Book Reviews of
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises
Goodreads Review
"Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises by R.C. Vielee is a gripping and intricately woven tale that transports readers to a world teetering on the brink of chaos and destruction. Set in the near-utopian realm of Tartica, the novel follows protagonist Reyne as he navigates a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, dark secrets, and existential threats.
Vielee's world-building is masterful, immersing readers in a richly imagined society founded on ideals of free love and harmony with nature. However, as the story unfolds, cracks begin to appear in the facade of this seemingly perfect society, revealing underlying tensions and conflicts that threaten to tear it apart.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Reyne grapples with assassins, political machinations, and the looming specter of war. The author skillfully balances action-packed sequences with quieter moments of introspection, allowing readers to delve deep into the minds of the characters and explore the moral complexities of their choices.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its characters, who are complex, multifaceted, and deeply human. From Reyne, the reluctant hero, to the enigmatic Devil's Blacksmith, each character is vividly drawn and imbued with their own motivations, flaws, and desires.
Overall, "Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises" is a captivating start to the Utopia Falling Saga, offering readers a thrilling blend of fantasy, suspense, and thought-provoking themes. With its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and gripping plot, this novel is sure to keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.”
Ultimate Word
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Kobo Review…
“Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises is an epic fantasy story…. R.C. Vielee took me on a roller coaster ride of greed for power, backstabbing, betrayal, and murder. The story was fast-paced, and two plotlines were woven together. There were so many things happening at once that I just turned the pages as fast as I could. It was jam-packed with action, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many interesting characters, and the depth of their backgrounds added to the success of the story. The map and glossary at the back of the story are detailed and help me to keep track of the characters and locations. The first story starts on such a high note that I cannot wait to read the next in the series.”
Alma Boucher
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Amazon Review…
“Amazing start to a trilogy... kept me wanting more to read... Love, romance, murder. The creativity of this author’s mind is over the top. Can't wait for the next book.”
Melissa
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Literary Titan Review…
“Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises, by R. C. Vielee, offers a riveting journey through a dystopian fantasy world, intricately woven with themes of resilience, the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the immense sacrifices necessary for the survival of entire worlds. Set in the aftermath of Earth's Great Destruction, the novel introduces us to Tartica, a society that has emerged as a beacon of free love and harmony with nature. However, beneath its utopian veneer, Tartica grapples with the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of its once-cherished values.
At the heart of the narrative is Reyne, a humble farmer whose yearning for a simple life with Mithany is shattered by the looming threat of assassins from the menacing realm of Evidar. Reyne's character is masterfully crafted, embodying the journey from naivety to a pivotal force within Tartica. His internal struggles and unexpected responsibilities resonate deeply, offering a compelling portrait of a relatable hero thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The novel explores the dichotomy between Reyne's longing for simplicity and the complex destiny awaiting him, enriched by the depiction of Tartica's leaders. Once virtuous, these figures succumb to dark desires, illustrating the fragile nature of goodness when confronted with deceit and ambition. This theme of moral decay is counterbalanced by the narrative arc of the Devil's Blacksmith in Evidar, a character shrouded in mystery and manipulation. His relentless quest for power, even at the cost of others' well-being, paints a morally ambiguous picture of an antagonist driven by a distorted vision of salvation.
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises is a mesmerizing tale that skillfully intertwines love, betrayal, and the exploration of alternate realms. The novel's pace and world-building are both accessible and engaging, making it a standout addition to the dystopian fantasy genre. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, R. C. Vielee's creation is not just a story of a clash between utopia and darkness; it is an examination of the limits of freedom and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Rating: 5 Stars”
April P.
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NetGalley Review…
“Great story with great action. I really enjoyed that there were many things happening at once so I was continuously wanting to stay reading. The cover art was beautiful, and I really enjoyed all the POVs.”
Alondra Salcido
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Blogger Review…
“This was a strong start to the Utopia Falling Saga series, it does everything that was promised. I enjoyed the plot overall and the description does a great job in working as a fantasy novel. It does a great job in creating a beginning chapter and left me wanting more.”
Kaythrin McLeer
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Amazon Review…
“This book was suggested to me by a good friend and I’m so glad I took him up on his recommendation. ‘Utopia Falling’ is a riveting and imaginative story told with skillful world-building and vivid descriptions that make the reader feel like they are watching the unfolding events from a front row seat. There are many different plot twists that keep you captivated and anxious to continue reading to see what will happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially for people who enjoy this type of genre. Well done!
P.S. I now have a fear of spiderworms.”
Rod
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Reader’s House Magazine Review…
“Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises by R.C. Vielee thrusts readers into a gripping tale of parallel worlds, shattered dreams, and the relentless pursuit of salvation amidst chaos. Set in the near-utopian realm of Tartica, where civilization flourishes in harmony with nature, protagonist Reyne Brenton’s aspirations for a peaceful life with his beloved Mithany are violently disrupted by assassins from the brutal alternate reality of Evidar.
Vielee weaves a complex narrative, blending elements of fantasy with profound themes of love, betrayal, and existential struggle. Reyne’s journey from a simple desire for domestic bliss to a reluctant hero tasked with confronting the enigmatic Devil’s Blacksmith is masterfully portrayed. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, the line between reality and illusion blurs, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The world-building in Utopia Falling is richly detailed, immersing readers in the vibrant tapestry of Tartican society while offering tantalizing glimpses into the dark machinations of Evidar. Vielee’s prose is evocative, painting vivid landscapes and crafting multi-dimensional characters whose motivations drive the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
At its core, Utopia Falling is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their world. With its blend of action, intrigue, and existential ponderings, this novel marks the beginning of an epic fantasy trilogy that promises to captivate readers until the very end.”
readershouse.co.uk
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Blogger Review…
“Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises by R.C. Vielee is a gripping tale set in a world devastated by the cataclysmic event known as the Great Destruction. The story follows Reyne Brenton, a simple nut farmer, whose peaceful existence is shattered when assassins from a dark realm called Evidar target him for death.
Vielee’s strotytelling skillfully immerses readers into the intricately crafted world of Tartica, a society built on ideals of free love and harmony with nature. However, beneath its surface lies a complex web of political intrigue and moral dilemmas that threaten to unravel everything Reyne holds dear.
What makes ‘Utopia Falling’ stand out is its exploration of profound themes such as power, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Reyne grapples with his destiny, Vielee delves into his inner struggles, inviting readers to ponder the nature of heroism and redemption.
With vivid descriptions and unexpected plot twists, Vielee keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the secrets of Tartica and Evidar. Each character, from the enigmatic Mister Lesni to the menacing Devil’s Blacksmith, is carefully developed, adding depth and richness to the story.
In ‘Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises,’ Vielee creates a captivating blend of fantasy and philosophy that will leave readers pondering long after they’ve finished the book. With its engaging narrative, this novel cements Vielee’s place as a master storyteller in the realm of fantasy literature.”
Heartfeltreader
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Net Galley Review…
“The story kicks off after the Great Destruction in the nearly perfect world of Tartica. Just before Reyne’s wedding, assassins from the parallel world of Evidar try to kill him, starting an exciting conflict.
The plot is complex and keeps me excited enough to finish the audiobook in 2 days! The characters are well-developed, and the author skillfully connects different storylines. The world-building is vivid plus the face pace (huge credit to the narrator), I feel like I’m right there in Tartica and Evidar.
Overall, I’m excited to read the next installation of the series and will recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.”
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GoodReads Review…
“Very enjoyable well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Well-paced and action packed. Great characters whose lives are in the balance. Two worlds so entwined but which can survive the plans of the Devil’s Blacksmith? I look forward to book two.”
Julie
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Goodreads Review…
“Took me a bit to get into this. There were a lot of characters and politics, so it took a bit of time to really feel immersed. Once I did, though, I wanted to know what was going to happen and it picked up quite a bit. Reyne, as a whole, pissed me off quite a bit! He is definitely one of those characters that you just want to slap and knock some sense into, before it's too late. Overall, the story is great and I'll be waiting for the next in the series to come out and see what kind of chaos ensues!”
Cori
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Goodreads Review…
“With the destruction of Earth, a utopian society has been built, Tartica, with possibility of not being a utopian liked desired the people go on missions to kill the people who threaten the peace. But is it really peace that is trying to be maintained? Reyne’s life is simple as a peanut farmer and only wishes to marry Mithany but his life is suddenly thrown into chaos. This chaos shakes up everyone else close to him, all trying to keep him and themselves safe. All because he has the power to jump between realms, a power he didn’t even know he had. Utopia Falling by R.C. Vielee is a super-fast paced book…”
Andrianna
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Amazon Review…
“New author R.C. Vielee's debut book was an extremely enjoyable read. This first book of a three-book saga is part love story, part fantasy, part dystopian Sci-Fi thriller, part magic show and science exposition, with plenty of twists and surprises, and an exciting climax that left me looking forward to the release of Book 2.
In the realm of Tartica, where much of the story takes place, mankind has rebounded centuries after Earth's destruction and rebuilt a new world around a common belief. All the good present in our 21st Century world can be found alive and well in Tartica. Hard work, love, romance, friendship, religion, unity. All the bad things have survived, too. Greed for power, political machination, backstabbing, betrayal, treachery, murder. Just like today, when these two streams converge on Tartica, mayhem ensues.
The plot revolves around Reyne, a humble nut farmer with dreams of his own. He's unaware of the special powers he possesses and his role in Tartica's future, a kind of reluctant hero. As another reviewer noted, at times I found myself wanting to give him a swift kick in the butt! But that's part of Reyne's charm and character arc. Meanwhile, as he's journeying to understanding, around him dark forces are swirling. Some of the schemers have their sights set on him, while others are involved in subterfuge that you sense will eventually envelop Reyne, too. All the fun makes for a compelling story.”
Mark
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Amazon Review…
“R.C. Vielee's imagination and creativity blew me away. I don't know how he came up with the idea of really two different but somehow connected storylines. Also, the depth of the background and persona of many of these characters was very interesting and added much to the understanding of the story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.”
Dennis
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Amazon Review…
“I found this book extremely easy to read, and it kept my interest the entire time. It is well written, and definitely worth reading. Look forward to reading more by this author..”
Kelly G.
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