Step into the thrilling world of the Fallen World Trilogy, where a deadly virus threatens humanity and a courageous teen leads the fight for survival! Written by Megan Crewe, this young adult science fiction series blends heart-pounding action with deep emotional stakes, following Kaelyn Weber as she battles to save her island community and beyond. Perfect for fans of dystopian adventures, this series is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
With its gripping narrative and relatable characters, the Fallen World Trilogy explores what it means to hold onto hope in a crumbling world. Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting impact of this captivating series!
How the Fallen World Trilogy Began
Megan Crewe, a Canadian author known for her imaginative YA novels, crafted the Fallen World Trilogy inspired by her fascination with post-apocalyptic scenarios and human resilience. Drawing from works like The Stand and Life As We Knew It, Crewe envisioned a world ravaged by a virus, set on a fictional island in Nova Scotia. Her research into virology and a trip to the Maritimes ensured the setting felt authentic, grounding the series’ high-stakes drama in a vivid, relatable environment.
Crewe’s goal was to create a story that balanced gritty survival with heartfelt connections, appealing to both young adult and adult readers. The trilogy, starting with The Way We Fall in 2012, quickly gained praise for its realistic portrayal of a society unraveling under crisis.
The Heart of the Fallen World Trilogy
The trilogy comprises three main books—The Way We Fall, The Lives We Lost, and The Worlds We Make—plus a companion story collection, Those Who Lived. In The Way We Fall, sixteen-year-old Kaelyn faces a mysterious virus that starts with an itch and ends in death, isolating her island community. As society collapses, she allies with unlikely friends to survive. The Lives We Lost follows Kaelyn’s discovery of a vaccine, leading her on a dangerous journey to the mainland, where greed and desperation threaten her mission. The Worlds We Make concludes the saga, with Kaelyn racing to deliver the vaccine to the CDC in Atlanta, facing betrayal and sacrifice.
The series shines through its themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature—greed versus selflessness. Crewe’s prose is accessible yet evocative, painting a post-apocalyptic world that feels chillingly plausible. Kaelyn’s growth from a shy teen to a determined leader anchors the story, while the island and mainland settings add layers of tension and discovery.
Unlike graphic dystopian tales, the trilogy keeps violence and mature themes mild, making it ideal for younger readers while still captivating adults with its emotional depth and moral dilemmas. The companion stories in Those Who Lived offer fresh perspectives from secondary characters, enriching the world without being essential reads.
Why the Fallen World Trilogy Resonates
The Fallen World Trilogy stands out in the YA dystopian genre for its focus on character-driven storytelling and realistic stakes. Fans praise Kaelyn as a strong, relatable protagonist, and Crewe’s nuanced portrayal of both heroes and villains adds depth to the narrative. The series earned nominations like the White Pine Award and a spot on the International Reading Association’s Young Adults’ Choices List, reflecting its appeal to teen readers.
Its exploration of hope amid loss resonates in today’s world, where global challenges echo the trilogy’s themes. Though not as widely known as The Hunger Games, the series has a dedicated fanbase that cherishes its emotional intensity and satisfying conclusion, cementing its status as a cult favorite in YA science fiction.
- Publication Years: 2012–2014 (main trilogy), 2014 (companion stories)
- Number of Books: Three main novels, one story collection
- Awards: Nominated for the White Pine Award; listed on the International Reading Association Young Adults’ Choices List
Grab The Way We Fall and dive into the Fallen World Trilogy’s gripping post-apocalyptic adventure! Join Kaelyn’s fight for survival and discover why this series is a must-read for dystopian fans.