This book was so good. I had a hard time putting it down. We are in the middle of a big move and this book made all the stress of that fall away. Into the world of Isara I sank until I felt like I was walking the halls with Maris and Luca.
I loved learning about this world and all the side characters. The story was wrought with tension but was also tender at moments. Knowing that there is a second book did not prepare me for the ending. I will be anxiously awaiting book 2.

Another knockout story by Adrienne Young! Gripping and beautifully written, with alternating POVs, FALLEN CITY is nothing short of a must-read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!

3 Stars!

Fallen City takes place in the city of Isara, where Magistrates rule and legionnaires rome the streets. But, the Lower City full of the poorer faction of the city, has rebelled against the Magistrates and essentially held them under siege within their own city walls. Maris, the daughter of a powerful Magistrate is a mere chess piece in the games of the Tribunal vying to survive. Luca, the unknown nephew of a dying magistrate slated to take over his seat in the Tribunal, has become the symbol of the Lower region rebellion. Finding themselves on opposite sides of the war for Isara, as their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing.

This Book is told in two different timelines, one Before and the other Now. I think this really works in this novel's favor as it keeps the pace interesting. However, my biggest disappointment in this book was only that there isn't any real action until well past to 70% mark. Because of the dual timeline, we are told a lot of things have happened in the past (Now), and then we seem them take place in the present (Before). It made some of the plot points not as exciting because we already know what happens? This is mostly a political novel with a lot of tense conversations, until suddenly the bigger threat looms large and the battles truly begins.

However, I think these characters are perfect for a YA-leaning fantasy novel! They aren't too complicated but the events happening around them really make things complicated for them. The supporting characters while not completely fleshed out, serve their purpose well. The romance in this book was a bit fast-paced, they go from meeting to forbidden lovers very quickly, BUT it's not to the point where it took me out of the story. The characters are actually in their mid-twenties or older, which is refreshing.

All in all, a really good fantasy story inspired buy ancient Rome and it's mythology. The world-building seemed very accurate as well as some of the politicking. The ideas of the godsblood and the gifts from the gods were really unique and served the story really well!


Other:
- There were quite a few open-door spice scenes that were not explicit, but not fade-to-black at all.

2.5 Stars

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me the ARC.

I loved the premise of the book and the characters. The hard part, and the reasoning for the lower rating is because of the two POV's AND timelines. It became too much for me, every chapter it would change. When it did that I would just lose my focus, it caused me to come out of "the zone". I would've just loved to have stayed in the present time with the two POV's with maybe an occasional look into past.

If that doesn't bother you than please give this book a read! You will love it!

I absolutely can't wait for the next book. This one pulled me into Isara and I loved living there throughout the book. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

The world Adrienne Young has built is unbelievably rich- the setting is Greco-Roman and the stakes are HIGH. Luca and Maris find themselves on opposite sides of a war with Maris' death looming imminently, looking more and more like it will have to be by Luca's hand...
It took me some time to settle into this book because the exposition took its time and there was a bit to ramp up on along with dual timelines and multiple POVs. That being said it was still easy to follow, I just found myself having trouble getting into it at the beginning. It is worth it though because the plot begins to PLOT and I couldn't put it down after the halfway mark. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 and currently experiencing the worst book hangover. I would say the only reason I am giving this book 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because the romance was lacking given that this was marketed as a romance; the story is incredible and I am deeply invested, but I feel the romance definitely took a backseat and as an avid romance reader I was sorely missing that oomph. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC, I can't wait for book 2!!

I saw the title and the description and knew right away that this would be a book I would enjoy.

It started off a little confusing with lots of world building but the more I read, the more the story came together. I do wish I got to see more from the main couple and learn more about them, especially their relationship.

I would definitely recommend this book when it’s out and I’ll 100% read the next book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One thing I truly love seeing is when authors are able to expand their horizons. Certain authors are able to cross genres so seamlessly and use it as a way to elevate their storytelling. Adrienne Young is one of these authors. The second I heard she was dipping her toes even deeper into the fantasy genre I sprinted for a first look. One thing that has always stuck out to me is this author’s abilities to fill her stories with so much wonder. Each and every book is filled with its own unique magic, and fallen city is no exception.
This book is quite literally a romantasy masterpiece.
We climb our way through this gut wrenching dual timeline and dual POV gem with ease. Each page will leave you fully immersed in this achingly beautiful tale as we follow Luca and Maris. There are infinite divine forces at play that add the perfect touch of fate vs free will. This book is a perfect example of characters with resilience. These characters in this story are larger than life and I felt as if they were living, breathing entities out to capture my heart. Beware, because this is a tale of love, loss, and even betrayal. This isn’t a gentle story, but more so one that will send you on the emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime. The pacing builds, quiet at first but really hits you hard towards the end. The world in this novel feels as if it is a long lost friend. Familiar, welcoming, but not entirely the same. This novel will leave you changed in the best possible way. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this one, given to me by Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press.

