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Jump or Fall
Jump or Fall: A Dark Cyberpunk Romance
When a man with a scarred face appears in Mara’s home looking to purchase an armor suit, everything turns on its head.
He shouldn't be in her part of the city–let alone in her apartment. The Silvers hold the city hostage with implanted retractable claws and the ever-present threat of “stripes” for disobedience. A stripe to the face? The worst banishment to the Outskirts.
But the scar isn't the only reason he shouldn't be there. Mara's life as a designer and maker of armor for Hyperion may seem glamorous, but she lives in a prison without bars. Her keeper is Dawson Knight, the leader of the Silvers himself.
Perhaps this stranger offers her a chance at freedom. But the cost of failure will be more than her face, and she must decide whether she’s willing to pay.
She must choose: jump or fall.
When a man with a scarred face appears in Mara’s home looking to purchase an armor suit, everything turns on its head.
He shouldn't be in her part of the city–let alone in her apartment. The Silvers hold the city hostage with implanted retractable claws and the ever-present threat of “stripes” for disobedience. A stripe to the face? The worst banishment to the Outskirts.
But the scar isn't the only reason he shouldn't be there. Mara's life as a designer and maker of armor for Hyperion may seem glamorous, but she lives in a prison without bars. Her keeper is Dawson Knight, the leader of the Silvers himself.
Perhaps this stranger offers her a chance at freedom. But the cost of failure will be more than her face, and she must decide whether she’s willing to pay.
She must choose: jump or fall.
- GenresDystopia
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2025
About the author
C.J. North
4 books10 followersCJ North loves geography, history, mythology, and writing romance stories that incorporate them all. When not lost in a story, she's probably wandering a street on Google Maps or two hours into a deep dive on a random topic with no practical use.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 4, 2025
"She escaped back into the haven of her mind. The one place she could control."
I recently traveled, and my goal was to finish this book by the end of my return flight.
Usually, annotating takes me a little longer as I feverishly try to doodle my thoughts. Let me tell you that I had some hilarious conversations with my seat mates on both flights. My favorite, though, was a person asking me why I kept writing WTF ?!
This author can write the hell out of a villain!
The villain was villianing, and it gave me murderous thoughts and sweaty pitts.
The characters are complex, and the world is gritty. The system is broken and bruised for Mara. Forced to work for a sadistic man creating high-tech suits for the very people who trap her. Mara is self medicated, dissociating, and just trying to survive... until him.
Mara is finally given the hope to fight back, and boy does she!
Absolutely stellar! There is a romance aspect to this, which I love because it's so wholesome in the dark world.
Please check trigger warnings. There are a lot of dark themes, but I do feel they contribute to the heart of the story and the perseverance of the FMC!
I recently traveled, and my goal was to finish this book by the end of my return flight.
Usually, annotating takes me a little longer as I feverishly try to doodle my thoughts. Let me tell you that I had some hilarious conversations with my seat mates on both flights. My favorite, though, was a person asking me why I kept writing WTF ?!
This author can write the hell out of a villain!
The villain was villianing, and it gave me murderous thoughts and sweaty pitts.
The characters are complex, and the world is gritty. The system is broken and bruised for Mara. Forced to work for a sadistic man creating high-tech suits for the very people who trap her. Mara is self medicated, dissociating, and just trying to survive... until him.
Mara is finally given the hope to fight back, and boy does she!
Absolutely stellar! There is a romance aspect to this, which I love because it's so wholesome in the dark world.
Please check trigger warnings. There are a lot of dark themes, but I do feel they contribute to the heart of the story and the perseverance of the FMC!
March 29, 2026
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! I would jump head first back into this world and happily fall forever. This was one of those plots that plays out in your head like a movie. Everything was so action-packed and exciting as the plot just kept speeding along in its storyline. If this was a show, I would have binged it. NEXT EPISODE!!! Traveling alongside Mara in her new taken on position as a Rebel against the tyrannical Silvers who have taken society hostage, as she decides she can no longer be a toy to one of their worst leaders and live under his horrific abuse of ownership was so exciting and at times stressful and anxiety ridden. But in the best ways! The environment this story is set in reminds me of 90s dystopia style scify movies. The goodness of that vibe mixed with heavy emotional trauma and extreme life or death situational futures hanging in the balance made this story slap hard, and I loved every minute of it.
Mara is such a beautiful character. As an FMC, she starts out truly enslaved by the powers that be. Those powers are Dawson Knight. The highest ranking Silver who decided Mara was going to be his. She is a heavily skilled armor designer for the soldiers who keep the balance of power in their sectors. Her choices are fall in line or receive a stripe and forever wear the curse of what that means and be banished to the outskirts where her abilities and life will no longer carry any real existence. Knight is truly a villain of evil proportions. This man is disgusting in his manipulation and power weilding over Mara. So much so that for years, she is lost to his ownership. How much pain and control can a person carry in hopes to just be allowed to exist in some way? The abuse she suffers at Knight's hand is gut-wrenching. The things he does to her and others are horrific. He made my skin crawl. The situation with her boyfriend broke my heart into pieces for her. She truly becomes such a heavy victim of his evil ownership and turns in on herself for years just to simply try to survive. It really shows a lot of truth in how so many women do what they have to just to live, when under the control of such an evil abusive force. My heart ached for her.
Gordon is the hacker in shining armor that our girl needs desperately. When he shows up in her apartment to proposition her to help fix said armor, it opens up an entire world of Rebellion that Mara didn't know existed. She's faced with a chance to either stay in the life that she's hoping to escape through death at some point, or stand up and take her life back alongside a crew of rogue forces about to attack the Silvers head on and take back their society. The tenderness that is mixed with Gordon's strength calls to Mara like a beacon. He has suffered greatly at the hands of evil and wears the scars heavily across his face. The understanding and patience he shows her in knowing who owns her and the abuse she suffers daily yet passes no judgement on her, helps Mara realize that as broken as she has felt, there is still untapped powers within and alongside this new force that Gordon brings she might be able to finally take back control of her life.
This story powers through its plotline with action and excitement and the most delicious slowburn love story. Our MCs navigate setting up a takeover of epic proportions to rise up against the Silvers and set society free. There are secret meetings. Dangerous missions. Heart-wrenching flashbacks. Action-packed fights. And spice that builds with the best tension until it explodes in the most tender yet toe curling ways! With stories like these, the spice and romance are a part of the plot but don't lead the plot, and the way it's intertwined in these pages next to all the drama and excitement was chefs kiss. It was so well placed and used to heighten the healing process of our MCs rather than overtake the depth of the story. We have two very broken MCs who are not only trying to survive in a society working against them at all costs, but their own minds tearing them down as well after surviving such painful things. Together, they are not only teaming up to take back control of society but also their own minds and self-worth.
The final climax of this story slapped hard! It was so exciting and intense that I was gasping. Knight is such a grotesque villain, and I was cheering hard for his demise. But some of the worst evils can keep control of a power balance they have come so accustomed to owning. Will Mara be able to rise up, or will the pains of this realm pull her back and take what's left of her? It was intense, and it's heavily worth finding out for yourself!
I loved this book. I loved everything about it. It was exciting and painful and intense and action-packed and sweet and romantic and spicy! There was nothing that didn't keep me locked in and entertained. C.J. is an amazing writer and truly immerses you in her stories right alongside her characters. Her writing is refreshing and so well balanced in the feelings and points she wants you to feel as she makes them throughout her stories. I will forever be a fan! Don't skip this! Don't skip her!!
Mara is such a beautiful character. As an FMC, she starts out truly enslaved by the powers that be. Those powers are Dawson Knight. The highest ranking Silver who decided Mara was going to be his. She is a heavily skilled armor designer for the soldiers who keep the balance of power in their sectors. Her choices are fall in line or receive a stripe and forever wear the curse of what that means and be banished to the outskirts where her abilities and life will no longer carry any real existence. Knight is truly a villain of evil proportions. This man is disgusting in his manipulation and power weilding over Mara. So much so that for years, she is lost to his ownership. How much pain and control can a person carry in hopes to just be allowed to exist in some way? The abuse she suffers at Knight's hand is gut-wrenching. The things he does to her and others are horrific. He made my skin crawl. The situation with her boyfriend broke my heart into pieces for her. She truly becomes such a heavy victim of his evil ownership and turns in on herself for years just to simply try to survive. It really shows a lot of truth in how so many women do what they have to just to live, when under the control of such an evil abusive force. My heart ached for her.
Gordon is the hacker in shining armor that our girl needs desperately. When he shows up in her apartment to proposition her to help fix said armor, it opens up an entire world of Rebellion that Mara didn't know existed. She's faced with a chance to either stay in the life that she's hoping to escape through death at some point, or stand up and take her life back alongside a crew of rogue forces about to attack the Silvers head on and take back their society. The tenderness that is mixed with Gordon's strength calls to Mara like a beacon. He has suffered greatly at the hands of evil and wears the scars heavily across his face. The understanding and patience he shows her in knowing who owns her and the abuse she suffers daily yet passes no judgement on her, helps Mara realize that as broken as she has felt, there is still untapped powers within and alongside this new force that Gordon brings she might be able to finally take back control of her life.
This story powers through its plotline with action and excitement and the most delicious slowburn love story. Our MCs navigate setting up a takeover of epic proportions to rise up against the Silvers and set society free. There are secret meetings. Dangerous missions. Heart-wrenching flashbacks. Action-packed fights. And spice that builds with the best tension until it explodes in the most tender yet toe curling ways! With stories like these, the spice and romance are a part of the plot but don't lead the plot, and the way it's intertwined in these pages next to all the drama and excitement was chefs kiss. It was so well placed and used to heighten the healing process of our MCs rather than overtake the depth of the story. We have two very broken MCs who are not only trying to survive in a society working against them at all costs, but their own minds tearing them down as well after surviving such painful things. Together, they are not only teaming up to take back control of society but also their own minds and self-worth.
The final climax of this story slapped hard! It was so exciting and intense that I was gasping. Knight is such a grotesque villain, and I was cheering hard for his demise. But some of the worst evils can keep control of a power balance they have come so accustomed to owning. Will Mara be able to rise up, or will the pains of this realm pull her back and take what's left of her? It was intense, and it's heavily worth finding out for yourself!
I loved this book. I loved everything about it. It was exciting and painful and intense and action-packed and sweet and romantic and spicy! There was nothing that didn't keep me locked in and entertained. C.J. is an amazing writer and truly immerses you in her stories right alongside her characters. Her writing is refreshing and so well balanced in the feelings and points she wants you to feel as she makes them throughout her stories. I will forever be a fan! Don't skip this! Don't skip her!!
August 3, 2025
Jump or Fall is the perfect intro to a world full of interesting ideas that leaves a lot of potential for future installments (I demand more Robo-Doggies!), and I can't wait to see what the author has planned for it.
The characters coming together tell how differently they navigate a life where facial scars and mutilation are a deciding factor in who you are and how people see you. We have differing characters who are or were part of the elite, enforcing these rules but handling them in their own way. And we have characters who, for justifiable reasons, rebel against the ideals set forth.
Mara and Gordon have become comfort characters for me that I wouldn't mind returning to should I need something familiar to fall back on. Their journey to discover themselves and the comfort found in each other along the way is what makes this a believable romance within the context of this world.
I'm personally not a person who reads a lot of sci-fi (romance or not), but this story had me engaged throughout, and I would describe it as a good entry point for people who aren't sure if they like the genre, as the points brought up in this book aren't too far-fetched and out there. It's fairly believable in the scope of a distant dystopian world.
The characters coming together tell how differently they navigate a life where facial scars and mutilation are a deciding factor in who you are and how people see you. We have differing characters who are or were part of the elite, enforcing these rules but handling them in their own way. And we have characters who, for justifiable reasons, rebel against the ideals set forth.
Mara and Gordon have become comfort characters for me that I wouldn't mind returning to should I need something familiar to fall back on. Their journey to discover themselves and the comfort found in each other along the way is what makes this a believable romance within the context of this world.
I'm personally not a person who reads a lot of sci-fi (romance or not), but this story had me engaged throughout, and I would describe it as a good entry point for people who aren't sure if they like the genre, as the points brought up in this book aren't too far-fetched and out there. It's fairly believable in the scope of a distant dystopian world.
August 7, 2025
Goodreads doesn’t do percent but my full rating is 4.25 ⭐️!
I got the wonderful opportunity to read this as an ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring North's world and walking along Mara and Gordon's sides. Please heed the content warnings in the beginning of the book as they are no joke.
Though North did a wonderful job of showing the city and the districts, I am a lover of maps and I really wish this book had one. Personally I love tracking where the characters are going as the story progresses and to just see how the author envisions their world.
I loved the healing element in this story of conquering your traumas and healing from them, also while learning to love and stand up for yourself. I do wish we spent more time exploring those themes tho.
I would have loved to explore some of the side characters a little more especially as Mara gets to know them; everyone felt unique and distinct especially as the story progressed. If North is planning a sequel or even a side story I would love to read about all of the characters again, especially after how to story ends and seeing them all settle into their new lives.
All that said I very much liked the book and definitely recommend! Thank you again for the opportunity to read in advance!!
I got the wonderful opportunity to read this as an ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring North's world and walking along Mara and Gordon's sides. Please heed the content warnings in the beginning of the book as they are no joke.
Though North did a wonderful job of showing the city and the districts, I am a lover of maps and I really wish this book had one. Personally I love tracking where the characters are going as the story progresses and to just see how the author envisions their world.
I loved the healing element in this story of conquering your traumas and healing from them, also while learning to love and stand up for yourself. I do wish we spent more time exploring those themes tho.
I would have loved to explore some of the side characters a little more especially as Mara gets to know them; everyone felt unique and distinct especially as the story progressed. If North is planning a sequel or even a side story I would love to read about all of the characters again, especially after how to story ends and seeing them all settle into their new lives.
All that said I very much liked the book and definitely recommend! Thank you again for the opportunity to read in advance!!
October 29, 2025
Jump or Fall pulled me in with its intricate worldbuilding. The technology was detailed without becoming overwhelming. This was built as the story grew naturally in both the world and the emotional depth as it unfolded.
I took to Mara very quickly. She’s sharp and capable, but the way her fragility peeked through in the small moments made her feel real. The balance between her strength and vulnerability is beautifully done.
Gordon, too, is complex. His backstory is heartbreaking, hers is chilling.
Their connection felt genuine to me, like they saw something in each-other before they shared the words.
The God’s Eye concept was so cool (ahem, sharingan anyone? :D)
By the final chapters, I was fully invested. The tension, stakes, emotional load, I was on edge and bracing myself for heartbreak. I genuinely didn’t know if I could handle a tragic ending. Thankfully, it delivered what I was hoping for.
C.J. North has created a world I don’t want to leave. I’m ready to go to Cygnus now, please?
April 6, 2026
It can be challenging to find a dystopian romance that nails both the dystopian and the romance part, but this one has done it! I can tell the author has put serious thought into the worldbuilding, with some seriously creepy elements that make you think and hopefully won't be a prediction for the future. The romance between Mara and Gordon is sweet, I love how patient and gentle he is with her after the trauma she went through. But also FUCK DAWSON. I spent the whole book waiting for him to die and it was super satisfying when he finally did lol. Definitely recommend this to lovers of creative sci-fi worldbuilding, sweet healing romance, and high stakes action. It's dark so definitely check your triggers.
Read
August 18, 2025UNDECIDED.
You're going to have to choose between liking the romance or just liking the Dystopian plot itself.
Personally, the romance didn't capture my attention from the beginning.
The first meeting didn't wow me, and how potentially high it would develop into insta-love was a total turn-off.
Other than that, it seemed like a lengthy novel with a deep exploration of politics and the rebellion that drives the entire plot. If you're not into the romance or you're cool with insta-love then you'll probably be fine.
You're going to have to choose between liking the romance or just liking the Dystopian plot itself.
Personally, the romance didn't capture my attention from the beginning.
The first meeting didn't wow me, and how potentially high it would develop into insta-love was a total turn-off.
Other than that, it seemed like a lengthy novel with a deep exploration of politics and the rebellion that drives the entire plot. If you're not into the romance or you're cool with insta-love then you'll probably be fine.
March 8, 2026
Jump or Fall. Wow. This book is an incredible story of healing, forgiveness, retribution, all with the backdrop of an expertly written world.
It was like watching a movie, one that you can't look away from and cheer along the characters as they grow, fall in love, and get justice.
Check your triggers, but also know that these topics are handled with so much care and not written to shock or disturb.
It was like watching a movie, one that you can't look away from and cheer along the characters as they grow, fall in love, and get justice.
Check your triggers, but also know that these topics are handled with so much care and not written to shock or disturb.
March 18, 2026
Must-Read Dark Dystopian Romance
I loved this book! Gordon and Mara have a beautiful story full of high-stakes drama, revenge, love, and healing. I appreciate this author's approach to writing about trauma in a compassionate and nuanced way, how these two worked together, and fought for their love and freedom despite the odds being stacked against them.
I loved this book! Gordon and Mara have a beautiful story full of high-stakes drama, revenge, love, and healing. I appreciate this author's approach to writing about trauma in a compassionate and nuanced way, how these two worked together, and fought for their love and freedom despite the odds being stacked against them.
April 4, 2026
This book was a wild cyberpunk adventure, and I am sooooo here for it. The MMC and FMC are both dealing with demons from their past and how with eachother the can heal. We love a story of retribution, but it is so much more than that.
Seeing the MCs growth was so rewarding. This book is going
on the re-read circuit for me.
Gordon is a gold tier book boyfriend!
Seeing the MCs growth was so rewarding. This book is going
on the re-read circuit for me.
Gordon is a gold tier book boyfriend!
Did Not Finish
December 15, 2025Ch 12
Very few reviews for this book and unfortunately I know this is a new author but I’m just rather bored by it. The romance is somewhat insta and the writing and all is a bit cringey :(
Very few reviews for this book and unfortunately I know this is a new author but I’m just rather bored by it. The romance is somewhat insta and the writing and all is a bit cringey :(
February 8, 2026
A scifi romance with good scifi (almost cyberpunk) worldbuilding. (A rare thing for scifi romance imo)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews