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Falling Up
Peter travels because he can fly, but it's a dangerous world. A tyrant king nearly succeeds in killing him, and has everyone in a village killed just to tell him he'll keep trying. It's his abilities to control gravity, and thus fly, that gives him hope to survive.
559 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
About the author
Rodger E. Carty
3 books4 followersI write science fiction that turns physics on its head. I write clean stories suitable for ages 16-116. Wholesome, heartwarming, encouraging.
I was one of 66 entries out of 800 to make it to the second round of a Canada-wide Writing for Children's Competition. Because I like to make people laugh, you will oftentimes find humour interjected in my stories. When I'm not writing, I love to suspend gravity temporarily by throwing frisbee with friends.
I was one of 66 entries out of 800 to make it to the second round of a Canada-wide Writing for Children's Competition. Because I like to make people laugh, you will oftentimes find humour interjected in my stories. When I'm not writing, I love to suspend gravity temporarily by throwing frisbee with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 17, 2026
I picked up Falling Up not knowing what to expect, and honestly. I was completely blown away. Rodger E. Carty has crafted something genuinely special here. Peter is one of the most compelling protagonists I've read in years. The concept of controlling gravity to fly sounds fantastical on the surface, but Carty grounds it in a way that feels earned and real.
What hit me hardest was the stakes. This isn't some whimsical flight-of-fancy story. There's a tyrant king who is utterly terrifying cold, methodical, and willing to massacre an entire village just to send Peter a message. That scene stopped my breath. It's the kind of villain that reminds you why survival stories work: the threat has to be real, and Carty never lets you forget it.
At 583 pages, the book has room to breathe, and it uses every page. The world-building unfolds organically you're never info-dumped, you're just dropped into this dangerous, richly textured world and trusted to keep up. I loved that. Peter's gravity powers are a clever metaphor too it's his unique gift, his curse, and ultimately his only lifeline. That thread runs beautifully through the whole narrative.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think Peter has a moment to breathe, the world closes in again. And yet it never feels exhausting Carty balances tension with quieter, character-driven moments that make you genuinely care.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading. Highly, highly recommended especially if you love hI picked up Falling Up not knowing what to expect, and honestly. I was completely blown away. Rodger E. Carty has crafted something genuinely special here. Peter is one of the most compelling protagonists I've read in years. The concept of controlling gravity to fly sounds fantastical on the surface, but Carty grounds it in a way that feels earned and real.
What hit me hardest was the stakes. This isn't some whimsical flight-of-fancy story. There's a tyrant king who is utterly terrifying cold, methodical, and willing to massacre an entire village just to send Peter a message. That scene stopped my breath. It's the kind of villain that reminds you why survival stories work: the threat has to be real, and Carty never lets you forget it.
At 583 pages, the book has room to breathe, and it uses every page. The world-building unfolds organically you're never info dumped, you're just dropped into this dangerous, richly textured world and trusted to keep up. I loved that. Peter's gravity powers are a clever metaphor too, it's his unique gift, his curse, and ultimately his only lifeline. That thread runs beautifully through the whole narrative.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think Peter has a moment to breathe, the world closes in again. And yet it never feels exhausting. Carty balances tension with quieter, character driven moments that make you genuinely care.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading. Highly, highly recommended especially if you love high-stakes fantasy with a protagonist worth rooting for. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
What hit me hardest was the stakes. This isn't some whimsical flight-of-fancy story. There's a tyrant king who is utterly terrifying cold, methodical, and willing to massacre an entire village just to send Peter a message. That scene stopped my breath. It's the kind of villain that reminds you why survival stories work: the threat has to be real, and Carty never lets you forget it.
