Together They Fall

The Cubes of Destiny #1

by Matthew J. Croutch

On the Elvish continent of Giana, Captain Ayleen Ebella is investigating a series of deaths. After a catastrophic life-altering event at the New Year’s Eve celebration, she is desperate to figure who the Mad Wizard of Thaldor is before he strikes again. Together with Tyran, a thief turned informant, she has to race against time to stop the wizard. Meanwhile, Princess Dariusa starts her own cult in effort to try and seize the throne from her mother, Queen Merri. Three questions are on Ayleen’s mind; how could one person divide an entire continent, who is the bigger threat, and how does she reunite a people torn apart by colour?

Genres: Fantasy

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2022

Reviews

[Ferginator88 · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the plot is well laid and there are a handful of likeable characters, there are several issues with this book, that although the Author is new to this craft, can’t be overlooked.

The dialogue is often rushed and sloppy, characters always know everything the second it becomes relevant to the conversation at hand, chance meetings occur and strangers divulge crucial information to forward the plot several times, for no rhyme or reason. Because characters know everything about any topic that is relevant, there is little intrigue or tension, nor any mystery or things to get excited about.

Most notable to me, the tense of the writing also slips a few times “Ayleen was vs Ayleen is”.

There are also a few moments near the end that made me groan, particularly some odd set ups for future novels.

Like many books, the story stands well for the first 80% and unfortunately takes a nosedive in the final pages. I was particularly disappointed in the resolution with the main villain, and the epilogue.

All in all, the Author should be commended for the obstacles he overcame while writing this book. It inspired me to purchase and read his first novel. Despite its flaws, there is the bones of a good story here, and I hope the sequel is able to improve upon the issues of the first book.

[Mayra Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn´t stop myself from reading it at any spare time I had (even between work breaks).
The plot and development of its own is truly enjoyable from beginning to end and I do encourage anyone that likes fiction to give it a try, support the author as much as you can!

[Victor · Rating 1 out of 5]

2/10

This is my second DNF (page 129), I just could not be bothered to get through the book. I skipped to the last chapter and epilogue, and felt that I had missed nothing of those 100+ pages. It is a challenge to find something good to say about this book, the writing is lackluster "He was the last person he thought he would ever see in a place of worship. Tyran decided to start a conversation to figure out why Klep was here."

This is a good example of what this book is, full of unnecessary information and explanations to why the character do what they do. If you have read more than 4 books in your life, an understanding to why the characters do what they do comes natural.

I had hopes for this book and I encourage everyone to write, but boy did this book not deliver on anything. If I should mention something positive: The story is ok, and if you are a 8-10 year old starting off reading fantasy this book might be for you.

[Jazmin Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me tell you. I love the plot. I love its I really do. I think it’s just the way that in some dialogues, I cringed a bit. I give major props and applaud this first time author because it catches your attention. But, it’s just some of the writing was a bit weird? I cannot explain it honestly. Matthew Croutch, this is amazing book and the storyline is so good! Keep doing it hat you’re doing. Please do not take any reviews to heart because you are an incredible author. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Aidan Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in Matthew J. Croutch's series The Cubes of Destiny, Together They Fall was a very compelling story that had me enthralled so much so that I finished it in a few days! I really enjoy his style, and overall would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a modern fantasy story with a classic aesthetic.

[Petra Fruzsina Unger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! A fast paced, character driven fantasy story and this is exactly what I love the most. I’m really interested in how the society can handle such a break, how the magic system works and who is really pulling the strings in the story. In summary: I’m looking forward to the next book. :)