The Fall is All There Is | By C M Caplan
Book Review | Sci Fi | BBNYA finalist | TheWriteReads Blog Tour
My thoughts
Narrative and Plot
The story is fast-paced with a post-apocalyptic sci-fi action-adventure vibe. One of those windy, deserty, end-of-the-world chaos, and a mismatched duo on a dangerous journey full of unexpected twists. That’s the kind of atmosphere this book delivers.
The narrative, however, could have benefitted from multiple points of view. While Petre is a reliable and compelling narrator, we never truly get to understand the inner workings or motivations of the other Mercy siblings. An interlude or two from another perspective might have helped deepen our emotional connection with the rest of the cast.
Characters and Conflicts
Petre, our protagonist, is both bi and autistic. His unique worldview and keen attention to detail enrich the story and add an extra layer of insight. We really get to see how his mind works, and everything he’s endured makes him incredibly easy to root for.
That being said, the same can’t be said for the rest of the characters. The dynamic between Petre and Ed carries some emotional weight, but the other sibling interactions felt underdeveloped. The story is so centred on Petre that the rest feel more like passengers than active contributors.
And while I understand this is the first book in a duology, there were several unanswered questions by the end. I don’t mind setups for sequels, but even in a series opener, I expect at least one major conflict to be resolved to give the book its own arc.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed the futuristic world and the layered power dynamics. It’s a kinetic, intriguing read that pulls you into its mysterious, dangerous landscape. My complaints are mostly nitpicky because I was this close to giving it a 5/5. If you’re looking for an action-filled post-apocalyptic sci-fi with a unique narrator, definitely give this one a go.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. It is organized by @TheWriteReads I received this book in exchange for an honest review for the BBNYAÂ 2024.
