Falling

by Tori Briar

Falling is the story of fifteen-year-old Kallie, an introvert with a mean round-kick, who has survived the reoccurring violence of a family curse only by faithfully following rules she must now break to stay alive; and Adlai, a powerful but lonely vampire who, through contact with Kallie begins to rediscover emotions he thought lost after his change. Their interactions force them to face the same stay as they are, or evolve into someone new.Book 1 of the Ethereal Witch Series

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2021

Reviews

[Holden Wunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the age group fool you, while this is a coming of age story, the stakes are HIGH.

The story is interesting, the characters are dynamic, but what keeps me coming back is Briar’s ability to write. There are so many aspects that can make or break a book, and the skill of the authour is everything. Briar lyrically writes in a way that has me enamored from the beginning to the last dripping words.

[Kelli Heitstuman-Tomko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written book. The author's command of language is fantastic, and the character development is thorough. It has all the makings of an interesting supernatural tale fraught with danger. The problem is getting to the plot.

This story moves way too slowly. For most of the book, the protagonist and antagonist are almost two separate stories that occasionally brush up against each other and make you wonder when they will become one book. The protagonist is beset by dangers that are impossible to understand. She is a cursed being, but there is nothing to tell you what the exact curse is and who are all these people trying to kill her. I'm not even sure what the antagonist was doing in the story. He didn't seem to have any real purpose.

I wanted to like this book. The prose is beautiful. But the switching POVs from chapter to chapter was jarring, and the plot moved so slowly that I almost just stopped reading it a time or two. There were great questions asked throughout the story, but none of them seemed to be satisfactorily answered. I felt no solid resolution.

I didn't completely dislike this book. I just feel like it let me down a bit.

[Susan Botich · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Falling” by Tori Briar is a contemporary urban dark fantasy that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat from the first page to the last. Briar moves the story forward at break-neck speed from the point of view of the two main characters, alternating between the two with each chapter, creating a fast-paced dance of cat-and-mouse between the two. Threading their lives together with constant tension and unfolding mystery of their respective histories which have propelled them into their current lives, she weaves her characters into a plot of intrigue and romance, culminating with a spark of hope for both.

[Jacci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It involved a witch who didn't know she was a witch and a vampire who went around satisfying his cravings for blood.
Of course the two are going to come into conflict and it's just the beginning of a series so you never know if two are going to be together in the end or hate each other. At this point I pretty much hate the vampire so hoping they don't but who knows.
The writer is a poet and that comes across in the beauty of the writing. But it did get a bit slow at times. I think this is a good read for people that love paranormal romance.

[Mike Mcquay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story took me so personally deep into each character that I had to get over feeling like I was violating their boundaries. But I got over it. It was so interesting to see the gradual change in feelings and relationships. It kept me constantly guessing where it was going and I was always wrong. Along the way, I saw the world differently, through different eyes, and described differently than (with different words than I'd use) I'd ever describe it. It was poetic, refreshing, new, and deep.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Paranormal Romance. Main character is strong female (YA age). Secondary character is a sexy but lonely vampire who starts the book as an antagonist (seriously evil and messed up) but evolves into something more interesting. Strong lyrical writing and easy, fun read.

[Elise Manion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to like it

I so wanted to like this book but it fell hard, pun intended. Too many analogies, not enough plot, poor character motivation. I had to force myself to finish by skimming over the many chapters of fever dream narrative prose that didn’t advance the story. And yes it ends on the dreaded cliffhanger with no questions answered.

[Krista Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori Briar has written a literary paranormal romance, the first paranormal romance I’ve read. Co-protagonists and alternate narrators Kallie and Adlai are adversaries turned partners-in-fighting turned crushes turned…you’ll see.

Kallie is a complex, relatable character in her vulnerability as she copes with a curse that leaves her friendless and lonely. Her lifelong ally has been her father until her 16th birthday when he has to work two shifts in a row. She packs her day full, setting goals and giving herself small rewards, but still ends the day bereft. Dad has betrayed her in a deeper way, as well. She feels she must stay away from him and everyone else for their own safety.

Adlai, also complex, has a mean streak that can turn violent. He suffered torture in a dungeon at the hands of a former so-called lover. He has selfless, even endearing qualities, but I found it difficult to look past his evil ways of finding blood. He makes a comeback at the end that almost.. almost…undoes his past.

Other characters play their parts, lifting the protagonists to their ultimate flight.

[Cheryl addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series