3.75 stars 
 I have mixed feelings here. I think my expectations were really high because I knew this novel would focus heavily on character development, which I typically enjoy. And it did focus on that. But there were moments that were just a little dull to me, and the story dragged a bit. More times than not, I'd rather have more character development than a fast-moving plot and action. That wasn't the case here. There were many times I found myself thinking: "And what does this have to do with the plane crash? Let's get on with it." A surprising reaction from me to say the least. 
 I think a lot of it might have to do with burnout from the genre than my actual feelings to this book. I've been reading an awful lot of adult fiction these past few months, and I'm sensing my reading interests shifting to a need for more action from possibly fantasy or dystopian genres. I think Before the Fall has essentially confirmed that shift for me. Had I read this book earlier in the summer, I do think I would have rated it a solid 4 stars, possibly 4.5 stars. 
 But I will say that I really enjoyed the ending with this one. It happened in good timing, and everything was wrapped up well. Nothing was dragged out more than it needed. It was just the right amount of punch that I wanted, and I closed this book feeling satisfied. I was originally thinking I'd rate this book 3.5 stars but the ending bumped it up to 3.75-4 stars. I'm happy with that.