Fallen City by Adrienne Young
on November 4, 2025
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
Format: ARC
Pages: 416 
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Source: NetGalley and the PublisherAdrienne Young has delivered a story that feels both sweeping and intimate. The world of Isara is alive with tension, a city brimming with political maneuvering, unrest, and the lingering hand of gods whose so called “gifts” remain wrapped in mystery. I was captivated by the atmosphere; it is gritty without losing its beauty, and the writing has that cadence that makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the storm.
The dual timelines, Before and Now, worked beautifully to deepen the stakes and build suspense. I will admit I had to pay close attention at times to stay grounded in each era, but that structure made the final reveals hit even harder. Both Maris and Luca felt like fully realized characters with complicated loyalties and messy, very human flaws. Their relationship added an intensity that made the political struggles feel even more personal, and the sacrifices they are forced to weigh cut deep.
The story moves at a steady pace, though the middle lingers in places, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. The ending is the kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to throw the book across the room and then immediately beg for the sequel.
For me, this is a solid four star read, immersive, thoughtful, and brimming with tension. My only frustration lies in the unanswered questions, particularly around the gods and their gifts. What are they really? What price do they demand, and how much power do they hold over mortal choices? I am hoping book two dives deeper into that divine mystery, because it feels like the key to everything. Until then, I am left both satisfied and restless, the mark of a story that did its job well.
🫶🏼 - Ali
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I received this book for free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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