**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Gathering Darkness is the third book in the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. The Falling Kingdoms series has been a beloved fantasy series for years now, and with the sixth book coming out this year now is the perfect time to get caught up. I read the first book, Falling Kingdoms years ago when it first came out, but then I never continued on with the series. I own the first five books and I have been meaning to continue on for years, but I never did. Now that the sixth book is out, I have decided that a binge read was in order. So I re-read book one and then continued on to book two, three and I am currently reading book four. 

This is a series that must be read in order, which means that it is almost impossible to discuss plot points in Gathering Darkness without getting involved in tons of spoilers, so I will keep this review to some of the general things I am LOVING about the Falling Kingdoms series. And let me start with this...I freakin' love these books! They are absolutely addictive. This series is turning out to be everything I love about fantasy series. So what exactly do I love about this series? Well, let me tell you. 

First, I love the massive and complex world. Mytica is made up of multiple different kingdoms, each with their own rulers, laws and complex difficulties. From each of these kingdoms we meet very different characters that plot lines become intertwined. I love learning about all of the different kingdoms and the magic structure and the whole world in general. Morgan Rhodes has done a fantastic job creating an immense world that is immensely interesting and woven with all kinds of fascinating details. One of my very favorite parts of a fantasy is getting to envision a whole new world in your head. And Mytica is full of magic and politician intrigue and plenty of crazy twists and characters to keep any reader totally invested and riveted to the story. 

Next, I love the characters. And there are a ton of characters. The books in the falling Kingdoms series are told from multiple perspectives and right from the very first book, I enjoyed that story telling method because we got to know so many people. Now, I will say- don't get too attached to any one character because Morgan Rhodes can be brutal with who she kills off. There are lots of deaths in each book and some of the twists in Gathering Darkness left me completely speechless! (That ending tho, right?!) Cleo is a personal favorite of mine. I love watching her come into her own as the books progress. Most of the characters have had really impressive character growth as the stories get more and more intense. 

Finally, the writing and the plot of Gathering Darkness was the best yet! I am being totally serious when I say that this series just keeps getting better and better as it goes on. Even at this moment, I am itching to finish my to-do list so that I can go back to reading Frozen Tides. The twists and turns keep getting bigger and more surprising and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next in this series. It is quickly becoming one of my very favorites. There are tons of great characters, lots of romance (the various romances have had a lot of ups and downs for me, but I won't get into details so I don't spoil anyone) and a really intricate and awesome world and magic system. The Falling Kingdoms series is beyond excellent. If you are new to the series, I demand that you start reading right now so you can be ready for book six to release, and if you are an old fan, now is the perfect time for a re-read! Gathering Darkness and the series as a whole is one of my all time favorites!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs