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Autumn

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Who did you hurt? Did they deserve it?
Damon Vaughn discovers why those are the ugly questions you don’t ask of yourself or others. On trial for the brutal murder of his best friend, David Perez, the only focus of his teenage mind is Autumn, the young love of his chaotic life, the motive for all of his actions, buried two years ago. The three of them had grown up together, wrong side-of-the-tracks kids, forging the all-consuming bonds that defined their lives. Now, alone, Damon faces a devastating path of repercussion and pain for reasons he can not articulate. Not over questions of who but why. Of what you sacrifice for one who means everything. Autumn is a harrowing love letter razor-bladed into the taunt skin of an emotional thriller, following three bruised lives into a dark portrait of family, death, and a twisting hope bound distant and bloodstained.

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

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26 people want to read

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Alisha Galvan

5 books73 followers

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5 stars
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15 (39%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Christopher Tantillo.
Author 5 books124 followers
October 6, 2024
Who have you hurt?
And did they deserve it?

"Autumn" is a literary book from indie author Alisha Galvan. It follows our MMC Damon as he is on trial for the murder of his best friend. It jumps back and forth between present day and the past as we learn about the events that led to the murder and beyond. It has elements of romance, coming-of-age, suspense, mystery, and emotional thriller. Check your trigger warnings.

This is by far my favorite thing Alisha has released. It's written in a very literary and poetic writing style, often waxing poetic (in a good way), and is easily the best written book I've read in all of 2024. The imagery and sensory detail are so wild, really immersing the reader in the setting and the character emotions. It's told in a deep first person POV, and Damon is a bit of an unreliable narrator, which was fun.

The one thing to know going in is the style of writing and how long the chapters are. It's a slow-burn, and very introspective. If you can get on board with long chapters and stories told with a lot of inner reflection, then I think you'll have a great time with this book. It's not for readers looking for a fast-paced, high action type of storytelling. It's very subtle and understated for most of the narrative.

This has a lot to say about love: what it means to us, how we define it, how we learn from it and grow from it. It's about loss and death and family. Not just the families we are born into, but the ones that we choose or that choose us. But it's also about monsters. The ones that live inside of us all. The people who hurt us and the people we hurt... sometimes intentionally. How do we define that moral line between what is justified and what is too far? How far will you go for love? Will you sacrifice for it? Hurt for it? Avenge for it? Kill for it?

But it's also, ultimately, about hope. Despite the stories we tell about ourselves, or the ones others tell for us, it's about the hope of healing. The hope of better days. The hope of redemption despite the bad things that have been done to us or we have done to others. This is a profound exploration of the marks that the people we love leave on our soul. Forever etched into our pasts and futures. How people never leave us, even after death. And how that love can linger for years, lifetimes, generations.

This novel gets my highest recommendation in every sense of the word. If you're a fan of Alisha's, and you're ok with long chapters and a very poetic/literary style of writing, then you will love this and where it goes. I sobbed for a solid twenty minutes after reading this. It broke me, and then healed me. I'm still thinking about it.

I have a million highlighted quotes, each one deserving. But I will leave you with one of my favorites:

"Love is nothing you leave behind. You carry it with you, tucked shallow or deep, and turn to it when it's needed most."
Profile Image for Kristi Arends.
157 reviews7 followers
September 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! Alisha Galvan's, Autumn was something different, but in such an amazing way!

The twisty road that this book took you on was a completely new journey for me. The first and last parts of the book are just mind-blowing. 🤯 The middle of the book was a little slow for me; however, it all comes together perfectly and makes complete sense why that part of the story is important.

I always enjoy an unreliable narrator, and Damon Vaughn was no exception to that rule. I love me a morally gray villain. 🩶 I mean, we all have a monster inside of ourselves, right Alisha? 😉

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review this ARC for you, Alisha. I can definitely say I will be reading more of your work in the future.

I recommend Autumn to any reader who loves emotional thrillers.
Profile Image for Ashley Phillips.
138 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2024
Wow is all i can say for this book, I had no idea it would end the way it did. if you like thrillers you have got to read this one. It is the first i have read from Alisha Galvan and i will be reading her other books.

i dont want to give anything away but Wow, i’m speechless.
Profile Image for Haley.
314 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2024
The last 20% of this story, I could not put this down because I NEEDED to know what happened!!!

The beginning of the book had me addicted, but after about 20% into the story it lost me a little bit but it definitely picked back up and the twist was so worth the read!! The slower parts in the middle of the story were talking about how Damon, Dave and Autumn grew up and were all best friends, which I get is part of the story but it just felt so slow and meh compared to the rest of the story!

I also did not like that this was broken up into different parts or super long chapters! I hate longgggggg chapters, because I hate having to put a book down in the middle of a chapter, and with this you really didn’t have a choice!

The ending was crazy and overall this book was so worth the read! I kind of figured out what happened to Dave but the other twists that were revealed, I definitely didn’t see coming!! This was a great read overall, and I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for their next addicting read!
Profile Image for Stefanie Silvestri.
147 reviews8 followers
September 24, 2024
This is the third book that I have read from Alisha Galvan and they end up getting better. I was completely absorbed in this book from the start, and there were some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, that kept me wondering, about what would happen next.
As a Damon Vaughn faces trial for the tragic death of his best friend David Perez, his mind is focused on the girl he loves, Autumn, who was buried two years ago, and serves as the motivation for his actions. Now that he is
all alone he gets to face the aftermath and pain of what he did. Would you sacrifice everything for the one that means everything to you?
Profile Image for Tish.
1,532 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
I was super excited when I was given the opportunity to read this book as it sounded interesting plus I love discovering new authors. And Alisha Galvan did not let me down.

The story was very interesting and kept my attention. I got very invested in Damon and his story, I was very eager to find out what was going to happen. And even once I learned the truth, I was utterly shocked! I had no idea what I really expected but I know that my imagination didn't even come close to that ending.
Profile Image for Ash Hitch.
89 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
This book is a 5-star read. If you’re a fan of dark emotional suspense and thrills, this is the book for you.

The accurate depiction of the judical and prison systems immediately caught my attention. The story begins with a murder trial and captivates you from there.

The writing is phenomenol. The heartbreak is diabolical. The ending is a perfect blend of devastating, satisfying, unpredictible, and yet perfectly fitting. I cried, cheered, and made my family/friends listen to me rant and rave about this read for days.

Having read all of Alisha’s work, I can confidently say this is her best yet. It’s another fully baked delicious work of art with the icing perfectly in place.

Notes on an Execution Vibes. The Inmate Vibes, but with more lyrical writing and depth. I would suggest this book to anyone who values linguistic art and intense purposeful reads. This book might not be the cup of tea preferred for a light beach reader♡.
17 reviews
September 28, 2024
This was not my cup of tea. The story line was a little slow for me so I had a hard time finishing it. There were times that it got intense, which was really good. I do think many will enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Kahra.
51 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
I really liked this book after I read it. It starts out slow but pulls you in as you continue to read it. Things happen that your not expecting. I will be reading more by this author.
4 reviews
September 26, 2024
Wow! This is one of the best written books I've read in a hot minute. The character depth and detail had me hooked almost immediately and I couldn't put it down. A definite must read!
5 reviews
September 26, 2024
Hands down if thrillers and a rollercoaster of emotion is what you are seeking Autumn is a must read.
Profile Image for BrooklynBookworm.
666 reviews11 followers
October 9, 2024
Different.. but in the best way!

Autumn is the harrowing tale of Damon Vaughn. See.. Damon is on trial. On trial for the murder of his best friend, David Perez. It’s not looking good for him. The story kicks off immediately at his trial. They have all the evidence they need. They have a murder weapon, bloody clothes with Damon’s DNA, and friends of Damon’s that can attest to the change in his behavior. Damon & David were best friends.. with Autumn. Autumn was the love of Damon’s life and she died 2 years ago. This story will take you on a journey through past & present to find out the truth about what happened to David and why.

Wow! Autumn was such an amazing read. Not your average thriller.. it’s more of a slow burn, intense, cutting, emotional thriller with a side of romance. Alisha Galvan has a beautifully, skillful writing style. While the chapters are extremely long and can seem like it’s dragging on, it’s all worth it for the literary writing. You’re not just reading words in this book.. this story paints such a vivid picture of love.. what love means, how love affects us, and loss. How do we cope with pain? Pain that we’ve caused and pain that was brought upon us. Love.. we all want it. But what does love mean? How far would you go for love? How far is too far? This book will have you questioning… would you kill for love? And also.. is there such a thing as redemption? Can we forgive despite the bad things that may have happened?

Absolutely incredible read. If you’ve never read anything from this author.. please let it be this. Emotionally charged, traumatic, and intense. This is one puzzle you’ll want to piece together. 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Allie Ray.
18 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2024
Ok… I have already explained this book to not only my daughter but my fiance, my mom and my brother, it’s just TOO good not to tell someone about. Alisha’s writing is absolutely beautiful, the way she builds the plot, the way she gives you a deep dive into the brain of the main character & the quotes I could take from this book are like poetry…. But this STORY…

This is about a young boy named Damon, the love of his life was murdered (Autumn) and now he is on trial for the murder of his best friend …. Why did he kill his best friend and what happened to Autumn? Why is she dead? Why is he plotting to go to a specific prison and does he really think he can escape? When I tell you my jaw was ON THE FLOOR when everything tied together the way it did at the end—- I was FLABBERGASTED. I’ve never had a twist hit me so hard the way this one did. All the little details coming together … HOLY SMOKES!!! This should be a movie. I think this has to be my favorite book of the year and I’ve read over 100 books this year , it is truly that good. 10/10 stars!!!
Profile Image for Jamie Young.
242 reviews17 followers
November 19, 2024
Who did you hurt? Did they deserve it?

Damon, Dave and Autumn grew up together and remained best friends through everything, no matter what. Just barely out of high school now and starting on new paths.. Autumn is dead and Dave was murdered and Damon is the one on trial for killing his best friend. Dive into Damon’s world now in the present and visit the past with him while he navigates the allegations of murder.

I cannot say much more, as this is a story you need to dive right into. Alisha’s writing is beautiful and captivating. She is able to capture the introspective and internal dialogue of Damon so well. Between that and the way that we learn more about Autumn and Dave, it’s easy to root for all of them, as the character development is on point.

As much as this story is about love, it isn’t a romance novel. It is a thriller, a slow burn - filled with secrets, lies and revenge. You will find yourself turning the pages so fast to see what happens next!

Enjoy, happy reading! 📖
Thank you Alisha, for trusting me with an ARC of Autumn.

4.5⭐️ on StoryGraph, rounded up to 5⭐️ here.
Profile Image for Jackie Vest.
33 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2024
Autumn" is a gripping thriller that deftly weaves together suspense, intrigue, and complex character dynamics. Set against a backdrop of a seemingly idyllic town, the narrative draws readers into a world where hidden secrets and unexpected twists abound. Her writing is vivid and immersive, painting a picture of autumn's beauty while simultaneously unraveling a dark mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seat!! The pacing is impeccable, with tension escalating at just the right moments, making it difficult to put the book down. She skillfully balances suspense with emotional depth, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.

"Autumn" is not just a thrilling read; it's an exploration of human nature and the shadows that lurk behind closed doors. Fans of the genre will find themselves captivated by her storytelling prowess. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling escape into a world rife with secrets and unexpected revelations. Highly recommend!
11 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
I received this as an ARC and is the first book I've read by Alisha. I admit that I don't often read this style so it was hard to get into, with the back and forth, past, present, but perhaps that was the intention. I imagine going through everything described in the book would jumble thoughts and emotions. I won't DNF an ARC read, and was about half way though before I started getting more invested in Damon and understanding him. By the end I needed to know what happened to David and Autumn and couldn't consume the rest of the book quickly enough, and ended up really enjoying the story. One would be lucky to have had any one of those three as a companion in life. There aren't many people out there that are as devoted to each other as they were, and even fewer that would do what they did for each other.
Profile Image for Karen.
3 reviews
November 17, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading a book from this author, and Autumn for me is currently a DNF. I did not completely dislike what I read, I got about 100 pages into it before deciding to DNF. I wasn't connecting with the characters, and the story was dragging a little too much for me. I get the need for backstory, but I just wasn't connecting with what I was reading. One of my big struggles with books is when there's a lot of detail and very little dialogue, which was the issue I faced in the majority of the 100 pages I read of this book.

I am willing to give this book another chance in physical form and see if my experience is better than with the ebook copy. I also want to check out Alisha's other books to see if I connect with those more than Autmn.
91 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2024
This was not it for me. I STRUGGLED with the extremely long chapters. I’m not one to put a book down in the middle of a chapter, my brain won’t let me. But in this it was like one chapter was 20% of the book. It made it hard for me to stay involved. Some parts of the book were great and I liked those parts but they seemed very few and far between. By 50% through the book I couldn’t force myself to continue. I’m trying to get. Better with not finishing something if it isn’t for me, it will put me in a reading slump for sure. I REALLYYYYYYYYYY wanted to like this one but it just wasn’t for me. I will still keep up with this author to see what else they have to offer in the future that may fit me a little better.
Profile Image for Krista.
89 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2024
Alisha! You have done it again! I look forward to you releasing new books I have rated everything you have written 5 stars. I just love your writing style so much. We follow Damon as the book starts out of his trial for the murder of his best friend and all the evidence presented.

The timeline jumps from present day and the past as we learn about all the characters and the events leading up to the murder and why it happened.

As always check your trigger warnings because if there is one it’s in this book just like all her other books but if trigger warnings don’t bother you this is a great read. I loved learning about the characters and how they became who they are. Thank you Alisha for letting me read this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
127 reviews
September 27, 2024
I DNF'd at 73%. It is good... but those chapters are horridly long. I'm not saying this is a horrible book, I will be going back to it so i can get the answers i'm dying to know... I just wish it was written differently. I feel there is a lot that could have been taken out, or written in a way to flow better. I see and feel the potential.. i just don't know if it will be like that for everyone. Still giving it 4 stars. I have other ARCS i need to complete so i will come back around and get those answers.
Profile Image for BeJewlsTv  TTPD Member.
17 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2024
"Autumn" by Alisha Galvan is a captivating read that immerses you in the lives of three childhood friends, Damon, Dave, and Autumn. The beginning is engaging, though the middle sections slow down with backstory details. Despite the long chapters (which was the only thing I didn't like but not enough to change my rating), the story picks up again and leads to an unexpected, thrilling ending. Overall, it's a compelling read with emotional depth and surprising twists.
6 reviews
November 4, 2024
WOW!! That’s the first thing that comes to mind. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this novel but I am blown away. There are so many emotional ups and downs. There are relatable moments and then moments that make you wonder about life and punishments. It made me question my feelings on punishments and what my expectations would be in certain situations. I didn’t expect I’d be as drawn in as I was for the story. This is definitely something that should be on your list to read!
Profile Image for Tiffany Morse.
22 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2024
WOW! This novel completely surpassed my expectations. The emotional rollercoaster it takes you on is intense, with moments that feel deeply relatable and others that make you reflect on life and the concept of punishment. It challenged my perspective, making me question my own feelings and expectations in certain situations. I was unexpectedly captivated by the story and couldn’t put it down. This is a must-read that deserves a spot on your list!
Profile Image for inanookwithabook .
30 reviews
October 21, 2024
I’ve read several of Alisha Galvans horror books and was pleasantly surprised at how well she transitioned into writing a more introspective/ poetic style! The book is still frightening and gritty but the underlying story is about love and the relationships between the characters come off the page. It was a really fun read that kept me guessing until the end. Would recommend this one.
41 reviews
November 3, 2024
The first chapter had me hooked. But then after that I struggle to keep reading seem like alot of rambling. But I pushed through and I finish the book. So glad I stuck it out. The last few chapters had me hooked again. Well worth the read. Definitely a good plot twist. Thanks for letting me be your ARC reader. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jessica Mccann.
8 reviews
September 27, 2024
Autumn is a great mix of love story, friends, and thriller. This was slow for me to get into at first but yeah, that last 25% or so had me hooked. I agree with a few other reviews that I wish there were traditional chapters.
38 reviews
October 9, 2024
All I can say is wow! This book had me in its hooks from the very start. I was invested in the characters what a beautiful heartbreaking story about love and loss and deep pain. You never know where life will take you and I think this book shows you that.
Profile Image for jenna danielle.
165 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
3.5 i love an unreliable narrator & the plot of this book had me in a chokehold in the beginning but the long chapters kicked my ass. the middle of the book definitely felt like it dragged but i loved how descriptive everything was, it felt very immersive.
Profile Image for Caitlyn.
2 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2024
Wow, what a fantastic read! A little slow in the beginning for me, but once I got to the second chapter I was hooked. The imagery of this book is outstanding. The ending? Even better. Would definitely recommend this read to others!!
Profile Image for Brittni Dunklebarger.
1 review
October 22, 2024
This was definitely a slower burn for me but oh was it worth the read! The writing itself was so descriptive and made picturing it very easy. The characters are likable and relatable. The storyline is amazing. The flashbacks pull you in so much and the twists are perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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