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The Fall Gauntlet #1-3
The Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 1: A Sci-Fi Adventure Series
Benji and Soren will do anything to save their family, but the Crown isn’t going to make it easy ...
Ten years after his mother was thrown into her off-world prison, Benji finally has a chance to save her. All he has to do is win the Fall Gauntlet, a fight-to-the-death tournament on the planet of Calypso, designed to please the gods and goddesses and keep them at bay. Benji’s success will usher in a new era of science and innovation, and he’s come too far to lose now.
But the Crown is three steps ahead. They’ve orchestrated every move, pushing Benji to the victory that will serve their own agenda. Winning the deathmatch will grant his wish to save his mother, but the Crown has other plans and won’t let go of Benji so easily.
As Benji learns the truth about the Crown’s desires, he is forced to make impossible choices, especially when he learns that his final opponent—the hulking young man behind the bear mask—is his brother, Soren.
This Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 1 includes the following Fall Gauntlet
Book 1: BEAR
Book 2: RAT
Book 3: CHRYSIX
J. A. Merkel’s Fall Gauntlet series is a dystopian sci-fi short story collection 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.
Ten years after his mother was thrown into her off-world prison, Benji finally has a chance to save her. All he has to do is win the Fall Gauntlet, a fight-to-the-death tournament on the planet of Calypso, designed to please the gods and goddesses and keep them at bay. Benji’s success will usher in a new era of science and innovation, and he’s come too far to lose now.
But the Crown is three steps ahead. They’ve orchestrated every move, pushing Benji to the victory that will serve their own agenda. Winning the deathmatch will grant his wish to save his mother, but the Crown has other plans and won’t let go of Benji so easily.
As Benji learns the truth about the Crown’s desires, he is forced to make impossible choices, especially when he learns that his final opponent—the hulking young man behind the bear mask—is his brother, Soren.
This Fall Gauntlet Omnibus, Volume 1 includes the following Fall Gauntlet
Book 1: BEAR
Book 2: RAT
Book 3: CHRYSIX
J. A. Merkel’s Fall Gauntlet series is a dystopian sci-fi short story collection 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.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2024
8 people are currently reading
39 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 13, 2024
In Bear: Two brothers are pitted against each other in a battle for the Crown and their lives. Neither one knows who the other one is under their mask. Well, that it is in the beginning but then one of the brothers learns that he will be fighting his brother. He must find a way to let his brother know who he is. They are fighting to save their parents. They have been working toward this goal for many years.
In Rat: 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.
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 The Fall Gauntlet to all fans of dystopia and post-apocalyptic books with lots of action. Grab a copy of The Fall Gauntlet today!
In Rat: 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.
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 The Fall Gauntlet to all fans of dystopia and post-apocalyptic books with lots of action. Grab a copy of The Fall Gauntlet today!
August 7, 2025
I kept seeing the individual book covers popping up and they looked really cool. When I found that the first three books were available on Kindle Unlimited as an omnibus I went ahead and downloaded to give it a shot. I do think that it would be a little difficult to review each individual story on its own because I found each of them to be quite short (you could easily read each one in one sitting). After reading "Bear", I was left with a "that's it?" feeling. However, when I went on to the 2nd story ("Rat"), I started to see how it was all tying together, and it made more sense.
The story follows Benji, a finalist in a deadly competition, where the winner is granted one wish. He's hoping to use that wish to save his mother. Just before the final match begins, he finds out that this opponent is his long-lost brother. Rather than trying to kill his opponent, Benji decides to try and save himself and his brother in the process; and in doing so, he accidentally sets off a revolution.
What I loved about these novellas was the concept of the Fall Gauntlet itself and the inclusion of the animal totem masks. The Gauntlet is held every four years and the competitors wear masks of different animal totems. The masks grant the wearer unique abilities based on that animal totem. The winning animal mask is a guide on how the Capitol will govern for the next four years. The masks were very cool, and I loved seeing how each of their powers were unique. I loved how each novella introduced a new animal totem/mask with new abilities (I thought the "Chrysix" powers were awesome). I'm really looking forward to seeing what each of upcoming masks bring to the table.
I do feel that these need to be read back-to-back. For me, reading them as individual novellas leaves me wanting more. After reading "Bear" I had so many questions about the world, the Gauntlet, and the masks, that if I had just read that one alone I would have been disappointed. But being able to jump directly into the next novella made it feel like it was just the next chapter of the continuing story and I was able to keep going. I am excited to continue with the series and am looking forward to seeing how the new masks will fit into the story.
The story follows Benji, a finalist in a deadly competition, where the winner is granted one wish. He's hoping to use that wish to save his mother. Just before the final match begins, he finds out that this opponent is his long-lost brother. Rather than trying to kill his opponent, Benji decides to try and save himself and his brother in the process; and in doing so, he accidentally sets off a revolution.
What I loved about these novellas was the concept of the Fall Gauntlet itself and the inclusion of the animal totem masks. The Gauntlet is held every four years and the competitors wear masks of different animal totems. The masks grant the wearer unique abilities based on that animal totem. The winning animal mask is a guide on how the Capitol will govern for the next four years. The masks were very cool, and I loved seeing how each of their powers were unique. I loved how each novella introduced a new animal totem/mask with new abilities (I thought the "Chrysix" powers were awesome). I'm really looking forward to seeing what each of upcoming masks bring to the table.
I do feel that these need to be read back-to-back. For me, reading them as individual novellas leaves me wanting more. After reading "Bear" I had so many questions about the world, the Gauntlet, and the masks, that if I had just read that one alone I would have been disappointed. But being able to jump directly into the next novella made it feel like it was just the next chapter of the continuing story and I was able to keep going. I am excited to continue with the series and am looking forward to seeing how the new masks will fit into the story.
April 3, 2024
The Fall Gauntlet is an exciting story that follows brothers Benji and Soren through their adventure to survive and hopefully save their loved ones. Merkel does an outstanding job of describing his world and bringing you into the scenes with vivid and illustrative writing. I would compare his stories to the Percy Jackson and/or Hunger Games series but with some more sci-fi twists.
The tech in this book is awesome! Really enjoyed the way the story progressed and can't wait to read what is next from this author.
The tech in this book is awesome! Really enjoyed the way the story progressed and can't wait to read what is next from this author.
February 5, 2024
This is an incredible series that bears an uncanny resemblance to novels such as Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. It is a captivating read that will have you coming back for more. It captures brotherly love, a complex family past, and immense world building - all while incorporating action and deception for what the future holds. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves sci-fi and has ever dealt with family issues, as it offers a lovely release.
June 15, 2024
Interesting fanasy
Creative blend of fantasy and sci-fi. Fast paced with believable characters kept me turning pages. With the significance of animal totems, I was reminded of Richard Adams works.
Creative blend of fantasy and sci-fi. Fast paced with believable characters kept me turning pages. With the significance of animal totems, I was reminded of Richard Adams works.
November 11, 2024
The concepts are great and the big events that happen are fabulous and could make a gripping story if the story structure was reworked. There was a lot of repetition of information which slowed things down. Then some things said were in contradiction of what was told earlier, which would be ok if explained better. And not everything was plausible, for example, the ending of the first story, or at least how it was achieved. The concept with the totem animals is so interesting though that I'd love to reread this if it was ever reworked.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews