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Falling Through
On the day Derek reveals to his best friend, Tracy, how he can move objects with his mind, the demonstration goes awry and almost kills her. Now they're being hunted by a monster he accidentally created.
Spurred by the mysterious monster, a series of worsening superpower-related accidents lead Derek to lose control of his powers to send him and his friends on a journey throughout time. Along the way, they start to unravel the source of their devastating powers and add new members to their band of misfits. Together they must overcome their past mistakes in order to survive and claw their way back home, if they still have a home to return to.
Spurred by the mysterious monster, a series of worsening superpower-related accidents lead Derek to lose control of his powers to send him and his friends on a journey throughout time. Along the way, they start to unravel the source of their devastating powers and add new members to their band of misfits. Together they must overcome their past mistakes in order to survive and claw their way back home, if they still have a home to return to.
- GenresFantasy
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 28, 2022
I was sent an advance copy of this book by the author for review purposes
Falling Through is the exciting, electrifying debut from Ben Pick.
Following the trials and tribulations, we follow Derek Fen as he grapples both with the end of his high school career and with the fact that he has inherited mysterious magical powers and his journey of discovery of his abilities. Brought along for the ride throughout time and space, Derek’s friends Tracy, Rachel and Nicole who all discover their own magical abilities that combine for a climactic battle against the monster that’s been stalking Derek all along.
I was impressed with Ben’s precise prose which opened the window to this thoughtful and engaging story. Ben’s descriptions are lusciously realised, and the world opens up for a cinematic and engaging adventure. There’s so much potential in this book I’m eager already to see where he takes the series next! There are glimpses at even bigger happenings and the journey Derek goes on in Falling Through is just the beginning.
Ben has clearly given his approach to magic a lot of planning and thought into how the system works and this shows – characters don’t simply pull rabbits out of hats; instead, their magical forces must be trained, honed and harnessed from their inner physical and emotional self, and the use of magic isn’t without physical consequences on the bearer. This foresight on Ben’s part when crafting this magic system is a credit to his writing he should be very proud of. Ben also doesn’t condescend to the reader in how he shows his magic system in action – there’s no needless obfuscating the magical acts and they’re described as they should be, directly, which I felt was a refreshing take.
The characterisation was strong for our protagonists Derek and Tracy; some of the lesser characters felt less well-developed, but the story doesn’t suffer for it as you’re too engaged in the world and how the story unfolds. There’s plenty of morally-grey characters whose motivations you question throughout but this leads to memorable characters you won’t soon forget. The characters we do meet and do spend the most time with we’re left feeling we have gotten to know them, even if we may not like their motivations or question their allegiances; having characters that stick out in the mind is a clear success.
With this book, Ben Pick deftly channels the best qualities of Michael Crichton – in particular, Timeline, which was a clear inspiration – engaging prose and original time travel mechanics that are blended seamlessly into the action into an engaging, thrilling and rewarding story. I’m excited to see what the characters get up to next. Ben Pick is an author to watch, and watch closely as, by his debut, he’s capable of great things!
Falling Through is the exciting, electrifying debut from Ben Pick.
Following the trials and tribulations, we follow Derek Fen as he grapples both with the end of his high school career and with the fact that he has inherited mysterious magical powers and his journey of discovery of his abilities. Brought along for the ride throughout time and space, Derek’s friends Tracy, Rachel and Nicole who all discover their own magical abilities that combine for a climactic battle against the monster that’s been stalking Derek all along.
I was impressed with Ben’s precise prose which opened the window to this thoughtful and engaging story. Ben’s descriptions are lusciously realised, and the world opens up for a cinematic and engaging adventure. There’s so much potential in this book I’m eager already to see where he takes the series next! There are glimpses at even bigger happenings and the journey Derek goes on in Falling Through is just the beginning.
Ben has clearly given his approach to magic a lot of planning and thought into how the system works and this shows – characters don’t simply pull rabbits out of hats; instead, their magical forces must be trained, honed and harnessed from their inner physical and emotional self, and the use of magic isn’t without physical consequences on the bearer. This foresight on Ben’s part when crafting this magic system is a credit to his writing he should be very proud of. Ben also doesn’t condescend to the reader in how he shows his magic system in action – there’s no needless obfuscating the magical acts and they’re described as they should be, directly, which I felt was a refreshing take.
The characterisation was strong for our protagonists Derek and Tracy; some of the lesser characters felt less well-developed, but the story doesn’t suffer for it as you’re too engaged in the world and how the story unfolds. There’s plenty of morally-grey characters whose motivations you question throughout but this leads to memorable characters you won’t soon forget. The characters we do meet and do spend the most time with we’re left feeling we have gotten to know them, even if we may not like their motivations or question their allegiances; having characters that stick out in the mind is a clear success.
With this book, Ben Pick deftly channels the best qualities of Michael Crichton – in particular, Timeline, which was a clear inspiration – engaging prose and original time travel mechanics that are blended seamlessly into the action into an engaging, thrilling and rewarding story. I’m excited to see what the characters get up to next. Ben Pick is an author to watch, and watch closely as, by his debut, he’s capable of great things!
August 6, 2022
What would you do if you suddenly had superpowers? Ben Pick’s novel, Falling Through, shows what one teenager, Derek, does when he finds out. He tells his friend, Tracy, who then pushes his magical limits in training. Soon, Derek learns how to share his powers only to have a Beast start tracking them. This leads to a wild magical ride through portals, which take Derek and his friends to the past, alternate timelines, and other Earths. If you like portal fantasies, superheroes, and characters who confront their personal demons, you’ll love this adventure story! I highly recommend picking up Falling Through today!
August 8, 2022
I love the premise of this book and I can't wait to follow through on Derek's continuing journey in the rest of the series. The writing really focuses on the surroundings the characters are in so that I feel like I'm right in the middle of the action. Also love that the characters themselves have real flaws and aren't "perfect" people.
All in all, a great debut novel!
All in all, a great debut novel!
August 9, 2022
Wow what a start to a great story. I was quickly caught up in the story and so needed to keep reading until I reach the end to see what was going to happen next.
August 30, 2022
Ben Pick sure has a way with words. His writing style lures you into this world of magic and time travel in a way that feels realistic and downright enjoyable. I can't wait for the next installment of this series, as it had me hooked from the first page. Pick is a writer worth watching out for, and this novel is for sure a worthy read.
August 11, 2022
Falling Through was a great, fun read about a teenager who discovers he has super powers. But not was all as it seems. Lots of twists and turns. This book is great for teens and young adults. No inappropriate content for young teens. I believe one 'f' word and a couple 's' words, but nothing worse than my 5th graders hear at school every day. Very enjoyable for adults as well! Can't wait for the next book!
August 12, 2022
This is a great debut by this author and an interesting story to start of this series. I found myself pulled in from the start and I can't wait to see what happens in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
April 11, 2023
Awesome read
Characters are great
Avid storyline
Looking forward to more in the future
Characters are great
Avid storyline
Looking forward to more in the future
March 20, 2024
Exciting Change of Plans for Future Employment!
This was a very good book! It is set for teenage years for the actors, but it is good for most ages of readers.
How amazing to show your friend that you are kind of telekinetic, and then things go wrong, strange, exciting, and extremely exhausting! As the story progresses, not only does Derek have powers, but he shares some with his great friend Tracy, and later find other people who also have powers that are different than Derek's. Then there is this great bear-like creature that grows when he uses his power.
Thank you, Ben Pick for a really good story that takes me out of real-life stories!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my hones review.
This was a very good book! It is set for teenage years for the actors, but it is good for most ages of readers.
How amazing to show your friend that you are kind of telekinetic, and then things go wrong, strange, exciting, and extremely exhausting! As the story progresses, not only does Derek have powers, but he shares some with his great friend Tracy, and later find other people who also have powers that are different than Derek's. Then there is this great bear-like creature that grows when he uses his power.
Thank you, Ben Pick for a really good story that takes me out of real-life stories!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my hones review.
August 31, 2022
Ben Pick's debut novel does a great job of captivating you from the very start and keeps you drawn in throughout the entirety of the book.
Pick does an outstanding job describing the surroundings Derek and his band of friends experiences in that it makes you feel like you're right there beside them protecting Maryland/DC from the ever-growing powerful beast or teleporting to another dimension/time through the void.
What else can I say; other than I cannot wait for the second installment of Falling Through!
Pick does an outstanding job describing the surroundings Derek and his band of friends experiences in that it makes you feel like you're right there beside them protecting Maryland/DC from the ever-growing powerful beast or teleporting to another dimension/time through the void.
What else can I say; other than I cannot wait for the second installment of Falling Through!
May 17, 2024
A teenage superhero, a monster born of magic, and portals to a changed past... What more could go wrong?
Not much, just an alternate dimension with another Derek, a servant with portal-jumping abilities, and sharing magical powers with friends. Oh, and the end of the world. And their guidance counselor who is going to help them harness this new ability for the sake of mankind, past and present.
If you enjoy sci-fi fantasy, super hero origin stories, and a fast pace story with twists, turns, and roller coaster flips, then you'll enjoy this book!
Not much, just an alternate dimension with another Derek, a servant with portal-jumping abilities, and sharing magical powers with friends. Oh, and the end of the world. And their guidance counselor who is going to help them harness this new ability for the sake of mankind, past and present.
If you enjoy sci-fi fantasy, super hero origin stories, and a fast pace story with twists, turns, and roller coaster flips, then you'll enjoy this book!
November 14, 2022
Ben Pick delivers action, great prose, and excellent characters. The world-building is strong and I felt very immersed in the world. The character development is on point - I love a story where a character evolves and changes over the course of their arc, and Ben Pick delivers. The ending was STRONG and left me wanting more. I'm ready for book two!
June 17, 2024
I struggled to connect with this story. A lot of time was spent in the start setting up the high school location, then they spent almost no time there whatsoever. And they don't spend much time worrying about missing school. I know they have other things going on, but I would still be thinking about school and what would happen when I did get back to it. I wanted to like it, but I just didn't enjoy it as much. The time travel or world travel was little confusing. I still don't know for sure if they went to the past or to an alternate universe. And the magic just appeared a little too easily.
August 12, 2025
Each scene moves the story forward. The cast of characters are all interesting and well-rounded. I like the Derek and Tracy team and the twist on the popular trope of "one special teen" discovering they have powers. The supporting characters along the way were well incorporated, and the action is well-paced and written. Good start to a series.
June 6, 2025
DNF 26%. Got this as a Goodreads giveaway, so I feel obligated to read and review. Not much happening in the plot and all the characters are mean to the main character even though they are “friends”. Hard to read people being negative and manipulative. The plot was a bit slow to advance.
October 25, 2022
Excellent debut novel by a promising new author, combining elements of fantasy and superhero tales. Looking forward to the rest of the series! YA novel appropriate for older children.
lost-interest
February 25, 2023DNF @ 20%
June 11, 2024
An engaging story of high school students who gain magical powers. The author does a great job of laying out the foundations of a new magic system while telling a story of self discovery.
November 4, 2024
So incredibly slow, and none of the characters were the least bit likable.
May 30, 2024
Author Ben Pick has created a unique story with a nice balance between real and fantasy worlds. His characters are real, his monsters unique and the crisis interesting.
His use of detail to give the reader a strong sense of the environment is great. I can see, hear, smell touch and taste the characters' surroundings.
Also, I enjoyed the main characters' struggles with their new-found superpowers. Not just how to control them, but should they even be used in the first place? I look forward to reading more of his work.
His use of detail to give the reader a strong sense of the environment is great. I can see, hear, smell touch and taste the characters' surroundings.
Also, I enjoyed the main characters' struggles with their new-found superpowers. Not just how to control them, but should they even be used in the first place? I look forward to reading more of his work.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews