Fallen

The Founder's Seed, Book 1

Fiction - Science Fiction
478 Pages
Reviewed on 02/07/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Fallen: The Founder's Seed, Book 1 by Drema Deòraich is a compelling science fiction epic that introduces readers to Alira, a misfit cleric with the extraordinary ability to inherit memories from the dead. It’s a gripping story that throws Alira into a world on the edge of war, forcing her to take on the identity of an enemy while struggling under the constant weight of memories that aren’t her own. She’s not just fighting for survival—she’s trying to hold onto who she is while carrying the hopes of her entire species. Deòraich creates a rich, multi-layered world where cultural conflicts and personal struggles intertwine, exploring the price of knowledge and the complex nature of belonging in a society fractured by conflict.

Author Drema Deòraich brings real depth to this story through her characters, and what pulled me in was Alira’s struggle—not just with her strange ability, but with figuring out who she is and where she belongs. The idea of memory harvesting isn’t just a great concept; it adds another layer to the story, making you think about how the past shapes us and what we'd be without it. The world Deòraich builds feels alive, full of different cultures and conflicts that reflect real-life struggles. When the author explores the weight of carrying other people’s memories, the writing makes Alira’s journey feel personal and real. Overall, Fallen is a powerful sci-fi story that will stick with readers who love deep characters and immersive worlds and I would definitely recommend it.

Essien Asian

For as long as Alira can remember, the Unammi population on Iridos has stayed with their customs and beliefs, maintaining a strict order in how the clerics bring up their offspring. Alira does not share their views and uses every opportunity to display this. Matters come to a head when their home world comes under attack from human aggressors led by an ambitious admiral looking to make a name for himself. Alira discovers she may be the only one capable of saving her race from annihilation, but can she do that without succumbing to the urge to seek vengeance on those who took everything from her in Drema Deoraich's Fallen?

Drema Deoraich's Fallen is the first book in The Founder's Seed series. The world-building is rich as Drema immerses readers in the culture and history of the Unammi. She highlights their unique language and caste-like system for allocating duties, portraying an alien civilization as realistically as possible. This extensive detailing equally applies to the human factions, simultaneously explaining the narrative's subtle political angle. Despite the appearance of several key activities happening at the same time in different locations, the dialogue remains relatively easy to follow. The characters' carefully crafted origin stories and relatable motives add more depth to a narrative filled with intrigue. Drema's distinctive storytelling approach, where Alira ultimately adopts the good and bad habits of all the individuals she harvests, offers an exciting twist that science fiction purists will appreciate. All these elements come together to create a balanced, action-oriented adventure that readers will not want to put down.

Doreen Chombu

Fallen by Drema Deòraich is a captivating story that follows Alira, an unammi from the planet Iridos. Alira struggles to fit in with her kind and grapples with the rules that have governed her people for years. The unammi do not allow exploration of different skills; they believe each individual should belong to one guild, and they refuse to collaborate with other species, especially the humans, whom they deem barbaric. Alira is fascinated by human technology and diversity, but her obsession is seen as a rebellion by the council, which expects her to be their next leader. Just as the council grows tired of waiting for Alira to conform and is on the verge of reprogramming her brain, their planet is attacked by humans seeking to extract irolium, a vital mineral that allows the unammi to connect. Faced with this crisis, Alira must step up as a leader, using her inherited powers to save her species and find them a new home.

Fallen is the first book in The Founder's Seed series by Drema Deòraich. It introduces readers to a universe where cultural norms clash with personal identity and the quest for acceptance. The unammi is a unique alien species with colorful features and shapeshifting abilities. Their power to connect as one is both a source of strength and vulnerability. The story explores the delicate balance between community and individuality. Alira's primary struggle lies in her desire to embrace change and diversity while preserving her species' unique traditions and heritage. Her determination and bravery are inspiring and resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place within their own culture. The book also delves into the complexities of human nature, highlighting how greed and anger can lead to destruction, while compassion and understanding can foster unity and growth. Overall, Fallen is a compelling story filled with action, intrigue, and a touch of romance, making it a fantastic read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.