This story captivated me from the very first page. This book was such an emotional journey. It showed me what it means to fight for something. I loved the characters and their growth.

This book is more than just a fantasy book. It has romance, a rebellion, and war/political themes. Adrienne Young wrote this in a way that didn't make it boring or over whelming. The world building and information wasn't to overbearing it was perfect.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books for the digital ARC

Fallen City was a sweeping and atmospheric read that pulled me into the divided world of Isara from the very first page. The author delivered a richly layered fantasy that felt both timeless and urgent, where every decision carried the weight of gods and generations.
Luca and Maris were compelling leads—caught between duty, faith, and a love neither of them expected. Their dynamic simmered with tension, and watching them navigate the political unrest and religious fervor of their city was both heartbreaking and thrilling. The romance unfolded naturally, even as the stakes around them kept rising.
While the pacing occasionally slowed under the weight of the world-building, the payoff was worth it. The lore, the rebellion, and the divine entanglements made for a story that felt mythic in scope. Fallen City offered both action and emotion, and though the ending left me a little raw, I couldn’t look away. A great read for fans of star-crossed love and morally complex revolutions.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the eARC!

This was pretty okay. I struggled with the timeframe that the story took place over (wasn’t sure if the rebellion had been happening for years or months until about 30% through). It was a bit jarring at first coming into the story with Luca and Maris already head over heels but it also helped amp up the intensity of the situation. Several times I teared up a bit at Luca’s devotion to Maris however, <spoiler>that made the ending all the more infuriating. I do not understand why Luca chose to stay and have vale force Mari’s from the city. There was literally no reason beyond feeling loyal to vale especially considering the page JUST before where he said he would leave with her. Made no sense and honestly ruined the ending for me.</spoiler> I grew to love Theo and his decision at the end was a surprise and I actually whooped! I liked the dual timelines showing what led up the the beginning of the book and the events after but that was at times confusing. I wish we had spent more time with Luca and Maris falling in love to see their dynamic when together. The ending (as said above in the spoiler) did irk me quite a bit and I know there will be at least a second book but I’m not sold on reading it beyond I’m just annoyed and hope that their is a decent resolution.

This story is unique and compelling, overall. I really appreciated that it wasn't a cookie-cutter of the romantasy books being churned out that all have the same predictable plots. It does an excellent job of setting a dark tone and maintaining that throughout, if that's the kind of story you like. It has a nonlinear timeline, dual perspectives, a city at war, romance, and mystery. The romance aspect is a large driving force behind character decisions, but there is not actually a lot of romance in it (which is what I prefer, and I know many other readers do as well). There was very light spice. This is a book to read for political machinations and difficult character decisions, not for the romance.

I'm struggling with how to rate this book because I think that it has interesting points, such as the overarching plot and the world, but I was not ever engrossed in it and never enjoyed reading it. I never thought of the story or characters outside of my time reading it, and forced myself to get through it. I see its merits and can see many readers adoring it, but I think the details of the plot weren't for me.

The nonlinear timeline made it difficult to follow the story at times, but I do think that the story unfolded better with the jumps back in time, rather than a chronological telling. I think the opening chapter should have been different, rather than jumping in to the action as it does and with no explanation of who the character was whose perspective was given, but otherwise, the dual perspectives and time shifts were the right choice, I think.

There were a lot of concepts that I found hard to understand, or that took a while to catch onto. Maybe you need to be a quicker thinker than I am, to enjoy this.

I've read other books by Adrienne Young and enjoyed them, and will continue to read what she writes, despite this one not being up my alley.

I appreciate that I was able to read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

I always strive to be as honest as possible in my reviews, so in short- this one wasn’t for me. I like the idea of the story: a kind of Romeo and Juliet romance in the midst of warring factions in a Roman-style city. (At least that’s the vision it gave me) I was kind of lost for about the first 5 or 6 chapters. Between the dual POV, the “before” and “now” story telling, and the cast of characters with not only unusual names, but also the interchangeable use of first and last names and titles…. Not to mention the gods and all their influences…It was a lot. I would suggest only starting this book if you can commit to reading a solid chunk of chapters in your first sitting.

While the story itself was good, it seemed like not a lot happened, and yet it still took a while to “get there.” Also a map would have been helpful.

The spice was very minimal. A couple scenes that were mildly descriptive and mostly fade to black.

This was my first Adrienne Young book and I have heard great things about her storytelling. She’s clearly a wonderful writer, and this book had a great romantic feeling. Not in a lovey-dovey sense, more poetic.

While this one wasn’t my favorite, and I can’t see myself continuing on with the duology, I can absolutely see others loving it and itching for the next book.

Adrienne Young is an auto-buy author of mine. She has several times been the author of my favorite book of the year so I have been dying for this book.

Fallen City is a told in multiple perspectives, with a forbidden slow burn love story between two characters on opposing sides of a political feud. To me, I think it took a little while to really feel immersed in the fantasy and mythology of the story, but once it caught, I was really hooked. The writing is beautiful in true Adrienne Young style, and I am really looking forward to what the next part of the story will bring.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

⭐⭐⭐⭐!

Adrienne Young is officially on my must-read list, and Fallen City just confirmed it.

The story follows Luca and Maris, stuck on opposite sides of a messy political war and tied together by fate. There is a lot of setup with angry gods, corrupt leadership, and a slow-burn romance. I really liked the dual POV and timelines, though the back and forth might not work for everyone.

My only complaint is that I wanted more showing than telling when it came to their relationship. It had potential, but I needed more time with them to really feel the connection.

Still, this had everything I enjoy in fantasy. The magic, political tension, and emotional weight kept me hooked. I am definitely looking forward to book two.

Adrienne Young's Fallen City is an engaging start to a new duology filled with political intrigue, romance, and a touch of magic. The story follows Luca and Maris, who find themselves on opposite sides of a political conflict in a world shaped by angry gods and a corrupt government. The dual timelines and perspectives add depth to their relationship and the unfolding drama. While I wished for more development in their romance, the book's rich world-building and emotional writing kept me hooked. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

The writing is phenomenal. The world building is amazing. The pace is fast. All in all this was such a great book. I’m definitely going to have to reread it before book 2 comes out.

This was my first Adrienne Young book and WOW. It’s a great slow burn, multiple pov and dual timeline. Has the best of both worlds: romance and betrayal!! And to wrap this cinematic book together, there is a stunning sprayed edge edition.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.


Goodreads: Brenda (Jadore_2read)

Wow that was such an emotional and intense ride! I enjoyed the story being told in each of the main character's point of views and the way the timeline is setup throughout the story. I cannot wait for book two already!!

Adrienne Young has turned into an autobuy author for me over the past year and for good reason. I'm still working my way through her backlist books and her fantasy series but I have loved every book I've read so far. I immediately preordered Fallen City this Spring when I saw the cover reveal. I just had a feeling it was going to be a fantastic book, AND IT WAS. Fallen City has followed suit and has great bones and set out a strong foundation for book two.

In this first installment of the duology we go through a lot of the world building, the slow build romance, and a ton of political intrigue with twists. We follow Luca and Maris who are originally on opposing factions in the forum (their government body) bound by a fate not of their choosing. They find themselves on opposing sides of a political war fueled by a corrupt government, angry gods, and a mysterious force of fate.

Their relationship is shown through dual timelines and dual POV's which is a big high point for me. It was slow to build throughout the whole book as we really grow to understand the relationship, the political stances, and their craving for change in a corrupt government.

The dual POV followed and ended with the current timeline perfectly. I do feel that this dual timeline situation will be a hit or miss for people as it does bounce around quite a bit following the "Before" and the "Now" timelines.

The one thing I wish we had a little more development in was actually their romance/relationship which is where my knock of a star comes in. We were told more than shown any of their budding relationship and I just wish we had a bit more time with them before to really sell their relationship.

Adrienne Young's writing is always emotionally impactful, strong, and so atmospheric. I love flowery prose but Adrienne always walks a fine line right in between overly descriptive and direct and I just love it. She is able to translate heavy feelings and descriptive environments/situations without it ever feeling heavy.

Fallen City has heavy political intrigue, a slow build to a dramatic end, a dark(ish) unique magic system fueled by angry Gods and warring political parties. It was intriguing and captured my attention from the very beginning. I will most likely circle back to this review closer to release date with highlights and more notes but this was a slightly dark, slow build, twisty, stunning read! 4.25★

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for this NetGalley e-arc. As always, all opinions are my own.

I got 15% into the book and had to DNF. Honestly, it was a little boring. I tried to get further, but every time I tried, I could feel that I didn’t want to. I’ve heard great things about this author, so for that reason alone, I would likely try some of their other books, but this one for sure was not for me.
Also, trigger warning for other readers: there is a a scene where someone cuts open their arm to drain their blood. Not sure if anyone else is weird with blood but I sure am.

This novel was an enjoyable read, alternating between the past and present of the two main characters. It contains romance, action, betrayals, and more. Maris and Luca are the main characters, who fall in love, but are divided by the conflict between the magistrates and the lower city. Both want change for the Isarian people, but the actions of others put them on opposite sides of the wall. The Gods are punishing those who went against them, and it has been building. Enemies are waiting to strike, tensions are rising, sides are being drawn. Those in power won’t give it up and will do whatever is necessary to keep it, but their actions will bring about a war in which no one wins. I received this novel as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t know what it is about Adrienne’s books for for a “not often” fantasy reader, they always suck me in. I love the way she writes because of the immersive qualities but it’s the emotive writing that takes hold.

Needless to say I was begging for this early copy of (what will be) her new duology.

It’s a story with two timelines and two POV. Flip flopping between forbidden lovers Luca & Maris.
And throwing in Gods, scribes and war. If I could describe it simply, I would say, it reminded me of Game of Thrones. But not quite as intense. If that makes any sense. Almost “GOT lite” and with more about the impossible allegiances and choices that come with war.

All I know is that this one doesn’t come out till November and I already want book 2! I expect this will be all over Booksta come the fall and winter. For me, it was another win from @adrienne

4.5 ⭐️

This was my first Adrienne Young book and it was a banger! Slow burn with a huge ending. I can't wait for this to be published so I can talk to more people about it!

I may not have gotten far enough to DNF this, but I could not make myself continue. I was too stressed out and not intrigued enough to power through. I love Adrienne Young's contemporary books, but this one was just too...dark, I guess. Or the implied darkness got to me. I feel like a lot of fantasy/romantasy is similar, and sometimes it works. This time it didn't.

I would recommend this, based on the amount I read, to people who enjoy romantasy with a dark edge.

I am continuously wowed by Adrienne Young's writing, so it's no shock to me that "Fallen City" was a 5⭐ read for me.

She crafted an incredibly intriguing world that is intricate and easy to immerse yourself into because her writing style is so descriptive. She lays the foundation brick by brick so the world building always seems easy to understand and follow along with.

I love when stories are told with dual timelines and POVs so that element was perfect for me. There is something really special about being able to see a story unfold from different perspectives.

I am looking forward to continuing on to book two and will absolutely be recommending this one!

Thank you Adrienne Young, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Fallen City was a fun and unique story structure that switches between 4 perspectives. The main love interests Maris and Luca, who are from warring political families, but also jumping back and forth to the time leading up to the current conflict, and during it. The ‘Before’ chapters cover around a year or so, and the ‘now’ covers a week or so. It was really fun to hop around the timeline, fill in gaps of their love story, while outlining major political strife. The twist then comes 3 days before the end of the timeline but in the book still is the height of the ‘third act’. This pacing kept me very interested throughout.

This book had me hooked and excited, and threw it all away in the last 10 pages. Maybe we’ll get a second book to redeem this, but as of now, the final decisions made in the final day are not in line with the character, and do nothing to resolve promises made by the author. Spending an entire book hyping up the gods’ will and their fated plan, all to not follow up on it in the end was pretty frustrating. My fingers are crossed for a follow up book to solve some of this, but it doesn’t feel like a cliff hanger, it feels like an ending.

This one was a bit difficult to get into with the multiple pov and timeline aspects. I enjoyed the mythology and fantasy aspects though.