Daryl Loomis is a hard-drinking, philandering American site engineer living and working in Kenya. Pamela Amonee Emuria is a prim and proper African music professor at Nairobi University. Their unlikely romance begins with a chance encounter on the streets of Nairobi, and soon develops into passionate love. However, their love would face harsh obstacles from a political scandal. Journey Towards a Falling Sun by N. Lombardi Jr. is not only a love story, but also a novel that focuses on the corrupt side of governments and cultural conflicts with the beautiful yet desolate East African land as its background.

Occasionally witty, at times heart-warming, Journey Towards a Falling Sun is a novel filled with interesting and suspenseful situations. N. Lombardi Jr. somehow gives a first-hand look at a fascinating continent that is still woefully misunderstood by most of the world, regardless of what we often hear or see from the news concerning its conflicts. The novel takes readers on an intense journey, from Daryl and Pamela’s romance to moments when the seeds of misfortune start appearing in the couple’s relationship.

On the whole, a good read. The storytelling is firm and the pacing is excellent, albeit it slows down in some parts of the story. The characters are a solid ensemble and able to give readers the depth of the plot. That said, I gravitated more towards Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a psychiatrist who worked on Daryl’s case rather than Pamela. Also, the first meeting between Daryl and Pamela, and Daryl’s charm, are a bit contrived.

Growing up wasn’t easy for Daryl Loomis but he’s determined that the rest of his life is going to be better. He’s going to have fun and be free forever. Except forever is cut short by something he never could have expected: love. Amonee (Pamela) steps out of nowhere and changes Daryl’s life forever. Because of her there will be love, there will be adventure and there will be danger. Journey Towards a Falling Sun by N. Lombardi Jr. is a story of achievement. It is a story of loving someone so much that you would do absolutely anything for them. This is what Daryl and Pamela will do as they journey to be free together. But is it ever enough?

Daryl is an interesting character and one that, from the start, captures your interest. This story starts out well with an interesting hook that makes you really want to know what happened to him to put him in this kind of shape. As the story backs up to his life before, you’ll find yourself absolutely captivated by the story of a man in love, and the woman he loves. Pamela and Daryl make an interesting couple and the way they are constantly going back and forth will keep you on the edge of your seat. But of course there’s action and adventure and unexpected twists throughout that will make you question everything in Journey Towards a Falling Sun.