This was a story of two people on different sides of a war with a yearning love. It's forbidden and has all of the emotions. Luca and Maris.
The story was so well written, dragging me into it's world. It was utterly captivating. Navigating the before and after had my heart at the edge of my chest. The ending left me exited for book 2, i can't wait to see where this goes.

I wasn’t sure where this book would end up in my star ratings until the very end. I was back and forth between three, four, and five at different parts of the story. I know it sounds wild to end at five stars but I will explain.

I was considering three stars at points because I felt like this really wasn’t “adult” it really read YA and I don’t think the characters ages were enough to push it into the adult category. Additionally, I found myself putting the book down between chapters often which sometimes means I’m not enjoying it as much as I want to.

I considered four stars as the rating because I realized I was putting it down often to digest what was happening and to think about the POVs. This story is told from two characters’ perspectives and a before and after timeline which kind of reads like 4 POVs when you really think about it. Both Maris and Luca were changed by whatever event divided “before” and “after”.

Ultimately, I ended with five stars as my rating because the ending had me in an absolute choke hold. I was so drawn into the story. Around 75%, everything kind of clicked and I realized how sucked into the story I had become.

My only “negative” is that even to the end, this really felt more YA than adult but the actual story was so compelling and interesting and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Fans of Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross will love this story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I LOVE Adrienne young and her writing so much. this book had me hooked! I found the plot so interesting. I really enjoyed the fmc's character a good bit. The only thing that I didn't love was that the pacing felt a bit slow at times.

First off a huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Adrienne Young for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of publication date!! What a delight!

I have to say, this feels like a big, big departure from Young's usual writing style and voice (I'm currently working through her backlist!) but I liked it! The two main characters are both so compelling, the whole city and the history of it is incredible (and complex, with hopefully more details to come in the eventual second installment of this duology), and the romance definitely kept my intrigued throughout, since I always need a little romance with any of my reads. I'm so curious to know what's going to happen in book two because I really can't see a way out of how this book ended- that's where Young's writing mind always impresses me!!
While this is an ARC and of course grammatical editing isn't in question, I do think the story needs a little bit of tightening before publication day- there are just a feww places where I felt like the story dragged a little bit, or felt a bit repetitive. I think part of that is due to the dual timeline nature of the story presentation, but I'm not worried in the slightest that any lulls will be well edited for a November publication!! 3.5 stars rounded up here!!

Wow. Just wow. This was my first Adrienne Young book and gods I need more. That ending? The angst and longing? Ugh, perfect. I need book 2 and book 1 is still so far out from being published. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! From the time jumps to the dual POV to the court politicking and intrigue, it was excellent! There were definitely some pieces about the religious lore that felt under developed and there were some instances where I felt that Luca and Maris were walking the fine line of insta love (but I feel like the time jumps helped mitigate that feeling), but overall it was still easy to follow and a decent read! I think Young closed the book in a way that was both frustrating to the point of motivating you to read the next book in the series. I think Mari’s’ character is significantly more developed than Lucas is. I really understand her motivations, which already makes me more excited for book 2, but Luca is still a little bit of a mystery for me. All this to say, solid fantasy read with a lot of productive unanswered questions! Massive thanks to SMP & NetGalley for the ARC!

Adrienne Young has absolutely outdone herself with The Fallen City! From the very first page, I was utterly swept away by the richly imagined world of Isara, a great walled city simmering with a century of political unrest. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and you can feel the weight of history pressing down on every character.
Luca Matius and Maris Casperia are two of the most compelling protagonists I've encountered in recent memory. Luca's internal struggle between family duty and the burgeoning rebellion, coupled with his unexpected connection to the city's Philosopher, immediately drew me in. Maris, raised in the heart of the corrupt Citadel yet yearning for a better future, is a force to be reckoned with. Their initial meeting is electric, a spark that ignites a chain of events with truly epic consequences.
Young masterfully weaves together political intrigue, forbidden romance, and a looming sense of divine intervention. The rebellion feels organic, a slow burn that finally erupts in a blaze of chaos. The secrets that unravel are expertly paced, each revelation adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate plot. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Young throws in a twist that leaves you breathless.
The romance between Luca and Maris is not just a subplot; it's the beating heart of the story. Their connection feels fated and undeniable, yet the circumstances of their world constantly threaten to tear them apart. The stakes are incredibly high, and the emotional turmoil they face as they find themselves on opposite sides of a holy war is palpable. I was completely invested in their journey, desperately hoping they could find their way back to each other amidst the turmoil.
The exploration of the gods' will and their potential manipulation of Isara's fate adds a fascinating layer of mythology to the narrative. It raises profound questions about free will versus destiny, and how individual choices can impact the grand tapestry of the gods' design.
The Fallen City is a triumph of storytelling. Adrienne Young has crafted a world that feels both ancient and vibrant, populated by characters who are complex, flawed, and utterly human. The plot is gripping, the romance is heart-wrenching, and the overarching themes resonate long after you turn the final page. This isn't just a good book; it's an immersive and unforgettable experience. Five stars simply aren't enough – this one is going straight to my favorites of the year!

Fallen City by Adrienne Young offers a vivid and atmospheric setting. The world-building is detailed and immersive, painting a post-collapse society with the kind of gritty beauty Young is known for. The premise had real promise — a city fractured by secrets, survival, and the struggle for power — but the story doesn’t always live up to its potential.

While the pacing starts strong, it drags in the middle, and some plot points feel more like detours than progress. The main character has depth, but the supporting cast can come off as one-dimensional, making it harder to invest in their relationships and struggles. There are emotional moments that hit, but others feel rushed or underdeveloped.

Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of YA dystopian fiction who enjoy strong atmosphere and high-stakes drama. Just don’t expect it to break new ground.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Fallen City by Adrienne Young is out Nov. 4, 2025.

FALLEN CITY by Adrienne Young was a such good read overall

Adrienne Young’s writing is truly beautiful, it hard not to be drawn to the story she writes. The world she creates in her stories are so complex and thought provoking.

It truly embodied the political climate we live in today. The story itself was so moving and the characters were captivating. I felt deeply for Luca and Maris. Both experienced so much.

I love the dynamic between the two main characters and the progression of the relationship blossoming into something more.

The flashback scenes as well as the various perspectives we get from the characters were down really well. It was hard to put the book down at times.

Overall, this was an amazing read. I’m excited to read more of the authors work in the future.

Thank you again netgalley and the publishing company for this e-arc.

I really enjoyed the way in which the story was told in two different timelines. It was a little difficult to get into the book because there were many characters and words but once you got into it, it was great. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting was stunning.

I loved Spells for Forgetting, so I was excited to try a fantasy romance from Adrienne Young. Unfortunately right from the beginning of this book, the narrative felt disjointed, like random pieces of a story being told.

Fallen City is a political drama with more telling than showing. The dual POV timeline format of the story was confusing. I read several chapters twice early on because I felt like I was missing information, but you are thrown into the deep end without any context to the world or magic system.

I struggled to connect with the characters because they were very surface level introductions. I can’t recall any descriptions of the characters other than their names and roles within the political landscape.

Ultimately this was not the right fit for me, but I think Fallen City will find its audience!

Rating: 4.5/5

Adrienne Young has done it again! I just absolutely love the way she writes fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this new Roman-inspired duology.

This captivating story is dual POV between Luca, a legionnaire, and Maris, a magistrate’s daughter, who are forced to navigate their forbidden love through political turmoil, rebellion, secrets, and the will of the gods.

I loved how the world building, plot elements, and romance were woven together seamlessly. Everything slowly unfolds, but at the perfect pace to build that solid foundation.

I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!

Content: 1-2 open door (brief/vague)

Luca is plagued with the responsibility to be the face of the rebellion, and Maria is an active member of the leading council for the city he is trying to dismantle and begin again. But their intertwined past and lingering care for one another will disrupt everything as they are thrust into circumstances that naturally oppose each other, whether they like it or not.

Told in an interesting dual-timeline narrative style, Fallen City by Adrienne Young feels like a fresh take on her usual voice. Focusing more on the brutality of the circumstances for both characters instead of her usual lyrical writing style, this book is a step in a different direction for Young that will undoubtedly find its audience.

Adrienne Young is no stranger to crafting a book filled with lush prose and sentences you want to cut out and paste all over your home. Fallen City was no different.

However, there are significant challenges I had with this specific work. The first being the back and forth between present and past. We were dropped into the story on the brink of war and it was challenging to feel invested in the characters when we were learning their backstory while embarking on their present. It was jarring and the chapters many times felt disconnected. Truthfully, I think the biggest miss for this book was not separating it into two separate books---one focusing on those 'past' pieces and then the following focusing on the 'present.'

The second issue I had with this book was, not for the life of me, could I explain how the religion was set up or why we were at war. There were several moments in the book where I thought I had missed information, but when I went back, there was nothing.

Unfortunately, this book suffered a confusing plot, lack of worldbuilding, and flat characters.

"It was easy to have faith when you wanted for nothing."

"We had stolen the blessings of the gods. Pretended we deserved their favor."

"You're the only god I believe in."

Oh. My. Gods. This was phenomenal. I thought I enjoyed The Unmaking of June Farrow - this was even better! I could not put this down and hated adulting more than usual when I was forced to.

