Imagine having the power to rewrite your past. Would you do it? And if you did, would it fix everything—or just make life messier? Nishant Prakash’s debut novel, Falling In & Out, takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions as it explores these big “what if” questions. Blending time travel, romance, and deep philosophical musings, this book feels like a fresh breeze in the speculative fiction genre, and trust me, it’s a ride worth taking.
At the center of this story are Neil, Waheed, and Paakhi—three childhood friends whose lives are beautifully messy and achingly relatable. When Neil discovers a way to manipulate time (yep, actual time travel), he’s faced with the ultimate temptation: undoing past mistakes. But as we all know, tampering with the past comes with consequences, and the book does an incredible job of showing how these ripple out, not just for Neil, but for everyone he loves.
What makes this story so gripping isn’t just the sci-fi angle—it’s the emotional depth. You’ll feel the love, the heartbreak, and the yearning these characters go through. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we want to fix the past, what really matters is how we deal with the present.
Nishant Prakash has a way with words that feels like sitting down with an old friend. His prose is simple but poetic, full of lines that’ll make you stop and think. He paints vivid pictures of both the world around the characters and the emotional storms inside them. And the dialogue? So natural, it feels like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations.
The non-linear narrative might throw you off at first, but once you get into the groove, it’s like piecing together a puzzle—and the payoff is worth it.
Neil is the kind of protagonist you root for, even when he messes up. His journey feels so raw and human, you’ll see pieces of yourself in him. Waheed’s loyalty and Paakhi’s vulnerability add layers to the story, making their relationships feel real and relatable. These aren’t perfect people—they’re flawed and messy, just like all of us—and that’s what makes them so unforgettable.
Time, love, loss, and redemption—Falling In & Out tackles them all, but not in a preachy way. Instead, it invites you to think about your own life. Would you change your past if you could? What would it mean for your present? It’s these quiet, reflective moments in the book that hit the hardest.
I’ll be honest—I loved almost everything about this book. The mix of genres (sci-fi + romance + philosophy) works brilliantly, and the emotional pull is real. That said, a few secondary characters could’ve been fleshed out more, and the scope might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to stories that hop between timelines. But honestly, these are nitpicks in an otherwise stellar debut.
More than anything, Falling In & Out reminds us that life isn’t about perfection. It’s about the choices we make, the people we love, and the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what. It’s one of those rare books that makes you laugh, cry, and think—all in one sitting.
If you’re a fan of stories that make you feel and think, Falling In & Out is a must-read. It’s heartfelt, thought-provoking, and beautifully written—a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Nishant Prakash has set the bar high with his debut, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Have you read Falling In & Out? What would you change if you could rewrite your past? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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