Authors & Reviewers discussion
Getting Connected
>
ARC readers wanted - The Falling Sky
date
newest »
newest »
Keep us up to date as we get closer - this is definitely something I’d be interested in reading.
It is my debut novel (although I've published one novella), a meticulously crafted historical thriller set in the Philippines during the fraught months leading up to the Pacific War in 1941. This compelling narrative intertwines the lives of richly developed characters against a backdrop of espionage, geopolitical tension, and impending conflict. The story is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
The novel centers on three primary figures: Ethan McAndrew, a skilled but troubled pilot navigating personal and professional challenges; Dr. Tadashi Harada, a Japanese scientist burdened by his involvement with Unit 731 and desperate to secure a future for his family; and Yaeko, his young daughter, whose innocence provides a poignant counterpoint to the surrounding turmoil. Their stories converge in a volatile Philippines, where American colonial administration, Japanese expansionism, and local unrest create a crucible of danger and moral complexity.
The story captures the era’s cultural and political nuances, grounding the narrative in historical realities such as the operations of the Kempeitai and the socio-political climate of Manila. The plot unfolds with relentless momentum, propelled by vivid depictions of aerial mishaps, covert exchanges, and violent confrontations. Months of research were performed, and it is evident in the technical accuracy of aviation details, particularly the Lockheed Electra, and the chilling portrayal of wartime espionage.
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human cost of ambition are explored with depth, as characters grapple with betrayal and the weight of their choices. The story is evocative, immersing readers in the lush yet perilous landscapes of Mindanao and Manila, while the pacing maintains a gripping balance of action and introspection. The Falling Sky is a standout for readers of historical fiction and wartime thrillers. In my query letter, I referenced comparable works like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, for their blend of historical fidelity and fictional drama.
Depictions of violence and mature themes may not suit everyone, but I've done my best to humanize the prelude to global conflict through personal narratives.
Thank you,
~Corky Farmer