All Fall Down by Ally Carter

All Fall DownEmbassy Row Book One
Written by Ally Carter
Contemporary, Mystery
Published February 1st 2015
306 Pages
Thank you to Scholastic Australia
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★★★★☆
Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three certain things.
She is not crazy.
Her mother was murdered.
Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

The thing is, nobody else believes her and there's no one she can trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door, who is keeping his eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Grace's past has come back to haunt her... And if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes and one wrong move can make them all fall down.
With her father now serving, Grace finds herself back in Adria at Embassy Row, where she'll now be under the care of her Grandfather, the United States Ambassador. She hasn't seen her grandfather in three years, since her mother died in what is being called a tragic accident. But Grace knows her mother was murdered, she remembers the man with the scar on his face and the gunshot that ended her mothers life. She's spent the past three years in therapy, with even her grandfather declaring the death was merely an accident and Grace is not the credible witness she believes she is.

Now at sixteen, Grace finds herself in trouble once again. Alexei is the son of the Russian Prime Minister who lives next door at his homeland Embassy. He's suave, slick and has an unhealthy need to keep Grace out of trouble at the request of her other brother. But when the scarred man surfaces at Embassy Row working for the Russian Prime Minister, Grace will need to convince those around her that he poses a threat, to her and to international relations.

With her mother dying so tragically and not the first time Grace has pointed the finger at an innocent man, her grandfather refuses to believe her. But faith comes in the form of new friends Noah, Rosie and Megan, the three aiding Grace in her search for answers. But when Grace finds herself a little too close to the truth, she'll need to stop the scarred man from taking another life. Little does she realise, the next one may just be hers.

Kelly's Thoughts

I knew I'd enjoy All Fall Down, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I adored it. It follows the story of Grace, who is still grieving her mother's death three years prior and vows it wasn't the accident those around her claim it to be. Grace has spent the last three years trying to hunt her mother's killer, until she discovers him at Embassy Row and working for the Russian Prime Minister no less. What ensues is a thrilling chase for answers, new friends along for the ride and a revelation that left me questioning Grace's mental health.

Grace is a angry young lady, rude and antisocial. Her own family disbelieves that she seen her mother being killed, so she's angry at the world and rightly so. As much as I liked Grace, her irritation became tedious and I wish she had of taken time out to be a regular teen. Apart from challenging authority and a few sassy quips, she seemed to have only one emotion, suspicion. She was difficult to relate to. But the real draw card is the actual storyline.

I love the setting, a united nations embassy in a foreign country where children usually join family members and officials for the summer holidays. International relations can be a minefield to navigate, and now Gracie is expected to fill her mother's role by her grandfather's side. The diversity was present, but not explored and I'm hoping in further books in the series, the reader will see the rich culture and history of the other nations part of Embassy Row.

My first Ally Carter novel was a complete success. Well written with a touch of humour and mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

54 comments

  1. I absolutely adore the Australian cover for this one! It's way more eye catching than the American one *cries* I WANT THIS ONE ON MY BOOKSHELF! LOL

    Anyways, i'm glad you had a terrific time with this one. I had my own share of issues with it but I was a Ally Carter newbie too going into this one!

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    1. It is isn't it. Just that little added pink looks amazing and really eye catching.

      I did too Lily, like not being able to connect to any of the characters really, which is usually a point of difference for me. But I loved it anyway. The storyline really swept me along for the ride.

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  2. I'M ACTUALLY REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS. I'm using it as the "pink cover" challenge on the GR group. It totally counts, right? I mean there have been mixed reviews of this but I hope I'll like it :)

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    1. I'm pretty sure you will poppet. It's superbly entertaining. I knew I'd enjoy it, but I hadn't realised how much. Even with issues with Grace couldn't deter me. Loved it!

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  3. Unfortunately I didn't like this book. The idea was great but I didn't like how it was developed. But the Italian cover? Soooo beautiful!! *-*

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    1. I can understand that Frannie, especially with the main character being so abrasive as well. I'll have to check out the Italian cover soon.

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  4. That's great you found yourself loving this one even more than you initially thought. That's always exciting to hear. I think my sister would really enjoy this one!

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    1. It's just pure entertainment Lauren, loads of fun. You should convince her to review it, would love to see what she thinks of it.

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  5. That synopsis sounds so intriguing! I'll definitely be giving this book a try soon.
    Nice review!. x

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    1. Thanks Sophie, it was fabulous, really enjoyed it and looking forward to seeing where Ally Carter takes the series from here.

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  6. I really like the cover! This is one that would definitely catch my eye at a book store :-), sounds good too - and yet another book is added to my TBR shelf thanks to you, Kelly lol :-).

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    1. Oh no, Don't blame me just because you can't resist the charm of All Fall Down. It's just fun, and I don't read too many books that are purely entertainment these days. It's simplistic, but works. You'll breeze right through it.

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  7. I LOVE ALLY CARTER'S BOOKS! They're always so much fun with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue (granted, her previous two series are about spies and thieves). I'm so happy to see you liked this one because it's been getting a few mixed reviews which had me worried.

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    1. I'm a big fan of hers now too, if this one is anything to go by. I'm going to check out her other series too, really loved this one and I need more fun reads to sink my teeth into.

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  8. I hope I get to read All Fall Down soon, because it sounds like such an intriguing book. I love books with unique settings, and Embassy Row most certainly sounds unique. I've also heard that the ending is simply stunning, and I love endings that completely turn my predictions upside down. I want this book, and I want it now. Oh, wow. Now I sound like all those whiny brats from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

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    1. The ending was GLORIOUS! Completely took me by surprise. I had an inkling throughout, but it wasn't at all what I'd expected actually. I can't wait to see what you think of this one Ana, you need it. You need it NOW!

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  9. The cover is beautiful - I have a copy of this somewhere in my kindle, I should get started on it seeing how much you enjoyed reading it! Lovely review x

    Benish | Feminist Reflections

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    1. Thanks Benish and you should, it was such a fun and entertaining read. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  10. I'M GLAD YOU LIKED IT. I liked it. I didn't like it quite as much as you, and that's probably just because Grace was a royal pain. BUT. Her mother died, so I feel endlessly sorry for her. :( I just...eh. Her attitude stunk. But Noah was so so adorable. I absolutely laughed OUT LOUD reading this. I want a movie. Now. *stamps foot*

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    1. She really was, so snippy and generally unpleasant. I can understand her anger at the world considering how her mother died and her father dumping her off with her grandfather, but boy was she a pain in the ass.

      I think the difference between most readers loving and feeling pretty neutral about this one was Grace. If she had of been likable, loads more would have enjoyed it.

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  11. Great to hear you loved this one Kelly! I have seen some mixed thoughts about it, but I'm still hopefully looking forward to reading it sometime soon when I get myself a copy. It's good to hear that there is a touch of humour in there to lighten things up. Thanks for sharing a lovely review :)

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    1. I've seen a few too, but while I can understand why, I still loved it nonetheless. It was exactly what I needed, a fun and mild adventure type thriller with a brilliant setting. I'm stoked this is going to be a series too, especially after that revelation towards the end. Can't WAIT to see what you think of it.

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  12. YAYYY, I'm glad you liked it! Do you plan on reading more of Ally Carter's books? I haven't read All Fall Down yet, but I've enjoyed her other YA novels so I definitely plan to!

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    1. I do Lara, and regret having not picked up any of her others before. I just assumed that she was more aimed towards the younger young adult audience, but I loved this and want more!

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  13. Lovely review! I can't wait to get my hand on a copy of this one. It'll be my first Ally Carter book--her others have never taken my fancy, really--but and I'm so looking forward to reading this. :)

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    1. It was mine too, and she definitely didn't disappoint Kara. Really looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  14. WOOOHOOO I'm totally cheering right now because this one was a big hit for me as well! How good was the storyline, right? I did not expect it to head where it did but it's a great opening for the series. I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much Kelly! As always, your review is beautiful, Kelly <3

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    1. Thanks poppet.

      I seen how much you loved it, which wasn't surprising. Apart from The Raven Boys series, we pretty much both adore the same books. It was awesome wasn't it, so wasn't it expecting it to be so good! I won't underestimate an Ally Carter book again!

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  15. Glad to hear you enjoyed the setting and the story Kelly! I agree Grace was difficult to relate to, but I don't think we were supposed to relate to her. Fantastic review!

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    1. Not relate, but at least have a few likable qualities to invest in her story, but I really couldn't find any with her. Normally a book like that wouldn't have held my interest, but luckily Noah was so fabulous, he more than made up for that. Thanks Jeann.

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  16. I'm reading this right now. I love Ally Carter and so far I'm enjoying it!! I'm glad you liked it!!

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Taylor. Happy reading!

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  17. I just checked this book out from the library! I can't wait to read it :) Thanks for writing such a great review!

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Andrea, it's so much fun! Noah is an absolute delight and is the star of the series so far.

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  18. Awesome review, Kelly! I love it when I find out a book has pleased you ^_^ And I agree with someone up there, the AU cover is really fantastic; in fact, if this were the US cover, I probably would have been more inclined to try it haha. I've seen this one around the blogosphere, and I've concluded it's probably not my kinda read, but I'll def. reconsider now that I have your good praise about it :D

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. If you're looking for light, entertaining and something to lift you out of a book slump, this is certainly the one. It's fabulous Faye, I might have to hound you until you read it.

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  19. I'm SO glad to see yet another positive review of this book! Ally Carter is one of my favorite authors, so I'm ecstatic to pick it up - I don't know why I haven't yet. It sounds like the protagonist can get a bit tiring, but I doubt I'll mind too much since I can never really relate to Carter's heroines, but I end up loving them anyway. I hope you get the chance to read this author's other books - they're phenomenal.

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    1. I've already been online to purchase a few Emily, that's how much I really loved All Fall Down, even with not liking the main character and being irritated by her. That's the mark of a great author, a reader being able to immerse themselves fully even without that connection.

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  20. Aaaaah such an amazing review! And this book sounds truly phenomenal. I love angst-driven characters, and Grace definitely seems just that. I LOVE Ally Carter, so I can't wait to read this especially after reading your glowing review! New reader, just wanted to let you know that your blog is SO WONDERFUL AND PRETTY GAAAH. Thanks for sharing (and sorry for the spazzing haha). :) xx -Riya

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    1. Thanks Riya and thanks for visiting too.

      This was my first Ally Carter book and I absolutely LOVED it! Can't wait to move onto her other books, so incredibly engaging.

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  21. I'm so happy you loved this!!! GAH THIS REVIEW IS LOVELY <33

    The world-building sounds on point and any book that manages to combine mystery and funny times gets my vote!

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    1. It's fabulous Allie, I have a feeling you'll absolutely love this one too. So fun, entertaining and I'm an instant fan of Ally Carter now too.

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  22. I have the ARC of this book buried somewhere in my kindle,and I really need to get around to read it soon.It will be first Ally Carter book despite having her books in my TBR for years.
    I hope I'll enjoy this as much as you did.
    Great review Kelly!

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    1. I have a feeling you will Mishma, it's awesome fun. Definitely dig it out and get reading, it's fantastic!

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  23. I'm glad you liked this one! The main character sounds like she could get a bit annoying since she focuses on one emotion but the rest seems fun-especially that setting! Plus I've never read an Ally Carter book I didn't like :)

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    1. She really is, but she's the only aspect of the read that I didn't particular enjoy. But Noah saves the day. he's the self appointed best friend and was an absolute pleasure.

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  24. YAY this is the second amazing review I've read of this book. I've read a lot of the Ally Carter books, and I've loved them all. Can't wait to read this one. :) Great review!

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    1. Thanks Marianne, I really hope you love it just as much, if not more than I have. Can't wait to see your thoughts!

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  25. I grew up reading Ally Carter's spy novels and I absolutely adored them to bits. It was very Nancy Drew-esque but in a modern setting. I'm going to start this book as soon as I finish my latest review read, I hope I adore it as much as you did Kels! And I hope Grace won't be as irritating for me :P

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    1. I just read your review and I'm glad you still enjoyed it somewhat. Completely agree though, I hope book two explores the relationships and politics between the embassies more.

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  26. I borrowed this from the library and can't wait to read it! I'm glad you enjoyed it and posted such a great review! I just saw the short prequel is free on amazon right now :)

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    1. I had no idea there was a prequel, thanks for letting me know Andrea, going to grab a copy. I loved this, just so much fun and a lighthearted thriller.

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  27. Finding this one at the library next week! You always do such a lovely job of convincing me to read fantastic books!

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    1. Thanks Alyssa, this one pretty much sells itself doesn't it. Fun, lighthearted with a touch of mystery. It's the perfect read.

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