The final title in the trilogy with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading!

At the end of the second book, Aileana dies. It is through ancient fae magic that she is resurrected back into the world to find everything is falling apart.

She must journey with others to find the legendary Morrigan, a faery of immense power and cruelty, who is rumored to possess an ancient book with the only means to break the curse tearing the world apart.

This was a wonderful read that had me staying up late to see what would happen next. Like the previous book there is a wonderful blend of action, romance, lore, and steampunk ideas.

The only downside to finishing this title is knowing there was no more to read. Unless I start at the beginning and read it again. As the story was compelling and the characters enticing, I can definitely see reading this trilogy more than once.

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy, adventure, and strong female characters, and you've read the other books.

Aileana's battle against evil continues. (I don't want to spoil anything!)

I wasn't sure how the last book would go after such a big change between books 1 and 2, but I thought that this was an extremely satisfying conclusion to the series. I thought that the plot was strong, the adventure was interesting, and that the resolution was clean and satisfying. I thought that the explanation of the world, the character's back stories, and the end goal was a lot clearer than the second book. I still really missed the element of invention and steampunk that were featured in the first book... but I did like this one quite a bit better than the 2nd. I like how this series continued to show strong female characters, and their struggles. Interestingly enough, this volume of the book had a much more horror-y vibe to it.

This book was just OK for me. I always recommend going ahead and reading a book, if it sounds interesting to you because I am just one person and just because I might not care too much for something, doesn't mean someone else might not love it.

Too many emotions!!!!!! I can't even begin to talk about this book right now - full review coming soon - because I am still in a HUUUUUUUUUUGE Book Hangover from finishing binge-reading the trilogy! Love love love!

The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer, #3)
by Elizabeth May
This book is a great look at human nature and the idea of sacrifice. The main character Kam, has the qualities that make women strong and resilient. Like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy this book does spend time telling you the story of #2 of the series, but readers do not have to read all three books to enjoy this series. Kam has seen the destruction of her world as the Fae are released into the world have had a devastating effect. It is a collision of two worlds and because of the choices of her mentor and his sister both worlds are at risk and detrimentally destroyed. They have a solution, that could save both worlds. It takes sacrifice to end the curse, a sacrifice that Kam is unwilling to do. The book looks into the selfish human nature, and the desire for love. A great resolution of the world at the brink of destruction. The twists and turns keep the reader hoping for a resolution. A great book for the young adult section of any library.

I know this is NOT the way to start a review. But I have to say that this one was a roller coaster of emotions. I couldn't put it down and it had everything I wanted in an ending. It's always sad to see a loved series end and I wish we could have gotten more books within this world. But I am happy with what we did get across these three books.

Kiaran was such a great love interest for Ail. I just fell for him hook line and sinker he kept telling her to fight for herself which was wonderful and empowering for girls. This made this book so much the better. The plot twists were scary if you ask me. You never knew if one minute you would be laughing your butt off or just crying your eyes out because of something happening. It made this one an interesting book to read.

This one will rip out your heart, put it back, just to rip it out again. Have tissues on hand as this ending to this amazing trilogy is a doozy!!

Haunting, rollercoaster emotional ride. A fitting ending to the series.

Aileana has been brought back to life through fae magic, but she didn’t return with her memories. She wants to break the cycle of fighting between the fae, especially since the results will affect both the human and fae worlds. In order to resolve this conflict, she must find a hidden magical book that is guarded by Morrigan. Aileana must use her new dark powers, but will this darkness overtake her? Will Aileana have to give up the faery she loves to save everyone else?

The Fallen Kingdom is the final book in The Falconer trilogy. This third installment starts out with a complete story already underway, so readers are highly encouraged to read the first two books before beginning this novel. May has weaved some standard faery lore with some newly created ideas for a fresh take on a wonderful world. The ending was unexpected and most readers will be satisfied with its conclusion. The Fallen Kingdom is a must read for those who have read the previous books.

This is the end of a trilogy and I have not read the prior two books, but as a sign of the skillful writing, what I didn’t know could be drawn from context or what is spoken by the characters. I never felt frustrated because of what I didn’t know. The author does a good job revealing information as necessary and often through the renewed conflicts between the characters. It doesn’t hurt that the story begins with Aileana reborn without her memories. We learn not just what’s important now, but also what had been important to her before alongside Aileana herself.

I was enthralled first by Aileana’s voice, despite the ignorance, and then by the story itself as a dark tale unfolded that explores the limits of personality and costs of hatred. It shows as much as tells about the stains that twist a soul, whether immortal or human, and the fight against this decline into darkness. It does become very dark to the point that even I lost hope for a bit, driven in part by events that brought tears to my eyes.

The story is complex, and the characters compelling whether old enemies or lost friends. No one gets an easy pass in this tale, but must face their demons and losses again and again while the world is literally crumbling around them. The book brings in Gaelic mythology, and an interesting premise for both fae immortality and the relationships between human and fae.

The book feels as though it has the weight of history behind it, and nothing is sure. It speaks to the complexity that I feel I cannot be specific without revealing something ahead of its time. Everything builds in the story on what happened before this book and what happens in the book, and I try my best to avoid spoilers.

This isn’t the book for everyone because of the darkness, but I’m happy to have read it and happy to recommend it as well. I have a huge to-be-read pile, but may be adding the two previous books to it simply to see the characters (and the cast is quite large, but each has a role to play) before their world came crashing down, though from what I’ve surmised from this book, I’m expecting character, not lightness.

P.S. I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

First Line: I am the beginning of a girl: her throat filled with ash, desperately clawing her way from the earth with weak, trembling limbs and an urgent message on her lips.
Summary: In the third book in the Falconer series, Aileana has returned from the dead and with powers given to her by a faery. She knows that in order to return her world to the way it once was is to find the Book and the only way to do that is to enlist the help of the faery who killed her.
Highlights: Very action packed with many fight scenes and witty remarks. This book made me laugh often. I love the character of Derrick. He has been my favorite part since the very first book.
Lowlights: The story seemed a little weaker than the rest. It could have been included in the second book as a short ending. The author seemed to stretch it out at times.
FYI: Death, magic and violence. Perfect for readers of Sarah Maas.

I LOVED the second book in this series and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one.

The story picks up right where we left off in The Vanishing Throne.  Aileana wakes up with no memory of who she is and with powers she doesn’t understand.  Powers she knows are not human.  Her only hope in surviving is finding an ancient book guarded by the cruel and powerful Morrigan.  With time running out for both her and her world, she’s going to need to harness the powers that are slowly killing her and face he unimaginable.

Ok.  So I’m going to be honest.  I had absolutely no idea what happened in the vanishing throne.  I mean, I remember the huge points, but when I started reading this, I was like “Wait.  What?”  I had to call my trusty friend Jenn and be like…..”Soooo what happened again?”

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  There needs to be more sites with just plot recaps.  Sometimes you just don’t have the time to reread an entire series!

Once I was caught up on the general idea, I got right into it.  You can’t help but do just that with this book.  The action literally picks up right where the last one left off and you are thrown into the fray with Aileana and her friends.   I was a bit concerned about the memory thing at first cause that kind of annoys me with books.  Especially when it happens well into a series.  I find like I’m just waiting around for the main character to catch up with everything and meanwhile, I’m like “Let’s go people!”

Luckily, you’re not kept waiting too long.  The action moves rather quickly.  You’re thrust into what’s been happening since Aileana has been gone and you pretty much go along for the ride.

You see all the familiar characters from the previous novels, but I have to say I think I really liked Sorcha in this one.  You’re given a lot more of her backstory and it makes you understand why she is the way she is.  Those plot points were my favorite part of the narrative.

In terms of the story arch, I found it a bit predictable with the conclusion.  I mean, how else was it going to go??  None the less, it was still a great ending to a great story (with some heart wrenching moments thrown in for fun).

I still think the second  installment is my favorite of the series, but I loved the overall journey of these characters.  It was great Fae inspired tale with an original spin that takes the Faery legends and makes it is own. If you’re looking for an action packed Faery story that gives a nod to the original legends, this series is it!

The Fallen Kingdom was a great ending to an amazing series. It's a great historical fantasy series with a fascinating world, complex characters, and a thrilling plot. I'd say it leans more on the fantasy side with the world and characters but either way it's super engaging and I really liked it.

This is going down as one of my favorite fantasy series. It's packed with action, romance, witty lines, and characters I felt for. The final book did not disappoint. Really, it was my favorite book in the series.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Fallen Kingdom by Elizabeth May
Book Three of The Falconer trilogy
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):


The long-awaited final book in the Falconer trilogy is an imaginative tour-de-force that will thrill fans of the series. Aileana Kameron, resurrected by ancient fae magic, returns to the world she once knew with no memory of her past and with dangerous powers she struggles to control. Desperate to break the curse that pits two factions of the fae against each other in a struggle that will decide the fate of the human and fae worlds, her only hope is hidden in an ancient book guarded by the legendary Morrigan, a faery of immense power and cruelty. To save the world and the people she loves, Aileana must learn to harness her dark new powers even as they are slowly destroying her. Packed with immersive detail, action, romance, and fae lore, and publishing simultaneously in the UK, The Fallen Kingdom brings the Falconer's story to an epic and unforgettable conclusion.

What I Liked:

Oh my heart. This book took me through just about every emotion I could go through, while reading a book. Of the three books in this series, this one is the darkest, the most heartbreaking, but also the one that ends the best. Elizabeth May did this series justice with this conclusion novel, and with the perfect ending that was just the right amount of sad and swoony.

This book begins with Aileana literally clawing her way out of the ground and finding herself in a dark forest. She has no idea who she is, where she is, or how she came about the immense power simmering beneath her skin. After killing an Unseelie faerie, an old friend senses her power and finds her - Derrik. Slowly she begins remembering who she is. When Derrick takes her back to what remains of the human lands, Aileana gets her memory back fully, with the help of Aithinne. It has been two months, and time has not been a friend. The lines have been drawn - Unseelie vs. Seelie, Kadamach vs. Aithinne. Aileana must stop Kadamach from killing Aithinne, but there are bigger problems; there is a book hidden in dark depths that may hold the key to stopping the war altogether, and preventing the necessity of either Kadamach or Aithinne killing each other and the survivor taking the dark throne. Finding this book requires one of Aileana's greatest enemies, and a sacrifice so painful she may not be able to survive the aftermath. But the end of the world is bigger than Aileana, and she won't hold back in trying to protect those she loves, and what's left of the world.

This book was nonstop action from the start, which was great for me. I'm usually terrified of conclusion novels and it takes me forever to pick one up and read it, so I'm grateful to Elizabeth May for starting this book off with a bang and keeping the action at a high pace (though not in an overwhelming way). The stakes are incredibly high in this book, and there is no time to waste.

I've always adored Aileana, in The Falconer and The Vanishing Throne, and this didn't change in this final novel. She is a tough lady and a strong fighter, and she is more ruthless in this book (though no less human). Aileana's resolve to save the world AND her friends AND Kiaran was amazing - often you'll find a heroine fixated on one of those things (usually save the world), but I love that Aileana thinks about all aspects and makes decisions based on trying to save everyone and everything. Aileana is lady goals and she is one of my favorite YA heroines of all time.

If Aileana is one of my favorite YA heroines, then Kiaran is one of my favorite YA heroes. This book is told entirely from Aileana's first-person POV, and Kiaran doesn't show up until maybe the one-third point of the book, but he proves over and over that he is a favorite of mine. Kiaran turns completely Unseelie but he doesn't lose his love for Aileana or his extreme guilt for the darkness inside him. I love Kiaran's selflessness, but also his wickedness and his determination. He is just as stubborn as Aileana, and he has the same attitude of going after what he wants.

And the rest of the cast! Aithinne is hilarious and probably my third favorite. I always liked Derrick and he is such a great friend and cheerleader. Catherine, Daniel, and Gavin make appearances, and they are supportive and don't blame Aileana for anything. I love the team of friends that surround Aileana, especially with the negative presences that Aileana has to endure (*cough* Sorcha *cough*).

I won't talk about the big things in details, like the book or the sacrifice or the climax of the story. Just know that once things kick off (I'd say around the one-third point, or whenever Kiaran and Aileana are finally face-to-face), you'll be biting your nails and slowly moving to the edge of your seat. The build-up is so well-written and intense. And dark. Did I mention how dark this book is? It gets intense and dark and at times, painful.

