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Falling Into Shadow
On the moon Novena, when the seasons turn deadly, you move, or you die. As the frigid cold creeps in, the country of Ionia prepares to move it’s people to safety only to discover that traitors have stolen their land. Can they win it back before their homes turn to ice?
This Sci Fi Fantasy epic follows multiple POV characters. Among them are Stem Shifters: people who can alter Space, Time, Energy, and Matter with their minds. Some, like Sophie Song, are peacekeepers, while others have joined the turncoats setting up a high-stakes civil war.
Isaak Kaldera. A Stem Shifter with the ability to peek into the future sees Isaak ending the war. Will Isaak prove to be a hero or has the act of witnessing his future changed its course?
Dante Zotto. His father is a corrupt oligarch. Will Dante get sucked into his nefarious world or will he remain true to his Stem Shifter daughter?
Renette Imari. A government worker struggling to distribute too few resources to too many people while her own family falls to the charms of a cult leader.
Kyra Anderton. An off-world miner who is attacked by Shadow Demons. She cuts off her own leg to prevent infection. Did it work? As Kyra heads back to Novena we have to wonder, is she is bringing a deadly plague with her?
Falling Into Shadow is a story of power, betrayal, and revenge, where allegiances shift, and no one knows who is good and who is evil. Fans of Dune, Red Rising, and The Expanse will be swept into this unforgettable saga.
If you crave epic science fiction fantasy with political intrigue and heart, Falling into Shadow from two-time Emmy Award winning writer Mike Palleschi is waiting for you. Start your journey now!
"A richly imagined fantasy adventure full of slashing action and nervy psychological tension." Kirkus Reviews.
This Sci Fi Fantasy epic follows multiple POV characters. Among them are Stem Shifters: people who can alter Space, Time, Energy, and Matter with their minds. Some, like Sophie Song, are peacekeepers, while others have joined the turncoats setting up a high-stakes civil war.
Isaak Kaldera. A Stem Shifter with the ability to peek into the future sees Isaak ending the war. Will Isaak prove to be a hero or has the act of witnessing his future changed its course?
Dante Zotto. His father is a corrupt oligarch. Will Dante get sucked into his nefarious world or will he remain true to his Stem Shifter daughter?
Renette Imari. A government worker struggling to distribute too few resources to too many people while her own family falls to the charms of a cult leader.
Kyra Anderton. An off-world miner who is attacked by Shadow Demons. She cuts off her own leg to prevent infection. Did it work? As Kyra heads back to Novena we have to wonder, is she is bringing a deadly plague with her?
Falling Into Shadow is a story of power, betrayal, and revenge, where allegiances shift, and no one knows who is good and who is evil. Fans of Dune, Red Rising, and The Expanse will be swept into this unforgettable saga.
If you crave epic science fiction fantasy with political intrigue and heart, Falling into Shadow from two-time Emmy Award winning writer Mike Palleschi is waiting for you. Start your journey now!
"A richly imagined fantasy adventure full of slashing action and nervy psychological tension." Kirkus Reviews.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 18, 2025
Disclaimer: I read this book thanks to NetGalley which graciously provided me with an ARC.
An ambitious debut for a sci-fi series that honestly falls flat. The world and issues tackled are mildly interesting, but the characters, writing, and power system are inoffensive at best and annoying at worst.
The strong points:
The world is very ambitious and unique. The orbital mechanics of the planet/moon (I genuinely cannot remember which it is) on which the events of the novel take place on are quite interesting, and the conundrum it creates during the story is very compelling.
There are many characters and POVs that are frequently swapped between. There are bound to be a few characters that appeal to any reader.
The weak points:
The large cast of characters is often a miss more than a hit. Sure, Renette and Dante have interesting political plots, but that doesn’t mean much when there are six other POV characters that I cannot bring myself to care for at all. I spent most of my time reading their POVs wishing I was reading the POVs of the few characters I liked.
The characters and their quests are nothing new. Most of them fit into neat sci-fi character archetypes in a bad way. There are over half a dozen POVs in the novel, and they only begin to meaningfully intersect after the first third of the story. This really strips their actions of any meaningful consequences and makes the beginning of the story very uncompelling.
The first POV character dies without ever meeting any of the others, and her whole purpose is to set up what I presume is a Chekov’s Gun for later. This felt like a complete cop-out.
The author has some annoying writing quirks that begin to wear thin very quickly. Characters are almost always referred to with their full names both in dialogue and narration. There is also a huge lack of variety in the vocabulary relating to the in-world power system. If you took a shot every time you read the word “Geode” with a capital “G”, you’d be dead in three chapters.
The author expects the reader to do all the heavy lifting in terms of justifying the world. They clearly believe their world and inventions to be inherently cool, causing them to put no effort into explaining why the reader is supposed to find them cool. I didn’t care for the “Stem Shifters” or the “Geodes” or the “Dark Spectre”, and was never given a reason to, beyond “Isn’t it cool how they can control matter with their minds!?”
The execution of the exposition is mediocre at best. Frequently, you’ll have two characters discussing information that they are already aware of just to fill the reader in on it. Beyond that, the quality of the exposition is generally poor.
Overall, I found Falling into Shadow disappointing. The writing and characters were poorly executed to the point that I dreaded picking the book up to read. In the end, the dread overtook me, and I was unable to finish what I had started. DNF at 38%.
An ambitious debut for a sci-fi series that honestly falls flat. The world and issues tackled are mildly interesting, but the characters, writing, and power system are inoffensive at best and annoying at worst.
The strong points:
The world is very ambitious and unique. The orbital mechanics of the planet/moon (I genuinely cannot remember which it is) on which the events of the novel take place on are quite interesting, and the conundrum it creates during the story is very compelling.
There are many characters and POVs that are frequently swapped between. There are bound to be a few characters that appeal to any reader.
The weak points:
The large cast of characters is often a miss more than a hit. Sure, Renette and Dante have interesting political plots, but that doesn’t mean much when there are six other POV characters that I cannot bring myself to care for at all. I spent most of my time reading their POVs wishing I was reading the POVs of the few characters I liked.
The characters and their quests are nothing new. Most of them fit into neat sci-fi character archetypes in a bad way. There are over half a dozen POVs in the novel, and they only begin to meaningfully intersect after the first third of the story. This really strips their actions of any meaningful consequences and makes the beginning of the story very uncompelling.
The first POV character dies without ever meeting any of the others, and her whole purpose is to set up what I presume is a Chekov’s Gun for later. This felt like a complete cop-out.
The author has some annoying writing quirks that begin to wear thin very quickly. Characters are almost always referred to with their full names both in dialogue and narration. There is also a huge lack of variety in the vocabulary relating to the in-world power system. If you took a shot every time you read the word “Geode” with a capital “G”, you’d be dead in three chapters.
The author expects the reader to do all the heavy lifting in terms of justifying the world. They clearly believe their world and inventions to be inherently cool, causing them to put no effort into explaining why the reader is supposed to find them cool. I didn’t care for the “Stem Shifters” or the “Geodes” or the “Dark Spectre”, and was never given a reason to, beyond “Isn’t it cool how they can control matter with their minds!?”
The execution of the exposition is mediocre at best. Frequently, you’ll have two characters discussing information that they are already aware of just to fill the reader in on it. Beyond that, the quality of the exposition is generally poor.
Overall, I found Falling into Shadow disappointing. The writing and characters were poorly executed to the point that I dreaded picking the book up to read. In the end, the dread overtook me, and I was unable to finish what I had started. DNF at 38%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
Falling into Shadow follows multiple characters: Kyra, Sophie, Dante, and Renette. Each is grappling with survival, power, and the shifting balance of their world. Kyra’s desperate flight from Shadow Demons sets a brutal tone. Sophie, an Ionian Knight, carries the burden of protecting others while wrestling with betrayal and political intrigue. Dante is caught between family expectations and his own fractured past. Renette navigates the clash between ambition and the pull of her roots. The threads weave together into a sweeping tale of survival, politics, and looming war in a fragile world that feels as real as it is dangerous.
What I loved most was the immediacy of the writing. It feels cinematic, almost like watching a series unfold on screen. The pacing is relentless in places, then slows down just enough to let you breathe, and that kept me hooked. The action scenes hit hard. They’re vivid, raw, and sometimes gruesome in a way that made me flinch. Yet, they’re balanced with quieter moments that reveal doubts, guilt, and flashes of humanity. I found myself rooting for characters even when they made questionable choices. Kyra’s guilt and Sophie’s frustration, Dante’s longing for approval, Renette’s heartbreak; they all felt painfully real.
Still, there were times when the dialogue carried a little too much explanation, almost like it was doing double duty as worldbuilding. It didn’t ruin anything for me, but I noticed it. And some of the big concepts, like the Eidan’s glimpses of the future or the cloaked armies, had such massive implications that I wanted more space to sit with them. The book barrels forward, and part of me wished for more lingering in those big, head-spinning ideas. But then again, that urgency is part of what made it addictive.
Falling into Shadow is a ride worth taking. It’s brutal, imaginative, and packed with heart. I’d recommend it to readers who love fast-paced sci-fi with strong characters and aren’t afraid of a little blood and grit. Reading Falling into Shadow felt like a mix of the gritty survival of The Expanse and the mythic, character-driven drama of Dune, only with a rawer edge and a faster pulse. If you like stories that mix political intrigue with personal stakes, this one will pull you in and not let go.
What I loved most was the immediacy of the writing. It feels cinematic, almost like watching a series unfold on screen. The pacing is relentless in places, then slows down just enough to let you breathe, and that kept me hooked. The action scenes hit hard. They’re vivid, raw, and sometimes gruesome in a way that made me flinch. Yet, they’re balanced with quieter moments that reveal doubts, guilt, and flashes of humanity. I found myself rooting for characters even when they made questionable choices. Kyra’s guilt and Sophie’s frustration, Dante’s longing for approval, Renette’s heartbreak; they all felt painfully real.
Still, there were times when the dialogue carried a little too much explanation, almost like it was doing double duty as worldbuilding. It didn’t ruin anything for me, but I noticed it. And some of the big concepts, like the Eidan’s glimpses of the future or the cloaked armies, had such massive implications that I wanted more space to sit with them. The book barrels forward, and part of me wished for more lingering in those big, head-spinning ideas. But then again, that urgency is part of what made it addictive.
Falling into Shadow is a ride worth taking. It’s brutal, imaginative, and packed with heart. I’d recommend it to readers who love fast-paced sci-fi with strong characters and aren’t afraid of a little blood and grit. Reading Falling into Shadow felt like a mix of the gritty survival of The Expanse and the mythic, character-driven drama of Dune, only with a rawer edge and a faster pulse. If you like stories that mix political intrigue with personal stakes, this one will pull you in and not let go.
September 9, 2025
What instantly grabbed me was the world of Novena itself; a moon with such drastic seasonal shifts that its entire population has to migrate to survive. The concept alone felt refreshing and gave the story a constant sense of urgency, like time itself was a character pushing everyone forward. Mike Palleschi doesn’t just throw readers into a generic sci-fi/fantasy landscape; he builds a living, breathing world where politics, survival, and environment all collide in ways that feel both alien and frighteningly familiar.
The multiple perspectives reminded me of Game of Thrones, not just in structure but in the complexity of motives and betrayals. I found myself torn between characters I loved and characters I loathed, only to realize that sometimes they were one and the same. That moral grayness made every decision, every battle, and every betrayal sting with realism. I especially enjoyed the theme of family torn apart by ideology; siblings, parents, and even allies forced to choose sides in ways that felt painfully authentic.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about a war. I was living inside it, feeling the heartbreak of betrayals, the exhilaration of small victories, and the dread of what’s still to come. Palleschi proves he can juggle a huge cast without losing emotional weight, something I rarely find in debut novels. This is the kind of book that makes you stay up way too late, telling yourself “just one more chapter” until you realize hours have passed. If you’re a fan of deep worldbuilding, political intrigue, and stories where survival is never guaranteed, Falling Into Shadow will hook you from the first page. Recommended!
The multiple perspectives reminded me of Game of Thrones, not just in structure but in the complexity of motives and betrayals. I found myself torn between characters I loved and characters I loathed, only to realize that sometimes they were one and the same. That moral grayness made every decision, every battle, and every betrayal sting with realism. I especially enjoyed the theme of family torn apart by ideology; siblings, parents, and even allies forced to choose sides in ways that felt painfully authentic.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about a war. I was living inside it, feeling the heartbreak of betrayals, the exhilaration of small victories, and the dread of what’s still to come. Palleschi proves he can juggle a huge cast without losing emotional weight, something I rarely find in debut novels. This is the kind of book that makes you stay up way too late, telling yourself “just one more chapter” until you realize hours have passed. If you’re a fan of deep worldbuilding, political intrigue, and stories where survival is never guaranteed, Falling Into Shadow will hook you from the first page. Recommended!
September 9, 2025
For me, Falling Into Shadow was the perfect marriage of science fiction and fantasy. The science of Novena’s seasons feels believable, and the fantasy elements, like Stem Shifters who can manipulate space, time, energy, and matter, add a mythical, almost spiritual layer. It reminded me of why I fell in love with Star Wars as a kid: a universe that feels vast and otherworldly but also deeply personal. Except here, the tone is much darker, grittier, and far more adult.
