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Fallen Realm #1
Falling Princess
An epic enemies to lovers college romance with a rebellious princess, her possessive knight, and the fate of their country in the balance.
Forced to carry the weight of the crown from childhood, all Princess Zosia wants is a chance to experience normal life and find love away from the pressure of court. Getting an education abroad is the perfect opportunity - unless death catches up with her first.
As the last of the Auralian royal line, Zosia is assigned a watchful knight to accompany her everywhere she goes. While her best friend adores him, Zosia can't wait to escape his constant scrutiny...until an assassination attempt sparks their forbidden romance.
A secret they can never tell, even when war tears them apart.
Forced to carry the weight of the crown from childhood, all Princess Zosia wants is a chance to experience normal life and find love away from the pressure of court. Getting an education abroad is the perfect opportunity - unless death catches up with her first.
As the last of the Auralian royal line, Zosia is assigned a watchful knight to accompany her everywhere she goes. While her best friend adores him, Zosia can't wait to escape his constant scrutiny...until an assassination attempt sparks their forbidden romance.
A secret they can never tell, even when war tears them apart.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
543 people are currently reading
2816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 24, 2022
I received an ARC from BookSirens. Thanks to the author, editor and platform for choosing me.
I have a lot of things to say of this book: This is the bodyguard x Princess trope and I was so hooked from the beginning. I was sad to find out it's just the first book and I couldn't keep reading because it isn't out yet and it has me HOWLING.
The plot twists don't disappoint at all. 'I love everyone but hate him' CHEF'S KISS. The slow burn. The tension. The romance is toe curling to say the least. The stollen moments.
Zosia is a gem of heroin, seriously.
The cliffhanger in the end is what I hated the most, even more so when I realized I had to wait for the second book.
I have a lot of things to say of this book: This is the bodyguard x Princess trope and I was so hooked from the beginning. I was sad to find out it's just the first book and I couldn't keep reading because it isn't out yet and it has me HOWLING.
The plot twists don't disappoint at all. 'I love everyone but hate him' CHEF'S KISS. The slow burn. The tension. The romance is toe curling to say the least. The stollen moments.
Zosia is a gem of heroin, seriously.
The cliffhanger in the end is what I hated the most, even more so when I realized I had to wait for the second book.
June 20, 2022
Thank you Booksirens and Publisher for the eARC.
It's spoiler free review and just my feelings and emotions.
OH MY GODS !!!!
This book has become my top favourite bodyguard/ Princess and it's my first time to read a such a trope and i fell in love. Yes, now i can't freaking wait to see what happens in book 2. That Cliffy, thankgod it's not Lorcan. I even thought it was him but he is a full of surprises and he didn't disappoint me. The story and the characters are amazing. 'I love everyone but hate him' trope is just 'chef kiss'. It's very slow burn book I've ever read and Tension, seriously i need to put down my Kindle for 5 mins and take a deep breath then continue. But after the confession, romance was swoon worthy and toe curling. Their friends should've give them some privacy so they would get it over with !! It was totally worth the stolen moments but still, something always happens to split them. Ahh, i was frustrated with their little group. I was like, just bang already with Zosia and Lorcan.
Ok, looks like i will keep on spoiling so here I come.
I loved every characters especially Kenton. He should've chose Scarlett. They were like made for each other. Raina, my sweet honey, sorry not sorry, you deserve better than Lorcan. Speaking of him, he should excercise more so become a good feet taller so our Zosia couldn't disappoint with him. They are lovebirds but unfortunately, birds can't make love when the war is looming.
I can't believe they died, WHY ??? I fell in love with a certain flyboy. I broke. The last chapters are action packed with fights and deads and big betrayal. I thought he was a sweet mountain guy who don't give a shit about others but has a loyal towards crown. Everything was a lie.
Seriously i need to stop typing and continue book 2. I'm anxious what i would find there !!!
It's spoiler free review and just my feelings and emotions.
OH MY GODS !!!!
This book has become my top favourite bodyguard/ Princess and it's my first time to read a such a trope and i fell in love. Yes, now i can't freaking wait to see what happens in book 2. That Cliffy, thankgod it's not Lorcan. I even thought it was him but he is a full of surprises and he didn't disappoint me. The story and the characters are amazing. 'I love everyone but hate him' trope is just 'chef kiss'. It's very slow burn book I've ever read and Tension, seriously i need to put down my Kindle for 5 mins and take a deep breath then continue. But after the confession, romance was swoon worthy and toe curling. Their friends should've give them some privacy so they would get it over with !! It was totally worth the stolen moments but still, something always happens to split them. Ahh, i was frustrated with their little group. I was like, just bang already with Zosia and Lorcan.
Ok, looks like i will keep on spoiling so here I come.
I loved every characters especially Kenton. He should've chose Scarlett. They were like made for each other. Raina, my sweet honey, sorry not sorry, you deserve better than Lorcan. Speaking of him, he should excercise more so become a good feet taller so our Zosia couldn't disappoint with him. They are lovebirds but unfortunately, birds can't make love when the war is looming.
I can't believe they died, WHY ??? I fell in love with a certain flyboy. I broke. The last chapters are action packed with fights and deads and big betrayal. I thought he was a sweet mountain guy who don't give a shit about others but has a loyal towards crown. Everything was a lie.
