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Darkness Falls
As Nature tires of human destruction, two sisters must face a changing environment that stands between them and survival. When Quinn and Riley set out on a family vacation with their parents, the trip ends before it begins. Mother Nature interferes with their plans, setting off a sequence of events that thrusts the teens into a hostile landscape. Stranded, with limited supplies, struggling to figure out who they can trust along the way, they must determine how to survive Nature’s evolving fury.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
36 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Faulkner
10 books156 followersAE Faulkner is a young adult dystopian author. Her debut novel, Darkness Falls, is the first book in the Nature's Fury series, which explores the Earth’s response to humans poisoning her streams, abusing her animals and destroying her beauty.
She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Millersville University and a master’s degree in advertising, public relations & journalism from Temple University.
Although she escaped in books as a child, college textbooks sucked the fun out of reading. Years later, The Hunger Games trilogy became the spark that rekindled her love of books. After devouring that series, she quickly became captivated by dystopian novels.
After several years of reading them, she decided to take a stab at writing one that combined her love for nature with her fear of human destruction.
She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Millersville University and a master’s degree in advertising, public relations & journalism from Temple University.
Although she escaped in books as a child, college textbooks sucked the fun out of reading. Years later, The Hunger Games trilogy became the spark that rekindled her love of books. After devouring that series, she quickly became captivated by dystopian novels.
After several years of reading them, she decided to take a stab at writing one that combined her love for nature with her fear of human destruction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 1, 2020
Darkness Falls Book 1 Of The Nature’s Fury Series, is a young adult dystopian narrative novel, written by the author A.E. Faulkner. The book is about two sisters Quinn and Riley.
Quinn and Riley are eager to begin their family vacation with their parents’ to Delaware. Suddenly, as they are driving along the highway the family experiences Mother Nature’s fury. A major earthquake plummets the family car into a dark unexpected hole as cars fly everywhere. Unfortunately, Quinn and Riley parents perish as a result of this deadly earthquake. The girls are determined to survive. Quinn and Riley hope that they are in a terrible dream but realize that it is a true, chaotic nightmare.
As Quinn and Riley try to find safety, they meet a group of teenagers. Together they all decide it would be best to travel as a group for safety. The world that they once knew, has changed. Fighting for survival is their only choice.
As the group continues on their journey, they realize they need to take a break to sleep and eat. Quinn feels the need to protect Riley in any way she can. Quinn tries to watch over Riley as she sleeps. Unfortunately, Quinn falls asleep, too. The next day Quinn awakes to find Riley missing. The group decides to help Quinn search for Riley.
The author is concerned with environmental and world issues and uses the scenes in her novel to illustrate destruction on earth.
A.E. Faulkner does a remarkable job of keeping the reader interested throughout the novel. As I began reading the book, the first few chapters kept me so engaged that I wanted to read more. In addition to keeping the reader absorbed, the author does a great job of clearly defining each personality in the book. The author provides great, vivid details about the scenes. I could picture myself in a scene as though I was included in the story. Faulkner deeply expresses her viewpoint about the environment. She pleads for humans to take action now and to save our planet.
Failing to do so, will bring havoc to all mankind.
This novel could be used in the Art classroom. Students could illustrate a scene from the novel with dialogue placed at the bottom of their drawings. This would engage students and help them connect to the text of the book.
Overall, I would give Darkness Falls a five-star rating because the author clearly voices her concern to the reader that the time to change the world is now. If we disregard the earths needs, Mother Nature’s fury will devastate our world.
Quinn and Riley are eager to begin their family vacation with their parents’ to Delaware. Suddenly, as they are driving along the highway the family experiences Mother Nature’s fury. A major earthquake plummets the family car into a dark unexpected hole as cars fly everywhere. Unfortunately, Quinn and Riley parents perish as a result of this deadly earthquake. The girls are determined to survive. Quinn and Riley hope that they are in a terrible dream but realize that it is a true, chaotic nightmare.
As Quinn and Riley try to find safety, they meet a group of teenagers. Together they all decide it would be best to travel as a group for safety. The world that they once knew, has changed. Fighting for survival is their only choice.
As the group continues on their journey, they realize they need to take a break to sleep and eat. Quinn feels the need to protect Riley in any way she can. Quinn tries to watch over Riley as she sleeps. Unfortunately, Quinn falls asleep, too. The next day Quinn awakes to find Riley missing. The group decides to help Quinn search for Riley.
The author is concerned with environmental and world issues and uses the scenes in her novel to illustrate destruction on earth.
A.E. Faulkner does a remarkable job of keeping the reader interested throughout the novel. As I began reading the book, the first few chapters kept me so engaged that I wanted to read more. In addition to keeping the reader absorbed, the author does a great job of clearly defining each personality in the book. The author provides great, vivid details about the scenes. I could picture myself in a scene as though I was included in the story. Faulkner deeply expresses her viewpoint about the environment. She pleads for humans to take action now and to save our planet.
Failing to do so, will bring havoc to all mankind.
This novel could be used in the Art classroom. Students could illustrate a scene from the novel with dialogue placed at the bottom of their drawings. This would engage students and help them connect to the text of the book.
Overall, I would give Darkness Falls a five-star rating because the author clearly voices her concern to the reader that the time to change the world is now. If we disregard the earths needs, Mother Nature’s fury will devastate our world.
