/ Sci-fi / Free Fall (Pyramid of Gold)
Synopsis
Wraiths are genetically altered people who possess special abilities. However, ability doesn't always mean power: more often than not, it just makes you a target. This is especially true for Matthew, who might just be one of the most powerful wraiths in the world - and therefore, has to hide his power and use cunning in order to survive.
And then there is that girl who wants him to join her rock band...
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4.87
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The author has a big heart. Most books have great world building, great story, great writing. However most books still fail. The reason, they fail is in the character department. The characters are none existent, they are robots, psychopaths. This book does it differently, the characters feel human. It sounds like such a small thing. However it what differentiates an ordinary novel to a great book. So if you are an aspiring author, this book is a great study on how improve your character design.
Hello, I'll write a review for this (completed) novel because I feel like it deserves much more praise and popularity. If you hadn't noticed, it is the first work published (at least on Webnovel) by Shadow Slave's author. However, I would say it is much darker and targets a more mature audience, because even though there are some "abilities" and fantasy components, Free Fall is set in a world very close to our own, which makes the horror extremely realistic. The premise makes it easy to draw parallels and provides surprising depth to the world building, given that the novel is quite short. I have a hard time believing that this was a first work, published at a fast rate, because it is so... polished. There are a few typos here and there, but that's to be expected and editing it into an actual book would remedy it immediately (as well as making the whole novel even better probably!) so overall, yes, Free Fall is well-written. Just saying it is "well-written" though, simply doesn't do it honor. Obviously, the plot and intrigue are captivating and well thought-out, and the narration in first-person, with the MC's unique way of thinking, is perfectly natural. The Disease is terrifying to imagine, and the fate-worse-than-death that it represents for wraiths is depicted in all its horror. But really, what is most outstanding is how lifelike the characters are. Larger than life even, in Claire's case: her magnetic personality, humor and whims make her so charismatic that it's no wonder Matt fell for her. She has a strong, well-defined personality that does fit into a type - a sort of rebel, idealist but priviledged, extrovert but sensitive - but despite clearly belonging to a category of people you may or may not like (she even smokes, which doesn't bother me but is surprising for what is clearly supposed to be the ideal girl), I believe everyone will agree that she is amazing. All the good stuff about her simply outshine everything else -- the best example being her smile, that inflicts such devastating damage to our MC that I could picture it. So yes, one could say she's the ideal girl that could only exist in a novel but on the contrary, her qualities fit so naturally in the writing that I ended up asking myself if she was real -- and if people like her were out there, then where were they my whole life ? The couple of chapters about the party were particularly on point, they reminded me of my own experience lol: the sharp contrast between sober awkwardness and drunken excitment, the hints picked up but not responded to, the dance and the race for time and the misunderstandings and the frustration all around... It was bittersweet I guess ? A very unique feeling but in any case it was a masterpiece. Speaking of their relationship, Matt's infatuation with her is portrayed exquisitely ; whether it's their flirting or his internal conflict and attempts to distance himself, the author managed to make none of it awkward or required by the plot. This may be precisely what makes Free Fall so fantastic: it is a tragedy, we know it from the start (or with the title even), and usually people struggle to depict the looming catastrophe while making the story progress and the characters interact in a way that doesn't reek of foreshadowing, plot devices or forced hardships/relationships for character development. Here, the tragedy is masterfully done in that the plot twists always strike true, the plot threads that start from the very beginning of the novel slowly unravel and connect but I still couldn't help hoping for a good ending and empathizing with Matt's emotions at every step nonetheless. Perhaps this is also my biggest regret regarding Free Fall: it's so perfect, so whole, so polished that the conclusion feels all the more inevitable and final. But I don't want it to be final... I would have loved to read about the aftermath, short and long term, perhaps a change in the world order, perhaps more persecution and propaganda ? Matt's descent into madness or overcoming of the Disease ? The ending is ambiguous enough to make me hope, but even if it's a lost cause, I would read it, even pay for it just because it deserves the tribute. Most of all, I can't help wondering about Claire. An epilogue, perhaps from her POV would be enough to cleanly put a rest to my hopes (or not?) and also an occasion to revisit this story from the start, from her POV and savor it once more. I simply cannot believe that Free Fall didn't attract more readers, and I would never forgive Webnovel if the lack of popularity influenced how this novel turned out or was cut short. At least Shadow Slave is a hit (and it's well deserved, though I won't make a review about it since it's so popular already). Thank you for writing this GuiltyThree, and thanks for reading my review ! It's exceedingly long, since it also serves as a sort of farewell for me (and a way to complain a tiny bit because I hunger for more). Long story short (ha), Free Fall is head and shoulders above the competition on Webnovel ; it's an amazing journey that you can enjoy in a single afternoon if you can handle the intensity, and you and your family should read it. You won't regret it.
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I can’t even explain how great this novel is. The author spent his time deeply thinking about some of the more harrowing implications that “powers” can have on a person and society. I'd definitely recommend this if you want a superpowered novel with a more in-depth story.
The author has a way with the words. I came here after reading my daily chapter of shadow slave and what do i find?? Another master piece!! Bro... the main characters have personallity especially Cleire(i love her), and even if the novel has just 62 chapters i enjoyed every one of then (i even teared up some times). GREAT NOVEL. I had a test tomorrow(still have actually) and end up using a great chunk of my time today reading this, im screwed. Keep going Guiltythree your novels are awesome dude.
Umm... author? What happened to the story? Can you continue pls!? Pick this gem and continue................................................
Great story! hoped that it would have been longer however. One of the best webnovel writing I've read to date. Sad that it didn't get the attention it deserved to go on
After reaching the final chapter, I just can't wait to get more!. I am in love with the plot twists and the tension you create in the reader's mind. I love the way you slip emotions through your writing. Added to library and I highly recommend!
Just finished three chapters of the novel and can’t wait to read it all! So interesting and live narration, bright characters. Don’t believe it’s the first work of the author. If so, wishing a success to this one and many more in the future!
Came to read this because the shadow slave chapters aren't coming fast enough :) The story is fantastic, captivating since the very beginning. guiltythree is an incredibly talented writer and I'm looking forward to much more in the future!
I am sad that it ended so abruptly. Such an amazing story arc. The writer really builds world's that are so unique. I was anxious to see where it would lead. I definitely want more.
Positive point: The development of the disease, and how the author presents it to the reader, is innovative. The story is great, it has great potential. I will keep following your story, I liked it! Congratulations!
Matt is a wraith. He was born with powers in a world where the powerful are ostracized. Can the girl he meets manage to pull him out of his shell and show him what it means to live. Can he continue to maintain a normal life without exposing the depths of his powers.
It will give you chills from the first chapter and leave you wanting more on the last.
Never has a book made me feel as much as this one. I am distraught, empty and absolutely amazed having finished this. G3 made me relate to things which I didn't even notice I experience. He got in deep with my heart's most closely gaurded desires and pains; all while masterfully and seemlessly weaving it into a character's every day experience. I wish there was more. I deeply love Shadow Slave but can't help but wish the author was unconstrained by audience and want to see how his pure creativity looks like after having experienced what I can only call a masterpiece. Also, since you have the room to flesh out a story and world, SS doesn't have to end sad to end well, true to itself and memorable. I kept seeing SS get better as the chapters go on, and a big reason for that is that you are amazing at capitalising on the built up familiarity your readers have with the world. Time can be spent enjoying what is already built. My major regret for this book is that we never got to experience that here, as that could have given space for a more satisfying ending to feel right. Look at you making me care about your characters to the point of ranting like this.
author is somehow inspired by stephen king. and this is really good inspiration. the atmosphere of the godforsaken dead world is top notch. recommended for reading.
This novel is written so elegantly and mesmerizing. The world and story development is wonderful but the strongest point of this novel and as well the other work of this author (shadow slave) os the character writing and development. I enjoyed every second reading this novel it is almost a crime this novel is as short as it is. 10/10, G3 deserve much more popularity for the effort and soul that was put is his writings.
Shameless author here, writing a review for their own book. Please indulge me a little ;) I will leave this review here in case any of the readers have questions they want to ask me. If you do, leave them in the comments: I will be sure to answer them to the best of my ability. Just don't ask me when was the last time I've slept or what on Earth compelled me to become a writer, because honestly... I hardly remember! :) As to how I would rate this book - without a doubt, this is the best book I've ever written. ... Largely because it is the only book I've written! I truly hope you'll like it. Please enjoy Free Fall :)