What kept me turning pages was the pacing. The story wastes no time throwing you into chaos, land grabs, shifting allegiances, wars on the horizon. Yet it never feels rushed. The alternating viewpoints allow the reader to see the conflict from every angle, from soldiers in the field to leaders making impossible decisions. This broad scope made the world feel massive, and yet every thread felt connected. No perspective felt like filler; each one added a new layer of tension.
Thematically, I loved how the book explored the cost of survival. It’s not just about winning battles; it’s about what people are willing to sacrifice to live another day. There’s betrayal, corruption, and duplicity at every turn, but also moments of unexpected courage and love. That balance made the book emotionally rich, not just thrilling. By the time I finished, I felt like I had read not just the beginning of a trilogy, but the opening act of an epic saga. If you’re someone who craves big, cinematic storytelling with depth and grit, Falling Into Shadow feels like it was written for you.
What kept me turning pages was the pacing. The story wastes no time throwing you into chaos, land grabs, shifting allegiances, wars on the horizon. Yet it never feels rushed. The alternating viewpoints allow the reader to see the conflict from every angle, from soldiers in the field to leaders making impossible decisions. This broad scope made the world feel massive, and yet every thread felt connected. No perspective felt like filler; each one added a new layer of tension.
Thematically, I loved how the book explored the cost of survival. It’s not just about winning battles; it’s about what people are willing to sacrifice to live another day. There’s betrayal, corruption, and duplicity at every turn, but also moments of unexpected courage and love. That balance made the book emotionally rich, not just thrilling. By the time I finished, I felt like I had read not just the beginning of a trilogy, but the opening act of an epic saga. If you’re someone who craves big, cinematic storytelling with depth and grit, Falling Into Shadow feels like it was written for you.
September 10, 2025
What struck me most about Falling Into Shadow wasn’t just the inventive setting or the looming wars, but how personal and character-driven the story felt. Sophie Song, in particular, became a character I deeply connected with. As a Stem Shifter, she wields extraordinary abilities, yet Palleschi never lets her power overshadow her humanity. She’s flawed, vulnerable, and constantly grappling with impossible choices. Watching her try to hold on to her values while people she trusted, people she loved, crossed to the other side broke my heart. Her journey felt less like a traditional “chosen one” story and more like a painful, coming-of-age tale in a world where innocence is burned away by war.
The betrayals in this novel resonate with particular force. Unlike many fantasy books where betrayal feels like a plot twist for shock value, here they’re grounded in human motivations, fear, desperation, and ambition. That grounded realism kept me hooked even in the midst of battles and magical powers.
What I appreciated most was that Palleschi doesn’t coddle his readers. Some characters fall. Some embrace darkness. Others grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s that unpredictability that makes Falling Into Shadow so powerful. When I turned the final page, I felt both devastated and exhilarated. This is a story that lingers, one that makes you reflect on loyalty, morality, and the ways people fracture under pressure. For readers who crave flawed, complex characters over neat resolutions, this book delivers in spades.
The betrayals in this novel resonate with particular force. Unlike many fantasy books where betrayal feels like a plot twist for shock value, here they’re grounded in human motivations, fear, desperation, and ambition. That grounded realism kept me hooked even in the midst of battles and magical powers.
What I appreciated most was that Palleschi doesn’t coddle his readers. Some characters fall. Some embrace darkness. Others grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s that unpredictability that makes Falling Into Shadow so powerful. When I turned the final page, I felt both devastated and exhilarated. This is a story that lingers, one that makes you reflect on loyalty, morality, and the ways people fracture under pressure. For readers who crave flawed, complex characters over neat resolutions, this book delivers in spades.
September 22, 2025
Upon a free download from Netgalley, I wasted no time and immediately dove right in. What an action packed intro! It sucks the reader right into the universe, quickly connecting you emotionally to who we assume will be the MC. Falling Into Shadow is a multiple POV book, and each character has their own colorful, though not necessarily pleasant, introduction. The book is deliciously detailed, enabling the reader to picture each scene easily. It gives a sense of the Red Rising trilogy meets Star Wars and Terminator, minus the robots. The emotions run high as family turns on family, friends and past lovers are slain for the sake of war, and new alliances are forged. There is one who may rise up, rightly unique in his power, predicted to possibly end the war by an Eidan (or as we would think of as a 'seer') The natural timeline progression while switching through characters is very smooth. Each narrative is equally engaging and enticing, constantly leaving you wanting more. There was love, loss, betrayal, friendship and above all, survival of the fittest. Upon completion of this book I desperately wanted more. I am eager for a second books to see what is in store for our characters. Our author merely solved one savage battle while the war continues on. He also introduced a frighteningly lethal creature only our deepest nightmares can conjure. The book as a whole became more dark and desperate as time continued on, which I believe added to the intrigue. We are left on a steep cliffhanger which leaves us longing for more in the best way possible.
September 10, 2025
The story pulled me in with its setting, a moon where people must keep moving to stay within a thin strip of survivable weather. That idea of survival tied directly to the shifting land lingered with me long after reading.
What made it even more powerful were the characters and their messy, human struggles. Sophie Song isn’t some untouchable savior; she’s just trying to defend her stolen home with powers that bend reality itself. Isaak, a boy burdened with a vision of ending a war, carries a weight far too heavy for his age, and I couldn’t help but feel for him. Dante wrestles with the pull of a corrupt father while trying to stay true to himself, and Renette shoulders crushing responsibility inside a fractured government. Despite the magic and politics, they all feel real, people who stumble, fight, and rise again.
The pacing mirrors the storm-lashed world: fast and urgent when danger strikes but slowing enough to let me connect with the characters. Shifting loyalties, betrayals, and uneasy alliances kept me guessing who to trust, while the balance of action, politics, and raw humanity kept me invested.
Reading it felt like standing in a land slowly losing warmth, chilled by desperation but warmed by the resilience of its people. It left me both shaken and hopeful, with just enough cracks in the world and its people that I’m eager to see what slips through in the next book.
What made it even more powerful were the characters and their messy, human struggles. Sophie Song isn’t some untouchable savior; she’s just trying to defend her stolen home with powers that bend reality itself. Isaak, a boy burdened with a vision of ending a war, carries a weight far too heavy for his age, and I couldn’t help but feel for him. Dante wrestles with the pull of a corrupt father while trying to stay true to himself, and Renette shoulders crushing responsibility inside a fractured government. Despite the magic and politics, they all feel real, people who stumble, fight, and rise again.
The pacing mirrors the storm-lashed world: fast and urgent when danger strikes but slowing enough to let me connect with the characters. Shifting loyalties, betrayals, and uneasy alliances kept me guessing who to trust, while the balance of action, politics, and raw humanity kept me invested.
Reading it felt like standing in a land slowly losing warmth, chilled by desperation but warmed by the resilience of its people. It left me both shaken and hopeful, with just enough cracks in the world and its people that I’m eager to see what slips through in the next book.
September 9, 2025
An unputdownable story
Falling into Shadow is a captivating read that drew me in right away. Mike Palleschi’s writing is vivid and immersive, balancing fast-paced action with moments of reflection that make the world feel real. I especially enjoyed the way he handles dialogue; it feels natural and brings out each character’s unique voice.
The cast is dynamic, with multiple points of view that add depth and richness to the story. Sophie Song stood out to me as a strong, complex heroine, but I also appreciated how the supporting characters had their own arcs and conflicts that mattered just as much. It gave the story a layered, epic feel instead of focusing on just one perspective.
What I loved most is the atmosphere Palleschi creates: tense, cinematic, and full of moral complexity. Corruption, betrayal, and resilience are woven seamlessly into the narrative, and the characters’ struggles feel both personal and universal.
I found this to be an exciting and thought-provoking start to a trilogy. Palleschi’s style is clean yet powerful, and he has a gift for blending action, politics, and character-driven drama. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy epic science fiction with heart and depth.
Falling into Shadow is a captivating read that drew me in right away. Mike Palleschi’s writing is vivid and immersive, balancing fast-paced action with moments of reflection that make the world feel real. I especially enjoyed the way he handles dialogue; it feels natural and brings out each character’s unique voice.
The cast is dynamic, with multiple points of view that add depth and richness to the story. Sophie Song stood out to me as a strong, complex heroine, but I also appreciated how the supporting characters had their own arcs and conflicts that mattered just as much. It gave the story a layered, epic feel instead of focusing on just one perspective.
What I loved most is the atmosphere Palleschi creates: tense, cinematic, and full of moral complexity. Corruption, betrayal, and resilience are woven seamlessly into the narrative, and the characters’ struggles feel both personal and universal.
I found this to be an exciting and thought-provoking start to a trilogy. Palleschi’s style is clean yet powerful, and he has a gift for blending action, politics, and character-driven drama. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy epic science fiction with heart and depth.
September 18, 2025
This is different from any other book I’ve read. It’s not your typical sword and Sorcery, Sci-Fy. Making a magic wand round and calling it a Geode doesn’t make it “science,” it’s still Sorcery.
But the characters make the story epic. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Before reading this book, you couldn’t have convinced me that you could have that many major characters in a compelling story. I’d have thought you couldn’t focus enough on any one of them to get emotionally engaged. I’d have been wrong. The depth of the characters is what make this story so captivating. There’s lots of action and epic battles, but it’s the way those affect the characters that bring them to life.
There are several subplots and stories interwoven into the main plot line. However the major plot is a complex train of politics, power, intrigue, and deception, that will decide the fate of nations.
My only complaint is that the ending wasn’t clearly and ending. A sideline event erupts in the last few pages that will change everything. I get the impression that this will become book one in a series. If that’s the case, I’ll definitely read the upcoming books.
But the characters make the story epic. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Before reading this book, you couldn’t have convinced me that you could have that many major characters in a compelling story. I’d have thought you couldn’t focus enough on any one of them to get emotionally engaged. I’d have been wrong. The depth of the characters is what make this story so captivating. There’s lots of action and epic battles, but it’s the way those affect the characters that bring them to life.
There are several subplots and stories interwoven into the main plot line. However the major plot is a complex train of politics, power, intrigue, and deception, that will decide the fate of nations.
My only complaint is that the ending wasn’t clearly and ending. A sideline event erupts in the last few pages that will change everything. I get the impression that this will become book one in a series. If that’s the case, I’ll definitely read the upcoming books.
September 10, 2025
This book swept me away with its intensity and imagination. What really struck me was how the story balances high-stakes adventure with a strong emotional core. The characters feel alive, and the challenges they face aren’t just physical, they’re about trust, sacrifice, and resilience.
I especially appreciated how the female lead was written. She isn’t just powerful for the sake of being powerful; her strength is matched by vulnerability, doubt, and an unwavering drive to protect others. That complexity made her feel real and inspiring.
The writing style is bold and cinematic. Action scenes have a sharp energy to them, while quieter moments carry weight and atmosphere. Palleschi has a way of pulling you into both the urgency of survival and the mystery of the world he’s built, without losing sight of the human heart at the center of it all.
This is the kind of book that keeps you thinking about its characters long after you put it down. It’s imaginative, tense, and deeply human, a story that left me eager for the next installment.
I especially appreciated how the female lead was written. She isn’t just powerful for the sake of being powerful; her strength is matched by vulnerability, doubt, and an unwavering drive to protect others. That complexity made her feel real and inspiring.
The writing style is bold and cinematic. Action scenes have a sharp energy to them, while quieter moments carry weight and atmosphere. Palleschi has a way of pulling you into both the urgency of survival and the mystery of the world he’s built, without losing sight of the human heart at the center of it all.
This is the kind of book that keeps you thinking about its characters long after you put it down. It’s imaginative, tense, and deeply human, a story that left me eager for the next installment.
December 23, 2025
Amazing Story
I have to admit that I do not consider myself a big fan of science fiction, and at times I have had certain prejudices toward the genre. I often associate it with complex stories, many changes, multiple settings, and unexpected twists that can make reading feel overwhelming. However, this book completely challenges that idea and proves that assumption wrong.
Thanks to the author’s writing style, following the story, connecting with the characters, and moving through the different settings becomes much easier than expected. One of the strongest aspects of the novel, and the one I value the most, is its ability to engage the reader from the very beginning and maintain interest without feeling heavy or confusing.
It is the perfect book to let your imagination run free and enjoy a great reading experience. I recommend it both to science fiction fans and to anyone who enjoys well written, compelling stories.
I have to admit that I do not consider myself a big fan of science fiction, and at times I have had certain prejudices toward the genre. I often associate it with complex stories, many changes, multiple settings, and unexpected twists that can make reading feel overwhelming. However, this book completely challenges that idea and proves that assumption wrong.
Thanks to the author’s writing style, following the story, connecting with the characters, and moving through the different settings becomes much easier than expected. One of the strongest aspects of the novel, and the one I value the most, is its ability to engage the reader from the very beginning and maintain interest without feeling heavy or confusing.
It is the perfect book to let your imagination run free and enjoy a great reading experience. I recommend it both to science fiction fans and to anyone who enjoys well written, compelling stories.
August 31, 2025
A fresh new novel that pleads for cinematic conversion!
California author Mike Palleschi brings his polished writing skills gained as a writer for television to his impressive debut as a novelist with FALLING INTO SHADOW - a very fine Sci-fi adventure that shares coming of age challenges with paranormal overtones. His ability to create wholly three-dimensional, credible characters is evident as the opening introduces Kyra: ‘On a god-forsaken moon, thousands of miles from home, Kyra Anderton ran from the creatures she was sure were going to kill her. The bog tugged at each step, the weeds a thousand tiny hands grabbing her legs, wanting her to fall, wanting to drag her down and make her a meal for the beasts that chased her…’ With that atmospheric prelude this excellent novel blossoms, arresting attention to the final page. Welcome to a fine new novelist of note!
California author Mike Palleschi brings his polished writing skills gained as a writer for television to his impressive debut as a novelist with FALLING INTO SHADOW - a very fine Sci-fi adventure that shares coming of age challenges with paranormal overtones. His ability to create wholly three-dimensional, credible characters is evident as the opening introduces Kyra: ‘On a god-forsaken moon, thousands of miles from home, Kyra Anderton ran from the creatures she was sure were going to kill her. The bog tugged at each step, the weeds a thousand tiny hands grabbing her legs, wanting her to fall, wanting to drag her down and make her a meal for the beasts that chased her…’ With that atmospheric prelude this excellent novel blossoms, arresting attention to the final page. Welcome to a fine new novelist of note!
December 24, 2025
My head exploded
It's one of the best books I've read in a long time. It clearly brings to mind sagas such as Dune, but I must say that it has nothing to envy. I loved the presence of all the characters with different stories, contexts, and objectives within this complex but spectacular plot.
I really liked the duality that some characters bring in their struggle with their past, their ancestry, and/or their general context, all of which contribute in an amazing way to the development of the overall plot.
The author is clearly a genius, creating scenarios through excellent narrative and pauses between scenes that make it seem as if we were watching a movie with a huge budget for set design and audiovisual production, except that the medium for that visual construction ends up being the reader's own imagination. Highly recommended.
It's one of the best books I've read in a long time. It clearly brings to mind sagas such as Dune, but I must say that it has nothing to envy. I loved the presence of all the characters with different stories, contexts, and objectives within this complex but spectacular plot.
I really liked the duality that some characters bring in their struggle with their past, their ancestry, and/or their general context, all of which contribute in an amazing way to the development of the overall plot.
The author is clearly a genius, creating scenarios through excellent narrative and pauses between scenes that make it seem as if we were watching a movie with a huge budget for set design and audiovisual production, except that the medium for that visual construction ends up being the reader's own imagination. Highly recommended.
August 21, 2025
Silent resistance
Reading this book made me reflect on how the struggle for power and loyalty can change everything, even in distant and futuristic worlds. I really liked the character of Sophie because she is not perfect. She faces difficult choices that make her feel human and real. The idea that some friends can turn into enemies felt both interesting and sad, as it shows how complicated it is to trust others. The world the author created is harsh, cold, and dangerous, but it is also filled with hope and courage. I believe the story shows that, even when the situation is hard, there is always a chance to fight for what one believes in. For me, this book invites the reader to reflect on morality and inner strength in a way that feels honest and meaningful.
Reading this book made me reflect on how the struggle for power and loyalty can change everything, even in distant and futuristic worlds. I really liked the character of Sophie because she is not perfect. She faces difficult choices that make her feel human and real. The idea that some friends can turn into enemies felt both interesting and sad, as it shows how complicated it is to trust others. The world the author created is harsh, cold, and dangerous, but it is also filled with hope and courage. I believe the story shows that, even when the situation is hard, there is always a chance to fight for what one believes in. For me, this book invites the reader to reflect on morality and inner strength in a way that feels honest and meaningful.
August 21, 2025
Great choice!
Without a doubt, this is one of the best science fiction books I’ve read in recent times. Mike Palleschi, the author, has always been known for his brilliance in this genre, and this book is no exception in terms of excellence, plot, and character development.
From the moment I started reading, I felt completely connected, not only because of the way he describes the setting and builds such an engaging plot, but also because of how I connected with the characters. Their traits, emotions, and personalities make the story feel real.
Without question, this book is a true masterpiece by the author, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, loves science fiction and is looking for great books to read.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best science fiction books I’ve read in recent times. Mike Palleschi, the author, has always been known for his brilliance in this genre, and this book is no exception in terms of excellence, plot, and character development.
From the moment I started reading, I felt completely connected, not only because of the way he describes the setting and builds such an engaging plot, but also because of how I connected with the characters. Their traits, emotions, and personalities make the story feel real.
Without question, this book is a true masterpiece by the author, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, loves science fiction and is looking for great books to read.
October 21, 2025
An action packed space opera that grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. Humanity is on planet number four and land is precious and changing due to the effects of the planet’s changing weather. Several factions have soldiers that use Geodes, minerals, to bend reality and direct energy into weapons fighting to control the fate of the land and it’s people. Combine this with prophetic visions and you get an exciting story that has elements of Star Wars combined with Elements of Dune.
