Member Reviews

Addicting and haunting! Havoc reigned supreme, mayhem lurked behind every portal, yet I felt compelled to turn the page, longing to see what happens next. My cheeks were wet, and my heart sunk into my stomach as the book neared it's conclusion... and yet I continued to read. Several Kleenex were dampened in the reading of this book, but my heart wouldn't let me stop.

Aileana knew that this was a bad choice... but she also knew that this was her only choice. Coming back again from the dead and finding the world she had left behind crumbling away, she is racing the clock to heal her world and the fae realms and to save her own life.... if only she could remember what was going on.

Once she regains her memories, Aileana finds that the scheming and conniving Sorcha has managed to return Kiaran to his place as the ruler of the Unseelie Kingdom and to the fae king of terror he once was, Kadamach. Will the dreams that she has held in her heart for so long ever become a reality? Can this mysterious book which Aileana and her allies are searching for actually fix what has been broken and turn back time? With the balance of powers changed drastically, she battles with her own heart and against the one who seeks to destroy both her and all those that she loves. I highly suggest that you read the book and find out for yourself!!

I was provided an e-ARC copy of this book by NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions contained above are my own.

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This is it, folks. One of my all-time favorite YA series has ended. I'm part heartbroken because this is the end, and part elated, because I loved this ending. Elizabeth May's debut series is one of the most underrated series out there, and if you haven't read these books yet, then I URGE you to pick these books, because they are fantastic from start to finish. With The Fallen Kingdom, May put me through an emotional rollercoaster, and by the end, I, a reader who very rarely sheds tears over books, was bawling my eyes out. Now THAT is exactly how a series should end.

The Vanishing Throne ended with a heart-attack-inducing cliffhanger, and you would think that May would maybe slow down and let us breathe a bit with The Fallen Kingdom, but nope. From start to finish this book had me shaking, and flipping through the pages in fear for these characters. I was terrified, and also completely invested in the fates of this cast. Aileana has grown so much from the past few books. She has always been badass with a side of vulnerability to her, but the strength and resilience that she exhibited here was unreal. I was in awe of how brave she was in the face of all the cruelty she had come across, and how far she was willing to go to protect her loved ones. Aileana is fierce and fearless, and everything that I love in a good YA fantasy heroine. I wanted so much for her to get an ending she deserved, and by the end, I think I loved her even more.

The characters really are what makes this series stand out for me. They are multi-layered, and they all serve a purpose. My favorite fae, Kieran, was also going through his own hell in The Fallen Kingdom, and my heart ached for him. I love this boy so much, and I wanted nothing but happiness and peace for him. The romance between Aileana and Kieran provide a much needed brightness to the story. Guys, this romance is so so swoony, and best of all, this is a couple that fights together through thick and thin. There are also some great friendships in The Fallen Kingdom. I really loved Aithinne's relationship with Ailena - it was very much banterific, and there was a trust there that made their friendship solid. And Derrick, my adorable, loyal, little pixie who I will always cherish forever and ever. Even the villains in The Fallen Kingdom were absolutely breathtaking. They make you want to push them off a steep cliff, but you also find yourself being fascinated by the shades to their characters. Serious props to Elizabeth May for writing compelling villains!

The plot in The Fallen Kingdom opens up where The Vanishing Throne ended. Let me tell you, the book is dark. Like seriously dark, but it's not the kind of dark that makes you want to put the book down. In fact, it's the darkness that makes you want to push through hoping the characters will defeat evil. Elizabeth May's world building is impressive. It's multi-faceted, well-developed, and feels like it's real even though it's entirely fictitious. But best of all, this is a story that's full of emotions. It will make you laugh, smile, sob, gasp, and cry our eyes out, but it's all worth it.

There is no doubt that I have found a favorite author in Elizabeth May and a favorite series in The Falconer trilogy. I would not say no to spin-offs, novellas or short stories set in this phenomenal Scottish fantasy world, but to be honest, I'll also buy if grocery list if she decided to publish. If you're looking for an epic new historical fantasy series to binge read, I can't recommend this series enough!

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Full disclosure: I adore Scotland so that setting alone will attract me to a book. I had downloaded the first of Elizabeth May’s Falconer series to my Kindle some time ago, but then didn’t read it until I was IN Scotland last summer. I thought the first book was fun and moved onto the second one, which was even better. I grew to love the main character, Aileana, a fierce fae-slayer. As it always is with final books in a series, I (electronically) opened the final installment of the trilogy, “The Fallen Kingdom,” with: a little bit of sadness that I’d have to say goodbye to all the characters by the end; a tiny amount of worry I might hate it; and, of course, tons of excitement. The final verdict? My heart is a little shattered in the best kind of way.

What interested me in this series to start with, aside from the whole Scotland thing, is how it pulls from dark mythology of the fae/fairies. The “girl falls for immortal creature that can kill her, but he’s more complex that” story has been told many times before, usually in a vampire fashion, but May layers her story with a fascinating history that makes it unique. So while tropes I’m bored of were present in the beginning of the series, it didn’t keep me from reading on. The stakes get higher and higher and the line between “good” and “evil” is tremendously blurry. It’s made the journey of the trilogy exciting instead of cliched.

And this last book? PHEW. It’s a rollercoaster. It’s even darker than the first two. Yes, it’s possible for it to get darker. [Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read the first two.]

At the end of the second book, Aileana is in a bit of a pickle. She was a. tortured and then b. murdered and c. the world is also ending. Three things that are rather difficult to overcome. Plus she’s having a complicated love life. Still. The reader is not spared the ugly details of this all. The result is a story that makes you wish you could read even faster. I also felt like my heart was being stabbed a few times, but it’s fine. I survived better than some of the people in the story.

On a more serious note, something I appreciate about this book is how it shows the damage that Lonnrach’s torture had on Aileana. She didn’t walk out of that room of mirrors mentally unscathed. She is brave and she is strong, but what was done to her isn’t something any human can just “overcome.” As I’m not a psychologist, I hesitate to diagnose even an imaginary person, but what happens to her closely resembles PSTD. I find it extremely important that when a character goes through the type of trauma that often happens in fantasy novels, that the emotional and mental result is shown. Aileana is a testament to the fact that some things are too horrible to completely recover from. When it comes to a book for teenagers, this is an important lessen. No matter how strong you are, you can still hurt. Trauma can cause a mental illness that can make things horrible. But you can still keeping going. You can still fight. You can still be the badass heroine.

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Review date: June 8, 2017
Review link: http://dulivre.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-fallen-kingdom.html

Plot: Both The Falconer and The Vanishing Throne ended with devastating cliffhangers and I must say, I'm impressed with May's ability to catch readers up without info dumping. The Fallen Kingdom took place two months after the showdown and just like in The Vanishing Throne, the world of The Fallen Kingdom has changed drastically. Aileana found herself at the start of the war between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts and must address Kiaran's unleashed murderous nature. This book definitely had the most action, which was surprising because I think it was the shortest novel of the trilogy. May kept the hits coming and I was overwhelmed by how easily she could make me cry. I'm hoping she considers returning to this world one day, because I don't want to let go.

Characters: Aileana's character shifted slightly with every novel and I was most interested to see this new Aileana cope with understanding the girl she had become. Despite being very mature for her age, Aileana had undergone many traumas, enough that she was able to identify "Before Aileana" and "After Aileana." Her desperation to find and understand herself tugged at my heart and I loved how much time May gave to Aileana's development.

And then there is Kiaran who went through a complete 180. In The Fallen Kingdom, Aileana and Kiaran were challenged at every turn and there were times where it seemed like all was lost. I loved the layers that we explored with all characters and how May was able to make some villains sympathetic. Maybe this is from the size, but I was hoping that some characters would get more attention and explanation of their decisions. The Vanishing Throne went above and beyond in analyzing character motivation and helping the reader get in their heads and I didn't feel the same amount of detail in this final installment. I wish this book could have been 200 pages longer because I know the author would have found another nugget to explore that would help shape the story.

Worldbuilding: The realms were crumbling, the landscape was bleak, and May's writing foreshadowed the awaited apocalypse. This is the darkest of the three books and I'm thoroughly impressed with May's ability to balance war and death with levity and kissing.

