Falling Through Fire: Silaris Book 1

by Leah Lore

“When people said college would be a different world, this isn’t exactly what I imagined.”

Evil is growing in Silaris. A mysterious magic is corrupting the land, turning vibrant landscapes to lifeless desert. When Rose and Blaine fall through a portal from Earth they are thrust into a magical new world.

Rose is running from her demons. With her past haunting her dreams and a mysterious lycan shadowing her every step, she can't run forever. Will she retreat into isolation, or can she overcome her fears to unlock her true potential?

Blaine is scouring Silaris to find the scattered Argems—magical stones containing memories of an ancient hero. When the Argems’ shove someone else’s memories into his head, can he maintain a grasp on his own mind?

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I'm very interested to see what happens next, I feel like Falling Through Fire did a very good job of setting up the series, making me like the characters (especially Asher 🐺🥰🥰🥰🥰) I absolutely love seeing the characters grow as the story goes on. A good mix of fantasy and mystery (and boy do I have some thoughts on what's going on!!!) - with a light sprinkle of romance ✨️

[Chelsey Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! The author’s attention to detail when describing the surroundings is so well done, you feel like you’re there. The dynamic of the friend group is so relatable, you fall in love with them instantly. She did a great job at keeping the anticipation going with each character’s story and then revealing their “deep dark secret” at just the right moment. Also the creatures that they encounter on their journey are so intriguing and creepy and so different from anything else I’ve read. This is a must read and I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[Sarah Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you read and go, “okay now I need the rest of the series IMMEDIATELY!” I love the dynamics of the friend group. I love the mysteries you’re trying to uncover in real time with them as if you’re part of it all. I LOVE a book with different POV’s. Tell me what’s going on from all sides! This book is the perfect blend of fantasy, deep themes, romance, friendship, and adventure. I can’t wait to keep reading about these characters!!

[Christa Boocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling Through Fire is a great read for those interested in character-driven narratives. The book follows the main characters, Blaine, the Chosen One, and Rose, a sweet and unsure woman who is overcoming the multiple traumas she has experienced throughout her life. The main theme is healing through friendship and love. It's very refreshing to see an emphasis on healthy relationships between the main characters. Over the course of the story, they find understanding and community through each other. Power of friendship conquers all!

Unfortunately, I found the worldbuilding rather lackluster. The book opens with elaborate descriptions of Elvan City, and then after that, not a whole lot. The main characters spend most of their time camping in a nondescript forest area while they hone their powers and discuss their lives and philosophical opinions. When they explore other areas, they are quickly passed through in favor of more introspection. There are very few characters outside of the main characters. There is little description of the cultures outside of the elves, which is a shame. There is a heavy focus on how the elves have been persecuting the other races for hundreds of years, but we get little insight into how the other races live their lives. It doesn't help that most of the Lycans we meet outside of Asher are portrayed as bad guys.

I always preface these kinds of opinions as my own. I LOVE worldbuilding, I love learning about new cultures, politics, and geography. It's what I PERSONALLY look for in my fantasy books. If you are a reader who is in it for great character dynamics and character growth, this book has a lot going for it, and you won't mind the lack of world-building.

I wish Leah all the best as she develops and expands on the world of Silaris!

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding start to a compelling fantasy series! The world of Silaris and peril brings together our three heroes - Flora, Rose, and Blaine - in a quest to restore order and bring peace to the land. Existing through a portal that Blaine and Rose traverse between the normal world and Silaris, the book's setting combines both the familiar and the strange. The world has been well-thought out and vividly portrayed, making the settings easy for the reader to imagine.

What I love most is Lore's character work. All of her characters are thoughtfully and considerably developed. The characters' struggles are ones that the reader can relate to, especially considering their seeming ordinariness. Talents are developed and honed instead of magically bestowed. Relationships blossom and crumble in magnificent, realistic fashion. This is a fantasy series with real heart, and I adore it!

A magnificent start to what promises to be an incredible series! Highly, highly recommended!

[Rebecca Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series. Leah did a fantastic job of setting the scene and introducing the main characters, and I especially enjoyed the character growth throughout the first book. Rose, Blaine, and Flora meet in college, and Flora takes them through the rift, which this is where their quest begins. They meet a Lycan named Asher, who will do anything to protect Rose, and I can’t wait to see what happens between the two.

I’m mainly a romance reader, but I truly enjoyed this romantic fantasy. I felt like I was right there in Silaris because of the vivid detail Leah used to describe the scenes.

I can’t wait to read about this group of friends as they navigate their journey in book two!

[Shayna Jaliegh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first adventure with portal fantasy and I "fell" right into the magic of the world of Silaris and this group of rag tag heroes.

I love when a group of unlikely people find their way together and overcome their troubled pasts to fight against evils. Found family is the best ❤️

Leah tackled hard subjects with care and magic. Blaine, Rose, Flora, and Asher all shine in beautiful and broken ways and I wish I was their friend because they are a team you want in your side. Asher had got to be my favorite I'm a sucker for a sensitive werewolf.

I can't wait for the next adventure!

[Erica Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read for me! The author does such an amazing job describing the scenery and world building. Every description makes me feel like I'm in Silaris! I want to take a trip immediately!

And Asher....easily one of my favorite characters of all time. Without giving spoilers, the author gives Asher and Rose such depth, especially as they navigate difficult themes. The found family in this book....incredible!!

I truly cannot recommend this book enough!!!

[Savanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🌟

LOVE LOVE LOVE the characters and the world Leah is building. I have read over 70 books this year and Falling Through Fire is in the top 5 favorites.
I encourage all fantasy lovers to give this book a read. You will NOT be disappointed.

I cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out and see more of Solaris!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no notes! This book was really well done! Leah has a way with descriptions that really pull you into the world of the book. The characters were so well written I feel like I know them personally. I cannot wait for more!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eagerly awaiting the second!! I appreciate that this story adresses that the characters have lives in their world rather than glossing over that fact. I love the dynamics between the characters. I definitely was not expecting the twist at the end 🤯 I have to know what happens next!!

[Mikayla Padgitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling Through Fire introduces us to a richly imagined world and a concept I enjoyed: a team composed entirely of unique “people” working toward a shared goal. For a debut novel, the author has managed to craft a compelling, action-packed narrative that demonstrates genuine flair for creative world building and dynamic group chemistry.

The use of multiple POVs is a definite highlight. Shifting perspectives gives us diverse insights into their feelings and thought processes. It keeps the pace engaging and constantly refreshed. Especially the new perspectives at the end that I was really hoping for!

However, the book occasionally feels like it’s holding back its full potential. While the team dynamic is excellent, the main challenges and conflicts often felt a little too easily resolved. The protagonists seemed to overcome major obstacles with minimal struggle, which sometimes lowered the overall stakes of the mission. I found myself yearning for a true major crisis to force these characters to their limits.

Although we got a little taste of the backstory on each character, I’m hoping the next book gives me more!

Overall, this is a highly promising debut. It’s a fast, fun, and imaginative read that showcases a new author with massive potential. If you enjoy creature-focused fantasy and compelling team dynamics, this is worth picking up. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book!

[Susan Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, must read!

I enjoyed this book so much! I can't wait for book 2 in the series. I love Leah's character and story development. Leah Lore is an amazing writer and I look forward to reading many more of her books.