Review: The Way We Fall

Jan •  12 •  2012

Title: The Way We Fall
Series: The Way We Fall # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian
Author: Megan Crewe
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: January 24, 2012
Book: Netgalley

“It starts with an itch you just can’t shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you’ll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.


And then you’re dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.
Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.
Because how will she go on if there isn’t?
Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.”

I can tell that right when I started this book, that the way it captured me that I knew I liked it. This book is so much different that what I’ve read in other books. Most books I read about this particular plot line, it’s always about survival. In this book, it is just not only about survival, but about the life around it. I enjoyed reading the book, seeing Kaelyn’s struggle for the her life and the one’s that she loves.

Kae is normal teenager caught in the midst of a terrible disease going around. One thing that is in this book that I like is how the main characters is connected to the virus. Kae struggles with lots of death, uncertainty in what she can do, and what her future will be like. I like seeing the frustration of Kae. It made the her much more likeable because she seems so real to the reader.

Of course this book carries a plot line that I always enjoy reading. A virus spreading so fast, no one can stop it. The government blocking off the island from the rest of the world along with phones, internet, tv, etc. It was like the government knew there is no way to stop it but plug it up and let it die. I felt so bad for the healthy people just trying to survive. Ms. Crewe created such great tension in the book. I adored that way the people went crazy, breaking into stores, fighting over food and medicine. The animalistic traits came out in those fighting for their life. The overtaking of hospital, innocent people dying…Ms.Crewe’s world of death and disease brought out a horrible nature in people. This is why this book so great to read. To be able to fill the shoes of Kae and see things through her eyes is amazing.

The love interest in this book felt so right. Even though timing is all wrong (the virus and all) the little peace in this book of seeing two characters share of love through all of the death is perfect. I adore the relief of stress when they come together. It’s as if everything is normal once again. No one savaging the streets, no killing over food, just love and innocence. I really like how these characters did some major growing up. They took  things in stride in what needed to be done.

This is a great book of a virus over running a small island with no one to help. Kae is amazing character who I hope I can be if ever such a incident were to ever occur in the real world. Dark times come in Kae world and she survived, can you?

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

9 Comments

  1. Alison Can Read
    Jan 12, 2012

    Wow, that sounds really scary, but interesting. I agree – there’s nothing like a little love to break up a terrible event. Great review!

  2. Jenny
    Jan 12, 2012

    I like how you said this book wasn’t just about the the actual staying alive part of surviving, but also the day to day life survival consists of. I think I started coughing while reading and freaked myself out. Stupid psychosomatic symptoms:)

    • Savannah Valdez
      Jan 12, 2012

      LOL Jenny! Indeed survival in life during a traumatic event is awesome! I loved how the author worked that in.

  3. Giselle
    Jan 12, 2012

    The virus premise is really scary because this could really happen I’ve been wanting to read this one for so long! I love books like these. I also recommend Ashfall!

    • Savannah Valdez
      Jan 12, 2012

      Read Ashfall and LOVED IT! I even considered making a fall out shelter. Seriously. With these times we need some kind of back up!!

  4. Amber Hughes
    Jan 12, 2012

    Great review Savannah! I have this book pre-ordered and I’m really looking forward to reading it! It was great to read your very positive review 🙂

    • Savannah Valdez
      Jan 12, 2012

      Always happy to post a good review on a book. I know some didn’t like it but I really fell into the story. I hope you enjoy it as well 🙂

  5. Oh this one sounds so scary! Plus with it being on an island… eek! I really need to get this one.