In the unforgiving wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Leif, the 12-year-old son of a humble pulp wood cutter, finds himself abruptly thrust into the care of his estranged uncle, Garrett.

Under the reluctant guardianship of Uncle Garett, Leif grapples with the grief and guilt of losing both parents in a span of six months. Struggling to make sense of his shattered world, he seeks solace in unexpected places by forging unlikely friendships, and confronting old foes. But as he navigates the complexities of family feuds, Lief is burdened by a secret so dark, so guarded, that he dare not speak it: the horrifying truth of what really happened in the woods that fateful day.

As Leif struggles to keep the facts of that nightmarish day concealed, the weight of his deception presses down, casting doubt on any hope of reconciliation with Garrett.

In The Faller, the natural world serves as both sanctuary and specter, its rugged beauty mirroring the complexities of human connection and the profound mysteries of the human soul. With its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of resilience from the shattered heart of a teenager, it is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores the depths of loss, love, truth, deception, and the power of the human spirit.

With prose as rich and resonant as the wilderness itself, this evocative tale weaves a poignant narrative that lingers in the listener's heart long after the final sentence is spoken.