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Skylighter Adventures #1
Faster Than Falling
Beneath the Ocean of Sky, heroes will rise.
*Get it for preorder price until July 16th!*
*Get it for preorder price until July 16th!*
Samra Rose is in trouble. Living in a colony floating high above the clouds, she’s been far away from anything resembling an adventure, but when aerial raiders carry off her home—with her inside—she gets more excitement than she ever wished for. Her best friend, Kipling, and a Grounder boy with a skyship will take to the air in pursuit, but all three will face dangers they’ve never imagined. The aerial ocean is a turbulent place full of deadly creatures and cutthroat pirates. If they hope to survive, they’ll need to fight for their place in the Heights and confront those who have already claimed it.
Follow the adventures of three unlikely heroes as they abandon the safety of home to seek a destiny aloft in the clouds.
Fans of grand science fiction universes, steampunk airships, and daring pirate adventures will discover a thrilling new world of action, villainy, and friendship.
Make the leap into the sky today! Find out if you have what it takes to soar...
Reviews:
"A glorious, detailed world and an epic story! “Faster Than Falling” is up there with the grandest of adventures, set in a strange new land. I was reminded strongly of Robin Hobbs’ wonderful tales (in voice, not content). Van Coops beckons the reader through the door, then drags you into a fantastic ride, replete with eccentric tech; alien naturescapes ... and good old-fashioned piracy. Storytelling at its finest!"- Robert Scanlon, Author of Constellation.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
169 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Van Coops
28 books499 followersNathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. When not tinkering on old airplanes, he writes heroic adventure stories that explore imaginative new worlds. He is the author of the time travel adventure series In Times Like These, the time travel detective series Paradox PI, and The Skylighter Adventures. His recent series, Kingdom of Engines explores a swashbuckling alternate history where the modern and medieval collide. He also writes aviation mystery thrillers under the name Nate Van Coops. Learn more at www.nathanvancoops.com or www.natevancoops.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 12, 2017
Faster Than Falling is book one of a new series from the best-selling author of the
series.
Nathan Van Coops has created an extraordinary world, where the skies are navigated by an indigenous race of humanoids who are able to fly, and live on giant floating plants. Mankind is a also present, but is mostly confined to the ground. (Part of our puzzle is how and why mankind is in this world.)
Our three young well-drawn heroes are very different individuals - and one of them is a complete stranger to the other two - but they all share the same longing for adventure. As the old adage says: 'Be careful what you wish for' - and, boy, they get it...
The lives of each of the three is thrown into chaos, and they are thrown together in an epic tale of adventure and coming-of-age.
There are a number of things I loved about the story. The extraordinary world the author has created has been very carefully thought out, and he's really exploited the range it gives him. Furthermore, he's not afraid to make us see the point of view of the people who should be the bad guys, and even to kill characters the reader enjoys.
My guess is that this is another well-deserved hit for Nathan Van Coops. I think his core audience will love it, but it will also appeal to a slightly younger audience. If I had kids then this is the kind of classic story I'd want them to read.
Disclosure: I was a beta-reader, and read it well ahead of the launch.
series.Nathan Van Coops has created an extraordinary world, where the skies are navigated by an indigenous race of humanoids who are able to fly, and live on giant floating plants. Mankind is a also present, but is mostly confined to the ground. (Part of our puzzle is how and why mankind is in this world.)
Our three young well-drawn heroes are very different individuals - and one of them is a complete stranger to the other two - but they all share the same longing for adventure. As the old adage says: 'Be careful what you wish for' - and, boy, they get it...
The lives of each of the three is thrown into chaos, and they are thrown together in an epic tale of adventure and coming-of-age.
There are a number of things I loved about the story. The extraordinary world the author has created has been very carefully thought out, and he's really exploited the range it gives him. Furthermore, he's not afraid to make us see the point of view of the people who should be the bad guys, and even to kill characters the reader enjoys.
My guess is that this is another well-deserved hit for Nathan Van Coops. I think his core audience will love it, but it will also appeal to a slightly younger audience. If I had kids then this is the kind of classic story I'd want them to read.
Disclosure: I was a beta-reader, and read it well ahead of the launch.
October 5, 2020
Great world building
A solid 5 star on this story. Enjoyed every bit of it :-) Characters development was excellent, and each characters absolutely enjoyable in their unique traits. I loved how the world is built and organized, along with enough description to highlight different species of the world of Altitia. The skylighter people is a very interesting concept and I find myself wanting to get my hands on the series as soon as it's out! :-) I'll keep an eye on the updates. This volume 1 read super fast for me
A solid 5 star on this story. Enjoyed every bit of it :-) Characters development was excellent, and each characters absolutely enjoyable in their unique traits. I loved how the world is built and organized, along with enough description to highlight different species of the world of Altitia. The skylighter people is a very interesting concept and I find myself wanting to get my hands on the series as soon as it's out! :-) I'll keep an eye on the updates. This volume 1 read super fast for me
May 26, 2025
Nathan Van Coops has very quickly become one of my favourite authors. His talent for creating perfectly detailed and extraordinary new worlds is quite unsurpassed.
'Faster Than Falling' reels you in from the opening words, and remains wildly captivating until the very last page. Filled with outstanding characters, bold escapades and breathtaking scenery, it is a fast-paced and brilliant adventure for all ages.
'Faster Than Falling' reels you in from the opening words, and remains wildly captivating until the very last page. Filled with outstanding characters, bold escapades and breathtaking scenery, it is a fast-paced and brilliant adventure for all ages.
June 3, 2017
I have been a beta reader for this upcoming book. It is a really great read! I've read it 5 times already. I think it would be a good book for anyone who likes fantasy or science fiction, young or old. The main characters are young, but deal with some seriously dangerous situations. It is a page turner from the get go. There is no swearing nor sexual innuendos/situations, which is a refreshing change from most literature these days. I truly enjoyed this experience and the book and can't wait for the next installment to come out!
I think that once started, the book could be finished in a long evening if you're a fast reader who can't wait to find out what happens next. If you're a slower reader, it could take a few days.
I think that once started, the book could be finished in a long evening if you're a fast reader who can't wait to find out what happens next. If you're a slower reader, it could take a few days.
July 9, 2017
This book was...an adventure, to say the least. Colorful and vivid. The concepts were foreign to me, making this book fantastically unique...which speaks to the author's storytelling abilities that it would be so vivid!
For me, it really was not a quick read. There is a lot going on and a lot to learn about the world that's been created. But, the learning is worth it! If I had to liken it to anything it would be a cross between Peter Pan/Star Wars/Flight of the Navigator.
Innocence and light.
Danger and dark.
Fearlessness, selflessness.
Friendship and greed and revolution.
Tribulation and triumph.
Where I started off really unsure of the book, I ended up strongly invested in it. And, it ends in such a way that you KNOW there will be more. I'm so looking forward to more!
For me, it really was not a quick read. There is a lot going on and a lot to learn about the world that's been created. But, the learning is worth it! If I had to liken it to anything it would be a cross between Peter Pan/Star Wars/Flight of the Navigator.
Innocence and light.
Danger and dark.
Fearlessness, selflessness.
Friendship and greed and revolution.
Tribulation and triumph.
Where I started off really unsure of the book, I ended up strongly invested in it. And, it ends in such a way that you KNOW there will be more. I'm so looking forward to more!
June 3, 2017
OMGosh - I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes and couldn't put it down! Action packed adventure and unforgettable characters make "Faster Than Falling" one of my all-time favorites. Enjoyable for adults and teens alike. Clean, fun, powerful, and just amazing! I'm giving a copy hot-off-the-press to my 12-year-old granddaughter who is Samra 100%!!!
July 14, 2017
I find the occasional YA book that has a broad enough appeal to interest even me. Van Coops creates a culture that has its own rules and introduces folks who are a lot like us. Falling is a world that gradually unfolds with a balance of wonderment and whimsy and surprises around every corner.
Want to read
June 30, 2017Not my usual taste, but I really liked the In Times Like These trilogy.
February 8, 2019
I am a little torn regarding this novel.
On the one hand, Van Coops creates a fantastic and fascinating world, rich in detail and quite different from most other fantasy settings. Following the different characters through this colourful setting, with all the clever ideas is just so much fun.
On the other hand, however, there are the actions of the characters.
Don't get me wrong, the characters are also intriguing, multilayered and entertaining. However, the three protagonists are all still children. Nothing wrong with that, either, but it leads to them getting big ideas of heroism, and acting upon them, disregarding all possible consequences (for themselves or others). And while this might be not too far-fetched (after all, they are young teenagers)...
...the consequences fail to emerge. Instead, the impulsive children stumble through their adventure on vague ideas and half-baked plans (if plans at all) - and fortune, sheer luck and coincidence are on their side time and time again. You could rename the whole story "A Series of Fortunate Events", and you would not be far off. However, the comparison would be unfair, as in the book series referred to the children use their ingenuity to get out of precarious situations, thereby being quite a bit more actively involved.
Why, then, four stars?
As much as this bumbling on of the protagonist's story arcs irked me, I still had a good time and enjoyed the world and the narrative/writing style quite a bit.
Also, there was this situation, which made me laugh out loud, and is probably my favourite bit of the whole novel...
Atlas, one of the protagonists, is talking to someone who has accumulated a bit of knowledge from 'the world before':
"What do they call you?”
“My name’s Atlas.”
“Ah. Holder of the sky, are you?”
Atlas shrugged.
On the one hand, Van Coops creates a fantastic and fascinating world, rich in detail and quite different from most other fantasy settings. Following the different characters through this colourful setting, with all the clever ideas is just so much fun.
On the other hand, however, there are the actions of the characters.
Don't get me wrong, the characters are also intriguing, multilayered and entertaining. However, the three protagonists are all still children. Nothing wrong with that, either, but it leads to them getting big ideas of heroism, and acting upon them, disregarding all possible consequences (for themselves or others). And while this might be not too far-fetched (after all, they are young teenagers)...
...the consequences fail to emerge. Instead, the impulsive children stumble through their adventure on vague ideas and half-baked plans (if plans at all) - and fortune, sheer luck and coincidence are on their side time and time again. You could rename the whole story "A Series of Fortunate Events", and you would not be far off. However, the comparison would be unfair, as in the book series referred to the children use their ingenuity to get out of precarious situations, thereby being quite a bit more actively involved.
Why, then, four stars?
As much as this bumbling on of the protagonist's story arcs irked me, I still had a good time and enjoyed the world and the narrative/writing style quite a bit.
Also, there was this situation, which made me laugh out loud, and is probably my favourite bit of the whole novel...
Atlas, one of the protagonists, is talking to someone who has accumulated a bit of knowledge from 'the world before':
"What do they call you?”
“My name’s Atlas.”
“Ah. Holder of the sky, are you?”
Atlas shrugged.
July 18, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, different than his In Times Like These series {3 book series, listed below}
Samra Rose is in trouble. Living in a colony floating high above the clouds, she’s been far away from anything resembling an adventure, but when aerial raiders carry off her home—with her inside—she gets more excitement than she ever wished for. Her best friend, Kipling, and a Grounder boy with a skyship will take to the air in pursuit, but all three will face dangers they’ve never imagined. The aerial ocean is a turbulent place full of deadly creatures and cutthroat pirates. If they hope to survive, they’ll need to fight for their place in the Heights and confront those who have already claimed it.Follow the adventures of three unlikely heroes as they abandon the safety of home to seek a destiny aloft in the clouds.Fans of grand science fiction universes, steampunk airships, and daring pirate adventures will discover a thrilling new world of action, villainy, and friendship.Make the leap into the sky today! Find out if you have what it takes to soar...
Faster Than Falling
In Times Like These (In Times Like These, #1)
The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2)
The Day After Never (In Times Like These, #3)
In Times Like These: eBook Boxed Set: Books 1-3
Samra Rose is in trouble. Living in a colony floating high above the clouds, she’s been far away from anything resembling an adventure, but when aerial raiders carry off her home—with her inside—she gets more excitement than she ever wished for. Her best friend, Kipling, and a Grounder boy with a skyship will take to the air in pursuit, but all three will face dangers they’ve never imagined. The aerial ocean is a turbulent place full of deadly creatures and cutthroat pirates. If they hope to survive, they’ll need to fight for their place in the Heights and confront those who have already claimed it.Follow the adventures of three unlikely heroes as they abandon the safety of home to seek a destiny aloft in the clouds.Fans of grand science fiction universes, steampunk airships, and daring pirate adventures will discover a thrilling new world of action, villainy, and friendship.Make the leap into the sky today! Find out if you have what it takes to soar...
Faster Than Falling
In Times Like These (In Times Like These, #1)
The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2)
The Day After Never (In Times Like These, #3)
In Times Like These: eBook Boxed Set: Books 1-3
July 9, 2017
This is a totally enjoyable book. Anyone who loves airships, adventure, pirates,and incredible problems to solve will not be disappointed. Not to mention a new world where illuminated globes drift in the sky, inhabited by beings with envious abilities!
There are so many wonderful characters that it is hard to pick a favorite. You'll be swept away by the thrilling adventures our young heroes and heroines have.
I love most especially the flying scenes and the harrowing escapes our heroes have to attempt.
As usual, Nathan has also written a story rich in strong friendships and touching scenarios.
The villains have a unique quest and this is such an original and creative element developed by this great author. And if you have read Nathan's fantastic time travel series, In Times Like These, you'll discover a connection! So well done, Nathan!
There are so many wonderful characters that it is hard to pick a favorite. You'll be swept away by the thrilling adventures our young heroes and heroines have.
I love most especially the flying scenes and the harrowing escapes our heroes have to attempt.
As usual, Nathan has also written a story rich in strong friendships and touching scenarios.
The villains have a unique quest and this is such an original and creative element developed by this great author. And if you have read Nathan's fantastic time travel series, In Times Like These, you'll discover a connection! So well done, Nathan!
August 10, 2017
Another great book by Van Coops. I enjoyed his other books a great deal (great writing, interesting characters, thrilling plot) so when this one came out I had to read it too.
It didn't disappoint. It took awhile for him to set the world up but it was still paced well. The plot took turns I didn't expect and I like the rotating perspectives on moving the book along.
My only knocks are I wish the 'villians' were a little more fleshed out and even though I enjoyed the main characters I kept remembering how young they were supposed to be (early teenagers) but how mature they acted. I guess that could be a pro because YA books are so worn out these days but it doesn't present as a YA book.
Looking forward to the next one in this series!
It didn't disappoint. It took awhile for him to set the world up but it was still paced well. The plot took turns I didn't expect and I like the rotating perspectives on moving the book along.
My only knocks are I wish the 'villians' were a little more fleshed out and even though I enjoyed the main characters I kept remembering how young they were supposed to be (early teenagers) but how mature they acted. I guess that could be a pro because YA books are so worn out these days but it doesn't present as a YA book.
Looking forward to the next one in this series!
July 15, 2017
I received an ARC of this book as one of the beta readers. That doesn't change the fact that I really enjoyed the book. Nathan Van Coops has created a unique world filled with interesting characters.
The book is very different than the In Times Like These time travel series which introduced me to this author and made me want to read more of his work. Faster than Falling is more fantasy than sci-fi and is more in the vein of the Molly Fyde series by Hugh Howey. It is targeted to YA but can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Happy reading!
The book is very different than the In Times Like These time travel series which introduced me to this author and made me want to read more of his work. Faster than Falling is more fantasy than sci-fi and is more in the vein of the Molly Fyde series by Hugh Howey. It is targeted to YA but can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Happy reading!
August 30, 2017
Good story
This story did drag at times and I felt that there were to many story lines. I did enjoy the characters and the description. If you enjoy sci-fi adventures you'll enjoy this book.
This story did drag at times and I felt that there were to many story lines. I did enjoy the characters and the description. If you enjoy sci-fi adventures you'll enjoy this book.
June 5, 2017
A fascinating adventure with intriguing characters and an interesting world. looking forward to the next book.