At 583 pages, the book has room to breathe, and it uses every page. The world-building unfolds organically you're never info-dumped, you're just dropped into this dangerous, richly textured world and trusted to keep up. I loved that. Peter's gravity powers are a clever metaphor too it's his unique gift, his curse, and ultimately his only lifeline. That thread runs beautifully through the whole narrative.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think Peter has a moment to breathe, the world closes in again. And yet it never feels exhausting Carty balances tension with quieter, character-driven moments that make you genuinely care.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading. Highly, highly recommended especially if you love hI picked up Falling Up not knowing what to expect, and honestly. I was completely blown away. Rodger E. Carty has crafted something genuinely special here. Peter is one of the most compelling protagonists I've read in years. The concept of controlling gravity to fly sounds fantastical on the surface, but Carty grounds it in a way that feels earned and real.
What hit me hardest was the stakes. This isn't some whimsical flight-of-fancy story. There's a tyrant king who is utterly terrifying cold, methodical, and willing to massacre an entire village just to send Peter a message. That scene stopped my breath. It's the kind of villain that reminds you why survival stories work: the threat has to be real, and Carty never lets you forget it.
At 583 pages, the book has room to breathe, and it uses every page. The world-building unfolds organically you're never info dumped, you're just dropped into this dangerous, richly textured world and trusted to keep up. I loved that. Peter's gravity powers are a clever metaphor too, it's his unique gift, his curse, and ultimately his only lifeline. That thread runs beautifully through the whole narrative.
The pacing is relentless in the best possible way. Just when you think Peter has a moment to breathe, the world closes in again. And yet it never feels exhausting. Carty balances tension with quieter, character driven moments that make you genuinely care.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading. Highly, highly recommended especially if you love high-stakes fantasy with a protagonist worth rooting for. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
December 19, 2025
Falling Up turns the idea of flying into something fresh and believable, grounding it in physics while keeping the wonder alive. The flying scenes are vivid and joyful, you can feel the freedom and excitement through the characters’ reactions.
A smart, imaginative, and engaging read that blends science, curiosity, and pure fun.
A smart, imaginative, and engaging read that blends science, curiosity, and pure fun.
April 23, 2025
The friendship between Peter, Alice, and Terence warmed my heart. I didn’t expect to be so emotionally attached to characters in a sci-fi story about flying, but here we are. The physics aspects are cleverly written and the emotional depth surprised me. Bravo.
May 12, 2025
Falling Up is an imaginative and heartwarming tale. The concept of flying via mind controlled gravity is exciting, but it’s the emotional depth of the characters that really hooks you. A delightful blend of science fiction and feel good moments.
April 4, 2025
I'm a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre. This was a nice change. Seeing how civilization is doing a few generations after. Well written, made me feel like I was right there.
April 23, 2025
I read this with my teenage son and we both adored it. It sparked so many “what if” conversations about gravity, physics, and imagination. Books that inspire curiosity are always winners in my eyes.
April 23, 2025
Peter’s journey is exhilarating, and the friendships he builds are touching. The flying scenes felt so real, I had to remind myself I was still on the couch. 😂 Loved every page
May 22, 2025
This book is a clever mix of light science and magic. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of wonder. Watching the characters so literally and emotionally was a treat.
May 22, 2025
More than just a flying tale, this story explores connection and joy. Peter’s ability becomes a gift he shares, and it’s genuinely touching to witness. Light and memorable.
May 22, 2025
With its creative take on gravity and fun character moments, Falling Up feels fresh and exciting. It’s the perfect mix of soft sci-fi and feel good fiction.
July 23, 2025
It’s rare for a book to feel both futuristic and comforting, but this one pulls it off. The ability to float isn’t just cool, it becomes a symbol of connection and trust among friends.
May 29, 2026
I'm really enjoying Falling Up by Rodger E. Carty! The story is engaging, the characters feel real and relatable, and the journey of Peter is both heartfelt and inspiring. The writing flows smoothly, making it hard to put the book down. I also appreciate how the themes are handled thoughtfully — it’s a story that sticks with you long after you’ve finished. Definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven novels with depth and emotion.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews