Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Summary:(from 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?
Review: I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading this book. The plot was interesting although, I was surprised at how much of it was the more political aspect. The fantasy element is definitely what kept things exciting. The characters were all well developed. The books switches perspective between Cleo, Jonas, Magnus and Lucia. I liked the two boys better than the girls. I didn't really mind them, but Cleo and Lucia both did things that annoyed me. I thought Magnus and Jonas had a lot more development. One thing that surprised me about the book was how much death and violence there was. I guess I should have expected it because of the war and conflict that happens between the kingdoms. One thing I liked was at the beginning of the book there was a map and a list of all the important characters and their roles. This made it a lot easier for me to keep track of who everyone was especially at the beginning before I got to know the characters.Overall, This was an enjoyable book. I think fans of fantasy should give this one a try.