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What Falls to Us

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

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About the author

Louise Daerr

5 books11 followers
Louise Daerr writes character-driven fantasy about ordinary people facing extraordinary danger. Her stories explore resilience, moral complexity, and the bonds that hold people together when the world is falling apart. Rooted in British and Irish folklore, her work blends magic, politics, and atmospheric world-building with slow-burn romance, high-stakes vulnerability, and moments of fierce compassion.

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found baking something that tastes better than it looks, playing board games that get far too competitive or collecting more books than she has time to read.

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5 stars
16 (59%)
4 stars
7 (25%)
3 stars
4 (14%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Andrew Brehony.
Author 11 books3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 31, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book for Louise and I wanted to take the time to read and review it carefully as a result.

What Falls to Us has an interesting take on the post-apocalyptic genre, particularly in its infected, the Driven, who retain enough intelligence to use weapons and present a different threat from the traditional zombie. There are some strong ideas throughout, and the central setting of Haven provides plenty of potential as the survivors attempt to build something sustainable while dealing with the consequences of the world outside.

Unfortunately, I struggled with the way much of the story was presented. Too often, I found myself wishing the novel would let me experience events that were instead summarised after they happened. Supply runs, journeys and potentially tense encounters frequently take place off-page, with the characters simply reporting the outcome afterwards. This became particularly noticeable during the aftermath of the novel's major conflict, when events I would have liked to experience alongside the characters were covered very quickly.

That was especially frustrating because many of those situations sounded genuinely interesting. Exploring abandoned locations, searching for supplies and dealing with the practical consequences of survival are some of my favourite parts of post-apocalyptic fiction, and there were several occasions where I wanted the story to linger and allow those moments to develop.

The emotional side of the novel is given considerably more space, and readers who prefer character introspection and relationships to exploration and action may connect with it more strongly than I did. For me, however, some of the emotional beats felt over-explained, particularly early in the book before I'd developed enough attachment to the characters for those moments to fully land.

There are good ideas here, and the story does build towards a much larger confrontation later in the novel. It moved along at a nice speed and has that page turning and "one more chapter" quality.

I just continually found myself wanting to spend more time inside this world rather than being told what had happened within it.
56 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 9, 2026
Received as an ARC.

I loved her first book both because of the story but also because of her writing style. So even though I knew this was a different genre than “The hawthorn oath” I had no doubt with the description of the story that this would be a good read. And it did not disapoint.

If you remember the movie 28 days later and you loved the story line in that, then you will love this.

We follow Hale who is a former firefighter with a Big heart and a caring soul. He fights for his friends and found family while they navigate in a world where there are people running around with an infection trying to infect more people. They try to fight them off and find a place where they are able to survive and not get infected themselves.
It is really well written where you more than one time sit at the edge of the chair wondering how they will be able to survive it and if they have been infected when they meet the infected.

He carries the world on his shoulder with survivors guilt and you can’t help but fall in love with his caracter and root for him to survive everything and find a way in this world.

I might have shed a tear or two and I did disapear into this story, I just had to know how it ended so I read every time I was able to.

I would highly recommend this and her other book even though it is not the same genre. The way they are written puls you into the world and you cannot stop reading.
Profile Image for Lisa.
86 reviews
October 4, 2026
What Falls to Us by Louise Daerr was another incredible read from an author who never fails to pull me completely into her stories. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to read another of Louise's books, and once again, she absolutely delivered.

This wasn't a subject I would normally pick up, as it wasn't something that would usually be my go-to, but I am so glad I took the chance. From the moment I started reading, this became one of those OMG, I can't put this down books. Louise has a way of keeping me on the edge of my seat, even during those moments when you're not quite sure what's happening or where the story is going — somehow, you just know you have to keep going.

This book had me in a chokehold for 24 hours. I couldn't put it down, and when I finally reached the end, I honestly needed to take a breather! It took me on such a rollercoaster of emotions, and I felt completely exhausted in the best possible way.

I love when a book makes me step outside my usual reading choices and then completely blows me away, and this did exactly that. It's a standalone and, for me, an absolute must-read. 📚❤️

Louise, you've done it again! Thank you for another unforgettable reading experience. ❤️
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 6, 2026
I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for this author for a second time, and again I am humbled to be given the opportunity to do so.

So this is a standalone book, telling the story of our MMC, Jago Hale, a firefighter-turned-surviver, trying to navigate life after a blood-borne disease spreads through England, turning the infected into the "Driven".

Now before people get judgey thinking this is "just another zombie apocalypse" type of thing, I can vouch that there is much more to it. For a start, the Driven are not mindless brain-eating, slow-moving, decaying un-alive like you see in the films...they are able to plan, coordinate, and coerce - their only goal is to spread infection, not to wipe out the rest of humanity.

Not only is there the obvious conflict between the survivors and the Driven, but there is so much inner conflict with Hale. It is so incredibly well written, it had me GRIPPED!

I really enjoyed this book, be prepared for an unexpected emotional rollercoaster - I am not doing the book enough justice with this review, but I urge you to read it (Coming from a SmutSlut, that says a LOT)! I would highly recommend it 🖤
Profile Image for Kava D2.
37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 29, 2026
Holy cow...Just wow. This was an amazing read. This was such an original concept for me and I was immediately pulled in and couldnt put it down. I got this as an ARC read and im so glad I did. I like to keep my reviews of ARCs spoiler free so they will be pretty vague but if you want to know a little bit more just message me and I will be more descriptive.

First off, the world building was fantastic and pushed you right in. I loved that because I dislike when a book takes too long to build the world around the characters. It was doing it as you went but it was done in a way that made you feel like you weren't missing anything.

The characters I fell in love with immediately. Little tid bits of information about them here and there which built to round them out very well. Hale was well written and i felt everything he did (without me having to actually go through it)

The writing itself was wonderful and easy to follow. Some books, I get stuck reading the same paragraph over and over but this flowed very well.
Overall it was a fantastic read. Im going to get more of her books for sure
Profile Image for Lettie Grant.
181 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2026
“I received a complimentary or free Advance Reader Copy. All opinions are my own.”

I wasn’t impressed. The whole “zombie apocalypse” story has been played out. I mean, seriously: The Walking Dead (which I couldn’t get past season 1), Zombieland (which was funny), and World War Z (which I liked). Though they’re called the Driven in this book, a zombie is a zombie.

The book read like a documentary from the MC’s journal. A few small battles leading to the destination of an all out war. No one feels like the battle is really over afterwards, but they continue to move forward and begin rebuilding … life.

It wasn’t a bad read, and many will enjoy the story. There were some tearjerker moments. Overall, I’m just neutral on this one.
Profile Image for Megsreads99.
27 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2026
I am so grateful that for the second time I get to be an ARC reader for this author. Whilst the story is vastly different to the Hawthorne oath, I absolutely love the originality of the Driven.

They’re an infection with the only goal of infecting more of humanity instead of wiping it out, their retention of skills to communicate and plan with each other and being able to coerce the rest of humanity to join them is something I’ve not seen before in post-apocalyptic novels.

With how much conflict there is going on around them with humans and the driven, there is also so much internal conflict for our MMC who likes to go by the name Hale. The story is gripping and reels you in, and the story flows incredibly well.
Profile Image for Pia Vane.
11 reviews
September 9, 2026
I was given the opportunity to ARC this book. I ARC read a different book by Louise and loved that one.
I went into this book knowing it was a zombie apocalypse and wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. It's not a normal genre I go for. I a fantasy/romantasy girl.
But WOW, just WOW.
This book was exactly what I needed. The story was beautifully written and the fact it's set in my home city makes it even better for me.
The Driven and creepy and unnerving which is good. They don't overtake the story which is fantastic.
The MMC is just amazing his instincts to protect and help others is what makes him the best.
You get emotionally invested in the characters which is what I love in a book.
Thank you for writing such an amazing book and allowing me the opportunity to read it.
Profile Image for Author.
Author 4 books30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
In a post-apocalyptic world of infected individuals driven to survive by infecting others, Hale and his fellow survivors fight to stay alive.

What Falls To Us threw me headlong into a scenario filled with grief, loss, and tension where loyalty, friendship, and survival have a cost. I found myself totally invested in the struggle and rooting for the characters' victory over THE DRIVEN.

This eARC from the author was fast-paced, filled with moments of fear, heartbreak, and hope, all balancing on an emotional wave that flowed beneath the action.

Highly recommended for fans of dystopia or world-end fiction, this novel offers a compelling and memorable read.

Huge thanks to author Louise Daerr for allowing me to be part of her ARC team, and I am happy to leave this voluntary review in support of her work.

@louisedaerrauthor
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
The Driven ,infected by blood born infection,so called as they are driven to infect everyone
Hale,firefighter ,surviver
Hell bent on keeping whats left of his team and familly safe,,he goes on a journey of self doubt,pain ,loss,grief,and friendship.
What would you do to keep all you love safe,would your morality suffer would your humanity?
The world and characters are wonderfully built around this story of pain grief loss friendships family and self doubt,and strength,courage,and you dont know what you are capable of till you try.
@louise Daerr another great read 5 stars
Profile Image for Leslie.
88 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 4, 2026
What Falls to Us is a post-apocalyptic story that had me on edge one minute, and emotional the next!

A devastating disease, the Driven (infected), a world no longer in existence,and a group of people who survived… for now!

The story was tough at times to read. Loss, tragedy, acceptance and forgiveness were some of the underlying themes throughout and were very well written.

I loved the characters, though I would have liked more descriptive details. I think it would have helped me picture them in my mind.

If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you’ll enjoy this book! I sure did!


Profile Image for Sue.
39 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2026
I read this as an arc copy and loved it

We follow hale who is a former firefighter. He fights for his friends. They are navigating a world where people are running around infected and are trying to infect other people. They try to fight and stay save they find a place called haven in a castle were they all try to survive.

I would definitely recommend this book the characters are easy to follow and are very likeable
Profile Image for Justmek78.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 11, 2026
I was lucky to be an arc reader again and I am so happy that I was. This book is amazing and I highly recommend everyone to pick this up and read.

From the very start you are pulled into the story of Hale a firefighter with a huge heart trying to save his friends from the Driven. I must admit I laughed and times and admittedly a few tears were shed as well.

It was a story I made myself spread out over 3 days as I didn't want it to end
Profile Image for Stacy Grierson.
102 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 19, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the 2nd of Louise's books I've read, each in a different genre & each just as good as the other. This was well written & paced with a creep factor I didn't expect. If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, dystopian stories or humanity's fight to survive, this one's for you. The survivors are on the move, the Driven are walking, grief & loss, community & betrayal & new beginnings.
31 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
This book did not disappoint!! I couldn't put it down. It was one of those that I thought of all through the day and couldn't wait to pick back up! To me, it was kind of a spin-off of The Walking Dead, but so much better. Lost family, found family, and so much more. Following Hale as he and his band try to survive and reach Haven. The characters were amazing and so relatable. Their journey and growth throughout the book were great. This is definitely a must-read!!
Profile Image for Lewis.
3 reviews
August 12, 2026
I was selected to be an ARC reader for What Falls To Us, and it’s been a great journey!
Following the story of Hale and his group, this book touches on themes of grief, loss and betrayal; but also, found family, survival and gratitude.
This is a fast paced book, and I’d recommend for fans of anything post-apocalyptic!
Profile Image for Danine.
178 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 14, 2026
4,5⭐️

Another great read from the author! I feel very honoured to have received another ARC. It did not disappoint. It was a really immersive read and I did not want to put it down.
The characters were great, some tear inducing moments were greatly crafted. Nothing but great things to say about this book!
Profile Image for Ginger.
8 reviews
August 28, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy which I’m grateful for.

While the characters were likeable and the storyline was good, I think I might not be the target audience for zombie apocalyptic books.

Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it and I’m happy I got to read it, but I don’t think it’s my go to genre

But if you do enjoy these kinds of books, do read it!!
Profile Image for Nicole.
299 reviews9 followers
September 1, 2026
This book was really good! It’s different than the first book I’ve read from Louise Daerr which I did enjoy as well! This one was when an outbreak happens in Northern England! It was a good take on like a zombie apocalypse! It was definitely a roller coaster ride for Hale on how he has to move forward with life!
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 19, 2026
I was luckily picked as an Arc reader for this book. I loved it i was hooked from the first page I just wanted keep going to find out what happens. Its gives me The Walking Dead vibes with a twist. Well written and amazing story telling.
Profile Image for Shari.
25 reviews
September 5, 2026
I received this as an Arc and I won’t lie it’s not my usual sort of book I’d read but I was pleasantly surprised.
How these people stayed calm and came together to stay alive was heart warming, and arching them grieve their loved ones pulled at my heart strings. I’d definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Majella .
44 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 15, 2026
3.5. Loved how fast paced it was. Did find it a little bit confusing in placed with how much things chopped and changed but still a very good read
6 reviews
October 7, 2026
The author has done it again; giving us a story that just can't be put down due to its scene setting and character development that keep you on a vice grip from start to end!
Profile Image for Vickie Turner.
12 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
What falls to us is a zombie apocalypse novel, following Hale and his group of friends as they try to get away from the Driven, a unique type of zombie that talk and attempt to entice people into becoming like them. The zombies in what falls to us are incredibly well thought out, with very unexpected mannerisms and characteristics not always explored by zombie thriller books.
The book is an emotional masterpiece, with heartfelt scenes of both love and loss that leave you both warm inside and reeling. Daerr expertly portrays the loss these characters face, balances the struggles and victories involved in building a new world in an apocalyptic setting and builds upon the relationships that make all the struggles worthwhile. The pace is fast and heavy, yet it is so thrilling that you cannot help but want to continue reading. I honestly could not put the book down, it had me in a chokehold from the first line! A 5 star read, one of my favourite reads of 2026! If you loved the Walking dead but wanted to see more of the goodness of people, you have got to give this book a read!
38 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
Another beautiful book from Louise!

Set around six weeks into a post-apocalyptic infection outbreak (if I remember correctly), this story follows a group of survivors as they struggle to adapt to a terrifying new world.

The best way I can describe it is The Walking Dead (the first few seasons, let’s be honest!) meets World War Z and The Last of Us. But this book has one crucial difference that makes it feel so fresh, unique, and completely captivating - I encourage you to read it to find out what!

We follow Hale, our resident firefighter, and his team as they navigate a world filled with loss, heartbreak, unexpected friendships, and incredible discoveries. Be prepared for this book to shock you, make you cry, make you smile, and take you through every emotion you’d expect from an apocalyptic story.

Thank you, Louise, for trusting me as an ARC reader once again. It was an absolute honour, and I completely demolished this book—I couldn’t put it down.

Do yourself a favour and pick this one up when it’s released on 1st September. You won’t regret it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews