Review: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer

Review: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer

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Flashfall by Jenny Moyer blog tour! This book is so fantastic and is sure to be a favourite of sci-fi fans. Keep reading to learn more about the book and check out my review, dream cast, playlist, and interview with Jenny Moyer.

Review: Flashfall by Jenny MoyerTitle: Flashfall (Flashfall #1)
Series: Flashfall #1
Author: Jenny Moyer
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genres: Sci-Fi, Young Adult Fiction, Action/Adventure
Publication Date: November 15, 2016
Rating: four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Orion is a Subpar, expected to mine the tunnels of Outpost Five, near the deadly flash curtain. For generations, her people have chased cirium—the only element that can shield humanity from the curtain’s radioactive particles. She and her caving partner Dram work the most treacherous tunnel, fighting past flash bats and tunnel gulls, in hopes of mining enough cirium to earn their way into the protected city.

But when newcomers arrive at Outpost Five, Orion uncovers disturbing revelations that make her question everything she thought she knew about life on both sides of the cirium shield. As conditions at the outpost grow increasingly dangerous, it’s up to Orion to forge a way past the flashfall, beyond all boundaries, beyond the world as she knows it.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


REVIEW: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer

Flashfall by Jenny Moyer is an amazingly complex book to review. This is a story about mining and survival, something I have never read before. The main character in this book adds to the enjoyment as she is selfless, brave, and clever. The setting is truly awesome and actually so believable. I would consider this a definite must-read.

❀ Unique Story

This book has got to be one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. This story is all about mining, but for survival. The characters in this book must mine, hoping to earn 400 grams of cirium to earn their way to safety. There are so many scientific aspects and new technology used for mining that I found so interesting to read about. Sci fi is one of my favourite genres and this book is definitely a good pick for those who are interested in this genre.

❀ Strong Main Character

Orion, the main character in Flashfall, is so strong and has amazing stamina. She is put in life-threatening situations every single day, but tries her hardest to ensure survival for to only herself, but her other teammates as well. One of my favourites of Orion’s traits is her ability to outsmart all of her enemies. Her well-formulated plans and wit make her very entertaining to read and add some humour to the book. A good character really affects my enjoyment of a novel and I am glad to be able to say that Orion really is an amazing protagonist.

❀ Complex and Well-Written

The world of Flashfall is incredibly complex and well-written. The way that the caves and conditions of the Outposts are written makes them actually believable, which I know can be very difficult to pull off. Jenny Moyer has created a world so full of danger and mystery, that the reader can’t help but admire. If you are looking for a book that can actually transport you to another world, Flashfall is the read for you!

❀ Highly Recommend

Flashfall by Jenny Moyer is a survival story about mining and contains a clever and brave main character. The world is absolutely incredible and so believable. I would definitely recommend this adventure book to everyone!


DREAM CAST: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer


PLAYLIST: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer


Author Interview: Flashfall, Jenny Moyer

Jenny Moyer Author Interview

(CC) You have said on your blog that you love to share what it’s like behind the scenes of an author’s life. What has been the hardest part about your journey to becoming a published author?

(JM) Not giving up. Writing a book is challenging, but trying to get an agent and then a publisher . . . There are so many steps to the process, and MANY times they are full of discouragement. People tell you “no” A LOT in this business. You have to decide that writing is for yourself first–something that fulfills you even if your story never lands on a bookshelf. FLASHFALL was not my first novel. I wrote two before it, and countless picture books. All in all, I have HUNDREDS of rejection letters. They became a badge of honor–proof that I was brave enough to keep dreaming, keep working toward my goals, and keep putting myself out there.

(CC)Who are the authors that have inspired you?

(JM) Ooh, great question. I find myself REALLY inspired by other authors. Sometimes because of their writing, and other times because of their publishing stories. Honestly, there are too many to name, but a few are: Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone), Marie Rutkowski (Winners’ Curse Series), Mary Pearson (Remnant Chronicles) (She actually blurbed FLASHFALL), Jandy Nelson, Maggie Stiefvater, Suzanne Collins, Aprilynne Pike (she also blurbed!)

Going farther back, Diana Gabaldon (Outlander) (She inspired me to want to be an author).

(CC) I have to admit that I have stalked your Flashfall Pinterest board! I am very curious about the aurora borealis images on it. Can you give us a hint as to what those images relate to in the novel?

(JM) That’s so cool! Yes–the aurora borealis is so beautiful and awe-inspiring to me. I imagined if something existed like it, that came all the way to the ground, and could be seen in daylight. And if it was deadly . . . Those images inspired the flash curtain in my book. Orion and her caving partner, Dram, have to live in the deadly, particle-filled “fallout” from this solar anomaly. They call it the flashfall, and they are desperate to get past it. My pinterest board is FULL of clues and sneak peeks into the world and story . . .

northern-lights

(CC) When researching your upcoming novel, what has been the most interesting thing that you have discovered?

(JM) Ah. The climbing. Wait–no. The CAVING. In FLASHFALL, there’s plenty of both, and I wanted to make sure I gave readers an authentic experience. In order to do that, I researched and met with climbing experts who consulted on the book. One of my favorite experiences was one freezing day in Wisconsin, on the side of a mountain, my guide said, “Let’s set up that scene where . . .” and he walked me through what my characters would’ve done. It was terrifying and exhilarating. I also learned to rappel in all sorts of ways–which I enjoy much more than climbing. BUT nothing compares to the caving. I’m extremely claustrophobic (as is my character Dram), but I managed to squeeze through some dark, wet caverns. We ended up using some of those locations to film the book trailer!

(CC) The book trailer for Flashfall is very fast paced and full of intrigue. What was it like working with your husband to create the video?

(JM) Honestly, it was the most surreal, awesome experience. My husband, Jacob, is the main reason I didn’t give up writing, and he’s also a regional Emmy award-winning cinematographer, so it was really special having him produce the trailer. We worked really hard on pre-production, including costumes and props–all the details. We even custom designed the outpost patches and sewed them on the caver’s suits ourselves, LOL! When I finally helped the actors suit up and get all their gear on, I  just sort of stood there, staring. It was so cool. But then we climbed into the caves and shot a few scenes with them “in character,” and I totally teared up. It’s just a book trailer–not a film–but it was amazing seeing my story come to life like that. The trailer that’s currently out is just a “teaser”. We are scheduled to shoot more scenes and release a full length “cinematic” trailer closer to FLASHFALL’s release!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Jenny! Your book sounds really incredible and we are all dying to read it! 🙂

About Jenny Moyer

Jenny Moyer

Jenny is the author of the YA sci-fi/fantasy FLASHFALL, and its sequel, FLASHTIDE. (Holt/Macmillan) She lives with her filmmaker husband and their three boys in Iowa. Watch the epic, live action book trailer for the novel that Booklist calls "A cinematic page-turner."

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.

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