Fortune Falls
The third novel by James L. Peters
After a mysterious detour diverts him onto a lonely country road on his way home from work, he discovers an ancient slot machine and a disturbing message. He dismisses the event, but that evening and what he saw starts him down a dark path.
His discovery of a disturbing death will be the catalyst to his downward spiral of self-destruction. Unresolved regrets over his parents’ deaths haunt him while external threats called forth by the suicide will not only endanger him, but his family. Meanwhile, a larger global crisis awaits as the mysterious slot machine with its predictions of death and suffering looms over his neighborhood on an unmarked road in an abandoned field…waiting.
Set within a unique time period in American and world history, Fortune Falls explores themes of mortality and the fragility of human existence against the backdrop of suburban middle America.
Early Reviews of Fortune Falls
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Drawing inspiration from the surreal narratives of Ray Bradbury, particularly The Illustrated Man and Something Wicked This Way Comes, the novel weaves a tapestry of metaphysical and tangible threats. Set in the present day, the narrative unravels through interspersed moments from Lahey’s past, particularly those concerning his parents, offering glimpses into the less apparent facets of his character and the looming enigma. Peters employs a narrative technique that effectively builds a palpable sense of menace, making Fortune Falls an engaging and thought-provoking journey. The story delves beyond the surface of the supernatural threat, exploring the pervasive notion that an untroubled, joyful existence is inherently fraught with self-deception and concealed anguish.
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At its core, Lahey’s struggle transcends the eerie predictions of a slot machine; it’s a battle against existential dread, a relentless force that looms like a modern-day sword of Damocles. Fortune Falls is not merely about unraveling a mystery; it’s an exploration of the human condition, the hidden turmoil beneath the facade of everyday life, and the elusive quest for peace amidst the chaos.”
~ Literary Titan
“
…a unique and compelling story populated with fully realized characters…layered tension, a multitude of conflicts that are related to and impacted by one another…a smart, entertaining, and well-crafted story.”
~ Dr. Joe Dornich, writing instructor at Cal State University, fiction editor for the
literary magazine, Zone 3 and author of, The Ways We Get By
“
Addictive. Powerful. Enticing & curiosity sparking! … I couldn’t stop reading! I HAD to know what happened!! I loved it … (The author) writes these characters SO WELL!! I was very attached to them by the end … It’s a book that is living rent-free in my mind & I just keep pondering on it! The characters are well developed quickly, which I appreciate. It gives me more 'buy-in' to what happens to them. Jason is so REAL - the emotions, difficulties he goes through, feelings of protecting everyone … he is great … I love Nix … a sweet & loveable child … (the author) wrote him so well, so compassionately.”
~ Colleen C.
“
Wow! That was one hell of a ride!!! Jason, Jen and Nicholas became like a second family! I rooted for them, cried with them and was taken along on their journey through one crazy, emotion filled year! (The author) 100% fills his writing with detail and imagery that makes you feel like you are living life right alongside the characters. This book makes you question your own life, your mortality and the paths you choose along the way.”
~ Jasmine E.
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This book is intriguing, raw, and completely engrossing! When I first started reading Fortune Falls, I thought it might have a sci-fi adventure aspect. The author definitely brings us on an adventure, but it’s one of personal struggle for the main character, Jason. It’s difficult not to get pulled in immediately - the realness and roughness of Jason makes you want to know what happens, even if it’s uncomfortable or painful to “feel” what Jason is choosing. Although this isn’t a light read, it’s definitely a well-written one, and you will find yourself saying “just one more chapter” several times to find out how it all ends!”
~ Jennifer B.
“
Fortune Falls is a complex story of the innerworkings of a man facing the reality of midlife. His struggles will resonate with many readers and will grip you from the first pages. James L. Peters’ writing style will fill your mind with the imaginative images of daily joys and hardships, both past and present … that will stick with you after reading … 5 stars.”
~ Erin S.
“
Fortune Falls left me feeling conflicted yet undeniably captivated. …The author skillfully painted a character with flaws that made it challenging to root for. However, it was precisely this conflicted feeling that kept me turning the pages … Fortune Falls challenges readers to question their own judgments and confront the complexities of human nature. Fortune Falls is a must-read for those who appreciate a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative … I’d say it is in my top 5 books for this year.”
~ Laurie M.
“
Wow! … I will admit to having troubles putting it down. Some interesting plot twists which definitely held my interest…I want more!!! ‘The fatigue of existing’ The struggle of personal and family issues and it all coming to a boiling point. Trying to protect everyone yet keeping your sanity. This book made me feel normal again. The characters were very relatable … I enjoyed this novel very much!!”
~ Jennifer K.
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Fortune Falls is a truly fascinating look at a modern anyman who continues to make all the wrong choices; but as the story unfolds you really have to ask yourself if you would do anything differently … One of the things that really captivated me was that most books focus on the learning and recovery aspects of trauma, but this one takes you through all the fumbling and the mistakes that convince him to learn … It really made the process and the characters themselves believable and relatable. I think I made it through the whole book in 3 sittings.”
~ Kevin B.