What do you think?
Rate this book
Earthbound
The world reels in shock upon the discovery of a huge asteroid on a collision course with Earth. No one ever thought the day would come. Only thirty-two days remain until impact. Pandemonium and mayhem have inundated cities, suburbs - the world. Overnight, societal values vanished from the face of the earth.
Government intervention took a barbaric turn for the worst with billions of lives hanging in the balance. Jim Stone decides to take drastic measures into his own hands. A man on a mission, he had no idea what he would be getting himself into. No matter what happens, there would be no turning back.
Government intervention took a barbaric turn for the worst with billions of lives hanging in the balance. Jim Stone decides to take drastic measures into his own hands. A man on a mission, he had no idea what he would be getting himself into. No matter what happens, there would be no turning back.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2019
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Paul Falk
9 books140 followersMy Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/paulfalk
Republished Reviews: Open Books Publisher (UK)
http://www.bookglow.net/author/paul-f...
Praise for Jack Toback series: http://samanthahenthornfindstherightw...
My Facebook group: Carnivorous Plant Kingdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/40121...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 13, 2019
'Earthbound'presents a realistic glance into our world when faced with the decimation of the human race. It explores so much more than the peril alone!
May 31, 2019
Fans of movies such as Armageddon and Deep Impact will love this story based upon its premise alone. However, even if those films don’t tick all the boxes for you, what will is how quickly the writer of this story immersing you into the world and life of its characters.
I couldn’t help but be reminded of Clive Cussler or Matthew Reilly, two novelists whose work I adore while I read this novel, only with deeper feels.
I read this on holiday and in almost a 24 hour period thanks to Paul Falk’s effective and compelling writing style.
I couldn’t help but be reminded of Clive Cussler or Matthew Reilly, two novelists whose work I adore while I read this novel, only with deeper feels.
I read this on holiday and in almost a 24 hour period thanks to Paul Falk’s effective and compelling writing style.
September 2, 2019
Having read Earthbound: Jim Stone #2 and liking it, I thought it was time I read Earthbound: Jim Stone #1. I'm glad I did.
The Earthbound books masquerade as simple, straight forward stories of impending disaster. Yet, the philosophical questions they raise tell me they are about so much more.
In my mind, the world is about to change drastically to the negative. (Just look at the book covers if you don't believe me.) Why overthink the issue? You've got this big hunk of space rock homing in. There are things to be done to make the best of the after affects.
So, here I am reading this book and in the back of my mind is the eightieth anniversary of the start of World War II. I won't recite what Jim Stone did (spoilers, you know) but put what he did in context with what Western leaders at the brink failed to do.
Jim saw the rush of untold numbers of people coming to San Diego for their safety and he starts to think about their desperate situation, not how to avoid the unknown. Had Western governments put their spine into it they might have made Hitler and the Nazis think twice about starting the war.
I’m the kind of reader who thinks about things. Even if it’s fiction, that prompts me. Plausibility makes fictional issues realistic. I read an article in Guardian this morning about how NASA is working on technology that would shove asteroids into a different orbit if they were on course to collide with Earth.
When I picked the book up again this afternoon, it occurred to me that it would have been much easier to accept the word of the government. Except for the fact that deep down Jim Stone knew that we weren’t placed in this world alone.
Just image being the only person. You have the best company because it’s you. You get to make all the decisions and they’re all perfect. Life is great. YOU WOULDN’T LAST LONG!
Now, think about what Jim did and you’ll agree that having people around to help you is a pretty good thing. If you haven’t read the book, then do so. You’ll be inspired. Who knows what courageous acts will come from your heart?
The Earthbound books masquerade as simple, straight forward stories of impending disaster. Yet, the philosophical questions they raise tell me they are about so much more.
In my mind, the world is about to change drastically to the negative. (Just look at the book covers if you don't believe me.) Why overthink the issue? You've got this big hunk of space rock homing in. There are things to be done to make the best of the after affects.
So, here I am reading this book and in the back of my mind is the eightieth anniversary of the start of World War II. I won't recite what Jim Stone did (spoilers, you know) but put what he did in context with what Western leaders at the brink failed to do.
Jim saw the rush of untold numbers of people coming to San Diego for their safety and he starts to think about their desperate situation, not how to avoid the unknown. Had Western governments put their spine into it they might have made Hitler and the Nazis think twice about starting the war.
I’m the kind of reader who thinks about things. Even if it’s fiction, that prompts me. Plausibility makes fictional issues realistic. I read an article in Guardian this morning about how NASA is working on technology that would shove asteroids into a different orbit if they were on course to collide with Earth.
When I picked the book up again this afternoon, it occurred to me that it would have been much easier to accept the word of the government. Except for the fact that deep down Jim Stone knew that we weren’t placed in this world alone.
Just image being the only person. You have the best company because it’s you. You get to make all the decisions and they’re all perfect. Life is great. YOU WOULDN’T LAST LONG!
Now, think about what Jim did and you’ll agree that having people around to help you is a pretty good thing. If you haven’t read the book, then do so. You’ll be inspired. Who knows what courageous acts will come from your heart?
June 6, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down. We've all asked ourselves, "What would you do if you knew the world was about to end?" Earthbound explores that question at the societal level, and it's not very pretty. Well done, and a great read. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 6, 2019
EARTHBOUND by Paul Falk is a look at what happens when the world is about to end. Jim Stone is a retired military man who wakes up to discover a giant asteroid is on its way to earth. Jim and the rest of the world have a month to live. The world, seen through Jim’s TV, responds the way you would expect—the economy collapses, there is a run on stores. But while Jim says he knows the world is ending, there is a disconnect for him. After an afternoon of chaos and fear reported by the news, he decides to take a nap. Not until he tries to pick up some groceries and witnesses fights over the last canned vegetables (and desperate shoppers settling for bags of dogfood when they find the meat counter empty) does it start to sink in. Jim gathers up Eric, his adult son, along with his old friend and his girlfriend while fighting off his marauding neighbors. Now Jim is in gear. Like most adventure heroes, Jim isn’t looking for a fight but he won’t lay down either. He reluctantly shoots a neighbor who comes to rob him and chases off a roving gang. But no real time is spent thinking about the end. Jim sits in a barricaded house and jokes with his old navy buddy Gary and Lori his lady-friend like they are riding out a bad storm. Gathering supplies and defending his loved ones’ safety seems to be a matter of course. Jim is reacting, not preparing to die. After Lori and Eric miraculously survive certain-death confrontations, I realized they probably couldn’t die—because they are supporting characters, people whom Jim must protect. But what about the asteroid? Everything and everyone was going to die, right? Jim is shot in the leg, wills himself to fight through the pain, and I began to wonder if anyone could die in this story—except the ne’er-do-wells who mess with Jim. Then something surprising happened that took the story in a different direction just as I thought its course was locked onto the familiar path of any modern cowboy action adventure novel. Jim learns that people are fleeing the impact zone on the other side of the globe. That means immigrates are crossing borders in an effect to reach (relative) safety. And Jim, our retired-military tough guy, goes out to welcome them! A following of other peaceful protestors join Jim as he plans to put himself between the arriving immigrants and the soldiers ordered to defend the border with deadly force. I won’t tell you the ending, but I will say this book (the first in the Jim Stone series) pulled the rug out from under me. And I am curious to see how Jim’s adventure ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2019
Oh! I just had to read this immediately, a book about one of my worst (probably unfounded) fears, an asteroid colliding with earth. Honestly I used to have a recurring dream about this kind of thing and I know I'm not alone. Nightmares or not, this is a gripping read, an alternative to the Brexit story, thirty two days until the big event plastered all over the news for 24 hours a day, except in this novel, the characters are more likable and agreeable. Jim Stone is a proper hero, gathering his family and friends around him as the local community collapses. Set in California, many of the residents own guns, this and the hunter-gatherer instinct does not bode well for the people of Jim Stone's neighbourhood. Eventually, the army get involved. There's a transatlantic political alliance and a stand off providing a nice bit of foreshadowing. But What is going to happen with this asteroid hurtling it's way towards the earth? This novel has an abrupt ending, leaving the reader wondering - has it landed? No, there's more to come.
June 10, 2019
Global Panic, World-Wide Chaos, and a Fascinating Summer Read
Paul Falk definitely has a winner in his new Jim Stone series. It’s action-packed, fast-paced and filled with suspense. What would you do if you thought the world would cease to exist in a month—panic with unimaginable fear, cringe with terror, or jump into a plan of action? Protagonist Jim Stone rises to the occasion to prepare for the worst and to protect his loved ones as best he can.
Earthbound takes a time-tested action/adventure plot into new territory and offers fresh insight into the vast array of human responses to a potential world disaster that we’ve all secretly feared—a huge asteroid hurling on a collision course toward Earth with only a month to figure out how to prepare.
This well-written story has it all—societal mayhem, violence, heroism and a thought-provoking concept. The book ends with a surprise that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat awaiting the next in the series as Jim Stone faces the greatest challenge of his life.
I recommend this fascinating read.
March 16, 2019
Honestly dont read alot about space regularly but this book was really fascinating I learned something new and was very nice to read something different for a change. Enjoyable learning material recommend to those interested in earth related space pieces.
July 9, 2019
Jim Stone's day started with no indication that he would soon learn that the end of the world was approaching. An asteroid was on a collision course with the Earth, and it would destroy all life on the planet in just thirty days time. There is no hope of averting the disaster, only to try to survive it.
"Earthbound" follows the events between the announcement of the discovery of the extinction event and its arrival, where terrified people panic and revert to theft and murder to try to survive both before and after the cataclysm. In the middle of this, Jim and his family recognize that to lose their humanity is worse than for the species to die off.
The author captures the fear and desperation as the world devolves to primal instincts to fight for their own survival, accurately portraying the horrors that we could inflict on one another when faced with the destruction of our world.
The writing style is easy to read and perfectly suits the solid and stoic Jim Stone. The book follows the first part of the whole story arc, prior to the arrival of the asteroid, and has both engaged and intrigued me to discover what will happen next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
"Earthbound" follows the events between the announcement of the discovery of the extinction event and its arrival, where terrified people panic and revert to theft and murder to try to survive both before and after the cataclysm. In the middle of this, Jim and his family recognize that to lose their humanity is worse than for the species to die off.
The author captures the fear and desperation as the world devolves to primal instincts to fight for their own survival, accurately portraying the horrors that we could inflict on one another when faced with the destruction of our world.
The writing style is easy to read and perfectly suits the solid and stoic Jim Stone. The book follows the first part of the whole story arc, prior to the arrival of the asteroid, and has both engaged and intrigued me to discover what will happen next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
May 22, 2019
From the very beginning, this story grabs you and pulls you in. Most of us have probably wondered in passing what would happen if disaster threatened our planet. But what exactly *would* happen in the face of an impending planetary disaster, how would we as a species react, and what would the ramifications be? To quote the author, “The important thing to consider is how society conducts itself under these difficult times.”
This fast-paced story unfolds dramatically, with suspense that builds throughout. The author’s dynamic writing style keeps the reader engaged using language that grabs you and pulls you into the story. The characters feel as familiar as neighbors who might live down the block - ordinary people who somehow morph into heroes under extraordinary circumstances.
The local San Diego color added even more realism, and it’s obvious the author has done his research on the area and its military influences.
This fast-paced story unfolds dramatically, with suspense that builds throughout. The author’s dynamic writing style keeps the reader engaged using language that grabs you and pulls you into the story. The characters feel as familiar as neighbors who might live down the block - ordinary people who somehow morph into heroes under extraordinary circumstances.
The local San Diego color added even more realism, and it’s obvious the author has done his research on the area and its military influences.
June 18, 2019
An asteroid is headed for the earth. The collision will have massive consequences for millions of people. Ex-Navy Captain Jim Stone must stand up in the face of adversity to do what's right in the face of evil. This book will definitely make you think about what's right when the chips are down. The characters are warm and brave while the villains are cold and ruthless. Definitely a page-turner that reads very quickly. Highly recommend!
May 23, 2019
Love this book. I'm excited for the next in the series. I enjoyed going along with him on his journey through this harrowing time.
August 15, 2019
Right from the start, I knew that Earthbound was my kind of book. I love near-apocalypse stories that force us to face the darker side of our nature, and this one definitely did not disappoint!
So many books with this kind of premise slow down after the initial shock of the looming catastrophe, but not this one. We’re plunged into the action, with Jim desperate to get his family back together as an asteroid is hurtling through space towards Earth.
On every page, I was with him, wanting him to succeed, seeing through his eyes the horror of watching society crumble. Soon it's neighbour against neighbour, fighting for resources. What I especially loved about this book was how we saw this catastrophe from all angles, not just close in with the characters, but on a wide, political levels; some of the later scenes as we watch it being debated in parliament are especially good.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
So many books with this kind of premise slow down after the initial shock of the looming catastrophe, but not this one. We’re plunged into the action, with Jim desperate to get his family back together as an asteroid is hurtling through space towards Earth.
On every page, I was with him, wanting him to succeed, seeing through his eyes the horror of watching society crumble. Soon it's neighbour against neighbour, fighting for resources. What I especially loved about this book was how we saw this catastrophe from all angles, not just close in with the characters, but on a wide, political levels; some of the later scenes as we watch it being debated in parliament are especially good.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
September 19, 2019
With an asteroid on a collision course for Earth, the world is thrown into chaos. The planet as we know it only has 32 days before impact.
Paul Falk really captured the human psyche and the supermarket scene took me back to when my county was hit by the floods of 2007, with people panic-buying water and when it snows, stupid humans stock up on bread & milk for no apparent reason, leaving the shelves bare.
The author has definitely researched the subject matter and he has definite experience in the Navy as the main character, Jim Stone, an ex Naval Captain, comes out of the page as a real, living person.
An excellent book that makes you want to read the next instalment.
Paul Falk really captured the human psyche and the supermarket scene took me back to when my county was hit by the floods of 2007, with people panic-buying water and when it snows, stupid humans stock up on bread & milk for no apparent reason, leaving the shelves bare.
The author has definitely researched the subject matter and he has definite experience in the Navy as the main character, Jim Stone, an ex Naval Captain, comes out of the page as a real, living person.
An excellent book that makes you want to read the next instalment.
April 27, 2019
The world's reaction to the news about an enormous asteroid headed straight for Earth kept me spellbound from beginning to end. There were fascinating scientific facts describing asteroids and what happens when an asteroid makes impact.
In the ensuing crimes and global panic, the story focuses on recently retired naval officer, Jim Stone. It was through his eyes that I saw the murder and mayhem play out on a personal level. He and those close to him were perfectly described.
Definitely an action-packed page turner! Earthbound is well written, easy to read, and recommended!
In the ensuing crimes and global panic, the story focuses on recently retired naval officer, Jim Stone. It was through his eyes that I saw the murder and mayhem play out on a personal level. He and those close to him were perfectly described.
Definitely an action-packed page turner! Earthbound is well written, easy to read, and recommended!
May 3, 2019
Earthbound is the first of a book series. A 20 mile wide asteroid is heading to Earth and will make landfall in a month. It describes the mayhem, chaos, and panic an event like that would cause!
With gripping detail the story revolves around one Jim Stone, retired military man who can still show kindness in a hostile environment. But even the nicest people can change their spots when forced into survival situations....!!
I’m looking forward to how the story continues and what further surprises await the reader as this tale progresses....if you enjoy dystopian fiction this is a book for you.
With gripping detail the story revolves around one Jim Stone, retired military man who can still show kindness in a hostile environment. But even the nicest people can change their spots when forced into survival situations....!!
I’m looking forward to how the story continues and what further surprises await the reader as this tale progresses....if you enjoy dystopian fiction this is a book for you.
June 5, 2019
My first book to read by this author Paul Kalk. From the onset I was drawn into this story. Kalk's writing style is very good as he unwinds this tale of world disaster. The story reminds me of the movie Armagedden where an asteroid is about to collide with the earth, it is a true attention getter. Read how the human race reacts to it's oncoming doom and how Jim Stone faces these last days. Stone is a man who is trying to bring his loved ones close to him hoping together they can face the end. This author Paul Kalk is an accomplished writer who gets a well deserved five stars.
Clint Clay
Clint Clay
May 5, 2019
This captivating novel had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I am already excited to read the next part to this story! It not only was eloquently worded, but had a fantastic story line that made me realize how inadequately prepared I am for an apocalyptic scenario. The lead character Jim Stone is an equal balance of practicality, comedian, and hero. This is a must read book for all those who enjoy tales that are difficult to put down once you pick them up.
October 9, 2020
I'd not read any of Paul Falk's books before, but like the sound of the outline of the story and so decided to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed.
The novel tells the story of an impending cataclysmic disaster, when a large asteroid is found rapidly approaching Earth on a collision course. With only thirty days to prepare for what could be a life ending event, people panic and soon Jim Stone and his son and their friends, find themselves facing and having to deal with situations they'd never encountered before.
I won't give the plot away but it is a very good read, especially as it is told from the point of view of ordinary people facing extraordinary events.
The novel tells the story of an impending cataclysmic disaster, when a large asteroid is found rapidly approaching Earth on a collision course. With only thirty days to prepare for what could be a life ending event, people panic and soon Jim Stone and his son and their friends, find themselves facing and having to deal with situations they'd never encountered before.
I won't give the plot away but it is a very good read, especially as it is told from the point of view of ordinary people facing extraordinary events.
June 5, 2019
We plan our lives in terms of days, weeks and years but what if there was no future? What would you do if the end of the world was coming and there was nothing you could do to stop it. Earthbound, by Paul Falk takes you an emotional, nail-biting and sometimes harrowing journey to explore just that. The emotional rollercoaster in this story will give you whiplash in the best kind of way, forcing you to live in the final moments of a world gone mad.
Retired serviceman Jim Stone is woken by his best friend Gary to find out there's an extinction level asteroid heading for Earth. We follow him along the path most humans would take when considering survival. Society begins to break down and simple commodities such as food and safety grow scarce. We're shown the worst of humanity as Jim strives to gather his loved ones close in the final days until impact. Desperation causes him to protect himself in ways he hoped he'd never have to and he witnesses how people can snap under such pressure. Jim shows us the best parts of being human. Toward the end of the book (no spoilers I promise) he demonstrates the qualities that make us great as a species and why we deserve to have lived on this planet. It's a story of light and dark moments, a battle of wills and survival and a heart warming look at how some people can remain good when all hope it lost. A fantastic read that's had my mind thinking 'what if' after I put it down.
Retired serviceman Jim Stone is woken by his best friend Gary to find out there's an extinction level asteroid heading for Earth. We follow him along the path most humans would take when considering survival. Society begins to break down and simple commodities such as food and safety grow scarce. We're shown the worst of humanity as Jim strives to gather his loved ones close in the final days until impact. Desperation causes him to protect himself in ways he hoped he'd never have to and he witnesses how people can snap under such pressure. Jim shows us the best parts of being human. Toward the end of the book (no spoilers I promise) he demonstrates the qualities that make us great as a species and why we deserve to have lived on this planet. It's a story of light and dark moments, a battle of wills and survival and a heart warming look at how some people can remain good when all hope it lost. A fantastic read that's had my mind thinking 'what if' after I put it down.
May 3, 2019
I chose this book as it is a subject I am interested in. The author took an idea that has been done before and given it a new spin. Instead of the tried and tested explosions normally associated with a disaster story, the book follows the story of one man who is trying to get his family together as the world falls apart after news that an asteroid strike is mere weeks away. The protagonist is forced repeatedly to take actions he disagrees with in the hope of doing the right thing. The characters are consistent and interesting, interacting well with one another. The author obviously researched his material to try and deliver a realistic scenario. Several of the scenes give a real sense of panic as people desperately try to survive in a uncertain future. I give the book 5 stars and a big thumbs up. Give it a try if you are a fan of apocalypse books.
October 1, 2019
This story definitely keeps you on your toes. With an 20 mile in diameter asteroid on a direct line to hit Earth, humans are put to the ultimate test. The main character has his own moments of weakness and demonstrates how difficult of a situation this would be, if it were ever to happen. Overall, it had a great story line and plot, just needs to be tightened up in spots where there is excessive information.
October 22, 2020
This book examines what it is be the everyman in a dire situation. With an asteroid headed for Earth we follow the story of a man trying his best to survive. He is a father, friend and lover so he is easy to relate to as he tries his best to survive the insanity the world is plunged into. This is a tense story that kept me on the edge of my seat and made me really think about what the people of the world world do when faced with the unimaginable. Would highly recommend.
July 23, 2019
I enjoyed this first installment of Paul Falk’s end of world work. With a massive asteroid expected to hit earth in just over a month, Falk explores the question of what would a regular American do with the world, social order, government, and neighbors each crumbling with fear and terror? His answers range from the mundane - eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to the expected - gather my family, to the unexpected - take up and actually use firearms for questionable reasons. I particularly liked the interludes of the local news and then insights to what some western governments are doing/planning. The writing is strongest when sharing facts about the global effects and the longing for the safety of family.
I give it five stars and I eagerly await part two. I want to know what happens at the news station, in China, in England, and of course in the US on both coasts. There’s a lot to cover and fill in, not the least of which is the 20 mile asteroid that is so very close and which looms over every scene and every character.
I give it five stars and I eagerly await part two. I want to know what happens at the news station, in China, in England, and of course in the US on both coasts. There’s a lot to cover and fill in, not the least of which is the 20 mile asteroid that is so very close and which looms over every scene and every character.
October 7, 2021
News programs have just aired special reports that astronomers have just discovered a 20 mile wide asteroid that is on a 32 day path to crashing into the earth, and Jim Stone is quickly discovering his San Diego community, along with the rest of the world, is quickly reacting erratically to the upcoming apocalyptic event. Even though his initial goal is to bring his college son Eric, his girlfriend Lori, and his best friend Gary together in safety back in his home, the chaotic situation leads him to a level of leadership on a broader public stage as the danger approaches. This first book of an apocalyptic thriller trilogy covers just the first five days of the projected 32 leading to the upcoming disaster, and it does appear the mass reaction happens a bit too quickly, but many sci-fi thrill fans will enjoy the fear-inducing actions the characters experience and will be inspired to head into the next books in the trilogy.
April 21, 2021
Earthbound is a great start to what promises to be an epic tale of a cataclysmic, world-changing event.
For me, the detail of how the inhabitants of our planet come to terms with their impending doom is what makes it a great read.
The characters are strong, but not simply your archetypical action-movie heroes, they could also be "those people who live next door". The dialogue between the main character and his close friends makes this book a very pleasant read. It feels like you're right there with them, in the thick of the action.
When darkness threatens our very survival, there will be those who fall into chaos, but there are always those who want to do the right thing...including Jim Stone.
Keep up the good work, Mr Falk.
For me, the detail of how the inhabitants of our planet come to terms with their impending doom is what makes it a great read.
The characters are strong, but not simply your archetypical action-movie heroes, they could also be "those people who live next door". The dialogue between the main character and his close friends makes this book a very pleasant read. It feels like you're right there with them, in the thick of the action.
When darkness threatens our very survival, there will be those who fall into chaos, but there are always those who want to do the right thing...including Jim Stone.
Keep up the good work, Mr Falk.
October 2, 2019
This book is such a truism of what would happen to the human race should something as terrifying if an asteroid was about to collide with earth. Find out about the mayhem of panic buying, the terror as primal animal defending of commodities most of us take for granted. Well worth a read.
June 29, 2020
Earthbound is the story of a giant asteroid heading toward earth and the chaos that ensues as humanity learns their days are numbered.
We see the story from one man’s point of view as he desperately tries to gather friends and family to him as society caves and erupts into total anarchy. From one shocking event to the next, the author depicts what would surely happen in this situation in real life.
Though the prose is a little stiff, the story unfolds with abrupt and surprising brutality in some instances. It’s solid storytelling that keeps you turning pages to see the awful lengths people go to in their panic and desperation.
We see the story from one man’s point of view as he desperately tries to gather friends and family to him as society caves and erupts into total anarchy. From one shocking event to the next, the author depicts what would surely happen in this situation in real life.
Though the prose is a little stiff, the story unfolds with abrupt and surprising brutality in some instances. It’s solid storytelling that keeps you turning pages to see the awful lengths people go to in their panic and desperation.
June 8, 2019
Earthbound by Paul Falk is a so-so science fiction novel.
An asteroid of unbelieveable size (20 miles!) is found to be hurling on a collision course toward the Earth. The impact and the end of life as we know it is going to occur in 32 days and the world falls into chaos. Set in San Diego, California, our protagonist, Jim Stone is ex-Navy and sets out to prepare. He manages to get the last cart load of groceries out of the local store, arms himself, and then coordinates getting his son, girlfriend, and best friend all ensconced at his house.
Setting aside the rather stilted writing and somewhat awkward dialogue, the start to the plot in Earthbound is strong, The chaos brings violence and Jim is ready to meet it head on, gun at the ready, protecting those he loves and what they have. There are several narrow escapes from death for all of them. The impending disaster looms large and the violence threatening them is palpable. The narrative is gripping at this point and you will be wondering if they can survive.
Then it all takes a side-track, running off the rails of a great start and heads down the allegorical trail. The juxtaposition of concern over the survival, protection, and safety of those you love being suddenly banished for a greater concern that can be made to directly compare to a current political situation was a story-killer. Additionally, the amount of discussion between characters relating to this was, well, kinda preachy and long-winded. Less time was spent discussing the neighbor demanding food and trying to break into your house so you had to kill him. (For those who read Earthbound, ponder this and the other shooting in comparison to the later lecture.) Then the ending abruptly arrives with no conclusion. This is part one of a series.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the publisher/author.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
An asteroid of unbelieveable size (20 miles!) is found to be hurling on a collision course toward the Earth. The impact and the end of life as we know it is going to occur in 32 days and the world falls into chaos. Set in San Diego, California, our protagonist, Jim Stone is ex-Navy and sets out to prepare. He manages to get the last cart load of groceries out of the local store, arms himself, and then coordinates getting his son, girlfriend, and best friend all ensconced at his house.
Setting aside the rather stilted writing and somewhat awkward dialogue, the start to the plot in Earthbound is strong, The chaos brings violence and Jim is ready to meet it head on, gun at the ready, protecting those he loves and what they have. There are several narrow escapes from death for all of them. The impending disaster looms large and the violence threatening them is palpable. The narrative is gripping at this point and you will be wondering if they can survive.
Then it all takes a side-track, running off the rails of a great start and heads down the allegorical trail. The juxtaposition of concern over the survival, protection, and safety of those you love being suddenly banished for a greater concern that can be made to directly compare to a current political situation was a story-killer. Additionally, the amount of discussion between characters relating to this was, well, kinda preachy and long-winded. Less time was spent discussing the neighbor demanding food and trying to break into your house so you had to kill him. (For those who read Earthbound, ponder this and the other shooting in comparison to the later lecture.) Then the ending abruptly arrives with no conclusion. This is part one of a series.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the publisher/author.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
June 23, 2019
Earthbound was a great read! It really causes you think about what life would be like in the face of a catastrophe that threatens ALL life on planet Earth, and what ways you can prepare yourself in order to survive the unimaginable impending doom. I loved the story, and Peter Faulk's settings and characterizations really stood out. Each person had a clear reason for why they were in the story and what their motivations were, as well as why they each acted and/or reacted the way that they did. Peter is a great storyteller, and I was immediately sucked in right from the start.
My only criticisms are that there were quite a few typos, missed punctuation (i.e. no quotation marks in some places where there should've been), WAY too many commas in places that did NOT need to have commas, incorrect spellings (i.e. its when it should've been it's and for when it should've been four, etc.), and left out words throughout the novel. Also, the dialogue was rather stiff and stilted, and a lot of the characters sounded just like each other when they spoke rather than each of them having a unique voice. It was also jarring that one day people are shut-ins because no one can go anywhere without being accosted and assaulted, and the next day people are answering doors to strangers who are asking for help to support a worthy cause. That part was where the story seemed to derail and go off in a completely different direction than it had been the whole time prior. I was also rather disappointed that there was really NO ending to speak of. The story just seemed to STOP in a weird way. There was a ton of build up toward this one catastrophic event where you want to know HOW anyone will survive this, only to find that you've come all this way with these characters, and are NOWHERE NEAR CLOSE to finding out what happens to them in the end. Even the Harry Potter novels that involved several books leading to one big conclusion had clear resolutions at the end of each novel. This story had no resolution at all. It just abruptly ended.
Aside from these criticisms, the theme was a great premise, and I think Peter Faulk has a knack for making you care about his characters and want to keep reading to find out what happens to them next. I really enjoyed reading Earthbound, and I look forward to reading Book Two!
My only criticisms are that there were quite a few typos, missed punctuation (i.e. no quotation marks in some places where there should've been), WAY too many commas in places that did NOT need to have commas, incorrect spellings (i.e. its when it should've been it's and for when it should've been four, etc.), and left out words throughout the novel. Also, the dialogue was rather stiff and stilted, and a lot of the characters sounded just like each other when they spoke rather than each of them having a unique voice. It was also jarring that one day people are shut-ins because no one can go anywhere without being accosted and assaulted, and the next day people are answering doors to strangers who are asking for help to support a worthy cause. That part was where the story seemed to derail and go off in a completely different direction than it had been the whole time prior. I was also rather disappointed that there was really NO ending to speak of. The story just seemed to STOP in a weird way. There was a ton of build up toward this one catastrophic event where you want to know HOW anyone will survive this, only to find that you've come all this way with these characters, and are NOWHERE NEAR CLOSE to finding out what happens to them in the end. Even the Harry Potter novels that involved several books leading to one big conclusion had clear resolutions at the end of each novel. This story had no resolution at all. It just abruptly ended.
Aside from these criticisms, the theme was a great premise, and I think Peter Faulk has a knack for making you care about his characters and want to keep reading to find out what happens to them next. I really enjoyed reading Earthbound, and I look forward to reading Book Two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews