Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Published Date: December 2009
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 464
Age Group: YA
Source: Bookstore
Review: WOW!: The only word I can think of to summarize my review of “Fallen” by Lauren Kate. Her debut novel not only sparkles, it charms to the core of your soul.
I could not put this book down. Staying up past midnight, I turned the pages, telling myself just a couple of more minutes. Reluctantly, I had to go to sleep. But the next morning, I immediately picked up the book to finish it — that’s good fiction! What makes it even better fiction — I can’t wait until September 28, 2010 when the second book, “Torment,” is released.
Not only is the book cover one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen, but it also feels like velvet (a trend I’ve noticed in recent hardcover books). It definitely fulfills its promise of a thrilling book.
The characters are engaging and unique, especially Luce Price, the protagonist torn between mysterious Daniel Grigori and dangerous Cam Briel at the boarding/reform school, Sword & Cross. Both of the male leads oozed cool in their own unique way. Luce’s back story is extremely interesting, especially the scary shadows she’s seen all her life. I also like her parents and her loving feeling toward them despite them putting her away for not being “normal.”
The residents of Sword & Cross are very clever. But the name of the school confused me. I thought it was going to be a paranormal version of Hogwarts which didn’t seem to be the case. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every word of the book, so much that I plan on reading it again.
SPOILER: The one plot twist I wish I hadn’t known was that Daniel was a fallen angel and his reason for not wanting anything to do with Luce. Obviously the publisher’s synopsis mentions angels, but nothing more, however if you were to read the synopsis on Barnes and Noble’s website, it almost gives the major plot twists away. I’m glad I didn’t see that synopsis before I read the book. END SPOILER.
The Scoop: “Fallen” is, currently, in development by Walt Disney Pictures. Kathyrn Price and Nichole Millard of Mayhem Pictures (Invincible, Secretariat, Tooth Fairy) are signed on as screenwriters. Here’s hoping they do it justice because Invincible was a very good film, but Tooth Fairy — not so much.
So…am I Team Daniel or Team Cam? I really like Daniel, but he seems like he’s not telling the whole truth about Luce’s past. Despite his dark side, Cam appears to be more genuine, so it’s Team Cam for me. But I’m sure he’s hiding some dark secrets too. After all, they’re at Sword & Cross. Which interestingly enough wasn’t explained. Will more information will be revealed in the second book?
“Fallen” was unlike any YA paranormal book I’ve read before. It goes on my list of top fave books. “Fallen” gave me the same feeling after I read Harry Potter for the first time: I want more!
I give “Fallen” 5 “Relaxing with a Good Book” retro pictures for being heavenly!
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