A Fall In Autumn

FANTASTIC

The ancients have destroyed the world with overpopulation and filth. They had the technology to make it right but they got it wrong.

In 9172 Year of the Empire there is now the lone floating City of Autumn. Ten years prior, along with Autumn, there was another floating City of the Ancients, Splendor. Splendor was a great and wonderful place but it was destroyed.

Valerius Bakhoum, is a detective in the floating City of Autumn. He’s following Buttercup for the client who just want’s to know what Buttercup is doing. Valerius is uncomfortable with the case but sticks with it and finds himself in Down Preserves. Valerius is in a pickle, he’s ambushed by the client and knocked out. When he wakes, he’s face to face with a golem by the name of Alejandro.

Alejandro turns up at Valerius’ office and want’s to hire Valerius. Alejandro believes he’s dead and he’s in search of himself. He tells Valerius the story of Splendor and Autumn and the destruction of Splendor. As Alejandro tells his truth to Valerius, he’s skeptical when Alejandro tells him of the Avenging Angel and humans who destroyed Splendor. Alejandro feels threatened because very few who have spoken or witnessed the Avenging Angel have survived. Is the Avenging Angel a myth, a boogeyman or is it real? Even being skeptic Valerius want’s to believe Alejandro and he takes his case. The investigation will lead Valerius to those that believe the Avenging Angel exists and he will find those that believe there’s more to the demise of Splendor and even the ancient world.

With the investigation of the Avenging Angel, it will lead him into another mystery of missing boys, that his former lover, Yuri, had brought to his attention. He will also make a new connection with Hendricks gang member Fiono. With all Valerius uncovers, his own personal demise becomes clearer to him and hatred and anger takes over. He will have one last choice to make.

The narration by Archie Montgomery is superbly performed and is just outstanding. His voice tones for: Valerius, Alejandro, Blackie, Solim, Henrietta, Clodia and all the characters is just perfection. His voice for Valerius was perfect, gruff and solid he was totally into being this character. Alejandro’s tone was smooth, relaxing and calm, which gives the perfect picture of what a golem is. The voices are distinct to each character, so there’s no confusion. Montgomery read this with all the emotions that come through with this magnificent novel and he really made these characters come to life.

“A Fall in Autumn” is an amazing novel and tells the tale of two floating cities, Autumn and Splendor, that take care of its inhabitants. The author has a unique way of describing the difference of the floating cities and the different inhabitants that live there. There are several kinds hierarchies: political, religious, medical, gangs and inhabitants that live on Autumn. There is just so much amazing creativity in this sci-fi novel I couldn’t put it down. On top of all this, Michael G. Williams built a twisted mystery that brings shock and surprise at every turn.

Valerius Bakhoum is a character that I don’t think I will ever forget. No matter what he faces he continues to find the answers and tries to make sense of it all. He also has a special connection with: Alejandro, Yuri, and Fiono. Because of what their lives are like in this futuristic world it’s not love but a strong sense of caring.

I at times, struggle with reading sci-fi but I became immersed in “A Fall in Autumn” from the start and I couldn’t put it down. It’s unlike any other novel that I have ever read. Michael G. Williams knows how to tell a story and this was amazing. I am ready to have another entertaining experience with book two, “A New Life in Autumn”.