Seriously i need to stop typing and continue book 2. I'm anxious what i would find there !!!
June 28, 2022
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Zosia has the life most people dream about. Rich, royal, and revered, she is the princess of an island nation stepping forward into the 21st century. But the gold crown on her head feels more like a shackle, and she is kept from living the life of freedom and scientific exploration that she craves. After a party in Beijing blows up the tabloids, Lorcan is assigned to her as a knight protector who will accompany her during her year studying abroad in Scotland. Determined to hate her knight, she ignores his every move, even as sparks fly between the two. But darker secrets and hidden dangers are always on the horizon, and Lorcan may just be the only person who can keep her alive long enough to claim the throne.
Falling Princess by Joline Pearce has everything a reader could want from a new adult royal college romance. With enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, angst, a modern academia setting, and startlingly high stakes, it checked every box on principle alone. Despite being full of wonderful tropes, the first hundred pages were a little slow and dragged because there was a lack of any real action after the second chapter. In fact, Zosia spent chapters bemoaning her lack of freedom while making Lorcan’s life a living hell for his crime of being assigned to guard her. There were times I wanted to jump into the book and shake her because she was acting so spoiled. Come on, she’s a princess–and a living representation of a Goddess at that. She would have power if she was smart enough to know how to secure it.
While the plot didn’t kick in until the second half of the story, once I hit the 50% mark it was like reading an entirely different book (and I mean that in the best way possible). The stakes rose, the characters became more complex, and I stopped wanting to yell at Zosia. I actually loved where the author took her character and can see the makings of a fantastic queen in her choices. Speaking of the halfway point, that brings me to the romance (no, I won’t get into spoilers). I enjoyed the dynamic between the two lovers, especially considering the intense slow-burn. And when I say slow burn, I mean tension-filled, mutual yearning, angsty, slow burn.
The side characters were essential to the main plot without overshadowing Zosia’s development as a protagonist. They each had well-defined personalities that created interesting dynamics, and while there was a weird love square/pentagram going on, it didn’t take over the story. The worldbuilding was a bit on the weaker side, and the book played into contemporary romance more than fantastical thriller, but that was expected with how it was marketed. As to ratings, I’m settling on three stars: the first half of the book deserves two stars, while the second is more than deserving of four, so I’m splitting the difference. Overall, I enjoyed Falling Princess, and after that ending, I can’t wait to dive into Eternal Knight.
Zosia has the life most people dream about. Rich, royal, and revered, she is the princess of an island nation stepping forward into the 21st century. But the gold crown on her head feels more like a shackle, and she is kept from living the life of freedom and scientific exploration that she craves. After a party in Beijing blows up the tabloids, Lorcan is assigned to her as a knight protector who will accompany her during her year studying abroad in Scotland. Determined to hate her knight, she ignores his every move, even as sparks fly between the two. But darker secrets and hidden dangers are always on the horizon, and Lorcan may just be the only person who can keep her alive long enough to claim the throne.
Falling Princess by Joline Pearce has everything a reader could want from a new adult royal college romance. With enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, angst, a modern academia setting, and startlingly high stakes, it checked every box on principle alone. Despite being full of wonderful tropes, the first hundred pages were a little slow and dragged because there was a lack of any real action after the second chapter. In fact, Zosia spent chapters bemoaning her lack of freedom while making Lorcan’s life a living hell for his crime of being assigned to guard her. There were times I wanted to jump into the book and shake her because she was acting so spoiled. Come on, she’s a princess–and a living representation of a Goddess at that. She would have power if she was smart enough to know how to secure it.
While the plot didn’t kick in until the second half of the story, once I hit the 50% mark it was like reading an entirely different book (and I mean that in the best way possible). The stakes rose, the characters became more complex, and I stopped wanting to yell at Zosia. I actually loved where the author took her character and can see the makings of a fantastic queen in her choices. Speaking of the halfway point, that brings me to the romance (no, I won’t get into spoilers). I enjoyed the dynamic between the two lovers, especially considering the intense slow-burn. And when I say slow burn, I mean tension-filled, mutual yearning, angsty, slow burn.
The side characters were essential to the main plot without overshadowing Zosia’s development as a protagonist. They each had well-defined personalities that created interesting dynamics, and while there was a weird love square/pentagram going on, it didn’t take over the story. The worldbuilding was a bit on the weaker side, and the book played into contemporary romance more than fantastical thriller, but that was expected with how it was marketed. As to ratings, I’m settling on three stars: the first half of the book deserves two stars, while the second is more than deserving of four, so I’m splitting the difference. Overall, I enjoyed Falling Princess, and after that ending, I can’t wait to dive into Eternal Knight.
November 29, 2024
Wasn't expecting the Betreyal ngl....
Zosia is an annoying and selfish princess who can rival Bella swan in doltness. (For a princess whose lands are on the brink of invasion, she sure spends a lot of pages wanting to get laid 💀
Lorcan is a cutie who at least has some sense unto him. I skimmed the last few chapters so the ending scenes did nothing for me. The book just fell off for me near the middle.
I'm not reading the rest of the series.
