SHARK
The Fall Gauntlet #6
by J. A. Merkel
Published: July 24, 2025
Publisher: Worlds Apart Media
Genre: Young Adult, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopian
Blurb:
The storms of Ikanos have passed, but Benji’s inner storm is only just beginning …
He, Soren, and Lyaza board a ship bound for the Tangerine Islands, seeking the elusive mask maker—their only hope to shut down the Crown, fix Soren’s mask, and uncover the truth about their missing mother. First, they must cross the Unfathomable Sea, an ocean with secrets as deep as its waters.
People hold secrets too. Adioudi is more than just a combat specialist—he’s also the ship’s captain, and his island homeland has suffered horrors he’ll never forget. His decision to train Benji and Soren is far from selfless. And his niece and nephew, Tamahri and Javao, have agendas of their own.
When Javao challenges Benji to a duel, it’s clear he’s playing a deeper game. Then Soren—desperate to belong and prove himself—joins Javao’s crew of tattooed islanders, known as “the sharks,” on a risky heist to steal masks meant for the Crown. Feeling abandoned and fearing he’s losing his brother to a new family, Benji follows.
As Benji nears a point of no return, he realizes his only lifeline is his lynx mask. But putting it on may create more problems than it solves.
Which is exactly what Javao wants.
The Fall Gauntlet continues …
J. A. Merkel’s SHARK is part of The Fall Gauntlet, a collection of dystopian sci-fi novellas about Benji and Soren’s quest to outsmart the Crown and reclaim their family, all while learning how to be brothers again.
My Review:
The storms have finally subsided. Benji, Soren, and Lyaza are en route to the Tangerine Islands to train with Adioudi. They are still searching for a way to permanently disable the Crown and locate the mask maker who can assist them in repairing Soren’s mask.
Adioudi’s niece and nephew, Tamahri and Javao, have their own plans. What might they be up to? Could they be attempting to implicate someone else for their actions? Perhaps they are merely toying with people's lives.
Soren makes the decision to join Javao’s band of tattooed islanders, referred to as “the sharks,” to seize masks that are meant for the Crown. Soren feels the need to demonstrate his worthiness even without his mask.
Benji opts to accompany him, fearing that he might be losing his brother to a new family. Both Soren and Benji continue to grapple with the events that transpired on the bullet train in their own unique ways.
I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in another captivating tale from The Fall Gauntlet series and eagerly anticipate more adventures in this incredible world. The more I delve into the stories, the more I crave to continue reading. Each narrative is packed with unexpected twists and turns that keep me racing to discover the outcome.
I wholeheartedly recommend SHARK to anyone in search of their next thrilling adventure! Snag a copy of SHARK today and accompany Soren and Benji on their latest journey!
Check out all the books in The Fall Gauntlet I’ve read.
Bear #1
RAT #2
CHRYSIX #3
CONDOR #4
MANTA #5
SHARK #6
Connect with J. A. Merkel
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