Fallback

Planetfall #2

by L.E. Howel

You should never go back. Experience had taught them that, but like a planet with its own gravity, the past wouldn't let them go. Seeking a future in the broken dreams of yesterday, Major Birch and his crew discover that dreams can't be fixed when they become nightmares.

Genres: Science Fiction

414 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2016

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Thank you to the author L.E.Howell, for offering me a copy of 'Fallback' for which I have given an honest and unbiased review*

Well, what a way to start 2017, with a solid 5 STAR read! And once again this particular author has disproved my belief that I'm not that keen on the sci-fi genre. I've been proven spectacularly wrong with the second in the 'Planetfall' series. He'd already managed it with the first in the series, but I wondered if I could be won over again. I needn't have worried.

Major Thomas Birch is on the move again with the remaining crew from the Hypnos Space Mission. This time around, they are fleeing Earth, though it's Earth in the very distant future, and a very violent and inhospitable place. His task is to seek out a habitable planet, somewhere they can begin a new life. Not such an easy task given that most planets are unable to sustain human life. What makes it even more difficult is the fact that none of the crew are able to relate to each other, each of them in their own little cocoon. However, they will all have to pull together to face up to what's coming their way. They are about to face some very scary times!

OMG! This is one heck of a space adventure. It was impossible to guess where it was going. There was twist after twist, and so many seemingly insurmountable problems, resulting in numerous heart- stopping moments, and it had me completely and utterly gripped. Spectacular!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The crew of the Hypnos III returned to a future Earth from a failed mission to colonize a distant planet. What they found was a greater nightmare than they could have imagined, and escape was their only option. In a desperate run from the Hell Earth was promising them, the Hypnos III heads into space, free again, but with nowhere to go except back to planet R67.3. A two year journey into the unknown again, Birch may not like it, but Jane seems hell bent on returning there. With a prisoner on board, and everyone in cryostatis, what could go wrong? Is it possible the ship itself is trying to kill Birch after his cryogenic tube fails?

Anything that may have happened onboard pales in comparison as they return to the bleak and desolate, R67.3 and discover the hidden monsters who were once the human groundbreakers in the building and colonization of this planet. There is death, violence and blood. Blood everywhere, blood meant for one purpose, and it had nothing to do with colonization. As the tension between the four member crew becomes more brittle and razor taut, the barbs from Jane toward Birch are finally revealed to be part of the reason she had to return. But now, the race to find a way off this nightmare has become a life and death game that only their young Ares prisoner may be able to solve. Is it possible escape lies in a video game from centuries ago? Can the young gamer discover the secrets to freedom before it is too late as the hordes of demonic guards pound down on them?

Their lives in the hands of a young enemy, the countdown to death only moments away, where is there to go now? Are they just prolonging the inevitable? Better a death in space than at the hands of a madman…

FALLBACK by L.E. Howel is pure action, pure tension and pure science fiction genius! I have always been in awe of the strength an astronaut shows in heading into the unknown with only a metal box between them and death. After reading L.E. Howel’s tale of outer space explorations and the imaginings of what may be out there, I’m happy to take this journey from the comfort of my chair, thank you, very much!

L.E. Howel gives vivid and intense descriptions, from the scenes to the backgrounds to the brutality of the surface of R67.3. And the personality clashes of the crew? Brilliant! It felt real as the air at times felt it could have been cut with a knife. So many twists, so many shocking discoveries and I felt like I was there!

I received this copy from L.E. Howel in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Planetfall - Book 2
Publisher: Howel Works (December 21, 2016)
Publication Date: December 21, 2016
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 414 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a great Sci-Fi series. I was hooked with Planetfall and thought it was a good stand alone. Was shocked to find out a 2nd one was written and thrilled to receive a copy. L. E. Howel is my newest favorite author! This book continues the story from the first and has a twist at the end making you thirst for more! If you like space adventures, this is the one for you. All the excitement of the movies in the pages you turn. Good guys and bad guys and surprises , oh my! I couldn't put it down.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up from where the first book leaves off this continues the thrilling, scary ride for the group of intrepid astronauts. As the story unfolds the reader gains a deeper insight to the characters who have grown throughout the story and the pages turn faster as the mystery surrounding the colony thickens.

This story is packed full of amazing twists and turns, many of which aren't seen coming. It is very fast paced, riveting and definitely keeps the reader hooked and the pages turning. I heartily recommend this book!

I bought this on Amazon UK

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I really enjoy reading the first book of a series (as I did "Planetfall"), going on to the next book is always a little scary... Will it be as good? Will the story develop? Will the characters grow?
I shouldn't have worried: "Fallback" is even better!
In my review of book 1, I complained that the characters were "a little flat". Having now read book 2, I've decided that it was quite deliberate on the author's part - there are clearly stated reasons for most of the characters to keep themselves back from other characters and not become close... In book 2 we learn a lot more, and I don't think I encountered a single named character that I didn't like in some way this time. Very clever.
Almost everything from book 1 is cleared up in book 2, but there is plenty to look forward to in book 3 - and I am very much looking forward to it.
"Fallback" is a fantastic follow-up.

[Fred Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you ever go back? Some say no. I've tried to recreate an experience by returning to a place where I was happy, expecting to take up where I left off. Life is never the same. I'm sure of one thing that is constant: change.

Major Tom Birch is back as the Commander of Hypnos III with what's left of his crew: Jane, (Major) second in command, who constantly challenges Birch, Lauren, a quiet, un-opinionated, but solid NASA contractor, Edwards a kidnapped government agent and an Ares boy who has tried multiple times to kill Birch. They are escaping the United States or what's left of it, in a stolen spacecraft, several hundred years in "our" future.

Since Earth is not an option, they have to find a suitable place to live. They can't just travel endlessly in space. NASA attempted to colonize planet Mars, but is not an option; too inhospitable environmentally. Several other planets have been colonized but from Birch and Jane's previous experiences, they know there are no known inhabitants on any colonies. They settle on planet R67.3 where Birch and Jane helped build the structures for future colonists. They are going back, but to what.

"Fallback" is L.E. Howel's second novel in the "Planetfall" series, published in December, 2016. Howel is a creative storyteller. He knows how to draw the reader in and keep her/him reading with constant surprise and suspense. The characters are real and even though from the future, are very human. Each one is unique, but mesh as a crew under Birch's command.

I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it, especially if you are interested in what the future could look like.

Sent from my iPad

[Ivana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Planetfall, but I loved Fallback. My favorite books are the ones that surprise you. I'm constantly trying to predict where the story's headed, what'll happen next?! It was impossible with this one, which is the thing I loved the most. If you're looking for an action filled space adventure with a lot of unexpected twists, you should definitely grab this series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Kari Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

OK, I didn't see any of that coming at the end - or at least not the way things went down. Like Book I this one was full of twists and turns. I did finally get my answers to what happened to Ratliff, not what I was thinking at all. I'm not sure the twist with Ratliff was needed. I think there were other ways to go with the missing colonists than that. It almost didn't fit. Despite that, the story was interesting and fast paced.

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Wait for Book 3

Too bad you can't see when you're being used until after the fact. Blindly following orders is one sure way to always be kept in the dark, though.

Only people who can think for themselves have a chance to truly live their lives. Everyone else is just a pawn for the people in power. You may decide to go searching for answers, but almost always you will be appalled by the answers you find.

Fallback is a masterful example of what can happen when you try to find the answers.

[Jennifer (bunnyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this was very entertaining! And finally, I get some answers from Planetfall! I am relieved to see everything is explained and is set-up quite nicely for a third book.


In Planetfall, I had some frustrations with how little we got to know of Birch, and the others and how that affected later events between them.

In this though, we get far more insight to Birch. His actions in the past still make him a bit of a turd, but there is obvious growth in him. I loved how much more we get to know of him. And loved seeing his efforts to become a better person. I even liked him most of the time (though I’m still undecided on that one).

Jane still comes across a little bitchy at times, with the odd glimpse of her less-snide side. But as the story unfolds and we get answers, it becomes quite clear why she is the way she is towards Birch. I appreciated that insight and really, I felt very bad for her by the end of the book (I’d have totally treated Birch the same way).

Edwards doesn’t get too much building here, but I enjoyed his pessimistic, doom and gloom attitude anyway (I laughed over his comments more than once).

Lauren doesn’t get much “screen time” (I am hoping we get more from her in the next book).


I wasn’t a huge fan of the opening on the ship. It was a little jumpy, and I didn’t understand why Birch was acting the way he was about the computer navigation, the paranoia about the computer, and subsequent events with Ares kid. It could be too, that I am forgetting important things from the first book that would have explained more of his doubts.

Once they get to the planet though, the whole structure smooths right out and settles in to a wild, enjoyable ride. I have to admit I blew through this part in just a couple of evenings. It was just so much fun, and this author has that rare ability to set scenes that combined with a great voice, keeps you reading- even with some of the most bizarre story twists. It’s addicting and pure entertainment.


You can easily jump into the series, at this book. It’s a self-contained, low sci-fi story full of action with a bit of a mystery to keep things interesting. Anything you may need to know about the first, is addressed in this book.


I am calling this 3.5 but rounding up to 4, purely because despite any issues I had with parts of the story being jumpy, I enjoyed the hell out of the rest of the book.



- A Huge Thank You to the author, who generously gifted me a copy so I could get the answers I was looking for from the first book (and who put up with me being an idiot, that apparently doesn’t know how to use Amazon).

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a e-book from the author for having it on my too read list. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good variety of characters in it.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment of the Planetfall series by L.E. Howel. The first book left me with quite a number of unanswered questions, which were finally answered in this book. The story remains fast paced and there's plenty of action, suspense and twists to keep it interesting from start to finish.

Much of the history of the original Hypnos crew and mission is revealed, although we don't learn a great deal more about Lauren. I find myself respecting Birch a little more than I did in the first book, but I still kind of dislike him. I look forward to the continued relationship development between the original Hypnos crew members, Edwards and the Ares kid in future installments.

I think what I like most about this story is that the heroes are flawed and vulnerable. There are plenty of examples of heroics, but also an equal quantity of mishaps and failures. It makes the characters feel more human, more realistic.

While the first book left me with a bunch of unanswered questions, this one left me with only two:
How did that happen?
How are they going to get out of this?

I'm extremely eager to find out the answers and thus equally eager to read book 3 when it's available.

[John Duggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel

Once again, you start thinking it is going one way and it ends up someplace completely different.

I felt the mysteries were better developed this time around, and a lot of very satisfying answers to questions left over from the previous book.

I will be looking forward to the next story in the series.

[Bill Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about sequels that somehow they never measure up to the original story but in this case Fallback by L.E. Howel is an exception to the rule. The characters are more developed and the adventures just keep coming full blast. Just when I thought I had the story figured out a new curve ball would catch me unaware. We learn more about the backstory of the original mission and what went wrong causing the return to Earth. I received a copy of this to give a review but I purchased a copy anyway because it was that good. Great job L. E. and get the next book out soon.

[Mike Siedschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an e-copy of Fallback (Planetfall Book II) by author L. E. Howel for review.

You may have noticed my last review was on the first book in this series; Planetfall. Lucky me, I got to read both books back to back. To answer the question that I'm sure is foremost on your mind (why else would you be reading this review?), Fallback is as good as the first book.

The story picks up right where the first book ended and the action continues uninterrupted. Five characters are front and center for this installment. No spoiler here, they leave Earth and return to the colony they were supposed to have started.

What they find on the colonized planet is not what they expect, and therein lies the story. As in the first book, our heroic group does not particularly like each other or get along, but they do their jobs.

If anything, Fallback is even more action packed than Planetfall. Author Howel does not waste time on what would be slow passages in other books. He keeps us engaged the whole time.

Lots of graphic violence, no sex (how could there be, nobody likes anybody else) and more character development than I am used to in an action story.

The negative? There has to be something, right? The bane of my reading existence; the dreaded cliffhanger ending! AAAARRGGH! We have to wait until fall for the next book, but what you gonna do, a 1200 page book might be a bit intimidating, so breaking it into shorter books is probably a good thing.

I enjoyed the heck out of Fallback (Planetfall Book II) by author L. E. Howel, and if you are a fan of action/fantasy/sci-fi, I'm pretty sure you will too. I encourage you to give this series a look. I will try to be patient while waiting for the next book. Enjoy!

Mike

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I choose this rating because I couldn't put the book down. It was awesome throughout the book I would recommend this book to anyone that loves science fiction books. I received this book from the author for review purpose.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this from the author as a e-book from the author for having it on my to my to read list. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good variety of characters in it.

[Vlery · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I recieved this book as a present from the author. I've read the Kindle version. On more thing; English isn't my native language and my apologies for the mistakes I've made.*
I tried to write is spoiler free.

It's been a while since I've read part 1, so I was glad that I got a reminder about the previous events and characters. I liked that the book started with information of the last book. It made it easier for me to get into the series again.
The suspense was slowly build until a character made a decision. After that, the horror part got introduced and I've had chills at several moments in the book! It's always frightning when you think you're alone, but you might not be alone..Kudos! To me, Planetfall was more Sci-Fi + Thriller, but Fallback can be categorise into Horror in my opinion! Furthermore, there were enough moments that I got absorbed into the story and wanted to know more about the characters.
Fallback also gave more background information and relations between characters were explained because of that. It made me understand reactions of several charachters more, though it didn't make me like them more ;) What I also enjoyed, maybe not the right word, is reading about a character thinking of someone who has passed away. The memory of this person and this person's death has greatly influenced this character and the way he acts. I liked that the character who has passed away, didn't fade away into the background, but was pulled back a few times by mentioning the character. I think it made it more realistic for the character to mourn.
I was also not expecting so much information in the last few chapters and was surprised by the explanation I got, but hey, I'm openminded and thought the it was interesting and hilarious, in a good way!
Can't wait for part 3!! (Title was revealed at the end of the book, but I'm keeping it a secret, as I don't know if it's already been revealed by the author).

One more thing; the title fits the book and if there's one thing that's satisfying, it's that.

[Stefan Grieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel high on atmosphere and intrigue that builds up to something thrilling that I found worthwhile and enjoyable.
It has parts that are intense, exciting and twists that I found satisfying. It reminded me of such films and other media such as Serenity, (firefly) 2001 a space odyssey, Aliens, Ready player one, Dead space and Doctor who, although keeping it's own unique narrative character and able to blend elements I found similar in a original and compelling way.
The stand out character (in a literal sense, rather then metaphorical) is Birch, who is kind of like a gruff Han Solo type character if he let himself be weighed down by all his mistakes... and is consistently reminded of them, either internally or externally. It makes for an interesting character and dynamic amongst the other, sometimes tightly wound crew. There is also another character who becomes part of the crew, which I won't reveal as it may spoil some of the plot of the first, but I just have to say it adds real tension and a deeper layer of moral complexity that stands this book out from others.
There is some good creeping horror here and exciting action, I also enjoyed the mystery's with clever puzzles that are intelligently unspun.
The only major criticism I have is that in the middle, while also building up a good deal of atmosphere and mounting dread, may have been dragged out a bit too much, but then again that may have added to the chaos and action that proceeds it to a rip roaring final.
Ultimately, this is a Sci-fi horror packed with dread, blood and mysterious that will make you ponder until their satisfying reveal.

[Katelyn Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank L.E. Howel for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is the second novel in the Planetfall series and it is even better than the first. In this book the crew of the Hypnos III head back to where their story began—back to planet R67.3.

This was a fast-paced sci-fi mystery thriller with a lot of suspense, action, and plot twists. The author handled the characters and dialogue well. I did find some of the plot points and character motives to be a stretch when it came to plausibility but those occurrences were few and far between. The start of the story was slightly slow but the pace picked up quickly once they reached R67.3.

Overall this was an enjoyable and quick read and a novel that I would recommend to anyone who likes sci-fi mystery thrillers.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this second book in the Planetfall series all I had hoped it would be, and more. I hoped to find explanations to some of the mysteries of the first book...I did, and the answers were not what I expected. Some mysteries still remain, and some new ones have arisen, and I am now eagerly awaiting Book 3.

[Raphael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot twists like a corkscrew.

I never saw how this was going to go. Deeper, darker and more twisted than the first book. Highly recommended.

[Stephen Heiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a ponderous, slow read, though towards the end it picks up, much like the first book in the series. Not compelling enough to get me to finish the trilogy, however. Some really interesting ideas were put forward by the author, however.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up just where the events in Planetfall ended with Major Birch, Jane Grey, Lauren, Edward and the captured Ares kid escaping earth on the Hypnos III only to discover they have no where else to go except back to R67.3 the grey dust ball they ran to earth to escape from in the first place. It's definitely not a good idea to go back there again but with Jane being so insistent and no other options available they start the two year trip back. For major Birch it is two years of hell alone when his cryogenic tube fails and the ship itself tries repeatedly to kill him. When they finally do arrive on the miserably barren and windy world the struggle to survive is just beginning for Jane, Lauren and Edward. They learn the real reason Jane was so insistent to come back and what the real reason for the Hypnos missions were when they find Lt. Colonel John Ratliff is not dead but locked in a cryogenics tube filled with blood. Ratliff explains that the missions were really a way to extend the lives of the elite by using the rest of the crew like batteries by draining their blood and living off them like vampires. This is why Ratliff tricked them into leaving to save his wife from tis horrible fate and what happened to the colonist that arrived after they left the planet. The talented programmer Peter Wagner has left behind clues to help them find the safe new world that some of the colonist were able to escape to and the Ares kid who they find is not only a talented fighter but a wiz on anything related to old time computer gaming helps them solve the puzzles he left behind . Just when you think that everything is going to be ok its not, now they must survive the horde of hungry vampire colonist led by the evil security chief James Miltant who have taken over the Hypnos III while they were down on the planet. Full of action and adventure with lots of plot twists and a cliff hanger ending that will leave you rabidly waiting for the next book in this clever series to come out.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted with a Kindle copy of Fallback by the author, L.E. Howel. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Fallback is the direct sequel to Planetfall, with the new novel falling squarely in the science fiction realm. Major Birch is getting the new ship ready with its extraordinary power and technology. Although the trip will be shortened because of the ship's capabilities, it will still take 2 years in stasis to reach R67.3, their ultimate destination. Birch has other plans, though when they go awry, will he be able to fulfill the mission? Mourning Karla and seeing himself in a way that he never could before, will Birch be able to survive his time alone? When the team is reunited, will they be able to come together for a common goal?

Fallback reminds me of a science fiction suspense movie with its high action and fast paced plot. I could see the scenes unfolding in my mind, as the characters are forced to adapt to the ever changing circumstances. Character development was a bit lacking, as the balance was clearly in favor of the plot. My least favorite in the book is Jane, as her mean and distrustful nature makes her an unsympathetic character. I did not really feel a connection to any of the characters, but the author was really able to create a complete picture with regards to the setting and the plot. Readers who like science fiction and suspense will probably enjoy Fallback, with its nonstop action and quick pace.

[George A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both books in this series and they held my interest and curiosity. A few things I was able to see in advance but many others I could not. The ending especially caught me by surprise. There were a few scientifically "unrealistic" things, but they in no way diminished the enjoyment I got from reading the books. Both books are a good read.

[Softbananas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced action packed adventure by L.E. Howel. Who woulda thunk Astronauts would have so much trouble finding a nice little cottage to call home ..... on another planet.
Mark Watney had a walk in the park compared to these folks.

[Stuart Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howel is the first writer in many years to keep me guessing as to what was going on! Definately worth adding to your read list.