Intelligence Officer Brendan Sean Murphy has served his country on the Middle East and Central Asia battlefields. However, his hard-won successes overseas came at the cost of failures at home. These events have drained his soul, leaving him racked with PTSD.
However, his life changes when he intervenes to stop an anti-alien terrorist attack on the subway. Now, he is thrust into interstellar politics with the government naming him an intelligence attaché to the Sabia, a race that closely guards its own secrets.
Right-wing militias, corrupt politicians, and countries seeking military aid from the Sabia challenge Brendan’s mission. On top of this, a medical mystery complicates the balance. Brendan’s only chance at success involves accepting the impossible and unutterable. Only then can he learn the secrets in this Fallen world.
Patrick Abbott served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is happy to live the rest of his life in the United States of America. Writing science fiction and other speculative fiction allows him to focus on themselves in new and unique ways. He has a Substack that allows him to discuss his influences. When not writing, he is active in his church, enjoys reading and the outdoors, and watches baseball to relax.
What happens when a veteran suffering from undiagnosed PTSD is appointed liaison to visiting space aliens? The answer: Plenty of intrigue and conflicting emotion as layers of secrecy are slowly peeled away.
Brendan Murphy seems to be the perfect choice for the job of interacting with the mysterious Sabia, considering his extensive experience in the very different culture and volatile situation in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the very skills the government needs him to exercise have also left him in an emotionally vulnerable, and therefore, unreliable, state.
As Brendan seeks to learn more about the human-like Sabia's true nature and motives, he also comes to terms with his own brokeness, and begins to rely more on the aliens for support. Under these circumstances, he's at greater risk for manipulation and outright abuse from nearly everyone he encounters, to the point where he can no longer trust his own gut.
I loved the premise of this story, and the way nearly every main character gets their own point of view chapters, so we get deep-dives into their thoughts, emotions and motivations. With shades of an addictive soap-opera, this novel definitely emphasizes personal interaction, hidden motives, and psychological and spiritual concerns over action. Nevertheless, the world-building and geo (and interstellar) politics are integrated in a very satisfying way. Some of the scenes between Brendan and his 'hosts' seem overlong, as they fall into repeated patterns of confrontation/resolution, but this is forgivable when the reader is so invested in the high stakes of Brendan's mission.
It's also painful at times to watch the main character so full of self-doubt that he can't see or is powerless against the forces that are using him, but we definitely root for him to find some sense of peace and happiness. Abbot also does a masterfully subtle job keeping us guessing about the aliens origins and intentions; getting into their heads, we see them as complex and conflicted as any humans, but we still have many questions about their true motivations.
Since the novel ends with storm clouds of possible conflict gathering between various Earth factions, and the Sabia, with Brendan caught in the middle, it seems another installment of this saga is on its way. I hope it's ready soon, as I really look forward to continuing this engrossing adventure.
It's one of the more unusual novels I've ever read, at least for me. Everything you want to know about the plot is in the blurb, and anything else would be spoiling it, so I'll just say that plotwise, this book reminded me of a cross between Earth: Final Conflict TV series (seasons 1-2), year 2021 real world current events and the Bible. The main character is interesting, and the reader can really understand his struggle to gather any data about these aliens who are determined to keep everything about themselves secret. It's written in third person present tense which isn't my favorite, but here it added to the general mood of uneasiness. I really liked the new angle on aliens. The author could have used a professional editor who not only could've gone with a fine tooth comb and gotten the few mistakes in the text, but also tightened the book up in a few places and expanded on some that were less clear. Also, there was a bit too much telling instead of direct speech which could've made the narrative more alive and the love subplot progressed too quickly, it might have been better it it were developed slower over the next books in this series. The book is clearly first in a series, there are unresolved plot points left at the end, but there's no annoying cliffhanger. I will look forward to more in this series.
The worldbuilding is interesting, although hints and plot twists at the end of the book changed the apparent story. Brendan needs help he has not gotten, and his PTSD definitely is another character in the story. The Sabia have a lot of secrets. Fallen isn't a feel good book, but it is an interesting story.
I almost set this book aside a couple of times. The story took its time getting going. The characters were strange. The situations were strange. Even once the story got going, it seemed to move along very slowly. But I stuck with it. There were times when I felt like I was reading parts from another book with things that just didn't make sense. I wrote it off to the fact that this was a futuristic Earth (Terra) and aliens (Sabria), so things would be a bit weird. Add into the mix all the flashbacks with this combat vet's PTSD, and it wasn't just weird but stressful. The author created an extremely stressful situation for the story. I can't say the book was enjoyable. It was just too intense to be that. I'm not even sure what sort of reader I would recommend this to. Perhaps one who enjoys the psychological type of books. With this one, the main character never knew who to trust, what was safe. He was living on a knife's edge.
This book has you scratching your head a bit who is good and who is bad. Simple answer like every species some are good and some are bad. The way the author addresses Brandon’s PTSD is well done. Though I have never had to go through that anguish I’ve heard a friend describe it and have seen him experience an episode. The story has twists and turns and shows a lot of the war we are experiencing today with our world and country divided. The ending leaves you wanting to know more. The book is well written, characters are slowly developed and world building enjoyable. It can be a bit long some times but I think it is a necessity to get the story across. It’s not a quick read but worth it.
Thank you to author for freebie to review with honesty. It was a dense read but interesting military science-fiction world building and the portrayal of the PTSD (and coping mechanisms that come with it, in the case of the protagonist's faith + bonds with trusted people were important keys in his coping process) felt grounded + speculate author has personal experience in.
This novel felt like a roller coaster. One paragraph I'm wanting to put it down and read something else and then BANG, the next paragraph reels me back in.
One thing I find disappointing is the development of Brenden's character. Regardless of his ailments, I felt he could have matured enough to be able to make some crucial choices.
I discovered this author Patrick Abbott through a podcast (Author Blurb) and got a copy of his book. It was a fun, enjoyable, and interesting story. I know another in the series will be come out and I am looking forward to reading it too.
Through the medium of a tale about alien invasion the author reminds humans of the great invisible, cosmic war between good & evil that is coming rapidly to it's conclusion.
Fallen starts off with a good selection of components: a conflicted, PTSD-suffering protagonist, a compelling complexity of a totally different alien encounter and sociology attached to it, a new spin on the political situation of the US and the world in general. The main character - Brendan - is a veteran and an agent of a fictional intelligence agency, thrown into a complex situation of interspecies relationship, while he's managing his personal issues and has to switch from a depression to a battle-ready mode in an instant.
The premise works, and I must say I quite enjoyed the first half of the book. There were interesting things going on, in a very imaginative and unexpected environments. The plot was showing a lot of promise, and the writing was quite good.
Unfortunately, the second part - where I'd expect the stakes, action and intensity to pick up even more - is where it mellows out. There is some tiny bit of action going on, but it seems all that characters do there is constantly cry (literally) and reassure about their good intentions towards each other, with odd musings about their religions and customs thrown into the mix.
There are times, when the last 20% of a book has me glued to pages because the build-up towards the climatic end is too intense. It was different with Fallen - I kept reading just to get it over with, a tiny hope that a huge plot twist might still come, making up for all the sulking staleness in-between, and there kind of was, but just too little.
I can get behind the excessive emotional content, knowing that this might coming from author's personal experiences and that it might be a tool to build up a mood, but it has to be a seasoning, not the main dish.
That said, if you're in a mood of a good and imaginative alien soap opera, give Fallen a try. But if you're looking for a sci-fi thriller, well...
I throughly enjoyed this story, which is odd because I dislike all of the characters. The plot draws from international relations and gamesmanship. It adds the element of an alien race. But these guys are not too alien. They seem very familiar. In fact, they play the role the United states does in actual global politics today. The book has the U.S. as fallen into factions and no longer a global super power. The entire earth is a third world country. The Sabia (aliens) take on the roll the U.S. does today in offering aid and technology. But there is a price for the assistance. Part of the intrigue of the book is that we don’t know what that is. It’s obvious the Sabia think of terrains as inferior. Sabian culture is very gynoducibus, or female dominated. Men are expected to obey their wives. Brendan, the main character, is supposedly a broken man from his military service. But he spends the entire book bawling and squalling and kowtowing to his wife. It’s impossible for me to reconcile this wimp with a tough as nails bad hombre Special Forces operator. I just can’t dredge up any respect for the guy. Nobody, with the possible exception of Brendan, is who they seem. They all have hidden agendas. But there seems to be an underlying plan, and trying to figure out what it is, is a large part of what makes the story so compelling and the book so hard to put down. I’ve already ordered book two in the series.
Patrick Abbott’s Fallen is way more than just another alien contact story. At its heart, it follows Brendan Murphy, a veteran still carrying heavy wounds from his past, who suddenly ends up being the guy stuck trying to talk to the Sabia—aliens who’ve been hovering above Earth for five years without saying a word. The setup alone is intense, but what really hooks you is how Abbott mixes the gritty realism of a soldier’s life with the raw, messy psychology of someone who’s been through hell. Murphy isn’t just fighting for survival; he’s fighting himself, and that makes his transformation from damaged vet to reluctant diplomat both painful and fascinating to watch.
The aliens themselves are handled brilliantly. Abbott doesn’t spoon-feed you world-building. Instead, you learn about the Sabia the same way Murphy does—slowly, cautiously, and with that constant feeling that you’re never getting the full picture. It makes every encounter feel loaded with suspense. Trust is basically the fuel for this story, and there’s never enough of it to go around.
In the end, Fallen isn’t really about an invasion or a first contact—it’s about what happens to people, to nations, to humanity itself, when everything we take for granted starts to crack. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and honestly one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve closed it.
When I first grabbed this title I was expecting an alien story with a dash of espionage elements. What I found instead is a psychological ride with some extraterrestrial elements thrown in the mix. Our main character Brendan Murphy serves as a liaison between 2 civilizations: Earth and Sabias. The Sabias are for the most part just like humans, in fact sometimes we might even forget that they are extraterrestrial altogether (but there is a reason for that). I liked the overall concept however I had a few issues with the execution: many chapters are filled with just Brenda and Sabias shaking hands, sharing a buffet, playing board games. Now I understand that the author is using this approach to show us how a government official studies the enemy while undercover, and how he gathers information to then rely to his superiors, however some of these seemingly mundane scenes seem to go on and on, thus bringing the pace to very slow levels. Brenda making small talk with both Sabias and humans often felt like I had to drag my way to the next chapter. I think overall this is a solid start, a little slow, but with loads of potential for an even better Part 2!
I'm a sucker for an alien visiting earth story. For that reason I persevered through this book. When I got to the end - the biggest questions remained unanswered. Obviously the author intends to serialize this, but I don't think I'll be able to tolerate reading more. The book is pretty long, and I feel cheated of the hours I'll not get back. The writing is mediocre. The copy editing was careless, with typos galore. There are also continuity errors, such as having a character wear a t-shirt and then adjust his tie. The most distracting thing was the number of exclamation points. Somebody needs to review his high school writing notes. The author is supposed to be an adult make not a teenage girl. Speaking of teenage girls, the main character has the mood swings of an adolescent. He's portrayed as an alpha male warrior and at the same time he cries and sobs all the time. His self-pity is level epic. Basically this book is a first draft that needs more work and lots of editing.
Maybe I should wait a day, but first impression is, I am confused. This book is “heavier” than my typical read with much more psychological drama and not much action. Quite an interesting premise and somewhat cynical vie of the world from a fairly unlikeable main character. His insecurities are over the top and beyond reasonableness. While this may be true of many psychoses, it makes it hard to relate or emphasize with the character, which in turn made it hard to invest in the story. His significant conflict resolution abilities appear at odds with his persona. The writing was clear and moving, but ultimately the characters feel one dimensional and the story failed to advance significantly from beginning to end. The lack of resolution of pretty much any story line.again makes me feel like the book isn’t finished, and will not engage me gor volume two.
Fallen is a healing story through Hell that masquerades as a science fiction tale. Wounded veteran Brendan Murphy is a shadow of a man. His home is empty after his failed marriage and the job he has is the only reason to live. Yet even that is a drug he relies on for purpose. When a hostage situation gets out of hand, his brutal semi-hidden remnant of a self comes out. Long story short, his actions get him a spot where aliens known as the Sabia can use him as a person to bounce ideas off while the government will consider him a spy. He does his job well, too well for his mental health. The new job puts him in extreme situations that add more and more stress despite his success. He does befriend a few aliens, including a love interest, but the whole time you are wondering if they care about him or are using him. No spoilers, but the ending shows how healing is possible despite being broken.
Fallen is a gripping, high-stakes sci-fi thriller that pulls you in from page one. Brendan Murphy, a combat veteran, is an unlikely hero caught between two worlds, his broken one and the mysterious alien force hovering above Earth. Readers will appreciate the deep emotional layers beneath the action: trauma, trust, and the burden of diplomacy under pressure. The story is thrilling and introspective, balancing alien intrigue with human vulnerability. The Sabia aliens are enigmatic, cerebral, and their intentions are as layered as Brendan’s past. If you're into military sci-fi with a touch of psychological drama and alien politics, Fallen will hook you. It’s not just about saving the world; it’s about finding your place in it, even when everything feels foreign. Suspenseful, smart, and surprisingly heartfelt, this book delivers far more than laser fights and spaceship rides.
An amazing science fiction book with a plot that will make you feel truly immersed in the story. Fallen by Patrick Abbott transported me deep into the heart of the story. The characters are meticulously constructed, each bearing their own personality and complexities, making an intimate connection with me as a reader. The unexpected plot twists are interesting and entertaining, generating both anticipation and gratification. Fallen explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption with a depth that resonates on a deeply human level. It shines as an exemple of storytelling, confirming Patrick Abbott as a gifted author. For those seeking a profoundly moving and intellectually engaging experience, Fallen stands as a unique option.
An interesting story that intertwines biblical truth with science fiction.
Brendan, a war veteran with PTSD, inadvertently finds himself as liaison between human beings on Earth and a race of aliens who have arrived in Earth’s orbit. During the course of his adventure, he grows in faith and in knowledge of who he is despite his shortcomings.
I enjoyed this story, finding it reminiscent in many ways to C.S. Lewis’ The Space Trilogy. It’s a tale of second chances, redemption, self-discovery and forgiveness. Plus, it promotes understanding other cultures and shows the negative ramifications if cultural differences are misinterpreted. Also, there is humor here – without giving much away, I’ll say the cultural roadblock revolving around handshaking was quite entertaining.
This book has a very successful mix of themes, touching on everything from war to personal internal conflicts that mean the protagonist not only has to fight external forces but also has an internal struggle against demons that still torment him. I love books and movies that involve beings from other planets, as it is an approach not only to the future but also to the true discovery of strange and probably fascinating cultures, so I love to see how the author grounds his perception of these creatures and the way they understand the universe and humans. The book drew me in so easily that I read it in a very short period of time, and I was definitely left wanting more.
The novel "Fallen" By Patrick Abbott provides a captivating perspective on the scenario of alien invasion and humanity's initial response to contact from extraterrestrial beings. This narrative goes beyond the boundaries of traditional science fiction, catering to discerning intellects. It also serves as an exploration of the main character's potential for redemption and liberation. This book captivated my attention, leaving an indelible mark on my literary journey. An absolute must-read that carves a niche of its own in the realm of thought-provoking storytelling.
Fallen is a fictional alien invasion book written by P Abbott. In it, we meet intelligence officer Brendan Sean Murphy, who has served his country on the Middle East and Central Asia battlefields. His life changes when his mission is to stop an alien attack, can he stop it on time or will his efforts be in vain? Personally, I think that the author's strategy of including a description of the characters and the story in general in the description on the page is very good. Without a doubt, it helps the reader to enter the world of fiction before starting to read the book. Without a doubt, I recommend it to all those readers who love alien fiction.
This fabulous and gripping read mixes, within its plot, many types of content that combine perfectly. International conflicts, corrupt politics, terrorist attacks and militias are the forte of this action novel that clearly distinguishes itself from any other of its genre. It is a book that I enjoyed very much, it is a simple and quick read despite its complex content. I found the characters to be very well thought out and the scenes are very well conveyed. These things make you not want to put it down once you've started reading it. I really recommend it and will share it with family and friends who enjoy, as I do, this type of reading.
Back home from a war, Brendan encounters a new kind of war but not of this world. The story varies in pace and features plenty of characters. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. This is a personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. The present tense also emphasises the suspense and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters featured, particularly Brendan's. However, the dialogue is stiff and this is a lengthy read.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily. Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
Fallen by P. Abbott was a book that really surprised me. At first, I thought it was just going to be another sci-fi military story, but it felt much deeper because it focused so much on Brendan’s struggles with PTSD and his search for peace. I liked how the story didn’t just show him as a soldier but as a broken person trying to heal. His pain and confusion felt very real, and it made me think about how hard life can be after war.
The part that stayed with me the most was how his faith became important during the story. Brendan looked for answers and strength in God, and that reminded me of times when I also needed to believe in something bigger to keep going.
This book is the first in a trilogy, so it makes sense that after finishing it, I wanted more. I read it in one sitting; I found it impossible to put down. The mix of action, political intrigue, and that sci-fi feel with alien mysteries were the ingredients that hooked me from the first page. I found Brendan Murphy's story intense and very human, especially because he's not the typical invincible hero but someone marked by his past and forced to confront dilemmas much bigger than himself. I highly recommend this book because it entertains while making you question how far one will go for loyalty and survival. It's an excellent read for the first part of the saga.
Fallen is a science fiction novel – the first one in a series of three books. It is about the alien species called the Sabia and their interactions with the hero of the story, Brendan Murphy. Their connection begins, because Brendan is wounded while protecting a diplomat of the Sabia. Before that, the Sabia did not have much interaction – if any – with humans. Author Patrick Abbott has created an engaging start to the trilogy. At times I felt that the story could have been more streamlined. There were some paragraphs that seemed to beat about the bush. However, I could relate to the characters and it will be interesting to see where the author takes us next.
Although I do not really consider myself a science fiction fan, I found this book very interesting thanks to the way the story unfolds, combining science fiction with drama, suspense, and adventure. All of this, together with the author’s descriptive language, makes the reading not only easy but also allows the reader to vividly imagine every event and feel part of the story. That ability to transport the reader is what I value the most, since it turns the book into an immersive and engaging experience. Highly recommended for those who enjoy adventure, suspense, and novels with unexpected twists.
I can say that one of the genres I like most is science fiction, and one of the things I enjoy most is being surprised, but above all, I like finding stories with characters that feel real, with emotions that make me stay in the story. Fallen, by P. Abbott, definitely caught my attention for that very reason. What I liked most was the story's almost intimate approach. Although it features advanced technology, alien races, and everything one expects from the genre, at the center is Brendan, a man burdened by real traumas. I recommend this book because it blends action, interplanetary politics, and human emotion in a very balanced way.
An amazing science fiction book with an incredible and strong protagonist that after saving his country a long time ago, has to stop a war with a different spice that he has never thought he would meet. It is an amazing read full of adventure, but also has a bit of romance and great interactions between characters that enrich the story and the plot. For me one of the best things this book has is the author's writings, it manages to make me keep reading till the last page and wanting more, that is something that's not that easy in this science fiction reading. Read it now, you will have an incredible time and enjoy a great adventure.