The Fall of Arcadia is a prequel in the Arcadian Wars series that takes readers back in time before The Prophecy of Arcadia (1st novel), and shows how everything got started. At first, I was thrown off by the unfamiliar characters and the plot since it didn’t include the main cast from the first novel, but soon I found myself hooked on the sci-fi story.

The novella was full of action giving the story its exciting thrill factor as we follow Samiah and Malachiax on their journey for knowledge. There is also the big mystery of what is causing normal people to change into these rage-filled zombies (more like evil mind control), adding great suspense. I found that the characters were likable and that they showed smooth development of the short course of the story. I was equally glad that Soars put a glossary of terms in the back of the novella for the sci-fi terms she uses in the novel. It was very helpful when I was reading.

While reading the novella I knew the story would be short, but I wanted to read even more after I was finished. The ending is a cliffhanger and it also manages to answer some of the questions readers might have had after reading the first novel. ( )

I freely chose to review this ARC and I began intrigued by the first chapter! I felt I was there fighting with Samiah and her soulmate to stay alive and some how make it back to their home land. Sami had the gift to see others aura, but not her own. As Arcadians, they were similar to Earth humans and it was discovered by Professor Shix an ancient scroll that led to a portal to another dimension, but in order to go they had to get approval to travel to the dig site from Lord Doom who was not a big fan and was just mean enough to deny them. The explorers had hoped the scroll would shed light on their past, but they never expected to have to fight for their lives with an evil wraith they couldn't be touched or it would possessed by them!

I was so captivated with the novella that it ended before I wanted it to and I hope there is more! ( )