Review: Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Rebel Spring (Falling Kingdoms #2) by Morgan Rhodes
Expected Publication Date: December 3rd, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: 416 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Borrowed
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Love, power, and magic collide with war in the second book of the Falling Kingdoms series.
Auranos has fallen and the three kingdoms—Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia—are now united as one country called Mytica. But still, magic beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...
When the evil King Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land, forcing Cleo the dethroned princess, Magnus the reluctant heir, Lucia the haunted sorceress, and Jonas the desperate rebel to take steps they never could have imagined. 

Just like Falling Kingdoms was one of my favorite reads from last winter, Rebel Spring has become one of my favorite reads from this winter. Starting right where Falling Kingdoms left off, this sequel is just as packed with action and suspense as its predecessor. I like to think of Morgan Rhodes’ high fantasy series as Game of Thrones for teens. While it’s not as graphic as the hit series from George R. R. Martin, it’s definitely a toned down version. Violence, sex, political intrigue, and magic all combine for an awesome adventure. 
As Cleo continues to fight for her rightful title as Queen of Auranos, Magnus continues to answer to his father’s every wish. However, the veil begins to lift this time around, creating questions in Magnus’s mind as to what his father is really up to. Meanwhile, Jonas Agallon leads the rebellion against the Blood King, fighting for home and country against a corrupt ruler hell bent on destroying his own people as he quests for the lost Kindred. Even Princess Lucia is discovering some power of her own. And as mortals quibble, the Watchers watch from their magical kingdom, waiting for the return of their precious life-force and magical essence. 
The lives of many combine to offer a striking portrait of the tensions between kingdoms in the midst of a political and magical war. Morgan Rhodes continues with this amazing, high fantasy series and doesn’t fail to disappoint. I’m always looking for great high fantasy in YA and these books have to be some of the best around. Descriptive prose pairs with strong characters and an intensely real world to create an epic tale of betrayal, passion, and lust. If you’re a high fantasy junkie like myself, this is one you don’t want to miss!