Fallen by Lauren Kate

GENRE: young adult/supernatural romance

SUMMARY:
There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move. Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out why Daniel is so desperate to keep secret... even if it kills her.

THIS MISS REVIEWS:
I admit, the first thing that drew me to buy this book and read it was the alluring cover. After reading the summary on the back of the book, I suspected this would be about (fallen) angels and I was right. I, personally, believe that at this moment, when the world is swamped by numerous stories about vampires, a supernatural young adult angsty romance featuring angels is a fresh breeze. I have always been intrigued by angels, and fallen angels are especially fascinating to me. What would drive a divine being that could have it all to break the link with his/her Creator and allow himself/herself to fall from grace? If you choose to write about fallen angels, there are tons of possibilities to answer this question.

Sadly, this novel did not offer an answer to this question. I thought the big revelation as to why Daniel Grigori and his "mates" were fallen angels would be given at the end of the book, at least, but it wasn't.

The first two thirds of the novel were a delight to read. The suspense was building up nicely, and there was a nice amount of angst present, too. I was drawn to the story and wanted to read more to find out what was really going on. I knew Daniel Grigori was an angel, but there were many other mysteries to be solved. The plot was clear, and I knew where it was going to lead me. But the way I was led to the finale disappointed me. The last third of the book was rushed. Certain characters suddenly experience major character changes, with no previous hints whatsoever that they might have ulterior motives. I can forgive that, as some people, or rather angels, are good actors and liars. However, considering that there was a major battle taking place at the end of the novel, the battle was too scattered around, too rushed. A lot of information was given, but my questions were still not answered. What caused the mysterious fire? Why are (so many) angels at a reform school? Why must Luce and Daniel not be together, or the balance of the universe will break? Why did the angels fall in the first place? How come Luce is born over and over again? When did this start? Why exactly?

Many questions, no answers. However, despite my negative comments, I would like to read the sequel to Fallen, titled Torment. It will be released on September 28, 2010. I would really like to get the answers to my questions. I am intrigued by angels, and although the novel has flaws, I still enjoyed the experience of reading it very much. The author has potential and hopefully, she will fill the room she has left for improvement.


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