A review by samanthabryant
A Fall in Autumn by Michael G. Williams
5.0
Far-future, trans-human noir? Hells yeah! Sign me up. I was intrigued before I even started reading this book, just by the concept, and the telling did not disappoint.
Valerius Bakhoum is a great narrator, and I loved the wordplay of traditional tough-as-nails noir observation couched in far-future scenarios and situations.
The worldbuilding was seamless in the best possible way, with details explained sufficiently, but never going over into diatribes or lectures. The social mores aspect rode the line between commentary on our current situations and imaginings of what new issues will arise in the future.
The book was thoughtful and though provoking without becoming academic or dry. The plot offered action without losing heart. And the ending was perfect. I don't know whether to hope there will be more or not because it was such a beautiful place to stop. Probably the best thing I've read so far this year.
Valerius Bakhoum is a great narrator, and I loved the wordplay of traditional tough-as-nails noir observation couched in far-future scenarios and situations.
The worldbuilding was seamless in the best possible way, with details explained sufficiently, but never going over into diatribes or lectures. The social mores aspect rode the line between commentary on our current situations and imaginings of what new issues will arise in the future.
The book was thoughtful and though provoking without becoming academic or dry. The plot offered action without losing heart. And the ending was perfect. I don't know whether to hope there will be more or not because it was such a beautiful place to stop. Probably the best thing I've read so far this year.