Short N Sweet: I wish that Elizabeth May will consider exploring this world again in the future because there are so many other stories to tell!

Thanks to the baes Nick, Morgan, and Wendy for buddy reading with me!

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Loved this book and this series. Just read it!! The characters are all great and the world building fantastic. One of my favorite series.

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The perfect ending! I loved this series and while I'm sad to see it end (don't we feel that way about all good series), I thoroughly enjoyed it.. After the cliffhanger in book 2 I was eager to read this. It drew the reader in immediately and the stakes were very high for our characters! My favorite aspect to this series are the character interactions and the fact that I'm always surprised and on my toes! Well done.

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This is the third and final volume of the Falconer trilogy and it is packed with action and danger. Aileana Kameron has come back from the dead with vast powers that she struggles to control and that are killing her. Nonetheless, she is determined to find a way to break an ancient curse and save the lives of the people she loves.

She and her companions need to defeat the Morrigan who also has vast powers and who is also searching for the book Aileana and her companions need. The book will allow the Morrigan to have a body again and to take over Earth. Aileana wants to use the book to turn back time to before the fae escaped their prison. Of course, she would also like to save the lives of Aithinne and Kiaran who are cursed to kill each other.

This story was emotionally intense and filled with wonderful descriptions and characters. I enjoyed the world building. Fans of epic fantasy with strong female characters will enjoy this series.

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This series is one of my absolute "sleeper" favorites. You don't hear about it much, so I tell everyone about it. I loved the characters depth. It is one of the rare trilogies that doesn't fall apart in the third book. I loved the third book and the action packed ending. Thank you for writing such a great story!!!

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Here at last, the final book in the Falconer Trilogy and Elizabeth May does NOT let up on the intrigue, the heartache, the impossible and all of the twists and turns in between! THE FALLEN KINGDOM will try Aileana in more ways than she could ever imagine. She will be asked to do things she never thought she could, but the fate of two worlds are in her hands and she cannot fail, but with her second chance at life, there is a price to pay and that price is dreadful, and time is running out to break the curse. The earth is dying and darkness envelopes hope with hopelessness.

Can Aileana put her heart, her hopes and her dreams on the back burner? Only one ruler can survive, will it be the Queen of the Seelie Court or the King of the Unseelie Court? Either way, hearts will break and Aileana is about to learn the meaning of pain as she searches for 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. Will she finish her quest before the powers destroy her one last time?

Ms. May has brought this trilogy home with the same dazzling pen she began it with. Enter a world of conflict, love and hope for an unknown as the weight of it all falls on a young woman of heart, honor and determination. With strong characters, this tale is intricately woven from the finest threads on imagination.

I received an ARC edition from Chronicle Books, LLC in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Trilogy: The Falconer - Book 3
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC (June 13, 2017)
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 400 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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"Wherever she goes, death follows."

The Fallen Kingdom concludes the Falconer trilogy. After a shocking and excellent cliffhanger at the end of The Vanishing Throne, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.

It has been five months since Aileana Kameron left Edinburgh and now she's back to finish the battle between the Seelie Queen and Unseelie King. However, she's back but without her memories. She's also full of a dark power which she doesn't know how to handle. Thankfully, one of the first people she encounters is Derrick who can help her fill in the blanks.

"I wished for you. I spent two and a half months wishing for you. To see you one last time."

Aileana and Derrick soon are able to join the rest of the human crowd. Daniel, Catherine, and Gavin are still alive. Aithinne is with them. She's now the Seelie Queen and she's desperate to avoid killing her brother, the Unseelie King. During Aileana's absence, the world has started to self-destroy. Aileana knows that there's a chance to help the world. She must find a special book that might have the answers she's seeking but in order to get to it, she will need Sorcha's help and to fight the powerful Morrigan.

"Simple. Effective. Small chance of success. I like it."

The Fallen Kingdom is action-packed. I felt the urgency of the characters fighting against time. Aileana and friends had just one chance to save the world. Of course, you can fight so much evil without devastating losses. My heart felt heavy and I couldn't avoid my eyes filling with tears after a certain scene. I couldn't believe it. Why that character?

In the Fallen Kingdom, Aileana and Kiaran's love has to endure many more obstacles and it's clear each would do anything to keep the other one alive. The Morrigan doesn't make it any easier on them. She loves hurting them. It made me truly hate her.

"you were a silly human girl I happened to want. "

There were a couple of things that bothered me. The main one was Aileana constantly remembering what other characters had said to her. It felt repetitive and annoying. I was also disappointed in the way one character was treated.
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Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the storyline, and the characters in this trilogy.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

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Aileana Kameron is given a second chance at life but it comes with a cost, unimaginable loss.

Can she remember how to break the curse before it’s too late?

I was white knuckle reading to find out and if you’re a fan, you will be too. I cried, I laughed, my heart hurt and I just could not put this book down.

I’ve had THE FALLEN KINGDOM for a while and honestly, I was reluctant to read it because I didn’t, and even after reading, don’t want this series to end! I’m sorry I didn’t read it sooner because it would have given me more chances to re-read this entire series all over again. Which, of course, I already did.

Some imaginations just blow me away, the molding of the Morgan into this telling was completely fabulous.

May created a high-octane tale that had me riveted to the pages. She captures the heart and utter essence of the characters, bringing words to life. I flat out LOVED THE FALLEN KINGDOM and highly recommend the entire FALCONER series to any epic fantasy fans.

I received an ARC copy of The Fallen Kingdom from Chronicle Books in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication June 13, 2017

My Rating: 5 Stars

Written by: Elizabeth May
Series: The Falconer (Book 3)
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
ISBN-10: 1452128839
ISBN-13: 978-1452128832
Genre: Epic Fantasy

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Kingdom...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-f...

Reviewed for:
http://tometender.blogspot.com


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Couldn't make myself finish the first book of the trilogy, so I will not be reading this (the third).

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This book picks up right after The Vanishing Throne. You really need to read the first two books to know what is going on in The Fallen Kingdom. This entire trilogy is really about sacrifice, life over death, and the relationships you build throughout life. What I really like about this series is that Kam (the main character) is flawed and far from perfect. She has similar feelings to a “normal” person and in the end tries to save herself and her loved ones over the group. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys magic, Scotland, and steampunk influences.

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I think out of the three this one is my favorite. I’m not sure why that is, because the things I liked about the first two, the historical and steampunk aspects are totally gone by this book. But there is something about the characters in this one, the fact that even though the world is about to end, both human and fairy, they work together and keep trying to save it all.

Poor Aileana, I would have so given up if I was her. She comes back from the dead and struggles to regain everything she has lost, including Kiaran. But she knows deep down that if she succeeds everything will go back to normal, even though it will cost her plenty to do so. This book really puts her through the physical and emotional wringer, from killing almost everything in sight to saving the world, the action doesn’t stop for much. Except of course for Kiaran. I think I liked him best in this book, because he seemed to be the most human in it. Even though he returns to his Unseelie ways, his love for Aileana pulls him through in the end. Their scenes together are magical in their own way and are very swoon worthy on the romantic sense.

We don’t see much of Aileana’s human companions in this book, but they also sacrifice a great deal to save the world and deserve more recognition for it. I loved Catherine’s steadfastness and there is one scene between Aileana and Gavin that is truly touching and brought tears to my eyes.

Aithinne and Sorcha were both at their best in this book. Aithinne being a bit of fresh air and comedy at sorely needed times when the action was a bit much. And as much as I loathed Sorcha, I came to admire her a bit as we learned about her history and everything she had endured.

I think my favorite character though is still Derrick, the little pixie who was Aileana’s constant companion and champion. I loved his comments and the way he was always there for her when she needed him most. I also enjoyed his sewing and songs and his all around cheerfulness no matter what was wrong with the world.

The action in this book mostly takes place in the Morrigan’s prison, which sounds like a terrible place in which to spend an eternity. The Morrigan is not very nice and tries relentlessly to tear Aileana apart emotionally. The Morrigan makes a better villian than either Sorcha or Lonnrach did in the first two books. She is evil and twisted in ways I have a hard time imagining.

A thrilling trilogy that I was glad I found when all of the books were available. I really enjoy reading a series straight through so that everything is fresh in my mind. I makes it that much more enjoyable.

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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.