July 20, 2017
I wonderful start to a series. The characters are very believable and the adventure is full and fun to read. I can't wait to read the next one.
July 11, 2017
Awesome story and characters. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read more
August 23, 2017
A terrific imagining of a different world.
I love this new adventure from Nathan van Coops, and look forward to seeing it's characters continue to develop and grow!
I love this new adventure from Nathan van Coops, and look forward to seeing it's characters continue to develop and grow!
October 3, 2017
I quite enjoyed the story. The build of the characters and the tempo in general was well done for the start of what I hope will be a fun series. I hope to see more of these characters.
September 28, 2017
This novel, aimed at teens, should be one teens and adults, too, find appealing. It is set on another planet, with some very interesting and unusual characteristics. The author has done an excellent job of world building, creating a believable but highly original world in which one set of inhabitants live on the planet’s surface, eking out a rather hardscrabble existence by farming and mining or living off the land. The other set of inhabitants live on large floating globes of plant material, where they farm and care for the smaller globes that are offshoots of the “globe mother.” They have adapted to life on these high floating globes by acquiring some unusual abilities that allow them to move freely about their globular home and live and breathe in the rarified atmosphere in which the globes float. The story centers on the lives of four teenagers, a boy and a girl from the globe population and a boy and a girl from the “grounder” population. Each has problems typical of teens everywhere, though these problems are couched in terms peculiar to the world on which the characters live. The story is fast-paced, with plenty of action. The characters are likable, and it is fun to see the teens develop special talents as they cope with disappointments and face dangers that force them to find solutions to life-threatening problems. This book, while its story is complete, is the first in a series, so I look forward to seeing more of this fascinating world and its varied inhabitants.
August 24, 2020
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Nathan Van Coops has created a wonderful new story set a wonderful new world. Faster Than Falling is a scyfy-pirate-steampunk-adventure, and it was a BLAST to read!
On this world, the sky is full of floating plants so large they hold entire communities and pirate airships that want to plunder their secrets. The ground is covered with mountains so high the only way across is through, floating forests so dense the only way through is under, deserts with sand that will swallow you whole, and night beasts that want to make you their next meal.
This is an adventure story in every sense, and I loved following the young heroes as they faced their fears, learned to trust, fought the bad guys, made new friends, and saved the day in the end.
Book one doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but there is certainly more tale to tell. I'll be first in line when book 2 comes out!
No content issues. Great for all ages. The world building is a bit complex and may lose some younger independent readers. Best for 12 and up.
Get your copy here!
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Nathan Van Coops has created a wonderful new story set a wonderful new world. Faster Than Falling is a scyfy-pirate-steampunk-adventure, and it was a BLAST to read!
On this world, the sky is full of floating plants so large they hold entire communities and pirate airships that want to plunder their secrets. The ground is covered with mountains so high the only way across is through, floating forests so dense the only way through is under, deserts with sand that will swallow you whole, and night beasts that want to make you their next meal.
This is an adventure story in every sense, and I loved following the young heroes as they faced their fears, learned to trust, fought the bad guys, made new friends, and saved the day in the end.
Book one doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but there is certainly more tale to tell. I'll be first in line when book 2 comes out!
No content issues. Great for all ages. The world building is a bit complex and may lose some younger independent readers. Best for 12 and up.
Get your copy here!
Happy Reading!
November 9, 2021
I can’t remember how I acquired this book but I know the picture of an airship on the cover caught my eye.
The story starts on a floating plant globe with floaty kids, and it’s a bit fairy tale rather than Science Fiction. It didn’t help that the cover of the book also changed to a picture of a fierce looking kid. I thought somehow there’d been a bit of a glitch on my Kindle.
However, it didn’t take long for the airship to make an appearance and tickle my interests again. In fact it helps the story flow and, erm, fly!
I don’t want to spoil anything but I can say it DOES go in a sci fi direction that is hinted at fairly early on, when describing the village learning device and how the bad guys are trying to collect these devices.
I look forward to seeing what other works the author brings to us from this strange setting he has created!
The story starts on a floating plant globe with floaty kids, and it’s a bit fairy tale rather than Science Fiction. It didn’t help that the cover of the book also changed to a picture of a fierce looking kid. I thought somehow there’d been a bit of a glitch on my Kindle.
However, it didn’t take long for the airship to make an appearance and tickle my interests again. In fact it helps the story flow and, erm, fly!
I don’t want to spoil anything but I can say it DOES go in a sci fi direction that is hinted at fairly early on, when describing the village learning device and how the bad guys are trying to collect these devices.
I look forward to seeing what other works the author brings to us from this strange setting he has created!
January 14, 2022
YA alternative steampunk alien adventure
The main heroes in this book are in their early to mid teens, and so this age group may be who the author was aiming at. But I'm old enough to be their grandmother and yet I enjoyed it just as much as they would.
It can be read as a standalone, indeed it has to be at the moment, but the story leaves room for continuation and I understand that the author plans a follow-up.
Imagine an Earth where the plants and animals of the sea have risen to live in the sky, and many creatures of the land have grown and mutated into monsters.
Some of the people have transformed to live in floating plant patches that go where the winds take them, but on the ground others are using new inventions to get into the sky too.
Is there going to be room for all of them?
The main heroes in this book are in their early to mid teens, and so this age group may be who the author was aiming at. But I'm old enough to be their grandmother and yet I enjoyed it just as much as they would.
It can be read as a standalone, indeed it has to be at the moment, but the story leaves room for continuation and I understand that the author plans a follow-up.
Imagine an Earth where the plants and animals of the sea have risen to live in the sky, and many creatures of the land have grown and mutated into monsters.
Some of the people have transformed to live in floating plant patches that go where the winds take them, but on the ground others are using new inventions to get into the sky too.
Is there going to be room for all of them?
April 16, 2018
Excellent story from one of the world's best storytellers
Nathan is a master storyteller. This is another amazing story that I didn't want to end. Like all his other books this will be a blockbuster if a great film maker makes this into a movie. I loved it. More
Nathan is a master storyteller. This is another amazing story that I didn't want to end. Like all his other books this will be a blockbuster if a great film maker makes this into a movie. I loved it. More
May 23, 2018
Skylighter Adventures
Original content, beautifully developed characters and a robust scenery, this book had my full attention. Teens to adult will enjoy this adventure. Stayed up too many late nights because I wan't to know what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Original content, beautifully developed characters and a robust scenery, this book had my full attention. Teens to adult will enjoy this adventure. Stayed up too many late nights because I wan't to know what would happen next. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2018
Really Different and Original Sci-Fi Book!
This was a truly imaginative and original world created by the author. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot has been set to create a few more books in this series which I look forward to reading!
This was a truly imaginative and original world created by the author. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot has been set to create a few more books in this series which I look forward to reading!
November 30, 2020
Good story but ...
Nathan Van Coops wrote what turned out to be a story worth finishing. IMHO, the character development and initial scene setting was drawn out and laborious. More than once I almost put the book aside. At the end I was glad I finished the book.
Nathan Van Coops wrote what turned out to be a story worth finishing. IMHO, the character development and initial scene setting was drawn out and laborious. More than once I almost put the book aside. At the end I was glad I finished the book.
December 11, 2021
This was a very good story with a fresh new world to learn about. There were a lot of potential mistakes that were deftly avoided. Highly recommended for anyone 10 and up; this would make a great family read, too, engaging for everyone.
August 18, 2024
Skylighters
If you like treasure planet and Indian Jones, you'll love this half utopia and half dystopian adventure! Told from multiple points of view to get a full circle with no details left out💜 thrilling and captivating from start to finish!
If you like treasure planet and Indian Jones, you'll love this half utopia and half dystopian adventure! Told from multiple points of view to get a full circle with no details left out💜 thrilling and captivating from start to finish!
November 3, 2017
Good read
The book was slow in the beginning, but picked up and was very enjoyable. I'd recommend this book for kids more than adults.
The book was slow in the beginning, but picked up and was very enjoyable. I'd recommend this book for kids more than adults.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews