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The Falling: The BRAND NEW 'utterly gripping' speculative novel from No.1 bestselling author
Not yet published
Expected 5 Nov 26Kit had an unconventional childhood, growing up with a father who spent all of his time preparing for apocalypse. Instead of going to school, she had an eccentric curriculum at the kitchen table with her mum, and instead of going out to play, she either snuck off to go see her beloved grandparents or would go to the family safe space, a garage that had been sealed off and stocked with tinned food and emergency batteries.
Now middle-aged and living alone in London, Kit continues the rhythms of preparing for the worst, even though her dad failed to prepare for the slow-motion tragedy that became their family. But when an asteroid is located in the solar system, the chance of impact in northern Europe climbing every day, the worst finally seems to be confirmed, and Kit's strange dad might just turn out to have been her salvation...
Now middle-aged and living alone in London, Kit continues the rhythms of preparing for the worst, even though her dad failed to prepare for the slow-motion tragedy that became their family. But when an asteroid is located in the solar system, the chance of impact in northern Europe climbing every day, the worst finally seems to be confirmed, and Kit's strange dad might just turn out to have been her salvation...
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 17, 2026
A standout favourite of 2026. This extraordinary story captured my heart and imagination, and was captivating from start to finish. This is such a thought-provoking, life affirming novel, which touched my heart in so many ways.
The basics:
The story is told through a dual timeline which I felt allowed some mystery for the reader, character progression and then tense yet thought provoking scenes as the asteroid loomed closer to Earth. The present is a countdown over 4 years from the point of the asteroid being discovered, while the past explores Cassie’s childhood and life until the two eventually collide towards the end.
The story is very much character driven, so if you love watching a personal journey unfold and experience their highs and lows, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one too. The looming asteroid is obviously a big part of the plot but I felt we were following Cassie’s journey slightly more which was a superb choice because Carole has perfectly crafted her main character who feels so authentic, interesting, layered and loveable.
Pacing wise, it’s in the medium zone. At 400 pages there’s a lot to unpack which allows Carole to explore each storyline in depth and great care. I never felt it was slow and the story allowed us to follow the life of Cassie in detail as well as providing us with the science behind the asteroid which will change England forever.
The book covers a variety of genres, cleverly appealing to so many different readers. There’s of course the science/space elements which are exactly why we’re following Cassie. With the mystery of the asteroid unfolding throughout the story we actually ‘get to know’ this asteroid and how it’s come to now be firing towards Earth bringing devastation and destruction. There’s a very mild and platonic love potential - I really enjoyed how gentle this was as it never felt distracting or dominating of the plot and joyfully bought tenderness and hope to the story. It explores politics in a way I’d never imagine expected - allowing the reader to feel immersed in the unfolding panic around the country and how the consequences of the asteroid could be felt around the world, planning for mass-migration, how the rich can buy their way out of trouble, and how the underworld exploits people wanting to flee the danger. It’s all so incredibly thought out and I was so impressed with Carole’s plotting of this book.
The deeper bits: (No direct spoilers, but plot discussions below so avoid if you want to head in blind!)
On a personal note, I was so tremendously impressed with the portrayal of Cassie’s OCD. This storyline took me by surprise and only perked my interest more (it happens quite early on). I have lived with OCD for years - Not the kind where the cans are lined up nicely in the fridge; a loud and chronic condition which impacts daily life, causes anxiety and affects the way you live. I’ve not read any other fiction books where OCD is explored in depth within a main character and this knocked me off my feet. Quite quickly I could tell just how much research Carole must’ve put into this as I recognised a number of Cassie’s thoughts and behaviours. It really can take over your life, and for Cassie it does. It’s extremely sad at times and it made me feel so much warmer and emphatic towards her. Carole explores everything from where the OCD began in her life, how it eventually dominates her life and how she copes. Bravo for such an incredible, respectful and accurate portrayal Carole. The visibility and representation is entirely appreciated.
From the point where Cassie meets Kit, this is exactly where I knew this would not only be a five star read, but a favourite of 2026. The story transforms at this moment for me and is layered with hope, tenderness, meaningful purpose in Cassie’s life, and love. I wept from the moment they met and multiple times thereafter. The way Carole brings such overwhelming emotion and sentiments to Cassie’s life after a tough journey so far, filled my heart with joy. It showed me a brand new side to Carole’s writing, and I was so impressed with the power it had over me. Some beautiful moments of love during very dark times for the South of England. It opened the story up for a beautiful new arc in Cassie’s story which I think all readers will be hoping for.
Overall, I have nothing but praise for this story. It’s dramatic, fascinating, thought provoking, sad and hopeful. I loved it and is a standout of the year. Well done Carole. A masterpiece.
The basics:
The story is told through a dual timeline which I felt allowed some mystery for the reader, character progression and then tense yet thought provoking scenes as the asteroid loomed closer to Earth. The present is a countdown over 4 years from the point of the asteroid being discovered, while the past explores Cassie’s childhood and life until the two eventually collide towards the end.
The story is very much character driven, so if you love watching a personal journey unfold and experience their highs and lows, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one too. The looming asteroid is obviously a big part of the plot but I felt we were following Cassie’s journey slightly more which was a superb choice because Carole has perfectly crafted her main character who feels so authentic, interesting, layered and loveable.
Pacing wise, it’s in the medium zone. At 400 pages there’s a lot to unpack which allows Carole to explore each storyline in depth and great care. I never felt it was slow and the story allowed us to follow the life of Cassie in detail as well as providing us with the science behind the asteroid which will change England forever.
The book covers a variety of genres, cleverly appealing to so many different readers. There’s of course the science/space elements which are exactly why we’re following Cassie. With the mystery of the asteroid unfolding throughout the story we actually ‘get to know’ this asteroid and how it’s come to now be firing towards Earth bringing devastation and destruction. There’s a very mild and platonic love potential - I really enjoyed how gentle this was as it never felt distracting or dominating of the plot and joyfully bought tenderness and hope to the story. It explores politics in a way I’d never imagine expected - allowing the reader to feel immersed in the unfolding panic around the country and how the consequences of the asteroid could be felt around the world, planning for mass-migration, how the rich can buy their way out of trouble, and how the underworld exploits people wanting to flee the danger. It’s all so incredibly thought out and I was so impressed with Carole’s plotting of this book.
The deeper bits: (No direct spoilers, but plot discussions below so avoid if you want to head in blind!)
On a personal note, I was so tremendously impressed with the portrayal of Cassie’s OCD. This storyline took me by surprise and only perked my interest more (it happens quite early on). I have lived with OCD for years - Not the kind where the cans are lined up nicely in the fridge; a loud and chronic condition which impacts daily life, causes anxiety and affects the way you live. I’ve not read any other fiction books where OCD is explored in depth within a main character and this knocked me off my feet. Quite quickly I could tell just how much research Carole must’ve put into this as I recognised a number of Cassie’s thoughts and behaviours. It really can take over your life, and for Cassie it does. It’s extremely sad at times and it made me feel so much warmer and emphatic towards her. Carole explores everything from where the OCD began in her life, how it eventually dominates her life and how she copes. Bravo for such an incredible, respectful and accurate portrayal Carole. The visibility and representation is entirely appreciated.
From the point where Cassie meets Kit, this is exactly where I knew this would not only be a five star read, but a favourite of 2026. The story transforms at this moment for me and is layered with hope, tenderness, meaningful purpose in Cassie’s life, and love. I wept from the moment they met and multiple times thereafter. The way Carole brings such overwhelming emotion and sentiments to Cassie’s life after a tough journey so far, filled my heart with joy. It showed me a brand new side to Carole’s writing, and I was so impressed with the power it had over me. Some beautiful moments of love during very dark times for the South of England. It opened the story up for a beautiful new arc in Cassie’s story which I think all readers will be hoping for.
Overall, I have nothing but praise for this story. It’s dramatic, fascinating, thought provoking, sad and hopeful. I loved it and is a standout of the year. Well done Carole. A masterpiece.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is Carole's third book:
- The Silence Project
- Scenes From a Tragedy
- The Falling
I have a copy of The Silence Project but haven't read it yet but I definitely will be now. I've been super excited about this one.
It's weird because whilst it's a very everyday story, in the sense that it doesn't take place in some magical fantasy land, there is still an element or a feeling of fantasy/sci-fi about it. But because it's grounded in real life, it feels so familiar.
I'm always intrigued by "doomsdayers". At first it sounds mad that they're stocking up on supplies, practicing their escape routes etc. for an event that, probability wise, won't happen in their lifetime. But then there's this tiny voice that wonders whether they are being sensible.
What I liked here is that Carole hasn't made Cassie into a comic character. The reader isn't making fun of her, we're simply invited into her world, whether we agree with her or not. And her characteristics...I don't want to spoil it but let's just say she has her routines she must stick to, and they could have quite easily become something to laugh at but it's done with such sensitivity.
We only really get to know 3-4 characters across the two timelines, which sounds quite boring but it isn't. She's given us the time to get to know them deeply, which is something you wouldn't be able to do with a large cast of characters. It also adds to the claustrophobic, isolated and unnatural feeling of impending doom.
I'm a pessimist by nature, but when it comes to things like nuclear war or an asteroid etc. I say there's two outcomes (which I'm aware is a black and white way of thinking about it) but either it won't happen, the nuclear bomb won't be launched or the asteroid will fly past, in which case it doesn't matter. Or the bomb will hit you or the asteroid will destroy your land, in which case I won't be aware of it and so won't care.
Whilst there are flashbacks, it's mainly set in 2027 and onwards. Which I thought was clever because it's still enough in the future for it to sound fantastical but it's close enough (I mean, 2027 is in a matter of weeks) for it to be familiar and give the reader food for thought about their own life. I like multiple timelines when done well, and this was doing well and seemed a natural way to tell this story.
Scenes From a Tragedy was so great that I had high hopes for this one. It's very different, in terms of plot and storytelling, but it's just as fascinating to read. It's a fairly simple plot (not a negative), but somehow just her simple use of language makes it sound like the most interesting thing in the world and you're just sucked in straight away and you're absorbed till the end.
What was quite funny is that I was so absorbed in it that I kept forgetting it was a novel and I wanted to talk to people about this incoming disaster as if it were real. Especially as a lot of it was set in and around the London area, which is where I live (about 20 minutes from London), so it felt even more real.
The level of research that she must have done is impressive. I am fascinated by space and I'm a bit of a nerd, but the detail was so thorough that I found myself learning as well as enjoying it.
I mean, on the outside it sounds like quite a depressing book, topic-wise. And yet at the same time, it is really positive. It's got such a sense of hope about it, joy and love.
This is Carole's third book:
- The Silence Project
- Scenes From a Tragedy
- The Falling
I have a copy of The Silence Project but haven't read it yet but I definitely will be now. I've been super excited about this one.
It's weird because whilst it's a very everyday story, in the sense that it doesn't take place in some magical fantasy land, there is still an element or a feeling of fantasy/sci-fi about it. But because it's grounded in real life, it feels so familiar.
I'm always intrigued by "doomsdayers". At first it sounds mad that they're stocking up on supplies, practicing their escape routes etc. for an event that, probability wise, won't happen in their lifetime. But then there's this tiny voice that wonders whether they are being sensible.
What I liked here is that Carole hasn't made Cassie into a comic character. The reader isn't making fun of her, we're simply invited into her world, whether we agree with her or not. And her characteristics...I don't want to spoil it but let's just say she has her routines she must stick to, and they could have quite easily become something to laugh at but it's done with such sensitivity.
We only really get to know 3-4 characters across the two timelines, which sounds quite boring but it isn't. She's given us the time to get to know them deeply, which is something you wouldn't be able to do with a large cast of characters. It also adds to the claustrophobic, isolated and unnatural feeling of impending doom.
I'm a pessimist by nature, but when it comes to things like nuclear war or an asteroid etc. I say there's two outcomes (which I'm aware is a black and white way of thinking about it) but either it won't happen, the nuclear bomb won't be launched or the asteroid will fly past, in which case it doesn't matter. Or the bomb will hit you or the asteroid will destroy your land, in which case I won't be aware of it and so won't care.
Whilst there are flashbacks, it's mainly set in 2027 and onwards. Which I thought was clever because it's still enough in the future for it to sound fantastical but it's close enough (I mean, 2027 is in a matter of weeks) for it to be familiar and give the reader food for thought about their own life. I like multiple timelines when done well, and this was doing well and seemed a natural way to tell this story.
Scenes From a Tragedy was so great that I had high hopes for this one. It's very different, in terms of plot and storytelling, but it's just as fascinating to read. It's a fairly simple plot (not a negative), but somehow just her simple use of language makes it sound like the most interesting thing in the world and you're just sucked in straight away and you're absorbed till the end.
What was quite funny is that I was so absorbed in it that I kept forgetting it was a novel and I wanted to talk to people about this incoming disaster as if it were real. Especially as a lot of it was set in and around the London area, which is where I live (about 20 minutes from London), so it felt even more real.
The level of research that she must have done is impressive. I am fascinated by space and I'm a bit of a nerd, but the detail was so thorough that I found myself learning as well as enjoying it.
I mean, on the outside it sounds like quite a depressing book, topic-wise. And yet at the same time, it is really positive. It's got such a sense of hope about it, joy and love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Straight to the top of my "Best Books of 2026."
An extraordinary book about a lonely and anxious middle aged woman. News that an asteroid is on a trajectory to hit London and the Home Counties in a few years' time doesn't alarm Cassie as much as it does millions of others because she was brought up by "Preppers." Her father was always prepared for disaster and stockpiled rations and supplies, as well as creating a shelter. Cassie has long had a website to advise others on how to do the same and she's now in regular touch with one of the visitors to her site. It turns out Cy is an expert on asteroids and becomes a key member of a government taskforce. The years pass with Cassie and Cy becoming close virtual friends, and the asteroid is confirmed to be lined up for a direct hit. With the rest of Europe having turned its back on the UK, and the government struggling to come up with a workable plan to relocate millions of people to the north, Cassie has decisions to make about her future. An immensely moving novel that seems worryingly prescient in our troubled times.
An extraordinary book about a lonely and anxious middle aged woman. News that an asteroid is on a trajectory to hit London and the Home Counties in a few years' time doesn't alarm Cassie as much as it does millions of others because she was brought up by "Preppers." Her father was always prepared for disaster and stockpiled rations and supplies, as well as creating a shelter. Cassie has long had a website to advise others on how to do the same and she's now in regular touch with one of the visitors to her site. It turns out Cy is an expert on asteroids and becomes a key member of a government taskforce. The years pass with Cassie and Cy becoming close virtual friends, and the asteroid is confirmed to be lined up for a direct hit. With the rest of Europe having turned its back on the UK, and the government struggling to come up with a workable plan to relocate millions of people to the north, Cassie has decisions to make about her future. An immensely moving novel that seems worryingly prescient in our troubled times.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perhaps not the book to read if you are feeling a bit down about the state of the world, but on the upside if you want an ending to things as they are which is not instigated by Trump - this is the book for you!
I live on the outskirts of Guildford so much of the geography of this book is familiar - this certainly added an angle to the finality of a direct asteroid hit. The main character, Cassie, is damaged by her father's belief in the end of the world. I really felt for her, and felt protective of her as I really wasn't sure that her online relationships were as innocent as they purported to be - I was sure there was an AI scammer involved, but maybe I am too hasty to judge!
Lots of social comment on refugees and countries not willing to open their borders, perhaps we do all need to reflect on what happens in times of need.
A thought provoking tale.
I live on the outskirts of Guildford so much of the geography of this book is familiar - this certainly added an angle to the finality of a direct asteroid hit. The main character, Cassie, is damaged by her father's belief in the end of the world. I really felt for her, and felt protective of her as I really wasn't sure that her online relationships were as innocent as they purported to be - I was sure there was an AI scammer involved, but maybe I am too hasty to judge!
Lots of social comment on refugees and countries not willing to open their borders, perhaps we do all need to reflect on what happens in times of need.
A thought provoking tale.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third book I’ve read by Carole, they’ve all been wildly different and captivating. This was an easy 5 star for me.
A speculative book that at its heart looks at human connection and finding acceptance. I actually cried twice on my sun lounger, I never cry at books but this one really touched me.
Kit has had an unconventional upbringing living with parents who were preppers/ anti vaxers. Weekends were spend packing and repacking go backs and checking on Haven, their go to place in the event of a catastrophe. The story flits between a gown Kit and the one from her childhood. The grown Kit, still stuck in the past when It’s discovered an asteroid will hit earth and all her preparations have seemingly all been worthless.
This book had the most perfect ending. I can’t wait to read what Carole has planned next!
A speculative book that at its heart looks at human connection and finding acceptance. I actually cried twice on my sun lounger, I never cry at books but this one really touched me.
Kit has had an unconventional upbringing living with parents who were preppers/ anti vaxers. Weekends were spend packing and repacking go backs and checking on Haven, their go to place in the event of a catastrophe. The story flits between a gown Kit and the one from her childhood. The grown Kit, still stuck in the past when It’s discovered an asteroid will hit earth and all her preparations have seemingly all been worthless.
This book had the most perfect ending. I can’t wait to read what Carole has planned next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A compulsive read, with a challenging storyline. Cassie and Cy's accounts of an impending asteroid and the preparations for the chaos it will cause are brilliantly done. I loved this book and will be reading more from Carole Hailey.
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