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The Fall Gauntlet #3
The Fall Gauntlet: CHRYSIX
Benji and Soren have defeated the last Fall Gauntlet fighter thrown at them, but their nightmare has just begun . . .
Benji and Soren narrowly escape the sewer rat clan, but their getaway comes at a terrible Soren’s mask has been tampered with, and he grows weaker with every step. Benji must find someone who can help his brother or risk losing him forever.
Without a true gauntlet champion, the world is falling out of balance, and new challengers vie to take down the brothers who shattered the age-old tournament. Benji puts on his lynx mask, seeking truth, only to hear an unfamiliar voice calling for help. As Soren slips further into a place of no return, and Benji’s options for help dwindle, the brothers take refuge at a spa run by sisters, Lyaza and Miki, hoping they can help heal Soren, but not all is as it seems. Both sisters carry dark secrets, and Miki harbors even grander plans of her to make contact with a goddess directly.
When Benji discovers that the voice has been calling Miki closer, he knows he has to stop her before she offers herself as a human vessel to carry out her own vision of what the Fall Gauntlet should be—one where the Dei punish those who attempt to destroy it. In the mountains beyond the desert, a harrowing secret about the totem animals is revealed, one that exposes the very foundations of the gauntlet itself. If Benji doesn’t figure out how to stop a mysterious and ancient force before it strikes, he’ll forfeit any chance he has of saving his mother, once and for all.
The Fall Gauntlet continues . . .
J. A. Merkel’s CHRYSIX is part of The Fall Gauntlet, a collection of dystopian sci-fi short stories about Benji and Soren’s misadventures to outsmart the Crown and save a family lost to them, all while learning how to be brothers again.
Benji and Soren narrowly escape the sewer rat clan, but their getaway comes at a terrible Soren’s mask has been tampered with, and he grows weaker with every step. Benji must find someone who can help his brother or risk losing him forever.
Without a true gauntlet champion, the world is falling out of balance, and new challengers vie to take down the brothers who shattered the age-old tournament. Benji puts on his lynx mask, seeking truth, only to hear an unfamiliar voice calling for help. As Soren slips further into a place of no return, and Benji’s options for help dwindle, the brothers take refuge at a spa run by sisters, Lyaza and Miki, hoping they can help heal Soren, but not all is as it seems. Both sisters carry dark secrets, and Miki harbors even grander plans of her to make contact with a goddess directly.
When Benji discovers that the voice has been calling Miki closer, he knows he has to stop her before she offers herself as a human vessel to carry out her own vision of what the Fall Gauntlet should be—one where the Dei punish those who attempt to destroy it. In the mountains beyond the desert, a harrowing secret about the totem animals is revealed, one that exposes the very foundations of the gauntlet itself. If Benji doesn’t figure out how to stop a mysterious and ancient force before it strikes, he’ll forfeit any chance he has of saving his mother, once and for all.
The Fall Gauntlet continues . . .
J. A. Merkel’s CHRYSIX is part of The Fall Gauntlet, a collection of dystopian sci-fi short stories about Benji and Soren’s misadventures to outsmart the Crown and save a family lost to them, all while learning how to be brothers again.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2023
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Merkel
8 books89 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 10, 2025
Chrysix was really good! We got some good fighting and some great lore and world-building. I’m really liking Daniil, so hopefully we see more of him after that cliffhanger!
December 18, 2023
Another great book in the series. I love waking up on a Sunday with a story like this to keep me entertained and engrossed all day long. There really is nothing like getting lost in a good book and this has everything from heart, action, emotion and adventure. The author J.A. Merkel takes you from sitting on your couch to a tantalizing emotional filled roller coaster that is sure to leave you wanting for more.
March 9, 2025
Known that in this household, J.A. Merkel is an AUTOBUY. Chrysix DID NOT DISAPPOINT. We meet more characters and even potentially a love interest, who knows. But the way these brothers have to think on their feet, distrust everyone except themselves and then having to adjust to whatever chaos and mayhem there is? SO MUCH ACTION. And we further learn about the Dae and the Totems.
The antagonist and battle? The action sequences J.A. Merkel writes are stuff of movies, it plays like one in my head.
The antagonist and battle? The action sequences J.A. Merkel writes are stuff of movies, it plays like one in my head.
December 14, 2023
CHRYSIX is the third book in The Fall Gauntlet series by J. A. Merkel. Each story is magnificent in its own way. I have truly loved reading each book in The Fall Gauntlet series. I don’t think I could pick a favorite if had to.
But there is one thing I can tell you: each book gets better and better with each turn of the page. The more you read the more you want to read. You never want it to end.
In CHRYSIX Benji and Soren are still trying to save their family. They are on the run barely escaping the Rat with their lives. The brothers go in hiding at a spy run by sisters, Lyaza and Miki.
Someone has tampered with Soren’s mask. He is getting weaker and weaker. Benji must find a way to save his brother before it is too late for him. Something dark and sinister is going on and Benji must find out what it is and stop it if he wants to save Soren.
The Fall Gauntlet stories may be short but they do pack a big punch with so much action that keeps the pages turning. The suspense alone is enough to keep me racing to the end rooting for the brothers the whole way. The world-building is brilliant, to say the least. The action just keeps on ramping up page after page.
I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end wondering and hoping that Benji would save Soren. It was intense as I waited to see what Soren’s outcome was going to be. Oh, man, I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in Benji and Soren’s world is going to be.
I would highly recommend CHRYSIX to all fans of dystopia and post-apocalyptic books with lots of action. Grab a copy of CHRYSIX today!
But there is one thing I can tell you: each book gets better and better with each turn of the page. The more you read the more you want to read. You never want it to end.
In CHRYSIX Benji and Soren are still trying to save their family. They are on the run barely escaping the Rat with their lives. The brothers go in hiding at a spy run by sisters, Lyaza and Miki.
Someone has tampered with Soren’s mask. He is getting weaker and weaker. Benji must find a way to save his brother before it is too late for him. Something dark and sinister is going on and Benji must find out what it is and stop it if he wants to save Soren.
The Fall Gauntlet stories may be short but they do pack a big punch with so much action that keeps the pages turning. The suspense alone is enough to keep me racing to the end rooting for the brothers the whole way. The world-building is brilliant, to say the least. The action just keeps on ramping up page after page.
I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end wondering and hoping that Benji would save Soren. It was intense as I waited to see what Soren’s outcome was going to be. Oh, man, I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in Benji and Soren’s world is going to be.
I would highly recommend CHRYSIX to all fans of dystopia and post-apocalyptic books with lots of action. Grab a copy of CHRYSIX today!
December 12, 2023
Each book leaves you wanting more and this was no different. Very vivid images throughout action packed scenes. You can really feel the physical and mental pain these characters are experiencing. And you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time.
June 12, 2025
Chrysix was a riveting installment, introducing new, vivid characters in an immersive desert oasis setting. Following from the previous novella, Soren is mortally ill with a disease his older brother Benji doesn’t know how to cure, and both are in bad shape while fleeing from the faceless Crown. Help arrives from unexpected places—but after his experiences in the previous novella, Benji doesn’t trust anyone. And rightfully so, because his new allies are not what they seem…
I enjoyed all the new worldbuilding and lore in this installment! Lyaza is an especially interesting character, wise beyond her thirteen years, and I’ll be interested to see what becomes of Daniil. This was a quick, engaging read, and I look forward to the next one!
(Also, I don’t know how Benji is still fighting with so little sleep and food… If you love a MC who fights to protect his family even while on death’s door, you’ll love Benji!)
I enjoyed all the new worldbuilding and lore in this installment! Lyaza is an especially interesting character, wise beyond her thirteen years, and I’ll be interested to see what becomes of Daniil. This was a quick, engaging read, and I look forward to the next one!
(Also, I don’t know how Benji is still fighting with so little sleep and food… If you love a MC who fights to protect his family even while on death’s door, you’ll love Benji!)
July 14, 2024
This book made me realise that all the three books were just 2 days and yet it felt like years long. The battle , in mind and outside, the pain and the sacrifice- all felt so surreal. Someone told me about the prediction that the “Condor” of the next book might be someone whom I met in book three. But Benji and Soren only met 3 people , 1 of which is now d*ad. So I can't stop thinking who it might be.
The one I trust or the one I don't.
Benji has a lot to face now and I can't wait to see what comes for him more. All the things are confusing and get exhilarating.
The one I trust or the one I don't.
Benji has a lot to face now and I can't wait to see what comes for him more. All the things are confusing and get exhilarating.
January 10, 2024
You know when you’re watching your favorite show and the season ends on a cliffhanger then you have to wait what feels like forever to find out what happens next? This is how Chrysix left me feeling! This third installment of TFG opened up new twists to how expansive this world really is. Loved the train scene, and Merkel’s vivid imagery, as always.
July 31, 2024
CHRYSIX
J.A. Merkel
July 28th - Same Day Finished
Page Count: 81
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian
Rating: 5 🌟
Review:
Wow what a wild ride this journey has been. I can't wait to continue on to the next book in this series. This novella was such a more intense ride and I'm exciting to learn more about the Lore in this world and the totems and the revolution against the Crown.
J.A. Merkel
July 28th - Same Day Finished
Page Count: 81
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian
Rating: 5 🌟
Review:
Wow what a wild ride this journey has been. I can't wait to continue on to the next book in this series. This novella was such a more intense ride and I'm exciting to learn more about the Lore in this world and the totems and the revolution against the Crown.
July 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know why I thought maybe Benji and Soren would catch a break in the next chapter of their story, but I was wrong. I think I just wanted them to not be in fight or flight mode, because I care. I’m glad Benji and Soren have seemingly found an ally. I’m treading lightly though, as nothing is guaranteed, but maybe this is the break I was hoping they’d have.
I love the worldbuilding that happens in this installment. Learning more about the gods and goddesses, and how that all plays into the Fall Gauntlet, helps set the stakes as more than just Benji and Soren fled the city and now people are after them. There’s a balance that they’ve risked without knowing it, and the gods are seemingly starting to lash out. It also really makes me question if the winner actually gets a wish, or is that wish coopted by the crown to maintain everything. I’m curious how it’s all going to play into the next three stories.
I also like the mask discourse. I don’t want to spoil the narrative, but learning what we did means anything is possible from this point out, and that excites me. I’m curious where other masks could be, what their intention is, and how many others can reach out to people the way one did this time.
I don’t know why I thought maybe Benji and Soren would catch a break in the next chapter of their story, but I was wrong. I think I just wanted them to not be in fight or flight mode, because I care. I’m glad Benji and Soren have seemingly found an ally. I’m treading lightly though, as nothing is guaranteed, but maybe this is the break I was hoping they’d have.
I love the worldbuilding that happens in this installment. Learning more about the gods and goddesses, and how that all plays into the Fall Gauntlet, helps set the stakes as more than just Benji and Soren fled the city and now people are after them. There’s a balance that they’ve risked without knowing it, and the gods are seemingly starting to lash out. It also really makes me question if the winner actually gets a wish, or is that wish coopted by the crown to maintain everything. I’m curious how it’s all going to play into the next three stories.
I also like the mask discourse. I don’t want to spoil the narrative, but learning what we did means anything is possible from this point out, and that excites me. I’m curious where other masks could be, what their intention is, and how many others can reach out to people the way one did this time.
November 9, 2025
This is book 3 in The Fall Gauntlet series, and the story just keeps getting better and better! The struggle continues for brothers Benji and Soren as they flee from the Crown into the Sahara. A couple of new characters are introduced in this installment as well. We have Daniil, who is a lovely and intriguing boy, and someone I’m speculating will become a romantic interest to Benji at some point. Then there is the Chi Spa sisters, Lyaza and Miki, who are equally friendly and mysterious. I loved learning more lore about the world in this series through the interactions with the sisters. And then we get the climatic showdown between the Lynx and the Chrysix on the mountain top, which was absolutely phenomenal. It’s an intense finish that had me unsure of what the outcome would be. Once again, this book ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to jump into the next book!
December 15, 2023
Wow! This series just keeps getting better. Benji and Soren run into some new faces that add a whole new layer to this world. Merkel does an excellent job bringing this story to life with descriptive word choices that fully pull you into this journey.
What I loved most about this installment of the Fall Gauntlet was the expansive world building through Benji's conversation with Mikki and Lyaza, two sisters who graciously take Benji and Soren in to help them heal. This is a real page-turner and I cannot wait for the next book!
What I loved most about this installment of the Fall Gauntlet was the expansive world building through Benji's conversation with Mikki and Lyaza, two sisters who graciously take Benji and Soren in to help them heal. This is a real page-turner and I cannot wait for the next book!
October 10, 2025
Love the next installment of TFG!!! This story has the high stakes and momentum turned. The world building continues to be one of the series many strong suits. I finished it in one sitting! We get to see other settings, learn more lore and the new characters introduced will have you thinking about this book well after you put it down.
What I LOVE about this series is you could really recommend it to all readers. The content has so much depth and is really a great selection for anyone in their reading journey. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
What I LOVE about this series is you could really recommend it to all readers. The content has so much depth and is really a great selection for anyone in their reading journey. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
December 23, 2023
The brothers have managed to escape the city and the Crown? But what's in store for them now? A new mask awaits them as they struggle to survive and make new plans. Only the new people they meet have their own agenda, and once again Benji must don his mask or die trying.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews