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Autumn #1
A Fall in Autumn
WELCOME TO THE LAST OF THE GREAT FLYING CITIES
It’s 9172, YE (Year of the Empire), and the future has forgotten its past.
Soaring miles over the Earth, Autumn, the sole surviving flying city, is filled to the brim with the manifold forms of humankind: from Human Plus “floor models” to the oppressed and disfranchised underclasses doing their dirty work and every imaginable variation between.
Valerius Bakhoum is a washed-up private eye and street hustler scraping by in Autumn. Late on his rent, fetishized and reviled for his imperfect genetics, stuck in the quicksand of his own heritage, Valerius is trying desperately to wrap up his too-short life when a mythical relic of humanity’s fog-shrouded past walks in and hires him to do one last job. What starts out as Valerius just taking a stranger’s money quickly turns into the biggest and most dangerous mystery he’s ever tried to crack – and Valerius is running out of time to solve it.
Now Autumn’s abandoned history – and the monsters and heroes that adorn it – are emerging from the shadows to threaten the few remaining things Valerius holds dear. Can the burned-out detective navigate the labyrinth of lies and maze of blind faith around him to save the City of Autumn from its greatest myth and deadliest threat?
It’s 9172, YE (Year of the Empire), and the future has forgotten its past.
Soaring miles over the Earth, Autumn, the sole surviving flying city, is filled to the brim with the manifold forms of humankind: from Human Plus “floor models” to the oppressed and disfranchised underclasses doing their dirty work and every imaginable variation between.
Valerius Bakhoum is a washed-up private eye and street hustler scraping by in Autumn. Late on his rent, fetishized and reviled for his imperfect genetics, stuck in the quicksand of his own heritage, Valerius is trying desperately to wrap up his too-short life when a mythical relic of humanity’s fog-shrouded past walks in and hires him to do one last job. What starts out as Valerius just taking a stranger’s money quickly turns into the biggest and most dangerous mystery he’s ever tried to crack – and Valerius is running out of time to solve it.
Now Autumn’s abandoned history – and the monsters and heroes that adorn it – are emerging from the shadows to threaten the few remaining things Valerius holds dear. Can the burned-out detective navigate the labyrinth of lies and maze of blind faith around him to save the City of Autumn from its greatest myth and deadliest threat?
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
17 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Michael G. Williams
30 books86 followersMichael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; a new urban fantasy series featuring real estate, time travel, and San Francisco’s most beloved historical figures, SERVANT/SOVEREIGN; and the science fiction noir A Fall in Autumn, winner of the 2020 Manly Wade Wellman Award.
Michael is an avid podcaster, activist, and gaymer, and is a brother in St. Anthony Hall and Mu Beta Psi. He lives in Durham, NC, with his husband, a variety of animals, and more and better friends than he probably deserves.
Michael is an avid podcaster, activist, and gaymer, and is a brother in St. Anthony Hall and Mu Beta Psi. He lives in Durham, NC, with his husband, a variety of animals, and more and better friends than he probably deserves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 8, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
As you can probably tell from the blurb, this is a futuristic dystopian suspense novel. The world building in this story is absolutely gorgeous. The action takes place some nine millennia from our present day. Williams does a stellar job at constantly building and, perhaps more importantly, reinforcing the social norms with which Valerius lives. The social caste system is a great example; most humans are genetically modified and/or can be modified at any time. There are simple enhancements, like increased strength or improved physical appearance, and there are modifications to cure all manner of diseases. Valerius cannot have any of this because of his status, which makes him not a slave, but rather corralled into a special area of the flying city like a “backup” in case anything goes wrong with all the modified humans. Apart from just being an interesting take on how society might reorganize itself when genetic technology becomes commonplace, Valerius’ caste becomes a significant driving force for him during the last several chapters.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
As you can probably tell from the blurb, this is a futuristic dystopian suspense novel. The world building in this story is absolutely gorgeous. The action takes place some nine millennia from our present day. Williams does a stellar job at constantly building and, perhaps more importantly, reinforcing the social norms with which Valerius lives. The social caste system is a great example; most humans are genetically modified and/or can be modified at any time. There are simple enhancements, like increased strength or improved physical appearance, and there are modifications to cure all manner of diseases. Valerius cannot have any of this because of his status, which makes him not a slave, but rather corralled into a special area of the flying city like a “backup” in case anything goes wrong with all the modified humans. Apart from just being an interesting take on how society might reorganize itself when genetic technology becomes commonplace, Valerius’ caste becomes a significant driving force for him during the last several chapters.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
February 11, 2019
A Fall in Autumn, by Michael G. Williams
Short Take: I still don’t like sci-fi. But I liked this.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, I am asked to critique things that are outside of my comfort zone. A while back, I gave my opinion on a book of poetry, for example. Or maybe some extra-extreme gore, or some strange new erotica will make its way to my inbox (and no that’s not a euphemism you heathens).
I like to think that I’m game to try just about anything, but for some reason, I’ve never really cozied up to fantasy & sci-fi. I’m pretty sure that I have some unique form of mental laziness, because whenever I’m confronted with any slightly elevated level of world-building, my brain jumps to focus on that detail. What’s this thing? What does it look like? How does it work? And boom, I’ve lost track of things like character names and who’s doing what,.
This in turn leads to frustration as I’m trying to follow and form opinions on a story while ALSO trying to figure out what the heck that science-fictiony-thing is supposed to be or if this particular fantasy-thing will be important to the story later.
Which is a long-winded way of saying that when Mr. Williams contacted me to ask if I’d like to review his new sci-fi mystery novel, I very nearly said “thanks but no thanks”. However, the author had two major things working to his advantage. #1, I had read and thoroughly enjoyed his “Perishables” (that review is around here somewhere), and #2, the man knows how to flatter reviewers.
I’ll leave the details of the lovely emails he sent me out of this, but let’s just say that I was sufficiently moved to challenge my sugared-up synapses with A Fall In Autumn, and I’m not a bit sorry that I did.
Roughly 9,000 years in the future, private eye Valerius Bakhoum has just been hired for an entirely different kind of case. Alejandro, a gorgeous and enigmatic golem, believes that he witnessed an atrocity committed by a mythical being. He’s willing to pay top dollar for what’s likely to be a wild goose chase, and Valerius is not in a position to turn down a paying gig.
The search leads to some fascinating, twisty places, both in the literal surroundings, and the more ephemeral intersection of science and belief, all in a city that flies through the air.
Because I don’t read much SFF, I base my opinion on the same things I would for a thriller - how the plot moves, are the characters genuine, and so on. There’s one major difference, however, in that I ask myself “Are the SFF elements necessary, or is it a gimmick?” By that I mean, does the magic or tech actually play a part in the story? Or is it “Ok, I want to do a slasher story, but check it out! This one happens IN OUTER SPACE!! The bad guy kills everyone but like the blood FLOATS AROUND!”
So I’m very happy to say that the world-building in Fall is crucial to the story. Don’t get me wrong, his human touches are perfect. Valerius is complicated and imperfect, scruffy-souled and contradictory, a good-ish guy willing to do bad things. And it’s the people (even the enhanced and hybrid ones) that highlight the author’s keen eye with regard to humanity and our tribalist tendencies. It doesn’t matter how advanced we become, “us vs. them” will always be A Thing.
I genuinely loved the twists and turns in Valerius’s search for the truth, and his vulnerability with Alejandro. In a world where everyone carries literal and/or metaphorical knives, those bits of beauty and vulnerability were all the more moving.
My only wish is that Mr. Williams had slowed down just a bit in the in a few spots. We’re dropped squarely into the middle of an action scene on Autumn, and although the chase itself is fun, I felt slammed with so many ideas at once (Mannie? What’s a Mannie? Mag Cab? Artie? Air-reactive sake? And so on) that my brain refused to just chill out and enjoy what was happening. (What’s a golem, exactly? Like a robot? Why do the differing religions have to both have S-names, I keep mixing them up….)
I felt like I was back in school, and the teacher was saying “Nerd, we went over this a while ago, don’t you remember?” whenever some new term was tossed out without explanation, like I SHOULD understand this, but when I would check the info-cupboard, it was bare. And that is most likely due to my own shortcomings as a reader - SFF books just aren’t always accessible to someone who doesn’t read much SFF.
But when the author took his time, and explained things, DUDE. It was so freaking cool. Like, the tech that keeps the city aloft legit blew me away. And with time, the context clues spread over multiple scenes chiseled away the stumbling blocks and let me just enjoy the story (and let me tell you, my beloved nerdlings, the story is SO GOOD).
The Nerd’s Rating: FOUR HAPPY NEURONS (and some exotic future booze, because I’m too snowed in to do anything but day-drink today).
Short Take: I still don’t like sci-fi. But I liked this.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, I am asked to critique things that are outside of my comfort zone. A while back, I gave my opinion on a book of poetry, for example. Or maybe some extra-extreme gore, or some strange new erotica will make its way to my inbox (and no that’s not a euphemism you heathens).
I like to think that I’m game to try just about anything, but for some reason, I’ve never really cozied up to fantasy & sci-fi. I’m pretty sure that I have some unique form of mental laziness, because whenever I’m confronted with any slightly elevated level of world-building, my brain jumps to focus on that detail. What’s this thing? What does it look like? How does it work? And boom, I’ve lost track of things like character names and who’s doing what,.
This in turn leads to frustration as I’m trying to follow and form opinions on a story while ALSO trying to figure out what the heck that science-fictiony-thing is supposed to be or if this particular fantasy-thing will be important to the story later.
Which is a long-winded way of saying that when Mr. Williams contacted me to ask if I’d like to review his new sci-fi mystery novel, I very nearly said “thanks but no thanks”. However, the author had two major things working to his advantage. #1, I had read and thoroughly enjoyed his “Perishables” (that review is around here somewhere), and #2, the man knows how to flatter reviewers.
I’ll leave the details of the lovely emails he sent me out of this, but let’s just say that I was sufficiently moved to challenge my sugared-up synapses with A Fall In Autumn, and I’m not a bit sorry that I did.
Roughly 9,000 years in the future, private eye Valerius Bakhoum has just been hired for an entirely different kind of case. Alejandro, a gorgeous and enigmatic golem, believes that he witnessed an atrocity committed by a mythical being. He’s willing to pay top dollar for what’s likely to be a wild goose chase, and Valerius is not in a position to turn down a paying gig.
The search leads to some fascinating, twisty places, both in the literal surroundings, and the more ephemeral intersection of science and belief, all in a city that flies through the air.
Because I don’t read much SFF, I base my opinion on the same things I would for a thriller - how the plot moves, are the characters genuine, and so on. There’s one major difference, however, in that I ask myself “Are the SFF elements necessary, or is it a gimmick?” By that I mean, does the magic or tech actually play a part in the story? Or is it “Ok, I want to do a slasher story, but check it out! This one happens IN OUTER SPACE!! The bad guy kills everyone but like the blood FLOATS AROUND!”
So I’m very happy to say that the world-building in Fall is crucial to the story. Don’t get me wrong, his human touches are perfect. Valerius is complicated and imperfect, scruffy-souled and contradictory, a good-ish guy willing to do bad things. And it’s the people (even the enhanced and hybrid ones) that highlight the author’s keen eye with regard to humanity and our tribalist tendencies. It doesn’t matter how advanced we become, “us vs. them” will always be A Thing.
I genuinely loved the twists and turns in Valerius’s search for the truth, and his vulnerability with Alejandro. In a world where everyone carries literal and/or metaphorical knives, those bits of beauty and vulnerability were all the more moving.
My only wish is that Mr. Williams had slowed down just a bit in the in a few spots. We’re dropped squarely into the middle of an action scene on Autumn, and although the chase itself is fun, I felt slammed with so many ideas at once (Mannie? What’s a Mannie? Mag Cab? Artie? Air-reactive sake? And so on) that my brain refused to just chill out and enjoy what was happening. (What’s a golem, exactly? Like a robot? Why do the differing religions have to both have S-names, I keep mixing them up….)
I felt like I was back in school, and the teacher was saying “Nerd, we went over this a while ago, don’t you remember?” whenever some new term was tossed out without explanation, like I SHOULD understand this, but when I would check the info-cupboard, it was bare. And that is most likely due to my own shortcomings as a reader - SFF books just aren’t always accessible to someone who doesn’t read much SFF.
But when the author took his time, and explained things, DUDE. It was so freaking cool. Like, the tech that keeps the city aloft legit blew me away. And with time, the context clues spread over multiple scenes chiseled away the stumbling blocks and let me just enjoy the story (and let me tell you, my beloved nerdlings, the story is SO GOOD).
The Nerd’s Rating: FOUR HAPPY NEURONS (and some exotic future booze, because I’m too snowed in to do anything but day-drink today).
August 16, 2020
Full disclosure: I edited this book.
In a future of flying cities, created beings, and limitless potential, Valerius only gets to enjoy one of the three. He is what 2019 would call "heritage stock"; seeds and animals saved from previous times without genetic modifications of any sort, as a bank against potential disaster. So fixing little things like a cut with the wave of a medical wand is unavailable to him as it could damage the historic conservation; people worship his genes for their unmodified purity, and cross to the other side of the road to avoid his person.
Without the boost to brain power enjoyed by so many, jobs are few and far between. Valerius worked his way through everything the street has to offer, finally reaching the pinnacle of his potential careers as a gumshoe. Private eye is a little too upstanding for what he does - Valerius puts foot to pavement investigating the worst for the worst, and hopes to get paid when he shows his employers the results.
This is the best life he could ever grasp for in the flying city of Autumn. Or anywhere on or off Earth.
Then a being walks through his door offering the chance of a lifetime. Unfortunately Valerius is at the end of his.
Initially he was just going to take the money and wait it out, but curiosity gets the better of him. Because there are two things that always made him feel alive, and they are solving a mystery and risking death.
REREAD 2020 August
I reread this book after 18 months. Still is awesome.
In a future of flying cities, created beings, and limitless potential, Valerius only gets to enjoy one of the three. He is what 2019 would call "heritage stock"; seeds and animals saved from previous times without genetic modifications of any sort, as a bank against potential disaster. So fixing little things like a cut with the wave of a medical wand is unavailable to him as it could damage the historic conservation; people worship his genes for their unmodified purity, and cross to the other side of the road to avoid his person.
Without the boost to brain power enjoyed by so many, jobs are few and far between. Valerius worked his way through everything the street has to offer, finally reaching the pinnacle of his potential careers as a gumshoe. Private eye is a little too upstanding for what he does - Valerius puts foot to pavement investigating the worst for the worst, and hopes to get paid when he shows his employers the results.
This is the best life he could ever grasp for in the flying city of Autumn. Or anywhere on or off Earth.
Then a being walks through his door offering the chance of a lifetime. Unfortunately Valerius is at the end of his.
Initially he was just going to take the money and wait it out, but curiosity gets the better of him. Because there are two things that always made him feel alive, and they are solving a mystery and risking death.
REREAD 2020 August
I reread this book after 18 months. Still is awesome.
March 19, 2019
I think I'm in love...
I am in love with this book. It's lyrical, poetic and gritty as a city street. It's complicated, it's messy, and it's alive. It's a love letter to urban living and human hope, an indictment of urban living and human weakness. Beyond that, it's just a great story!
I am in love with this book. It's lyrical, poetic and gritty as a city street. It's complicated, it's messy, and it's alive. It's a love letter to urban living and human hope, an indictment of urban living and human weakness. Beyond that, it's just a great story!
June 23, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up!!
Full review here: https://littlesmaug.wordpress.com/202...
Snippet: I especially loved the uniqueness of the novel. This isn’t just your typical sci fi. It doesn’t happen in a galaxy far far away. It happens after the fall of our earth. But it’s also not your typical apocalypse story or dystopian tragedy. The technology in the story is quite different and the enhanced humans range from animal hybrids to golems hosting old spirits to humans with simply improved/enlightened features. There’s a caste system that is hard to advance through. I think A Fall in Autumn is a wonderful look at our own current society – and what might happen if we don’t make some changes.
Full review here: https://littlesmaug.wordpress.com/202...
Snippet: I especially loved the uniqueness of the novel. This isn’t just your typical sci fi. It doesn’t happen in a galaxy far far away. It happens after the fall of our earth. But it’s also not your typical apocalypse story or dystopian tragedy. The technology in the story is quite different and the enhanced humans range from animal hybrids to golems hosting old spirits to humans with simply improved/enlightened features. There’s a caste system that is hard to advance through. I think A Fall in Autumn is a wonderful look at our own current society – and what might happen if we don’t make some changes.
June 28, 2019
Far-future, trans-human noir? Hells yeah! Sign me up. I was intrigued before I even started reading this book, just by the concept, and the telling did not disappoint.
Valerius Bakhoum is a great narrator, and I loved the wordplay of traditional tough-as-nails noir observation couched in far-future scenarios and situations.
The worldbuilding was seamless in the best possible way, with details explained sufficiently, but never going over into diatribes or lectures. The social mores aspect rode the line between commentary on our current situations and imaginings of what new issues will arise in the future.
The book was thoughtful and though provoking without becoming academic or dry. The plot offered action without losing heart. And the ending was perfect. I don't know whether to hope there will be more or not because it was such a beautiful place to stop. Probably the best thing I've read so far this year.
Valerius Bakhoum is a great narrator, and I loved the wordplay of traditional tough-as-nails noir observation couched in far-future scenarios and situations.
The worldbuilding was seamless in the best possible way, with details explained sufficiently, but never going over into diatribes or lectures. The social mores aspect rode the line between commentary on our current situations and imaginings of what new issues will arise in the future.
The book was thoughtful and though provoking without becoming academic or dry. The plot offered action without losing heart. And the ending was perfect. I don't know whether to hope there will be more or not because it was such a beautiful place to stop. Probably the best thing I've read so far this year.
July 5, 2019
Baroque Dystopia With a Tasty Side of Empathy
This is a science fiction noir with a solid understanding of both genres. It builds a fantastical world that both eviscerates and illuminates our own around a hero with a glowing core of thwarted romanticism at the center of his broken heart. Valerius is an "Artisanal human" working a case for a golem, a consciousness that might have once been human in the shell of a mechanical Superman. Following a twisted trail through Autumn, the last floating city, the detective shatters the crust of his world. I can't wait to read the next one to explore what he's found. Frank and frightening and full of bitter hope, this series is not to be missed.
This is a science fiction noir with a solid understanding of both genres. It builds a fantastical world that both eviscerates and illuminates our own around a hero with a glowing core of thwarted romanticism at the center of his broken heart. Valerius is an "Artisanal human" working a case for a golem, a consciousness that might have once been human in the shell of a mechanical Superman. Following a twisted trail through Autumn, the last floating city, the detective shatters the crust of his world. I can't wait to read the next one to explore what he's found. Frank and frightening and full of bitter hope, this series is not to be missed.
March 18, 2021
A splendid view of a future we might actually get, if our futurism bears out. Genetic manipulation, organized religion, elements of classic urban fantasy detective stories, a strong, open finish.
My favorite feature of this book is all the worldbuilding & backstory is folded into the story. This is a class example for the need to withhold infodump, and let us readers piece together what we can from the story's present.
My favorite feature of this book is all the worldbuilding & backstory is folded into the story. This is a class example for the need to withhold infodump, and let us readers piece together what we can from the story's present.
Read
April 5, 2019Michael G. Williams’ “A Fall in Autumn” is a clever sci fi detective novel that offers a new take on futuristic, Orwellian conspiracies. Read the rest of my review at Queer Sci Fi.
December 4, 2019
Loved the outsiders perspective on just about everything in a time and place thousands of years from now!
October 13, 2022
The noir language was a struggle for me in the beginning, but either it was toned down by 20% or so or I simply adapted to it. It's a good thing I was reading this for a challenge; it would've been a shame if I'd given up. I don't actually like gritty stories about hardened, cynical detectives, but this one sucked me in and wouldn't let me out until it was over.
And even now I'm about to dive back in for Book 2.
Valerius is a complicated guy living in a complicated world. The story twists this way and that, a surprise around every corner. Sometimes sweet, sometimes gut wrenching, sometimes wonderous, sometimes heartbreaking.
I loved it.
I will say, I rolled my eyes a few times at particular plot devices I always find annoying, but those things didn't detract enough from my enjoyment to even entertain the thought of removing a star from my rating. This one deserves all the stars I can give it.
As a side note, the audio narration is fantastic. I'm bummed the audio isn't available yet for Book 2.
And even now I'm about to dive back in for Book 2.
Valerius is a complicated guy living in a complicated world. The story twists this way and that, a surprise around every corner. Sometimes sweet, sometimes gut wrenching, sometimes wonderous, sometimes heartbreaking.
I loved it.
I will say, I rolled my eyes a few times at particular plot devices I always find annoying, but those things didn't detract enough from my enjoyment to even entertain the thought of removing a star from my rating. This one deserves all the stars I can give it.
As a side note, the audio narration is fantastic. I'm bummed the audio isn't available yet for Book 2.
December 1, 2019
A Fall in Autumn was one of my favorite reads this year. It is like nothing else I have read before and that is always thrilling. It is a sci-fi noir that features a trouble private eye--Valerius Bakhoum who has to solve his last case. He's battling everything including poverty, illness and disillusionment. The world-building as other people have commented on is breathtaking--flying cities, 'Artisanal Humans', human-animal hybrids and more cool concepts. But, it is the first person narration and powerful use of language by Williams that kept me reading. I also loved seeing queer characters in this future. All around excellent read! More, please!
June 24, 2019
A story of a far ahead future for human society; it felt so real like the author actually got to take a look at a possible future world and then write about it. I read the book within a few days time, the story kept me engaged and needing to find out what turn it would take next. The imagery was creative and bleak as is appropriate for society this far into the unknown future. I look forward to reading much more about this time and place.
April 28, 2019
Now THIS fantastic, fascinating, fast paced, action packed, powerful, gritty, raw, gripping, more twists and turns than a roller coaster, and totally awesome tale is what I absolutely love to read in my Scifi/fantasy books!
March 22, 2019
You can find my review of “A Fall in Autmn” at my web site.
April 9, 2019
This was an incredible read. I have this intense feeling of joy and sorrow now. Joy, because it was so good. Sorrow, because it's over! Need more in this universe!
May 4, 2019
Amazing book
I haven't read this kind of book in a while (I am more of a romance girl) but I am glad I did.
This was amazing, Valerius is clever, and I fearless, intelligent and a good man.
I loved the world setting and the story of this somewhat new world.
It was a great story overall, and I didn't see the end coming.
I am really hoping for more books with Valerius and the rest of his friends
I haven't read this kind of book in a while (I am more of a romance girl) but I am glad I did.
This was amazing, Valerius is clever, and I fearless, intelligent and a good man.
I loved the world setting and the story of this somewhat new world.
It was a great story overall, and I didn't see the end coming.
I am really hoping for more books with Valerius and the rest of his friends
July 9, 2020
A Masterpiece of Litany fiction!, A fast paced Epic adventure! I loved it!!!!!!! The Brilliant Writer Michael G Williams truly shows in this book. The story line grips you fast and doesn't let go. Does have adult content in it. but all tastefully written.
February 16, 2021
Well. This was quite a bit better than I expected from the first part. Essentially a Noir detective story, but in an intriguing SF setting. If you like Noir, if you like original future SF settings, if you like detective stories, go for it.
May 12, 2021
I came to this book by seeing it reviewed in the local LGBTQ Newspaper for New Orleans. The author is gay, has a husband and 4 fur-children, 2 cats and two dogs. The novel is very laid back about the fact that the main character, Valerius Bakhoum is a gay sometimes prostitute and detective.
He lives in Autumn, the last of the flying cities where people have moved for a better chance at life than they had on Earth itself. However, they have naturally brought all of the prejudices and religious dogmas with them. Valerius is an old-style human, meaning he has not been bio-engineered as most of the population has been. That puts him in a compromised position socially. The rest of the society either worships or denigrates his "naturalness" and sometimes does combinations of both. And sometimes those who worship actually do the most damage.
But right now, he has a mystery to solve. He has to deal with his own skepticism and need for money as well as the blind obedience and acceptance of certain assumptions of those around him. The question is whether he can get through all that and solved this, what is likely to be his last, case.
***second reading two years after first, and the review is still right on, and the novel is interesting and a very easy read.
He lives in Autumn, the last of the flying cities where people have moved for a better chance at life than they had on Earth itself. However, they have naturally brought all of the prejudices and religious dogmas with them. Valerius is an old-style human, meaning he has not been bio-engineered as most of the population has been. That puts him in a compromised position socially. The rest of the society either worships or denigrates his "naturalness" and sometimes does combinations of both. And sometimes those who worship actually do the most damage.
But right now, he has a mystery to solve. He has to deal with his own skepticism and need for money as well as the blind obedience and acceptance of certain assumptions of those around him. The question is whether he can get through all that and solved this, what is likely to be his last, case.
***second reading two years after first, and the review is still right on, and the novel is interesting and a very easy read.
June 1, 2024
I read this a few years ago and wanted to read it again to see if it held up to my memory. The answer is absolutely 'yes'. The world building, plot and characters are outstanding. Highly recommend.
May 12, 2022
The ancients have destroyed the world with overpopulation and filth. They had the technology to make it right but they got it wrong.
In 9172 Year of the Empire there is now the lone floating City of Autumn. Ten years prior, along with Autumn, there was another floating City of the Ancients, Splendor. Splendor was a great and wonderful place but it was destroyed.
Valerius Bakhoum, is a detective in the floating City of Autumn. He’s following Buttercup for the client who just want’s to know what Buttercup is doing. Valerius is uncomfortable with the case but sticks with it and finds himself in Down Preserves. Valerius is in a pickle, he’s ambushed by the client and knocked out. When he wakes, he’s face to face with a golem by the name of Alejandro.
Alejandro turns up at Valerius’ office and want’s to hire Valerius. Alejandro believes he’s dead and he’s in search of himself. He tells Valerius the story of Splendor and Autumn and the destruction of Splendor. As Alejandro tells his truth to Valerius, he’s skeptical when Alejandro tells him of the Avenging Angel and humans who destroyed Splendor. Alejandro feels threatened because very few who have spoken or witnessed the Avenging Angel have survived. Is the Avenging Angel a myth, a boogeyman or is it real? Even being skeptic Valerius want’s to believe Alejandro and he takes his case. The investigation will lead Valerius to those that believe the Avenging Angel exists and he will find those that believe there’s more to the demise of Splendor and even the ancient world.
With the investigation of the Avenging Angel, it will lead him into another mystery of missing boys, that his former lover, Yuri, had brought to his attention. He will also make a new connection with Hendricks gang member Fiono. With all Valerius uncovers, his own personal demise becomes clearer to him and hatred and anger takes over. He will have one last choice to make.
The narration by Archie Montgomery is superbly performed and is just outstanding. His voice tones for: Valerius, Alejandro, Blackie, Solim, Henrietta, Clodia and all the characters is just perfection. His voice for Valerius was perfect, gruff and solid he was totally into being this character. Alejandro’s tone was smooth, relaxing and calm, which gives the perfect picture of what a golem is. The voices are distinct to each character, so there’s no confusion. Montgomery read this with all the emotions that come through with this magnificent novel and he really made these characters come to life.
“A Fall in Autumn” is an amazing novel and tells the tale of two floating cities, Autumn and Splendor, that take care of its inhabitants. The author has a unique way of describing the difference of the floating cities and the different inhabitants that live there. There are several kinds hierarchies: political, religious, medical, gangs and inhabitants that live on Autumn. There is just so much amazing creativity in this sci-fi novel I couldn’t put it down. On top of all this, Michael G. Williams built a twisted mystery that brings shock and surprise at every turn.
Valerius Bakhoum is a character that I don’t think I will ever forget. No matter what he faces he continues to find the answers and tries to make sense of it all. He also has a special connection with: Alejandro, Yuri, and Fiono. Because of what their lives are like in this futuristic world it’s not love but a strong sense of caring.
I at times, struggle with reading sci-fi but I became immersed in “A Fall in Autumn” from the start and I couldn’t put it down. It’s unlike any other novel that I have ever read. Michael G. Williams knows how to tell a story and this was amazing. I am ready to have another entertaining experience with book two, “A New Life in Autumn”.
In 9172 Year of the Empire there is now the lone floating City of Autumn. Ten years prior, along with Autumn, there was another floating City of the Ancients, Splendor. Splendor was a great and wonderful place but it was destroyed.
Valerius Bakhoum, is a detective in the floating City of Autumn. He’s following Buttercup for the client who just want’s to know what Buttercup is doing. Valerius is uncomfortable with the case but sticks with it and finds himself in Down Preserves. Valerius is in a pickle, he’s ambushed by the client and knocked out. When he wakes, he’s face to face with a golem by the name of Alejandro.
Alejandro turns up at Valerius’ office and want’s to hire Valerius. Alejandro believes he’s dead and he’s in search of himself. He tells Valerius the story of Splendor and Autumn and the destruction of Splendor. As Alejandro tells his truth to Valerius, he’s skeptical when Alejandro tells him of the Avenging Angel and humans who destroyed Splendor. Alejandro feels threatened because very few who have spoken or witnessed the Avenging Angel have survived. Is the Avenging Angel a myth, a boogeyman or is it real? Even being skeptic Valerius want’s to believe Alejandro and he takes his case. The investigation will lead Valerius to those that believe the Avenging Angel exists and he will find those that believe there’s more to the demise of Splendor and even the ancient world.
With the investigation of the Avenging Angel, it will lead him into another mystery of missing boys, that his former lover, Yuri, had brought to his attention. He will also make a new connection with Hendricks gang member Fiono. With all Valerius uncovers, his own personal demise becomes clearer to him and hatred and anger takes over. He will have one last choice to make.
The narration by Archie Montgomery is superbly performed and is just outstanding. His voice tones for: Valerius, Alejandro, Blackie, Solim, Henrietta, Clodia and all the characters is just perfection. His voice for Valerius was perfect, gruff and solid he was totally into being this character. Alejandro’s tone was smooth, relaxing and calm, which gives the perfect picture of what a golem is. The voices are distinct to each character, so there’s no confusion. Montgomery read this with all the emotions that come through with this magnificent novel and he really made these characters come to life.
“A Fall in Autumn” is an amazing novel and tells the tale of two floating cities, Autumn and Splendor, that take care of its inhabitants. The author has a unique way of describing the difference of the floating cities and the different inhabitants that live there. There are several kinds hierarchies: political, religious, medical, gangs and inhabitants that live on Autumn. There is just so much amazing creativity in this sci-fi novel I couldn’t put it down. On top of all this, Michael G. Williams built a twisted mystery that brings shock and surprise at every turn.
Valerius Bakhoum is a character that I don’t think I will ever forget. No matter what he faces he continues to find the answers and tries to make sense of it all. He also has a special connection with: Alejandro, Yuri, and Fiono. Because of what their lives are like in this futuristic world it’s not love but a strong sense of caring.
I at times, struggle with reading sci-fi but I became immersed in “A Fall in Autumn” from the start and I couldn’t put it down. It’s unlike any other novel that I have ever read. Michael G. Williams knows how to tell a story and this was amazing. I am ready to have another entertaining experience with book two, “A New Life in Autumn”.
May 25, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gO7 on 5/26
From that review:A Fall in Autumn by Michael G. Williams! What a novel! I spent hours swearing about writing this review before I even sat down to the computer. Back and forth over my conflicted feelings about the main character and an ending that I can't decide is or isn't in keeping with the personality of Valerius Bakhoum, one of the most complex, least likable, most stumbling and genuine characters in the recent science fiction that I've read. Most of the time, I kept thinking while reading, "what a complete and utter incompetent dickwad". Yep, not usually the thoughts I entertain about my main characters, especially when they are the narrator of their own stories.k Even now, I don't know if I like him or not. I understand him, but like him? Not that he would have cared. Still I don't know.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gO7 on 5/26
From that review:A Fall in Autumn by Michael G. Williams! What a novel! I spent hours swearing about writing this review before I even sat down to the computer. Back and forth over my conflicted feelings about the main character and an ending that I can't decide is or isn't in keeping with the personality of Valerius Bakhoum, one of the most complex, least likable, most stumbling and genuine characters in the recent science fiction that I've read. Most of the time, I kept thinking while reading, "what a complete and utter incompetent dickwad". Yep, not usually the thoughts I entertain about my main characters, especially when they are the narrator of their own stories.k Even now, I don't know if I like him or not. I understand him, but like him? Not that he would have cared. Still I don't know.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
May 11, 2021
A far-future noir detective in a society where genetically un-mucked-about-with humans are a rare and carefully preserved thing, specimens rather than individuals, both precious and reviled. I really enjoyed this, both as science fiction and and as mystery. An interesting protagonist in Valerius, an well-developed and bleak society, a floating city, layers of mystery, some hope for change -- maybe. Hope, at least ... I'm looking forward to the next one, because it feels like the story of Valerius and the city of Autumn is only getting started.
November 9, 2025
Meh. Liked the detective noir setting. World building was a good approach, a far earth future, but didn't work for me. All the factions were... shallow, superficial, couldn't relate.
And often I was just plain bored, by musings and the oh so slow story. The queer relationship was bearable, for a "love" story only slightly cringe. Overall, the hole to escape into the story didn't open up for me, I only finished because I wanted to know the ending. Did not spark joy.
And often I was just plain bored, by musings and the oh so slow story. The queer relationship was bearable, for a "love" story only slightly cringe. Overall, the hole to escape into the story didn't open up for me, I only finished because I wanted to know the ending. Did not spark joy.
August 25, 2020
A Fall in Autumn was a bit confusing at first, but that's often how sci-fi stories begin. The author slowly and naturally described and expounded on this futuristic, dystopian, gritty, urban society, its history, technology, economic system, class system, and major religions. The world building was fantastic! Overall, the world, the characters, and the main mystery were really intriguing. There are other things I'd like to learn about this world.
I just wish it weren't so dystopian that prostitution seemed to be not just a primary occupation, but also the most common form of currency. That was a big detractor for me. I also wonder how any commerce actually gets done if you have to pay various gangs to do any shopping. Finally, I felt that the case resolution was rushed towards the end and I wasn't quite satisfied with the explanation.
I just wish it weren't so dystopian that prostitution seemed to be not just a primary occupation, but also the most common form of currency. That was a big detractor for me. I also wonder how any commerce actually gets done if you have to pay various gangs to do any shopping. Finally, I felt that the case resolution was rushed towards the end and I wasn't quite satisfied with the explanation.
October 7, 2025
Interesting concepts - floating cities, like the famous Calhoun 'behavioral sink' experiment where mice were contained in a physical space. The world building was great - what kind of society would exist in a floating city, cut off with boundaries. While I felt engaged with the plot, there was a lot of exposition and description of the history of the city.
April 7, 2020
I abandoned this book after about an hour because it just wasn't my cup of tea. Strange universe, strange beings, strange social conventions, but a noir gumshoe protagonist out of the 1940's. It was just too much effort to get interested. Moving on...
August 24, 2020
This book was amazing! It has a detective noir feel mixed with a bit of speculative sci-fi that make for a truly interesting and unique tale. I truly appreciated the take on humanity and what it means to be human in regards to societal standards and acceptance.
November 10, 2024
A first-person hardboiled detective narrative with a gay protagonist and also it's sci-fi? I feel like if you sold it to me this way I'd say "no thanks, sounds corny" but no. This was incredibly well-written, soulful, thoughtful, delightful. I can't wait to read the sequel.
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