In Falling Apart by Jan Turk Petrie, Ash spots a lone figure walking along the beach, followed at a distance by a small child. Moments later, the woman takes her own life, seemingly unconcerned about the fate of the girl, Isla. Suddenly responsible for the frail, silent child, Ash reluctantly takes her with him to another island to gather supplies. But as they arrive, an uneasy feeling sets in.

Falling Apart by Jan Turk Petrie was a gripping and unforgettable read. From the very first page, the action pulled me in and never let go. The plot was packed with unpredictable twists and turns, making it nearly impossible to guess what might happen next. The suspense was relentless, keeping me glued to the pages and reading late into the night, afraid to miss a single detail. The characters felt incredibly real, especially Isla, whose heartbreaking journey left me feeling deeply sympathetic. Her sudden reliance on a stranger added a powerful emotional layer to the story. The writing was captivating and skillfully crafted, holding my attention from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, and I felt a sense of loss when I reached the final page.

Falling Apart by Jan Turk Petrie is an engaging dystopian novel of a world falling apart and people fighting to survive. It has two distinct storylines that feature two strong men, Ash and Guy. Ash is a former soldier who lives alone on a remote island. He wants to escape the chaos going on in the world, but his peace ends when he finds a little girl, Isla, and a woman—suspected to be her mother—who commits suicide on a beach close to where he lives. Ash realizes that danger is closing in and decides to protect Isla, leading him on a journey to find a safe haven. On the other hand, Guy is a skilled assassin. He is hired to hunt someone down for a huge sum of money. His mission is a difficult one. He travels over dangerous mountains and faces tough choices. Ash and Guy seem to be getting close to their missions, but things are getting more dangerous, showing a bigger plot about to unfold.

This book was an incredible read. It kept me hooked from the start and is full of action and suspense. The world-building is fascinating, with descriptions of the environment like ruined coastlines, empty villages, and broken communities. Petrie is good at keeping readers in suspense. The shift in plot from Ash's storyline to Guy's made me curious and eager to know what was about to unfold. Whenever the storyline moved to either of the characters, Petrie ended it with a scene that sparked curiosity, which kept me glued to the book. I enjoyed seeing how the characters struggled to survive, especially when Ash became an ally with Reid, who was meant to be his enemy. Guy is another standout character. His inner battles and hard choices make him more than just a tough guy. I recommend Falling Apart by Jan Turk Petrie to readers who love fast-paced thrillers with strong characters and suspense.