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Fallen City
Adrienne Young
416 Pages
St. Martin’s Press/MacMillan Audio
While I have liked every book that I have read by Adrienne Young, this one was not for me. However, many others might well enjoy this novel.
The other novels of hers I have read have not been high fantasy. This book explores Isara, a world under attack. Two characters, Luca and Maris, who are in inherent conflict, coming from different parts of the city, fall in love. There is action. There is conflict, within a walled city. These are all of elements of a fantasy that many people who enjoy this genre will enjoy. For me, although the book grew on me more by the end, these elements did not take this book into a realm that worked for me.
While this was not for me, I think it was generally strong writing. Ms. Young is a gifted story teller, weaving action and conflict together with compelling dialogue. Like always, she uses a variety of sentence structures. The characters were clearly developed as was their relationship; I did enjoy the romance.
I think one thing that bothered me about the style of the novel was how it went back and forth in time. I love the dual perspective, as it provides the reader with the emotions and actions of both characters like these who are equally important. It makes sense for the story. However, I am not the biggest fan of books that go back and forth. I find it confusing. Even though this is not my preferred genre, I might have enjoyed the book more had I not gotten lost in the changes of the timelines.
If you are looking for a good high fantasy novel with strong world building, you will probably enjoy this.
I read parts of the novel digitally and listened to parts. It was a little easier for me to follow digitally, although the narrators were good and it helps to have two narrators, given the two perspectives.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio for providing me with digital and audio copies of the novel in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
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