Helpful Score: 11
I got this at an airport Borders because I couldn't have my Kindle on during takeoff or landing. It was a NYT bestseller and the plot intrigued me, it seemed like a book that would be incredibly interesting!
I admit to being disappointed in this book. I never really connected with any of the characters and felt like a little more detail throughout the book would have made things much more interesting, as would moving the plot along more quickly. I know there are more books planned in this series, but it felt like too much information was being withheld for a later book. I got a little tired of how long the "not knowing anything" dragged out...like another reviewer I felt myself rushing through the book; however, my reason was just to get to a place where something moved the plot forward and we could learn more about the weird deja vu and odd behavior of some of the main characters.
Unfortunately, I think we'll really need to read the next book to get questions answered, though from the reviews I"ve seen of that one it doesn't really happen there either. I don't see myself buying the 2nd book outright; I'm really kind of indifferent to what happens to any of the characters as I never really connected with them. Maybe in a million years when it comes available on the swap I'll check it out, but the wait list for Torment is pretty long and slow moving. We'll see if I continue with this series.
I admit to being disappointed in this book. I never really connected with any of the characters and felt like a little more detail throughout the book would have made things much more interesting, as would moving the plot along more quickly. I know there are more books planned in this series, but it felt like too much information was being withheld for a later book. I got a little tired of how long the "not knowing anything" dragged out...like another reviewer I felt myself rushing through the book; however, my reason was just to get to a place where something moved the plot forward and we could learn more about the weird deja vu and odd behavior of some of the main characters.
Unfortunately, I think we'll really need to read the next book to get questions answered, though from the reviews I"ve seen of that one it doesn't really happen there either. I don't see myself buying the 2nd book outright; I'm really kind of indifferent to what happens to any of the characters as I never really connected with them. Maybe in a million years when it comes available on the swap I'll check it out, but the wait list for Torment is pretty long and slow moving. We'll see if I continue with this series.
Helpful Score: 8
If FALLEN is the future of YA supernatural fiction, then I fear for this genre. FALLEN is painfully dull and slow, with very little besides the concept of fallen angels and the suggestion of an impossible romance to recommend it to readers.
If the plot of FALLEN were to race a glacier, the glacier would win. From the moment Luce arrives at Sword & Cross, the plot feels like it's always tripping over its own feet in order to explain itself, and to no avail. I don't mind a gradually building plot if it contains atmosphere and sets up the exposition well, but the setting of Sword & Cross was never fully realized for me, and the events in Luce's past that landed her at reform school never attained credibility. Luce floats through boarding school life in a series of disconnected and awkwardly written encounters with her schoolmates, none of which helped me understand Luce or any of the other characters. All of the action and scenes required to get the gist of the story occurred within the last 60 pages, and what happened was not worth plodding through 400 pages of irrelevance to get to that point.
All of the characters in FALLEN were static and artificial, something that less discerning Twilight-fangirling tweens won't mind but that more well-read readers will definitely take issue with. Luce is about as passive as a bowl of rice pudding. You think Bella didn't do anything for three-and-a-half 400-plus-page-long books? Luce just might make Bella look like head of the school spirit squad. She flits from scene to scene, never being fully integrated into the immediacy of the story and never coalescing into a comprehensive character. The thing I most remember about her was that she had short hair from when it got burnt off in a fire. If the way I describe a character is by the length of her hair and not any, I dunno, actual personality traits, you better believe that is a serious problem.
Along those same lines, Cam and Daniel were similarly bland male love interests whose only identifiable characteristic was their inexplicableâand inevitable, in this sort of bookâattraction to Luce. I constantly got the two mixed up and couldn't pick them out from a handful of YA male love interests if I had to. I am hardly questioning the appeal of stalker-y, unequal-power-dynamics loveâthere is a reason why so many of us love bad boys so muchâbut to have Cam and Daniel be so one-dimensional and predictable, while the story practically insists that we're supposed to find them heart-stoppingly attractiveâ¦sorry, but I really don't need that.
We've all heard the quiet rumblings that fallen angels might be the Next Big Thing in YA lit, but only if they're done right. FALLEN read like a boarding school story with smatterings of the supernatural dashed throughout, the angels-and-demons element only manifesting itself in the final few chapters. It was a discomforting read because it was so detached from those elements of humanity that make even the most fantastical novel relatable: the Southern setting was never fully realized, and the characters were difficult to empathize with.
That being said, FALLEN gets two stars from me because I can totally see its appeal to middle school girls who have devoured the entire Twilight series and now desperately need something to read in between the next House of Night book and the Eclipse movie coming out in Summer 2010. It contains all the elements of a trendy YA bestseller: a paranormal element, a love triangle, two powerful love interests who compete for the same girl. Unfortunately, the great idea was poorly executed, and I won't be following the rest of this series. However, consider asking your thirteen-year-old sister or cousin for her opinion on FALLEN, and you might get a totally different point of view, one that justifies why Random House believes that FALLEN will be huge in YA.
If the plot of FALLEN were to race a glacier, the glacier would win. From the moment Luce arrives at Sword & Cross, the plot feels like it's always tripping over its own feet in order to explain itself, and to no avail. I don't mind a gradually building plot if it contains atmosphere and sets up the exposition well, but the setting of Sword & Cross was never fully realized for me, and the events in Luce's past that landed her at reform school never attained credibility. Luce floats through boarding school life in a series of disconnected and awkwardly written encounters with her schoolmates, none of which helped me understand Luce or any of the other characters. All of the action and scenes required to get the gist of the story occurred within the last 60 pages, and what happened was not worth plodding through 400 pages of irrelevance to get to that point.
All of the characters in FALLEN were static and artificial, something that less discerning Twilight-fangirling tweens won't mind but that more well-read readers will definitely take issue with. Luce is about as passive as a bowl of rice pudding. You think Bella didn't do anything for three-and-a-half 400-plus-page-long books? Luce just might make Bella look like head of the school spirit squad. She flits from scene to scene, never being fully integrated into the immediacy of the story and never coalescing into a comprehensive character. The thing I most remember about her was that she had short hair from when it got burnt off in a fire. If the way I describe a character is by the length of her hair and not any, I dunno, actual personality traits, you better believe that is a serious problem.
Along those same lines, Cam and Daniel were similarly bland male love interests whose only identifiable characteristic was their inexplicableâand inevitable, in this sort of bookâattraction to Luce. I constantly got the two mixed up and couldn't pick them out from a handful of YA male love interests if I had to. I am hardly questioning the appeal of stalker-y, unequal-power-dynamics loveâthere is a reason why so many of us love bad boys so muchâbut to have Cam and Daniel be so one-dimensional and predictable, while the story practically insists that we're supposed to find them heart-stoppingly attractiveâ¦sorry, but I really don't need that.
We've all heard the quiet rumblings that fallen angels might be the Next Big Thing in YA lit, but only if they're done right. FALLEN read like a boarding school story with smatterings of the supernatural dashed throughout, the angels-and-demons element only manifesting itself in the final few chapters. It was a discomforting read because it was so detached from those elements of humanity that make even the most fantastical novel relatable: the Southern setting was never fully realized, and the characters were difficult to empathize with.
That being said, FALLEN gets two stars from me because I can totally see its appeal to middle school girls who have devoured the entire Twilight series and now desperately need something to read in between the next House of Night book and the Eclipse movie coming out in Summer 2010. It contains all the elements of a trendy YA bestseller: a paranormal element, a love triangle, two powerful love interests who compete for the same girl. Unfortunately, the great idea was poorly executed, and I won't be following the rest of this series. However, consider asking your thirteen-year-old sister or cousin for her opinion on FALLEN, and you might get a totally different point of view, one that justifies why Random House believes that FALLEN will be huge in YA.
Helpful Score: 6
The first time I came across this book I was instantly mesmerized and had to have it. Within a week I was walking out of Wal-Mart with Fallen and a large grin. But like the dark story, mine was also dark. The first few chapters were interesting, but as I continued reading the book fell flat.
Lauren Kate had a great idea, the war of fallen angels, and a romance that has lasted through the ages. I devoured the thought, but sadly, her writing style made this a hard and unfeeling read. Every time I wanted to like the characters, or have emotion for them, it was like feeling for a brick wall.
In my opinion, I would have liked to see the story written in 1st person in the mind of the main character Luce.
I will read the second book, because I have high hopes for this author and for this story. On a final thought, I would suggest reading the book. The story is an intriguing one.
Lauren Kate had a great idea, the war of fallen angels, and a romance that has lasted through the ages. I devoured the thought, but sadly, her writing style made this a hard and unfeeling read. Every time I wanted to like the characters, or have emotion for them, it was like feeling for a brick wall.
In my opinion, I would have liked to see the story written in 1st person in the mind of the main character Luce.
I will read the second book, because I have high hopes for this author and for this story. On a final thought, I would suggest reading the book. The story is an intriguing one.
Helpful Score: 6
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It looked like something I would really enjoy getting into, hoping for some romantic tension between two well-developed characters. Unfortunately, that's not what I found. Halfway through I was mostly underwhelmed. I don't know if that's because I'm burned out on the YA Paranormal Romance genre, or if this book is just underwhelming on its own. It seemed like the same old thing to me: angst-y teenage girl who is out of her element, mysterious teenage boy who intrigues the girl for some unknown reason, girl tries to be with boy, boy is hesitant, the un-probable truth comes out... well you know how it goes. And how it ends before the book is even over.
The story is about Luce who is scented to a reform school (out of her element) after a mysterious fire kills her almost-boyfriend. She can't remember what happened. At her new school she meets Daniel (mysterious boy) who goes hot and cold towards here until the truth comes out... (SPOILER) he's a fallen angel, so are most the students at the school, and they're about to embark on an epic battle... which doesn't come until book two.
And when the book was over, nothing was resolved. Can I just say that I dislike authors who end books, not merely on a cliffhanger, but with nothing resolved to the point where you feel like you have to read the next book? I feel like it's a scam to sell more books. Why can't anyone put their whole story into one book? This book was four hundred pages, but if it had been published in a normal sized font and format, I bet more a conclusion would have fit.
The story is about Luce who is scented to a reform school (out of her element) after a mysterious fire kills her almost-boyfriend. She can't remember what happened. At her new school she meets Daniel (mysterious boy) who goes hot and cold towards here until the truth comes out... (SPOILER) he's a fallen angel, so are most the students at the school, and they're about to embark on an epic battle... which doesn't come until book two.
And when the book was over, nothing was resolved. Can I just say that I dislike authors who end books, not merely on a cliffhanger, but with nothing resolved to the point where you feel like you have to read the next book? I feel like it's a scam to sell more books. Why can't anyone put their whole story into one book? This book was four hundred pages, but if it had been published in a normal sized font and format, I bet more a conclusion would have fit.
Helpful Score: 4
2/5 stars -- just another "fallen" angel book...
This vapid tale goes on for a long, boring time before we realize it's just another fallen angel book. The explanation for how and why Daniel is "fallen" is never detailed nor is anything about the relationships between the good and evil forces in this overly long first novel in a planned series (#2 Torment due out in September of 2010).
Luce is sent to some sort of odd reform school after the unexplained death of her boyfriend in a fire. His death and the death of other "mortals" in the story are not given any weight and no reasons for them are given to the reader. None of the characters in the story have any depth to them and the book seems to be an endless, almost ridiculous, whine by Luce about which of the boys in the school she should like and trust -- she is pursued by the charming Cam and is shunned and stood up by the handsome, mysterious Daniel. Why those two fallen angels are interested in her is also never explained. I found the whole story basically boring and any hoped for interesting details or back story is missing! We are left without finding out why Luce has undergone the reincarnations, why Daniel and Cam want her, and exactly what these two fallen angels and their minions are doing on earth.
The romance seems shallow although the author goes to great lengths to describe the kiss and longing that Luce has for Daniel but again, the many questions the reader might have are never answered and any interest developed in the plot is quickly quashed with only vague hints of what is going on. The story ends with a strange epilogue and the reader is left hanging.
Skip it.
This vapid tale goes on for a long, boring time before we realize it's just another fallen angel book. The explanation for how and why Daniel is "fallen" is never detailed nor is anything about the relationships between the good and evil forces in this overly long first novel in a planned series (#2 Torment due out in September of 2010).
Luce is sent to some sort of odd reform school after the unexplained death of her boyfriend in a fire. His death and the death of other "mortals" in the story are not given any weight and no reasons for them are given to the reader. None of the characters in the story have any depth to them and the book seems to be an endless, almost ridiculous, whine by Luce about which of the boys in the school she should like and trust -- she is pursued by the charming Cam and is shunned and stood up by the handsome, mysterious Daniel. Why those two fallen angels are interested in her is also never explained. I found the whole story basically boring and any hoped for interesting details or back story is missing! We are left without finding out why Luce has undergone the reincarnations, why Daniel and Cam want her, and exactly what these two fallen angels and their minions are doing on earth.
The romance seems shallow although the author goes to great lengths to describe the kiss and longing that Luce has for Daniel but again, the many questions the reader might have are never answered and any interest developed in the plot is quickly quashed with only vague hints of what is going on. The story ends with a strange epilogue and the reader is left hanging.
Skip it.
Helpful Score: 4
While I agree that this book lacks movement until the last few chapters, don't let that completely deter you. It is still a good read and worth picking up if you get the chance.
Helpful Score: 3
I tried and tried to like this book, but I didn't like it at all. I have so many unanswered questions, even though I read 450 pages. The only character I cared about was Penn. I will be taking myself off the WL for the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was AMAZING! A wonderful page turner leaving me wanting more at the end. I cannot wait for the next book. It was interesting how the writer created "Shadows" little minions for the darker fallen angels who spy on Luce and make her life a living hell so to speak. The fight between good and evil even gets personal when they both vie for Luce's love, but there is a huge reason behind that, which you'll have to find out in the book. The friends she makes along the way are quirky and interesting. I loved Penn. Reminded me of me. Just an all around wonderful book that I know I'll be buying the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
This greatly reminded me of Twilight when Edward Cullen totally ignored Bella Swan and was just plain bitchy to her, though there are no werewolves or vampires in this story. I got the same feeling here. Daniel runs hot and cold, totally irritating. But it didn't faze Luce, she followed him around like a lost puppy.
It wasn't until the very end that you finally learned what the heck was going on. I really couldn't figure out why Luce was sent to the reform school, but she certainly didn't seem like she belonged there. I enjoyed the interplay between Arriane, Gabbe, Penn and Luce. Jerk or not, I particularly liked Daniel. Can't wait for book two, Torment.
It wasn't until the very end that you finally learned what the heck was going on. I really couldn't figure out why Luce was sent to the reform school, but she certainly didn't seem like she belonged there. I enjoyed the interplay between Arriane, Gabbe, Penn and Luce. Jerk or not, I particularly liked Daniel. Can't wait for book two, Torment.
Helpful Score: 2
I really liked this book. The story was very interesting and kept my attention till the very end, even though I had no clue what the story was about until the end. I didn't read the summary of the book before I started reading. My only complaint about this book is that the action really didn't start until the very end of the book. The beginning & middle of this book was a very long description of the characters and background. It was still interesting, but very long.
I felt that the ending was exciting, but very rushed. Hopefully the next book will tell us more about Daniel & Luce's story and how they got into the perdiciment they are currently in.
I felt that the ending was exciting, but very rushed. Hopefully the next book will tell us more about Daniel & Luce's story and how they got into the perdiciment they are currently in.
Helpful Score: 1
Okay, I'm not going to lie to you. This wasn't the best thought out novel ever. The main characters were weak and selfish and sometimes completely pathetic. There was no reason for them to fall in love and no build up to them being destined for each other...
But other than that, I enjoyed this book. There were several points in the novel where I paused and compared it to Twilight. The poor main male character always brooding and running away from the girl he is supposed to be in love with and all the "oooooo stay away from me" lines. Bleh. Haw pathetic.
However, for a quick weekend read it wasn't terrible. Sure, the book is like 459 pages long, but I finished it in one full day. It has a large type-set so there aren't as many words in it as the bulk of the book would suggest. So it's not a hard one to read. Overall, I did like the story, and it had a lot of potential to be a good book. I just wish that there had been more character development with Daniel and Luce, and that they would have acted the way their character descriptions made them sound.
There was some build up to the climactic face off, but not really enough, and then when it came down to describing things the author was very vague and she might as well just have said "And then something happened and then something else came along and some one said this."
I know that as an author you're supposed to trust your readers and leave a little to their imagination, but I don't think you're supposed to leave EVERYTHING to the readers imagination.
Listen to me, all I'm doing is boo-whooing this book when really I had a hard time putting it down. Even though it was vague, and the characters were hollow, it was an easy story to get into and enjoyable to read. Just don't go into it expecting it to be a super great book and you wont be too disappointed.
I may or may not read the sequels, that has yet to be decided.
But other than that, I enjoyed this book. There were several points in the novel where I paused and compared it to Twilight. The poor main male character always brooding and running away from the girl he is supposed to be in love with and all the "oooooo stay away from me" lines. Bleh. Haw pathetic.
However, for a quick weekend read it wasn't terrible. Sure, the book is like 459 pages long, but I finished it in one full day. It has a large type-set so there aren't as many words in it as the bulk of the book would suggest. So it's not a hard one to read. Overall, I did like the story, and it had a lot of potential to be a good book. I just wish that there had been more character development with Daniel and Luce, and that they would have acted the way their character descriptions made them sound.
There was some build up to the climactic face off, but not really enough, and then when it came down to describing things the author was very vague and she might as well just have said "And then something happened and then something else came along and some one said this."
I know that as an author you're supposed to trust your readers and leave a little to their imagination, but I don't think you're supposed to leave EVERYTHING to the readers imagination.
Listen to me, all I'm doing is boo-whooing this book when really I had a hard time putting it down. Even though it was vague, and the characters were hollow, it was an easy story to get into and enjoyable to read. Just don't go into it expecting it to be a super great book and you wont be too disappointed.
I may or may not read the sequels, that has yet to be decided.
Helpful Score: 1
Lauren Kate had an excellent concept for a novel, but unfortunately, poor execution. The book was really interesting and quite promising in the beginning but the romance, and quite honestly the characters, were poorly developed. When we finally find out the truth about Daniel, it comes off as sort of corny. Fallen had the potential to be a great book but I found that it was lacking in these aspects. That's not to say it was a bad book, but I won't exactly be rushing to read the second one.
Helpful Score: 1
Overall the fallen series wasn't so bad. It was good, actually. The one issue is that, for me at least, it took each book for me to slowly warm up to the idea of the story and see it really is good. In the first book, it was hard to get Luce because her constantly reaching out to Daniel, no matter how many times he dissed her, seemed too much. But when the truth is revealed, it somehow makes sense. It doesn't excuse his bland rudeness, but you do get why.
I didn't like any of the characters. No depth. Just plain awful.
It's long, too long I think but the story is simple. There is Lucinda Price, known as Luce; Daniel Grigori, a mysterious and attractive student; and Cameron Briel, known as Cam, a friendly outgoing and attractive student. So now we have the makings of a love triangle. But we must not forget Luce's friends, Arriane Alter and Pennyweather Van Syckle Lockwood, known as Penn, who help and hinder what happens in their own way.
Luce has a strange power that gets her into trouble. That's why she is at this special school. Daniel and Cam have their own secrets that take a long time to uncover, both for Luce and the reader. As for Arriane and Penn we have but to read and read to discover who they are.
This book has been compared to Twilight but since I haven't read that one I did not see the similarities. Just tried to read it for its merits. Many like this book and have continued with the series. It's not my favorite but not the worst either. I gave it three stars because of the length and the ending which I did not like even though it set readers up for a sequel. My best advice is to read it yourself and make your own call. Me? I can take it or leave it.
Luce has a strange power that gets her into trouble. That's why she is at this special school. Daniel and Cam have their own secrets that take a long time to uncover, both for Luce and the reader. As for Arriane and Penn we have but to read and read to discover who they are.