Adrienne Young is one of my favorite authors I've read, so I was excited for Fallen City when it was first announced! This book is about two characters who have a choice to make while being on opposite sides of a war. I really enjoy Adrienne's writing style and the way she wrote the two MC's as dual POVs as well as the world building.

The only part that was confusing was the dual timelines, but otherwise I loved both Luca and Maris! If you love a heavy fantasy setting and a great love story this book is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eArc of this book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book before its release!

To be completely honest, this book left me feeling a bit confused, not necessarily because of the plot (well, maybe a little), and not because of the characters, but because of how it made me reflect on my own reading habits. It made me take a step back and think about how I used to read, if that makes sense. In a way, it taught me a lot about my current reading preferences, which I consider a really positive takeaway. This was my first Adrianna Young book, and wow—she can write. Her writing is both beautifully lyrical and easy to read, making it a joy to get lost in.

I also absolutely loved the concept and the characters. The dynamic between the past and present POVs really intrigued me, and I’m a big fan of stories that play with dual timelines. However, my biggest critique (in terms of plot) is how long it took for the pieces to come together. By the 40% mark, I was thoroughly enjoying what I was reading, but still found myself wondering why things were the way they were. I wish we had gotten more of the backstory earlier on to better ground us in the world and stakes.

That said—OMG! The romance was so good. The longing and tension between the main characters? Perfection. I was fully invested. My only real frustration (in terms of the romance) came from the male main character, who (despite being compelling and flawed in a way I liked) often made decisions for the female lead. That dynamic took away some of the emotional impact for me.

But here’s the thing, that’s also exactly why I’m so excited for the next book. Knowing it’ll focus more on the female main character stepping into her power (figuratively… and maybe a little literally 😉), and possibly improving the communication in their relationship? I’m all in for that.

Thank you again, NetGalley, for this ARC! I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.

3.75 Stars!

I enjoyed Fallen City overall, though it took me some time to settle into it. I usually love when a book has detailed world building, but I found it a little hard to get through so much of it in this one since I was struggling to connect with the characters early on. That made the first half feel slower than I expected. Even so, the story kept me curious, and by the end, I was glad I stuck with it. The pacing wasn’t perfect for me, but it was still an entertaining and worthwhile read.

This felt like a huge departure for Adrienne Young (compared to the other titles I’ve read by her) and I think fans of mythology and dystopian dramas would really enjoy it. For me, the story felt a little slow. I had a hard time getting into the story and connecting to the characters, it wasn’t until the last quarter of the book that I really felt motivated to find out how the story was going to end, but then she had me hooked and hoping for a sequel!

Soft dnfing this one, I may come back to it later when I’m in more of the headspace to wade through all of the world building! Currently, it’s just making my brain hurt, and I can’t bring myself to pick it up.

I really liked the setup—Isara feels gritty and rich with history, and the whole gods/godsblood angle adds a cool mythological layer. But a lot of the time, it felt like I showed up late to a story that had already been going. There’s clearly a ton of lore, but not much of it actually makes it onto the page. The gods-blessed concept starts off feeling rare and special, but then it starts happening a little too often without much explanation. Honestly, that lack of clarity is true for a lot of the worldbuilding—it feels real, but I'm not given enough to really understand how it all works or have an opinion.

The pacing also dragged for me, especially in the second half. I’m usually a fan of Adrienne Young’s writing, but this one just didn’t hit like I hoped it would. The dual POV and dual timeline setup had potential, but I don’t think it landed for me the way it was meant to. I won’t be picking up book two, but I’ll still keep an eye on whatever Adrienne Young writes next.

Adrienne Young’s Fallen City is a romantic fantasy adventure steeped in political unrest, set within the walled city of Isara. The story centers on Luca Matius and Maris Csperia, two people with a past who now find themselves on opposite sides of the political conflict. Told through dual timelines and perspectives, the book explores their forbidden love, the impossible decisions they face, as well as the sacrifices they’re forced to make.

The pacing builds gradually, layering in tension through political intrigue and emotional stakes until it hits a dramatic finale that sets the stage for the second book in the duology. The worldbuilding is immersive and complex, reinforcing themes of loyalty, conviction, and the cost of standing up for what you believe in.

I really enjoyed the emotional depth, slow-burn storytelling, and the way the past and present storylines added texture to Luca and Maris's journey.

Thank you NetGalley and Saturday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

I devour anything Adrienne Young writes, and this book was no different. Though it was quite different than the magical realism that I’m accustomed to through her other novels that I’ve read - which only further proves her writing prowess.

It did take me a bit to get into the dual POV /and/ dual timeline format, but it was such a clever way to make reveals even more emotional and symbolize the interconnectedness of Luca and Maris. It kept great pace, but I wish we would have gotten more time with the side characters (like Zuri and Iola) but I understand there was a lot going on plot-wise. I hope we get to know their fates in the next book - which speaking of - that ending has me quaking in my boots for this duo.

Thank you so much to Saturday Books and NetGalley for the eARC. I can’t believe I got to read this one early and have to wait even longer for the next one!

The concept for this book/series is nothing new and the way the plot, characters, and their relationships are explored left much to be desired.

Starting with the plot - the ideas behind it, while explored many times in other works, still could have lent to a great story. However, I found the plot to fall apart multiple times throughout the course of the book. There were not only unexplored areas that would've benefited the reader, but holes that made what followed confusing.

The characters were somewhat likable, but at the same time, what made them who they were was not explored deeply. I found some of their actions baseless and irritating. These led to unnecessary events, during which I had no desire to root for the characters.

The (somewhat) enemies-to-lover trope was underdeveloped. The author didn't give me enough reasons, scenes, and conversations to truly convince me that the main characters are in love. There was little chemistry overall.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I had a hard time getting to the end and once there, nothing surprising or redeeming took place.

Adrienne Young has created a world that’s both richly detailed and incredibly inviting. Her writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the story. The world-building feels intentional and layered, unfolding naturally with every chapter so nothing ever feels overwhelming or confusing.

The plot is easy to follow but still compelling, with dual timelines that run parallel in a smooth, linear fashion. Even though I was able to predict several of the twists, the execution kept me engaged. The reveals were placed so thoughtfully that I still felt the impact. Once the story fully pulled me in, I didn’t want to stop reading.

This book offers so much: romance, betrayal, magic, war, religion, and the constant tension of shifting loyalties. Like many of Young’s novels, there is a romantic thread woven through the narrative, but it never overshadows the larger story. In fact, the romance enhances the emotional stakes without being the centerpiece.

The Greco-Roman-inspired setting and the hints of Romeo and Juliet were absolutely captivating. While the political maneuvering didn’t feel especially unique or complex, there were still plenty of clever, manipulative characters that added depth. I was especially intrigued by the Citadel District’s storyline, which felt more layered and emotionally rich than the New Legion’s arc.

There is a slow, simmering kind of magic in this book, one that explores grief, identity, and the ache of wanting to belong. The quiet intensity running beneath the surface gave me chills more than once. The characters feel raw and real, even as they navigate a world filled with the uncanny and the extraordinary.

I’m already counting down the days until the sequel. I can’t wait to see where this story leads next.

I knew this book was going to rip my heart out and stomp on it before I was a quarter of the way through and Adrienne did not disappoint. I am in pain in the best way.

This book has a very different setting from her other adult works, but don't worry, all the best things about those books are here - the grounded world with a hint of magic, the imperfect characters who want so badly to do what's right, the *yearning*. Ugh. What a fantastic ride.

This is part one of a duology, so sadly there is no closure for my pain yet, but I eagerly await book 2!

Book Review
Fallen City by Adrienne Young

What Its Got
✅ Fantasy
✅ Dual timelines
✅ Gods, Blood magic
✅ Priestesses and prophecy
✅ Power and corruption
✅ Forbidden love
✅ family and government politics

Main Characters
Maris- Magistrate , novice, headstrong dreamer
Luca- god gifted, Legionnaire, adopted son, Centurion

Thoughts
📕 GOT meets Romeo and Juliet vibes
📕 Allegiance vs rebellion- Young delves into the struggle of loyalty to yourself and your beliefs vs the potential of something new ( new love, new dreams, new possibilities)
📕 This one didnt pull me in the way her other books have…. I wanted more “fantasy” and less politics
📕 I also wanted more of Luca and Maris’ relationship, I felt a lot was implied and vague and I craved details

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own

Publishes November 2025