Fortune's Fall

Author: Katherine Barger
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Series: The Exiled Trilogy #1
Release Date: November 2, 2020

While her classmates prepare for elite careers across America, Nyssa Ardelone trains for her secret job as the president’s dream interpreter. But when her mentor lies to the president about the prophecy in his latest dream, Nyssa must figure out why before the lie unravels. What she learns could destroy her own future.

Fearful of a rumored rebellion, the president has launched a gas attack on Nyssa’s hometown, and her mentor lied about the dream to protect the survivors from more harm. When Nyssa learns her parents were injured in the attack, she flees with a stranger sent to steal the antidote—a stranger who claims to know her.

Together, they race to deliver the cure as well as an interpretation of another prophetic dream only Nyssa can provide. But a devastating loss dulls her caution, and she learns too late that not everyone is trustworthy. To survive the president’s deadly pursuit, Nyssa must break every rule she’s ever followed, learning along the way that faith is the only thing that can save her.

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Reviewer: Jane Mouttet

Katherine Barger projects 70 years into the future with Fortune’s Fall. Part of me wants to say - This could never happen in America. And yet, it could. An America where citizens are restricted from traveling outside of their region. An America where it is not okay to talk about God, where citizens don’t even know about God and His working in our lives. Katherine Barger has written a timely novel which teens and their parents should read. I hope that this book will wake people up to the importance of sharing their faith with those around them, especially their children. And the importance of speaking up for our freedoms before we lose them. I pray the plot is not prophetic. 

Fortune’s Fall is a dystopian novel. There are mysteries and intrigue as well as characters who turn out differently than you expect. I found this to be an enjoyable story even though the topic is a bit difficult. The ending of the book left me hoping that there will be a sequel to the story. While all of the loose ends of the story are wrapped up, I can see a lot of potential for continuing the story with what happens next. 

Fortune’s Fall would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up. 

I received a complimentary copy from Anaiah Press through Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest review. 

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