Starfall

Starfall #1

by W.A. Fulkerson

The day an Ungifted witnesses his star fall from the heavens is a moment that shapes the rest of his life. Finding one’s star means choosing a gift, and having a gift means a better life- especially for Ducasus and Malleus. Born into slavery on a Flare’s plantation, the twin brothers spent their youth watching the sky, waiting, wishing, hoping for the day when their ticket to freedom might come. When it does, it is nothing like either of them ever expected.

Starfall is an exciting, adventure-filled journey inside a world filled with giants, monsters, and races not yet known. A new mythology begins now.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2013

About the author

Hey, everyone, it’s me, Wes (the “W” in “W.A.”). I know we authors are supposed to write these bios as if someone else was writing them, but I’m just not into the pretense, so here’s a little bit about me: I grew up in San Diego, California – I’m a fifth generation San Diegan, if you can believe it; my son is a sixth. I’ve always been a voracious reader, namely of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov, Michael Crichton, John Donne, Pablo Neruda, and so many others. I love Wrestling (I used to be head assistant wrestling coach at USC), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, traveling, and my wife. Coolest thing I’ve ever done? I ran with the bulls in Pamplona in 2012. Pretty wild experience.

I’ve been dreaming up ideas for books, songs, movies, etc. for as long as I can remember. My first big hit came at 8, when a poem I wrote was read and discussed on a radio program and not as a joke. I won an international creativity contest when I was 17 with a song I wrote – grand prize out of 150,000 entrants. They sent me to Hawaii. It was crazy. While studying at the University of Southern California, I decided I wanted to be a writer for a living, so as soon as I graduated, I started writing full time. Yes, I was super poor. No, no one really paid attention to me for a few years. I cranked out material and worked for a few film production companies. I had the honor of writing the award-winning film Save My Seoul with Jubilee Media, which was released in 2016, and today I have several film projects in the works (stay tuned, kids). I’ve written eleven books, including the Starfall trilogy and Writing With Purpose. In March of 2020, my first real, traditionally published book comes out. It’s called For Whom the Sun Sings, and I think everyone can relate to it and should absolutely read it.

That’s me. I have the compulsive need to write and create stories, and my mission in doing so is to illuminate truth and beauty in a way that makes you… well, I’ll let you be the judge of that. Much more to come.

-W.

Reviews

[Levi Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulkerson did a great job crafting this debut novel about teens who are ready to find their star, choose their gift, and enter a world full of ripe possibilities. The book is very engaging from the get-go, when we meet kind and carefree Ducasus and serious and ingenious Malleus. Twins youths and Ungifteds living in a world of slavery, the brothers (and the reader) are eager for STARFALL - the moment their stars fall from the heavens to the earth.

The suspense is killer - then it happens!

From that moment on, the story bursts into a wild adventure impossible to forget. Told from the distinct views of two very different individuals, we get to follow Ducasus and Malleus through the world of Pontus, where Flares run like blurs of light, Nebulae fight like bears, and Hawkeyes detect that which should be imperceptible. The story is set in a rich world of fantasy and makes use adventure, romance, and suspense to keep the pages whipping by with each new chapter upping the stakes.

And while we all love swordplay and supernatural skill, perhaps the greatest gift Fulkerson gives the reader is his ability to explore human qualities in his startlingly real characters. Like great fantasy epics, Starfall delivers that which we love and hate in ourselves. We get to see kindness and destruction, hope and revenge, freedom and slavery. Watch the line between GOOD and EVIL bend to a breaking point. You won't be disappointed.

[Viola Kate]

DNF

[Victoria (VivaciousFiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: W. A. Fulkerson sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. :)

This book was surprisingly fantastic! I'm going to break it down and talk about each part individually.

Cover - I really love the cover and the simplicity of it! There is a point in the book that you will understand the meaning behind it. I also love how the spine is on the book! In my opinion, it lessens the chances of breaking the spine (a pet peeve of most of the BookTube Community).

Plot - The plot at the beginning drew me in. I was captivated by the idea of finding your own personal star and obtaining some type of power. I was rooting for the main characters to leave the confines of slavery, and become free and independent with their new found powers. After a while, the plot slowed down for me. Interesting twists were happening, but it was capturing my attention quite like the beginning did. I feel there was too much sleeping and walking and not enough training (much of which I presume Ducasus would agree with).

I also noticed that at the beginning of the book, the vocabulary was rather large! I was looking up several words I was curious about. This could be a good or a bad thing depending upon your personal preference. I did notice that it did slack as the story progress and became quite natural.

I loved the types of species there were in the world. There are four that humans can be:
1st: If you never obtain your star, you will remain a human and be called an Ungifted, and be MUCH more likely to be captured in to slavery.
2nd: Flare - fast speed, long blonde hair (of different shades) (newest species)
3rd: Nebulae (formal spelling) - Nebs are freakishly strong and very tall.
4th: Lid Sidorium (Hawkeyes) - greater perception of the world, can sense even the smallest of details.

There were some errors in the text though they were very few. One such example was that there was too much space between some sentences.

The end was gripping to me, and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen! I couldn't put the book down but when I did, I couldn't wait to pick it back up!

Characters - I felt at first that the characters didn't have much depth to them, and I was frankly worried for a bit. Anyone who knows me, knows I love deep characters. But as the book progressed, the characters showed various sides to their personality. Especially Malleus. I love him, but I probably shouldn't.

Ducasus - I feel as if he is the TRUE protagonist of this story. He's the top numero uno. I didn't fall in love with his character. I didn't hate him, and I was rooting for him, but there were parts of his personality I didn't much care for. (WHICH IS GOOD! That means he's developed, and I just don't like his way of thinking.) I felt as if he was a overly sensitive, and a little immature. This is a good and a bad thing. That means Ducusas is outside of your everyday norm of badass male protagonists. But it also means that it's a bit of a turn off for me. I also feel as if the romance element between him and Rosae was... well.... a good go. Usually male authors don't even attempt a romance element, and I'm so happy Fulkerson did! :D But it do feel it need sprucing up. He talked about her hair. ALOT. Probably too much. Overall, I did enjoy his character and I could sympathize with his actions as much as they tended to get on my nerves. At the end of the book, he proved himself to me more, and I'm curious to see where this will lead Ducasus.

Malleus - I love this character. HE HAS SO MUCH DEPTH. I can't say much or I'll ruin the story, but he's phenomenal. And so bloody GENIUS. God, I love him.

Rosae - She proved to be stronger than her boyfriend at many points. I love that Fulkerson made her an independent, I'm-not-taking-crap-off-of-you type of person. She does get into quite a situation and needs saving, but hey! Princess Peach is the exact same. She, also, has pretty hair.

Incus - Incus is probably my favorite character. Now, you KNOW I love Malleus and all but Incus is the loveable, strong type. If I could have anyone of my side, I would definitely want Incus. He's developed, but closed-in. I love how Fulkerson displayed this with very subtle hints. I cannot wait to learn more about this intriguing character.


Series - This book is going to be a part of a trilogy!

Rating - I would rate this book 4 Stars!

I seriously enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys science fiction and some adventure!

Thank you, Mr. Fulkerson, for sending me this lovely book! I cannot wait to read the books that follow!

Here is the BookTube Video Review for this lovely book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP7nVE...


Here is a link to Mr. Fulkerson' blog: http://wafulkerson.wordpress.com

Happy Reading!

Victoria, Vivacious Fiction
xoxo

[Wolfgarr · Rating 1 out of 5]

A story of utter betrayal. If it was the authors intent to create in his reader a sense of disgust and loathing he has succeeded. 1 star.. frankly because i don't know how else to rate it. I did not finish

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever a child is born in the land of Pontus, a star appears in the sky. Children grow up watching their star, because at a certain point in their adolescence it's going to fall. When it does, for those who are lucky enough to retrieve it, they are allowed to choose a gift. The world is divided into nations based upon which gifts these children choose. There are the blindingly fast Flares, whose long golden hair trails like a streaking comet when they run. There are the Nebulae, who are gigantic, bald, impossibly strong creatures. There are the Hawkeyes, who are blessed with magnified perception of every physical sense. Starfall follows twin brothers Ducasus and Malleus, born into slavery in the country of Flaroria, desperately hoping for their stars to fall. When they do, it's like nothing they ever expected, launching them down a twisting path of adventure, discovery, and ultimately a war for the very soul of Pontus.
Starfall is Fulkerson’s debut novel, and I must say, what a great debut it is. The premise for the novel is a very interesting one and that is what first caught my eye, the originality of the idea. What kept me hooked was the powerhouse combination of impeccable storytelling, character development, interesting progression of the plot, and the twists and turns that keeps you on the edge. This book has something to satisfy every type of reader: fantasy, mythology, action, adventure, drama, and a little budding romance.
The story follows two twin brothers, Ducasus and Malleus, who are “ungifted” slaves who look to the stars to change their fate… literally. When each person is born a star is created at the same time that belongs to them and one day, it will fall. Once the star does fall, the person can venture out and retrieved it and ask for one wish. The twins want their star to change their status in life, to have a different life other than one of servitude. Their journey to their stars is one of terror and thievery that, at some times get slow, but the end result doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it shocks in a devastating twist you never see coming. When wishes abound in the sky, whom can you trust?
The mythology and history of this world is so interesting, I wish Fulkerson would create a history book for Pontus… It would probably be the only history book I would enjoy reading. After finishing this book, I immediately bought books two and three and I’m thirsty for more and more knowledge about this amazing fantasy world. That is what makes a 5-star rating book, Readers. When you want to learn about the history and the backstory and you wonder what those characters are doing right now… That book has you in its grips. Starfall delivers on every point. I urge you, pick up a copy and see for yourself. Until next time, Avid Readers.

[Zeph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in exchange for a review. So here goes:
Due to another review I'd seen for this book on YouTube, my expectations were high. Like cathedral ceiling high. And I'm very, very pleased to say that W. A. Fulkerson's "Starfall" in no way disappointed me.
I love Fantasy, but this take on the genre is so incredibly unique! The world-building was phenomenal, and the attention to detail very rewarding. I could watch the book like a movie in my head, if that sentence makes any sense.
Secondly, the plot. Although there were some moments that were a little slow, they were immediately picked up with action and adventure, or a refreshing twist.
Speaking of. There were so many twists in this book that I didn't see coming. I was surprised and shocked and horrified and ecstatic time after time. What a great reading experience.
Last but not least, the characters. I'd heard that there was great character development, but upon completing the book, I can attest with certainty that this book has some of the best CD I've ever read. I can see such an enormous difference between the characters at the beginning of the book and the characters at the end. Not just because of the live-changing events they go through, but also because of the decisions they make. For example, if I place the Ducasus from the end of the book in one of his predicaments at the beginning, I feel like he'd make a different choice, or at least take the time to consider his options.
Also in regards to the characters, they all felt very well developed. I loved how the narrator is omniscient, so we get to know what the characters are thinking and feeling.
At first I didn't know whether or not I'd want to reread "Starfall", but now I can say with enthusiasm that I most certainly will! I think "Starfall" may even be one of my top 5 favourite fantasy books. That may not be saying much, since I haven't read all that much fantasy (but what I have read, I've enjoyed), but based on what I remember of "Eragon", I'd have to say that I'd pick "Starfall" over "Eragon". So there's that.
I am very, very much looking forward to the sequel to "Starfall", and if this isn't being too greedy, I hope I get to review that one too, prior to its release. And ARC copy, I mean. I. Am. DESPERATE for the sequel!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fulkerson is a masterful story teller. I have to admit that I was wary when I began this novel because it is his first however I was pleasantly surprised. I am usually incredibly critical about characters and motives but Fulkerson did a fantastic job. The plot flows well and establishes a fantastic foundation for what promises to be an exhilarating trilogy. Fulkerson has developed an amazing new world with a rich history. There are times during the travel and journey sequences that get a little slow and the characters spend far too much time sleeping but all in all the story is well told and can even be described as exciting. I am eagerly awaiting book two of this awesome trilogy.

[Ben Alderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book
Watch my review to find out why..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYajn...

[Lashon Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

W. A. Fulkerson

This was a great book. Finished it in three days. Have to find the second book, so I can finish it.

Lashon Brown