Zosia is an annoying and selfish princess who can rival Bella swan in doltness. (For a princess whose lands are on the brink of invasion, she sure spends a lot of pages wanting to get laid 💀
Lorcan is a cutie who at least has some sense unto him. I skimmed the last few chapters so the ending scenes did nothing for me. The book just fell off for me near the middle.
I'm not reading the rest of the series.
April 27, 2024
This book - I had more expectations - because I thought it was like a other book I really liked - but apparently not.
Zosia:
It was unfair for her to be excluded like that - she was supposed to be queen one day -> and didnt know anything ????? How is that supposed to work then - she was excluded from literally everything??????
I liked her character - the author wrote her really well - you could see her opinions - her humor - her silly thoughts - it was perfect. --> more from her in the quotes.
Lorcan:
The knight - the protecter - the really attractive protecter hahahah - the character that reminds me of Casteel (From Blood and Ash)
I liked him too - but I thought for the whole book - that he would betray her - he gave the vibes hahaha
Raina:
she was a good friend - and then not - and then again - and then again not
Now the quotes: (aka my favorite Part hahahaha)
Thanks for reading - byeeeeeee
Zosia:
It was unfair for her to be excluded like that - she was supposed to be queen one day -> and didnt know anything ????? How is that supposed to work then - she was excluded from literally everything??????
I liked her character - the author wrote her really well - you could see her opinions - her humor - her silly thoughts - it was perfect. --> more from her in the quotes.
Lorcan:
The knight - the protecter - the really attractive protecter hahahah - the character that reminds me of Casteel (From Blood and Ash)
I liked him too - but I thought for the whole book - that he would betray her - he gave the vibes hahaha
Raina:
she was a good friend - and then not - and then again - and then again not
Now the quotes: (aka my favorite Part hahahaha)
Thanks for reading - byeeeeeee
July 12, 2022
I loved this book so much. It had all my favorite elements, angsty female mc, way too much sexual tension, enemies to lovers and many other guilty pleasures of mine. The world building was perfect I am obsessed with Auralia and can’t wait to see if the island is shown more in the subsequent books. I enjoyed how easy it was to fall in love with the characters. I found their development in the story was done really well. Even if I wanted to smack some sense into Zosia and Lorcan at times. And the ending, wow, not only didn’t I see it coming but I definitely need book two as soon as possible!
d-n-f
January 9, 2024dnf @ 85%
what do you mean you messed up your olympic event because you looked at a man...
anyway this was actually pretty decent, very trashy entertaining fun, but i got bored. also found it a bit strange that the fmc didn't think her bodyguards killed people?? but overall this wasn't bad.
what do you mean you messed up your olympic event because you looked at a man...
anyway this was actually pretty decent, very trashy entertaining fun, but i got bored. also found it a bit strange that the fmc didn't think her bodyguards killed people?? but overall this wasn't bad.
March 14, 2023
Falling Princess is a beautifully-written adult contemporary fantasy written in dual POV, the first of a planned trilogy.
Tropes include: forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fish out of water, forbidden love, slow-burn, wounded hero, royalty.
Zosia is the POV character and an absolute gem of a heroine. As the Princess of Auralia (a civilization long-forgotten but recently reacquainted with the modern world), Zosia is desperate for a few years of freedom before she ascends to the throne. Attending Royals University in Scotland provides the perfect opportunity to live a normal life—even if temporarily. She’s joined by her appointed knight, Lorcan, who never lets her out of his sight. Though she respects him, Lorcan is definitely not a friend. He hardly speaks, always gets in the way, and his constant protection represents everything she resents about being a princess.
Light spoilers ahead:
While abroad, Zosia learns her father, King Rohan, and some of her friends have kept her in the dark about the true nature of the threats closing in on Auralia. Zosia is the last living descendent of the sun goddess, the cornerstone of Auralia’s political system and religion, so her safety is paramount for the future of her country and the morale of her people.
Given the looming threats to Auralia, Zosia wants to help procure miliary and financial assistance from other countries. Her father would rather her focus on marrying and producing an heir to the throne. Though lenient in allowing Zosia to choose amongst eligible bachelors of Auralia’s noble families, King Rohan’s pressure builds as war becomes more imminent. Zosia’s blossoming connection with Lorcan complicates matters.
In summary:
Falling Princess is a contemporary fantasy romance that I completely fell in love with. All characters and plotlines are multi-dimensional and well-written. Pearce includes the perfect amount of world-building for the country of Auralia: detailed enough to get lost in the story, not so dense to stray away from the plot. Highly recommend this book.
Tropes include: forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, fish out of water, forbidden love, slow-burn, wounded hero, royalty.
Zosia is the POV character and an absolute gem of a heroine. As the Princess of Auralia (a civilization long-forgotten but recently reacquainted with the modern world), Zosia is desperate for a few years of freedom before she ascends to the throne. Attending Royals University in Scotland provides the perfect opportunity to live a normal life—even if temporarily. She’s joined by her appointed knight, Lorcan, who never lets her out of his sight. Though she respects him, Lorcan is definitely not a friend. He hardly speaks, always gets in the way, and his constant protection represents everything she resents about being a princess.
Light spoilers ahead:
While abroad, Zosia learns her father, King Rohan, and some of her friends have kept her in the dark about the true nature of the threats closing in on Auralia. Zosia is the last living descendent of the sun goddess, the cornerstone of Auralia’s political system and religion, so her safety is paramount for the future of her country and the morale of her people.
Given the looming threats to Auralia, Zosia wants to help procure miliary and financial assistance from other countries. Her father would rather her focus on marrying and producing an heir to the throne. Though lenient in allowing Zosia to choose amongst eligible bachelors of Auralia’s noble families, King Rohan’s pressure builds as war becomes more imminent. Zosia’s blossoming connection with Lorcan complicates matters.
In summary:
Falling Princess is a contemporary fantasy romance that I completely fell in love with. All characters and plotlines are multi-dimensional and well-written. Pearce includes the perfect amount of world-building for the country of Auralia: detailed enough to get lost in the story, not so dense to stray away from the plot. Highly recommend this book.
June 23, 2022
I got a free ARC via BookSirens, and confess this is my first slow burn bodyguard romance.
The characters and the setting intrigued me from the get-go. The way Auralia - their island nation that exists in our world - is described is clever and left me full of ideas and questions (the good kind, not the this-doesn't-make-sense kind).
Zosh, the main character, started off as a brat. Quite a few of the characters seemed to fit into cliché boxes, but all evolved in a way that made me appreciate them. I was rooting for Zosh early on though, which I didn't expect and says a lot about the writing.
The beginning is slow. So is the middle. (Hence my 4* review.) I still looked forward to reading, which is telling, but I didn't expect such a slooooooooow burn. I wouldn't have minded a bit more action and romance earlier.
However, the last few chapters were chock-full of action, and the book ended on a cliffhanger - so I can't wait to read book two!
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters and the setting intrigued me from the get-go. The way Auralia - their island nation that exists in our world - is described is clever and left me full of ideas and questions (the good kind, not the this-doesn't-make-sense kind).
Zosh, the main character, started off as a brat. Quite a few of the characters seemed to fit into cliché boxes, but all evolved in a way that made me appreciate them. I was rooting for Zosh early on though, which I didn't expect and says a lot about the writing.
The beginning is slow. So is the middle. (Hence my 4* review.) I still looked forward to reading, which is telling, but I didn't expect such a slooooooooow burn. I wouldn't have minded a bit more action and romance earlier.
However, the last few chapters were chock-full of action, and the book ended on a cliffhanger - so I can't wait to read book two!
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2024
This is not an enemies to lovers at all. It’s a spoilt princess who is rude to her sworn knight while he has been in love with her forever.
I really did not like the progression of her feelings, one second she swears he hates him then had sexy fantasies. One second she thinks she loves him but when he tells her he loves her she turns back to sex?
The best part and the only reason it was a full one star is the ending got action packed and less boring. I found that the whole book just skipped months at a time and it was jarring and made me feel less connected to storyline.
Also - I have no evidence but when we knew there was a traitor I thought it had to have been Bashir because it seemed too perfect that he left the hotel as the shooting started. Dunno I just thought he was suss but I was happy to be right
I really did not like the progression of her feelings, one second she swears he hates him then had sexy fantasies. One second she thinks she loves him but when he tells her he loves her she turns back to sex?
The best part and the only reason it was a full one star is the ending got action packed and less boring. I found that the whole book just skipped months at a time and it was jarring and made me feel less connected to storyline.
Also - I have no evidence but when we knew there was a traitor I thought it had to have been Bashir because it seemed too perfect that he left the hotel as the shooting started. Dunno I just thought he was suss but I was happy to be right
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Nope couldn’t finish this one. 🙄😑
June 18, 2022
This was my first book by this author and the blurb had me very intrigued and looking forward to reading the story. This was a very well written Adult fantasy that will keep you wanting more. Starting the next book now.
June 14, 2022
I really enjoyed going through this book, it was what I was looking for in a fantasy novel. The world was really interesting and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I look forward to reading more in this series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2025
This was absolutely awful. Warning for people thinking it's fantasy: it's not. Its more contemporary, with horrible writing. The fmc was beyond pathetic, whiny, and brainless. Like there has to be SOMETHING likeable about you. Apparently not. It was also ridiculous in the sense the fmc had like one close female friend, who was apparently ok with the fmc being in love with her best friend's crush. Another thing is this was NOT love. Everything was physical. No chemistry. It was all nonsense honestly, the whole book. Please do not read this.
September 20, 2022
This book left me with a hangover..I had to walk away after reading and come back and read it again when I had part two just to see if it still has the same impact. It didn't disappoint the second time either. I love Lorcan and Zosia. I love the secondary characters. The end was a bit of a mind screw but just added to the overall. My heart raced, hurt, and broke along with the characters and for me that's phenomenal. Along with a great storyline… well Worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2022
To my knowledge, I have never read a "falls in love with the bodyguard" book before and The Falling Princess was a good introduction to this trope.
Much of the book revolves around Zosia, Princess/High Priestess of Auralia, and the bodyguard, Lorcan, whom her father assigns her after she sneaks out of her hotel in Beijing. You see their relationship develop and the characters grow over the next two years. The world is ripe with spies, international diplomacy, overbearing parents/guardians, and a possible takeover.
Overall it was a decent book, and I think will set up the series well.
What I loved about this book:
• The last 25% had me sitting at the edge of my seat! The plot twists and action here are so good.
• The plot was interesting and different. It was fun to see a traditional monarchy try to function and join the modern world.
• Auralia reminded me of an Atlantas-type world, which I LOVE!
What I didn't like about this book:
• The world-building left a little to be desired for me. The tribe, government, and religious systems of Auralia were a little vague and confusing at times.
• I felt like there was a bunch of repetition from the MC. Lots of "why won't they let me do anything" "I hate being a princess. I just want to be me."
• The hate for Lorcan in the first half seemed off to me. He had never really done anything to make Zosia dislike him. Her dislike seemed petty and unfounded.
• The beginning seemed slow to me, and it was pretty hard for me to read until I got to the second half of the book.
• I feel like the pacing between the first half and second half didn't match. I almost feel like they could have been two different books, one for each year the group was studying in Scotland. This would have allowed for more complete world-building and the development of the secondary characters.
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Much of the book revolves around Zosia, Princess/High Priestess of Auralia, and the bodyguard, Lorcan, whom her father assigns her after she sneaks out of her hotel in Beijing. You see their relationship develop and the characters grow over the next two years. The world is ripe with spies, international diplomacy, overbearing parents/guardians, and a possible takeover.
Overall it was a decent book, and I think will set up the series well.
What I loved about this book:
• The last 25% had me sitting at the edge of my seat! The plot twists and action here are so good.
• The plot was interesting and different. It was fun to see a traditional monarchy try to function and join the modern world.
• Auralia reminded me of an Atlantas-type world, which I LOVE!
What I didn't like about this book:
• The world-building left a little to be desired for me. The tribe, government, and religious systems of Auralia were a little vague and confusing at times.
• I felt like there was a bunch of repetition from the MC. Lots of "why won't they let me do anything" "I hate being a princess. I just want to be me."
• The hate for Lorcan in the first half seemed off to me. He had never really done anything to make Zosia dislike him. Her dislike seemed petty and unfounded.
• The beginning seemed slow to me, and it was pretty hard for me to read until I got to the second half of the book.
• I feel like the pacing between the first half and second half didn't match. I almost feel like they could have been two different books, one for each year the group was studying in Scotland. This would have allowed for more complete world-building and the development of the secondary characters.
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
April 2, 2024
I truthfully wanted to like this book. The plot seemed interesting and new. I almost DNF’d it multiple times but pushed through and honestly regret it. Here are my issues:
1. It kept changing from past to present tense. Like, within a single sentence. Most of the time the past tense was used for dialogue tags and the present tense was for everything else but when I thought I had that down it would change again. It didn’t seem like the book was edited since this was a massive issue.
2. The characters were SO unlikeable. The main character, Zosia, is the epitome of a pick me girl (she wears converse with dresses. Like, unironically). She claims to be a scientist despite not studying it. She also acts like a spoiled brat sometimes, claiming two bedrooms in the shared apartment just for herself and whatnot. All the characters are very shallow, like how you’d expect a middle schooler with no real world experience to write college kids.
3. Oh, yeah. This takes place at a college. Ish. I mean, it just sorta drags on and on without any details. A whole semester goes by in a single sentence. They have a prom???
4. Genuinely I have no idea how much time passed in this book because it skimmed over things so fast. I think two years? Who knows. Not me.
5. A plastic pool for kids has more depth than this book. A kingdom untouched by modern civilization appears and apparently competes in the Olympics and now a bunch of kids are going to some special school for royal kids. Look, I can’t summarize the plot because I don’t know what it is. Princess doesn’t wanna get married. She wants to be a scientist and go to school so she can (gasp) have sex! Also she’s a priestess but she doesn’t believe in the goddess because she’s a scientist.
For me, the grammar part was the biggest ick for me. This book probably could’ve been much better if the tenses were fixed. The author said she wrote this originally as a fan fiction, and it unfortunately reads like one.
1. It kept changing from past to present tense. Like, within a single sentence. Most of the time the past tense was used for dialogue tags and the present tense was for everything else but when I thought I had that down it would change again. It didn’t seem like the book was edited since this was a massive issue.
2. The characters were SO unlikeable. The main character, Zosia, is the epitome of a pick me girl (she wears converse with dresses. Like, unironically). She claims to be a scientist despite not studying it. She also acts like a spoiled brat sometimes, claiming two bedrooms in the shared apartment just for herself and whatnot. All the characters are very shallow, like how you’d expect a middle schooler with no real world experience to write college kids.
3. Oh, yeah. This takes place at a college. Ish. I mean, it just sorta drags on and on without any details. A whole semester goes by in a single sentence. They have a prom???
4. Genuinely I have no idea how much time passed in this book because it skimmed over things so fast. I think two years? Who knows. Not me.
5. A plastic pool for kids has more depth than this book. A kingdom untouched by modern civilization appears and apparently competes in the Olympics and now a bunch of kids are going to some special school for royal kids. Look, I can’t summarize the plot because I don’t know what it is. Princess doesn’t wanna get married. She wants to be a scientist and go to school so she can (gasp) have sex! Also she’s a priestess but she doesn’t believe in the goddess because she’s a scientist.
For me, the grammar part was the biggest ick for me. This book probably could’ve been much better if the tenses were fixed. The author said she wrote this originally as a fan fiction, and it unfortunately reads like one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
This. Book.
The story seemed really interesting at first, “the lost country” of Auralia gave me Wakanda vibes and I was compelled to try a forbidden romance. I read that book during a trip to Edinburgh with my friends and I realllyyy liked the references to places I just visited. At first I found that the constant “complaining” (can’t find a better word, but I say this in a non-judgmental way) of Zosia was a bit repetitive, but then I realized that it is a faithful portrayal of the intrusive thoughts one struggling with depression and anxiety might have. In that way (and many others) Zosia is relatable and I understand her reactions and choices. The other characters are also interesting and well-developed, I got rapidly attached to them. The intriguing plot and amazing writing made this book one of my favorite this year! The development of the relationship between Lorcan and Zosia was sooo well-done and it made me feel lots of emotions throughout the book. I highly recommend this book!! Already started to read the second book because the ending got me like 😵😵
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story seemed really interesting at first, “the lost country” of Auralia gave me Wakanda vibes and I was compelled to try a forbidden romance. I read that book during a trip to Edinburgh with my friends and I realllyyy liked the references to places I just visited. At first I found that the constant “complaining” (can’t find a better word, but I say this in a non-judgmental way) of Zosia was a bit repetitive, but then I realized that it is a faithful portrayal of the intrusive thoughts one struggling with depression and anxiety might have. In that way (and many others) Zosia is relatable and I understand her reactions and choices. The other characters are also interesting and well-developed, I got rapidly attached to them. The intriguing plot and amazing writing made this book one of my favorite this year! The development of the relationship between Lorcan and Zosia was sooo well-done and it made me feel lots of emotions throughout the book. I highly recommend this book!! Already started to read the second book because the ending got me like 😵😵
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2024
I am extremely saddened by this book. It had so much potential but fell flat in every category. The main character is annoying af and the entire book is pretty much her narrating her internal conflict about a boy and then random battle scenes. Nothing is described well and it is so extremely boring. The book ending on a cliffhanger sucked, it was like oh finally last few chapters something happens and then the book is like jk you have to wait for the other one. So I basically feel like i read nothing. I have met the characters I guess & prepped for book 2. Big boo. Also in the book it kept dropping hints, like I think her father had a child with Cata and then they pretended it was her sisters? But that storyline was never fully explored in this book. Also the logistics of some scenes just made absolutely no sense. I just can’t get over how the entire book was like just random thoughts quickly jotted down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Absolutely brilliant book loved the storyline and the characters. Well and truly written well. Sad when the book ended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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April 26, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/20/2022)! 🎁
July 18, 2022
Also posted on bookstagram: my post
Falling Princess was such a nice surprise! A very unique interesting story and I enjoyed it more than other highly popular books out there, so I wish it got more attention.
Tropes:
- Royal life
- Princess/Bodyguard
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Romance
- Slow burn
I guess I would call it realistic or modern romantic fantasy - here we have a Princess of a mysterious falling kingdom trying to live a little in the real world before she embarks on the royal life set out for her. The description is a little misleading, as we deal with far more than a princess and a knight and their forbidden romance. We see Princess Zosia juggling college life, romance, inner turmoil, loneliness, assassination attempts, royal balls, meetings and school project deadlines. Quite the mix! The plot is character driven, so I wish we got more action, world development and background on the Falling Kingdom.
We probably got the most interesting twist on a love triangle ever - because of her status, if the Princess has to go to "experience college life", she has to go with her newly appointed bodyguard and other royals in toe. So the relationship between them all got all kinds of tangled and twisted up to the point we don't know who loves who and who to trust. LOL
The f*cktangular love pentagram strikes again
Which leads to a lot of questions, forbidden interactions, slow burn, hiding and heartbreak. ALL IN FORCED PROXIMITY of course.
The enemies to lovers trope is on point - Lorcan is everything you would want from a brooding knight, he is so hard to read, their interactions are a delicious slow torture. Zosia's feelings towards him went a little too fast from enemy to hero worship, but I can't say I really blame her... The story is told from her POV and she is a very likeable, relatable heroine. So bonus points for that too. :)
And speaking of action and the falling kingdom, the story ends on a cliffhanger so I will probably read the next one soon too.
Review copy provided by the author via The Book Sirens, thank you!
Falling Princess was such a nice surprise! A very unique interesting story and I enjoyed it more than other highly popular books out there, so I wish it got more attention.
Tropes:
- Royal life
- Princess/Bodyguard
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Romance
- Slow burn
I guess I would call it realistic or modern romantic fantasy - here we have a Princess of a mysterious falling kingdom trying to live a little in the real world before she embarks on the royal life set out for her. The description is a little misleading, as we deal with far more than a princess and a knight and their forbidden romance. We see Princess Zosia juggling college life, romance, inner turmoil, loneliness, assassination attempts, royal balls, meetings and school project deadlines. Quite the mix! The plot is character driven, so I wish we got more action, world development and background on the Falling Kingdom.
We probably got the most interesting twist on a love triangle ever - because of her status, if the Princess has to go to "experience college life", she has to go with her newly appointed bodyguard and other royals in toe. So the relationship between them all got all kinds of tangled and twisted up to the point we don't know who loves who and who to trust. LOL
The f*cktangular love pentagram strikes again
Which leads to a lot of questions, forbidden interactions, slow burn, hiding and heartbreak. ALL IN FORCED PROXIMITY of course.
The enemies to lovers trope is on point - Lorcan is everything you would want from a brooding knight, he is so hard to read, their interactions are a delicious slow torture. Zosia's feelings towards him went a little too fast from enemy to hero worship, but I can't say I really blame her... The story is told from her POV and she is a very likeable, relatable heroine. So bonus points for that too. :)
And speaking of action and the falling kingdom, the story ends on a cliffhanger so I will probably read the next one soon too.
Review copy provided by the author via The Book Sirens, thank you!
June 20, 2022
Review
Forbidden romances and slow burns are my jam, so naturally I had to scoop up this ARC. I requested this ARC from Book Sirens wasn’t paid or given any monetary value — this is my honest opinion.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the beginning because the Zosh definitely came off as a bit of a brat, however the character development was fantastic because I ended up liking her. Zosh is a princess who is on high watch constantly by her kingdom, publications in her country and abroad, and has generally just live a sheltered and “do as your told life”. It was nice to see her start growing and developing into a more well rounded character.
As far as the plot goes, I wish it moved a bit faster or had more thrilling/adventurous moments. I understand that this was a slow burn, but this is a super slow burn. As far as thrilling scenes go, there were a few battle quick scenes and some tense moments, but nothing that kept me on the edge until near the end of the book (97% was a major scene). However, I was always looking forward to reading this book whenever I got home from work because I wanted to see how the relationship between the MC and Lorcan was going to pan out — and I’m glad I did.
Overall, this book is a bit stagnant in the beginning but give it some time and it’ll be a whirlwind.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2022
I requested and received a free eARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Falling Princess is the first in a planned trilogy, and is an adult contemporary fantasy/romance. I would also categorize it as New Adult. Falling Princess is a classic enemies to lovers story, and includes close proximity, princess/bodyguard relationship, and slow burn tropes.
We follow the perspective of Zosia, a young, sheltered princess longing for adventure. So naturally when the chance to attend Royals University in Scotland presents itself she takes it! To her dismay, she is joined by her knight, Lorcan, who never seems to let her out of his sight. Zosia resents Lorcan for his excessive overprotectiveness and seemingly endless need to suck up to her father, but somewhere between the assassination attempts and family secrets Zosia begins to warm up to Lorcan and realizes he might not be so bad after all.
Full transparency this book does end in a cliffhanger (be prepared to feel all the feels).
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Its very well written with enjoyable, three dimensional characters. I did wish that it moved a bit faster at times, but I loved watching the love story between Zosia and Lorca unfold and found myself looking forward to reading further! I hope to read the next book soon!
Falling Princess is the first in a planned trilogy, and is an adult contemporary fantasy/romance. I would also categorize it as New Adult. Falling Princess is a classic enemies to lovers story, and includes close proximity, princess/bodyguard relationship, and slow burn tropes.
We follow the perspective of Zosia, a young, sheltered princess longing for adventure. So naturally when the chance to attend Royals University in Scotland presents itself she takes it! To her dismay, she is joined by her knight, Lorcan, who never seems to let her out of his sight. Zosia resents Lorcan for his excessive overprotectiveness and seemingly endless need to suck up to her father, but somewhere between the assassination attempts and family secrets Zosia begins to warm up to Lorcan and realizes he might not be so bad after all.
Full transparency this book does end in a cliffhanger (be prepared to feel all the feels).
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Its very well written with enjoyable, three dimensional characters. I did wish that it moved a bit faster at times, but I loved watching the love story between Zosia and Lorca unfold and found myself looking forward to reading further! I hope to read the next book soon!
June 29, 2022
3.5 stars.
To begin with, I found the plot of Falling Princess to be refreshing. The focus on Monarchy in modern times and the responsibilities and loneliness that follows was explored. Auralia was a fun character to read at the beginning. Her battle with loneliness and desire to be seen is relatable. However the repetitive nature of some of the scenes made me want to skip a few pages. Lorcan seemed like any other male protagonist nothing which made me like him extraordinarily. The other characters did not appeal to me much. The political scenarios mentioned in the storyline were compelling and a good setup for book 2. The author makes it very evident about the potential cliffhanger and the cause of it because all the alleged spies are not able to figure it out though the reader can. That just left me surprised.
However the premise of the book and the love story kept me hooked. It may start of a bit slow but definitely worth the read, so I accord this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To begin with, I found the plot of Falling Princess to be refreshing. The focus on Monarchy in modern times and the responsibilities and loneliness that follows was explored. Auralia was a fun character to read at the beginning. Her battle with loneliness and desire to be seen is relatable. However the repetitive nature of some of the scenes made me want to skip a few pages. Lorcan seemed like any other male protagonist nothing which made me like him extraordinarily. The other characters did not appeal to me much. The political scenarios mentioned in the storyline were compelling and a good setup for book 2. The author makes it very evident about the potential cliffhanger and the cause of it because all the alleged spies are not able to figure it out though the reader can. That just left me surprised.
However the premise of the book and the love story kept me hooked. It may start of a bit slow but definitely worth the read, so I accord this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2024
This book has finally allowed me to understand what it means to have so much potential but to not use it.
I'm all for unlikable characters but when the only view of the world we get is from their perspective and they are so far up their own ass that they never realize they were professional victims and never get the chance to take control of their own story. It's definitely wasted potential.
Loved the concept of the island and it's lore, but wish there was more time spent getting to know characters in a meaningful way. Instead of through the eyes of somebody who can't see past their own nose.
It is really disappointing to watch two of the only likable characters die in one swift motion to get our feelings hyped up near the end, because they were never fully developed, the impact is not as great as it could have been.
So much potential and so many ways the story could have ended or characters could have developed, but none of the opportunities were taken.
Here's hoping the rest of the books develop a deeper connection to the story and characters.
I'm all for unlikable characters but when the only view of the world we get is from their perspective and they are so far up their own ass that they never realize they were professional victims and never get the chance to take control of their own story. It's definitely wasted potential.
Loved the concept of the island and it's lore, but wish there was more time spent getting to know characters in a meaningful way. Instead of through the eyes of somebody who can't see past their own nose.
It is really disappointing to watch two of the only likable characters die in one swift motion to get our feelings hyped up near the end, because they were never fully developed, the impact is not as great as it could have been.
So much potential and so many ways the story could have ended or characters could have developed, but none of the opportunities were taken.
Here's hoping the rest of the books develop a deeper connection to the story and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
4.25
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. Falling Princess is the first in a trilogy and it's such a good set up to what I can tell is going to be a great series. Zosia is the princess of Aurelia and the main character and I love her. All she wants is her freedom, but since she's the princess she has to abide by that role. She is sassy, sarcastic, witty, and her inner monologue and narration throughout the book gave me life. Also, her counterpart, guard, and enemy to begin with Lorcan is the perfect contrast for her. I loved the development between them, I loved the university setting mixed in with the fantasy world. There was a nice twist at the end and a cliffhanger and I'm so excited to read book two! I really enjoyed all the friendships, the longing to be more than a title as well as the timeline of the story. This was pretty quick paced as well and I'm glad it found it's way onto my TBR!
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. Falling Princess is the first in a trilogy and it's such a good set up to what I can tell is going to be a great series. Zosia is the princess of Aurelia and the main character and I love her. All she wants is her freedom, but since she's the princess she has to abide by that role. She is sassy, sarcastic, witty, and her inner monologue and narration throughout the book gave me life. Also, her counterpart, guard, and enemy to begin with Lorcan is the perfect contrast for her. I loved the development between them, I loved the university setting mixed in with the fantasy world. There was a nice twist at the end and a cliffhanger and I'm so excited to read book two! I really enjoyed all the friendships, the longing to be more than a title as well as the timeline of the story. This was pretty quick paced as well and I'm glad it found it's way onto my TBR!
June 21, 2022
I always enjoy a good princess falls in love with the bodyguard trope - and this one did not disappoint. It includes enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, and is overall a slower burn, but still so satisfying. While there are many fantasy elements, much of this first book revolves more around the relationship between Zosia, our main character and POV, and Lorcan and watching that build over time. Although I'd say this book is more about the romance, there is a good amount of backstory about the country of Auralia and Zosia's lineage which sets up the twist at the end of the story (yes, this ends in a cliffhanger) and what I assume will be the plot of the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
📚"No one would want this life if they knew what it entails. Loneliness. The crushing weight of expectations. Never being able to show your true self."📚
This was one of the free books I found on amazon. Even though it wasn't the best book I've ever read, I enjoyed it more than I expected. It started with such a negative vibe. Where a princess feels very sorry for herself and her lonely life. Slowly, she starts to understand more of her world and learns to appreciate what she has.
Towards the end, there was more and more excitement, and in my opinion, that's when it really started to get better.
"“As long as I’m alive, I promise I’m coming back to you. Alway"
This was one of the free books I found on amazon. Even though it wasn't the best book I've ever read, I enjoyed it more than I expected. It started with such a negative vibe. Where a princess feels very sorry for herself and her lonely life. Slowly, she starts to understand more of her world and learns to appreciate what she has.
Towards the end, there was more and more excitement, and in my opinion, that's when it really started to get better.
"“As long as I’m alive, I promise I’m coming back to you. Alway"
June 12, 2023
The plot was fine, although the pacing was a little off. There were several instances of "Exciting action scene! Political implications! And then we went back to classes for a few months." I got tired of Zosia not standing up for anything - she knows that she needs to be involved in government. She also wants to experience life. But the second she gets push-back, she backs all the way off and lets it go completely.
The thing that bothered me the most was the constant switching between past and present tense. This was obviously intentional - actions are in past tense, thoughts and feelings mostly present. I found it extremely jarring, and had a lot of trouble getting past that style choice.
The thing that bothered me the most was the constant switching between past and present tense. This was obviously intentional - actions are in past tense, thoughts and feelings mostly present. I found it extremely jarring, and had a lot of trouble getting past that style choice.
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