Fallen

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

2009

464 pages

Summary: After an unexplainable accident with a boy, Luce finds herself enrolled in a strange reform school called Sword & Cross. Everything about it is a little odd, especially the other students. This doesn’t bug Luce too much because she feels a little odd herself; she sees strange black shadows and she can’t seem to remember what happened to the boy who died. Except the shadows seem to be acting up and there is this strange guy named Daniel that is inexcusably rude to her that she swears she knows from somewhere. The more she tries to piece together about Daniel and the school the more things spin out of control and without trying Luce finds herself at the centre of something very dark and dangerous.

This summary makes the book sound like the Awakening series by Kelley Armstrong, but it’s really not.

Review: Fallen is a compelling blockbuster paranormal romance about a regular girl in love with a fallen angel. Sound familiar? It might contain many of the more predictable elements of this genre, but I must confess it was the best one I’ve read…possibly ever. It’s long, which might seem daunting, but it’s actually very well paced. Kate takes the time to lay the ground work of the story, building up the characters and setting the stage for the rest of the series. The relationship between Daniel and Luce was fascinating and their story was made more compelling by the interesting and vibrant supporting characters. I also thought that Kate did a beautiful job of giving the reader an incredible climax, while leaving much of the story unanswered. I’ve read a lot of negative reviews, and I’m not sure why. Luce was a lovable character – witty and fun to read, there was enough mystery to keep me captivated, the story was rich and avoided the over cheesiness that is often plagued by this genre and the ending left me hooked. I can’t wait for the sequel, definitely the better of the two fallen angel books released last fall.

You might enjoy Fallen if you like books with: a paranormal romance where the average girl falls for the otherworldly boy, mystery and unanswered questions, battles between good and evil, seemingly impossible romance/love, a full cast of characters instead of just one or two, fast paced action.

Also by Lauren Kate: The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove

If you liked Fallen you might also enjoy: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Additional Info: I think I read somewhere that this is going to be a 4 part series, but regardless the sequel Torment is set to be released September 28th 2010.

Author website found here.

Rating: W3.5/4 C4/4 P4/4 O2.5/4 PP4/4 CR4/4 (Amazing cover!!!)
Grade Level: MJS