Interview with Morgan Rhodes + Giveaway

I'm a big fan of The Falling Kingdoms series and I am thrilled to host Morgan Rhodes on the blog to celebrate the release of Gathering Darkness today! Please welcome her warmly :)

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1. I’ll start by letting you sell this wonderful series of yours. What would you say to someone who hasn't started the series yet?

I’d say: Do you like books with magic, fantasy, mystery, suspense, and kickass characters? Do you enjoy heroes who do bad things for the right reasons and villains

who do good things for the wrong reasons? Star-crossed, forbidden romance? Family drama? A tapestry of intrigue and deception and backstabbing, all in the pursuit of power? Characters who will die for love and characters who will kill for it? And, say, the odd decapitation and/or elemental disaster? Well...you definitely need to give Falling Kingdoms a try!

2. I'm a huge fan of your series, and since third books are often game changers in a series, can you tease a bit with the impact this book will have on the rest of the series?

Book 3 is certainly a game changer in the fact that a decision made by a certain character near the end of the book will affect everything going forward. Plus, events will be put in place that necessitate traveling to lands apart from Mytica in book four. If I tell you more than that it would totally be a spoiler! ;)

3. With so many young hearts at play in Gathering Darkness, can we hope for a bit of romance despite the dire circumstances?

Romance definitely takes more of a front seat in Gathering Darkness and emotions rise to the forefront. Perhaps dire circumstances brings out the inner romantic in my characters! But I do think that romance plays a bigger part in book 3 and in book 4 it’ll be ramped up even more!

4. Is there a tentative title for book 5? And a release date?

Ah... that is a question for next year! I’m only just working on book four right now, which does have a title, but I can’t tell you yet! :) Pretty sure this will be a December 2015 release, which means book 5 will likely be out December 2016!

You caught me there! I meant to say book 4 lol damn typos!

5. I have no choice but to ask about your new series, A Book of Spirits and Thieves. What can you tell us about it?

A BOOK OF SPIRITS AND THIEVES (out June 23, 2015) is the first in a companion trilogy to Falling Kingdoms. It follows three main viewpoint characters, two in our

contemporary world, and one in Mytica, a thousand years before the events in Falling Kingdoms.

In our world, there is a secret society headed by a mysterious leader who seeks an ancient, unreadable book filled with magic. The book falls into the hands of two sisters whose lives are changed forever from the moment they touch it. Meanwhile, in Mytica, we follow a young ghost-buster whose path crosses with the Goddess Valoria’s who needs his assistance to locate a lost treasure. Soon the threads of my main characters, here and in Mytica, begin to intertwine in unexpected ways.

The trilogy will be perfect for anyone who hasn’t read Falling Kingdoms – there’s no need to read it in order to understand what’s going on here. However, if you are a reader of my main series, there are tons of Easter Eggs in ABOSAT about the goddesses, the myths and legends of their magic, and how Mytica was split into three separate kingdoms. Also, one surprising reveal that fills in a lot of blanks of the FK world, but, again, spoilers! You’ll have to read it and see! ;)

Thank you so much Morgan for stopping by! I am know that much more excited for ABOSAT, I had not realized it's a spin-off!

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 About Gathering Darkness:

The seeds of revolution have been sown…but in Mytica the lust for power reigns supreme.

THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo slays with sweetness—and a secret that might control Lucia’s magic—as she and vengeful Jonas lead the hunt for the all-powerful Kindred.

THE KRAESHIANS join the fray. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the vast kingdom across the Silver Sea, prove to be just as ruthless as they are charming as they manipulate their way to victory.

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.

And which side will Prince Magnus choose, now that he’s been betrayed by everyone he’s ever loved?

Read an excerpt

BACK TO MYTICA, WISH YOU WERE HERE.

One (1) winner receives:

· Falling Kingdoms postcard set,

· Falling Kingdoms tshirt,

· plus copies of Falling Kingdoms, Rebel Spring and Gathering Darkness.

Prizing & samples courtesy of Penguin Young Readers

Giveaway open to US addresses only

Ends Dec 19th, 2014
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Posted by Tynga at 01:17

 giveaway, Interview, Morgan Rhodes  8 People left their mark

Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Now that Auranos is under the control of the tyrannic King Gaius everything has changed. Enemies suddenly aren't the same, and our youth's focus and missions swiftly reoriented. Everyone, even his own wife and son, want to see the King fall. Will his strong grip and merciless actions be enough for him to keep control?

I am a huge fan of Falling Kingdoms, the first novel in this series, and despite Rebel Spring being a good installment it somehow found itself in the 'not as amazing as the first book' dreaded category. I think the main reason I felt this way is that Rebel Spring is one big transition and there is no clear goal or achievement to reach for this story arc. Yes, there is the ultimate goal of finding the Kindred and defeat the King, but it has become the goal of this series, not an achievable goal for the short term window that is Rebel Spring. All our characters take actions toward this goal, and we get some answers, but ultimately, there no possible victories in this novel and it's slightly disappointing.

Despite its weaknesses, I truly enjoyed reading Rebel Spring. I love the fantastical world Morgan created and the vividness of her characters. Once again, Rhodes blessed us with alternative point of view between multiple characters (including some watchers, the Queen and the King himself) and it definitely adds a richness to the story. I always enjoy seeing how the perceptive on a same situation is different from one character to another, it brings additional depth and nuances to certain key scenes.

Our heroes are faced with interesting situations once again, and I'm afraid to say more deaths awaits them (Morgan couldn't refrain now, could she?). [spoiler]Magnus & Cleo are getting married[/spoiler] and I felt terrible for them, I kept hoping this connection would bring more to their relationship, and I keep my fingers crossed that it will have an impact in the following book. Jonas is more ambitious then ever and he is willing to put aside his feud with Cleo to reach his new objective. He scared me on many occasions and I'll let you discover why! Lucia has a really passive role this time around because she's in a coma most of the novel, but after some shocking revelations at the end of Rebel Spring, my hopes for her are really high and I hope her actions will benefit the 'good'.

Rebel Spring was a great novel and delivers promises of an even better installment. I disliked it's strongly transitional atmosphere (can I even say that?), but overall, it didn't impair my enjoyment. High fantasy lovers definitely want to pick up this series. Magic, mysteries and death awaits you in those pages, and you won't regret jumping on the wagon.

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Posted by Tynga at 02:56

 Falling Kingdoms, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Magic, Michelle Rowen, Morgan Rhodes, Penguin, Publisher, Razorbill, Review, young adult  5 People left their mark

Daring You to Read… Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

This week I am daring you to read an amazing fantasy novel, Falling kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (a.k.a Michelle Rowen). As you might know, I’m a huge fan of High Fantasy, especially young adult ones, and I was extremely pleased with this novel. I’m dare compare it to the likes of Kristen Cashore and Maria V Snyder, so if you are fan of these two, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a copy!

Why I loved it so much? First, the lore was extremely original and fascinating. Morgan did an amazing job of creating a believable and rich backstory. Further more, the world-building was simply effortless and the descriptions were rich and fluid, never slowing down the story arc. And finally, the fantastic characters. Morgan chose a wide range of teenagers from different social classes and territories and the alternative point of view allowed us to really live the experience from each of their perspective.

The plotline isn’t exactly action packed, but the tension, treasons and promises of revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times my heart was pounding, at other moments I was shedding tears, really miss Rhodes kept me emotionally involved the entire novel and it’s something I really appreciate.

The conclusion was simply a killer and I am extremely glad I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Rebel Spring, which I plan to read very soon. It’s a December release, so you still have plenty of time to get your hands on Falling Kingdoms before then.

If you love high fantasy, I urge you to pick up this amazing novel!

 

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?

Read my review

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Sequel:

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

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Posted by Tynga at 06:25

 Daring You to Read, Fantasy, Morgan Rhodes, Penguin, young adult  2 People left their mark

Daring You to Read… Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

This week I am daring you to read an amazing fantasy novel, Falling kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (a.k.a Michelle Rowen). As you might know, I’m a huge fan of High Fantasy, especially young adult ones, and I was extremely pleased with this novel. I’m dare compare it to the likes of Kristen Cashore and Maria V Snyder, so if you are fan of these two, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a copy!

