The Fallen from Paradise

The Paradise Planets #1

by Shaun Barrowes

All sirens must earn their place on Paradise…even those born there.

In 2132 AD, fifteen-year-old Kassiana’s life was royalty. Born on Nemal, the richest of the Paradise Planets, she had no idea how the people of Earth–the Gaians–suffered. But her idyllic and harmonious life was shattered when she was forcefully kidnapped and taken to live among them on a flooded Earth.

After a near-fatal assault leaves Kassi without a voice–a siren's source of power–Kassi learns she must get recruited to a team of champions and win the Siren Games, the foremost vocal sporting competition in all the worlds, if she ever wants to see home again.

"A fantastically original Wizard-of-Oz hero’s journey set in a Utopian future amidst an intergalactic power struggle."

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Shaun Barrowes is a passionate creator who has spent his life weaving music and storytelling into unforgettable experiences. A top American Idol alum and Emmy-nominated composer, Shaun has had the privilege of working alongside artists like Janelle Monae and Imagine Dragons, and even collaborating with Jackie Chan. His music, known for its cinematic flair, has reached listeners worldwide, with over 690 Million streams.

In 2023, Shaun embraced a new challenge, debuting as a bestselling author and award-winning novelist with The Paradise Planets. His writings reflect the same heartfelt creativity as his music, blending vivid imagination with deeply human stories.

Shaun lives in Utah with his wife and two daughters, balancing family life with his love for creating music and stories that inspire and entertain. With The Paradise Planets, Shaun is honored to share a new chapter of his artistic journey.

Reviews

[Samuel Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a phenomenal read! It breathes new life into our plethora of other stories and adventures and paves its own path through the water! The world that Shaun has built so far is incredible to imagine and read about. The characters are very diverse and all have interesting qualities that separates them from one another but also lets you root for your favorites. The settings can be harsh ones at times for our main character and her friends, yet beautiful at times as well and I love to imagine how the hustle and bustle of the city life looks in my mind, like with the underwater games. The story itself is fantastically told through the eyes of Kassi as she makes her zero to heroine journey, and she is easily the best to root for. I love her friends she meets along the way that help empower her even more, and I love how great of a character Arc she gets once she sees a different perspective of life elsewhere. She could be considered a fish out of water in this scenario but that's just a water pun!
The Audiobook is an even more clever way to immerse you into the expanding world that Shaun introduces us to. All the little sounds that are present as the story unfolds breathes life to the book while you read, as well as pulling you into in in a very fun and imersive way. This may be my first audiobook ever, but I love how well it was made with everyone involved. The soundtrack plays a major part in the whole creation of this, as Shaun is a composer also, and you can see his full potential being expressed with each song. Each song is very different in their own ways, but are all beautiful to hear and even made me tear up on some parts because I was so immersed into the situations that were occurring during the songs. Shaun, his wife and inspiration Naomi, and everyone else involved in the creation of this masterpiece deserve the biggest rounds of applause, and I can't wait to see what comes next for Kassi and her friends as well as seeing how far the worlds will be expanded on and witnessed through our very eyes in the future to come. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a new tide to ride in an ocean of other stories. This is going to be a great series and I have high praise for its future!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INSANE 🤯 Such an in-depth and carefully crafted world that will cause you deep wonder and awe. The writing style is the perfect mixture of witty and funny and imaginative and creative, while also being a fast paced, interesting story. This book is entertaining to teenagers and adults alike, with multiple plot points that cater to each age group. It leaves you on the edge of your seat, with just enough mystery and resolve to keep you reading everyday. I cried and laughed and screamed and gasped, all the things a good book makes you do! I just loved it.
ALSO, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION. Barrows original score is a MUST, and having the songs incorporated into the story adds so much context and depth. So incredibly well done! Cannot recommend enough!

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

An orchestrated science fiction


The Paradise Planets by Shaun Barrowes is a refreshing science fiction, melding musical into its narrative in a unique way.

Set in a utopian future, the story follows fifteen-year-old Kassiana, a siren from the Paradise Planets, as she navigates the harsh realities of a flooded Earth.

Stripped of her voice and power, Kassiana's journey to reclaim her place among her people became thrilling adventure, and the universal search for belonging.

Barrowes' narrative is about the power of voice and music as tools for change, presenting a hero's journey with an extraordinary world-building

This book is a standout for its originality, particularly in how it explores, and a must read for anyone looking for a refreshing take on science fiction

[Domi Simply · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start off with the fact that this book was meant to be a screenplay with the way it was written.

I give a 5 stars out of 5 because it has action, romance, bad guys and good guys, let’s not forget that it’s a sci-fi adventure for sure! If you like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, this book for sure will turn your head with the unique new language that was implemented into the story line along with a soundtrack you can listen to on Spotify which can have you infused in the story.

I can’t wait for the author to make a second book. With the way things ended, there has to be a next book for sure! This book had me sitting on edge with the sports and the action that had me consumed in the pages.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn good...
I saw Shaun at the DreamHack and found his story on Spotify as audiobook because I don't read as much.

How is this story different? The music is a main focus and it adds a bunch. The graphic audio to the story is also a great addition. Whoever set the audio does do it a little liberally (the songs are LOUD) but it is obvious when they start and you can tone down the volume. Otherwise, the story is just... damn good.
I'm mega-surprised it is this author's early if not first work.
Would love to have Lit2Animate work with the author to get it animated, but the cost and detail would be huge for the first work, but if you audiobook stories, it is a keeper. I don't even use Spotify in general but I downloaded and bought the book with a free account.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a debut novel by a local author. He visited the school where I teach. Such a great guy, and this middle-grade science fiction story is unlike anything I have read before. The futuristic Earth is a bleak place, but the Paradise Planets are a true utopia. So when a girl born and raised as a Paradiser is kidnapped and brought to face the truths of living as the lowest of low on Earth, there is bound to be character growth and a ragtag team of underdogs looking to fix the world's problems. On top of that, the fictional world has technology that works through music sang in an ancient language (created by the author). along with original songs.

[Zippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5 stars)

Review from my 13 year old daughter: (5 stars)

This book was amazing! Very original, creative, and immersive. I highly recommend it to anybody who likes to read! The main character is complicated, making it a very interesting read! (In a good way 😁). I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

[Alessandra L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read in my life! The book doesn’t remind me of any other book! It is my favorite.

[Jaquelin De La Torre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely magical! ❤️

[mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa

This book is super unique in every way! I absolutely love the story! Kassiana is 100% my absolute favorite person!!

[T.N. Traynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great imaginative YA novel

In the year 2132 humans on Earth are called Gaians and then there are those lucky enough to live on the planets called Paradise.
Princess Kassiana is one of many children of Paradise who are kidnapped and taken to Earth so they can experience the harsh lifestyle of the Gaians.
Can the Gaians change the mindset of these teenagers so they will become advocates to help Earth, or will their harsh treatment turn them against Gaians?
Highly imaginative, great details and world building.
For me personally, I couldn't stand the constant use of 'eh' in Kassiana's speech, drove me crazy. I think teens will really enjoy this gripping tale.

[Daniel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really unique, great story, Asian female protagonist!

This book blew my mind - it's a totally fresh, unique spin on the futuristic sci-fi genre. I was hooked following badass heroine Kassiana's journey after getting kidnapped to the flooded Earth. The musical aspect with actual vocal songs you can listen to was so freakin' cool and added awesome atmosphere. The creative worldbuilding with underwater sports, sonic weaponry, and a new language sucked me right in. While some of the technical acoustics stuff went over my head at times, the fast-paced, high-stakes story kept me turning pages. An epic, mind-bending adventure!

[Anthony Ghavami · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best pieces of entertainment available today.

It's a 4/5 read, but do yourself a favor and check out the audiobook - the overall entertainment value is most assuredly 5 stars. The full cast audio production with a full score of music was absolutely phenomenal.

I found the book to have a healthy and balanced dialogue around class hierarchies, government oversight and bullying. The bullying really got to me actually, and I found myself scheming with the characters on ways to deal with it.

Really looking forward to continuing this series and I hope to meet Shaun again at a future Dragonsteel Nexus con.

[Hannah Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review
WOW, this audiobook is a masterpiece. The full cast, background noise and sound effects, and original music were all amazing! The story is original, unlike another fantasy book I've read. The world building is perfectly detailed, setting the scene without being overwhelming. I HIGHLY recommend this audiobook, it made my commute and cleaning MUCH more enjoyable! I follow the author's wife on Instagram (love her) and that's how I heard about this book, I'm so happy I came across it, it's amazing! 11/10

[Karen Brough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another world comes to life

I'm not a sci fi reader traditionally, but this book leapt out.
The author seamlessly draws the reader on with his language that builds.
I felt such delight when Kassi has a part of her restored. (No spoiler here. Lol)
This book is on a whole other level.
Songs, new language, and refreshingly a fairly light read (ie.not dark and broody) what a relief! It felt almost redemptive.
Well done!

[Miranda Ah Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!

This book is FANTASTIC! The characters are so fun, and I especially loved how the main character, Kassi, had so many struggles but eventually was able to believe in herself through her journey and do amazing things. So relatable! Shaun, your mind is brilliant. Thank you for creating such an amazing story! Can't wait for book 2 to come out! 10/10!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Araceli Esparza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I lived in this realm for such a good amount of time, this book was everything

[Jordynne Burr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your new favorite fantasy series!!!
I just finished the whole book in one sitting and I absolutely LOVED it! I'm upset next summer isn't closer so I can continue on what happens in the story! I'm probably gonna read it again lol and I totally cried when I got to the "see you on the other side" parts. Definitely because the story was awful and sad at that time but amazing, but also because of what we all experienced together on live hearing about the song writers experience in (TW) child loss. It's been a minute since there was a good book to pull on my heart strings. Idk where else I could give you an amazing review but considering this my 5 stars, my 10/10 recommend, and my absolute referral to anyone else looking for a FANTASTIC story. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Julianne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when it was first published. But then I listen to the audiobook and I am sold! It is a musical fantasy so the audiobook had actual songs with music. It was so interesting and so fun! The songs were really well done. Sometimes it was distracting what I wanted the plot to keep going, but overall amazing!
The songs fit really well because the whole book is about a sirens game where they sing to propel themselves through the water. The better they sing, the faster they can go. The more harmonized their team is, the better they can play.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Plotwise, I probably would have ranked it as 4 star since the reasoning behind the kidnapping plot seemed a little off for me. I hope later books will help it make more sense but I will have to see. I did bump this up to a 5 star though because the audiobook version is AMAZING! All the readers/singers were great and I was so invested. Not to mention that at times it was just fun to listen to. I definitely went back to listen to some of the songs again. I am really looking forward to the next one!

[Debbie Delano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be anxiously awaiting the announcement for book 2. This book has officially set the bar for audio books for me with an entire cast narrating the whole thing, a full musical score from start to finish, and literally every single amazing thing that I love about storytelling. I honestly can not get enough, and the songs that are in the book are also available on music streaming platforms, so I will be adding them to my list immediately..

[Kayla Kephart · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

10/10 recommend listening to the audiobook for this one. The acting and the original tracks were really entertaining and well done, even more so than a normal dramatized recording.
Minor complaints I have really seem to stem from the fact I might be aged past the intended audience, since this feels very YA. I think the overall writing could be improved upon (aka less/more consistent metaphors and world-specific vocab), but aside from that it was a really pleasant read!

[Garrin Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun read. Some of it was a little slow and hard to stay excited for but in the end, it was worth it. And the music that comes with it is honestly really good! Such a unique and entertaining idea! Recommend for sure though it might be hard to get through some sections and some of the story seems a little rushed.

[Shelia Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting story

The story was gripping and the plot was good. However, I think the story ended too abruptly for me and one of my favorite characters didn’t make it. Maybe there is a book 2 in the future?

[Yomi Akinode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing It
Kassiana’s once royal life was now kaput. Now, she has to suffer like the rest of the hated earthlings. Now voiceless, a death knell for a Siren, she needed to be creative, reminding me of some old movies where sailors are disoriented with siren songs in the deep sea. Enjoy.

[Danfor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building was breathtaking. The story was enticing and kept me wanting more. The Highschool cringe😬 very cringe😹 All around it was a good book and kept me on my toes. I’d definitely recommend

[Debra's Midlife Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! I listened to the audio book and it was so well done, 5 stars just for the cast and music the author created just for the book.

[Beverley Turnquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

A nice read with great world building elements. The characters were well fleshed out and the storyline original and engaging.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has successfully written into being a beautiful musical science fiction. The world created here is one I look forward to visiting again in the next book.

[Melissa Paderewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished reading this book. I haven't been able to finish a book in years! Paradise Planets is very good at keeping my imagination going. From the planet of Nemalis to Gaia, both planets are described so well so I can really imagine what is like to be there. I think that this book really gets people thinking about caste systems and classism, which I think is a really important topic. We've had stories about poor characters who become rich. It's not often that there's a character, who has everything, experiences what is like to have not much of anything. Not just the lack of wealth but the lack of privilege, the lack of love and dignity. Different parts of this story triggered a lot of awful memories for me, but it's also what makes these characters relatable. How everyone comes together through adversity is very powerful. Throughout this story is also a lot of will needed humor and quirkiness that has me falling in love with the characters. On occasion the characters frustrate me but I realize it's because they are well written teenagers and I'm so past that age. The story also has a lot of interesting teachers and adult characters. I think for anyone who has enjoyed Harry Potter they would enjoy Sensei Kelipalo and Coach Rockson. There are also villains in this story who get me angry, but also have me questioning if they're really villains. I am looking forward to book 2, so I can see what's next.