this duology and even if you did read the first but didn’t love it I beg you to read this book as it’s done masterfully compared to the structure we had in the first installment which did the leg work so that this book could run.

Fallen City sets up the story with Maris and Luca and goes back and forth from both of their pov doing a lot of before and during the revolution so my biggest complaint from that book was just that it felt choppy with the different pov and past and present and not knowing how much time as passing so it took took you out of the story somewhat. Chosen Son however starts off immediately where Fallen City ends which is in a rather pivotal point of the story where our main characters are yet again separated (cue lots more yearning from afar.) Luca thinks he has sent Maris to safety while he continues to be involved in a revolution that is even more confusing and complicated than the first book but unknown to him Maris makes a plan to get back into the city placing herself and Theo (MVP of the story) back into harms way and on the opposite side from Luca yet again but with the hope to eventually reach him again once she is in the city. The rest of the story is still from both of their POV but the plot is linear and perfectly paced between action and training and it was anxiety inducing on many occasions while also allowing the characters time to show growth. I loved Maris character growth so much and so many parts were so satisfying to watch unfold while others had me at the edge of my seat with worry. One area I feel that could have been explored more was the gods influence on everything and why they chose to intervene when they did but I found it intriguing in both books.

I fear I can’t say much more without spoiling anything but again I encourage anyone to pick up this duology when this book releases in December I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this title early it was my pleasure!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen Son by Adrienne Young

It’s probably no surprise at this point how much I love Adrienne Young’s books. Fallen City was one of my top reads last year, so I was immediately sat for book two.

This picks up right where Fallen City ended and the tension is immediate. Maris and Luca are on opposite sides of the war, constantly moving toward each other while everything around them is falling apart, and the alternating POVs made it impossible to stop reading.

I think what worked so much better for me in this one was how emotional everything felt alongside the politics. This time the stakes actually felt personal to me instead of just political. Every choice hurt, every reunion felt earned, and even the sacrifices actually hit this time.

The story really explores the dehumanization that war causes and what people are willing to do when everything is at stake. Luca especially felt so layered because you can see him struggling with the consequences of the choices he’s made throughout the war, and I loved how conflicted and human that made him feel.

Maris really grew into herself in this book too. She’s exhausted, grieving, angry, and still keeps pushing forward even when she’s terrified. Watching her slowly trust herself and become stronger was one of my favorite parts.

And Luca…
that man SUFFERED.

The atmosphere in this book feels so heavy in the best way possible. War, betrayal, gods meddling in everything, shifting loyalties, people trying to survive impossible choices — it just keeps building until the ending completely wrecks you.

Also:
“The darkness was not soft…”
actually ruined my emotional stability for a bit.

Adrienne Young’s writing always has this lyrical feeling to it without making the story feel slow, and I flew through this way faster than I expected. Once I started reading, I genuinely could not put it down.

If you like:
⚔️ war-torn fantasy
🖤 forbidden romance
👑 political tension
🔥 emotionally intense relationships
✨ dual POV
🌙 gods & fate themes
⚡ high-stakes fantasy worlds

you’ll probably devour this too.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

[LysLearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great follow-up to Fallen City and a satisfying conclusion to the duology. I really enjoy this author's writing style and storytelling, and I’m looking forward to picking up more of her books in the future.

While Chosen Son started off slowly for me, by the final 35% I was completely invested. The pacing picked up significantly, the storylines began converging in interesting ways, and I was invested in how everything was coming together.

The slower start was largely because the first ~65% of the book focuses on the progression of the war through both Maris and Luca’s perspectives. While there were important developments happening, there were stretches where it felt like the plot wasn’t moving forward in a meaningful way. I also wasn’t entirely convinced by Maris’s decision to join the Valshads as her way back to Luca, which made it harder to stay invested in that particular storyline.

Another aspect that didn’t completely work for me, which was similar to how I felt in the first book, was Maris and Luca’s romance. I was expecting to see more interactions and growth between them, but they’re not even reunited until like 3/4 of the way through the book. That made it difficult to become emotionally invested in them as a couple.

One of the book’s biggest strengths was its exploration of power, duty, fate, faith, and the tension between religion and science. The story does an excellent job examining how power can corrupt, and I enjoyed seeing those themes reflected through the characters’ growth and several plot developments that genuinely surprised me.

One thing that surprised me was how we still didn’t get many concrete answers about magic and the gods. I spent most of the book expecting to learn more about them or even meet them. But maybe that was intentional. Just as the gods remain mysterious to the characters, they remain mysterious to the reader, which reinforces one of the central themes of the series.

Overall, this was a fun duology with compelling themes, strong character work, and a satisfying ending. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed parts of The Chosen Son more than the first book simply because the storytelling felt more straightforward. There’s less timeline hopping and fewer fragmented reveals, which made the narrative easier to stay invested in. The pacing moved cleaner, even if the emotional payoff never fully landed for me.

My biggest issue was the mythology and divine system. The gods remain this vague, hands-off force looming in the background, constantly referenced but rarely clarified. Everything involving bloodlines, rituals, fate, and divine influence feels intentionally loose and symbolic, which I understand may be the point. But after two books, it still reads more like atmospheric smoke than an actual foundation for the world. Characters constantly talk about destiny and being chosen for something greater, yet the only character whose arc genuinely felt inevitable or meaningful was Maris. Luca’s role, by comparison, never fully convinced me.

The ending also felt forced rather than organic. Major plot developments happen because the story needs them to happen, not because the character progression naturally led there. The emotional beats were present, but they didn’t fully earn their weight.

Honestly, I don’t think this needed to be a duology at all. The first book could have been expanded slightly and given a more decisive conclusion instead of introducing another invasion and extending the conflict. For a city that supposedly rejected divine intervention and fought to free itself from the gods, the series spends an enormous amount of time circling back to them anyway. It creates this strange tension where the narrative insists humanity should forge its own future, while simultaneously drowning the characters in prophecies and destiny language like a ceremonial soup nobody can quite explain.

Overall, I liked aspects of the atmosphere and cleaner narrative structure here, but the themes of fate, gods, and purpose never fully came together in a satisfying way for me.

[Vicie L. Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy!

Fallen City was easily one of my absolute favorite reads last year, so you can imagine the sheer, unadulterated joy I felt when I got approved for the ARC of this sequel. Adrienne Young did not disappoint.

The Bare Bones (Spoiler-Free Summary)
Following the explosive events of the first book (Maria leaving Luca, Luca sending Theo with her ), Chosen Son throws us right back into a fracturing world where legacy is a curse and survival is a luxury. With the stakes higher than ever, our protagonists must navigate treacherous political waters, uneasy alliances, and the looming threat of total war to claim their freedom and reshape their destiny.

Why I Loved It
I absolutely loved this duology! I know the internet formatting police and hyper-critical reviewers might try to downplay the direction of the plot or nitpick the happily-ever-after of it all, but honestly? It was just truly great storytelling!!

Here is what made it a 5🌸 read for me:

- The Enemy Camp: We get a substantial amount of time embedded in enemy territory. Watching Maris navigate this, get metaphorically (and literally) slapped around, and grow infinitely stronger because of it was incredibly satisfying.
- The Tension & Tactics: The tension is dialed up to eleven, and the battle scenes are beautifully thought out, deeply graphic, and high-stakes. The fire wine scene and Luca’s remorse behind it - could not stop reading!!
- Masterful Foreshadowing: Adrienne Young left breadcrumbs throughout the first book, and watching all those reminders and bits of foreshadowing pay off in this sequel was a masterclass in plotting.

Final Verdict
If you loved the first book, this is the payoff you’ve been waiting for. It’s gritty, emotional, and perfectly wrapped up!! Highly, highly recommend!

[motherknows.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, & Saturday Books for the e-ARC! The following is my honest review:

I really enjoyed Fallen City & was so excited to return to Isara early and continue the story. Chosen Son picks up the narrative in the immediate aftermath of book one, immersing the reader into the tension immediately with the first reveal happening in Chapter One.

As with Fallen City, the atmosphere is heavy but Chosen Son brings an amplification of the tone of book one. It is weightier, bleak and unrestrained in its despair and desolation. Yet, in the face of all that must be overcome, hope continues to quietly permeate the story through new alliances, old loyalties, and personal reckonings.

Young is a masterful storyteller and I love her writing. Of course, chosen son is no exception. The prose is vivid and immersive, the battle scenes intense and brutal, yet weighted in emotion. And whilst I consider this a true romantasy, with the romance & the fantasy elements inextricably threaded together, it is never tropey or expected but truly emotionally charged.

I appreciated the linear timeline of Chosen Son but, for me, the structural choices I didn’t love from book one had consequences for book two. Whilst we no longer experience aspects of the story through flash-backs, the main characters continue to be separated physically for much of the story. Of course, they can’t fight for each other if they’re already together, I understand the purpose, but I would’ve enjoyed more opportunities to see the depth and development of their love story.

If you’re a fan of Adrienne Young this duology, sweeping in scope & deeply romantic, is a must read. Chosen Son is plotted with care and purpose and, as with the authors other works, the pay off is absolutely there, bringing this epic story to a conclusion that is as emotional as it is satisfying.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ (rounding up)

I really enjoyed this conclusion to duology. The ways which all of the characters (even the supporting ones) come full circle on their journeys was very satisfying all around.

First, thanks to St Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Adrienne Young for the eARC, all opinions my own.

Chosen son picks up immediately in the aftermath of Fallen City with Maris outside the walls with the invading army and Luca and his legion now having taken the city fully. Each must navigate their new situations, Maris now focused on saving Luca and Luca focused on trying to save the city. As the story continues both of them realize their true roles both to each other and to the city.

Maris absolutely still stands out to me throughout this book as my favorite character in the series and I definitely enjoyed Luca a little more than in book 1. His realizations about Rhea in particular stood out. However I think the real standouts that flesh the story out more here are Theo, Vale, Asina, and to some extent Ayren (I only say that because we only get 2 POV chapters). They all have important roles they play in the growth of Maris, Luca, and the city. Also Roskia’s fate was great.

I thought the ending was great. I won’t go into detail for sake of spoilers but I thought each characters transformation fit well into their arcs and the overall fates of Isara and Valshad.

I still think there were some minor issues that frustrated me at times and Luca also still bugged me at times but those were minor. Personally for me I liked the linear timeline here as back and forth timelines like book 1 aren’t really my favorite.

Also the amount of things that happen in this book that is only 350 pages long is amazing upon reflection at the end. Definitely recommend this one!

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eArc.

4.5 Stars!! (rounding to 5)

After opening with a prologue from a new voice (an addition I felt was a powerful start), Chosen Son picks right up where we left off in Fallen City. We have Valshad and Isara both preparing for war, with Maris and Theo volunteered as Valshad recruits, and Luca with the New Legion in the freshly magistrate free Isara. Throughout the story, we see Maris and Luca both navigating different paths on different sides of a literal gate, while also sharing experiences (though neither of them know this). We see them both taking a path new to them and truly having the opportunity to grow.

There were a lot of things I really enjoyed, and here are a few specifics. I think the growth we see in Maris is beautiful. It really reflects off of who we met in Fallen City, and it was wonderful to see her blossom. I also appreciate that it is referenced a few times by both Maris and Luca that there is no hero or villain. People have done bad things and good things and we cannot lump them into one box. This was refreshing to see in a war focused story and I really enjoyed it. I also loved how much more of Theo we see in this book. I believe he is a wonderful addition to the story and truly fell in love with his bond to both Maris and Luca.

Overall, I think Chosen Son was a beautiful ending to this duology. I loved the growth shown in the characters from Fallen City, the relationships that blossomed both platonically and romantically, and the introduction of new characters. By the end, I felt there was really a found family that I too would want to be a part of.

I recommend reading Chosen Son, out December 15th, 2026.