Ontario’s Michelle Rowen, an established author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for teen and adult audiences, makes her YA high-fantasy debut under the pseudonym Morgan Rhodes.

The first in a planned series of four books, Falling Kingdoms introduces a wide cast of characters inhabiting a world that spans three distinct realms. The fast-moving story, replete with political intrigue, magical allusions, and touches of romance, tells of Auranos, Paelsia, and Limeros, which are poised on the brink of war.

The story is primarily populated by young adults, including the spoiled and beautiful princess Cleiona of Auranos, the vengeance-fuelled Paelsian peasant Jonas Agallon, the guarded prince Magnus Damora of Limeros, and his lovely sister, Lucia. Tangled in the intrigues of their parents and rulers, linked through violence and bloodshed, their fates become entwined as their homelands begin a bitter battle.

Though written in an accessible style, the novel feels cluttered, owing to the large number of characters and the superficial – but distracting – differences between the kingdoms. This overload of elements, combined with a surprisingly simplistic plot, makes for a less than satisfying read. While there is intrigue, there is little suspense, and most of the twists are easily predicted.

The subject matter is on the mature side for those at the younger end of the intended audience. Though there is no explicit content, a princess faces scandal should news of her premarital sexual relationship be exposed. There is plenty of drinking, and a young man is in love with a girl he believes to be his sister. Conversely, the characters act more like entitled reality-show teenagers than traditional high-fantasy heroes. It feels as though Rowen/Rhodes is attempting to pander to her audience, but the result reads more like they’re being talked down