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The Fall Gauntlet #2
The Fall Gauntlet: RAT
The Fall Gauntlet has ended, but the Crown still wants their champion, and they won’t stop until they get it.
Against all odds, Benji and Soren have escaped the Fall Gauntlet finals—together. Benji should consider himself lucky, blessed by the gods and goddesses, even. After all, he’s broken free from the Crown’s clutches and given people a reason to stand up and fight again. But Benji and Soren’s actions have consequences.
Without a champion, the Harvest cycle has ended. The brother’s parents are still being held prisoner by the Crown. And whispers that rebel totem groups are forming to bring the Crown down grow ever louder. Benji and Soren may have escaped the stadium, but getting out of the capital is a whole other beast.
Much to his horror, Benji has created a living nightmare in which the Fall Gauntlet does not end. And what shocks him even more is that his list of enemies seems to grow with every step. When a strange man and his “rat” followers offer to help the brothers leave the capital by sewer, the brother’s escape plan takes a dark turn. If they can’t rise above their own past hurts, and the lies that continue to haunt their family, Soren and Benji may indeed die at each other’s hands.
The Fall Gauntlet continues . . .
J. A. Merkel’s RAT is part of The Fall Gauntlet, a collection of short stories about Benji and Soren outsmarting the Crown, saving a family lost to them, and learning how to be brothers again.
Against all odds, Benji and Soren have escaped the Fall Gauntlet finals—together. Benji should consider himself lucky, blessed by the gods and goddesses, even. After all, he’s broken free from the Crown’s clutches and given people a reason to stand up and fight again. But Benji and Soren’s actions have consequences.
Without a champion, the Harvest cycle has ended. The brother’s parents are still being held prisoner by the Crown. And whispers that rebel totem groups are forming to bring the Crown down grow ever louder. Benji and Soren may have escaped the stadium, but getting out of the capital is a whole other beast.
Much to his horror, Benji has created a living nightmare in which the Fall Gauntlet does not end. And what shocks him even more is that his list of enemies seems to grow with every step. When a strange man and his “rat” followers offer to help the brothers leave the capital by sewer, the brother’s escape plan takes a dark turn. If they can’t rise above their own past hurts, and the lies that continue to haunt their family, Soren and Benji may indeed die at each other’s hands.
The Fall Gauntlet continues . . .
J. A. Merkel’s RAT is part of The Fall Gauntlet, a collection of short stories about Benji and Soren outsmarting the Crown, saving a family lost to them, and learning how to be brothers again.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Merkel
8 books88 followersJ. A. Merkel writes speculative and science fiction filled with multiverses and second chances, and his worlds are packed with anti-heroes, love as magic, and tragic reversals.
For Merkel, writing isn’t a chore. It’s a fantastical kingdom with thousands of doors where readers can stumble into their own special adventures, laughing, shouting, and journeying to find home, wherever that may be.
J. A. Merkel burst onto the writing scene with his breakout novella, The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR in summer of 2023, the first of nine stories in his Fall Gauntlet collection. Two months later, he released Book 2, RAT, and 3 months after that, he released Book 3 in the series, CHRYSIX.
In January of 2024, Merkel released The Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 1, which compiled Books 1, 2, and 3 into one collection. Exactly one year after BEAR's release, Book 4, CONDOR, was released.
Each of Merkel's first four novellas hit the "Top New Release" on Amazon's Science Fiction Short Stories bestseller chart. Part One of The Fall Gauntlet collection will comprise of nine stories and so will Part Two. Books 5 and 6, MANTA and SHARK, respectively, are slated for a 2025 release, as well as The Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 2, which compiles Books 4, 5, and 6.
In October of 2024, Merkel will release his eagerly anticipated debut fantasy novel, The Fourth Portal, a decade long-project inspired by his adventures and travels living abroad and teaching in South Korea, where he learned something about opening his own fourth portal (if you know, you know).
Many of Merkel's readers enjoy speculating on the easter eggs dropped throughout his series, suggesting theories and possible explanations about the interconnectivity of his universes. Many believe there is always something more complex beneath the surface, and that a larger multiverse looms in the background.
Early reviews for The Fourth Portal have praised the book for it's uniqueness and surprising twists and turns. Reviewers claim it's unlike any book they've ever read, naming it a book with unmatched complexity, with a refreshingly unique premise and story.
The Fourth Portal is the first book in an epic fantasy series called Song of Saudade. Filled with elemental chakra magic, desert adventure, and a multiple POV, ensemble cast, the book imagines a world in which all forms of love are forbidden and punishable by death (love is an actual contagious virus that can kill you).
The series follows a unlikely team of five misfits over the course of seven books, one book to represent each of the seven chakras. Book One, Earth (or Qha since they are technically not on Earth), will be followed by Book Two of the Song of Saudade series, The Other Tribe, slated for a late 2025 release. Fans are eagerly awaiting teasers from Book Two
so they can confirm their theories about how everything ended in Book One.
For those wanting to join the magic, you can sign up for J. A. Merkel’s newsletter on his website, jamerkel dot com, to get exclusive freebies, publishing updates, and a first peek at giveaways!
You can also find applications for ARC Team and Street Team signups in his linktree on his Instagram and TikTok at jamerkel_author.
Merkel prides himself on cultivating a tight-knit, supportive community for those who want to talk about the infinite possibilities of stories and the endlessly healing power of words.
For Merkel, writing isn’t a chore. It’s a fantastical kingdom with thousands of doors where readers can stumble into their own special adventures, laughing, shouting, and journeying to find home, wherever that may be.
J. A. Merkel burst onto the writing scene with his breakout novella, The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR in summer of 2023, the first of nine stories in his Fall Gauntlet collection. Two months later, he released Book 2, RAT, and 3 months after that, he released Book 3 in the series, CHRYSIX.
In January of 2024, Merkel released The Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 1, which compiled Books 1, 2, and 3 into one collection. Exactly one year after BEAR's release, Book 4, CONDOR, was released.
Each of Merkel's first four novellas hit the "Top New Release" on Amazon's Science Fiction Short Stories bestseller chart. Part One of The Fall Gauntlet collection will comprise of nine stories and so will Part Two. Books 5 and 6, MANTA and SHARK, respectively, are slated for a 2025 release, as well as The Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 2, which compiles Books 4, 5, and 6.
In October of 2024, Merkel will release his eagerly anticipated debut fantasy novel, The Fourth Portal, a decade long-project inspired by his adventures and travels living abroad and teaching in South Korea, where he learned something about opening his own fourth portal (if you know, you know).
Many of Merkel's readers enjoy speculating on the easter eggs dropped throughout his series, suggesting theories and possible explanations about the interconnectivity of his universes. Many believe there is always something more complex beneath the surface, and that a larger multiverse looms in the background.
Early reviews for The Fourth Portal have praised the book for it's uniqueness and surprising twists and turns. Reviewers claim it's unlike any book they've ever read, naming it a book with unmatched complexity, with a refreshingly unique premise and story.
The Fourth Portal is the first book in an epic fantasy series called Song of Saudade. Filled with elemental chakra magic, desert adventure, and a multiple POV, ensemble cast, the book imagines a world in which all forms of love are forbidden and punishable by death (love is an actual contagious virus that can kill you).
The series follows a unlikely team of five misfits over the course of seven books, one book to represent each of the seven chakras. Book One, Earth (or Qha since they are technically not on Earth), will be followed by Book Two of the Song of Saudade series, The Other Tribe, slated for a late 2025 release. Fans are eagerly awaiting teasers from Book Two
so they can confirm their theories about how everything ended in Book One.
For those wanting to join the magic, you can sign up for J. A. Merkel’s newsletter on his website, jamerkel dot com, to get exclusive freebies, publishing updates, and a first peek at giveaways!
You can also find applications for ARC Team and Street Team signups in his linktree on his Instagram and TikTok at jamerkel_author.
Merkel prides himself on cultivating a tight-knit, supportive community for those who want to talk about the infinite possibilities of stories and the endlessly healing power of words.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 9, 2025
Rat is a great addition to this dystopian sci-fi series. New Phasia seems like a really interesting place with lots of layers. The Rats really showed Benji and Soren that there is so much tech that they don’t even know about and that taking out the Crown isn’t going to be easy.
September 24, 2023
More peril more questions
The brothers find themselves battling more dangers in the sewers below the city and don't know who is friend or foe. Their masks are both blessings and curses, but they can't give them up. Rat is packed with action and keeps the perils of the Gauntlet alive. The story asks you to consider the very real possibility that they never actually escaped it and all the running is just part of a bigger plan. I'm looking forward to more in this series and recommend Rat to readers of science fiction and fantasy with the testing of familial bonds and plenty of action.
The brothers find themselves battling more dangers in the sewers below the city and don't know who is friend or foe. Their masks are both blessings and curses, but they can't give them up. Rat is packed with action and keeps the perils of the Gauntlet alive. The story asks you to consider the very real possibility that they never actually escaped it and all the running is just part of a bigger plan. I'm looking forward to more in this series and recommend Rat to readers of science fiction and fantasy with the testing of familial bonds and plenty of action.
July 26, 2024
I loved this book! Merkel's short stories are gripping, action-packed, adventures that keep you on the edge of your seat. He packs so much punch into such a small novella. Honestly the world he creates is unlike any I have ever envisioned. The brothers escape the guards through the sewers with a new character. Thinking they could trust him and his group of people living in the sewers the boys quickly learn that is not the case. Now on the run from the Rat and the guards, the brothers must continue their escape by all means necessary, despite being poisoned and hurt. These books are fast paced but filled with action, I highly recommend picking up The Fall Gauntlet series.
January 8, 2025
The continuation of BEAR, this is book two in The Fall Gauntlet series, and I got Divergent and Hunger Games vibes.
Benji and Soren have defied the Crown and as a result, they have started a revolution. Now they need to escape their enslavers' city to regroup and make a plan. But who or what will they meet in the darkness on route?
I loved the painful back story from Benji and especially Soren. This novella sets up the next book perfectly, and I'm looking forward to reading what happens next.
Benji and Soren have defied the Crown and as a result, they have started a revolution. Now they need to escape their enslavers' city to regroup and make a plan. But who or what will they meet in the darkness on route?
I loved the painful back story from Benji and especially Soren. This novella sets up the next book perfectly, and I'm looking forward to reading what happens next.
March 9, 2025
This book starts off right where we left off in Book 1. The action is superb. The way J.A. Merkel manages to snare you into these novellas filled with conflicting emotions, betrayals, spite and action while trying to rekindle a semblance of a brotherly relationship, it is SO insane. Applauses to you. I really despised the antagonist in this book. So much jammed packed into only 60 or 70 pages. That is freaking INSANE.
June 7, 2025
What fantastic continuation to the series! I love the Totem Animals and their stories that J provides as excerpts from The Book of Totems.
I love the covers are stunning in this series and so well designed. RAT is no exception. The purple ticks all my colour pop boxes and the mask is exquisite. Great job here!
The book is beautifully written which allows it to flow so easily. The descriptions and contunual world building are second to none. J, you gave such a beautiful way of writing and it just makes reading such a joy.
The characters are excellent. Soren and Benji are back and they meet the Rat Folk in the sewers. I love the interactions between all the characters. Also Benji and Soren rediscovering their bonds of brotherhood.
The book is written in first person, again from Benji's point of view. It works are the book is novella length and we don't need anymore than the story coming from Benji.
I love this series, I love J and I cannot recommend the series highly enough!
I love the covers are stunning in this series and so well designed. RAT is no exception. The purple ticks all my colour pop boxes and the mask is exquisite. Great job here!
The book is beautifully written which allows it to flow so easily. The descriptions and contunual world building are second to none. J, you gave such a beautiful way of writing and it just makes reading such a joy.
The characters are excellent. Soren and Benji are back and they meet the Rat Folk in the sewers. I love the interactions between all the characters. Also Benji and Soren rediscovering their bonds of brotherhood.
The book is written in first person, again from Benji's point of view. It works are the book is novella length and we don't need anymore than the story coming from Benji.
I love this series, I love J and I cannot recommend the series highly enough!
June 26, 2025
Picking up just where Bear left off, the rollercoaster of the main characters past and present and their unraveling destiny continues, dragging us along.
This one made me want to scream in frustration at the situation the antagonist kept creating and it gave you even more raw emotion than Book 1.
Good writing, great pace, interesting characters, world building... on to Book 3!
This one made me want to scream in frustration at the situation the antagonist kept creating and it gave you even more raw emotion than Book 1.
Good writing, great pace, interesting characters, world building... on to Book 3!
August 31, 2023
RAT is the second book in The Fall Gauntlet series of short stories by J. A. Merkel. RAT like the first book BEAR starts off with a blast and never lets up from beginning to end. RAT may be a short read but it packs a punch. RAT has a lot between its pages that will have you hooked from the first page. The action never lets up it from one page to another.
Two brothers, Benji and Soren have escaped the Fall Gauntlet. Their parents are still being held by the Crown. The brothers are making plans for their escape. But in the meantime, Soren wants to go back for his girlfriend but Benji says no, now is not the time. Soren is upset with Benji and blames him for leaving him behind all those years ago.
While the brothers are trying to make their escape the city holds even more danger for them. As they try to make their way out of the city they have to go through the circus people who are very a dangerous bunch indeed. They have to make their escape through the sewers below with the help of the RAT people.
The RAT’S make their way through the crown and other places without anyone seeing them. They know more about what goes on than any other. They try to tell the brothers about the Crown and what all goes on there but the brothers don’t believe everything they are being told. They don’t believe the RAT people or more like they don’t believe the RAT man. Every time I heard anything about the RAT man I kept thinking about Stephen King’s The Stand with the Rat Man.
I sorely loved reading the RAT and can’t wait to read the next book in The Fall Gauntlet. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. I can’t wait to see where Benji and Soren’s story goes on their next journey.
Two brothers, Benji and Soren have escaped the Fall Gauntlet. Their parents are still being held by the Crown. The brothers are making plans for their escape. But in the meantime, Soren wants to go back for his girlfriend but Benji says no, now is not the time. Soren is upset with Benji and blames him for leaving him behind all those years ago.
While the brothers are trying to make their escape the city holds even more danger for them. As they try to make their way out of the city they have to go through the circus people who are very a dangerous bunch indeed. They have to make their escape through the sewers below with the help of the RAT people.
The RAT’S make their way through the crown and other places without anyone seeing them. They know more about what goes on than any other. They try to tell the brothers about the Crown and what all goes on there but the brothers don’t believe everything they are being told. They don’t believe the RAT people or more like they don’t believe the RAT man. Every time I heard anything about the RAT man I kept thinking about Stephen King’s The Stand with the Rat Man.
I sorely loved reading the RAT and can’t wait to read the next book in The Fall Gauntlet. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. I can’t wait to see where Benji and Soren’s story goes on their next journey.
June 12, 2025
“Rat” is the sequel novella to J. A. Merkel’s gripping start to the Fall Gauntlet series, “Bear”. Rat continues where Bear left off, with Benji and his little brother Soren escaping the Fall Gauntlet, where the anonymous Crown had attempted to force the brothers to kill each other. They take refuge in sewage tunnels, but it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems.
I liked Rat, especially the further exploration of the brothers’ relationship—Soren and Benji have my whole heart. Parts of Rat did feel a bit repetitive at times, with their mysterious Rat foe repeatedly telling them where to go, ambushing them, then giving them new knowledge about the situation, but it does contribute to the circular sense of the plot—Benji, desperate to escape and break the cycle, keeps finding himself trapped in the same predicament because he has yet to understand the games at play.
A solid read, and I’m looking forward to what comes next in this series!
I liked Rat, especially the further exploration of the brothers’ relationship—Soren and Benji have my whole heart. Parts of Rat did feel a bit repetitive at times, with their mysterious Rat foe repeatedly telling them where to go, ambushing them, then giving them new knowledge about the situation, but it does contribute to the circular sense of the plot—Benji, desperate to escape and break the cycle, keeps finding himself trapped in the same predicament because he has yet to understand the games at play.
A solid read, and I’m looking forward to what comes next in this series!
May 3, 2024
Fast-paced, full of surprises
Benji and Soren’s story picks up right where it left off in Bear, which is great.
This 2nd installment is much faster-paced than the 1st (not that Bear was “slow,” I just mean Rat really keeps the foot on the gas).
The Rat makes for an interesting new character, full of complications and surprises, and you get to learn a lot more about the world this story takes place in.
Overall, another great work in the series. I look forward to seeing where Benji and Soren’s story go next.
Benji and Soren’s story picks up right where it left off in Bear, which is great.
This 2nd installment is much faster-paced than the 1st (not that Bear was “slow,” I just mean Rat really keeps the foot on the gas).
The Rat makes for an interesting new character, full of complications and surprises, and you get to learn a lot more about the world this story takes place in.
Overall, another great work in the series. I look forward to seeing where Benji and Soren’s story go next.
November 25, 2023
I loved Rat! It was energetic, clever, surreal, and emotional. Once again these brothers find themselves in deep water, which is more than just an easter egg. Merkel takes you a little deeper into the history of what led them to the Gauntlet, and how powerful and smart the Crown can be. He also introduces new allies for both sides of the growing revolution on New Phasia. I gobbled up this second story in one sitting.
July 31, 2024
RAT
J.A. Merkel
July 27th - Same Day Finished
Page Count: 81
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian
Rating: 5 🌟
Review:
As these two brothers escape the Fall Gauntlet with their lives, they must fight their way out of the Capitol. Another action packed novella in the Fall Gauntlet Series. Starting a revolution, finding out that the Crown controls almost anyone and is everywhere. What a fantastic story, can't wait to continue
J.A. Merkel
July 27th - Same Day Finished
Page Count: 81
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian
Rating: 5 🌟
Review:
As these two brothers escape the Fall Gauntlet with their lives, they must fight their way out of the Capitol. Another action packed novella in the Fall Gauntlet Series. Starting a revolution, finding out that the Crown controls almost anyone and is everywhere. What a fantastic story, can't wait to continue
June 28, 2024
More please!
A spectacular sequel to the first, it was a thrill to peel back the mask a little and get to know the characters on a deeper level. I loved diving into the nitty gritty underground system, and I have a feeling we are only just getting to know our enemy. So excited to complete the trilogy!
A spectacular sequel to the first, it was a thrill to peel back the mask a little and get to know the characters on a deeper level. I loved diving into the nitty gritty underground system, and I have a feeling we are only just getting to know our enemy. So excited to complete the trilogy!
September 11, 2023
I read this book in one day. It’s an absolute page turner and perfect for a little Sunday adventure in the comfort of your own home. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a sci-fi escape involving brothers, excitement, action and deception.
September 3, 2023
The way the writer tells this story, it’s hard to put the book down. Each word leaves you yearning for more. It’s action-packed and witty and full of surprises.
September 5, 2023
The adventures of Benji and his brother continue as they brave the sewers to find freedom...but first they have to deal with the Rat. Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
May 20, 2024
An exciting continuation to this series
December 29, 2024
3.5, rounded up
RAT picks up right where BEAR ended, which is great. As novella-length stories, I wasn’t sure what to expect as the series continued, or how far into the future it might go, so I’m glad no time is lost so far. The second installment provides a closer look at the intricacies of the system and how it continues to affect not just the brothers but others, even when they denounce it.
This one definitely gave me 1984 vibes. It continues to reinforce the police-like state of the society, even when Benji thinks they are on the cusp of escaping it. Learning more about the other sects of people with similar goals to Benji but their own plans, it shows just how long people have been trying to defy the government, and maybe even the investment that’s in store for the brothers. Will they be able to enact change in a shorter time period? I don’t know, but I’m excited to find out.
RAT picks up right where BEAR ended, which is great. As novella-length stories, I wasn’t sure what to expect as the series continued, or how far into the future it might go, so I’m glad no time is lost so far. The second installment provides a closer look at the intricacies of the system and how it continues to affect not just the brothers but others, even when they denounce it.
This one definitely gave me 1984 vibes. It continues to reinforce the police-like state of the society, even when Benji thinks they are on the cusp of escaping it. Learning more about the other sects of people with similar goals to Benji but their own plans, it shows just how long people have been trying to defy the government, and maybe even the investment that’s in store for the brothers. Will they be able to enact change in a shorter time period? I don’t know, but I’m excited to find out.
July 14, 2024
Just like the first book bear, the second book Rat brought out more questions. Soren and Benji finally escape the crown but then encounter Rats. Rats at start seem to be on their side but as the book comes to an end, everything believed in start turned reverse. Did they ever actually leave the crown? Were the rats actually by their side?
All these questions and many more are keeping my mind so engaged and worked up, I love it. It's like I too am running with Benji and Soren and finding the answer myself. This book is such a quick read and still having the impact for long term. I just love it.
All these questions and many more are keeping my mind so engaged and worked up, I love it. It's like I too am running with Benji and Soren and finding the answer myself. This book is such a quick read and still having the impact for long term. I just love it.
December 3, 2023
Excellent sequel! I read this book in a weekend. I feel sequels really close the deal for me when finding a new author. This sequel is a winner! Author continues to world build, raise the stakes, and captures the bond of family & fighting for those you love. Felt invested the whole read through. The character voices & the world which they live in just continue to get richer. Recommend to anyone who likes character driven sci-fi. Strong ending getting me looking forward to the next release!!
November 8, 2025
This is the perfect continuation for The Fall Gauntlet series, picking up right where the events of BEAR ended. I loved every second of this sequel, and very much enjoyed the intense encounter with the rats and their leader, as brothers Benji and Soren try desperately to escape from the eyes and clutches of the Crown. I can’t wait to jump into the next book, CHRYSIX, and see where things go from here!
December 19, 2025
I loved the first one and this one was even better. The action scenes were electric and the new characters we meet are amazing. Everything about this was an upgrade from the previous book which was already great. This book really felt like it was made for me, the fight scenes were full of real emotion and a shocking level of depth given how short and accessible this series is.
February 15, 2025
Another well written addition to the Fall Gauntlet series! Once again, my only issue with the book is it offers an interesting premise and world, and in its novella form doesn’t going into as much detail on the world as a whole as I’d like to see.
November 9, 2023
Another great addition to The Fall Gauntlet from Merkel. This is the second book in the series and it picks up right where the first left off. Once again, great action and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews