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Godfall
Not yet published
Expected 13 Jan 26When a massive asteroid hurtles toward Earth, humanity braces for annihilation—but the end doesn’t come. In fact, it isn’t an asteroid, but a three-mile-tall alien that drops down, seemingly dead, outside Little Springs, Nebraska. Dubbed “the Giant,” its arrival transforms the red-state farm town into a top-secret government research site and major metropolitan area, flooded with soldiers, scientists, bureaucrats, spies, criminals, cultists—and a murderer.
As the sheriff of Little Springs, David Blunt thought he’d be keeping the peace among the same people he’d known all his life, not breaking up chanting crowds of conspiracy theorists in tiger masks or struggling to control a town hall meeting about the construction of a mosque. As a series of brutal, bizarre murders strikes close to home, Blunt throws himself into the hunt for a killer who seems connected to the Giant. With bodies piling up and tensions in Little Springs mounting, he realizes that in order to find the answers he needs, he must first reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
As the sheriff of Little Springs, David Blunt thought he’d be keeping the peace among the same people he’d known all his life, not breaking up chanting crowds of conspiracy theorists in tiger masks or struggling to control a town hall meeting about the construction of a mosque. As a series of brutal, bizarre murders strikes close to home, Blunt throws himself into the hunt for a killer who seems connected to the Giant. With bodies piling up and tensions in Little Springs mounting, he realizes that in order to find the answers he needs, he must first reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2023
31 people are currently reading
7014 people want to read
About the author
Van Jensen
173 books93 followersVan Jensen is the acclaimed author of the award-winning GODFALL trilogy (Grand Central). The sci-fi/thriller genre mashup series is in development for TV with Academy Award winner Ron Howard attached to direct and Jensen serving as executive producer.
Jensen was born and raised in the farm country of Western Nebraska where he wrote and drew stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. He became a newspaper crime reporter, then a magazine editor, and eventually an author of comic books and graphic novels. He has written some of the world’s biggest characters, including James Bond, Godzilla, and The Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics. His original graphic novels include ARCA (IDW), Two Dead (Simon & Schuster/Gallery 13), Two Dead (Dark Horse), and Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer (Top Shelf/IDW).
He also writes and produces for film and TV.
Jensen was born and raised in the farm country of Western Nebraska where he wrote and drew stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. He became a newspaper crime reporter, then a magazine editor, and eventually an author of comic books and graphic novels. He has written some of the world’s biggest characters, including James Bond, Godzilla, and The Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics. His original graphic novels include ARCA (IDW), Two Dead (Simon & Schuster/Gallery 13), Two Dead (Dark Horse), and Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer (Top Shelf/IDW).
He also writes and produces for film and TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 18, 2023
Wow. Fantastic. Godfall is a suspenseful and well-written novel that far exceeded my expectations. I'm not entirely sure why I chose this book since I'm not normally a huge fan of sci-fi, but I'm so glad I did. The plot follows David, a sheriff of a small Nebraskan town (or at least what used to be a small Nebraskan town prior to a mountain-sized alien crash-landing in its backyard) and his struggle to catch a serial killer terrorizing the area.
First off, the sci-fi is pretty light in this one if you're not normally a fan of the genre. I mean, sure, there's a gigantic dead alien and some science-y talk, but at its heart it's mostly a thriller and police procedural. And an amazing one at that, I might add – I loved the characters, the storyline, the setting. I really can't think of anything bad to say about it and that's a rarity for me.
I did guess the identity of the killer probably around the 50% mark, but it in no way took away from my enjoyment of the book. Not that I was at all sure about my guess, anyway – I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out if I was right.
So, yeah. Amazing novel. Definitely read it. An enthusiastic five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and University of Nebraska Press for providing me with an advance copy of this novel to review.
First off, the sci-fi is pretty light in this one if you're not normally a fan of the genre. I mean, sure, there's a gigantic dead alien and some science-y talk, but at its heart it's mostly a thriller and police procedural. And an amazing one at that, I might add – I loved the characters, the storyline, the setting. I really can't think of anything bad to say about it and that's a rarity for me.
I did guess the identity of the killer probably around the 50% mark, but it in no way took away from my enjoyment of the book. Not that I was at all sure about my guess, anyway – I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out if I was right.
So, yeah. Amazing novel. Definitely read it. An enthusiastic five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and University of Nebraska Press for providing me with an advance copy of this novel to review.
October 28, 2024
La vicenda di Godfall si ambienta in una cittadina del Nebraska in cui le cose sono decisamente cambiate da quando dal cielo è caduto un gigante composto di cristalli: Little Springs è diventato un polo turistico, l'FBI, scienziati e ricercatori hanno costruito edifici atti a portare avanti ricerche sul misterioso gigante, e i valori della comunità sono stati messi in gioco. In tutto ciò David, il protagonista, indaga su una serie di omicidi.
Van Jensen si propone di scrivere un romanzo dall'ambientazione rurale che possa essere sulla scia del Southern Gothic (magari a la Oates) ma non riesce a creare l'idea di una comunità viva e pulsante, di conflitti interiori che il lettore possa sentire come suoi. I caratteri sono sì variegati ma trattati troppo di superficie, compresi i protagonisti.
La morte del cugino di David (evento motore del romanzo), e la conseguente rabbia di quest'ultimo, non l'ho percepita mai, proprio perché manca un trascorso tra i due personaggi che giustifichi narrativamente quella rabbia, e dunque tutto ciò su cui il romanzo si sostiene.
Dalle interazioni tra i personaggi, al loro background, alle descrizioni della comunità, tutto viene liquidato sempre in maniera troppo frettolosa, distribuendo la storia in capitoli eccessivamente brevi.
Inoltre manca la commistione di generi che mi sarei aspettato da questo romanzo (qualcosa simil Setz o Evenson): il gigante rimane sempre un contorno di quello che è il nucleo del libro, ovvero un giallo investigativo su un serial killer.
Il romanzo è dunque un thriller-action abbastanza canonico, con una scrittura caratterizzata dall'utilizzo eccessivo della punteggiatura forte, dialoghi spesso artificiosi e mancanza di un reale approfondimento.
I disegni avrebbero compensato molte mancanze, peccato però che Van Jensen abbia scelto la forma del romanzo per raccontare questa storia. (A breve sarà una serie TV diretta da Ron Howard)
Van Jensen si propone di scrivere un romanzo dall'ambientazione rurale che possa essere sulla scia del Southern Gothic (magari a la Oates) ma non riesce a creare l'idea di una comunità viva e pulsante, di conflitti interiori che il lettore possa sentire come suoi. I caratteri sono sì variegati ma trattati troppo di superficie, compresi i protagonisti.
La morte del cugino di David (evento motore del romanzo), e la conseguente rabbia di quest'ultimo, non l'ho percepita mai, proprio perché manca un trascorso tra i due personaggi che giustifichi narrativamente quella rabbia, e dunque tutto ciò su cui il romanzo si sostiene.
Dalle interazioni tra i personaggi, al loro background, alle descrizioni della comunità, tutto viene liquidato sempre in maniera troppo frettolosa, distribuendo la storia in capitoli eccessivamente brevi.
Inoltre manca la commistione di generi che mi sarei aspettato da questo romanzo (qualcosa simil Setz o Evenson): il gigante rimane sempre un contorno di quello che è il nucleo del libro, ovvero un giallo investigativo su un serial killer.
Il romanzo è dunque un thriller-action abbastanza canonico, con una scrittura caratterizzata dall'utilizzo eccessivo della punteggiatura forte, dialoghi spesso artificiosi e mancanza di un reale approfondimento.
I disegni avrebbero compensato molte mancanze, peccato però che Van Jensen abbia scelto la forma del romanzo per raccontare questa storia. (A breve sarà una serie TV diretta da Ron Howard)
May 19, 2024
Godfall is a well-written scifi novel centered around David, a small-town sherrif who sees life suddenly change when an "asteroid" heading to Earth ends up being a gigantic (miles-long) dead alien. Naturally, when the alien crashes into his town, so, too, does the curious world, with reporters and the government racing to investigate this new development. This leaves David with a job more complicated than ever, doing his best to protect the "insiders" of the town from the changing culture as "outsiders" rush in.
There’s a lot going on in this book — a lone wolf small town cop, a religious end-of-times cult, a drug ring, murders, and of course let's not forget the alien body — and I was relieved that Van Jensen more or less pulls it all together in the end. I really appreciated David as a main character. He was somehow wholesome and deeply rooted in his community, and yet also a loner searching for his — and the town's — place in the world. His strict adherence to the idea of insiders vs outsiders in his town seemed characteristic of small-town life, as did the inevitable blind spots that rise up as a result. There are quite a few characters in the novel, and I did at times get a bit lost inside of them. I appreciated how this book navigated trans representation and various community reactions to it.
While this is a scifi book, it's heavily grounded in our typical world. I consider it light on the scifi themes and heavy on the character development and murder mystery. It will be a great choice for fans of serial killer thrillers and police procedurals.
There’s a lot going on in this book — a lone wolf small town cop, a religious end-of-times cult, a drug ring, murders, and of course let's not forget the alien body — and I was relieved that Van Jensen more or less pulls it all together in the end. I really appreciated David as a main character. He was somehow wholesome and deeply rooted in his community, and yet also a loner searching for his — and the town's — place in the world. His strict adherence to the idea of insiders vs outsiders in his town seemed characteristic of small-town life, as did the inevitable blind spots that rise up as a result. There are quite a few characters in the novel, and I did at times get a bit lost inside of them. I appreciated how this book navigated trans representation and various community reactions to it.
While this is a scifi book, it's heavily grounded in our typical world. I consider it light on the scifi themes and heavy on the character development and murder mystery. It will be a great choice for fans of serial killer thrillers and police procedurals.
March 29, 2025
Godfall è un libro di fantascienza che affronta dei temi interessanti: l'amicizia, l'abbandono ed il tradimento, sono quelli principali.
Potrei classificarlo anche come giallo, in quanto il lato investigativo occupa buona parte del libro. Ha un po di americanata a causa di alcuni continui modi di condurre l'indagine, i vari solleciti al non far trapelare nulla, voler nascondere i fatti e tenere all'oscuro la popolazione. Per il resto è stata una lettura coinvolgente e piacevole. Uno di quei pochi libri in cui non riesci a scoprire chi è l'assassino fino alla fine
Potrei classificarlo anche come giallo, in quanto il lato investigativo occupa buona parte del libro. Ha un po di americanata a causa di alcuni continui modi di condurre l'indagine, i vari solleciti al non far trapelare nulla, voler nascondere i fatti e tenere all'oscuro la popolazione. Per il resto è stata una lettura coinvolgente e piacevole. Uno di quei pochi libri in cui non riesci a scoprire chi è l'assassino fino alla fine
August 19, 2023
[Blurb goes here]
A massive asteroid crashes on the outskirts of Little Springs, a small town in Nebraska. As it turns out, the object is humanoid in shape, a three-mile-tall dead alien. The town is soon transformed into a growing metropolitan area. Both the military and Nasa have put up bases there.
David Blunt, the town's sheriff, is now responsible for keeping order in the growing city. The townsfolk are resentful; they don't like the newcomers, and they hate that their once peaceful, albeit ruined farm town is growing.
With progress, the inhabitants of Little Springs become witness to the influx of unwanted people: new religious congregations, sects, drug dealers, and criminals.
Blunt's job is becoming exceedingly complicated. To make matters worst, there's a serial killer in their midst. For reasons unknown, the FBI is on the case. Might have something to do with the killer's M.O.
I loved a lot of things when diving into the story: the sheriff is depicted as what you've come to expect from a man brought up in a red state. He's not openly racist or misogynist, but there are a few hints here and there. He's set in his old ways, and progress is not something he wants to be a part of.
Every character has a part to play, and it's portrayed to perfection. Simple yet powerful dialogues are a testament to the author's prowess: there's no repetition between discourse and action.
I only have one small problem with the writing: Nasa or NASA is always written in lowercase; the same thing is true for NSA and FBI. These seem to be substitution errors that I'm sure will be fixed before the book hits the bookshelves.
While the giant creature is mostly part of the background, it was interesting to learn that most of the problems the population face are partly because of it crashing there.
The setting helps make the hunt for the serial killer something more interesting than a simple who-done-it. Actually, if you're reading this as a murder mystery, it still has a complex structure.
The side stories/back stories make for a well-rounded and excellent read. This is one of those rare novels that make me wish for a sequel.
This is an exciting read, one that kept me up at night, repeating to myself, "Just one more chapter..."
All in all, something you should add to your library.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
A massive asteroid crashes on the outskirts of Little Springs, a small town in Nebraska. As it turns out, the object is humanoid in shape, a three-mile-tall dead alien. The town is soon transformed into a growing metropolitan area. Both the military and Nasa have put up bases there.
David Blunt, the town's sheriff, is now responsible for keeping order in the growing city. The townsfolk are resentful; they don't like the newcomers, and they hate that their once peaceful, albeit ruined farm town is growing.
With progress, the inhabitants of Little Springs become witness to the influx of unwanted people: new religious congregations, sects, drug dealers, and criminals.
Blunt's job is becoming exceedingly complicated. To make matters worst, there's a serial killer in their midst. For reasons unknown, the FBI is on the case. Might have something to do with the killer's M.O.
I loved a lot of things when diving into the story: the sheriff is depicted as what you've come to expect from a man brought up in a red state. He's not openly racist or misogynist, but there are a few hints here and there. He's set in his old ways, and progress is not something he wants to be a part of.
Every character has a part to play, and it's portrayed to perfection. Simple yet powerful dialogues are a testament to the author's prowess: there's no repetition between discourse and action.
I only have one small problem with the writing: Nasa or NASA is always written in lowercase; the same thing is true for NSA and FBI. These seem to be substitution errors that I'm sure will be fixed before the book hits the bookshelves.
While the giant creature is mostly part of the background, it was interesting to learn that most of the problems the population face are partly because of it crashing there.
The setting helps make the hunt for the serial killer something more interesting than a simple who-done-it. Actually, if you're reading this as a murder mystery, it still has a complex structure.
The side stories/back stories make for a well-rounded and excellent read. This is one of those rare novels that make me wish for a sequel.
This is an exciting read, one that kept me up at night, repeating to myself, "Just one more chapter..."
All in all, something you should add to your library.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
December 9, 2024
3.5
Godfall sulla carta aveva tutto: una trama intrigante; un mash up di generi che andava dal sci-fi al thriller; una creatura misteriosa; un protagonista d’eccezione e uno stile scorrevole. Ma purtroppo non è solo il gigante ad aver fatto un bel volo, dato che anche le mie aspettative sono cadute da un’altezza spropositata. Certo, non si sono sfracellate, ma si sono rotte qualche osso.
Questo perché la storia in sé aveva così tanti elementi che alla fine ne sono stati sviluppati solo alcuni. E indovinate quali sono finiti nel dimenticatoio? Esatto, quelli che interessavano alla sottoscritta.
Pensavo che il Gigante fosse un aspetto centrale della vicenda e invece è semplicemente rimasto parte integrante del paesaggio. Così, giusto perché stava bene sulle cartoline. Certo, alcuni aspetti dell’indagine lo coinvolgono, ma nulla che possa fornire una rivelazione degna di questo nome. La setta che lo venera? Anche questa praticamente inutile. Tutta la parte thriller nel scoprire chi è il serial killer? Risolta in due pagine…
Insomma, pensavo fosse un bel barbecue coreano pieno di carne e verdure e invece il tutto si è rivelato abbastanza insipido nonostante la genialità che c’è dietro alla storia.
Per lo meno i personaggi si sono rivelati intriganti, sebbene devo fare un piccolo appunto non richiesto sulla questione inclusività perché l’autore era partito benissimo, ma poi ha reso alcuni personaggi così irritanti che o si è ispirato alle caricature online o voleva mostrare gli antipodi sociali. Misteri misteriosi.
Aggiungo anche che per i più romantici ci sarà pure una love story, perché questo romanzo non si fa mancare nulla eccetto tutte le risposte del caso e a un finale degno di questo nome, ma nel complesso non posso certo dire che sia stata una lettura dozzinale. È proprio il fatto che poteva essere una storia incredibile e farmi dispiacere.
Per cui… bello, ma poteva essere meglio.
Godfall sulla carta aveva tutto: una trama intrigante; un mash up di generi che andava dal sci-fi al thriller; una creatura misteriosa; un protagonista d’eccezione e uno stile scorrevole. Ma purtroppo non è solo il gigante ad aver fatto un bel volo, dato che anche le mie aspettative sono cadute da un’altezza spropositata. Certo, non si sono sfracellate, ma si sono rotte qualche osso.
Questo perché la storia in sé aveva così tanti elementi che alla fine ne sono stati sviluppati solo alcuni. E indovinate quali sono finiti nel dimenticatoio? Esatto, quelli che interessavano alla sottoscritta.
Pensavo che il Gigante fosse un aspetto centrale della vicenda e invece è semplicemente rimasto parte integrante del paesaggio. Così, giusto perché stava bene sulle cartoline. Certo, alcuni aspetti dell’indagine lo coinvolgono, ma nulla che possa fornire una rivelazione degna di questo nome. La setta che lo venera? Anche questa praticamente inutile. Tutta la parte thriller nel scoprire chi è il serial killer? Risolta in due pagine…
Insomma, pensavo fosse un bel barbecue coreano pieno di carne e verdure e invece il tutto si è rivelato abbastanza insipido nonostante la genialità che c’è dietro alla storia.
Per lo meno i personaggi si sono rivelati intriganti, sebbene devo fare un piccolo appunto non richiesto sulla questione inclusività perché l’autore era partito benissimo, ma poi ha reso alcuni personaggi così irritanti che o si è ispirato alle caricature online o voleva mostrare gli antipodi sociali. Misteri misteriosi.
Aggiungo anche che per i più romantici ci sarà pure una love story, perché questo romanzo non si fa mancare nulla eccetto tutte le risposte del caso e a un finale degno di questo nome, ma nel complesso non posso certo dire che sia stata una lettura dozzinale. È proprio il fatto che poteva essere una storia incredibile e farmi dispiacere.
Per cui… bello, ma poteva essere meglio.
September 28, 2023
4.3
*Thank you to @van_jensen for this giveaway win!
Landfall, Site 1, void…
A huge asteroid is predicted to impact Earth but instead a three-mile tall, apparently dead alien makes landfall in Nebraska.
Watch and wait. Before and after…
Before - the sleepy town of Little Springs, Nebraska, population 731, is just a remote, unexciting farm town.
After - the population of this middle of nowhere town is now 100,000 and includes government workers, soldiers, scientists, and consultants. The entire atmosphere of the town changed in the blink of the eye.
Little Springs is now getting its 15 minutes of fame when reporter Charlotte arrives looking for a fresh angle on the story. Initially, she decides to focus on the town’s people instead of “the giant.”
As the victims of a killer in their midst , increase in number, Charlotte is secretly hoping for her “one big story.” Sheriff David Blunt and the FBI are struggling to solve the case. What will be the plan needed to stop this nightmare?
*Unique debut!
*I don’t normally read SCI FI. HOWEVER - if you ignore the 3-mile tall alien, this is a thriller/whodunit/ police procedural book.
*Very creative - author has a wild imagination! (I don’t mean that as an insult!)
*Action packed! Wild ending!
*Loved author’s comment about his grandma!
*A story about changes. We all know people who are open to new experiences, while others prefer what they already know.
*Thank you to @van_jensen for this giveaway win!
Landfall, Site 1, void…
A huge asteroid is predicted to impact Earth but instead a three-mile tall, apparently dead alien makes landfall in Nebraska.
Watch and wait. Before and after…
Before - the sleepy town of Little Springs, Nebraska, population 731, is just a remote, unexciting farm town.
After - the population of this middle of nowhere town is now 100,000 and includes government workers, soldiers, scientists, and consultants. The entire atmosphere of the town changed in the blink of the eye.
Little Springs is now getting its 15 minutes of fame when reporter Charlotte arrives looking for a fresh angle on the story. Initially, she decides to focus on the town’s people instead of “the giant.”
As the victims of a killer in their midst , increase in number, Charlotte is secretly hoping for her “one big story.” Sheriff David Blunt and the FBI are struggling to solve the case. What will be the plan needed to stop this nightmare?
*Unique debut!
*I don’t normally read SCI FI. HOWEVER - if you ignore the 3-mile tall alien, this is a thriller/whodunit/ police procedural book.
*Very creative - author has a wild imagination! (I don’t mean that as an insult!)
*Action packed! Wild ending!
*Loved author’s comment about his grandma!
*A story about changes. We all know people who are open to new experiences, while others prefer what they already know.
December 13, 2023
Godfall definitely was a page turner and kept me engaged but it ultimately fell a little flat.
I think my biggest disappointment with this book was that it boils down to a simple whodunit murder mystery. The sci-fi elements are extremely light given the three mile tall idea of an extraterrestrial giant with a spear pierced through it landing in western Nebraska. It does have some implications for the plot, but it feels very underutilized.
I keep thinking about if this is some Christian symbolism that I’m not quite following. A giant falls to earth. It’s pierced by a spear. The name of the book is Godfall. Again, like the giant itself, it seems a little half baked if it’s trying to imply something here.
About 3/4 of the way through I could see where it was all going and was hoping there would be a bit more but here we are. I can’t deny that it kept me reading though.
I think my biggest disappointment with this book was that it boils down to a simple whodunit murder mystery. The sci-fi elements are extremely light given the three mile tall idea of an extraterrestrial giant with a spear pierced through it landing in western Nebraska. It does have some implications for the plot, but it feels very underutilized.
I keep thinking about if this is some Christian symbolism that I’m not quite following. A giant falls to earth. It’s pierced by a spear. The name of the book is Godfall. Again, like the giant itself, it seems a little half baked if it’s trying to imply something here.
About 3/4 of the way through I could see where it was all going and was hoping there would be a bit more but here we are. I can’t deny that it kept me reading though.
September 25, 2023
I feel like I read a different book than the other reviewers. While I found it engaging, it telegraphed the ending pretty early. And I kept thinking to myself ‘that won’t be the big reveal, right? The author wouldn’t have set up this whole thing - I mean THERES A GD GIANT ALIEN JUST LAYING IN A FIELD - just to give us the obvious villain. Alas, that’s exactly what happened. No, let’s not go look into the amazing feat of miraculously coming out of dementia, let’s instead focus on the xenophobic assholes: I gotta admit, my scifi heart felt a bit betrayed.
As whodunnits go, I was never bored. That said, the author could’ve chosen less stereotypes to support the MC.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review.)
As whodunnits go, I was never bored. That said, the author could’ve chosen less stereotypes to support the MC.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review.)
November 3, 2024
4.5 stelle
Noir, mystery, thriller, sci-fi unite in un racconto toccante e avvincente.. 380 pagine divorate in poco più di un giorno da quanto mi aveva preso..
Un gigante alieno morto arriva in Nebraska, precipita vicino a una cittadina rurale, cambiandone il volto per sempre.. xenofobia, razzismo, bigottismo e intransigenza sono solo alcune dei risultati dell incombenza costante di questo colosso.. ma non saranno gli unici cambiamenti.. un serial killer comincia a uccidere in un modo che è collegato all alieno.. tocca allo sceriffo David risolvere il caso, tra spie, Fbi, militari, arabi, e concittadini facinorosi..
Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che la storia non sia mai stata noiosa o banale e che non abbia ricalcato i soliti cliché..
Anche il fatto che non tutto dell alieno venga spiegato, anzi ben poco, mi è piaciuto.. Sono convinto che ci saranno ulteriori romanzi su questo, ma anche così mi ha soddisfatto pienamente..
Noir, mystery, thriller, sci-fi unite in un racconto toccante e avvincente.. 380 pagine divorate in poco più di un giorno da quanto mi aveva preso..
Un gigante alieno morto arriva in Nebraska, precipita vicino a una cittadina rurale, cambiandone il volto per sempre.. xenofobia, razzismo, bigottismo e intransigenza sono solo alcune dei risultati dell incombenza costante di questo colosso.. ma non saranno gli unici cambiamenti.. un serial killer comincia a uccidere in un modo che è collegato all alieno.. tocca allo sceriffo David risolvere il caso, tra spie, Fbi, militari, arabi, e concittadini facinorosi..
Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che la storia non sia mai stata noiosa o banale e che non abbia ricalcato i soliti cliché..
Anche il fatto che non tutto dell alieno venga spiegato, anzi ben poco, mi è piaciuto.. Sono convinto che ci saranno ulteriori romanzi su questo, ma anche così mi ha soddisfatto pienamente..
May 24, 2024
This is a murder mystery much more than a sci-fi story, which was a bit disappointing. A small-town sheriff searches for a killer, basically.
The book was well-written and the characters developed. The mystery was diverting and it never lost my interest. The narration of the audiobook by Scott Merrimen was very good.
However, there’s a giant alien body lying next to town and a new city of scientists and soldiers. I felt the author missed the opportunity to take much more of an advantage of those possibilities. Yes, it means there are more suspects, but my questions about that alien body were not answered by the end of the book. Maybe there should be a sequel.
I was pleased to receive this audiobook via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
The book was well-written and the characters developed. The mystery was diverting and it never lost my interest. The narration of the audiobook by Scott Merrimen was very good.
However, there’s a giant alien body lying next to town and a new city of scientists and soldiers. I felt the author missed the opportunity to take much more of an advantage of those possibilities. Yes, it means there are more suspects, but my questions about that alien body were not answered by the end of the book. Maybe there should be a sequel.
I was pleased to receive this audiobook via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Sleeping Giants meets a Blake-Crouch-style mystery in this gripping blend of science fiction and murder-mystery.
Years ago, a mysterious, unpredicted asteroid crash-lands on the outskirts of a remote Nebraskan town. Except once the smoke clears, it reveals itself not to be an asteroid at all, but a strange crystalline spire, containing the remains of what appears to be a three-mile-tall dead alien. This event soon turns Little Springs into a hotbed for scientists, government-workers, military and alien-enthusiasts an ritualistic conspiracy-theorists, upending life for the isolated townsfolks for good.
Some time later, we follow David Blunt, seasoned sheriff of Little Springs as he’s confronted with a series of gruesome murders, seemingly linked to The Alien Giant’s appearance. He soon finds himself in a cat-and-mouse-game with a killer, except the mice are the family, friends and town-folk he grew up with all his life.
What I liked:
Jensen knocked it out of the park with this indie novel-debut! Suspenseful, original and tightly paced: Godfall had my eyes glued to the page from start to finish. It nails it sense of setting with regards to the small-town dynamics happening in the background and the existential strangeness of the giant alien construction in the forefront. Somehow, it manages to balance these two different genres perfectly in a gradual reveal of intertwining plotlines with a well-earned solution in the end.
What truly exceeded my expectations were the characters. Despite featuring quite a big cast of townsfolks, each of them felt memorable and fleshed out. Special mentions to David, the archetypical police-detective, but with a slight twist, and Charlotte, whom complexity as a character added a deeper layer to the story.
As far as murder-mysteries with a sci-fi twist go: this was a 5-star for me.
Notes on diversity:
This book had a lot more diversity and representation than I was expecting. It makes for simultaneously some of its best and worst moments. As mentioned: I loved Charlottes character and the way her transgender identity was handled. She grew up in Little Springs in the body of a boy, and has since transitioned into a woman, which colours many of her interactions with the townsfolks she knew in her previous life and is now forced to reconnect with. Many of the conversations surrounding the topic of transgender identity were quite powerful, without being preachy or heavy-handed, and I applaud the author for how they handled this.
When it comes to disability/illness; there is some representation I was less thrilled about. Although it didn’t detract from my personal enjoyment of the book too much, I know these tropes are dealbreakers for some. HEAVY SPOILERS BELOW, so proceed with caution.
- There is a form of the magical healing-trope
- There is also a part that could be considered vilification of a character with disability
Many thanks to the author and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sleeping Giants meets a Blake-Crouch-style mystery in this gripping blend of science fiction and murder-mystery.
Years ago, a mysterious, unpredicted asteroid crash-lands on the outskirts of a remote Nebraskan town. Except once the smoke clears, it reveals itself not to be an asteroid at all, but a strange crystalline spire, containing the remains of what appears to be a three-mile-tall dead alien. This event soon turns Little Springs into a hotbed for scientists, government-workers, military and alien-enthusiasts an ritualistic conspiracy-theorists, upending life for the isolated townsfolks for good.
Some time later, we follow David Blunt, seasoned sheriff of Little Springs as he’s confronted with a series of gruesome murders, seemingly linked to The Alien Giant’s appearance. He soon finds himself in a cat-and-mouse-game with a killer, except the mice are the family, friends and town-folk he grew up with all his life.
What I liked:
Jensen knocked it out of the park with this indie novel-debut! Suspenseful, original and tightly paced: Godfall had my eyes glued to the page from start to finish. It nails it sense of setting with regards to the small-town dynamics happening in the background and the existential strangeness of the giant alien construction in the forefront. Somehow, it manages to balance these two different genres perfectly in a gradual reveal of intertwining plotlines with a well-earned solution in the end.
What truly exceeded my expectations were the characters. Despite featuring quite a big cast of townsfolks, each of them felt memorable and fleshed out. Special mentions to David, the archetypical police-detective, but with a slight twist, and Charlotte, whom complexity as a character added a deeper layer to the story.
As far as murder-mysteries with a sci-fi twist go: this was a 5-star for me.
Notes on diversity:
This book had a lot more diversity and representation than I was expecting. It makes for simultaneously some of its best and worst moments. As mentioned: I loved Charlottes character and the way her transgender identity was handled. She grew up in Little Springs in the body of a boy, and has since transitioned into a woman, which colours many of her interactions with the townsfolks she knew in her previous life and is now forced to reconnect with. Many of the conversations surrounding the topic of transgender identity were quite powerful, without being preachy or heavy-handed, and I applaud the author for how they handled this.
When it comes to disability/illness; there is some representation I was less thrilled about. Although it didn’t detract from my personal enjoyment of the book too much, I know these tropes are dealbreakers for some. HEAVY SPOILERS BELOW, so proceed with caution.
- There is a form of the magical healing-trope
- There is also a part that could be considered vilification of a character with disability
Many thanks to the author and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2025
Un gigante caduto dal cielo, una cittadina del Nebraska sconvolta da eventi inspiegabili e un'umanità costretta a confrontarsi con i propri lati oscuri: Godfall è un esordio narrativo potente e ambizioso. Van Jensen, noto per il suo lavoro nel mondo dei fumetti, costruisce un romanzo che fonde abilmente fantascienza e noir.
La trama si sviluppa attorno a Little Springs, dove l'arrivo di una creatura aliena innesca una serie di fenomeni inquietanti: i cani abbaiano all'unisono ogni giorno alla stessa ora, i malati di demenza ritrovano momentaneamente la lucidità, una setta devota al gigante e una serie di omicidi rituali scuote la comunità. Lo sceriffo David Blunt si trova al centro di questo vortice, cercando di mantenere l'ordine mentre il confine tra realtà e allucinazione si fa sempre più sottile.
La narrazione è avvincente, con un ritmo che tiene il lettore incollato alle pagine, anche se in alcuni momenti la complessità delle trame secondarie può risultare leggermente dispersiva.
L'edizione italiana di Atlantide è curata con attenzione, e la traduzione di Alessandra Osti rende giustizia allo stile dell'autore. Inoltre, l'annuncio di una futura serie TV diretta da Ron Howard (e di un seguito che non vedo l'ora di leggere) aggiunge ulteriore interesse a questa opera già di per sé affascinante.
La trama si sviluppa attorno a Little Springs, dove l'arrivo di una creatura aliena innesca una serie di fenomeni inquietanti: i cani abbaiano all'unisono ogni giorno alla stessa ora, i malati di demenza ritrovano momentaneamente la lucidità, una setta devota al gigante e una serie di omicidi rituali scuote la comunità. Lo sceriffo David Blunt si trova al centro di questo vortice, cercando di mantenere l'ordine mentre il confine tra realtà e allucinazione si fa sempre più sottile.
La narrazione è avvincente, con un ritmo che tiene il lettore incollato alle pagine, anche se in alcuni momenti la complessità delle trame secondarie può risultare leggermente dispersiva.
L'edizione italiana di Atlantide è curata con attenzione, e la traduzione di Alessandra Osti rende giustizia allo stile dell'autore. Inoltre, l'annuncio di una futura serie TV diretta da Ron Howard (e di un seguito che non vedo l'ora di leggere) aggiunge ulteriore interesse a questa opera già di per sé affascinante.
April 2, 2025
A very strange and fascinating book by a Nebraskan native recommended to me by a Nebraska native. Plot: a giant alien body (three miles long and as tall as a mountain) falls out of the sky and lands outside a small Nebraska town. The alien appears to have been killed by an equally huge spear in it's chest. It's too big to be moved so the government builds a base around it. Two years later, the local sheriff tries to catch a serial killer that seems to be connected in some way.
Spoiler: If you need capital "A" answers about the alien, you'll be disappointed. However, if you want a thoughtful book about this situation and a realistic reaction to this insane happening, I think you'll enjoy it.
Spoiler: If you need capital "A" answers about the alien, you'll be disappointed. However, if you want a thoughtful book about this situation and a realistic reaction to this insane happening, I think you'll enjoy it.
July 31, 2025
Mi è proprio piaciuto.
Romanzo horror/sovrannaturale – del genere giganteschi esseri celesti fatti di cristalli "vivi" che morendo precipitano sul nostro pianeta e creano qualche conseguenza piccina picciò sull'ambiente circostante – in cui però la componente thriller e la relativa caccia a un serial killer da parte del protagonista, lo sceriffo di un paesino del buco del culo del Nebraska, è preponderante.
Molti temi anche iperattuali (vorrei dire di più ma farei troppi spoiler) affrontati bene e integrati nella storia.
Avevo sospettato chi fosse l'assassino? Sì. Ma non mi sono goduta meno la lettura.
Ron Howard ne sta facendo una serie tv, ritenetevi avvisati.
PS: mi ha dato parecchio fastidio trovare tanti refusi, errori grammaticali e qualche termine tradotto male, ma è una pecca dell'edizione italiana, non del romanzo in sé.
Romanzo horror/sovrannaturale – del genere giganteschi esseri celesti fatti di cristalli "vivi" che morendo precipitano sul nostro pianeta e creano qualche conseguenza piccina picciò sull'ambiente circostante – in cui però la componente thriller e la relativa caccia a un serial killer da parte del protagonista, lo sceriffo di un paesino del buco del culo del Nebraska, è preponderante.
Molti temi anche iperattuali (vorrei dire di più ma farei troppi spoiler) affrontati bene e integrati nella storia.
Avevo sospettato chi fosse l'assassino? Sì. Ma non mi sono goduta meno la lettura.
Ron Howard ne sta facendo una serie tv, ritenetevi avvisati.
PS: mi ha dato parecchio fastidio trovare tanti refusi, errori grammaticali e qualche termine tradotto male, ma è una pecca dell'edizione italiana, non del romanzo in sé.
January 20, 2025
Il libro ha alcuni problemi piuttosto fastidiosi che me lo hanno fatto amare poco. Prima di tutto personaggi sono poco più di un nome e un ruolo con pochissima o nessuna caratterizzazione. La premessa è interessante (un gigante alto 5 chilometri e colpito a morte precipita sulla Terra) ma non ci viene detto molto altro se non ciò che scopriremo ha fatto mettere in moto gli eventi del romanzo. Altra cosa fastidiosa è la conclusione della vicenda principale con troppe cose in sospeso. L’autore comunque ha buoni momenti e secondo me potrebbe stupirci favorevolmente in futuro. Ron Howard sta lavorando ad una versione televisiva del romanzo e sarà interessante vedere il risultato perché a mio parere i personaggi sono nelle sue corde.
July 27, 2023
WOW. Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy of Godfall by Van Jensen. I had no idea what to expect going into this book and I wasn't disappointed at all. It's a combination of sci fi, police procedural serial killer thriller, and existential clusterfucks. I loved everything about this, and the writing style was beautiful, atmospheric, and kept me hooked the entire way through. What an interesting concept, which the author noted came from a dream he had (in the acknowledgments section) - this makes sense! Can't wait for it to be published so more people can read this beautiful, poignant, suspenseful, twisty book.
March 24, 2024
Decent decent
The serial killer, the ritualistic aspect, a tiny bit of suspense, and the sense of community and township is done pretty good
The big reveal was okay, just kinda dragged on for a while
And most of all.. a full star off for NOT TALKING MORE ABOUT THE GIANT
Completion emoji: 😩
The serial killer, the ritualistic aspect, a tiny bit of suspense, and the sense of community and township is done pretty good
The big reveal was okay, just kinda dragged on for a while
And most of all.. a full star off for NOT TALKING MORE ABOUT THE GIANT
Completion emoji: 😩
November 22, 2024
Gran bel thriller ambientato in una America rurale che si trova ad affrontare il cambiamento e il progresso, sfondo di una caccia a un serial killer. Forse un po’ sottotono il finale, ma nel complesso scritto bene, scorrevole e godibilissimo.
November 8, 2025
Godfall caught me off guard - not because of the sci-fi (giant dead alien!!) element, but the fact the sci-fi element seemed to be so secondary to the story being told. Our main thread is very police procedural. Small town cop thrust into a need to keep his community safe as the world they know it has been upended (thanks to our giant dead alien) and solve the murders that have been plaguing his town.
I really would have appreciated more insight into Gulliver even though the authors intent to stay clear from demystifying that backstory was clear fairly early on.
With the crossing of genres, this is one I feel it is imperative to like both in order to get solid enjoyment from the read. For me? I'm not a police procedural fan. Maybe this will strike a firmer chord for others.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really would have appreciated more insight into Gulliver even though the authors intent to stay clear from demystifying that backstory was clear fairly early on.
With the crossing of genres, this is one I feel it is imperative to like both in order to get solid enjoyment from the read. For me? I'm not a police procedural fan. Maybe this will strike a firmer chord for others.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2025
This books deals with first contact of a different sort. A giant with a stake through its body lands outside a town in Iowa. It quickly causes a sleepy, slowly dying town to be over helmed by rapid growth due to interest in the alien. The book addresses these issues and a series of gruesome murders that appear to be connected to the alien. Overall a good read.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
July 7, 2024
This was great. My only complaint is that I guessed the killer with their first appearance (and enjoy being surprised so I typically try pretty hard to not let myself try to guess an ending), so the whole time I was just irritated with every character for not guessing what was going on. Thank you to University of Nebraska Press for the complimentary digital copy
May 22, 2024
Small-town murder mystery with space conspiracy and aliens and cults thrown in for flavor. It leaned more toward the "normal people dealing with an insane situation" angle than scifi, which I liked. Quite fun (if you can say that about something this tragic and gory).
August 17, 2024
Murder mystery but with a focus on small town life and how its people can react to change. Satisfying ending. Four Tony the Tigers out of five.
December 21, 2024
3,5 stelle ✨️
July 26, 2024
I read this book for my class, and it was really good! I was dreading it at first, but it was so much more than I had thought. Definitely a great read and it’s pretty cool that the author is from Nebraska
November 5, 2025
Really like how they foil David and Spady using Charollete as a point of how they accept change. I could tell by theur first "group" meetup that Spady was the killer lol. Great concept and fun execution and i really enjoyed the commentary on the rural/urban divide
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Purtroppo non mi è piaciuto...
July 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel's concept. Part science-fiction, part mystery, set in a rural town where everyone knows everyone; this had the recipe for a great novel. I truly enjoyed the characters and Jensen did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of small communities and the cast of characters that exist within them. Even the side plots were well thought out and added a layer of atmosphere that cannot be understated.
However, my largest issue was with the center of the novel: the alien. Despite the long descriptions of the entity, I could not visualize it for the life of me. Did this ultimately matter to my understanding of the book as a whole? No. Did it drive me a little crazy and pulled me out of the reading experience? Yes. Beyond this, which could have just been a personal interpretation problem, the ending felt rushed and I both loved and hated the villain reveal. The twist ending was fantastic. The description of it reminded me of a SpongeBob character (IYKYK). For me, that was a let-down in comparison to the novel, which otherwise was well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
TLDR: A refreshing take on a science fiction mystery but with some key elements that could take some readers out of the experience.
However, my largest issue was with the center of the novel: the alien. Despite the long descriptions of the entity, I could not visualize it for the life of me. Did this ultimately matter to my understanding of the book as a whole? No. Did it drive me a little crazy and pulled me out of the reading experience? Yes. Beyond this, which could have just been a personal interpretation problem, the ending felt rushed and I both loved and hated the villain reveal. The twist ending was fantastic. The description of it reminded me of a SpongeBob character (IYKYK). For me, that was a let-down in comparison to the novel, which otherwise was well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
TLDR: A refreshing take on a science fiction mystery but with some key elements that could take some readers out of the experience.
September 17, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher University of Nebraska Press for an advanced copy of this science fiction novel about a huge celestial event and the fact that humans are as alien to each other as creatures from other planets would be.
During the age of the dinosaurs a very large object came from the stars, crashed into the planet and wiped them out, fast for some, slower, much slower for others. The survivors changed, adapted and evolved, becoming animals we know and study today. However there time had passed. Another event, what is thought to be an extinction level event comes to Earth, but it is far different. And yet for many in the state of Nebraska near the town of Little Springs, life as they knew it, and while maybe not loving it, felt normal to them, was over, and the reign of the outsiders was beginning. When something falls from the stars interest is to be expected. When the object is a three mile alien being, a lot of interesting people are going to show up. Scientists, hucksters, spies, and carbetbaggers with a few questionable religious types among them. And someone with a far darker reason, a violent reason. Godfall by writer Van Jensen, is a book of speculative fiction about what happens to a red state rural community, when the universe and everything show up to solve a celestial mystery.
David Blunt is sheriff of the small town of Little Springs, a town he grew up in, hurt his knee playing sports in, and tries to do right by. One moment he is searching for who shot a cow instead of a deer, the next he is hearing that an extinction level asteroid is heading towards his neck of the woods. What happens is far stranger. A three-mile long body, has come to Earth, with what looks like a spear wound. Soon the government arrives and sections off the body. Then come the scientists, followed by contractors, service workers, spies, hucksters, dealers, schemers and developers changing the small town almost overnight. Blunt is one of only three people on the force, spending more time cleaning up accidents, as the state and government handle the bigger cases. One of which is a savage series of murders, violent, bloody and happening faster and faster. As Blunt tries to stop the killings, tensions rise with the local cult dealing with the alien, good old racism about the building of a mosque in town. And that's only the start of Blunt's problems.
A very good first contact kind of story, but the contact is more with the small town and the outside world, rather than the giant corpse on the outskirts. The author Van Jensen grew up in a place like this, and was a reporter for the crime beat which gives Jensen's writing an authenticity one normally doesn't see. Jensen is also a comic book writer so writing a big story with big evens and focusing on the people caught among it is also something that Jensen is familiar with. The writing is very good, setting the scene early, and developing the characters early and the events that are going on. Old families are moving out, suddenly that cruddy old farm is worth more money than they ever thought possible. Blunt is seeing his town change in ways he never thought and does not feel comfortable with. The mystery is good, well written, and more importantly makes sense. Along with a lot of the other revelations. For a 300 page book, quite a lot happens, but never seems rushed.
A really well paced, well thought out story that is science fiction at its best. Looking at the issues that matter most to people know and trying to explain the world, without lecturing. I quite enjoyed this book and while I have read quite a bit of Jensen's comic work, I am looking forward to more prose work.
During the age of the dinosaurs a very large object came from the stars, crashed into the planet and wiped them out, fast for some, slower, much slower for others. The survivors changed, adapted and evolved, becoming animals we know and study today. However there time had passed. Another event, what is thought to be an extinction level event comes to Earth, but it is far different. And yet for many in the state of Nebraska near the town of Little Springs, life as they knew it, and while maybe not loving it, felt normal to them, was over, and the reign of the outsiders was beginning. When something falls from the stars interest is to be expected. When the object is a three mile alien being, a lot of interesting people are going to show up. Scientists, hucksters, spies, and carbetbaggers with a few questionable religious types among them. And someone with a far darker reason, a violent reason. Godfall by writer Van Jensen, is a book of speculative fiction about what happens to a red state rural community, when the universe and everything show up to solve a celestial mystery.
David Blunt is sheriff of the small town of Little Springs, a town he grew up in, hurt his knee playing sports in, and tries to do right by. One moment he is searching for who shot a cow instead of a deer, the next he is hearing that an extinction level asteroid is heading towards his neck of the woods. What happens is far stranger. A three-mile long body, has come to Earth, with what looks like a spear wound. Soon the government arrives and sections off the body. Then come the scientists, followed by contractors, service workers, spies, hucksters, dealers, schemers and developers changing the small town almost overnight. Blunt is one of only three people on the force, spending more time cleaning up accidents, as the state and government handle the bigger cases. One of which is a savage series of murders, violent, bloody and happening faster and faster. As Blunt tries to stop the killings, tensions rise with the local cult dealing with the alien, good old racism about the building of a mosque in town. And that's only the start of Blunt's problems.
A very good first contact kind of story, but the contact is more with the small town and the outside world, rather than the giant corpse on the outskirts. The author Van Jensen grew up in a place like this, and was a reporter for the crime beat which gives Jensen's writing an authenticity one normally doesn't see. Jensen is also a comic book writer so writing a big story with big evens and focusing on the people caught among it is also something that Jensen is familiar with. The writing is very good, setting the scene early, and developing the characters early and the events that are going on. Old families are moving out, suddenly that cruddy old farm is worth more money than they ever thought possible. Blunt is seeing his town change in ways he never thought and does not feel comfortable with. The mystery is good, well written, and more importantly makes sense. Along with a lot of the other revelations. For a 300 page book, quite a lot happens, but never seems rushed.
A really well paced, well thought out story that is science fiction at its best. Looking at the issues that matter most to people know and trying to explain the world, without lecturing. I quite enjoyed this book and while I have read quite a bit of Jensen's comic work, I am looking forward to more prose work.
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