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Greatfall #1-3
Greatfall
Greatfall: The Complete Silo Novel is a dark new story set in the world of Wool, Hugh Howey's post-apocalyptic vision of humanity and its struggle to survive. (This is the collected, complete story, including the individually-published Parts 1-3.) <br>What happens when a silo goes dark? Maya has been sent to Silo 23 to investigate. Disconnected from the grid, the silo appears to be dead, rotted from the inside. But what Maya finds is a silo that is anything but deceased. <br>Shut off from the outside world and other silos, Silo 23 has evolved into something unexpected, and something more horrifying than Maya could have anticipated.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2013
37 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Jason Gurley
38 books431 followersJason Gurley is the author of Awake in the World (Roaring Brook, 2019) and Eleanor (Crown, 2016), and co-author of The Edge of Sleep (St. Martin's, 2023). His short fiction appears in the anthologies Loosed Upon the World (Saga, 2015) and Help Fund My Robot Army!!! (2014). He lives and writes in Scappoose, Oregon. More at www.jasongurley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 8, 2018
Absolutely, 100% INCREDIBLE!!! Wow!!! Wow, wow, wow!
Ever since reading Hugh Howey's Wool Omnibus several years ago, I have been hungry for more stories about those silos, yearning to know more about the people who live in them. Never have I been so consumed by a fictitious world as I was by the world of the Silos, and a part of me resides there still. Always wondering, wondering, wondering. Wanting more, more, more.
Jason Gurley is an astounding writer, and his voice, at least in this book, is surprisingly similar to Hugh Howey's. From the very first page, I was transported back into the "Wooliverse", plunged into the dark and ghastly world of Silo 23. I couldn't read it quickly enough, hated to put it down, wished real life didn't beckon me back to the surface, until I could finish this book. Fans of the Wool trilogy absolutely must read this installation. You will not be disappointed.
Ever since reading Hugh Howey's Wool Omnibus several years ago, I have been hungry for more stories about those silos, yearning to know more about the people who live in them. Never have I been so consumed by a fictitious world as I was by the world of the Silos, and a part of me resides there still. Always wondering, wondering, wondering. Wanting more, more, more.
Jason Gurley is an astounding writer, and his voice, at least in this book, is surprisingly similar to Hugh Howey's. From the very first page, I was transported back into the "Wooliverse", plunged into the dark and ghastly world of Silo 23. I couldn't read it quickly enough, hated to put it down, wished real life didn't beckon me back to the surface, until I could finish this book. Fans of the Wool trilogy absolutely must read this installation. You will not be disappointed.
August 13, 2016
Author Jason Gurley (also known to many in the indie publishing world for his wonderful cover art) delves into the world of Hugh Howey's Wool for his own addition to the Silo Saga - Greatfall.
This is only the second piece of Wool fan fiction I've read (the first being Patrice Fitzgerald's excellent Karma Of The Silo)and I am simply bowled over by the quality of the work being produced in this series.
Silo 23 has gone "offline", seperated from the control of Silo 1 for many years and is now ruled by a mysterious religious leader, the cafeteria replaced with a courtroom, and the wallscreen hidden away where no-one can see. Young children are ritually sacrificed in the name of The One True in a dastardly effort to control the population, but things are about to change when one of these children, Isaac is chosen to be the new leader.
Maya, a worker from Silo one sent to investigate, stumbles on the truth of the silo's existence and discovers even greater horrors as she is drawn into the bizarre events unfolding.
It's a much different take on Hugh Howey's Wool, with the silo running independently and secretly controlled by the malevolent Matthew. He's a truly chilling character, a power-hungry sociopath, seemingly unstoppable, and also keeping a deadly secret. The themes of control and manipulation are still there but this time there are different puppetmasters, even worse than those in Silo 1.
Although there were hints of religion in Wool, it never existed in such an extreme form and was more of an underlying theme and the author uses its influence to create a fascinating study of how easily people can be terrified into submission by dubious religious practices and violent threats.
Quite frankly, I enjoyed Greatfall almost as much as I did Wool. It's a thrilling read from start to finish, expertly paced and shows a huge understanding of the world it has been set in. There are some brilliant plot twists and some positively fiendish reveals throughout, and despite the terrible actions of those in power, shows that the downtrodden population should never be underestimated.
This is only the second piece of Wool fan fiction I've read (the first being Patrice Fitzgerald's excellent Karma Of The Silo)and I am simply bowled over by the quality of the work being produced in this series.
Silo 23 has gone "offline", seperated from the control of Silo 1 for many years and is now ruled by a mysterious religious leader, the cafeteria replaced with a courtroom, and the wallscreen hidden away where no-one can see. Young children are ritually sacrificed in the name of The One True in a dastardly effort to control the population, but things are about to change when one of these children, Isaac is chosen to be the new leader.
Maya, a worker from Silo one sent to investigate, stumbles on the truth of the silo's existence and discovers even greater horrors as she is drawn into the bizarre events unfolding.
It's a much different take on Hugh Howey's Wool, with the silo running independently and secretly controlled by the malevolent Matthew. He's a truly chilling character, a power-hungry sociopath, seemingly unstoppable, and also keeping a deadly secret. The themes of control and manipulation are still there but this time there are different puppetmasters, even worse than those in Silo 1.
Although there were hints of religion in Wool, it never existed in such an extreme form and was more of an underlying theme and the author uses its influence to create a fascinating study of how easily people can be terrified into submission by dubious religious practices and violent threats.
Quite frankly, I enjoyed Greatfall almost as much as I did Wool. It's a thrilling read from start to finish, expertly paced and shows a huge understanding of the world it has been set in. There are some brilliant plot twists and some positively fiendish reveals throughout, and despite the terrible actions of those in power, shows that the downtrodden population should never be underestimated.
August 31, 2016
Five stars for readability, pacing, structure, and the fact that I could not put it down.
Three stars for some minor inconsistencies and the huge bundle of questions I was left with at the end.
What a dark, fascinating ride!
I found this to be a fine stand-alone novel. I have not read and am not familiar with the related stories, and yet I could not stop reading once I started. Admittedly, I did not make an emotional connection with any of the characters; they didn't appear to be particularly deep. But, I was fine with that in relation to the violence. This book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
There were a few choice moments where I felt like I was reading a Stephen King novel. Overall: well done.
Three stars for some minor inconsistencies and the huge bundle of questions I was left with at the end.
What a dark, fascinating ride!
I found this to be a fine stand-alone novel. I have not read and am not familiar with the related stories, and yet I could not stop reading once I started. Admittedly, I did not make an emotional connection with any of the characters; they didn't appear to be particularly deep. But, I was fine with that in relation to the violence. This book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
There were a few choice moments where I felt like I was reading a Stephen King novel. Overall: well done.
June 11, 2016
Good lazy day read.
I liked the original silo stories but this is the first one that I have ventured into written by other authors, in this case Jason Hurley. I am impressed and find this work as nicely crafted as the originals. I will continue exploring. Thank you Jason.
I liked the original silo stories but this is the first one that I have ventured into written by other authors, in this case Jason Hurley. I am impressed and find this work as nicely crafted as the originals. I will continue exploring. Thank you Jason.
May 21, 2018
I loved this book. It felt great to dive back into the Silo world, and Jason Gurley's addition to this world was just as good as Howey's himself. I loved the characters, and loved the different perspective on the Silo story. I also automatically think a book is great if it can make me cry.
This book will always be a little extra special to me, because I actually contacted the author one day when I was having a real low in my life and I ended up reading this book (the last remaining book of his I hadn't read at the time). Safe to say Jason Gurley is a wonderful person as well as being a wonderful author, and this book was worth waiting for.
This book will always be a little extra special to me, because I actually contacted the author one day when I was having a real low in my life and I ended up reading this book (the last remaining book of his I hadn't read at the time). Safe to say Jason Gurley is a wonderful person as well as being a wonderful author, and this book was worth waiting for.
September 17, 2021
cookiereads Greatfall by Jason Gurley 👩🚀
From the world of #hughhoweywool comes a story about silo 23, Maya is tasked with investigating silo 23. Silo 23 has gone dark. When Maya arrives at silo 23, she finds things have gone horribly horribly wrong 👩🚀
Furiends if you enjoyed Hugh Howey’s Wool series then you must read this book. This is a fast read that is difficult to put down sometimes. Excellent book!! 👩🚀
3.5 paws out of four paws #hughhowey #jasongurleyauthor #bookstagrammer #dogsreadingbooks #corgiofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
From the world of #hughhoweywool comes a story about silo 23, Maya is tasked with investigating silo 23. Silo 23 has gone dark. When Maya arrives at silo 23, she finds things have gone horribly horribly wrong 👩🚀
Furiends if you enjoyed Hugh Howey’s Wool series then you must read this book. This is a fast read that is difficult to put down sometimes. Excellent book!! 👩🚀
3.5 paws out of four paws #hughhowey #jasongurleyauthor #bookstagrammer #dogsreadingbooks #corgiofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
June 11, 2017
This is a unique story in the Silo universe. This is a silo which went rogue and setup a unique mythology. There are some occasional geography issues and some of the infrastructure has been changed. The story is good and the characters are solid.
May 10, 2018
Very good Silo Saga
Very good Silo Saga, a bit brutal but very enjoyable. Be sure to read "Book of Matthew" afterwards.
The author has very good writing skills and the story flies by!
Very good Silo Saga, a bit brutal but very enjoyable. Be sure to read "Book of Matthew" afterwards.
The author has very good writing skills and the story flies by!
May 9, 2018
Silo
Great story and very well written. Jason Gurley did a fine job of continuing Hugh Howey's Silo series. A different premise but wonderfully creepy and creative.
Great story and very well written. Jason Gurley did a fine job of continuing Hugh Howey's Silo series. A different premise but wonderfully creepy and creative.
January 6, 2021
I have just discovered the world of Wool fan fiction and I am loving it!
May 1, 2014
Because I missed the world of silos, and had been recently reminded of it while looking for it in the world of Sand, I dug through my to read pile until I found a fan fiction, if that's the right category, recommended by Howey. Greatfall, by Jason Gurley, is set in a silo not visited in Wool or it's sequels, and I was interested to see how the world was maintained by other authors. Until I saw Howey's recommendation I did not realize that other authors were venturing through his universe. I think it's quite interesting that Howey is so willing to open his world to others; it's not something I've seen often.
Greatfall takes place in silo twenty three, which has been dark for several hundred years. Silo 1 sends out a scout to determine what has happened to the silo, though why they waited so long is never explained. While they have been cut off, the leaders of silo twenty three have created a religious cult in order to maintain control. A “Great Father” communicates directly with supreme being, and has unquestioned authority. Except of course when his assistant intervenes. Instead of cleaning, the method of population control used in the other silos, Silo Twenty Three sends it's children to "Greatfall," a one way trip down central shaft, after making their coming of age pilgrimage from the bottom of the silo to the very top.
Greatfall starts with Issac’s pilgrimage to the top of the silo to signify his coming of age and his assignment into the workforce. As Issac rests on his journey the Wise Father is brought into the picture, providing a unique perspective of the man in power. Afterwards, the reader is introduced to Maya, who is journeying outside of the silos, from Silo 1. Greatfall engages the reader immediately, and forces investment into the characters. It doesn’t hurt that Issac, the Wise Father, and Maya are interesting characters, and Gurley finds a way to invest the reader in their stories from the beginning.
Gurley sets up a religious cult, complete with psychotic breaks and brainwashing. He brings Issac, the Wise Father, and Maya through interesting arcs, and handles the fallout from their storylines well. Not all of them end the story sane. There are certain aspects of the book which he could have explored more, however. Some of the characters, one in particular that becomes very important to the story, come out of nowhere to save the day, leaving a taste of Deus Ex Machina in the reader's mouth. Gurley also struggles a bit with using the passive voice, and the viewpoints aren't always consistent. Overall the writing is good, if not exceptional, and the story interesting. I plan on reading more books by Gurley as well as other works in the Silo universe.
Greatfall takes place in silo twenty three, which has been dark for several hundred years. Silo 1 sends out a scout to determine what has happened to the silo, though why they waited so long is never explained. While they have been cut off, the leaders of silo twenty three have created a religious cult in order to maintain control. A “Great Father” communicates directly with supreme being, and has unquestioned authority. Except of course when his assistant intervenes. Instead of cleaning, the method of population control used in the other silos, Silo Twenty Three sends it's children to "Greatfall," a one way trip down central shaft, after making their coming of age pilgrimage from the bottom of the silo to the very top.
Greatfall starts with Issac’s pilgrimage to the top of the silo to signify his coming of age and his assignment into the workforce. As Issac rests on his journey the Wise Father is brought into the picture, providing a unique perspective of the man in power. Afterwards, the reader is introduced to Maya, who is journeying outside of the silos, from Silo 1. Greatfall engages the reader immediately, and forces investment into the characters. It doesn’t hurt that Issac, the Wise Father, and Maya are interesting characters, and Gurley finds a way to invest the reader in their stories from the beginning.
Gurley sets up a religious cult, complete with psychotic breaks and brainwashing. He brings Issac, the Wise Father, and Maya through interesting arcs, and handles the fallout from their storylines well. Not all of them end the story sane. There are certain aspects of the book which he could have explored more, however. Some of the characters, one in particular that becomes very important to the story, come out of nowhere to save the day, leaving a taste of Deus Ex Machina in the reader's mouth. Gurley also struggles a bit with using the passive voice, and the viewpoints aren't always consistent. Overall the writing is good, if not exceptional, and the story interesting. I plan on reading more books by Gurley as well as other works in the Silo universe.
July 23, 2013
I enjoyed seeing the ultra-religious state (3 stars), but I have some issues with the story itself (1 star). I guess the average is about a 2 star.
My main issue is the prominent use of elevators. The ending of the story hinges on the use of elevators! Odd, since elevators don't exist in the Wool-verse for very specific reasons.
Deus ex machina.
Also found myself getting really fucking annoyed at the passive writing. There are a lot of "had said's" in here. Some of it was during a flashback, some of it was just bad tensing.
Why, "The Wise Father loved them, he had confessed"? Why not something like, "The Wise Father confessed to loving beds"???
My main issue is the prominent use of elevators. The ending of the story hinges on the use of elevators! Odd, since elevators don't exist in the Wool-verse for very specific reasons.
Deus ex machina.
Also found myself getting really fucking annoyed at the passive writing. There are a lot of "had said's" in here. Some of it was during a flashback, some of it was just bad tensing.
"He had awoken from his sickness in strange new quarters, in a bed that stood high off of the floor and was layered thick with soft blankets. The bed had four tall posts, and a gauzy canopy, and a curtain that could be pulled around it for privacy. Isaac had never seen such a bed before, and he instantly fell in love with it. The Wise Father had rapped on the door a few minutes later, and entered alone. "Good morning," the old man had said. "You're looking well, Isaac." They had talked about beds. The Wise Father loved them, he had confessed."
Why, "The Wise Father loved them, he had confessed"? Why not something like, "The Wise Father confessed to loving beds"???
"The Wise Father had shaken his head then, as if to clear a daydream. "But you, my boy -- when your ascendancy becomes formal, you'll be free to change everything I've created for myself. You'll be the Wise Father." "So I can do anything I want?" Isaac had asked. The Wise Father had laughed. "Well, not exactly," he'd said."
December 23, 2013
What an impact!
This was an incredible read and anyone that hasn’t read any fan-fiction from the Woolverse (created by Hugh Howey) is doing themselves a disservice by not reading this as it explores the role of religion to keep to keep its inhabitants in check. For the record, I’m late to the party in reading the fan fiction that Mr. Howey has created but better late than never!
That said, Greatfall explores the role of religion to keep the people of their silo in order. By religion, I’m talking about the form of god fearing evangelism and it does it brilliantly. Unlike the other silos that use a “mayor” and “sheriff” to keep its inhabitants in check, the idea to use two deities as good and evil is what’s used for Silo 23.The explanation to get the people to believe in an omnipotent being that can be malevolent at times is credible.
The writing and characterizations were solid. Based off the predicament and circumstances of Greatfall, you can’t help but grow attached to the protagonists and want them to achieve their goals given the plot. But that antagonist!
The antagonist, Matthew, was, to put it bluntly, a big dick. There are plenty of characters that we’ve read in novels and know that are “bad”. “Ok, character X is bad. Got it,” and from there, you may just go with the flow without a reaction to his/her actions. It takes great skill to create a character that the reader can love to hate and I think Mr. Gurley nailed it with Matthew. I can recall on several occasions where I’ve read something he’s done to another character and I’ll think, “Matthew is such an ass. I hope he gets a good offing in the end.” In fact, he pissed me off so much that I had to call him a dick on Facebook. Of course, what happens to him in the end, is for you, the reader, to find out.
This was an incredible read and anyone that hasn’t read any fan-fiction from the Woolverse (created by Hugh Howey) is doing themselves a disservice by not reading this as it explores the role of religion to keep to keep its inhabitants in check. For the record, I’m late to the party in reading the fan fiction that Mr. Howey has created but better late than never!
That said, Greatfall explores the role of religion to keep the people of their silo in order. By religion, I’m talking about the form of god fearing evangelism and it does it brilliantly. Unlike the other silos that use a “mayor” and “sheriff” to keep its inhabitants in check, the idea to use two deities as good and evil is what’s used for Silo 23.The explanation to get the people to believe in an omnipotent being that can be malevolent at times is credible.
The writing and characterizations were solid. Based off the predicament and circumstances of Greatfall, you can’t help but grow attached to the protagonists and want them to achieve their goals given the plot. But that antagonist!
The antagonist, Matthew, was, to put it bluntly, a big dick. There are plenty of characters that we’ve read in novels and know that are “bad”. “Ok, character X is bad. Got it,” and from there, you may just go with the flow without a reaction to his/her actions. It takes great skill to create a character that the reader can love to hate and I think Mr. Gurley nailed it with Matthew. I can recall on several occasions where I’ve read something he’s done to another character and I’ll think, “Matthew is such an ass. I hope he gets a good offing in the end.” In fact, he pissed me off so much that I had to call him a dick on Facebook. Of course, what happens to him in the end, is for you, the reader, to find out.
June 24, 2014
I'm a great fan of Hugh Howey's SILO world and was excited to read a Jason Gurley's idea for another silo that Howey hadn't written about. GREATFALL kept me reading as often as possible to find out what might happen next.
The idea of a "world" run by a single religion was daunting to me. I couldn't believe that everyone would buy into the concept of having their young children's chance for a life being driven by the judgment given to them based on a single journey up the entire silo, "The Path." Of course the people that have always lived in this kind of a world would have no reason not to believe what they have always been taught to believe.
I was especially amazed that the decisions were normally limited to 3 choices: "worthy" (assigned to apprentice in one of the silo jobs), "unworthy" (assigned to a year in the mines where survival was questionable, only to have to complete "The Path" to judgment again), or "Greatfall" (forced to leap from the top of the silo down to the bottom with certain death awaiting them).
Life seems to progress normally for the residents of this particular silo until one day when a child named Isaac is given the 4th decision: "Ascension." He is to become the new "Wise Father." At the same time an "Outsider" arrives and threatens to disrupt life in the peaceful silo. The events that follow have a great deal to do with the future of the silo and its people.
While I didn't think that Gurley's writing quite matched up to Howey's original novels, Gurley did an admirable job of continuing the stories now being written by others with Howey's blessings. I highly recommend that you first read all of Hugh Howey's SILO novels and then take a look at Jason Gurley's addition to the Silo World.
The idea of a "world" run by a single religion was daunting to me. I couldn't believe that everyone would buy into the concept of having their young children's chance for a life being driven by the judgment given to them based on a single journey up the entire silo, "The Path." Of course the people that have always lived in this kind of a world would have no reason not to believe what they have always been taught to believe.
I was especially amazed that the decisions were normally limited to 3 choices: "worthy" (assigned to apprentice in one of the silo jobs), "unworthy" (assigned to a year in the mines where survival was questionable, only to have to complete "The Path" to judgment again), or "Greatfall" (forced to leap from the top of the silo down to the bottom with certain death awaiting them).
Life seems to progress normally for the residents of this particular silo until one day when a child named Isaac is given the 4th decision: "Ascension." He is to become the new "Wise Father." At the same time an "Outsider" arrives and threatens to disrupt life in the peaceful silo. The events that follow have a great deal to do with the future of the silo and its people.
While I didn't think that Gurley's writing quite matched up to Howey's original novels, Gurley did an admirable job of continuing the stories now being written by others with Howey's blessings. I highly recommend that you first read all of Hugh Howey's SILO novels and then take a look at Jason Gurley's addition to the Silo World.
August 8, 2013
I love and hate Jason :-)
Love, because Jason was kind enough to send me a copy of the book when I told him that you can't buy it from Germany, and hate, because he cost me a full nights sleep because I could not put the book down before reading every last word of it.
As others wrote before me, Greatfall takes a somewhat different look at the politics inside a silo, which is a refreshing change after reading the originals and the Maya series. On the other hand, I would have loved if this story somehow worked without including so many elevators. There must have been a reason why Senator Thurman designed only Silo 1 with one.
Also, the worldbuilding in the last third was very much of the "telling" kind and less of the "showing" but Jason manages to integrate this well into the story structure. All in all, a very good story to spend a few hours of your life with.
Love, because Jason was kind enough to send me a copy of the book when I told him that you can't buy it from Germany, and hate, because he cost me a full nights sleep because I could not put the book down before reading every last word of it.
As others wrote before me, Greatfall takes a somewhat different look at the politics inside a silo, which is a refreshing change after reading the originals and the Maya series. On the other hand, I would have loved if this story somehow worked without including so many elevators. There must have been a reason why Senator Thurman designed only Silo 1 with one.
Also, the worldbuilding in the last third was very much of the "telling" kind and less of the "showing" but Jason manages to integrate this well into the story structure. All in all, a very good story to spend a few hours of your life with.
September 17, 2013
Fantastic piece of fan fiction for the Silo world series by Hugh Howey!!
Jason Gurley takes the Silo world as Hugh Howey built it and delivers a completely original and utterly engaging new twist to it. He doesn't just take the existing story lines from Hugh Howey and expand on them. He truly wrote an entirely original story, simply set in the same world as the Silo series.
If you loved the Silo series, you should definitely add this to the shelves. Maybe take a break and read something else in between though, just to keep the two story lines distinct. It's everything and nothing like Silo all wrapped up into one. You won't believe what's happening in Silo #23!!!
Well worth the Amazon money and time!!
Jason Gurley takes the Silo world as Hugh Howey built it and delivers a completely original and utterly engaging new twist to it. He doesn't just take the existing story lines from Hugh Howey and expand on them. He truly wrote an entirely original story, simply set in the same world as the Silo series.
If you loved the Silo series, you should definitely add this to the shelves. Maybe take a break and read something else in between though, just to keep the two story lines distinct. It's everything and nothing like Silo all wrapped up into one. You won't believe what's happening in Silo #23!!!
Well worth the Amazon money and time!!
July 23, 2014
I read this after finishing a really good book and I couldn't figure what to read next. I loved the Wool series and sometimes there is comfort in going back to a world that you know you like. This book did not disappoint. This is what I believe is considered fan fiction. It is written by a different author but the setting is inspired by a series, in this case the "wool" series by Hugh Howey. I was immediately taken back to the world of the silo, but in this case, a silo that had gone black from the control silo so that no one knew what was going on inside. I was worried I wouldn't like the religious overtones, but yi was ok, because it was a new religion created by those rulers of the silo. There was a lot of mystery and horror. It was an interesting take on the way humanity goes when put under such strange circumstances over generations. I loved it!
May 23, 2014
Entertaining novel set in in Hugh Howey's Wool universe. I didn't buy certain aspects of the plot, particularly the rapid pace of developments towards the closing pages, but I welcomed the return to the silos nonetheless. Jason Gurley has done a fine job of tying in with the Wool & Shift canon, and transporting the reader back to that universe, so much so, that I will be checking out other fan-fiction set in the Howey's world in the foreseeable future ... although I'll most likely skip the romances and erotica listed in Kindle Worlds: Silo Saga store :)
September 10, 2014
My personal prejudice comes in here - I struggle with books written in the present tense, so it probably lost at least half a star because of that. I know others don't mind that, tho'.
There was also a fairly major story element, necessary to the plot, that is not part of the silo architecture as described by Hugh Howey. But, as it was integral to this story and the story wouldn't have worked without it, I gave the author some leeway for artistic licence.
The setting of the story is very interesting - an over-arching religious cult which has overtaken Silo 23 - and it kept me reading to the end (no dull bits), so "I liked it" (3*) but there was something missing - maybe depth of characterisation? - which stops it being "I really liked it" and 4*. Sorry Jason.
There was also a fairly major story element, necessary to the plot, that is not part of the silo architecture as described by Hugh Howey. But, as it was integral to this story and the story wouldn't have worked without it, I gave the author some leeway for artistic licence.
The setting of the story is very interesting - an over-arching religious cult which has overtaken Silo 23 - and it kept me reading to the end (no dull bits), so "I liked it" (3*) but there was something missing - maybe depth of characterisation? - which stops it being "I really liked it" and 4*. Sorry Jason.
June 11, 2015
This is a novel set in Hugh Howey's world of Wool. Just to set the scene, I loved the Wool series. Devoured it and searched the universe for other stories set in the world of Wool. Well I found a utterly fantastic read in Jason Gurley's Greatfall.
I was blown away by this novel. Although it is set in the world of Wool, this story stands on its own two feet. This story is a gripping page turner full of mystery, suspense and even some action. I could not put this story down.
If you liked the series Wool then you will love Greatfall. Greatfall delves into the seedy and dark side of silo life when it is transformed into something quite unexpected.
I cannnot reccomend this novel more highly. If you have not read this novel yet, go forth and read!
I was blown away by this novel. Although it is set in the world of Wool, this story stands on its own two feet. This story is a gripping page turner full of mystery, suspense and even some action. I could not put this story down.
If you liked the series Wool then you will love Greatfall. Greatfall delves into the seedy and dark side of silo life when it is transformed into something quite unexpected.
I cannnot reccomend this novel more highly. If you have not read this novel yet, go forth and read!
February 17, 2015
Greatfall is set in Hugh Howey's world of Wool. I don't read fanfiction so I was a little hesitant to pick this up, but Gurley DELIVERED. His story takes Silo 23 and perverts Howey's world into a disconnected deranged dungeon filled with religious fervor and a serious stockpile of crazy. This was a thrill ride from start to finish: not many books are brave enough to open with the sacrificial murder of a thirteen year old girl, but Gurley does it in such a way that you have to know what happens to these people. Would definitely recommend to fans of Wool.
December 5, 2014
Loved the book up until the very end. Mr Gurley is a great writer. He develops interesting characters and he tells an excellent story but unfortunately the ending was unsatisfactory for me. The way the final climatic battle was resolved was too fast and I felt the protagonist's resolution of the conflict was too simple. With that being I still recommend this book and any other works that he has written.
December 2, 2014
While I really enjoyed the original series by Hugh Howey, and I'm interested in additional stories to continue reading on the Silo saga, this one ended up being pretty predictable. The beginning is so very brutal and vicious that it doesn't leave much room for anything else. While the details of the ending aren't immediately clear, there are only a couple options available so the reader just spends time waiting to see which the author will choose.
June 10, 2013
I read the three parts of this novel separately in the last months.
What amazed me most was the ability of the author to use the Wool's universe, created by Hugh Howey, to narrate his own story, allow me to say, maybe a bit overenthusiastically, even better than the original.
I'll surely read more from this author in the near future.
What amazed me most was the ability of the author to use the Wool's universe, created by Hugh Howey, to narrate his own story, allow me to say, maybe a bit overenthusiastically, even better than the original.
I'll surely read more from this author in the near future.
July 31, 2013
I really liked reading thru this book up until the very end - which was a bit disappointing. What I mean is that when you read thru the book, the author presents many fresh and innovative ideas to the WOOL world but when it comes to finish it all, the most ordinary ending is presented to the reader.
Overall, if you are a fan of WOOL franchise, Greatfall is a must for you.
Overall, if you are a fan of WOOL franchise, Greatfall is a must for you.
February 24, 2014
Jason did a great job of keeping the spirit of Hugh Howey's Silo World, but also creating something completely unique. The book was a little gory for my taste, so just a heads up for you folks with weak tummies. However, the story was so compelling it wasn't hard to move past the blood. I had a hard time putting this one down until it was finished.
April 23, 2014
Loving the Wool series by Hugh Howey, this book was more of the great Wool universe. Even though the author used a world created by someone else, his take on the events in his story were completely unique and conceptually mind-blowing. The story stayed with me for a long time; equal parts horror and fascination and just plain good storytelling.
June 3, 2014
If I could, I would give this 4.5 stars.
While I enjoyed the peek into another silo - and the idea of how its "harmony" could be corrupted by madness, I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
Plus my suspension of belief was failing me at times - just how big is this place and where exactly does the milk come from and how could they make more concrete and chemicals?
Oh - and what's in the mines?
While I enjoyed the peek into another silo - and the idea of how its "harmony" could be corrupted by madness, I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
Plus my suspension of belief was failing me at times - just how big is this place and where exactly does the milk come from and how could they make more concrete and chemicals?
Oh - and what's in the mines?
June 24, 2013
enjoyed the writing and most of the story. Didn't care for the cursing, taking the Lord's name in vain. There were a couple of ends that should have been wrapped up. I felt hollow and sad at the conclusion.
July 18, 2013
I have been enjoying the Silo Series by Hugh Howey and didn't know what to expect from this offshoot. I was very pleasantly surprised. He sets his novel in a silo not addressed by Howey and creates a world that kept my attention throughout.
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