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Godfall
In this riveting small town thriller, Sheriff David Blunt is faced with a string of murders following the arrival of an alien life form—perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and Jeff Vandermeer, and soon to be a television series from Ron Howard!
"A fully engrossing, genre bending procedural that will have you staying up long past your bedtime." ―Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
"Godfall is a fresh and surprising genre mashup, bringing a laconic small town sheriff together with a crash-landed alien and a series of brutal killings, beautifully interweaving otherworldly images and naturalistic details of rural Nebraska life. Van Jensen is a terrific writer, and I was under the book's strange and extraordinary spell from start to finish." ―Dan Chaon, author of Sleepwalk
"Godfall is the genre-mashup novel of my dreams. With breathtaking imagery and razor-sharp prose, Jensen gives us a story that is part alien sci-fi, part mystery, with a doomsday cult, a serial killer, and a dash of sandhill cranes, all against the beautiful backdrop of rural Nebraska. I expect Godfall to rocket to the top of many best-of lists for the year." ―Erin Flanagan, Edgar-Award winning author of Deer Season and Blackout
"A fully engrossing, genre bending procedural that will have you staying up long past your bedtime." ―Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
"Godfall is a fresh and surprising genre mashup, bringing a laconic small town sheriff together with a crash-landed alien and a series of brutal killings, beautifully interweaving otherworldly images and naturalistic details of rural Nebraska life. Van Jensen is a terrific writer, and I was under the book's strange and extraordinary spell from start to finish." ―Dan Chaon, author of Sleepwalk
"Godfall is the genre-mashup novel of my dreams. With breathtaking imagery and razor-sharp prose, Jensen gives us a story that is part alien sci-fi, part mystery, with a doomsday cult, a serial killer, and a dash of sandhill cranes, all against the beautiful backdrop of rural Nebraska. I expect Godfall to rocket to the top of many best-of lists for the year." ―Erin Flanagan, Edgar-Award winning author of Deer Season and Blackout
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
88 people are currently reading
8976 people want to read
About the author
Van Jensen
173 books100 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 147 reviews
January 23, 2026
A great thriller with an original premise and solid execution.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was perfect for the setting.
It's a really gripping tale, specifically because of its atmosphere. I think the evolution of the town, from small and dying, to a major city overnight, and the struggle of the main character to keep up with the changes was what fascinated me the most.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for this ARC.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was perfect for the setting.
It's a really gripping tale, specifically because of its atmosphere. I think the evolution of the town, from small and dying, to a major city overnight, and the struggle of the main character to keep up with the changes was what fascinated me the most.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for this ARC.
January 15, 2026
A three mile tall humanoid something has crashed to Earth in a small Nebraska town. The resulting influx of the military, ambitious outsiders and reporters has transformed the town. It has also brought a killer. The town’s only police presence, even after the arrival of the dead giant, consists of sheriff David Blunt and his deputy. As the murders pile up, Blunt is pushed aside by the military, but he continues to investigate
This is basically a serial killer mystery with an overlay of science fiction. I was expecting (and hoping for) more scifi, but we really get no answers about the giant, who just lies there throughout the book. I am not a huge fan of books about serial killers, but this one did hold my interest, mostly due to the bits of sci fi that were occasionally doled out. And the pace was quick. For sci fi fans, it’s best to lower your expectations about this book. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audio book from the publisher.
This is basically a serial killer mystery with an overlay of science fiction. I was expecting (and hoping for) more scifi, but we really get no answers about the giant, who just lies there throughout the book. I am not a huge fan of books about serial killers, but this one did hold my interest, mostly due to the bits of sci fi that were occasionally doled out. And the pace was quick. For sci fi fans, it’s best to lower your expectations about this book. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audio book from the publisher.
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.
January 25, 2026
A tautly paced story of crime fiction with some lite sci-fi vibes, Godfall both was and wasn’t what I was expecting. Centering around the hunt for a serial killer in a small Nebraska town, I was disappointed to find that the three-mile-tall alien was mostly just background in this layered murder mystery. You see, instead of straight science fiction, it was a well-written whodunnit/police procedural that also took a hard look at classic small-town dynamics. From the expected stereotypes to a whole host of prejudices, it was not only thought-provoking but helped to make the plot far more realistic. After all, the brilliantly diverse characters and us-versus-them mentality rang with a true-to-life feel that you don’t often find in a debut. Well-thought-out, witty, and slightly JJ Abrams-esque, it was fun, original ride from beginning to end.
All said and done, despite some predictable plotting that had me accurately guessing the twist about halfway through, I had a blast riding shotgun with Sheriff Blunt throughout this genre-bending tale. You see, not only was it filled with non-stop suspense but the wider issues it explored were both provocative and insightful. From the end-of-days cult to the first contact-ish angle, I could easily put myself in the scenes with very little trouble in spite of the bizarre situation. So if you’re looking for a totally unique book that still has a storyline that feels like a procedural, give this one a try. After all, the intertwining plot lines and evocative Nebraska setting kept me glued to the pages as I flew through this book in one single sitting. Bravo, Mr. Jensen! I now get why it’s in production with the famed Ron Howard extraordinaire! Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
Thank you Van Jensen, Grand Central Publishing, and Novel Suspects for my complimentary copy all opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: violence, drug use, transphobia, racism
All said and done, despite some predictable plotting that had me accurately guessing the twist about halfway through, I had a blast riding shotgun with Sheriff Blunt throughout this genre-bending tale. You see, not only was it filled with non-stop suspense but the wider issues it explored were both provocative and insightful. From the end-of-days cult to the first contact-ish angle, I could easily put myself in the scenes with very little trouble in spite of the bizarre situation. So if you’re looking for a totally unique book that still has a storyline that feels like a procedural, give this one a try. After all, the intertwining plot lines and evocative Nebraska setting kept me glued to the pages as I flew through this book in one single sitting. Bravo, Mr. Jensen! I now get why it’s in production with the famed Ron Howard extraordinaire! Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
Thank you Van Jensen, Grand Central Publishing, and Novel Suspects for my complimentary copy all opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: violence, drug use, transphobia, racism
February 4, 2026
Solid procedural set in a small town rapidly becoming a small city with a unique SF element in the setting: an enormous crystal giant that fell from space and now just lays there. Of course, this causes a boom in growth and population which includes not just regular people but also the military, the Feds, and everyone else with an acronym to describe the agency.
The questions surrounding the giant are not the story as much as the strain it causes because of the sudden growth of a previously tiny Nebraska town. It touches on all the ways a small town inundated by “outsiders” can be affected, both positively and negatively.
Several characters are part of a family dynasty used to running things (and not necessarily in a bad way) and it’s interesting to watch how those dynamics play out as well. The main character is part of that family and finds he has way more on his plate than he ever bargained for when he has to deal not only with the usual growth pains of rapid urbanization, but also a serial killer who seems to have slightly more than the usual human abilities.
Anyway, there’s a lot of story packed into this relatively short book, and all of it good.
The questions surrounding the giant are not the story as much as the strain it causes because of the sudden growth of a previously tiny Nebraska town. It touches on all the ways a small town inundated by “outsiders” can be affected, both positively and negatively.
Several characters are part of a family dynasty used to running things (and not necessarily in a bad way) and it’s interesting to watch how those dynamics play out as well. The main character is part of that family and finds he has way more on his plate than he ever bargained for when he has to deal not only with the usual growth pains of rapid urbanization, but also a serial killer who seems to have slightly more than the usual human abilities.
Anyway, there’s a lot of story packed into this relatively short book, and all of it good.
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.
January 25, 2026
‘Godfall’ by Van Jensen might be book one in a series since by the last page a very big mystery is left unsolved - a weird body from outer space crashed down in Nebraska. It looks like a man, only its gigantic, with a spear shoved through its chest. It could be a dead space alien, except it doesn’t show any sign it ever was alive. In any case, it almost landed on a small Nebraska town, Little Springs.
Sheriff David Blunt is used to solving, or more usually controlling, normal little town crimes that occur since everyone knew everyone and everyone knows who most likely did anything in the old farming town, but he, like everyone else in the world, cannot solve the mystery of the space alien. Now, two years after the large giant fell to Earth, Sheriff Blunt and his one deputy aren’t the only law officers anymore in Little Springs. The strange huge giant means every agency in the United States Government has an office in Little Springs. Hundreds of scientists have arrived to study the giant being. A new secretive military camp has been built on what used to be farmland, along with lots of new houses, businesses and buildings.
Strange murders begin happening in Little Springs, horrific ones. Are they linked to the space alien? Or could it be the dead giant has drawn a serial killer to Little Springs? Little Springs isn’t so little anymore. In the last two years, it has grown from what basically was a one-street town surrounded by farms to a fairly large city. What had been a small farming community has been split into two sections, the small old town and the big new city areas, with the space alien lying inert in a field west of Little Springs. Tensions have increased between people who have lived in the community for four generations and those who moved in in the last two years. Sheriff Blunt and his one deputy can no longer count on 40-hour work weeks, but instead both are kept busy 24/7. The rapid expansion of the population means a rise in crime and in the discovery of occasional dead bodies and a lot more injuries.
Two years ago, a dead body would have caused David to throw up. But no longer. He and his deputy, Brooke Spady, can’t keep up with the phone calls. However, despite the heavy load of increased criminality occurring, some of it apparently linked to an influx of drugs and maybe a drug-dealing gang, he wants to solve the murders happening in New Springs. The people who are being targeted are his relatives, not just friends. Cousins. But the FBI is taking over the case!
I have copied the book blurb:
”In this riveting small town thriller, Sheriff David Blunt is faced with a string of murders following the arrival of an alien life form—perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and Jeff Vandermeer, and soon to be a television series from Ron Howard!
"A fully engrossing, genre bending procedural that will have you staying up long past your bedtime." ―Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
"Godfall is a fresh and surprising genre mashup, bringing a laconic small town sheriff together with a crash-landed alien and a series of brutal killings, beautifully interweaving otherworldly images and naturalistic details of rural Nebraska life. Van Jensen is a terrific writer, and I was under the book's strange and extraordinary spell from start to finish." ―Dan Chaon, author of Sleepwalk
"Godfall is the genre-mashup novel of my dreams. With breathtaking imagery and razor-sharp prose, Jensen gives us a story that is part alien sci-fi, part mystery, with a doomsday cult, a serial killer, and a dash of sandhill cranes, all against the beautiful backdrop of rural Nebraska. I expect Godfall to rocket to the top of many best-of lists for the year." ―Erin Flanagan, Edgar-Award winning author of Deer Season and Blackout”
Gentler reader, I’m afraid imho the blurb and the author endorsements are a bit excessive in their enthusiasm. I did not feel the book would win the Pulitzer, which the blurb is seemingly inferring. Except for the completely inactive body of the space alien lying in a field next to the city, ‘Godfall ‘is a regular serial killer/detective mystery duel of wits. It definitely is fast moving and engrossing. But the dead (if it is dead) space creature is playing a part in the murders which is as mysterious as the alien’s unmoving body. It is a fun read, and if there is a book two, which I believe there will be, I will be looking forward to it!
Sheriff David Blunt is used to solving, or more usually controlling, normal little town crimes that occur since everyone knew everyone and everyone knows who most likely did anything in the old farming town, but he, like everyone else in the world, cannot solve the mystery of the space alien. Now, two years after the large giant fell to Earth, Sheriff Blunt and his one deputy aren’t the only law officers anymore in Little Springs. The strange huge giant means every agency in the United States Government has an office in Little Springs. Hundreds of scientists have arrived to study the giant being. A new secretive military camp has been built on what used to be farmland, along with lots of new houses, businesses and buildings.
Strange murders begin happening in Little Springs, horrific ones. Are they linked to the space alien? Or could it be the dead giant has drawn a serial killer to Little Springs? Little Springs isn’t so little anymore. In the last two years, it has grown from what basically was a one-street town surrounded by farms to a fairly large city. What had been a small farming community has been split into two sections, the small old town and the big new city areas, with the space alien lying inert in a field west of Little Springs. Tensions have increased between people who have lived in the community for four generations and those who moved in in the last two years. Sheriff Blunt and his one deputy can no longer count on 40-hour work weeks, but instead both are kept busy 24/7. The rapid expansion of the population means a rise in crime and in the discovery of occasional dead bodies and a lot more injuries.
Two years ago, a dead body would have caused David to throw up. But no longer. He and his deputy, Brooke Spady, can’t keep up with the phone calls. However, despite the heavy load of increased criminality occurring, some of it apparently linked to an influx of drugs and maybe a drug-dealing gang, he wants to solve the murders happening in New Springs. The people who are being targeted are his relatives, not just friends. Cousins. But the FBI is taking over the case!
I have copied the book blurb:
”In this riveting small town thriller, Sheriff David Blunt is faced with a string of murders following the arrival of an alien life form—perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and Jeff Vandermeer, and soon to be a television series from Ron Howard!
"A fully engrossing, genre bending procedural that will have you staying up long past your bedtime." ―Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author
When 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, conspiracy theorists—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 cultists or battling an influx of drug dealers. 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 to find the answers he needs, he must reconcile his old worldview with the town he now lives in—before it’s too late.
"Godfall is a fresh and surprising genre mashup, bringing a laconic small town sheriff together with a crash-landed alien and a series of brutal killings, beautifully interweaving otherworldly images and naturalistic details of rural Nebraska life. Van Jensen is a terrific writer, and I was under the book's strange and extraordinary spell from start to finish." ―Dan Chaon, author of Sleepwalk
"Godfall is the genre-mashup novel of my dreams. With breathtaking imagery and razor-sharp prose, Jensen gives us a story that is part alien sci-fi, part mystery, with a doomsday cult, a serial killer, and a dash of sandhill cranes, all against the beautiful backdrop of rural Nebraska. I expect Godfall to rocket to the top of many best-of lists for the year." ―Erin Flanagan, Edgar-Award winning author of Deer Season and Blackout”
Gentler reader, I’m afraid imho the blurb and the author endorsements are a bit excessive in their enthusiasm. I did not feel the book would win the Pulitzer, which the blurb is seemingly inferring. Except for the completely inactive body of the space alien lying in a field next to the city, ‘Godfall ‘is a regular serial killer/detective mystery duel of wits. It definitely is fast moving and engrossing. But the dead (if it is dead) space creature is playing a part in the murders which is as mysterious as the alien’s unmoving body. It is a fun read, and if there is a book two, which I believe there will be, I will be looking forward to it!
January 23, 2026
Boring characters.
A wasted premise.
Underwhelming execution.
I could spend all day listing the issues I had with this book, but I only have thirty more seconds, so I'll keep it brief. I really need to stop reading books where a cop is investigating a mysterious death, it's my least favorite trope and I used to be better at avoiding it. I also want to complain about the way this book handles politics. You can tell the author--wait, sorry, my thirty seconds are up, so I guess can't elaborate on that part.
A wasted premise.
Underwhelming execution.
I could spend all day listing the issues I had with this book, but I only have thirty more seconds, so I'll keep it brief. I really need to stop reading books where a cop is investigating a mysterious death, it's my least favorite trope and I used to be better at avoiding it. I also want to complain about the way this book handles politics. You can tell the author--wait, sorry, my thirty seconds are up, so I guess can't elaborate on that part.
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)
January 11, 2026
Actual Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Small-town police-procedural meets cosmic sci-fi in this fantastic genre-bender that had me hooked from start to finish. If you're in the marked for something in the vein of True Detective, or Sleeping Giants meets a Blake Crouch-style mystery: consider this one to add to your TBR...
A note before we start: this is technically reread/-re-review, as I’ve already covered this novel back in 2023, when it was first released as an independent publication. I already really enjoyed it then, and jumped on the opportunity to experience it a second time, not that it’s been picked up by a larger publication-house ánd slated to be adapted into a tv-show.
Most of my opinions stayed the same, although I can now also highly recommend the audio-version, which was excellent.
The story:
The town of Little Springs, Nebraska, used to be so insignificant that it barely showed up on a state map. Until an event of cosmic proportions transforms it overnight into the center of attention for tourist, cultists and FBI-investigation alike. A mysterious asteroid crash-lands in the outskirts Little Springs, and reveals itself to be a three-mile-tall dead humanoid “Giant”.
Two years after this even, the town of Little Springs is still trying to catch up to its new-found status as a “former-small-town”. We follow David Blunt – still the only sheriff in town, and now obviously swamped with the work -, as he is 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:
Suspenseful, original and tightly paced: Godfall had my eyes/ears glued to the page from start to finish, even upon second read. I distinctly remember burning midnight oil the first time I read this, as I just hád to satisfy my curiosity with just one more chapter.
Cinematic isn’t a word I like to use to describe novels, as I often feel like it’s overused, but in this case it feels apt. This book feels like a quality supernatural-crime-series (think True Detective), and I’m not in the least surprised that the film-rights have already been snatched up by Amazon.
Van Jensen blends elements of a classic police-procedural/serial-killer-hunt with cosmic sci-fi and makes optimal use of the best of both genres. The detective-elements keep the story grounded, whilst the sci-fi elements add some originality, freshness and a new layer of mystery to be solved. It was a compulsively fun read for me, that also had me slow down to ponder the existential strangeness of this alien-construct in the background, in between sittings.
What makes the novel truly shine are its atmosphere and setting. Although that might be a redundant statement, because the town itself felt like a character in its own right, with a distinct role in the story. During Davids investigation, we get a good look at the towns community-dynamics – how they used to be, as David remembers them growing up, as well as how they’ve changed since the Giants’ arrival flooded the town with newcomers. There’s a strong “insiders-vs-outsiders” motif that loops through the story on multiple levels, that wouldn’t have worked against any other background.
When it comes to the characters, they are admittedly archetypical (the seasoned detective, the risk-taking investigative reporter, etc.), but all have a little element to them that adds depth and made them memorable.
A good mystery is only as good as its reveals, though. This is where the book might be divisive. Although the murder-mystery is wrapped up in a very satisfying, well-earned way, don’t expect an explanation of the sci-fi element on a molecular level. To me, that’s just part of the course for a cosmic-mystery, and I thought the balance was great in this novel. However, if you’re the kind of reader who wants every end tied-off, this might leave you with too many questions for your liking.
Overall, this was a fantastic genre-blend of sci-fi and mystery that I’m glad is getting introduced to a wider audience with this traditional re-publications.
Notes on diversity:
My original review on the indie-version had quite a big section on the diversity, and I want to include part of it here too, as it’s still relevant. I will talk about transgender identity and disability, but can’t do so without spoiling some plot points, so proceed at your own peril.
Final small warning when it comes to disability-representation: there’s a variation on the magical healing-trope in which a character with dementia is suddenly “cured” of their affliction by the alien influence for 2 minutes each night. Just enough to provide essential plot-information and heartwarming closure to our characters. It’s not insensitive or significant enough to ruin anything for me, but it’s just unnecessary…
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Small-town police-procedural meets cosmic sci-fi in this fantastic genre-bender that had me hooked from start to finish. If you're in the marked for something in the vein of True Detective, or Sleeping Giants meets a Blake Crouch-style mystery: consider this one to add to your TBR...
A note before we start: this is technically reread/-re-review, as I’ve already covered this novel back in 2023, when it was first released as an independent publication. I already really enjoyed it then, and jumped on the opportunity to experience it a second time, not that it’s been picked up by a larger publication-house ánd slated to be adapted into a tv-show.
Most of my opinions stayed the same, although I can now also highly recommend the audio-version, which was excellent.
The story:
The town of Little Springs, Nebraska, used to be so insignificant that it barely showed up on a state map. Until an event of cosmic proportions transforms it overnight into the center of attention for tourist, cultists and FBI-investigation alike. A mysterious asteroid crash-lands in the outskirts Little Springs, and reveals itself to be a three-mile-tall dead humanoid “Giant”.
