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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Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1) by Morgan Rhodes

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

Book Review:
When I first saw this cover, I fell in love. I mean, daggers, castles, a creepy hooded person?! It just looks intriguing  doesn't it?! The novel itself lives up to the promise of its cover. A character driven novel full of suspense, drama, romance, revenge, and much more! I gobbled this story up quickly. Perhaps my favorite character is Cleo. She has good intentions, but always finds herself in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Her fiery nature and kind heart prove to be a wonderful and interesting mixture. Jonas is growing on me, slowly but surely. I do wonder what will become of him. Lucia is the character we know the least about, though I have a feeling we'll learn more about her in future books. Magnus. Oh, Magnus. I love and hate him at the same time. I hope that he takes a turn for the better, but my gut tells me otherwise. Overall, a wonderful YA fantasy novel that is sure to please.

Favorite Quote:
“You're the same as you were yesterday and the day before. Nothing has changed. Not really. Forget what troubles you. Regret nothing, but learn from any mistakes you make. Tomorrow will be a brighter day, I promise.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I fell in love with this cover the moment I saw it! Perhaps my favorite thing about this cover is the castle in the background. :)

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