June's Book of the Month- Among the Fallen by Makena Song

Makena Song's YA fantasy, Among the Fallen, is this month's Book of the Month. Discover the full review here.

Makena Song’s Among the Fallen is a YA fantasy that is clean, imaginative, emotionally grounded, and driven by a protagonist whose flaws and fears make him instantly relatable. For Christian families and clean-read seekers, this novel offers a compelling adventure while engaging honestly with themes of guilt, identity, and courage.

At the center of the story is Lucian Roux, a teen boy wrongfully accused of a crime and forced to flee his secluded village of Caelum. His exile is not just physical but deeply emotional; Lucian carries the weight of a criminal record he doesn’t deserve and the gnawing fear that he may never outrun the shadows attached to his name. Yet this very displacement becomes the catalyst for the story’s greatest strength: Lucian’s longing for freedom—freedom from accusation, from fear, and ultimately from the dark entity tethered to his very soul.

Song writes Lucian with a tenderness that never slips into melodrama. His internal conflict is layered and believable, and readers will find themselves rooting for him not because he is perfect, but because he is painfully human. His desire for a new beginning is something every teen can understand, and his journey toward self-discovery is handled with nuance and hope.

But Lucian doesn’t walk this path alone. One of the novel’s most delightful surprises is the delusional goddess trapped in a mirror, whose blend of mystique, humor, and tragic backstory adds both levity and depth. She is equal parts mentor, wildcard, and emotional mirror—pun intended—to Lucian’s own fractured identity. Although this trapped character doesn't appear as often as I'd hope, she's always one to challenge Lucian's mindset when she is mentioned.

Alongside the two is a snarky, sword-loving peer whose sarcasm and loyalty bring a welcome spark of camaraderie. Together, this unlikely trio forms a dynamic that feels fresh and engaging, offering readers both comic relief and heartfelt moments of connection.

The worldbuilding is another standout feature. The Sage’s Forest, Caelum, and the broader landscape of the Fallen Ones mythos feel lived-in without overwhelming the reader with exposition. Song strikes a balance between mystery and clarity, giving just enough information to keep readers curious while allowing the story’s emotional beats to take center stage. The prophetic elements woven throughout the plot add a sense of destiny and tension, especially as Lucian begins to uncover the truth about the evil entity inside him.

Parents and educators should be aware that the book includes a brief scene of domestic violence and several instances of bullying. These moments are not graphic, nor are they included for shock value; instead, they serve to deepen the emotional stakes and highlight the resilience of the characters. Still, sensitive readers may appreciate a heads-up. Beyond these moments, the book remains clean—no profanity, no sexual content, and no gratuitous violence—making it a strong option for families seeking safer YA alternatives.

What elevates Among the Fallen beyond a simple adventure story is its exploration of identity, shame, and the longing to be known and forgiven. Lucian’s internal battle with the darkness inside him echoes the universal struggle teens face when they fear their mistakes—or the labels others place on them—define who they are. Song handles these themes with care, offering a narrative that acknowledges brokenness without glorifying it, and pointing toward hope without oversimplifying the journey.

The pacing is brisk, especially in the second half, where revelations, confrontations, and emotional turning points come in quick succession. Which led to a few 'fast-forward' moments that left me, the reader, unclear of what happened and how the emotional arcs were progressing. It felt like I was missing out on something, even though Song does provide some explanations of what happens in these 'fast-forward' moments.

Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a prophetic twist will find plenty to love here.

In many ways, Among the Fallen reads like the first step in a much larger saga. Questions linger—about the nature of the Fallen Ones, the true extent of Lucian’s powers, and the fate of the goddess in the mirror—but these threads feel intentional, inviting readers deeper into the world rather than leaving them frustrated. If this is the beginning of a series, it’s a promising one.

Final Thoughts

Makena Song delivers a clean, heartfelt YA fantasy that blends adventure, prophecy, humor, and emotional depth. Among the Fallen is perfect for teens who crave imaginative worlds and complex characters without wading into explicit or profane content. It’s also a strong pick for parents and educators looking for stories that spark meaningful conversations about identity, courage, and the cost of freedom.

Lucian Roux’s journey is one of struggle and hope, darkness and light, fear and resilience—and readers will be eager to follow him wherever the prophecy leads next.

See More about this book and author Makena Song Here.