This is a page turner as the story is fast paced. Some great characters are developed but most are just pieces to set the foundation of this series. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommend!
This is a page turner as the story is fast paced. Some great characters are developed but most are just pieces to set the foundation of this series. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommend!
December 23, 2025
An interesting story
Falling Into Shadow, written by Palleschi, is an epic science fiction and fantasy novel. The characters and settings are shrouded in mystery and so well-developed that, as you read on, you can almost feel the temperature changes throughout the story, or gain a near-perfect understanding of Sophie Song and her special gifts for preserving peace.
The story revolves around characters such as Kyra Anderton, a shapeshifter whose main mission is to end the war; Dante Zotto, the son of a corrupt oligarch; and Renette Iamri, a government official. The novel explores themes such as power, betrayal, destiny, and friendship. This is a story that captivates the reader from beginning to end; it's a very enjoyable read, full of suspense and mystery.
Falling Into Shadow, written by Palleschi, is an epic science fiction and fantasy novel. The characters and settings are shrouded in mystery and so well-developed that, as you read on, you can almost feel the temperature changes throughout the story, or gain a near-perfect understanding of Sophie Song and her special gifts for preserving peace.
The story revolves around characters such as Kyra Anderton, a shapeshifter whose main mission is to end the war; Dante Zotto, the son of a corrupt oligarch; and Renette Iamri, a government official. The novel explores themes such as power, betrayal, destiny, and friendship. This is a story that captivates the reader from beginning to end; it's a very enjoyable read, full of suspense and mystery.
December 23, 2025
Surrealism, powers, and saviors aiming to keep their people safe. This novel was an absolute blast; I really enjoyed reading it and got very engaged with every page. This book will take you through a fantastic world where science fiction feels more than real. Each character is a whole new world, their powers, their depth, and the author makes sure you get to know each of them quite well and to understand their role in the situation. For me, it was fascinating to see all the creativity behind each character. I really liked the tension, the pauses, and all the relationships that are developed on each page. The emotional weight of this book feels real, and you will get engaged. I was especially touched by Dante Zotto’s story, one of my favorite characters. Enjoy this book as I did.
September 18, 2025
I took my time reading this book because I didn't want to miss a single detail, and it was worth it. I found Sophie Song's character fascinating: strong, complex, and with an internal struggle that makes you connect with her beyond her extraordinary power. The author created a stunning world, full of contrasts, where the fight for survival shapes every decision.
What makes this read so great is the mix of action and tension. It's not just a story of battles; it also deals with loyalty, betrayal, and what it means to choose a side. The book's well-constructed universe will undoubtedly captivate you until the very end. Highly recommended reading!
What makes this read so great is the mix of action and tension. It's not just a story of battles; it also deals with loyalty, betrayal, and what it means to choose a side. The book's well-constructed universe will undoubtedly captivate you until the very end. Highly recommended reading!
September 20, 2025
An exciting mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a story full of twists and turns since the beginning. I like the way the author described and wrote about the world the story takes place in; it's very detailed. Also, I think the characters are very well put together; they each have their own struggles, dreams and choices to make throughout the book, which make them very relatable to readers. It gives a lot of similar real life choices when faced with hard times.
Personally, I like the novel. It is a very strong and very good start in the series, and will definitely keep readers on the loop for more.
Personally, I like the novel. It is a very strong and very good start in the series, and will definitely keep readers on the loop for more.
December 24, 2025
I love a good dose of politics in science fiction, so I was excited to try Falling into Shadow by Mike Palleschi. This is a sprawling science fantasy tale centered on the people of the moon Novena who need to move to escape the deadly cold, but find that their land has already been taken. With a host of vastly different characters, from miners to government workers to shifters and more, and frequent point of view shifts, the story can be a bit confusing to follow at times. However, I managed to stick with it and really enjoyed the complexity of the worldbuilding. I am giving this book four out of five stars.
September 19, 2025
Falling Into Shadow is a fantasy book starring Sophie Song, a Stem Shifter, someone capable of altering space, time, energy, and matter with her mind. Sophie must fight against her enemies who have taken over her lands, but as if that weren't enough, some of her friends have also joined them. War is just around the corner, and Sophie knows she must give it her all if she wants to win.
I really enjoyed this book, which has a compelling plot and the characters are very well described. I look forward to reading more from this author, who is undoubtedly very good.
I really enjoyed this book, which has a compelling plot and the characters are very well described. I look forward to reading more from this author, who is undoubtedly very good.
December 23, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book, but it seems that giving a detailed or spoiler-heavy review risks being labeled as AI-generated, which is disappointing.
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