But there are some very great aspects of the remaining two-thirds of the book, like the romance. Kiaran and Aileana have an undeniable bond and super hot chemistry, and they love each other greatly. Every scene featuring the two of them was either passionate and sexy, or tender and sweet. I adored these two, and their romance was beautiful.

The ending is wonderful! There is a heartbreaking aspect, but overall, the ending is perfect. I couldn't have imagined a better ending. There is a happily-ever-after, and I will leave it at that.

What I Did Not Like:


I'm not giving this book five stars but I did love it. There were one or two things that made me a little sad but really, this book was fantastic.

Would I Recommend It:


I highly recommend this book, if you've read The Falconer and The Vanishing Throne, or even just The Falconer (well, read The Vanishing Throne first - my favorite book of the series). This is a historical series (set in 1800s Scotland), with fantasy aspects (fae, magic, curses, realms). So if you like historical fantasy, definitely give this series a chance! And now you can binge-read the books.

Rating:


4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. This series is one of my all-time favorite series of YA lit! I had a feeling that I would fall in love with this series, when I first read The Falconer, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. Elizabeth May is on my auto-read list!

The Fallen Kingdom was the ending of a unique and fun series. After the first two books, I wasn't sure what to expect in this one. I ended up laughing at times and crying at others (you'll know the part I'm talking about when you reach it). However, while it was a wild rollercoaster and I loved it, it didn't quite have the magic of the first two for me, which is why I'm giving it four stars.

The steampunk aspect has pretty much disappeared in this one, which is a pity because I loved how it was woven into the first book. Additionally, this book doesn't spend too much time in Scotland (which was understandable given the storyline but I still missed it). This one is about Aileana coming to terms with what happened at the end of book two and attempting to figure out a way to survive. While there is still a focus on saving the world, it is somewhat pushed into the background by the story of figuring out how to save Aileana.

The plot delves further into the Seelie/Unseelie courts and their history. While I liked finding out more about certain things, the journey to find the book dragged on a bit too much for me. The tension that kept me riveted throughout the first book was diminished a little in this one. Additionally, after the reveal in book two regarding Kiaran, I expected him to be a bit darker in this book (okay, I was really hoping that he would fall prey to the dark side). Overall, this book was an intriguing end to the series.

While I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the previous two, I would definitely still recommend the series. I think my expectations and hopes for the third book may have clashed with what it ended up being, which led to me not enjoying this final installment quite as much. However, the series as a whole was fun, unique, and extremely entertaining. I truly fell in love with the characters and loved seeing how their story unfolded.

The third and final book in the Falconer trilogy. The first two books of this trilogy laid the groundwork for the giant final battle that must take place in this one. Aileana has been trained to kill the Fae and along the way she fell in love with the Unseelie King. Book two ended with a cliffhanger of her being dead which is where this one picks up. The book starts a little slow because it has to but then things just start happening one after another until I found it impossible to put the book down for even a second. The story wraps up with a bang and I did not see the end coming at all though I really enjoyed it considering it a pleasant surprise. If you enjoyed the first two you have to read this. Great for YA fantasy fans. I give it 5/5 stars as I loved every single minute of it and am really looking forward to what this author chooses to do next.

Aileana Kameron is given a second chance but it comes with a cost. She must find a hidden book guarded by Morrigan, a faery with a cold and evil heart. As the clock ticks down on Aileana’s ability to control her dark powers is failing. Will she finish her quest before the powers destroy her one last time?Can she remember how to break the curse before it’s too late?

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I was all over the place and in a good way.

I was happy with the way this series ended. Aileana is still awesome. Kiaran is still brooding and swoony. Aithinne and Derrick are fun and have some of the best parts of the story.

I'm sad that this series is over but I think that it was a really good finale.

A heartpounding conclusion with lots of emotion and action- it was very satisfying! Longer review and blog link to come.

The Fallen Kingdom was a breathless adventure, racing from one point to the next by grace of the need to avert catastrophe. There was a tight timeline for the characters and that lent an aura of tension and crushingly high stakes to the story. It’s difficult to talk about this book because of spoilers, so suffice to say I really enjoyed the conclusion of this brilliant and underrated trilogy. So much emotion is packed into every page and there are moments where I really, truly cannot see how our protagonists will win the day or even survive. It’s rare to find a book where the stakes feel that genuinely high, where there are often brutal consequences. But there’s also wry humor and romance, which lightens the heaviness. I love how Scottish the series is and the touch of steampunk mixed with the fairy lore creatures a unique atmosphere. Kiaran and Aileana are a ship to end all ships, the Morrigan is a terrifying cruel villain, and Sorcha becomes a villain with dimensions. I loved the flashbacks. If you’ve loved the series up to this point, you won’t be disappointed. I had a few quibbles and didn’t always feel fully engaged but this is one conclusion that doesn’t disappoint. I wish more people would read the series and I can’t wait to read whatever Elizabeth May writes next!

This was an amazing conclusion to this wonderful steampunk fantasy series featuring fae. I have loved every book in this series and this one didn't disappoint. The writing is beautifully descriptive and really makes the scenes and characters come alive.

The book starts with Aileana being resurrected with powers she doesn’t understand. She quickly regains her memory and is apprised of what’s happened in her absence.

Right from the first page I was sucked back into the story. The book is incredibly fast-paced and I loved all the adventure and action. There is some romance as well which fit in well with the story.

I really loved a lot of the adventuring in here; especially as Aileana and friends venture into Morrigan’s prison. Morrigan was an amazing baddie and was entertaining to read about.

May’s writing style always impresses me. She does an amazing job with description and imagery which makes the surroundings easy to picture and that story completely engrossing. This book did an excellent job of wrapping up the series.

Overall I loved this whole series; it is definitely one I plan on re-reading at some point because I enjoyed it so much. This is a fun and creative fantasy series that is beautifully written. If you are a fan of fantasy involving fae I would definitely recommend this whole series.

The Fallen Kingdom is the third and final installment in author Elizabeth May's The Falconer Trilogy. Aileana
Kameron's journey as The Falconer comes to an action packed and emotional ending. One last journey to face yet another powerful villain, familiar faces, friends, and even more of a challenge in finding a way to break the curse that hangs over Kiaran and Aithinne's heads which, if not solved, will leave one of them dead. But, what's really on the front burner, is what Aileana now carries within her.

Something so powerful, that it makes her believe she is a creature of chaos and death. Perhaps that is how it's meant to be anyway. After all, Aileana has been to hell and managed to crawl her way back to the land of the living. Nothing has been easy. Especially what happened to her in the previous installment. She's seen and done things that would make an average character run away and hide for the next 10 years. If you've read the first two novels, and you really should have, The Fallen Kingdom picks up (2) months after Aileana's deadly encounter with Sorcha.

Aileana's life has been filled with death, destruction, and murder since she picked up the mantle of the Falconer from her mother. She has returned from the other side as someone that is much, much darker than the one that we saw at the end of The Vanishing Throne. Aileana's journey is pretty simple, but getting there will take a whole lot of effort, and some very curious alliances. Aileana must find an ancient book in order to save her lover Kiaran and Aithinne who is the force behind the Falconer's. To do so, Aileana must put her faith in Kiaran, Aithinne, and yes, even Sorcha, in order to find the book, and save the world.

Overall, I really loved Aithinne and Kam together. Yes, Aithinne has a bit of a freaky side, and she loves to jump off dangerous cliffs, but hey, a little freaky goes a long way in keeping me, as a reader, entertained. Plus, she's one of three badass women in this story who can carry her own story and really stand out doing so. Loved the emotional connection between Derrick and Kam. Everyone should have a Derrick in their lives even for just one brief moment in time. Have to say the most curious storyline is between Aileana and Sorcha.
Had Sorcha not done what she did in the past because of, well love, jealously, idiocy, spite, resentment, etc., this duo would be nearly unstoppable to all takers. We can talk all day long about the romance between Kam and bad boy Kiaran who is truly a hero of his own molding. But, what's the point? It's not like the author was going to tear the couple apart, and let them walk into the sunset alone, was she? I mean, that would be like totally ridonkulous right?