* * * * *



While I really enjoyed the first two books, THE FALLEN KINGDOM swept me away. I became so invested in the world and in the characters that when a death occurred, I was in tears. Now I don't know about you but very few books cause me to cry.



This entire book was very emotional. You have fantastic characters that are all too easy to relate too in a great setting. There is the love between Aileana (Kam) and Kiaran, the friendships between Kam, Derrick, Charlotte and Aithinne, Sorcha's hatred and jealousy. Oh and let's not forget the dialogue. It will have you laughing at times and ready to sniffle at others.



This is seriously a wonderful book and I recommend that anyone who enjoys fantasy rush out and get this series! It goes among the top three or four that I have ever read.



*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

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Loved it! I inhaled this series. Loved everything.

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Wow. Just wow. This is the best series I have read in a long time. There's death and betrayal and magic and it's so fun to read. But it's also incredibly emotional. There are such powerful friendships and romances and this isn't the kind of series where everyone survives. I'm sitting here having finished this book and just trying not to cry because this was just too much for me.

The Fallen Kingdom starts off with Aileana returning to life after making a deal with the Cailleach: she'll carry her powers, but unless she can find Morrigan's book, the powers will kill her. Two months have passed since her death and Aithinne and Kiaran have taken back their roles as the Seelie and Unseelie monarchs. The world is breaking apart and won't stop until one kills the other. Ailean's only hope is to find the book and hope it can break the curse and save her world, and hopefully her own life as well.

This book has many of the same elements as the previous books. There's death and destruction. There's awesome magic. There's complicated romance. There's the constant worry about who will survive. But this story goes in a very new direction. I wouldn't consider this a spoiler, but I'll let you make your own choice. <spoiler>Much of the book takes place in another realm where the world is constructed magically, many of the places based on the characters' memories. Anything can happen there in a very literal sense.</spoiler> While this is really cool and makes for some awesome scenes, it also makes the story feel a bit contrived. Not to mention that the book they're looking for <spoiler>contains a spell that can undo time and prevent much of the first two books from ever happening</spoiler>. Is it possible to cheat in book writing? This felt like cheating.

While I was surprised with the direction the book went, I still very much enjoyed reading it. The things I loved about this series: the dark and violent world, the three dimensional characters and their relationships with each other, the plot twists and the constant breaking of my heart; they were all here. This series destroyed me and I loved every second of it.

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After the ending of book 2, I was thrilled to be able to start this immediately. And it definitely didn't disappoint.

Aileana is still amazing. Kiaran is still brooding {and swoony af}. Aithinne and Derrick are still delightful and seriously some the best parts of the story.

This plot line is full of emotions. I laughed and had my heartbroken all within a small span of pages. Over and over and over again. It was the most delicious torture. The lead up to the finale was satisfying. There is one thing that happened that I was outraged over and I don't feel that it was clearly addressed in the last pages.

Overall, this series has been absolutely phenomenal. I am so happy I was able to binge it.

**Huge thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**

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This finale was ok. It read more like a novella conclusion to the series than a full novel with an established plot line. I mostly skimmed read the book to figure out what happened, but most of the interest was lost to me.

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This is the final installment in May’s trilogy. It is a very dark tale of torture, murder and the fight for control of the fae world. Aileana, a human, has been resurrected for the second time and now she wields the power of a famous fae who bestowed the power upon her. The downside is that using that power may lead to her demise. The world of the Seelie and Unseelie is complicated and filled with fae bent on revenge and filled with a lust for the ultimate power. Aileana is still human but her infused power makes her a force to be reckoned with. Her lover Kiaran is the Unseelie King who wants to be near her but may also be the one to kill her because of his vampire-like desire for her blood. There are a lot of siblings, a lot of layers of evil forces that complicate the plot. May has added a bit too much complexity to the world of Fae which more closely resembles an Underworld. The torture is harsh and the setting is so bleak and monstrous that a persistent evil pervades the book. Fortunately there are some positive characters and some moments of selflessness that hint at some goodness. One can’t help but root for Kiaran, despite his monstrous tendencies. Understanding the history of the fae world conflict and using the knowledge of the longstanding infighting is critical to keeping the human world safe. A satisfying if imperfect finale. 3.5*

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