Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3) by Morgan Rhodes

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic. . . .
THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.
THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia’s overpowering magic—all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.
THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.
The only certainty in these dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica. . . . but the four element gods of the Kindred have other plans.

Book Review:
How do I not review this without getting all fan-girly? We start out in what seems to be an impossible situation. A princess trapped in an unhappy marriage to the son of the tyrant who killed everyone she knew and loved. Everyone is hungry for power and willing to go to extreme measures to get their hands on the kindred. Let me tell you, things go from bad to worse. Reminiscent of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, This YA high fantasy almost takes on an adult tone. I think that might be the appeal for me. It complicated, without being overly complicated...if that makes sense. I don't know how Morgan Rhodes writes these interweaving story-lines and intricate plots, but she's pure genius and I definitely plan on reading everything she writes.

Cover Art Commentary:
Love the covers of the entire series! This is possibly the most menacing of the bunch, which make sense as this story is the most menacing of the bunch.

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