By Cynthia Ayala

Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, Cleo is still reeling from the showdown on Limeros and Amara’s betrayal. Magnus is coming to term with his role as king, deciding what kind of king he wants to be and if he wants to let Cleo inside his heart. Lucia, suffering from heartbreak has teamed up with the Fire Kindred to destroy those who would hurt her. Moreover, Jonas must decide if teaming up with his mortal enemy will hurt him or save him

Published December 15, 2015, by Razorbill Frozen Tides
by Morgan Rhodes is the fourth novel in her bestselling fantasy series, Falling Kingdoms.

This is such an addicting series as it expands its story to give more insight into the characters and the world around them and Morgan Rhodes is going deeper into the magic. There is a price for the usage of magic, and it is important that the writer addressed that. It is a cliché to say that “magic comes with a price,” but it is also realistic and provides a line of caution to the characters, giving the reader a deeper insight into who they are as they discover just what they are willing to risk for the power that comes with magic. However, more than that Rhodes has revealed that the Kindred are not just stones of power, they were beings, elemental immortals trapped because of how dangerous they were. It is a huge plot twist that gives the Watchers a little more validity in the storytelling. The Kindred being dangerous beings gives the Watchers a deeper purpose in the novel that they did not have in the previous novels other than wanting to save themselves. However, with the connection of magic to the land addressed in previous novels, Rhodes has revealed that there is more at stake than just finding the land, that ultimate death and destruction, a magical apocalypse in a way, is very possible.

That added layer of tension and development only serves to make the story even more invigorating. Honestly, it is breathtaking and addictive to read and follow, to watch all the plot twists unfold in front of the readers. Moreover, the fluidity with how the storytelling moves only adds to the enjoyment of the reading experience.

One thing that is truly spectacular in the novel is the character development. Rhodes has done the impossible by giving a glimpse of humanity to some of the more despicable characters. Amara who was thought just to be treacherous is not what she seemed at all in the previous novel. Her experiences give the reader some understanding into her motives. She is not as evil as everyone once thought, but she is not exactly power hungry either. Amara is someone who seeks change, which seeks equality for women, a woman who is willing to do whatever she must to achieve that end. On Rhodes part, that is powerful writing that gives the story more depth and power. Then there is Gaius. Rhodes has given more insight into who he is, and amazingly enough, depth. Sure, all the characters are going through changes, they are becoming stronger, more open-hearted, but seeing that sort of change in a character who up until now has been despicable, is incredibly impactful. There is so much to the story than everything he has been saying, and that makes it amazing. Again, this only adds more depth to the story as a whole.

Expertly written, magically captivating, Frozen Tides gives rise to better writing, rising tension, and powerful character development. (★★★★☆ | A)

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