I was immediately pulled in and immersed in this unique world. Intertwining the past and present was beautifully crafted to give us just enough, yet eager to find out more.

All of these characters had my heart. Born into or forced into positions of power, they must decide if they will continue the legacy or pave their own path. But - amongst the recent chaos, will they even have a chance?

When a rebellion forces to choose sides it literally means the difference between life or death, but it also means choosing between love and legion.

The scheming, loyalties & betrayals, gahhh! I hate when I cannot adequately express my love for a book. I didn't want it to end, I'm so glad there is more to come - but the agony of waiting is going to weigh heavily on me.

This is going to live rent free in my mind and I don't mind it squatting.

A few things you will find:

🏛️ Geco-Roman Vibes
🏛️ Political intrigue
🏛️ Dual POV
🏛️ Dual timelines
🏛️ Forbidden love
🏛️ Rebellion

Thank you so much NetGalley for the eARC, this is one of the best ARCs I've re

‘Fallen City’ is EVERYTHING I COULD ASK FOR. This book had me hooked from the first page and didn’t let go. The world-building is next level dark, gritty, and so immersive. The characters? I’m OBSESSED! The main character’s journey is filled with twists, betrayal, and sooo much tension. The romance? Chef’s kiss!!! Which I’m not suprised Adrienne young always manages to write the BEST romances that just fit the story perfectly. Not too much and not too little- just the right amount. The slow burn between the leads had me SCREAMING, and I couldn't put the book down.

The plot is packed with action, mystery, and just the right amount of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's one of those books that makes you feel every single emotion. Much like her other books. If you're into gritty dystopian worlds and characters that feel so real you could almost touch them, ‘Fallen City’ is not just a must read, but a MUST BUY NOW. I seriously can’t wait for the next one! 10/10, would recommend to EVERYONE!

Book Review: Fallen City by Adrienne Young

As a devoted fan of Adrienne Young, especially after falling in love with The Unmaking of June Farrow, I was eager to dive into Fallen City. However, I found myself facing a bit of a conundrum right from the start. While I was excited to explore this new world, I felt confused and disoriented, as if I had stepped into a story halfway through without the context I needed.

Despite my enthusiasm, I ultimately had to set this book aside early on. The narrative didn’t quite click for me, and I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the plot. It felt like I was missing an essential piece of the puzzle, which was disappointing given how much I admire Young's storytelling.

I believe this book may resonate with many readers, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t the right fit for me at this time. I look forward to her future works and hope to find that same magic I experienced with June Farrow!

This is the first of a duology by the amazing author Adrienne Young. It is a fantasy novel set in a Greece-like city where the “Lower City” (area on the other side of the river before the gates) and the Citadel (where the rich people live) are at war with one another. When the war breaks out our two MCs - Luca and Maris - are separated.

The story is told in each of their POVs and is also told in a before/after timeline.

For me, this was a tough one to get into at first. You’re pretty much flung into the world and there’s a lot of characters and words that aren’t easily known (mostly for clothing items). I *hated* greek mythology/history so I retained nothing, if that’s your thing you will probably be better off as this seems to lean heavily on Ancient Greece. Once the story started rolling I got into it more but I ultimately felt that the romance was more told than shown, especially in the before segment of the novel, for me to be as invested in the current timeline of the story.

I will be picking up the sequel to see where it all leads but ultimately it was not a love for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This book is the kind of sweeping, devastating fantasy that burrows into your bones. The writing is gorgeously immersive. I loved how the story explored loyalty, sacrifice, and the painful cost of defying a broken system. The romance is a slow ache, fierce and unrelenting, with moments of stolen tenderness that made my heart clench. And the gods, ever-watching, ever-meddling lend the story a haunting inevitability that has me feeling utterly wrecked. Overall, it is the kind of tale that leaves you shattered and aching, already desperate for more.

This is a book I will need to reread because there are so many threads woven through it and just … heartbreak. This book feels like heartbreak and tragedy. The duel timelines with duel POV keep the pace of this story in binge territory and the character arcs and choices made had my heart in my throat the entire time and I just wanted to scream at them to run together but … that’s not what is fated for Luca and Maris.

Instead, we have a story of war between the Lower City and the Citadel where the ruling class dwell. A rebellion accidentally started but then seen through despite two lovers being on opposing sides. The God’s are watching and what they will and the fate of those they gifted is yet to be determined.

It’s forbidden love to forced enemies — a girl taught by a Priestess and a boy taught by a philosopher. Religion and science and gods and fate. There was one line in the book that I felt really encapsulated the vibe of it: Sometimes, to save a field, you must burn it.

This was absolutely an incredible read. Emotional and full of heartache. This is one I must have on my shelves and god, that ending!! Thank you so much to Saturday Books for breaking my heart early with the chance to read and review.