‘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.