Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
ISBN: 978-1-59514-584-0
Rhodes, M. (2012). Falling kingdoms. New York: Razorbill.
Plot Summary
Princess Cleo, her soon-to-be-betrothed Aron, friend Mira, and bodyguard Theon are from the wealthy sourthern kingdom Auranos. While on a trip, Aron wants to buy good Paelsia wine, the middle kingdom known for its superior wine, but nothing else. Unfortunately, their bartering turns into murder as Aron stabs the wine seller’s eldest son Tomas. The Auranos party hurriedly returns to their ship as Jonas, Tomas’ younger brother, vows vengeance. Gaius Damora, a cruel and demanding man, is king of the northern kingdom Limeros. Sixteen years previously he called upon his mistress to kidnap Lucia, a baby, whom he has raised as his daughter. According to prophesies, Lucia should be a sorceress, and the key to Limeros’ future. Meanwhile, the mythical Watchers live in their world away from the kingdoms, but it has begun to decay, much like Paelsia and Limeros. Young Watchers are able to transform into hawks and watch the humans, as Alexius has been told to do. Gaius, greedy and unhappy, and his son Magnus join forces with the Paelsian chief Hugo Basilius with the intent of invading Auranos. Meanwhile, Cleo’s sister is very ill and can only be healed with magic seeds. With the help of the squire Nic, Cleo ventures into Paelsia in search of the seeds. While searching, Cleo is captured by Jonas. Paelsia and Limeros invade Auranos with disastrous consequences, and it becomes even clearer that King Gaius is not to be trusted.
Critical Evaluation
Written in four different points-of-view by four of the main teenage characters creates early confusion. That, combined with three different settings, and a large cast of characters makes the beginning rather bogged down with information. Favorite characters will be quickly determined, and the other viewpoints, while necessary and important, serve to slow down the narrative until the favorites return. The lists of characters at the beginning might be useful pages to photocopy and jot down notes until readers become more familiar with the details. With the introductions finished, Falling Kingdoms becomes a fantastic read with complex plot details, multifaceted characters with their own agendas, and a complete new world fill with its own difficulties and successes. The death toll is exceedingly high, as several secondary characters are killed or die. In particular, one love interest is killed minutes after declaring his feelings for the princess and she reciprocates. This shocking development hits readers that all is fair in war, and no character is safe. A possible incestual love infatuation may cause some to stop reading in disgust and horror, but it serves to explain character motives and actions. The interesting plot and captivating characters make Falling Kingdoms a great read and leaves readers eager for the next one.
Reader’s Annotation
Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are four teenagers living in three different kingdoms. Their lives are about to intersect as their actions, and the actions of their parents, lead to war, kidnapping, murder, and intrigue.
About the Author
Morgan Rhodes is a pseudonym used by Michelle Rowen for her young adult novels. Michelle Rowen writes paranormal romances, young adult fantasy, and urban fantasy. She has won awards for her vampire romances and first novel. Falling Kingdoms is Rowen’s first high fantasy novel.
Rowen currently lives in Southern Ontario with her two cats. She enjoys travelling, reality TV, photography, and reading. Before deciding on becoming an author, Rowen wanted to be a self-sufficient princess who used swords and saved princes from fire-breathing dragons.
Genre
Fantasy/Action & Adventure
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
Discussion of Lucia, Magnus, Jonas, and Cleo, different teens, different countries, all connected.
Justify Jonas’ quest for vengeance
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 6th grade
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include the use of magic, a hint of an incestual relationship, and war.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I love fantasy, probably my favorite genre, and I loved Falling Kingdoms.
Others in the Series
Rebel Spring (Book #2 Released Fall 2013)
References
Razorbill. (2012). Author. Retrieved from http://www.fallingkingdoms.com/author.html
Rowan, M. (2013). About michelle. Retrieved from
http://www.michellerowen.com/bio/
ISBN: 978-1-59514-584-0
Rhodes, M. (2012). Falling kingdoms. New York: Razorbill.
Plot Summary
Princess Cleo, her soon-to-be-betrothed Aron, friend Mira, and bodyguard Theon are from the wealthy sourthern kingdom Auranos. While on a trip, Aron wants to buy good Paelsia wine, the middle kingdom known for its superior wine, but nothing else. Unfortunately, their bartering turns into murder as Aron stabs the wine seller’s eldest son Tomas. The Auranos party hurriedly returns to their ship as Jonas, Tomas’ younger brother, vows vengeance. Gaius Damora, a cruel and demanding man, is king of the northern kingdom Limeros. Sixteen years previously he called upon his mistress to kidnap Lucia, a baby, whom he has raised as his daughter. According to prophesies, Lucia should be a sorceress, and the key to Limeros’ future. Meanwhile, the mythical Watchers live in their world away from the kingdoms, but it has begun to decay, much like Paelsia and Limeros. Young Watchers are able to transform into hawks and watch the humans, as Alexius has been told to do. Gaius, greedy and unhappy, and his son Magnus join forces with the Paelsian chief Hugo Basilius with the intent of invading Auranos. Meanwhile, Cleo’s sister is very ill and can only be healed with magic seeds. With the help of the squire Nic, Cleo ventures into Paelsia in search of the seeds. While searching, Cleo is captured by Jonas. Paelsia and Limeros invade Auranos with disastrous consequences, and it becomes even clearer that King Gaius is not to be trusted.
Critical Evaluation
Written in four different points-of-view by four of the main teenage characters creates early confusion. That, combined with three different settings, and a large cast of characters makes the beginning rather bogged down with information. Favorite characters will be quickly determined, and the other viewpoints, while necessary and important, serve to slow down the narrative until the favorites return. The lists of characters at the beginning might be useful pages to photocopy and jot down notes until readers become more familiar with the details. With the introductions finished, Falling Kingdoms becomes a fantastic read with complex plot details, multifaceted characters with their own agendas, and a complete new world fill with its own difficulties and successes. The death toll is exceedingly high, as several secondary characters are killed or die. In particular, one love interest is killed minutes after declaring his feelings for the princess and she reciprocates. This shocking development hits readers that all is fair in war, and no character is safe. A possible incestual love infatuation may cause some to stop reading in disgust and horror, but it serves to explain character motives and actions. The interesting plot and captivating characters make Falling Kingdoms a great read and leaves readers eager for the next one.
Reader’s Annotation
Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are four teenagers living in three different kingdoms. Their lives are about to intersect as their actions, and the actions of their parents, lead to war, kidnapping, murder, and intrigue.
About the Author
Morgan Rhodes is a pseudonym used by Michelle Rowen for her young adult novels. Michelle Rowen writes paranormal romances, young adult fantasy, and urban fantasy. She has won awards for her vampire romances and first novel. Falling Kingdoms is Rowen’s first high fantasy novel.
Rowen currently lives in Southern Ontario with her two cats. She enjoys travelling, reality TV, photography, and reading. Before deciding on becoming an author, Rowen wanted to be a self-sufficient princess who used swords and saved princes from fire-breathing dragons.
Genre
Fantasy/Action & Adventure
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
Discussion of Lucia, Magnus, Jonas, and Cleo, different teens, different countries, all connected.
Justify Jonas’ quest for vengeance
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 6th grade
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include the use of magic, a hint of an incestual relationship, and war.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I love fantasy, probably my favorite genre, and I loved Falling Kingdoms.
Others in the Series
Rebel Spring (Book #2 Released Fall 2013)
References
Razorbill. (2012). Author. Retrieved from http://www.fallingkingdoms.com/author.html
Rowan, M. (2013). About michelle. Retrieved from
http://www.michellerowen.com/bio/
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