Breathless Reads – FALLING KINGDOMS
Hi! Today we’re celebrating the release of the final Fall 2012 Breathless Reads book – Morgan Rhodes’ FALLING KINGDOMS! Let’s find out more about it:
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?
“FALLING KINGDOMS will gut you emotionally. It will make you ache, cry, and beg for the sequel as you turn the last page. I absolutely loved it.”–Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of THE IRON QUEEN
“This triple-layered tale of bloodshed, heartbreak, and tangled court intrigue kept me turning pages very late into the night.”–Lesley Livingston, award-winning author of WONDROUS STRANGE
My take on it (note: I’m halfway through): Typically in books with multiple POVs, I prefer one character over another, but in this case I’m intrigued by all four of our protagonists – though if I had to choose a favorite, I have a soft spot for spoiled Princess Cleo. It’s a fast read – compulsively readable, really! – and I’m enjoying the world-building that differentiates the three nations. (I’m hoping to write a fantasy series next myself, so I’m thinking a lot about my own countries’ religions, geographies, trade, etc.) Also, the design of the book is gorgeous!
Now for our interview:
1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.
I have four viewpoint characters in FALLING KINGDOMS, so I’ll do a description for all of them…
Cleo is a spoiled, spirited, courageous princess.
Magnus is a sarcastic, scarred, conflicted prince.
Jonas is a brave, vengeful, handsome rebel.
Lucia is a sweet, trusting, powerful…sorceress?
2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.
FALLING KINGDOMS is an exciting, entertaining, epic fantasy!
3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.
Blonde, sarcastic, caffeinated writer.
4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?
Australia, England, Greece.
5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?
Photography, drawing, yoga.
6. If you could have 3 alternate careers, what would they be?
Actress, photographer, cake decorator. (JS: mmm, cake!)
7. What are 3 of your favorite flowers?
Gerbera daisies, roses, orchids. (JS: I love Gerberas and roses, too!)
8. What are 3 of your favorite foods?
Fettucini Alfredo with Shrimp, Lasagna, Key Lime Pie. (Yum!!)
9. What are 3 of your favorite books?
VAMPIRE ACADEMY, DARKFEVER, HUNGER GAMES
Thanks for stopping by, Morgan! I hope you have a fantastic release week!
Now for the contest! Penguin has been generous enough to offer a finished copy of FALLING KINGDOMS, and I’m giving away a Cahill Witch Chronicles swag pack. To enter, see the Rafflecopter below. Contest is open until Saturday at midnight EST and open only to US residents.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I can wait to read this book, sounds great and that cover is to die for. Soo good.
Cool! I've heard so many great things about this book. I bet it's awesome!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
I've been dying to get my hands on this one!
For months, I've heard buzz about Falling Kingdoms! Can't wait to read it!!! 🙂
First things first: awesome new blog header! I love the flowers! So eerie and beautiful and eerie!
Thank you for the interview with Morgan – have gained significantly more insight into the book.
I'm excited to read this one. Also… daisies are one of my favorite flowers, too.
I have a soft spot for Cleo too and Jonas ;D
Thanks for the giveaway! This is the first I've heard of Falling Kingdoms but it sounds like a book I would enjoy 🙂
I've heard really great things about this read!! It's definitely on my wishlist 🙂
I've been excited to read this book for awhile! I love epic fantasy 🙂
I love fantasy, and I've been wanting to read this for a long time now!
I've just recently heard a ton of great things about this book. I'm a huge fan of fantasies. Can't wait to read it for myself.
Aw man aw man, this one sounds sooo good. Thanks for the interview and giveaway 😀
I love high fantasy and I cannot wait to get my hot little hands on this book! Thanks for the great interview.
What a wonderful giveaway!
Yaaay I'm so excited to read Falling Kingdoms! 🙂
Great interview & thanks for the giveaway ^.^
I can't wait to read this book!! I haven't read any high fantasy before, but I'm going to try this one out. Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm so looking forward to reading this book. With her love of books, photography, cake and sarcasm, Morgan Rhodes could be one of my best friends.
Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway, Jessica. This book looks totally epic!
– Beckie
I'm SO excited for Falling Kingdoms. Everything about this book screams to me. I love high fantasy, stories written from multiple POVs, court intrigue and political unrest, battle, and, of course, romance. I predict epicness, and I can't wait to learn more. Thanks, Jess, for the giveaway! =D
THANKS SO MUCH! CANT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK! HAPPY HOLIDAYS~!