🚀 Book Review: Falling Bodies by Rebecca Roanhorse (Kindle Edition, The Far Reaches #3)
A tense, politically charged sci-fi short about identity, loyalty, and the lingering scars of colonialism—Rebecca Roanhorse delivers an intimate character study set against the backdrop of interstellar oppression.
🧠 Overview
Published on June 27, 2023 as part of Amazon Original Stories’ The Far Reaches collection, Falling Bodies is a 35-page novella that follows Ira, a young man caught between two worlds.
Born human but adopted and raised by an alien race that conquered Earth, Ira has spent most of his life on their homeworld—his Earther heritage erased, his identity reshaped. Now, as a student on a space station university far from both “homes,” he’s trying to live anonymously, free from the political baggage of his past.
But when human rebels approach him for help, Ira is forced to confront the fractures in his loyalties. Two wars—one external, one internal—pull him in opposite directions, and his final choice will define where he truly belongs.
🌌 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🪐 Colonialism in space – The alien conquest of Earth mirrors real-world histories of cultural erasure and assimilation.
- ⚖️ Identity conflict – Ira’s struggle is as much about self-definition as it is about political allegiance.
- 🧠 Internal over external action – Much of the tension comes from conversations, reflection, and shifting perspectives rather than battles.
- ✍️ Roanhorse’s prose – Sparse but evocative, with sharp metaphors and a strong sense of place.
- 🔍 Ambiguous morality – Neither side is painted as purely right or wrong, making Ira’s decision more complex.
“A young man caught between two disparate worlds searches for his place in the universe”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: ~3.66/5 from over 6,800 ratings
- 📖 Praised for its emotional depth, political nuance, and worldbuilding in miniature.
- 🧾 Some readers found the pacing slow due to its focus on introspection over action, but many appreciated the layered character work and thematic weight.
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format – Best read as a character vignette rather than expecting a sweeping space opera.
- 📚 Part of a collection – Stands alone, but thematically linked to the other Far Reaches stories.
- 🧠 Quiet climax – The resolution is understated, hinging on a personal decision rather than spectacle.
🏁 Final Verdict
Falling Bodies is a thoughtful, slow-burn sci-fi short that uses its futuristic setting to explore timeless questions about belonging, assimilation, and the cost of divided loyalties. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy political undercurrents, morally gray choices, and character-driven speculative fiction.
