This book picks up a few weeks after Fade, with Arionna recovering from her encounter with Hati. The first couple of chapters have some minor time jumps through this recovery. They also show the fear, frustration, and desperation Arionna, Dace, and Ronan go through at this point, interspersed with terrifying dreams of the prophecy and Fenrir.
In the first book, we didn’t learn of Ronan’s role until quite late. In this book, his character is explored further, which I really liked. Ronan has a vulnerability to him, which is well-hidden, but also explains some of his actions.
Arionna is frustrated by Dace’s lack of communication. His upbringing is partly responsible for this, as he’s had to fend for himself a lot. He’s also protective of Arionna, to the point that he does what he thinks is best for her, without taking her opinions and feelings into account. I like how Arionna stands up for herself. And despite this conflict, they are still devoted and dedicated to each other. Aside from the supernatural danger they find themselves in, they’re also two people in love for the first time, and literal soulmates at that.
Arionna has also been weakened, both through her last rebirths as well as her recent injury. Witnessing the return of some of her strength was therefore very satisfying to read, even though it is still quite restricted and therefore useless. Her frustration and desperation are palpable, so when she gets to do at least something, she’s determined to follow through, no matter how breaking.
Her bond with the wolf pack is enviable. They really are her friends, wanting to protect and take care of each other. I just wanted to hug Buka and Fuki, they are so precious!
I don’t begrudge Arionna from keeping things from Dace. He does so as well, and in quite a lot of situations and to a far greater extent than she does. Yes, he reasons that he does so to protect her, but he doesn’t realize he’s actually putting her in more danger this way. He also completely overlooks her willingness and ability to help. She might be weaker than in her past lives, but she’s not a damsel in distress. So when she keeps some things from him so he won’t interfere, I understand.
This book is less action-packed than Fade. Instead, Fall deals with emotional and interpersonal developments as well as further exploration of the prophecy of Ragnarök.