March 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel. A.E. Faulkner has created a believable dystopian world in which the heroine, Quinn, struggles to make sense of the disorienting and dramatic changes she experiences. "Darkness Falls", as a dystopian novel, answers important "what if" questions that could be at the forefront of teenage brains. What if I lost both my parents in a sudden accident? What if climate change rapidly and unpredictably accelerates? What would I do to survive? How would I care for myself and others in my path? What if I found a child who needed help? Who would I trust? Quinn, 16 years 0ld, has to answer all these questions, and keep it together, in order to find her sister who has suddenly disappeared. Quinn is scrappy and vulnerable. She is courageous and a fighter. She is also a teenage girl with a crush. A.E. Faulkner's well conceived heroine is supported by other young people who are trying to solve the problem of "what next". Jeff is the comic relief, Wes is kind, stealthy, and capable. Aidan is caring and attractive. Jasmine is antagonistic and strong. There are human villains to fight against as well as the ever-changing and very dangerous natural disasters. Quinn's strengths shine in the novel and she is more self-confident in the end. Her suffering has given her needed perspective and the backbone to speak up for her sister. Quinn is an admirable heroine who demonstrates what a person can achieve in the face of adversity. The fact that this teenage character is so believable makes this novel compelling and one that could lend itself to a variety of content areas. Science, for example, as the natural disasters are brought about by human habits that have deeply damaged the natural world. Psychology classes would benefit by studying the resilience of the characters. ELA might study Quinn as a hero archetype. Parents and teachers would benefit from the studying of the strengths of teenagers, which are different from their own, but just as valuable. A.E. Faulkner's novel, "Darkness Falls" is a resource that entertains, engages, and helps the reader ponder our relationships with others and with the natural world.
March 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book Darkness Falls by A.E. Faulkner and was on the edge of my seat exploring Riley and Quinn’s adventure. As I read the book, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. I like how the book had great detail about the scenes, the characters, and the settings. I was excited to read this book, because I like to read survival and adventure themed books.
I feel this book would be a great resource for students to practice the Direct Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA), and to make connections. I feel students would be able to make connections with the book based on the location of the story. The story is based in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I feel that students and families that live in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in Delaware can relate to the settings in the book. As I was reading the book, I was making my own set of connections with the settings. I went to Ocean City a few years ago, and I was able to visualize the environments that Riley and Quinn had experienced as they traveled to the base.
I also thinking that students will be able to practice the Direct Reading thinking Activity. The DRTA is a comprehension literacy strategy. A teacher could pick a particular scene from the book and have their students make predictions of the following scenes. As an example, a teacher could pick the scene when Quinn is talking with her friends deciding to retrieve their belongings from the car in the sinkhole. Next, the teacher will have the class make their predictions of the previous scene. Once the predictions have been made, the teacher will have to class read the next passage to see if the students predictions were right or wrong. A teacher could continuously use the strategy to the end of a particular scene. The students would be able to make several predictions, each time the teacher stops the class. I feel this strategy engages and connects the students to the text.
I feel this book would be a great resource for students to practice the Direct Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA), and to make connections. I feel students would be able to make connections with the book based on the location of the story. The story is based in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I feel that students and families that live in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in Delaware can relate to the settings in the book. As I was reading the book, I was making my own set of connections with the settings. I went to Ocean City a few years ago, and I was able to visualize the environments that Riley and Quinn had experienced as they traveled to the base.
I also thinking that students will be able to practice the Direct Reading thinking Activity. The DRTA is a comprehension literacy strategy. A teacher could pick a particular scene from the book and have their students make predictions of the following scenes. As an example, a teacher could pick the scene when Quinn is talking with her friends deciding to retrieve their belongings from the car in the sinkhole. Next, the teacher will have the class make their predictions of the previous scene. Once the predictions have been made, the teacher will have to class read the next passage to see if the students predictions were right or wrong. A teacher could continuously use the strategy to the end of a particular scene. The students would be able to make several predictions, each time the teacher stops the class. I feel this strategy engages and connects the students to the text.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
Ok, I loved this book. From the author’s notes at the end, my understanding is this is A. E. Faulkner’s debut novel. I thought it was very well written, the character development was captivating, and the plot had me hooked. The book takes place in the Delmarva area where I am from, so it was interesting to relate to real locations that the characters traveled through. Also, the timing of my reading in coincidence with today’s current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic gave me a unique perspective while reading. The main character, Quinn, and her sister Riley are navigating their lives during a time of crisis. They have lost close family members and are trying to survive on their own with many unknowns. The girls are careful with who they let into their close circle as more chaos unfolds and getting through each day is challenged by nature and people.
SPOILER ALERT below...
This young adults book explores the topic of family, friends, and gender roles. The main character, Riley, is a snarky, sixteen year old girl that tries to uphold a tough facade to keep her sister’s spirits up when they only have themselves to count on. While the two sisters initially do well fending for themselves, some traditional gender roles come into play when the girls must rely on a couple of guys to help them out of their current situation. Throughout the story, the guys continue to take on the role of saving the damsels in distress, even though most of the time the female characters seem to take pride in their independence. It is an interesting parallel to our current societal gender expectations.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and without a doubt want to read Part 2 and hear Riley’s side of the story. I felt betrayed when Quinn found the note from Jim in Riley’s backpack and have been dying to know how that all played out!
SPOILER ALERT below...
This young adults book explores the topic of family, friends, and gender roles. The main character, Riley, is a snarky, sixteen year old girl that tries to uphold a tough facade to keep her sister’s spirits up when they only have themselves to count on. While the two sisters initially do well fending for themselves, some traditional gender roles come into play when the girls must rely on a couple of guys to help them out of their current situation. Throughout the story, the guys continue to take on the role of saving the damsels in distress, even though most of the time the female characters seem to take pride in their independence. It is an interesting parallel to our current societal gender expectations.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and without a doubt want to read Part 2 and hear Riley’s side of the story. I felt betrayed when Quinn found the note from Jim in Riley’s backpack and have been dying to know how that all played out!
March 29, 2021
Darkness Falls by A. E. Faulkner is a page turner! Faulkner’s writing style draws the reader in with short chapters and chapter-end cliffhangers. I was unable to stop reading! Another reason I could not stop reading Darkness Falls because of Faulkner’s believable characters and intriguing post-apocalyptic setting. Quinn and Riley, as well as the other characters, had positive and negative qualities about them that captured the complexity of human emotions, rationale, bonds, and flaws. This made the characters feel more real and relatable as no one among us is perfect, especially throughout the teenage years! I think adolescent readers could see themselves in any of the characters and relate to the various predicaments they get into.
Throughout the novel, the theme of natural disaster is taken to the extreme in Faulkner’s post-apocalyptic world. I, as a weather nerd, loved every moment! Faulkner gently unfolds the various environmental hazards the characters run into which adds suspense and unpredictability to the story. I am excited to get my hands on book number two to see where Faulkner takes the story in Quinn and Riley’s shattering world.
This novel would certainly enhance adolescent’s literacy capabilities in by being entertaining and thought provoking, but still relatable. The realness of Faulkner’s characters would aid adolescents in self-reflection upon their own moral and civic character. The unpredictability of nature could enhance all students’ understanding of nature and the fury that sometimes consumes it. Finally, I think Darkness Falls would be riveting for the adolescents who read it because of its depth of content and drama!
Throughout the novel, the theme of natural disaster is taken to the extreme in Faulkner’s post-apocalyptic world. I, as a weather nerd, loved every moment! Faulkner gently unfolds the various environmental hazards the characters run into which adds suspense and unpredictability to the story. I am excited to get my hands on book number two to see where Faulkner takes the story in Quinn and Riley’s shattering world.
This novel would certainly enhance adolescent’s literacy capabilities in by being entertaining and thought provoking, but still relatable. The realness of Faulkner’s characters would aid adolescents in self-reflection upon their own moral and civic character. The unpredictability of nature could enhance all students’ understanding of nature and the fury that sometimes consumes it. Finally, I think Darkness Falls would be riveting for the adolescents who read it because of its depth of content and drama!
April 5, 2021
Darkness Falls is an absolutely amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The plot moved along at a steady but quick pace that kept the reader constantly engaged. The short chapters that all had mini cliff hangers also kept me wanting to keep reading. I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it in only a couple of days. The characters are all fairly relatable and I could think of people who they reminded me of. For example, Wes reminded me of a kid I went to high school with who would always lighten the mood when needed.
The book could be used in school to help enhance an adolescent’s literacy capability. I would recommend it be taught to middle schoolers or older. Specifically I would use it in an English or earth science class based on its themes. For an English class you could talk about some of the moral choices the characters have to make. For example, you could examine whether Quinn and Riley made a good choice of trusting Aiden and Jordan. For an earth science class you could talk about some of the environmental issues that are in the book. For example, all of the earthquakes and how countries can and should respond to them.
I enjoyed the environmentalism theme. I think Faulkner did a good job balancing preaching for good environmental practices while not getting too preachy on it. She represents it in a way that you can tell she wants humans to take care of the environment but it is not an allegory about saving the planet. She still lets the characters develop and incorporates it into the plot.
The book could be used in school to help enhance an adolescent’s literacy capability. I would recommend it be taught to middle schoolers or older. Specifically I would use it in an English or earth science class based on its themes. For an English class you could talk about some of the moral choices the characters have to make. For example, you could examine whether Quinn and Riley made a good choice of trusting Aiden and Jordan. For an earth science class you could talk about some of the environmental issues that are in the book. For example, all of the earthquakes and how countries can and should respond to them.
I enjoyed the environmentalism theme. I think Faulkner did a good job balancing preaching for good environmental practices while not getting too preachy on it. She represents it in a way that you can tell she wants humans to take care of the environment but it is not an allegory about saving the planet. She still lets the characters develop and incorporates it into the plot.
May 1, 2019
Quinn and Riley are with their parents and on the way to vacation in Delaware but end up in an accident that kills their parents. On their own they decide to continue on to their destination. But then Mother Nature goes violent and storms come out of nowhere killing many. They girl hole up but have to adventure out when their supplies run low. They run into a couple of guys and stay at their place. But when Quinn wakes up she finds Riley gone. It seems some people have plans for Riley and it’s up to Quinn to save her.
When I read the summary for this book I couldn’t wait to get reading it, you all know I love a good dystopian story. But the book was so much more. Yes, Mother Nature has finally had enough. But it is more about Quinn doing whatever it took to get Riley back, even if it was not a good idea.
I quickly got into this story and couldn’t put it down. It’s not what I expected but it was so much more. And to learn that this is the first book from AE Faulkner, I was shocked. Darkness Falls is a great read that I strongly recommend checking out. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
When I read the summary for this book I couldn’t wait to get reading it, you all know I love a good dystopian story. But the book was so much more. Yes, Mother Nature has finally had enough. But it is more about Quinn doing whatever it took to get Riley back, even if it was not a good idea.
I quickly got into this story and couldn’t put it down. It’s not what I expected but it was so much more. And to learn that this is the first book from AE Faulkner, I was shocked. Darkness Falls is a great read that I strongly recommend checking out. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
March 29, 2020
Reading Darkness Falls by A.E. Faulkner left me sitting on the edge of my chair wondering what would happen next. You are immediately drawn into an apocalyptic scenario where inexplicable natural disasters have overrun the region and two sisters find themselves completely alone as an accident tragically takes their parents away from them. Separated by the events of the novel, one sister, Quinn, joins a group of students are trying to make their way to safety or home. In turn, they join her in her search for her sister as it coincides with the direction they are heading. Following the students on their journey through seemingly deserted neighborhoods and cities was a little surreal as I read this in the midst of the Covid-19 quarantine.
The overwhelming sense of oncoming doom made it difficult to set the novel down as the characters faced the challenges that nature or basic survival tossed their way. The characters were well developed and authentic as they made decisions that were completely typical for their age. Although similar to watching some horror or suspense movies, you found yourself second guessing their choices or cringing as you turned the pages fearing the worst. Their reactions to the challenges they faced was realistic and not over the top, making it easy to connect with them.
Reading this novel made me think about how as I teacher, I could use this book to make an enjoyable unit highlighting dystopian literature. The writing is fast paced and flows well, and the characters are easily relatable. I could completely see myself reading this with my students and having them stop to make predictions or to write the next scene to see what decisions or choices they would have the characters make. This could lead to some really engaging activities with some surprising outcomes. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to see what happens next.
The overwhelming sense of oncoming doom made it difficult to set the novel down as the characters faced the challenges that nature or basic survival tossed their way. The characters were well developed and authentic as they made decisions that were completely typical for their age. Although similar to watching some horror or suspense movies, you found yourself second guessing their choices or cringing as you turned the pages fearing the worst. Their reactions to the challenges they faced was realistic and not over the top, making it easy to connect with them.
Reading this novel made me think about how as I teacher, I could use this book to make an enjoyable unit highlighting dystopian literature. The writing is fast paced and flows well, and the characters are easily relatable. I could completely see myself reading this with my students and having them stop to make predictions or to write the next scene to see what decisions or choices they would have the characters make. This could lead to some really engaging activities with some surprising outcomes. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to see what happens next.
March 30, 2020
If there was a word to describe A.E. Faulkner’s Darkness fall it would be raw. Faulkner is able to build the world through the personal perspective of Quinn as well as the characterization of the supporting cast. The descriptive language Faulkner uses when Quinn encounters someone new allows the reader to have an understanding of the cast and the environment that shaped them. This fleshes out the world to not only Quinn but also the reader who starts to feel familiar with this world ravaged with natural disasters. This allows that feeling of raw emotion to come across as the Quinn and the entire cast fight to survive. Along the way Quinn is slowly stripped of everything she associates with normal life. Her parents die, natural disasters ravage the world around her, and her relationship with her sister is tested. This along with navigating the supporting cast leads to a journey to not only survive but also for Quinn to realize what is truly important to her. While there is a series of issue none of them developed into a serious threat and I think that lowers the stakes for the overall book. This can be due to Faulkner not wanting to show her hand just yet since this is the first book in the series. I would recommend this to students though. Quinn’s journey of uncertainty can be relatable to navigating through school life. Students sometimes feel lost in the jungle that is the social life of a high school student and mentally the students could be going through their own form of a disaster. Seeing a character like Quinn, who is around the same age as the student, continue surviving and persevering through the hard times could inspire the students. This book is also good for developing literacy thanks to Faulkner’s descriptive language mixed with language that would be familiar to a high school student. Overall this would be a good read not only for students but also for anyone interested in a post-apocalyptic world.
April 1, 2021
This book was a good story about the beginning of the end. Set on the east coast, it follows Quinn, who is a teenage girl and with her sister survived a massive earthquake that claimed the lives of their parents. As the two try to come to terms with their horrific loss they also have to figure out how to survive in a disaster area. As they take refuge in a vacation trailer, the sisters struggle to decide what to do and who to trust. Things get more complicated when it is discovered that one of the few remaining people in the area met an unnatural death. With the threat of more impending natural disasters on the horizon, Quinn develops a plan to get them out of the area and back to safety.
The story itself is well written and should be easy for any younger person to read. The adventure that Quinn and her group go on is exciting and most definitely drew me in. A.E. Faulkner's characters struggle with issues of loss, fear, doubt, and trust, but also find friendship. For me, there were a few drawbacks in the story. It was unclear how horrible these natural disasters were. The story had several cliché characters that kind of made the story predictable. Also, there were so few people in an area I imagine would be better populated and the ones who remained were bad. I get the sense that Faulkner perhaps may not have a lot of hope in humanity. That being said, I will admit that I will probably read the next book because I am really interested to find out what happens next.
The story itself is well written and should be easy for any younger person to read. The adventure that Quinn and her group go on is exciting and most definitely drew me in. A.E. Faulkner's characters struggle with issues of loss, fear, doubt, and trust, but also find friendship. For me, there were a few drawbacks in the story. It was unclear how horrible these natural disasters were. The story had several cliché characters that kind of made the story predictable. Also, there were so few people in an area I imagine would be better populated and the ones who remained were bad. I get the sense that Faulkner perhaps may not have a lot of hope in humanity. That being said, I will admit that I will probably read the next book because I am really interested to find out what happens next.
March 26, 2021
Darkness falls is an exceptional book, and I can’t help but get feel antsy to get my hands on the second book of the series. Faulkner does a fantastic job of developing unique personalities for each of her characters that compliment and challenge each other. This book was filled with courage, grief, anxiety, and adversity that all had to be managed and thwarted for this resilient group to reach their goal.
This book would be a great book to show young students what imagery looks like in writing. There were so many times throughout the book where I felt like I was in the scene with Quinn and Aiden. Middle and high school students would benefit greatly from being able to see first-hand how Faulkner shows the reader what is happening instead of telling them. Imagery is such a crucial aspect of writing that is so hard to develop. It is truly a gift for an author (in her debut novel!) to be able to use imagery this well.
Lastly, I was extremely impressed with Faulkner’s ability to create long, meaningful, and sometimes intense dialogue between characters. It is an extremely difficult endeavor to create meaningful dialogue that contributes to the rest of the story and moves the plot along, and Faulkner did an fantastic job at creating conversations that bring in the audience. It is so important for the progression of a novel for there to be real dialogue and real connection between the characters, and this book has all of that and more!
This book would be a great book to show young students what imagery looks like in writing. There were so many times throughout the book where I felt like I was in the scene with Quinn and Aiden. Middle and high school students would benefit greatly from being able to see first-hand how Faulkner shows the reader what is happening instead of telling them. Imagery is such a crucial aspect of writing that is so hard to develop. It is truly a gift for an author (in her debut novel!) to be able to use imagery this well.
Lastly, I was extremely impressed with Faulkner’s ability to create long, meaningful, and sometimes intense dialogue between characters. It is an extremely difficult endeavor to create meaningful dialogue that contributes to the rest of the story and moves the plot along, and Faulkner did an fantastic job at creating conversations that bring in the audience. It is so important for the progression of a novel for there to be real dialogue and real connection between the characters, and this book has all of that and more!
April 30, 2021
Reading Darkness Falls A.E. Faulkner took me back to reading other dystopian style novels, such as The Giver and Brave New World. The previous dystopian novels that I had read, though interesting, did not seem to have any immediate pertinence or relevance to the real world. However, the most intriguing part about Darkness Falls is the fact that I could actually see this story potentially playing out today’s world. The connections to natural disasters wreaking havoc due to man-kind’s overreach seems to already be playing out in our world, and Faulkner’s take on what else could happen only adds to this aspect. This book is a great option for teens to read because it’s a story that they can place themselves into. The main characters, Quinn and Riley, feel like actual teenagers who might exist in today’s world and would be highly relatable to teens who read this book. It would be a great way to engage teens in an interesting story that also has connections to current events as well as major issues that our world is facing today, expanding their thinking into a worldlier view and could allow them to think critically about the consequences of and possible solutions for global crises, such as climate change as referenced in Darkness Falls. Overall, I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Darkness Falls not only because of it’s relevance to today’s world, but because the story was very well told. The plot is gripping, and kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book!
April 13, 2021
A great start!
A great start to a new series from this amazing new author. Plenty of twist and turns and heart wrenching moments to keep u reading. I’m dying to pick up anguish unfolds to see what happen to Riley!
Quinn made a few really stupid choices that irritated me- like the world is in turmoil so I’m going to go for a run. But at the same time it was that reminder that she is just a teenage and doing her best to cope.
My favorite relationship was Riley and Quinn. I feel like these types of book it’s just the main and their love that really has a relationship development but this book really did a good job showing how a sisterly relationship can morph as they cope with loss and being alone but at the same time, they are still sisters and want to act like how sisters would normally act.
Amazing start to what I am sure is going to be a fantastic series.
A great start to a new series from this amazing new author. Plenty of twist and turns and heart wrenching moments to keep u reading. I’m dying to pick up anguish unfolds to see what happen to Riley!
Quinn made a few really stupid choices that irritated me- like the world is in turmoil so I’m going to go for a run. But at the same time it was that reminder that she is just a teenage and doing her best to cope.
My favorite relationship was Riley and Quinn. I feel like these types of book it’s just the main and their love that really has a relationship development but this book really did a good job showing how a sisterly relationship can morph as they cope with loss and being alone but at the same time, they are still sisters and want to act like how sisters would normally act.
Amazing start to what I am sure is going to be a fantastic series.
June 21, 2019
The story drew me in right away and kept me wondering what would happen next. Quinn and Riley, two sisters lose their parents in an accident during a vacation trip to their Aunt Grace. The two sisters have to figure out what to do next as things just keep getting worse with earthquakes, storms, and tornadoes. Riley disappears and it’s up to Quinn to find her.
A. E. Faulkner masterfully weaves her engaging characters into surviving Nature’s fury and figuring out who they can trust. If you like dystopian novels you will enjoy this book.
A. E. Faulkner masterfully weaves her engaging characters into surviving Nature’s fury and figuring out who they can trust. If you like dystopian novels you will enjoy this book.
June 3, 2019
Before I read this I had forgotten how much I liked dystopian novels. I love the storyline, the characters are well-developed and relatable. There is just enough description but not too much. Plus there is a little heartbreak mixed in with the happy ending, which I love! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
March 25, 2021
A real page-turner
This is one of the best dystopian novels I have ever read. The scariest thing about it is that I find it easy to believe that something like this could happen. I am really looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
This is one of the best dystopian novels I have ever read. The scariest thing about it is that I find it easy to believe that something like this could happen. I am really looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
April 5, 2021
Overall I thought this book was an exceptional read from beginning to end. Normally, I find it troubling to become engaged in a book and maintaining it throughout the book, but that was not the case while reading "Darkness Falls." I had a difficult time putting the book down and constantly found myself wanting to read more, eventually until I finished the entire book in just three quick days. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the idea of books that deal with a dystopian story and was a little hesitant to start reading this book, but that certainly changed after reading "Darkness Falls." This book follows two sisters, Quinn and Riley, who along the way to a family vacation suffer a great tragedy of having their parents killed in a car accident as a result of a major earthquake. Quinn and Riley must overcome all sorts of different obstacles to fight to survive in the changing environment, which leads to a major theme of the book, uncertainty. Throughout the book, Quinn and Riley are constantly faced with the uncertainty of what is going to happen next and what are they going to do to survive, from finding leaving the trailer to trying to find Riley when she went missing. I found this theme very easy to relate to in my daily life and would be great for high schoolers to relate to as well. While in high school, students are faced with the uncertainty of what is going to happen next in their life, such as what is next in their academic career, what college are they going to, what do they want to study in college, etc. I felt that this book did a fantastic job of relating this idea of uncertainty and for students to relate it to their everyday life, which can enhance a student's literacy. When a student can relate to a piece of literature, they tend to become more engaged in it, rather than literature that has no relation to a student's life. This book was a fairly simple read for secondary students, but it still had an extensive vocabulary and could expand a reader's vocabulary. This book also encourages critical thought and creative thought, by allowing the reader to put themselves in the different situations of Quinn and other characters and ask themselves 'what would I do in this situation?' Overall, I thought this book was a great read, due to the characters, plot, and ending. I would give "Darkness Falls" a 5/5 rating and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
March 29, 2021
This book gripped me from the beginning and held my attention until the very end. The two main characters that we meet, Quinn and Riley, are three-dimensional and interesting characters. They struggle to get their lives back under control after a devastating earthquake destroys much of the East Coast of the United States. This disaster takes the lives of Quinn and Riley's parents and forces the two sisters into taking a journey home to an unknown and very different world. Along their journey they meet a group of friends whom Quinn forms meaningful relationships with as they attempt to deal with every obstacle that crosses their path. "Darkness Falls" handles themes that every person goes through in their life journey. The characters struggle with loss, pain, guilt, and many other emotions and hardships. They also present the will to go on and persevere through hardships. Another important theme that this book does an excellent job at presenting is the current state of our planet and how people are treating it. Throughout the book, the characters come across polluted waters, piles of garbage everywhere, a dwindling number of wildlife, and freak weather patterns due to humanities neglect of the environment. The characters discuss how these problems can be rectified and if humans can be the ones to fix it. They also struggle with the idea that maybe it is too late to fix these problems and humanity must succumb to its punishment through Mother Nature's fury. AE Faulkner does a wonderful job at creating interesting and relatable characters and the author uses language that makes you feel as if you are participating in the journey along with Quinn and Riley.
April 6, 2021
"Darkness Falls" was a great read. I love the notion of humans against nature's fury or the divine. This is a theme that artists depict quite often in modern times and some artists even foreshadowed in art history. Her descriptive writing adequately painted a similar image in my mind. Being an artist myself, I am very big into visualization, and this book was extremely visual for me. The tension between the two, humans and natural disasters, makes meaningful commentary on the need for environmental sustainability. After meeting the author, it was clear that her passion for environmentally sustainability was essential to incorporate in the book and is conveniently or intentionally interwoven within the dystopian genre. Aside from the environmental commentary, this book also exemplifies the resilience of children, specifically Quinn in this story. Rapid change, loss, and hardship are just a few ideas she included in this book and they were depicted in a way that young readers are able to understand. Faulkner created characters that are relatable for young readers, thus allowing for young readers to empathize with their experiences, no matter how dramatic-dystopian the experiences may have been. I believe this book can enhance a child's literacy capability for many reasons. First, the vocabulary is approachable for young readers. Secondly, Faulkner successfully formed brief chapters that were both digestible and suspenseful. This combination make the book quick and fun read. As an art teacher, it would be interesting to see my students visual interpretations(in a drawing or painting) of the landscapes and scenes within the book.
April 6, 2021
A.E. Faulkner’s novel Darkness Falls is a remarkable addition to the dystopian wave we’ve seen
in mainstream media within recent years. Faulkner does a wonderful job mixing aspects of young adult literature with adrenaline-filled moments of survival that only add to the drama that the main characters go through. Faulkner’s teen characters are forced into a difficult situation that results in the death of their loved ones including their parents. Tragic circumstances force the teen characters to grow up in a very unusual way where they are left to navigate life after a
tragedy. Faulkner introduces an interesting story arc where teens are left to navigate the wrath of mother nature while carrying the grief of losing their loved ones all while introducing the progression of amplified emotions that come with grief as a growing teen. As a future educator, I
can see how this dystopian novel can provide important insight on the development of teenagers in regard to how one should look to handle grief as well as how human ignorance towards mother nature can ultimately be our downfall. I believe this novel by A.E. Faulkner can enhance an adolescent’s literacy capability within an English classroom due to its ability to depict how tragedy can set someone on a long journey in which they do not know where they will end up.
Furthermore, this novel can enhance a student’s literacy capability in an English classroom due
to how the author is able to demonstrate emotion and realness through the characters.
in mainstream media within recent years. Faulkner does a wonderful job mixing aspects of young adult literature with adrenaline-filled moments of survival that only add to the drama that the main characters go through. Faulkner’s teen characters are forced into a difficult situation that results in the death of their loved ones including their parents. Tragic circumstances force the teen characters to grow up in a very unusual way where they are left to navigate life after a
tragedy. Faulkner introduces an interesting story arc where teens are left to navigate the wrath of mother nature while carrying the grief of losing their loved ones all while introducing the progression of amplified emotions that come with grief as a growing teen. As a future educator, I
can see how this dystopian novel can provide important insight on the development of teenagers in regard to how one should look to handle grief as well as how human ignorance towards mother nature can ultimately be our downfall. I believe this novel by A.E. Faulkner can enhance an adolescent’s literacy capability within an English classroom due to its ability to depict how tragedy can set someone on a long journey in which they do not know where they will end up.
Furthermore, this novel can enhance a student’s literacy capability in an English classroom due
to how the author is able to demonstrate emotion and realness through the characters.
April 5, 2021
Darkness Falls be A.E. Faulkner was a excellent read. Between the dynamic of the characters to the plot. For starters the theme of the novel was excellent, the author incorporated many ideas and feelings that are felt outside in the novel which we feel on a daily basis, during Covid times. To me personally, when a story touches the readers on a real world basis it is excellent, especially coming from a future educator, looking for stories which connect students to their own world is extremely important. This novel would be great for a YA audience classroom. This is a very good read and I would recommend this story to teachers in the classroom, (especially in todays world) and for anyone in general who likes a good novel, with a great cast of characters.
April 6, 2024
Eye-Opening Page Turner
I often ponder what will eventually become of the world due to the carelessness of humans as we take so much for granted. Darkness Falls is the beginning peep into the possibility of how Mother Nature might take her revenge.
As Quin navigates loss in multiple forms, new friends and foes, normal teenage angst, and raging natural disasters, it's not hard to visualize this as a possible outcome for the future of our planet.
As tensions build between characters and the outside world, the plot thickens and one thing leads to another. I did not want to put this down, and I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what Quinn will do next. Because of the way she is treated, Mother Nature is definitely not done with the likes of humans, and Quinn is definitely not giving up on her goal to get home.
I often ponder what will eventually become of the world due to the carelessness of humans as we take so much for granted. Darkness Falls is the beginning peep into the possibility of how Mother Nature might take her revenge.
As Quin navigates loss in multiple forms, new friends and foes, normal teenage angst, and raging natural disasters, it's not hard to visualize this as a possible outcome for the future of our planet.
As tensions build between characters and the outside world, the plot thickens and one thing leads to another. I did not want to put this down, and I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what Quinn will do next. Because of the way she is treated, Mother Nature is definitely not done with the likes of humans, and Quinn is definitely not giving up on her goal to get home.
April 3, 2023
Darkness Falls- A.E. Faulkner
330 pages
The entire concept of this book is fascinating to me. What if nature gets tired of us and fights back? I think it rings even more true because I can see it happening, albeit to a lesser extent, in real life too. I was pulled in for the concept but stayed for the characters.
Everything is through Quinn’s perspective. I think she's a reliable narrator, and the way she processes all the story's emotions and the situations they find themselves in feels relatable. My only real complaint about her is she reads as older than 16. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I had to keep reminding myself that she isn’t in her early twenties.
I had a few issues with some of the side characters, but it wasn’t so much the writing of them but their personalities in general. Which made them seem more realistic. Rarely do we find all people around us pleasant to be around all the time. I think it adds more depth to the story that I was annoyed with them.
I think the only character I have a true issue with is Jasmine. The drastic portrayal of her flips on its head almost fast enough to give me whiplash. I understand what the goal was, but I felt like it was too sudden to be easily believed. I don’t want to veer into spoiler territory, so forgive the vagueness, but even the reasons given for all stages just don’t vibe with me very well. Her entire dynamic felt forced.
I have some issues with how one of the major plot points is playing out. I feel like not enough of it was resolved to end the book. There can be elements that arch through an entire series, I’m good with that, but it felt like too much was left open-ended. When I finished the book, it just didn’t feel… complete. This only becomes a concern for me because it makes me worry I will invest a lot of time and energy and emotions into these characters only to have the end of the series as a whole leave too much unsaid or undone. So, color me concerned.
Overall, I liked it. I think it’s a good read! I plan to read the rest of the series sometime this year, and I really hope there is a solid and comfortable ending. Doesn’t have to be a happy ending, necessarily, but I want to feel like I’m ok with walking away. However, I want to mention… while the majority of the book is well-written, one thing that really threw me off was the dialogue. Sometimes two people would talk in the same paragraph. A few times, I had to go back and look at it again to make sure I knew who was talking. I did get used to it by the end of the book, but it was a little grating.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
330 pages
The entire concept of this book is fascinating to me. What if nature gets tired of us and fights back? I think it rings even more true because I can see it happening, albeit to a lesser extent, in real life too. I was pulled in for the concept but stayed for the characters.
Everything is through Quinn’s perspective. I think she's a reliable narrator, and the way she processes all the story's emotions and the situations they find themselves in feels relatable. My only real complaint about her is she reads as older than 16. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I had to keep reminding myself that she isn’t in her early twenties.
I had a few issues with some of the side characters, but it wasn’t so much the writing of them but their personalities in general. Which made them seem more realistic. Rarely do we find all people around us pleasant to be around all the time. I think it adds more depth to the story that I was annoyed with them.
I think the only character I have a true issue with is Jasmine. The drastic portrayal of her flips on its head almost fast enough to give me whiplash. I understand what the goal was, but I felt like it was too sudden to be easily believed. I don’t want to veer into spoiler territory, so forgive the vagueness, but even the reasons given for all stages just don’t vibe with me very well. Her entire dynamic felt forced.
I have some issues with how one of the major plot points is playing out. I feel like not enough of it was resolved to end the book. There can be elements that arch through an entire series, I’m good with that, but it felt like too much was left open-ended. When I finished the book, it just didn’t feel… complete. This only becomes a concern for me because it makes me worry I will invest a lot of time and energy and emotions into these characters only to have the end of the series as a whole leave too much unsaid or undone. So, color me concerned.
Overall, I liked it. I think it’s a good read! I plan to read the rest of the series sometime this year, and I really hope there is a solid and comfortable ending. Doesn’t have to be a happy ending, necessarily, but I want to feel like I’m ok with walking away. However, I want to mention… while the majority of the book is well-written, one thing that really threw me off was the dialogue. Sometimes two people would talk in the same paragraph. A few times, I had to go back and look at it again to make sure I knew who was talking. I did get used to it by the end of the book, but it was a little grating.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
October 23, 2023
A.E. Faulkner totally captures so many emotions in each of her characters in Darkness Falls. I was drawn into the storyline from page 1 until the very end and cannot wait to start book two! From the strength, trust in strangers, vulnerability, and compassion, all explained in a way anyone reading could understand and relate to, the author is amazing in keeping you guessing and wanting...no needing, more!
April 6, 2021
To me, this story is about doing whatever it takes to survive. When Quinn and Riley’s parents die as a result of a devastating earthquake, the two teenagers are determined to survive this seemingly post-apocalyptic world. With little resources around them, they team up with another group of teenagers in an attempt to take on the world... literally. With the climate around them constantly changing, the teens have to adapt in order to survive their dystopian present.
While this book is obviously fictional, I felt it was easy to relate with in my own specific way when it comes to being able to change and adapt. In a sense, these characters become role models to the readers, as they try-and succeed- to navigate a changing world after suffering such harsh losses and hardships. One easily finds themselves filling the shoes of the characters and anticipating what the next move they will make will be, and thinking how one would do something differently if the move a character makes seems troubling. It’s these kinds of relationships with characters that are difficult to create. The facts these relationships to the characters jump off the page makes this a great and exciting book to read
While this book is obviously fictional, I felt it was easy to relate with in my own specific way when it comes to being able to change and adapt. In a sense, these characters become role models to the readers, as they try-and succeed- to navigate a changing world after suffering such harsh losses and hardships. One easily finds themselves filling the shoes of the characters and anticipating what the next move they will make will be, and thinking how one would do something differently if the move a character makes seems troubling. It’s these kinds of relationships with characters that are difficult to create. The facts these relationships to the characters jump off the page makes this a great and exciting book to read
November 23, 2023
Apocalypse humanity's doing?
Maybe Jasmine is right and the trashing of Earth lands at the feet of humanity. She's a great character, as are all of them, even Jim and Dan, the brothers you dislike at once. There is so much happening in the story and I'd be very surprised if I was the only one to shed copious tears. Can't wait to read the next one!
Maybe Jasmine is right and the trashing of Earth lands at the feet of humanity. She's a great character, as are all of them, even Jim and Dan, the brothers you dislike at once. There is so much happening in the story and I'd be very surprised if I was the only one to shed copious tears. Can't wait to read the next one!
February 23, 2021
Darkness Falls by A.E. Faulkner was a fantastic book. The anticipation that I had about what was going to happen next throughout the book was unreal. I wanted to finish the whole book in one setting. Now that I have finished the book, I cannot wait to read her next one to find answers for the questions that I currently have. I think Faulkner had done an amazing job painting the pictures of the events as well as the emotions that her characters had throughout the book. I found myself laughing, crying, and being frustrated along with the characters. You know you are reading a great book when you can physically and emotionally feel what the characters are going through! The characters that Faulkner chose were very diverse in personalities as well as family backgrounds, which I thought was brilliant. This was a huge bonus as it made the story more real for different readers. This book took place in Delaware, but most of the main characters were from Pennsylvania. The two main themes of the book were relationship and trauma. The relationships included relationships between family, siblings, friends, as well as strangers (both good and bad ones). The trauma included tragic events that caused death, sadness, worthlessness, loneliness, etc. I think this is a great book for students in middle school, high school, as well as in college. I can see how this book can be utilized in English classes as students discuss the two main themes of the book. They can make connections with their own personal relationships and trauma that they had experienced in their lives. This can result in valuable life lessons as students discuss the impact of different relationships on each of the main characters.
April 24, 2023
Wow
When an earthquake hits on the east coast of America, all hell breaks loose for Riley and Quinn. Their vehicle, headed to a vacation, ends up in a highway multi car pile up, killing their parents. They are left in a broken world to fend for themselves. Thank heavens for another group of teens, who help them save themselves, until Riley goes missing. Will Quinn ever find her sister again in a world that has gone mad?
When an earthquake hits on the east coast of America, all hell breaks loose for Riley and Quinn. Their vehicle, headed to a vacation, ends up in a highway multi car pile up, killing their parents. They are left in a broken world to fend for themselves. Thank heavens for another group of teens, who help them save themselves, until Riley goes missing. Will Quinn ever find her sister again in a world that has gone mad?
December 31, 2022
This was a fantastic read, I couldn't put it down.
This is more than just a typical dystopian world. Mother nature has turned against us and Quinn and Riley are sisters trying to find their way back to each other. This story deals with not only the struggle the girls go through in an apocalyptic world but also the human side of struggling through it all. They find friends, struggle with enemies and necessary decisions that must be made to survive. This was well paced and the story really pulls you in, you have to keep reading just find out what happens next.
This is more than just a typical dystopian world. Mother nature has turned against us and Quinn and Riley are sisters trying to find their way back to each other. This story deals with not only the struggle the girls go through in an apocalyptic world but also the human side of struggling through it all. They find friends, struggle with enemies and necessary decisions that must be made to survive. This was well paced and the story really pulls you in, you have to keep reading just find out what happens next.
May 2, 2019
Two sisters Quinn and Riley along with their parents set out on vacation. Their Aunt Grace has trailer near the beach in Delaware that they visit every year. They end up in a terrible accident close to Aunt Grace’s. Their parents don’t survive. Quinn and Riley make their way to their aunt’s place not knowing what else to do.
It looks like Mother Nature has had enough of the way people is treating her home and decides that is it time for a little payback. The earth is hit with earthquakes, tornados, storms it is one disaster after another taking a lot lives.
During the night Quinn hears someone missing around outside and goes to investigate. When she gets outside she sees this guy Aidan that she met on her run earlier in the day. She asks him what he is doing missing around in the middle of the night. Aidan tells her he is just borrowing stuff from people who don’t need it anymore.
Quinn and Riley find out that Aidan and his friend Jeff are from the same place they are from and plan on trying to make it home. Quinn and Riley pack their bags and head out with them. When they awake the next day Riley is missing. Quinn knows that Riley just didn’t take off without her. She knows that Riley would never leave her behind. Something had to happen to her. Someone must have come into the camp the night before and took her.
Aidan and Jeff go back with Quinn to the trailer park to help her look for Riley they meet a boy, Chris who tells him that he overheard a couple of guys talking about her sister and where they were going. Aidan and Jeff go with Quinn to help her find her sister.
There is danger and a lot of obstacles standing in their way but this one tough bunch of kids. Quinn will face down whatever is in her way because she is not going let no one or anything stand in her way of finding her sister. Mother Nature throws a few more things there way not to mention the evil humans they run into.
Darkness Falls is a very intense read that kept my attention from the first page. It started out with action in the beginning and never let up. There were so many twists and turns that it was hard to keep up with them. I did think at times that Quinn took some unnecessary risk. She did some great things but sometimes she did some crazy things that was unsafe for a seventeen year old who was all alone at the time. I would love to read more of Nature’s Fury series. What more can these two sister’s go through? What more can Mother Nature throw at the people? Very exciting for a read not real life.
I would definitely recommend Darkness Falls to all fans of post-apocalyptic. Dystopia.
It looks like Mother Nature has had enough of the way people is treating her home and decides that is it time for a little payback. The earth is hit with earthquakes, tornados, storms it is one disaster after another taking a lot lives.
During the night Quinn hears someone missing around outside and goes to investigate. When she gets outside she sees this guy Aidan that she met on her run earlier in the day. She asks him what he is doing missing around in the middle of the night. Aidan tells her he is just borrowing stuff from people who don’t need it anymore.
Quinn and Riley find out that Aidan and his friend Jeff are from the same place they are from and plan on trying to make it home. Quinn and Riley pack their bags and head out with them. When they awake the next day Riley is missing. Quinn knows that Riley just didn’t take off without her. She knows that Riley would never leave her behind. Something had to happen to her. Someone must have come into the camp the night before and took her.
Aidan and Jeff go back with Quinn to the trailer park to help her look for Riley they meet a boy, Chris who tells him that he overheard a couple of guys talking about her sister and where they were going. Aidan and Jeff go with Quinn to help her find her sister.
There is danger and a lot of obstacles standing in their way but this one tough bunch of kids. Quinn will face down whatever is in her way because she is not going let no one or anything stand in her way of finding her sister. Mother Nature throws a few more things there way not to mention the evil humans they run into.
Darkness Falls is a very intense read that kept my attention from the first page. It started out with action in the beginning and never let up. There were so many twists and turns that it was hard to keep up with them. I did think at times that Quinn took some unnecessary risk. She did some great things but sometimes she did some crazy things that was unsafe for a seventeen year old who was all alone at the time. I would love to read more of Nature’s Fury series. What more can these two sister’s go through? What more can Mother Nature throw at the people? Very exciting for a read not real life.
I would definitely recommend Darkness Falls to all fans of post-apocalyptic. Dystopia.
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