beyond excited to see this books hit my inbox- this is one of my most anticipated books of 2025 and i will be sure to post my review on all retailers!! 💞

As a big fan of Adrienne Young’s writing I have been so excited to read this book. By 20% I knew I wanted to DNF but kept pushing to 40% and still couldn’t get into it. We’re thrown directly into the story which contained none of Young’s atmospheric, descriptive writing. Sad this book did not work out for me especially when I was lucky to get an early ARC. I’m sure this will be wonderful for some readers and I may give it another shot in the future but for now I’m putting it down.

I absolutely LOVED "Spells for Forgetting," "The Unmaking of June Farrow," and "A Sea of Unspoken Things." As a big fan of the fantasy genre, I expected to really enjoy "Fallen City," but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt more like reading a history textbook than a novel because there was so much going on. I read for escapism, and unfortunately, I didn’t find it in this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Adrienne Young’s Fallen City has a compelling premise. A holy war brews beneath political rebellion, and two lovers find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. There’s no question she can write. The prose is often beautiful and immersive, and the atmosphere of Isara feels weighty and ancient in a way that suits the story.

But the execution didn’t fully land for me. The constant point-of-view shifts were confusing and made it hard to stay grounded. I often had to flip back just to figure out who was speaking or where we were in the timeline. That lack of clarity made it difficult to stay emotionally invested. The story itself also felt vague in places, like I was always one step behind what the book wanted me to feel.

Still, I think some readers will enjoy the lyrical style and themes of fate, legacy, and revolution. It wasn’t a personal favorite, but there’s something to appreciate in how Young explores the collapse of power and the pull of destiny.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Love this book and anythign that Adrienne Young produces! I was hooked from the beginning to end and the plot is absolute genius!

I was grateful to receive an ARC of this book. I went into this not knowing what the story was about, and while the elements of the story are there, it fell a bit flat for me. I struggled to stay focused on the story, often having to re-read paragraphs to remember what was going on. I really enjoyed the main characters and their stories and how they intertwine, but the supporting characters felt forced and often I didn't remember who they were. The writing was lovely, very flowy and made me feel like I could see what they were describing, but the story was a bit too slow and not fleshed out for me to want to continue with the series.

𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚

★★★★★

Wow, wow, wow! This book is everything I wanted it to be, maybe even more than I expected!

I loved how the plot didn’t falter for a second! The action was so well written there wasn’t a moment that I was confused as to what was happening. The political intrigue was everything it needed to be. It left me frustrated, invested, and rooting for Luca and Maris in every situation. The world and character building was so well executed. It was easy to follow as long as you could keep up with the politics and action.

Overall I loved this book and the characters that I now have a deep emotional attachment to.


Thank you NetGalley and Saturday Books for the eArc in exchange for my honest review!

Fallen City was a tough read for me. I went in excited—Adrienne Young usually delivers vivid worlds and strong characters—but this one just didn’t work for me.

Her other works are amazing-This one didn't hit.

Wow. You are in for a ride with this one! I love the dual timelines and the forbidden love aspect of the story. The tension between the characters were so delicious, I could not get enough! There is some political intrigue in the plot which makes for an interesting plot and captivating story.

Fallen City was a tough read for me. I went in excited—Adrienne Young usually delivers vivid worlds and strong characters—but this one just didn’t work for me.

The constant POV shifts were really disorienting. I found myself flipping back trying to figure out who was talking and what was happening, and that confusion pulled me out of the story more than once. The writing style also felt really vague in a way that made it hard to stay grounded or emotionally connected. I kept waiting for things to click, but they never really did.

It might just be a case of this one not being a fit for me personally. I know others might enjoy the atmospheric style and layered narrative, but I just couldn’t get into it.

There are so many things to say, but firstly I would like to say thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

The way that the longing between the two leads in this book tore me to pieces throughout this story. I feel like the entire time reading I was just on the edge of my seat with anxiety about what would happen to these two characters.

The nuance of the storyline is so intriguing. Trying to figure out the 'real villain' of the story is difficult and can change from the many different angles, and I love when stories (such as this) drawl such complex feelings and convictions from the reader. The duel timeline really does wonders for unraveling these characters and their motivations; and I enjoy that, while there were obvious moments the book was leading up to, the flashbacks still gave a lot of new perspective.

The thing I really struggled with throughout this story was pinpointing if this was an adult read or not; and, of that, I am still uncertain. I think the gravity of the plot was making it seem adult, but the characters didn't always read that way. Despite this, though, I felt attached and drawn to the characters and their wellbeing. The atmosphere of the city seemed to grow with each page, and I felt like I was living in the world, suffering each feeling our main characters.

The side characters are seriously something to be beloved as well as the main ones. Luca and Maris may have my heart and soul, but Theo is certainly my favorite character in the story. I think the overarching social commentary this story gives from the plight seen between Luca and Maris is so raw and complicated. It feels like there's so much weight just from the social and political state of the world in this story, not just the romance, which I think made the story so much more balanced and layered than what I originally anticipated from the description.

This story is for sure for those who love Roman and Greek inspired stories, those who love a tragedy in the making, and those who yearn for yearners. I am gobsmacked by the ending of this story, and I can't believe I'll probably have to wait forever to see what ends of Luca and Maris. Both of these characters bewitched me for different reasons, but I truly admire that despite where they fell in the 'sides' of the war, they both have such admirable characteristics.

This book absolutely consumed me. I love how it weaves political intrigue with divine mythology, how the rebellion doesn’t just burn through the streets but through the hearts of its characters. It’s tragic and gorgeous and bold, and the way it treats fate as both a burden and a blessing made my chest ache. There’s something sacred in how it unravels its story, like every scene has been touched by the gods themselves. It’s passionate, brutal, breathtakingly human. And I can’t wait to know what happens next.

I think I held my breath for this entire book - the tension, and wondering what I going to happen next, was insane! I cannot wait for book two, I hope it is coming soon(ish?!?)!!


More complete arc review to come!

Thank you to NetGalley, Adrienne Young, and St.
Martin's Press/Saturday Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Fallen City will be officially published on November 4th, 2025!

This book was stunning and probably my favorite for the year. The imagery was so immersive, I can still close my eyes and see the city of Isara. It gave the story such an atmospheric feel that gave light to the heavier parts of the story. The dual timeline created such an emotional impact and gave so much depth to the characters. It was easy to transition between the two times and watch how they developed. Political maneuvering is definitely the main theme through out the story but fantasy or mythology are a constant thread. I appreciated that while magic was present it was not the main theme allowing the character's intelligence to shine through. My favorite part of the book was the star-crossed lovers aspect. Adrienne Young nailed this on the head. I am all about the big emotions and this love story hit all the feels. Really really beautiful work, I am looking forward to the continuation of the story!

Lovers on opposite sides of a conflict… one determined to do what they feel is right, the other determined to try and change the system from within. You can feel the love and angst between Luca and Maris and their love story is filled with tension (they belong to different factions) with a sprinkle of spice.

I appreciate the dual POV written in the first person. What I also enjoyed was how we saw flashbacks written in their own chapters alongside a separate chapter with present POV, although sometimes it was hard to keep up with which character was speaking. It certainly answered my question of “How did they get to this point?”

This was the first fantasy book I’ve read where I could see the events happening in more places than just the world the author created. The characters would be right at home in any ancient civilization as they would be in their unique world.

The Fallen City by Adrienne Young is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story—it consumes you.

From the opening line to the final, gut-wrenching page, I was completely swept away. Set in the shadow of a crumbling empire, this romantasy masterpiece unfolds like a whispered prophecy—intimate, mythical, and achingly beautiful. It’s not just about love or rebellion—it’s about the cost of hope, the weight of legacy, and the fragile thread between fate and free will.

Told in a dual timeline, we witness the beginning of Luca and Maris’s forbidden love—soft, slow, and full of longing—and its devastating aftermath, shaped by war, betrayal, and impossible choices. Every chapter deepens the emotional tension, and I was helpless against the slow tightening around my heart. Their chemistry is subtle but searing, filled with unspoken words and sacrifices that left me aching.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with divine forces simmering just beneath the surface and revolution brewing in every shadow. Isara isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing character filled with history, secrets, and pain. And Adrienne Young brings it all to life with prose that is cinematic and soul-stirring—every sentence feels crafted with care, every emotional beat lands with quiet power.

The pacing builds like a crescendo, and by the final act, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. That ending? It shattered me in the best way.

The Fallen City is more than a fantasy novel—it’s an emotional journey about love, loss, and what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself. Adrienne Young has once again proven why she’s one of my all-time favorite authors.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books for the digital ARC. I’m still reeling—and already counting down the days to the next book in the duology.

Ohhh my! This was such a great read. This was my first from this author but definitely won’t be my last. This was everything and more I love in a fantasy novel. The world building and characters..chef’s kiss!

Fallen City was a tale of all-consuming love. A tale of world-ending destruction. A tale of soul-altering tragedy.

The book starts and you are immediately thrust into the middle of the end. The end of all they know as a society and the end of Maris and Luca’s love story.

The way the story is told from the dual timeline of the current war and the story of how it all started, how the main characters met, and how everything got to be the way that it is, pulled on every heart string and broke you. I was mesmerized with the way Adrienne Young chose to unfold all the pieces of the story that made each character who they are and why they are on the sides that they are.

The male protagonist Luca…..Luca Matius…..I will be thinking about him for a long time. This man is the CEO of Simp Empires. The Mayor of Yearn City. The little things he did to hold on to Maris despite everything that was tearing them apart had me in shambles. (You will see: oil-lamps….early dawn prayers….a particular bracelet…). I’m swooning. There are about 5 stunning quotes I highlighted from this man that I can’t stop thinking about. He will have me spiraling for weeks.

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Quick summary: Luca Matius is the very key to leading the rebellion against the Citadel (which houses the elites who run the city) alongside his best friend, and son of the Consul of the Magistrate, Vale. Luca was low born and his uncle, who is a Magistrate, adopted him to one day inherit the seat on the Forum as a Magistrate which Luca hates. Maris Casperia is the daughter of a very important Magistrate who also happens to be Luca’s uncle’s political enemy. She is high-born, and a dreamer, and is also expected to inherit a seat on the Forum as a Magistrate, which she hopes to one day use to make change to improve life for everyone. The book starts with both of them physically and metaphorically on opposite sides of the river and torn apart in the middle of war.
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Critiques: I LOVED this story however the reason why I gave it 4.5 stars and not 5 is because the story begins in the middle of the battle. Initially, for me, the war itself / who was fighting who / what reason was everybody fighting etc was really hard to pick up on. It took a few chapters to understand it all, but then the story unveils beautifully and you learn everything you had questions about.
The last 30% of the book you are nauseous, gripping your chair, unable to look away.
I also wish we got more of their love story in the before chapters. Those were my favorite parts and the moments of bliss and joy devastated me being stuck between agony of them being separated in war. I hope we get more in the next book! I was instantly so invested in them.
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The ending….oh the ending. I do not have the words for the ending. I absolutely cried. I was wondering how it was going to go and the ending set up the next book PERFECTLY. I have a lot of theories spinning in my head. I will without a doubt be reading it. In fact I will be refreshing Adrienne Young’s social media pages until I have the conclusion of this duology in my hands.

I think fans of Divine Rivals and The Song of Achilles would also really like this story.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow. I devoured this book. Ancient Greco-Roman/political intrigue/ romantic fantasy/mythology was not on my bingo card for an Adrienne Young book?? But I LOVED every second of it.

First off, I am a huge fan of a dual POV narrative and a non-linear plot with a timeline that jumps back and forth. I really enjoyed where this book started and the patience I had to have as a reader to put all the pieces together. In my opinion, this kept the pace of the story really consistent and just made it so fun to read! I stayed up all night once I hit the 60% mark and the last 40% flew by SO fast.

Secondly, I adored these characters. Maris? Obsessed. Luca? What a precious guy. Theo?? I can’t wait to read more about him in the next book. And thank goodness there is a next book….as I started to get to the end and realized we still had some loose-ends I was a little scared we would have a rushed epilogue so I am very relieved that is not the case!

I think the way the book ends sets up the plot for the next one so well. Like I just KNEW what Maris was going to do and without spoiling anything, I am VERY excited to read about how that goes and the characters we will get to know a little better through that new development.

Lastly, I want to point out Adrienne Young’s BEAUTIFUL writing style. It’s atmospheric and poetic. It’s simple but refined. There were some sentences and paragraphs I found myself re-reading just because the prose was SO good. I think she might be quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this incredible arc.

4.5 stars ✨
Rounded up for Goodreads.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Luca Luca Luca
Maris Maris Maris
Gods gods gods

Whew, I loved this moody read.

How refreshing to read something so understated and almost simple that still carried so much power, intrigue and emotion. This is what I have always loved about Young’s writing. It never tries too hard and the story still glows. I was clutching my chest with anxiety, swooning with hearts in my eyes, thinking with my thinking cap on and tearing up with emotion.

This story is almost genre-defying. With elements of sci-fi, fantasy, politics, warfare, romance and more, Young combines all of these to create a thick atmosphere that was quick to suck me in and keep me there.

⭐️ Plot - I really loved it. I read some things I haven’t before which is always nice. Once I fell into the world and the way the wheels turned, I was in it. There was just enough given in each chapter (past and current timelines) to propel you forward through the suspense. I think this was set up to be a really well thought out duology but it was also nice to have this be a good book to read and have a *somewhat* satisfactory ending to sit on while you wait for what comes next.

⭐️ Characters - I say understated and effortless with so much affection. I love that I was able to just read about Maris and Luca as individuals and their personalities, motives and romance took shape on their own. It was very showing and telling and I loved it. The side characters were done well, so vivid and each important to the story in their own ways.

⭐️ Writing - I’m already a fan of Adrienne Young, specifically because of how beautiful she writes and this was no different. Her writing is atmospheric, descriptive and purposefully understated. I loved what she was able to get across in terms of imagery and also dual timeline narration.

- The only things that kept this from a full five for me was that I wish the flash back chapters gave me more of Maris and Luca during their relationship. I wanted more of their relationship “then” so I was more attached to them in the “now.” So much of the book was alluded to. “The hundred times they woke up together” but we only got to read about one time really. I also just wish there was a bit more clarity about the gods and their roles but I have a feeling that will come back around again in book 2.

💫 Overall, this was such, emotional and intense ride. Highly recommend and I can’t wait for book two already.