Two years after this even, the town of Little Springs is still trying to catch up to its new-found status as a “former-small-town”. We follow David Blunt – still the only sheriff in town, and now obviously swamped with the work -, as he is 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:
Suspenseful, original and tightly paced: Godfall had my eyes/ears glued to the page from start to finish, even upon second read. I distinctly remember burning midnight oil the first time I read this, as I just hád to satisfy my curiosity with just one more chapter.
Cinematic isn’t a word I like to use to describe novels, as I often feel like it’s overused, but in this case it feels apt. This book feels like a quality supernatural-crime-series (think True Detective), and I’m not in the least surprised that the film-rights have already been snatched up by Amazon.
Van Jensen blends elements of a classic police-procedural/serial-killer-hunt with cosmic sci-fi and makes optimal use of the best of both genres. The detective-elements keep the story grounded, whilst the sci-fi elements add some originality, freshness and a new layer of mystery to be solved. It was a compulsively fun read for me, that also had me slow down to ponder the existential strangeness of this alien-construct in the background, in between sittings.
What makes the novel truly shine are its atmosphere and setting. Although that might be a redundant statement, because the town itself felt like a character in its own right, with a distinct role in the story. During Davids investigation, we get a good look at the towns community-dynamics – how they used to be, as David remembers them growing up, as well as how they’ve changed since the Giants’ arrival flooded the town with newcomers. There’s a strong “insiders-vs-outsiders” motif that loops through the story on multiple levels, that wouldn’t have worked against any other background.
When it comes to the characters, they are admittedly archetypical (the seasoned detective, the risk-taking investigative reporter, etc.), but all have a little element to them that adds depth and made them memorable.
A good mystery is only as good as its reveals, though. This is where the book might be divisive. Although the murder-mystery is wrapped up in a very satisfying, well-earned way, don’t expect an explanation of the sci-fi element on a molecular level. To me, that’s just part of the course for a cosmic-mystery, and I thought the balance was great in this novel. However, if you’re the kind of reader who wants every end tied-off, this might leave you with too many questions for your liking.
Overall, this was a fantastic genre-blend of sci-fi and mystery that I’m glad is getting introduced to a wider audience with this traditional re-publications.
Notes on diversity:
My original review on the indie-version had quite a big section on the diversity, and I want to include part of it here too, as it’s still relevant. I will talk about transgender identity and disability, but can’t do so without spoiling some plot points, so proceed at your own peril.
Final small warning when it comes to disability-representation: there’s a variation on the magical healing-trope in which a character with dementia is suddenly “cured” of their affliction by the alien influence for 2 minutes each night. Just enough to provide essential plot-information and heartwarming closure to our characters. It’s not insensitive or significant enough to ruin anything for me, but it’s just unnecessary…
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2026
too bad he doesn't know how to write
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.)
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.
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.
January 10, 2026
Welcome to Nebraska. Please don’t touch the god corpse.
Arc from NetGalley
Arc from NetGalley
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..
January 14, 2026
This review is for the audio version of the book, provided by NetGalley, and narrated by Scott Merriman.
There's a lot to be said about wanting to live a quiet life in a place you love and looking after the people around you, who you've known all of your life. As Sheriff of Little Springs, that's what David wants. He wants to look after his town and it's people.
Then the giant, humanoid, being (nicknamed Gulliver) fell out of the sky into the nearby fields, presumably dead, and turning Little Springs into one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. With a sudden population boom, David finds himself hunting down more than your run of the mill small town crimes.
Someone is killing people in gruesome ways.
I didn't know what to expect when I requested this ARC, but I know I thoroughly enjoyed what I got.
Part sci-fi part mystery/crime novel, this moved along at a great pace, for me, while at the same time digging into the people of the Little Springs community. There is some decent character work and if you're familiar with small towns, you'll recognize the people you meet here.
The sci-fi aspect was great, again for me, and I hope to see this setting expanded on. I'd love to return to this town and it's people as the mystery of Gulliver is unraveled.
There's a lot to be said about wanting to live a quiet life in a place you love and looking after the people around you, who you've known all of your life. As Sheriff of Little Springs, that's what David wants. He wants to look after his town and it's people.
Then the giant, humanoid, being (nicknamed Gulliver) fell out of the sky into the nearby fields, presumably dead, and turning Little Springs into one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. With a sudden population boom, David finds himself hunting down more than your run of the mill small town crimes.
Someone is killing people in gruesome ways.
I didn't know what to expect when I requested this ARC, but I know I thoroughly enjoyed what I got.
Part sci-fi part mystery/crime novel, this moved along at a great pace, for me, while at the same time digging into the people of the Little Springs community. There is some decent character work and if you're familiar with small towns, you'll recognize the people you meet here.
The sci-fi aspect was great, again for me, and I hope to see this setting expanded on. I'd love to return to this town and it's people as the mystery of Gulliver is unraveled.
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.
January 8, 2026
Really enjoyed this - woudl have like to give 4.5 stars. a great mix of science fiction and American small town mystery. As compulsive as watching a really good mini series on tv. Hoping there will be a sequel.
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.
December 31, 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.
February 11, 2026
Don’t you hate it when a three mile tall alien plummets from the sky and lands on the outskirts of your town? I know I do. And if you’re questioning my credibility, I swear that I absolutely did experience this.
Through Godfall by Van Jensen, of course.
To make matters worse, the small town the alien landed outside of finds itself growing in population because of his arrival, which is not welcomed by some of the townspeople. The government has also set up a research facility outside Little Springs (an alien did land there, after all) and a cult has taken up residence to worship the giant. Oh, and there is that pesky business of a serial killer taking lives in a severely brutal fashion.
Yeah, it’s a lot, and Van Jansen handled it all expertly. I struggled to break away from this propulsive science fiction thriller, although anyone considering this should know that the broader lens is focused on the murder mystery, not the sci-fi.
What I especially loved about Jensen’s wild novel was the way “alien” seemed to represent far more than the dead giant on the outside of town. The author wrote a story about the comfort some find in familiarity while violently rejecting anything they view as foreign. The close-minded views of certain old locals felt real and raw and this pierces the heart just as viciously as the serial killer’s slaying of his victims.
Now, in a book with very few prominent characters, and the gender of the killer always blatantly clear, it isn’t necessarily difficult to sniff out the culprit, although I admit I had my eye on the wrong guy for a while. If I had to criticize anything—and I hate to do it because I enjoyed this so much—I’d simply note that Jensen doesn’t seem to have the best poker face. The red herring was so clearly a red herring, and in the second half, he really showed his hand through the doubt he tried to cast.
Through Godfall by Van Jensen, of course.
To make matters worse, the small town the alien landed outside of finds itself growing in population because of his arrival, which is not welcomed by some of the townspeople. The government has also set up a research facility outside Little Springs (an alien did land there, after all) and a cult has taken up residence to worship the giant. Oh, and there is that pesky business of a serial killer taking lives in a severely brutal fashion.
Yeah, it’s a lot, and Van Jansen handled it all expertly. I struggled to break away from this propulsive science fiction thriller, although anyone considering this should know that the broader lens is focused on the murder mystery, not the sci-fi.
What I especially loved about Jensen’s wild novel was the way “alien” seemed to represent far more than the dead giant on the outside of town. The author wrote a story about the comfort some find in familiarity while violently rejecting anything they view as foreign. The close-minded views of certain old locals felt real and raw and this pierces the heart just as viciously as the serial killer’s slaying of his victims.
Now, in a book with very few prominent characters, and the gender of the killer always blatantly clear, it isn’t necessarily difficult to sniff out the culprit, although I admit I had my eye on the wrong guy for a while. If I had to criticize anything—and I hate to do it because I enjoyed this so much—I’d simply note that Jensen doesn’t seem to have the best poker face. The red herring was so clearly a red herring, and in the second half, he really showed his hand through the doubt he tried to cast.
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