About J. A. Merkel
Author | World-Builder | Creator
I grew up on a farm with 4 brothers and 4 sisters and reading was cheap. Writing was also cheap. Sometimes I could skip out on chores in place of reading. When I started writing my own nonsensical stories at six years old, and realized that writing could actually be a job, I was intrigued. I soon made the connection that writing could get me out of physical labor, and I was hooked. There was no turning back!
Ok, ok . . . reading and writing didn’t actually get me out of work. But in my mind, they took me to places I could have never dreamed of. In truth, I’ve loved stories ever since watching movies like The Land Before Time and seeing new friends embark on grand adventures together right in their backyard. R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps taught me about the world through other people and all their horrifying and beautiful metamorphoses. Every book I picked up was a new and daring escapade into the great beyond, and if books like this could change my life, why couldn’t I do the same for other people?
I write to give others hope and the same kind of second chances that writing still gives me. Second chances about what, you may ask? Well . . . I can’t reveal all my secrets here. It’s certainly a big part of why I wrote The Fall Gauntlet series.
If you want to embark on your own reading quest and experience the series yourself, just click the button below.
I appreciate your interest in my work.
The Fall Gauntlet has begun . . .
What The Mortals Are Saying About
The Fall Gauntlet
Hits all the marks for a successful YA series
A well-rounded take on Battle Royale that makes the most of each page and gives a fresh SciFi spin that is not derivative of what’s come before. It’s a brotherly love story at its heart, but the author manages to give it colors of romance, take on the fight against oppression, and the meaning of family. The world is fully fleshed out, an accomplishment, given that we never leave the fighting arena. The tech used by the gladiators is fun, seamless to the world, visually appealing, and enhances each moment in battle. But what brings it all together is the lead’s internal monologue; motivations, reactions, and backstory flow organically and bring the character to a fully relatable place. It’s endearing, thoughtful, and fun where it needs to be—looking forward to book 2.
Wow. This was an intriguing read.
Bear has the flavor of a dystopian world like that of Hunger Games but with a palette all its own. I love that this is essentially a story of brothers and their bond. In this place the Crown calls all the shots, and if they want to take your parents and break apart your family, they will. And if the Crown wants you to do their dirty work for them and eliminate your own blood, they'll put you both in the games with promises that are equally worthy and will inevitably pit you against your own brother in a precarious battle to the death. I mean, woah. The question is, will they do it? Do they each even know who they're fighting? The world of Bear vs Lynx is both archaic and advanced in technology which gives it a really interesting setting. I'd recommend Bear to anyone who enjoys edgy dystopian tales with strong familial bonds, interesting futuristic tech, action, and peril. I received an arc copy of the book from its publisher, but this review is all my own because I wanted to share my thoughts on the book. Happy reading!
READY FOR THE NEXT ONE!
The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR is an absolute masterpiece that exemplifies the heights that science fiction literature can reach. From the very first page, I was plunged headfirst into a mesmerizing world that is as vivid as it is captivating, and the journey only intensifies from there. Merkel's writing style is nothing short of a revelation. It strikes the perfect balance between rich, descriptive prose and a propulsive narrative, pulling the reader along on an unforgettable adventure. The way the author crafts each scene, every twist and turn, is a testament to his mastery of storytelling. The pacing is impeccable, keeping the tension taut and the excitement palpable throughout. The characters are complex and relatable. They leap off the page with a vibrancy that makes them feel like old friends. Their growth and development over the course of the story is both moving and believable, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to an already engrossing tale. The universe in which The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR unfolds is breathtakingly expansive, brimming with intricate cultures, technologies, and histories that immerse readers completely. The attention to detail is awe-inspiring, painting a picture that is as realistic as it is fantastical. What truly sets The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR apart is its ability to provoke thought and introspection. Beyond its gripping plot and well-drawn characters, the novel delves into profound themes that will leave readers contemplating the nature of humanity, the consequences of our choices, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. In a literary landscape crowded with stories vying for attention, The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR stands tall as a shining example of what speculative fiction can achieve. J. A. Merkel's magnum opus is a triumph of imagination, storytelling, and philosophical exploration that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on all who are fortunate enough to experience its pages. This is not just a book; it's an experience, a journey, and a work of art that will be celebrated for years to come.
Explore Your Favorites Series By J. A. Merkel
Stories Worth Fighting For
Benji Calyx is so close to saving his mother from her off-world prison when he steps onto the Fall Gauntlet arena for the finals. Victory means his wish—to save his mother—will be granted, but not all is as it seems. The Deus are angry, the Crown is scheming, and Benji’s final opponent, the bear, is Benji’s estranged younger brother, Soren.
Things just got a lot more complicated.
On the weird world of Ranisla, only select genes have survived. A certain Earth-borne gene has long since died out. Or has it? Ana and her one-wife, Scarza, are in for a wild ride when they discover their daughter Lillee’s dangerous proclivities.
A series of stories chronicling the tales of Dominic and his lover, Aaki. Android and Realbody peace treaties, body-jumping to available units, and a race to secure the SoulSignature technology before it falls into the wrong hands. What could go wrong?
Explore Your Favorites Series By J. A. Merkel
Stories Worth Fighting For
Benji Calyx is so close to saving his mother from her off-world prison when he steps onto the Fall Gauntlet arena for the finals. Victory means his wish—to save his mother—will be granted, but not all is as it seems. The Deus are angry, the Crown is scheming, and Benji’s final opponent, the bear, is Benji’s estranged younger brother, Soren.
Things just got a lot more complicated.
On the weird world of Ranisla, only select genes have survived. A certain Earth-borne gene has long since died out. Or has it? Ana and her one-wife, Scarza, are in for a wild ride when they discover their daughter Lillee’s dangerous proclivities.
A series of stories chronicling the tales of Dominic and his lover, Aaki. Android and Realbody peace treaties, body-jumping to available units, and a race to secure the SoulSignature technology before it falls into the wrong hands. What could go wrong?
Your Next Adventure Is Waiting
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