My review is a little explicit as a heads up.

How many times can one couple be interrupted from having sex? That’s really my only complaint. Every single time we would almost get there something would happen. Usually interrupted by a roommate or some serious talk that needed to go down.

That being said. This is probably the most unique story u have ever read. I had kind of a hard time grasping the concept because of how complex the world is.

I also saw that there will be a book 2 and I am interested to see if we follow Sahn and Nereida or if we stay at the gate. Since yhe book was set I believe in the 90’s? I can’t remember but pretty sure it was not present day but close. That the next story will be the next group of people at the gate lodge.


I feel empty without these characters, read at your own risk.

Couldn't put it down. The YEARNING is top tier!!! This book completely upends the fated‑mates cliché to explore all kinds of love. Roe refuses to pledge undying loyalty to a man she’s only just met (you go girl!). She's laser‑focused on one thing: solving her sister’s death.

A fantastical romance between two soulmates who must sort through memories of their past lives together while contending hidden enemies that want to tear all that apart. The Minor Fall features a delightfully oblivious protagonist, Roe Tullum, who you will enjoy shaking your fist at throughout the book as one does when watching a sports game on TV. The story combines elements of romance--classic tropes like enemies-to-lovers, soulmates--with the supernatural and mystery. The 90s setting adds to the intrigue--remember when you couldn't just google that man who mysteriously disappeared all those years ago?

I was initially turned off by the author's choice to render the Irish accent in the text, but after reading deeper in, it was clear that the author is familiar with this dialect and is not merely adding "flavor" by spelling words differently. The atmosphere provided by the west coast of Ireland is just as cold and rainy as in real life. The world of Roe's past life is similarly vivid, with its indigo skies and milky lakes, enticing to fans of weird fantasy or those who just aren't interested in pretty elves. Biblically accurate boyfriend, anyone?

The romance is certainly slowburn, but if you can be patient with the female main character, your virtue will be rewarded. The mystery elements are compelling enough to keep the pages turning in between romantic beats, but between the countless plot twists and complicated rules of the world Martell has created, the story becomes becomes muddy towards the end.

The Minor Fall is a sharp, atmospheric fantasy that follows Roe and Bryn—two characters bound by grief, power, and a past they can’t outrun. The story blends emotional depth with a haunting, steampunk-inspired world.

The writing is clean and deliberate, and the slow-build tension keeps you engaged. Roe and Bryn are complex and believable, and their connection drives the story without overshadowing the plot. A thoughtful, tightly written read that lingers after the final page. Can’t wait for book 2!

Before writing this review I spent approximately 10 minutes staring at a wall, jaw wide open with my hand covering it...

First of all, the plot, the characters and the worldbuilding were absolutely stunning. The writing itself was fantastic. The pacing of the story picked up quickly after a somewhat slow start and maintained itself with everything that happens in this story.

There were moments where i was laughing, other when i was mad alongside the main character, and also moment where i was sad. The romance between the love interests, the YEARNING.

And let's not even get me started with the ending.... my god, the ending. the end left me—as i said in the beginning-contemplating everything for at least ten minutes and I don't think i'll ever recover.