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A review by sometimes_samantha_reads
When Eden Falls by Alana Faye Wilson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an ARC of When Eden Falls, and it was a great read! What a cool debut novel.
Set 3,000 years in the future, humans are now inhabiting a planet outside of the original solar system. Earth is considered a myth. But when a retrieval crew is tasked with finding a lost ship, it's quickly revealed that Earth is, in fact, real - and it's still inhabited.
The main cast of characters becomes stranded on Earth as well and must place their trust in the hands of a distant human species. It's a risky decision, but is it one that pays off???
When Eden Falls is a perfect sci-fi novel for sci-fi lovers and sci-fi newcomers alike. Wilson writes in an easy to read style that is less daunting than some other more intense sci-fi books, making it more accessible to the casual reader. But, by no means does this categorize the writing as bland! The description in When Eden Falls appeals to all the senses. I was entranced by Wilson's vivd world building and read nearly 70% of the book in one sitting - which is rare for me! It was easy to imagine all of the sights, sounds, feelings, smells, and even tastes throughout the duration of the book.
Another highlight was the fast pacing. The concise style of writing added to the feeling of adrenaline and anxiety that you get as the characters experience this new world before them. Regardless of some time skipping on some chapters, nothing felt rushed. If anything, the only rush would come from the desire to know what happens next, as When Eden Falls leaves off on a wide open cliffhanger.
Though I truly enjoyed this book, there was one aspect of it that fell flat for me, and that was the romantic plot. I didn't really feel drawn to either romantic interest as I felt both of them were somewhat superficial and didn't have much depth - and when they did, it read as arrogance. I think overall, the romance was a bit stiff and out of place at times. I think When Eden Falls could've been COMPLETELY devoid of any romantic plot and it would've been better for me (and that comes from a self-proclaimed romantasy fan).
Regardless, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a copy when it comes out. You won't regret it.
Set 3,000 years in the future, humans are now inhabiting a planet outside of the original solar system. Earth is considered a myth. But when a retrieval crew is tasked with finding a lost ship, it's quickly revealed that Earth is, in fact, real - and it's still inhabited.
The main cast of characters becomes stranded on Earth as well and must place their trust in the hands of a distant human species. It's a risky decision, but is it one that pays off???
When Eden Falls is a perfect sci-fi novel for sci-fi lovers and sci-fi newcomers alike. Wilson writes in an easy to read style that is less daunting than some other more intense sci-fi books, making it more accessible to the casual reader. But, by no means does this categorize the writing as bland! The description in When Eden Falls appeals to all the senses. I was entranced by Wilson's vivd world building and read nearly 70% of the book in one sitting - which is rare for me! It was easy to imagine all of the sights, sounds, feelings, smells, and even tastes throughout the duration of the book.
Another highlight was the fast pacing. The concise style of writing added to the feeling of adrenaline and anxiety that you get as the characters experience this new world before them. Regardless of some time skipping on some chapters, nothing felt rushed. If anything, the only rush would come from the desire to know what happens next, as When Eden Falls leaves off on a wide open cliffhanger.
Though I truly enjoyed this book, there was one aspect of it that fell flat for me, and that was the romantic plot. I didn't really feel drawn to either romantic interest as I felt both of them were somewhat superficial and didn't have much depth - and when they did, it read as arrogance. I think overall, the romance was a bit stiff and out of place at times. I think When Eden Falls could've been COMPLETELY devoid of any romantic plot and it would've been better for me (and that comes from a self-proclaimed romantasy fan).
Regardless, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a copy when it comes out. You won't regret it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail