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Falling Light
Samir Amin has dedicated his life in service of the Nergal, an ancient organization that polices the inter-dimensional beings on our world and the magic that summons them. When an old friend reaches out for help against the wishes of his superiors, Samir must choose between love and duty--and it could cost him his life.
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Hardcover
Published September 7, 2020
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Crystal L. Kirkham
23 books52 followersCrystal L. Kirkham is a multi-genre speculative fiction author and podcaster. She has published several full-length novels and has been a part of multiple best-selling anthologies.
Originally from the west coast of British Columbia, she now chooses to call a tiny hamlet in central Alberta her home. She is an avid outdoors person, unrepentant coffee addict, part-time foodie, and companion to several delightfully hilarious canines.
She will neither confirm nor deny the rumours regarding the heart in a jar on her desk or the bottle of readers' tears right next to it. However, she will confirm that she once broke the metal handle to a 4-tonne car jack with her bare hands.
Originally from the west coast of British Columbia, she now chooses to call a tiny hamlet in central Alberta her home. She is an avid outdoors person, unrepentant coffee addict, part-time foodie, and companion to several delightfully hilarious canines.
She will neither confirm nor deny the rumours regarding the heart in a jar on her desk or the bottle of readers' tears right next to it. However, she will confirm that she once broke the metal handle to a 4-tonne car jack with her bare hands.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 3, 2020
I have to admit that neither the cover nor the title caught my attention, but since I was somewhat bored, I decided to read the synopsis and I was hooked.
The story begins with Anela and our mysterious character talking about a strange connection and the life outside the world they knew. Then we meet Samir, a Nergal agent who has different points of view than the organization he works for and finally they reveal Keeler to us. Although the three of them are the main ones, there are other POVs, Strangely and despite having multiple POVs, which normally I don't like, in this case it fits perfectly.
Thus we begin to navigate a world of inter-dimensional beings and their life in our dimension.
In general, the story is good, it catches you from the first moment and although there are many mysteries and questions, little by little they are answered. I think you connect with Samir, Keeler and Anela in their story, once I started the book, I couldn't stop.
There are still many questions that need to be answered, but I imagine it will be in the next book. I warn you that it ends in a cliffhanger, so you have to wait until the next one to know what will happen!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins with Anela and our mysterious character talking about a strange connection and the life outside the world they knew. Then we meet Samir, a Nergal agent who has different points of view than the organization he works for and finally they reveal Keeler to us. Although the three of them are the main ones, there are other POVs, Strangely and despite having multiple POVs, which normally I don't like, in this case it fits perfectly.
Thus we begin to navigate a world of inter-dimensional beings and their life in our dimension.
In general, the story is good, it catches you from the first moment and although there are many mysteries and questions, little by little they are answered. I think you connect with Samir, Keeler and Anela in their story, once I started the book, I couldn't stop.
There are still many questions that need to be answered, but I imagine it will be in the next book. I warn you that it ends in a cliffhanger, so you have to wait until the next one to know what will happen!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2020
First off, I'd like to thank the author, Crystal Kirkham, for letting me review this book as an ARC. Because I liked it so, so much! The cover and the title were catchy... and so were the font styles! - both inside and on the cover!
The opening was great - even though it was not the character I was expecting after reading the description - it felt like a prologue. It was very mysterious and a bit confusing, but it was clear that the book was something supernatural... or at least, not a regular contemporary fantasy novel. Fantasy, but on so much higher level! A very unique book!
Though a few pages in I was confused, I still went on reading it, because the writing and the dialogue were very witty. There was no aspect that felt boring to me.
However, I gave this book four stars, because there were some problems that I found:
1. I spotted a few grammatical mistakes. Some I could overlook, but a few really distracted me. This intensified in the middle of the book. Some mistakes, though, suited the different writing style very well!
2. I felt that the author could've used a few dashes or so to make the reading more effective instead of a lot of commas... but that's probably just me!
3. The show-don't-tell aspect failed at a few places and may have crossed the line to over-narration.
4. Sometimes, the movements described of the characters seemed a little confusing, which hampered my imagination a little.
5. I wish the location of the settings for this story were made more clear in the first quarter of the book, rather than random mentions in the second half.
Nonetheless, I pressed on - went on reading, because I was already invested in the beautiful characters that Kirkham created. I fell in love with the god-like creatures that Samir was acquainted with! I already wanted to know how it all ended - oh, that mad magician! - and what kind of decisions Samir would make, because of the awkward circumstances that kept hitting him from every direction!
What I felt truly refreshing was the constant shifting of perspective. It was very apt! This book was unique in more ways than one!
I loved the ending and would love to read more of this story!!
I'd definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and the supernatural genre. Right now, I cannot think of any book that I can compare it to... perhaps because of the ingenuity of the plot! I felt good reading it!
The opening was great - even though it was not the character I was expecting after reading the description - it felt like a prologue. It was very mysterious and a bit confusing, but it was clear that the book was something supernatural... or at least, not a regular contemporary fantasy novel. Fantasy, but on so much higher level! A very unique book!
Though a few pages in I was confused, I still went on reading it, because the writing and the dialogue were very witty. There was no aspect that felt boring to me.
However, I gave this book four stars, because there were some problems that I found:
1. I spotted a few grammatical mistakes. Some I could overlook, but a few really distracted me. This intensified in the middle of the book. Some mistakes, though, suited the different writing style very well!
2. I felt that the author could've used a few dashes or so to make the reading more effective instead of a lot of commas... but that's probably just me!
3. The show-don't-tell aspect failed at a few places and may have crossed the line to over-narration.
4. Sometimes, the movements described of the characters seemed a little confusing, which hampered my imagination a little.
5. I wish the location of the settings for this story were made more clear in the first quarter of the book, rather than random mentions in the second half.
Nonetheless, I pressed on - went on reading, because I was already invested in the beautiful characters that Kirkham created. I fell in love with the god-like creatures that Samir was acquainted with! I already wanted to know how it all ended - oh, that mad magician! - and what kind of decisions Samir would make, because of the awkward circumstances that kept hitting him from every direction!
What I felt truly refreshing was the constant shifting of perspective. It was very apt! This book was unique in more ways than one!
I loved the ending and would love to read more of this story!!
I'd definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and the supernatural genre. Right now, I cannot think of any book that I can compare it to... perhaps because of the ingenuity of the plot! I felt good reading it!
August 2, 2020
FallingLight by Crystal Kirkham is a love story set within a really cool speculative fiction universe in which Earth isn't just inhabited by humans. It's also inhabited by beings from other dimensions.
When Keeler, one of these inter-dimensional beings (who inhabits a human body) meets Samir, a human, they feel an immediate connection. Only problem is, Samir is part of the Nergal, a group that has the habit of mistreating, imprisoning, and deporting people like Keeler. And Keeler has spent thousands of years learning not to open himself up to human relationships. They have a lot working against them.
In the meantime, their mutual friend, Anela, has quite a history of her own...and an enemy who seeks ultimate power is hunting her down.
There's adventure and sweet romance throughout.
The ending frustrated me because it's quite the cliffhanger. That being said, there is a complete plot/storyline here...there are just a whole lot of loose ends that need to be resolved in the next book. I certainly plan to read it.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review.
4.5 stars.
When Keeler, one of these inter-dimensional beings (who inhabits a human body) meets Samir, a human, they feel an immediate connection. Only problem is, Samir is part of the Nergal, a group that has the habit of mistreating, imprisoning, and deporting people like Keeler. And Keeler has spent thousands of years learning not to open himself up to human relationships. They have a lot working against them.
In the meantime, their mutual friend, Anela, has quite a history of her own...and an enemy who seeks ultimate power is hunting her down.
There's adventure and sweet romance throughout.
The ending frustrated me because it's quite the cliffhanger. That being said, there is a complete plot/storyline here...there are just a whole lot of loose ends that need to be resolved in the next book. I certainly plan to read it.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review.
4.5 stars.
August 3, 2021
FROM THE AUTHOR
Hello! Thanks for your interest in FALLING LIGHT, the first book in The Shadows of Fate trilogy.
This is a book that falls on the edge of several genres, or as one friend said, it is its own unique Urban Adventure Romance. This is a dual plotline story; a contemporary urban fantasy and an LGBTQIA+ romance where neither plot is complete without the other.
While book one does end in a cliffhanger, the primary plot arc of this book is complete and you will not be left entirely unsatisfied. Book two (which is going through final revisions as of writing this) will pick up right where this one leaves off.
This is the slow-burn romance that you never expected and, while this angsty romance blooms slowly, the fantasy plotline will carry you along swiftly. I hope you love the characters and the uniqueness of this story and world I have created.
To all those that also take the time to review, thank you doubly. Reviews are bread and butter to indie authors.
Hello! Thanks for your interest in FALLING LIGHT, the first book in The Shadows of Fate trilogy.
This is a book that falls on the edge of several genres, or as one friend said, it is its own unique Urban Adventure Romance. This is a dual plotline story; a contemporary urban fantasy and an LGBTQIA+ romance where neither plot is complete without the other.
While book one does end in a cliffhanger, the primary plot arc of this book is complete and you will not be left entirely unsatisfied. Book two (which is going through final revisions as of writing this) will pick up right where this one leaves off.
This is the slow-burn romance that you never expected and, while this angsty romance blooms slowly, the fantasy plotline will carry you along swiftly. I hope you love the characters and the uniqueness of this story and world I have created.
To all those that also take the time to review, thank you doubly. Reviews are bread and butter to indie authors.
August 20, 2021
A twisty turny story that really digs down into what it means to be "human". Very enjoyable with characters I would absolutely die to protect even though they're all very capable of handling themselves.
October 24, 2020
This is a well written and intriguing story with complex, well developed characters who inhabit an interesting universe in which there are beings who definitely aren't human, a shady government agency that attempts to contain and control them, and nefarious forces who want to use them for their own ends. Samir is a Nergal agent who wants a kinder, gentler way. Anela is his decidedly non-human charge and dear friend, and Keeler is a being like her, one that Anela meets and introduces to Samir. When Anela is kidnapped, their adventure begins. The chemistry between Samir and Keeler is real, the plot twists are compelling, and it's overall a good read. Readers should know, however, that this is part one of two, and that it ends with a pretty significant "to be continued."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2021
Enchanting, suspenseful, and enjoyable love story. Captures your attention from the beginning and does a good job of keeping the reader engaged.
Definitely not too excited about the cliffhanger, but I look forward to the next installment.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Definitely not too excited about the cliffhanger, but I look forward to the next installment.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
October 2, 2021
It took me a couple of chapters to settle into this urban paranormal ... but I remain unclear as to the type of non-human extra-dimensional entity MCs Keeler and Anela at book's end. A great deal of the book focuses on the human-other relationships - with a great deal of soul searching and internal rumination - which bogs down the plot pacing somewhat. Readers should be warned this is a first book in a series? given there is a not quite HFN cliff-hanger ending. Not too bad for my first exposure to the author - 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
August 31, 2020
The lack of worldbuilding in this book made it very difficult to keep my interest. Who really are the Nergal and the Institute? How old are the organizations and why do they breed hatred and distrust of anything 'other'? Since they don't seem to be much good at containing intrusions, why do they not seek to ally with them to help be a more effective police force? How did Conner find out about all of this and where were any of the mundane, or supernatural protections that the Nergal, and the Institute should have had in place to monitor and prevent this? What could either organization have done if Conner were successful? They largely seem to be content with the status quo and thinking that simply because they've been lucky so far, they are somehow invincible.
Honestly, I want everything in the Nergal and Institute to collapse in ruin and chaos because they are too bigoted to realize that they aren't in control. But I don't know if I care enough about any of the characters, or the plot to read any further in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Honestly, I want everything in the Nergal and Institute to collapse in ruin and chaos because they are too bigoted to realize that they aren't in control. But I don't know if I care enough about any of the characters, or the plot to read any further in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 9, 2025
Falling Light is a suspenseful urban fantasy that interweaves themes of friendship, love, family and duty. Highlights for me were Samir's exchanges with his father, the sincere fondness and familiarity between Anela and Samir (I'm a sucker for good depictions of friendship in fiction), and the sweetness of the budding romance in spite of a complex situation. Readers take note: this book does have a cliffhanger ending, but one that's executed with great care and optimism 💙
August 23, 2024
Good, but subject matter not for me
I dived in knowing subjects in this plot was not right for me. I still left a high review, because the writing itself was excellent. The characters were likeable, the editing was done well, and it was creative. If it’s your thing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I dived in knowing subjects in this plot was not right for me. I still left a high review, because the writing itself was excellent. The characters were likeable, the editing was done well, and it was creative. If it’s your thing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
December 8, 2020
I received an eARC from BookSirens in exchange for a review, this doesn’t affect my opinion of the book, all my thoughts are my own and are honest.
This book was not what I excepted. From the synopsis, I thought this was going to be set in a medieval setting like a lot of fantasy books are, but it surprised me when it was set in the real world.
Anela was confident, badass and a force to be reckoned with. She cares deeply for her family and will do anything to save him.
Samir is shy and rambles on when he is nervous, but when it came to his work he was confident. He is also very modest and just wants to make sure that the inter-dimensional beings have a better life on earth.
Keeler was a mystery that unravelled throughout the book. At first, he was standoffish, mysterious, almost shy and quiet. But you saw throughout the book he started to let himself have emotions and how we got to see his journey as he dealt with them.
What I didn’t expect was the romance. At first, I was worried it was going to be an instalove romance, but it took them a while to admit their feelings towards each other and it was a whole nother story about acting on them. It was cute and I thought the romance was well done. It showed the struggles both characters went through.
It was fast-paced from the start but did slow down towards the end, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of, as it just made the pacing of the book feel off. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plot either, although it did surprise me when it went in a different direction then I was predicting.
I enjoyed the parts that delved into the inter-dimensional beings, I found it to be fascinating to read about and kept me engaged. If I decided to pick up the sequel, it would be to know more about the beings and see what happens after the cliffhanger.
Overall a fun quick read, with interesting characters and a romance that I really enjoyed. It will depend on how high my interest is when the sequel is released on whether I pick it up or not.
3 ⭐️
Thank you to BookSirens, Crystal L. Kirkham and the publishers for approving me a copy.
This book was not what I excepted. From the synopsis, I thought this was going to be set in a medieval setting like a lot of fantasy books are, but it surprised me when it was set in the real world.
Anela was confident, badass and a force to be reckoned with. She cares deeply for her family and will do anything to save him.
Samir is shy and rambles on when he is nervous, but when it came to his work he was confident. He is also very modest and just wants to make sure that the inter-dimensional beings have a better life on earth.
Keeler was a mystery that unravelled throughout the book. At first, he was standoffish, mysterious, almost shy and quiet. But you saw throughout the book he started to let himself have emotions and how we got to see his journey as he dealt with them.
What I didn’t expect was the romance. At first, I was worried it was going to be an instalove romance, but it took them a while to admit their feelings towards each other and it was a whole nother story about acting on them. It was cute and I thought the romance was well done. It showed the struggles both characters went through.
It was fast-paced from the start but did slow down towards the end, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of, as it just made the pacing of the book feel off. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plot either, although it did surprise me when it went in a different direction then I was predicting.
I enjoyed the parts that delved into the inter-dimensional beings, I found it to be fascinating to read about and kept me engaged. If I decided to pick up the sequel, it would be to know more about the beings and see what happens after the cliffhanger.
Overall a fun quick read, with interesting characters and a romance that I really enjoyed. It will depend on how high my interest is when the sequel is released on whether I pick it up or not.
3 ⭐️
Thank you to BookSirens, Crystal L. Kirkham and the publishers for approving me a copy.
October 17, 2020
I thought the start of the book was really slow. It took me awhile to get into it. I was impressed by the rest of the book and how it showed a different demention to our world. I liked the story of trying to find the love you want and how hard it is when you want what is not what others think you are suppose to love. I was then disappointed to see a cliffhanger at the end.
I received an arc for an honest review.
I received an arc for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews