Book Review: Leaves May Fall
An epic fantasy novel determined to break your heart
Oooph. This book…oooph.
Yes, I realize that isn’t actually a word but that about sums up my response to this book. Carissa Hardcastle is a debut indie author who quickly climbed her way into my heart through the characters she created and the world she developed.
Let’s get into it.
Summary
The story follows the life of Merriam (a human) who befriends Mollian, a fae prince whose family is trusted with guarding the Gate - portals to everything in existence in every world.
Merriam is torn away from Mollian when she is a young girl but meets up with him again as an adult. She leaves the human realm where there is nothing left for her anyway. Mollian and her are bonded together, deeper than any romantic bond. Merriam builds a reputation as a mercenary while Mollian enjoys being the second born son whose only responsibility is to read and relax (wouldn’t that be the life?).
The two are inseparable, at least until Mollian’s older brother comes back from his time away learning how to lead his people as the future king. Merriam’s feelings for the older brother grow while a string of strange disappearances and murders run rampant throughout their realm. Merriam and her group of mercenaries are tasked by the crown to find the culprits.
What they find could be the end of all of them…
My Review
Let’s get back to that word…oooph. If I told you this book made my heart leap and then get ripped out and stomped on, it would be an understatement. First off, this book was one of my top THREE reads of 2022. I was lucky enough to beta read for the author (meaning I got to be a part of the editing process). I still bought the physical book because it was THAT GOOD!
Seriously, I could not recommend this book more.
The friendships, the romance
The book includes incredible worldbuilding that is a cross between Colorado (where the author is from) and a magical realm. And although the worldbuilding is beautiful, it’s the characters that make this novel stand apart from others. The friendship between Merriam (the main female character) and Mollian (one of the main male characters) is something that is so divine and so beautifully written, I couldn’t put the book down.
Leaves is also one of the first books I read where I fell in love with a side character and her story arc – Aleah will forever be one of my favorite side characters in any book. Carissa has such a way of storytelling and developing her characters that I felt like I was a friend in the room – I was in on their conversations.
Also, there is a peregrine falcon named “Panic” that is a side character and I ADORE HIM. His presence in the book really brings it all together.
And then don’t get me started on the romance. Oooph. Again, that word. Oren and Merriam’s romance was so tangible I could practically taste it. It’s lovely and beautiful with a side of kinks (he really likes her hair). The flirting, the forbidden romance, the love that blooms between them is unmatched by any other romance I have ever read.
Tragic deaths
Oooph… yup, I just can’t get enough of that word. I’m going to warn you – there is a TRAGIC death that will leave you gutted (unless, of course, you don’t have a heart). You will be put through the ringer and spat out at the end. The way Carissa writes about death and grief is an absolute gift. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but… even a year later, I still have not recovered from this death. Have a box of tissues handy, you’ll go through the whole thing.
Cliffhanger
This is a duology so the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. The second book, Mountains Will Crumble, comes out in May 2023. I’ll be beta reading it in a few weeks and I can’t wait to see how this story ends.
Favorite Quotes
Some of the best quotes that made me feel the feelings.
My favorite of all the characters being her typical self:
“I still haven’t heard anyone beg.” - Aleah
And another good side character…
“Would you consider yourself a snack, Prince?” - Calysta
The fun banter between brothers was always fun too:
“Act your age, fucker.” - Mollian to Oren
Romance building between Merriam and Oren:
“I am extremely, entirely fond of you.” - Oren
“You’re an enigma, woman.” - Oren
“You see your brokenness as something to hide, but I see how it made you strong".” - Oren
And even more romance…
“If you don’t stop, I’m going to scream.” - Merriam
“Wrong threat, Merri.” - Oren
The sarcasm is unmatched between Molli and Mer
“Lesson learned, Ria, dress every day like a faerie prince is going to come steal you away.” - Mollian
When I tell you that I could NOT stop crying…
“Evergreen!” - Merriam
And another (insert ugly tears)
“I cannot wait to be your wife.” - Merriam
Tropes
If you like these tropes, you’ll love Leaves:
Found family
Friends-to-lovers
Forbidden romance
Strong FMC (female main character)
Enemies-to-reluctant friends
Moral MMC (male main character)
“Good girl”
Fated friendship
Safe words
“Touch her and die”
Content Warnings
Be prepared for:
Forced drug use
Graphic violence
Steamy on-page sex scenes
Tragic (like the MOST tragic) deaths
Murder
Grief
Domestic violence
Alcohol use
Strong language