Why I loved it so much? First, the lore was extremely original and fascinating. Morgan did an amazing job of creating a believable and rich backstory. Further more, the world-building was simply effortless and the descriptions were rich and fluid, never slowing down the story arc. And finally, the fantastic characters. Morgan chose a wide range of teenagers from different social classes and territories and the alternative point of view allowed us to really live the experience from each of their perspective.

The plotline isn’t exactly action packed, but the tension, treasons and promises of revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times my heart was pounding, at other moments I was shedding tears, really miss Rhodes kept me emotionally involved the entire novel and it’s something I really appreciate.

The conclusion was simply a killer and I am extremely glad I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Rebel Spring, which I plan to read very soon. It’s a December release, so you still have plenty of time to get your hands on Falling Kingdoms before then.

If you love high fantasy, I urge you to pick up this amazing novel!

 

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?

Read my review

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Sequel:

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:25

 Daring You to Read, Fantasy, Morgan Rhodes, Penguin, young adult  2 People left their mark

Falling Kingdoms Tour–Interview with Morgan Rhodes

If you’ve read my review, you know I LOVED Falling Kingdoms, so I’m super happy to welcome Morgan Rhodes for an interview on the blog today!

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Falling Kingdoms was one of my favorite read this year, how hard was it for you to write high fantasy, as opposed to your previous novels?

Thank you so much! I wouldn’t really say it was “hard” as much as it was a challenge. I have written contemporary paranormal and urban fantasies before this, so I was well-versed in “fantasy.” Taking this fantasy and putting it into a completely imaginary world, plus giving it a medieval flavor, was something that took a lot of forethought, research, and worldbuilding before I even wrote a single word of the plot, but I was definitely up for this challenge!

The lore you created was particularly enticing, how did you come up with the Goddesses idea?

The goddesses (two rival goddesses that represent two elements each – one fire and air, the other water and earth) who existed a thousand years before the events in Falling Kingdoms were an essential part of the worldbuilding – the religion! I wanted to show that one kingdom, Limeros, still worshipped regularly (in fact, it’s kind of forced on them by their king), while the rival kingdom, Auranos, has strayed from religion, mostly due to their easy lives and affluence. This is contrasted with the middle kingdom, Paelsia, which doesn’t worship any deity. The lore of the goddesses in book one is mostly background, but I promise it will play a large part in future books, especially when it comes to the mythology of the immortal Watchers.

I particularly loved how your narration allowed to view each character from multiple perspectives, was it the main reason why you chose third person narration?

Originally, I considered writing the book entirely from Princess Cleo’s POV, but ultimately decided that the world of Falling Kingdoms was a very large canvas to paint on and limiting things to one character’s viewpoint would prevent me from showing readers what is going on in other parts of the story. It became a multiple viewpoint story out of necessity – and I’m glad I went in this direction! I think this definitely sets FK apart from other YA fantasy novels…and in a good way, I hope!

Did you have a favorite character when writing the book?

All of the characters have their merits, but my two favorites to write in Falling Kingdoms (and again in the sequel) are Princess Cleo – since she has a good heart and a brave soul that she’s only beginning to discover…her character arc is more of a roller coaster! Also, Prince Magnus – who is so dark and conflicted and sarcastic, and he likes to ignore my outline and do his own thing. I never know what to expect from him!

Can you tell us a bit about the next novel, Rebel Spring? I’m so anxious to read it!

Well…. it’s book #2 of the Falling Kingdoms series and will be out Fall 2013. What? You want more? LOL! Thing get off to a wild start in Rebel Spring, so even telling you what happens in chapter one would be a mega spoiler. I’ll just say that it picks up the story about three weeks after Falling Kingdoms ends. In Rebel Spring I also introduce a couple new characters who will directly impact the characters readers have already met in ways both good and bad. Also, there will be some unexpected twists which I hope will delight readers – but they also might also be a little bit mad at me. ;)

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Thank you so much Morgan for taking the time to answer my questions! I can’t wait to get my hands on Rebel Spring!

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Posted by Tynga at 08:16

 Interview, Michelle Rowen, Morgan Rhodes  13 People left their mark