This is a beautifully written story with immersive prose that creates a vivid backdrop. However, the extensive descriptions, while atmospheric, sometimes distract from the main narrative. The pacing could benefit from some tightening to maintain focus. That said, readers who enjoy slow-paced, visually rich storytelling will likely appreciate this approac

4.5 Stars

I didn’t just read The Minor Fall…I lived in it, haunted by it, like Roe herself walking through memory and shadow.

From the very first page, I felt a tug in my chest. Maybe it was the grief. Maybe it was Ireland breathing magic and danger through every mist-drenched scene. Maybe it was Bryn. (Okay, it was absolutely also Bryn.)

But I knew this was going to be one of those reads!

Roe isn’t just a grieving twin. She’s tethered to her sister, to Ruhaven, to a past that won’t stay buried. Every choice she makes feels like a defiance. Every truth she uncovers feels like a wound. And Bryn? Bryn is a secret wrapped in sorrow and duty, and oh, how he undid me.

There’s something about a character who’s been hollowed out by a world he can’t escape but still chooses to fight for someone else. Bryn burns quietly, and I fell hard.

Their chemistry is slow, taut, dangerous. This isn’t a love story painted in sunshine, it’s written in shadow. And that’s what made it so good. Because when they do reach for each other, it feels earned. Desperate. Sacred.

What I Loved:

* The atmosphere? Gothic, intimate, and quietly eerie.
* The Ledger as a concept is absolutely brilliant. Lineage as destiny, memory as magic.
* The dual ache of love and loss is woven into every sentence.
* Ruhaven doesn’t feel like a “setting”, it feels like a character. And it’s watching.
* Bryn and Roe’s connection isn't just romantic…it's cosmic. Fated. Cursed. Tender.

There’s a specific kind of magic when a fantasy story uses grief as a map. Roe isn’t looking for an escape, she’s looking for meaning. And as someone who feels everything in stories, this hit me in all the right places. The longing. The fear. The trust that blooms when you least expect it.

I didn’t just connect to the characters, I saw myself in them. Especially Roe’s stubborn hope. Her need to believe that even in the face of fate, there’s still choice.

If you love romantic fantasy that leans heavy into atmosphere, emotion, and prophecy-twisted longing..this is for you.

The Minor Fall is what happens when grief collides with destiny, and two broken people try to outrun a history written in blood. It’s quiet but feral in the way it sneaks up on you and steals your breath.

Up until around the 50% mark, I was hovering around 4 stars for The Minor Fall. The prose is beautiful and the world(s) had really started to capture me and while it had taken me a few chapters to get engrossed in the story, from the halfway point and onwards I couldn't put the book down. The book drags just a tiny bit, and might have benefited from being a bit shorter, but it didn't bother me.

I really enjoyed the dual worlds and to me, it's a really interesting concept that I haven't really seen before. I do wish that we had learned more about Ruhaven, about the politics and the structure of the worlds, instead of all the characters being busy with mating almost every single time.

However, where the story falls short for me is the romance. I wasn't a fan of Bryn as a character (let's admit it, the guy is a creep) and I kept reading it in the hopes that Rowan, our main character, would change her mind.

SPOILER AHEAD!
And honestly, I couldn't get over the weird vibes after the halfway point. Bryn sleeps with her without her knowing it's him, talks to Rowan in her mind while she think she's imagining his voice, won't leave her alone when she begs him to, starts calling her "my Rowan" all of a sudden, lies repeatedly, gets extremely obsessive, and again, had sex with her multiple times when she was together with him in the Gate, not telling her who he was? And she keeps forgiving him! Like girl, what are you doing???? I was with Tye on this one and Tye was extremely valid in acting the way that he did.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars as I really enjoyed the first half of the book. If you enjoy Bryn as a character, which I couldn't, you'll definitely enjoy this book more than I did.

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes when reading a book, the story is so vivid, immersing and frustrating all in one. This was that book. I could feel the emotions the characters felt as if I were there myself. This in my opinion shows how well it was built and the execution of the plot, characters and world building.

The story starts out a little slow, but understandably so with the immense world and plot building needed. But once we reach chapter 7, the world building and plot elements exploded with intense detail to the surrounding and a whole new way to describe even simple things.

The main characters were so well written with both their emotions and thoughts explored thoroughly. Roe who is our MFC is a resilient woman, but forever seeing herself as the lesser sister. She carries a lot of her past in her heart and is struggling to find her way but being in west Ireland she finds herself falling in love with the found family and surrounding life she has created. Our MMC Bryn on the other hand is an integral part of her journey. The slow burn aspect of their relationship along with the mistrust gives us some gut wrenching emotional scenes. The intense yearning for each other is palpable, which adds to the intense ending of the book.

The side characters in this story are as important as the main characters with Jmaes, Kazie and Tye all playing their roles perfectly. James was probably one of my favorites, as I’ve lived in Ireland previously, and he was written so well with his dialogue and sayings that I felt transported back to that time.

The ending of this book had me in shock, I can't even really put it into words other than I need the next book NOW.

The Minor Fall follows Roe, who’s trying to rebuild her life after the sudden death of her twin sister. She moves to Ireland for a fresh start but things take a strange turn when she discovers she can access fragments of memories from a place called Ruhaven, a forgotten world weighed down by a dangerous curse.

Roe is drawn into the mystery of her sister’s death, the curse of Ruhaven, and the eerie connections between past and present. Her only guide is Bryn, a guarded and mysterious survivor who knows more than he’s letting on.

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! Can’t wait for book 2!

The Minor Fall is the story of Rowan’s journey from lost and grief-stricken after the death of her twin to discovering she may be the reincarnation of a magical being from another world, thousands of years ago. After seeing Ruhaven for the first time through the memories of her past life, she discovers that her twin’s death may not have been an accident and vows to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

This was an interesting read. The world-building was intricate and beautifully written, and the whole premise is intriguing. The descriptions of Ruhaven were gorgeous, and the use of weather to mimic emotions was perfect. The slow reveal of Ruhaven’s rules and laws made it less overwhelming and more easily understood, as well as adding tension with each new reveal. There were also some great humorous moments, especially from James with his Irish accent.

It was a little slow to start, but the descriptions of Nuraka were enough to keep me reading until the pace picked up. There were some occasions early on in the book where some more dialogue tags would have been useful as it wasn’t always easy to tell who was speaking, which led to some confusion and backtracking.

I didn’t love Rowan as a character; her utter refusal to see herself as anything other than a placeholder for Willow got more frustrating as the book went on, but there were definitely moments where I could empathise with her other feelings and decisions. I was also annoyed at the way she clung to the time of birth in the Ledger – unless there are marked differences in baby twins, it would be very easy to mix up which one arrived first.
Overall, it was enjoyable and I’d be interested in reading the sequel once it’s out to find out what’s next for Rowan and Bryn.

2.4/5

This is a visually stunning but extremely slow-paced fantasy novel.

The Minor Fall opens with a colorful map of Ruhaven and pretty chapter ornaments, showcasing stunning artwork that immediately draws me into its world.

The premise, which explores the reincarnation of characters accessing past life memories through "The Gate,” is intriguing and sets the stage for a strong fantasy narrative. However, despite its promising elements, the book struggles with pacing, character development, and overly complex dialogue, which may challenge some readers(like me).

As a non-native English speaker, I found the fantasy world-building immersive but overwhelming.

The novel introduces a rich world with magical jargon and unfamiliar settings, which is typical for the genre but requires patience to navigate. On top of all these, the dialogue, written in an Irish accent, feels authentic but poses a significant language barrier for me, particularly in the early chapters.

While I eventually got used to it, the initial struggle made the reading experience feel like a chore.

The book’s marketing compares it to Narnia and ACOTAR, promising a “slow burn fantasy romance” for fans of Sarah J. Maas and others. While I could see traits of Narnia in its worldbuilding, the comparison to ACOTAR feels...misleading. The pacing is very very slow, and the story only gains momentum once the magic system and world become clearer. Even then, I found it difficult to fully invest in the narrative.

The protagonist, Roe, is insufferable. Her stubbornness, selfishness, and tendency toward self-pity, often using her sister Willow’s death as an emotional crutch, made her difficult to root for. Her accusations without evidence, always playing the victim, and jealousy of others made her character very unlikeable. A moment in chapter 7, where Kazie challenges Roe, was a highlight, offering a satisfying counterpoint to her chaotic behavior.

Unfortunately, the romance between Roe and Bryn felt underwhelming, with nicknames like “My Rowan” coming across as forced and cringey.

The mystery surrounding Willow’s death initially intrigued me, but its prolonged resolution and lack of backstory left me disconnected. Without a deeper understanding of Willow, I struggled to care about the main plot. Additionally, characters frequently withhold information without clear justification, which feels like an unconvincing plot device that further slows down the pace.

On the other hand, the prose is a standout feature. The author’s lyrical and descriptive writing vividly brings Ruhaven to life, painting scenes with remarkable beauty. However, the dense descriptions sometimes bog down the narrative, and I believe the book could benefit from tighter editing to enhance its pace.

Overall, The Minor Fall offers a visually captivating world and an ambitious premise but falls short due to its slow pacing, unlikable FMC, and complicated storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kayla Martell for providing the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. I have posted the same review on goodreads as well.

This was an interesting read. Major slow burn with a bit of edging, plus we now have a new book boyfriend in Bryn.

The opening chapters of The Minor Fall take their time, but the slow burn pays off. What first feels like a gradual introduction quickly reveals itself to be the careful assembly of a truly immersive and intricate world. Every detail serves a purpose, and by the time you reach the midpoint, you’re fully swept up in the lore and mystery of Ruhaven.

Kayla M. Martell is a master of setting. Ruhaven doesn’t just feel real, it feels lived in. This is one of those rare fantasies where the world is not just a backdrop but a central character in its own right. The atmosphere reminded me of Narnia’s whimsy mixed with Inception‘s layered complexity, yet it remained entirely original.

The cast of characters is one of the story’s biggest strengths. Each character felt vivid and distinct, with their own arcs, motivations, and secrets. Roe, in particular, is a protagonist you want to root for. She is vulnerable yet fierce, curious yet cautious. I appreciated how her personal journey was never overshadowed by the fantasy elements. In fact, the true crime thread blended seamlessly into the plot and added a layer of suspense that made this much more than a typical romantasy.

Speaking of romance—yes, it’s there, and yes, it’s swoony, but it doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Instead, it enhances Roe’s emotional stakes and adds just the right amount of tension and hope.

Who Should Read It?
-Fans of lush fantasy with strong emotional core
-Readers who enjoy mystery elements woven into fantastical worlds
-Lovers of magical realism, sisterhood dynamics, and rich lore
-Anyone who wants to feel transported, body, heart and mind

Final Verdict
The Minor Fall is a standout debut that blends magical fantasy, emotional resonance, and slow-burning mystery into a page-turner with real staying power. Kayla M. Martell crafts a world that feels both timeless and urgent, pulling you deeper with each chapter. Whether you’re here for the magic, the romance, or the suspense, you’ll find something to love in Ruhaven.

Grateful to NetGalley and Kayla M. Martell for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

I finished all 628 pages of this book, and unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. The female main character came across as overly emotional and difficult to connect with, which made it hard to stay invested in her journey. The plot felt disjointed at times, with an emphasis on mystery that often led to confusion rather than intrigue. The writing style was heavily descriptive—so much so that it sometimes overshadowed the actual meaning or pacing of the story.

The emotional tone leaned heavily into sorrow and self-pity, which may appeal to some readers but felt repetitive to me. Additionally, for those looking for romance with more intensity or "spice," this book leaned more toward a PG-level portrayal, which might not meet expectations in that area.

Overall, the characters lacked depth, the suspense didn’t quite land, and the story felt longer than it needed to be. I found it to be a disappointing read, though others might enjoy the lyrical writing style or emotional themes more than I did.


Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read and review this book

This book was soo frustrating to read. It's quite long and it takes forever before anything substantive happens. The mythology was confusing, primarily because Rowen "Roe", our entree into this world is unreliable. The author chose to give her the annoying, reductive, characteristic of crippling insecurity and self loathing, so while anyone else is trying to impart information, we get her inner monologue of I don't deserve to know this, it should be Willow, I'll be proven as an imposter. And then she's stuck playing catch up, as are we.

Willow is her twin sister who died of an aneurysm before the book begins. Roe feels like the lesser twin and is sure that everyone wishes she had been the one who died instead of the wonderful Willow. Problem is, since Willow is already dead, the reader has no idea why Willow is so wonderful that Roe doesn't deserve anything. All we know is that Willow was a gifted piano player, and beloved by all but we don't know why. And just because Willow is good at something doesn't mean that Roe is worthless and yet that's how Roe feels.

Over and over, she does stupid things because Willow. And it's hard to be on board with this because WE DON'T KNOW WILLOW, WE DON'T CARE ABOUT WILLOW.

The book also suffers because the other main characters parcel out important information in drips and drabs, or out right lie to Roe. And this happens over and over again. For stupid reasons. Like, we've learned over time that it's best not to overwhelm people with information. But she's clearly showing by thought, deed, action, speech, that this isn't working for her. So change the approach. Duh.

The book is positioned as enemies to lovers romance but Bryn was never her enemy. He was just a stranger, that kept to himself. That he ends up having withheld information/lied is something else. They never hated each other, and in fact their biggest obstacle was Tye who kept disappearing and reappearing just to drop a bomb on the group and leave again. After he does this multiple times and nearly breaks someone's leg, it is beyond all comprehension why Roe willingly leaves with him near the end of the book. Oh, right, it's the Willow of it all. Ugh.

James and Kazie are little more than caricatures, who deserved more, especially James, on whom all of this should hinge but instead he is drawn as a leprechaun who's always baking scones and speaking like a Lucky Charms ad.

The ending is unsatisfying because there is a ton of convoluted exposition and this is meant to be the start of a series I'm guessing.

The Minor Fall by Kayla M. Martell is such a good story. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

Slow start but a definite 5 star by the end - really enjoyed the world of Naruka and Ruhaven and hope i get to visit again soon

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.

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.