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When Dark Falls
In a city where Dark Technologies Inc. now runs the show, Kadie Williams has more immediate concerns than the fall of Blaze, their guardian superhero. Almost every morning for the last few months she’s woken up with cuts and bruises on her body, and no idea how she got them. There are no nightmares. No evidence that she sleepwalks, or any sign of a break in. And nothing to tell her who’s been cleaning up after her. As just one of thousands of civilians conscripted to slave away in the labs of Professor Dark, she knew there'd be trouble ahead. But she never expected it to be so bad, or so personal.
Desperate for answers, Kadie looks to the new defender of the night, the only person who can hinder the total domination of Professor Dark—Nocturnelle. The mysterious vigilante superhero came from nowhere with her cybernetic sidekick Shadow, set on putting an end to the brutality of Dark's regime. But as his laboratories work on a new secret super-weapon, Nocturnelle and Shadow may not be enough to save Nephopolis...or to save Kadie either.
Desperate for answers, Kadie looks to the new defender of the night, the only person who can hinder the total domination of Professor Dark—Nocturnelle. The mysterious vigilante superhero came from nowhere with her cybernetic sidekick Shadow, set on putting an end to the brutality of Dark's regime. But as his laboratories work on a new secret super-weapon, Nocturnelle and Shadow may not be enough to save Nephopolis...or to save Kadie either.
137 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2014
About the author
Pippa Jay
22 books209 followersPreviously an Analytical Chemist & stay-at-home mum, Pippa Jay is now a Science Technician who writes scifi and supernatural stories to engage the emotions. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment looking after her chickens, creating cosplay for humans and dolls alike, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 30 years and three not-so-little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.
Pippa Jay occasionally blogs at Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include YA and adult stories crossing a multitude of subgenres from scifi to the paranormal, often with romance, and she’s one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She’s also a quadruple SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3rd place), the 2015 EPIC eBook awards, the 2015 RWA LERA Rebecca (2nd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2nd place).
You can stalk her at her website, or at her blog, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.
****Please do not send me review requests, event invites or recommendations****
Pippa Jay occasionally blogs at Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include YA and adult stories crossing a multitude of subgenres from scifi to the paranormal, often with romance, and she’s one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She’s also a quadruple SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3rd place), the 2015 EPIC eBook awards, the 2015 RWA LERA Rebecca (2nd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2nd place).
You can stalk her at her website, or at her blog, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.
****Please do not send me review requests, event invites or recommendations****
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 28, 2014
Reviewed by Amy W.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
If you have ever eaten at a gourmet restaurant, chances are you know what a palate cleanser is. For those unfamiliar with the term, it is used in to remove lingering flavors between courses.
As a reader who has a fairly steady diet of erotica, I found When Dark Falls by Pippa Jay to be an exceptional palate cleanser. Typically, my experience with the science fiction genre has been limited to futuristic ménage stories. Needless to say, it was quite an experience to immerse myself into a world where superheroes really exist.
The author has created a world unlike anything I could imagine. Although I was unfamiliar with some of the terminology used such as a cloudburner, it didn’t take long before I was able to navigate my way through the story. Without giving away an essential piece of the story, the author has created an action-packed cast of characters that brings back memories of the Justice League.
It’s a quick read that can easily be devoured in an afternoon. While those new to the genre might have some initial difficulty grasping the storyline, a key plot twist midway makes this story well worth reading.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
If you have ever eaten at a gourmet restaurant, chances are you know what a palate cleanser is. For those unfamiliar with the term, it is used in to remove lingering flavors between courses.
As a reader who has a fairly steady diet of erotica, I found When Dark Falls by Pippa Jay to be an exceptional palate cleanser. Typically, my experience with the science fiction genre has been limited to futuristic ménage stories. Needless to say, it was quite an experience to immerse myself into a world where superheroes really exist.
The author has created a world unlike anything I could imagine. Although I was unfamiliar with some of the terminology used such as a cloudburner, it didn’t take long before I was able to navigate my way through the story. Without giving away an essential piece of the story, the author has created an action-packed cast of characters that brings back memories of the Justice League.
It’s a quick read that can easily be devoured in an afternoon. While those new to the genre might have some initial difficulty grasping the storyline, a key plot twist midway makes this story well worth reading.
December 6, 2014
This story is another star turn from the pen (mind, fingertips, take your pick) of Pippa Jay, and gets an unreserved five stars from me. Jay's story-telling skill continues to shine bright, drawing readers into the worlds she creates with ease and simplicity.
This book has the reader asking questions from almost the first paragraph, probably because Kadie, the main character, is also asking questions. As the blurb says, she wakes up with a bruise on her arm and no knowledge of how it got there. She soon meets up with another character, Jev, who appears to be protective of her, yet distant. He is her manager in the lab where she works, putting components together for Dark. It isn't long before we meet Nocturnelle, a superhero, and her sidekick Shadow, who are working to defeat Dark.
The pace of this story is unrelenting, emphasised by the fact that the main characters essentially never sleep. The hopelessness of life under the regime created by Dark comes through clearly, and the resolution is unclear until the last minute, something I appreciate.
An excellently woven tale, with tight imagery. In particular, I commend Jay on her title selection, as it really is a brilliant play on words and concepts.
This book has the reader asking questions from almost the first paragraph, probably because Kadie, the main character, is also asking questions. As the blurb says, she wakes up with a bruise on her arm and no knowledge of how it got there. She soon meets up with another character, Jev, who appears to be protective of her, yet distant. He is her manager in the lab where she works, putting components together for Dark. It isn't long before we meet Nocturnelle, a superhero, and her sidekick Shadow, who are working to defeat Dark.
The pace of this story is unrelenting, emphasised by the fact that the main characters essentially never sleep. The hopelessness of life under the regime created by Dark comes through clearly, and the resolution is unclear until the last minute, something I appreciate.
An excellently woven tale, with tight imagery. In particular, I commend Jay on her title selection, as it really is a brilliant play on words and concepts.
December 10, 2014
Heart-pounding Action and Romance
When Dark Falls draws you in immediately with its wonderfully written deco punk atmosphere and the lure of a mystery to solve as the main character, Kadie, struggles to figure out what happens to her at night. Those familiar with superhero stories won't wonder long--it's clear early on what's happening. That won't keep you from enjoying the story, though, as Pippa Jay weaves two narratives together with a tense backstory and a vibrant love interest. Her main character is unique and complex. Her descriptions of the world and characters are gorgeous, even if the world of the story has become a bleak place. The story does build slowly. Stick with it. Once you hit the midpoint, the action slams into you and carries you with it like a steam engine. I won't spoil the twist at the end, but I will say I did NOT see it coming. If you like heart-pounding action and romance, you'll love this story. Highly recommended!!
When Dark Falls draws you in immediately with its wonderfully written deco punk atmosphere and the lure of a mystery to solve as the main character, Kadie, struggles to figure out what happens to her at night. Those familiar with superhero stories won't wonder long--it's clear early on what's happening. That won't keep you from enjoying the story, though, as Pippa Jay weaves two narratives together with a tense backstory and a vibrant love interest. Her main character is unique and complex. Her descriptions of the world and characters are gorgeous, even if the world of the story has become a bleak place. The story does build slowly. Stick with it. Once you hit the midpoint, the action slams into you and carries you with it like a steam engine. I won't spoil the twist at the end, but I will say I did NOT see it coming. If you like heart-pounding action and romance, you'll love this story. Highly recommended!!
December 10, 2014
Kadie is a young woman trapped in the city of Nephopolis, where "morning comes in flame and darkness." Although she has tantalizing clues, she has no memory of her life before. Now, she slaves for meager rations under the tyranny of the man known as Dark, whose cloudburners toil daily to blot out the sun. Only the occasional distant kindness of her manager, Jev, leavens her endless labor, and Kadie is drawn to him. But it's too dangerous to act on her feelings, as the slightest infraction could mean a death sentence; or worse, the slow and painful metamorphosis into the monstrous nightcrawlers who enforce Dark's will. Kadie remembers Dark didn't always rule. The superheroes of her time had died trying to oppose him, even Blaze, the greatest among them. But Dark's costly victory had left him permanently scarred.
Nocturnelle is a rogue superhero, her past a mystery even to herself. Her considerable powers earn her a wary acceptance among the few low-talent survivors of the Alliance of Super Heroes and Heroines. Nelle's cybernetically enhanced sidekick, Shadow, is the only minor hero who is willing to trust her. But he draws the line at exploring their mutual attraction, insisting a deeper relationship would violate league rules, making them both outcasts. Neither are willing to risk their partnership with ASHH when there's important work to be done. Together, they slip into the night to gather intelligence and battle the tyrant's thugs and his eerie nightcrawlers. Nelle has one goal: to defeat Dark or die trying.
Nelle doesn't realize that Dark is moving swiftly to fulfill her death wish, and that Kadie holds the key to her mortal weakness.
‘Punk of any kind is usually not my genre, because authors too often get so caught up in the gadgetry that they shortchange the characters.
Pippa Jay is not one of those authors. The technology of her world is deftly--even beautifully--described, vividly calling up the scene without the eye-crossing detail that causes me to flip ahead, looking for the story. Instead, the decopunk blends seamlessly into, and supports, the story. And the characters and fast-paced action caught me up and drew me into a toxic world where love is a risky endeavor for good people and heroes alike.
Pippa's characters have depth. Alone, afraid, barely subsisting, Kadie could easily have been a wilting flower. But her courage in facing her fear and the daily grind comes through. Nocturnelle could have been simply a kick-ass superhero. But we get to see the doubts and insecurities behind her driven determination.
In shorter books, something has to give. But here, not so much. In addition to sympathetic characters and strong world-building, Pippa delivered a plot with plenty of action, with only one minor challenge to my willing suspension of disbelief. The force of the story rolled right over it.
This is a book I would've swallowed in one sitting. But I made the mistake of starting When Dark Falls right before I had to leave for a friend's party. I spent a lot of time wondering how the story would turn out. I would suggest you make sure you've got a sufficient chunk of time, then get yourself a cup of tea, or pour a glass of wine, and settle in for a good read. Then, why four stars, you ask? My star ratings are on a logarithmic scale. Check out my ratings on goodreads, and you'll see even my long-time favorite authors don't always achieve five stars. For me, three stars means, the book was good. Four stars means, the book was excellent, and I'll look for this author. I think you will, too.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.)
Nocturnelle is a rogue superhero, her past a mystery even to herself. Her considerable powers earn her a wary acceptance among the few low-talent survivors of the Alliance of Super Heroes and Heroines. Nelle's cybernetically enhanced sidekick, Shadow, is the only minor hero who is willing to trust her. But he draws the line at exploring their mutual attraction, insisting a deeper relationship would violate league rules, making them both outcasts. Neither are willing to risk their partnership with ASHH when there's important work to be done. Together, they slip into the night to gather intelligence and battle the tyrant's thugs and his eerie nightcrawlers. Nelle has one goal: to defeat Dark or die trying.
Nelle doesn't realize that Dark is moving swiftly to fulfill her death wish, and that Kadie holds the key to her mortal weakness.
‘Punk of any kind is usually not my genre, because authors too often get so caught up in the gadgetry that they shortchange the characters.
Pippa Jay is not one of those authors. The technology of her world is deftly--even beautifully--described, vividly calling up the scene without the eye-crossing detail that causes me to flip ahead, looking for the story. Instead, the decopunk blends seamlessly into, and supports, the story. And the characters and fast-paced action caught me up and drew me into a toxic world where love is a risky endeavor for good people and heroes alike.
Pippa's characters have depth. Alone, afraid, barely subsisting, Kadie could easily have been a wilting flower. But her courage in facing her fear and the daily grind comes through. Nocturnelle could have been simply a kick-ass superhero. But we get to see the doubts and insecurities behind her driven determination.
In shorter books, something has to give. But here, not so much. In addition to sympathetic characters and strong world-building, Pippa delivered a plot with plenty of action, with only one minor challenge to my willing suspension of disbelief. The force of the story rolled right over it.
This is a book I would've swallowed in one sitting. But I made the mistake of starting When Dark Falls right before I had to leave for a friend's party. I spent a lot of time wondering how the story would turn out. I would suggest you make sure you've got a sufficient chunk of time, then get yourself a cup of tea, or pour a glass of wine, and settle in for a good read. Then, why four stars, you ask? My star ratings are on a logarithmic scale. Check out my ratings on goodreads, and you'll see even my long-time favorite authors don't always achieve five stars. For me, three stars means, the book was good. Four stars means, the book was excellent, and I'll look for this author. I think you will, too.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.)
July 22, 2015
4.5/5.0
“When Dark Falls” sets a new twist on sci-fi/paranormal.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“When Dark Falls” sets a new twist on sci-fi/paranormal.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 19, 2015
Fan-freaking-tastic sci-fi read! Innovative worldbuilding and a compelling narrative that sweeps you along for the ride. Couldn't put it down!
February 21, 2016
Kadie woke to the roar of a cloudburner flaming to life bloating out the sun in the city of Nephopolis. She has no memory of her life before. Now, Kadie and the remaining citizens of the city, slave for meager rations under the tyranny of the man known as Dark. Only the occasional distant kindness of her manager, Jev, eases her endless labor, and Kadie's drawn to him. But it's too dangerous to act on her feelings, as the slightest infraction could mean a death sentence; or worse, being thrown to the monstrous Nightcrawlers, who enforce Dark's will. Kadie remembers only briefly how it was before Dark. The superheroes of her time died trying to oppose him, even Blaze, the greatest among them did not succeed. But Dark's costly victory has left him permanently scarred.
Nocturnelle is a rogue superhero, her past a mystery even to herself. She conducts missions with Shadow, the cybernetically enhanced minor hero and member of the remaining Alliance of Super Heroes and Heroines. While there's more then an attraction between the two, Nelle and Shadow aren't willing to risk their partnership with ASHH, when there's important work to be done. Her one goal is to defeat Dark or die trying.
Nelle doesn't realize that Dark's moving swiftly to destroy everything and that Kadie's the one that holds the key to her mortal weakness.
This Cyber punk world that Pippa Jay's has deftly created is a fast-paced action story where love's a risky endeavor for superhero and non hero alike. Ultimately, Kadies underlying courage comes through but how can she, without superhero powers, hope to put an end to the brutality of Dark's regime? I leave you to find out in this delightful book.
Jack Murphy
Nocturnelle is a rogue superhero, her past a mystery even to herself. She conducts missions with Shadow, the cybernetically enhanced minor hero and member of the remaining Alliance of Super Heroes and Heroines. While there's more then an attraction between the two, Nelle and Shadow aren't willing to risk their partnership with ASHH, when there's important work to be done. Her one goal is to defeat Dark or die trying.
Nelle doesn't realize that Dark's moving swiftly to destroy everything and that Kadie's the one that holds the key to her mortal weakness.
This Cyber punk world that Pippa Jay's has deftly created is a fast-paced action story where love's a risky endeavor for superhero and non hero alike. Ultimately, Kadies underlying courage comes through but how can she, without superhero powers, hope to put an end to the brutality of Dark's regime? I leave you to find out in this delightful book.
Jack Murphy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews