The Falling Kingdoms series has been called Game of Thrones for teens, and though it may not have quite the same scope, readers will certainly find themselves in a similar world of burgeoning magic and shifting alliances where no one (seriously, no one) is safe. This third volume dashes back and forth in perspective between Paelsian rebel leader Jonas, who's swiftly losing both supporters and battles; dark Limerian Crown Prince Magnus and his sorceress sister, Lucia; and the beautiful, conquered Auranian princess Cleo, forced into both a marriage and a political role she despises. There are several other intriguing characters, but as in previous volumes, it is these four who hold focus and push the narrative to the action-packed and bloody end that will no doubt leave readers clamoring for the next installment.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Previous entries in the Falling Kingdom series have topped the New York Times best-seller list, and with the word-of-mouth promotional push that this latest title is getting, the huge marketing campaign feels almost redundant.

Everyone in Mytica is searching for the Kindred, four magical stones full of unimaginable power: evil King Gaius, conflicted Prince Magnus, scheming Princess Cleo, secretive Princess Lucia, hotheaded rebel Jonas, and the ruthless Kraeshian royal family. While this installment's writing is somewhat stilted, Game of Thrones fans will appreciate the abundance of intrigue, betrayal, and violence in this dark fantasy series.

In this third book of the Falling Kingdoms series, Rhodes continues the saga of Mytica. Prince Magnus's father, King Gaius of Limeros, has conquered the land of Auranos and brought it under his grim rule. Magnus himself has been forcibly married to Cleiona, daughter of the slain King Corvin, in an attempt to consolidate his father's grip on Auranos. Yet all is not well in Mytica. Throughout the countryside, and even within the walls of palace, there are rebels seeking to free Auranos from the icy grip of Limeros. Furthermore, two mysterious travelers, Prince Ashur and Princess Amara of the far-off land of Kraeshla, have come to the palace asking far too many questions. All throughout the land, there is talk of mysterious "Watchers" and a set of four elemental crystals that will unleash the powers of the immortal "Kindred." Who will be the first to learn the locations of these crystals and gain the powers of the Kindred?This book is told from the perspectives of several characters, with no single person as the central focus. The author weaves a complex tapestry, with characters working at cross purposes and the reader trying to figure out who is using whom and to what ends. Rhodes helpfully provides a character sheet at the beginning of the book, which is invaluable for figuring out the story. While this is the third book in the series, it does not require that the reader read the previous installments in order to understand the narrative flow. The book deals with issues of trust, romance, and the responsible use of power. The ending makes it very clear that the author is already planning a fourth installment. Although the paths this book treads are well worn by previous works, it is still a highly readable adventure and would be a worthy addition to any fantasy collection.Jonathan Ryder.