This book has been compared to Twilight but since I haven't read that one I did not see the similarities. Just tried to read it for its merits. Many like this book and have continued with the series. It's not my favorite but not the worst either. I gave it three stars because of the length and the ending which I did not like even though it set readers up for a sequel. My best advice is to read it yourself and make your own call. Me? I can take it or leave it.
It started off well... but the buildup was so slow that I stopped reading it about half way through... and I only got that far because I thought SOMETHING was going to happen soon.
This book is amazing. It really gets to you and you can't put it down. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Melanie Foust for TeensReadToo.com
Luce was with Trevor the night he died. There was a fire, and only Luce came out alive. When everyone begins to question her - her parents, psychologist, the police - her answers don't satisfy them because she doesn't know. She can't remember what happened.
That's how she finds herself at Sword & Cross, a reform school. Things get off to a rough start. Before her first class, she gets flipped off. By lunchtime, she runs into the bathroom crying, her hair and shirt covered in that day's meal. But soon she finds a few friends and begins to settle in.
However, she is far from being able to rest easily. The "shadows" that have haunted her for the majority of her life seem to be making appearances more and more often, and she doesn't know why. They've gotten bolder, and now instead of simply skirting around and following her, they occasionally surround her, even touching her. One day, when the shadows come, Daniel, a fellow student, walks into the room, and they quickly move away.
There is something hauntingly familiar about Daniel Grigori, but Luce can't figure out what it is. He appears in her dreams, dreams so vivid they feel real, as if they were something she had actually experienced. She wants to talk to him, figure out exactly why he can make the shadows go away, why it feels like she knows him, but he keeps her at a far distance.
Things get progressively more dangerous as the days wear on. Luce feel an inexplicable draw to Daniel and won't stop trying to find out more about him and his past. If only she knew the truth about herself and him. The truth that she and Daniel can never, ever be together.
FALLEN is an incredibly intriguing book, fraught with delicious suspense. The mystery seems to never abate, instead growing with each and every chapter. I felt like I might explode from the tension. I found myself rushing to get to the ending, while simultaneously enjoying the journey towards it. TORMENT, the next book in the FALLEN series, cannot get here soon enough.
Luce was with Trevor the night he died. There was a fire, and only Luce came out alive. When everyone begins to question her - her parents, psychologist, the police - her answers don't satisfy them because she doesn't know. She can't remember what happened.
That's how she finds herself at Sword & Cross, a reform school. Things get off to a rough start. Before her first class, she gets flipped off. By lunchtime, she runs into the bathroom crying, her hair and shirt covered in that day's meal. But soon she finds a few friends and begins to settle in.
However, she is far from being able to rest easily. The "shadows" that have haunted her for the majority of her life seem to be making appearances more and more often, and she doesn't know why. They've gotten bolder, and now instead of simply skirting around and following her, they occasionally surround her, even touching her. One day, when the shadows come, Daniel, a fellow student, walks into the room, and they quickly move away.
There is something hauntingly familiar about Daniel Grigori, but Luce can't figure out what it is. He appears in her dreams, dreams so vivid they feel real, as if they were something she had actually experienced. She wants to talk to him, figure out exactly why he can make the shadows go away, why it feels like she knows him, but he keeps her at a far distance.
Things get progressively more dangerous as the days wear on. Luce feel an inexplicable draw to Daniel and won't stop trying to find out more about him and his past. If only she knew the truth about herself and him. The truth that she and Daniel can never, ever be together.
FALLEN is an incredibly intriguing book, fraught with delicious suspense. The mystery seems to never abate, instead growing with each and every chapter. I felt like I might explode from the tension. I found myself rushing to get to the ending, while simultaneously enjoying the journey towards it. TORMENT, the next book in the FALLEN series, cannot get here soon enough.
I didn't expect much from this series, and it delivered. The characters were flimsy and the plot was cliche. I was disappointed in the fact that the book relied on this "Twilight" style (done to death) love story but gave NO back story until the last book in the series... which I am honestly surprised I made it to. If I wouldn't have borrowed these books from my brother's girlfriend I would not have even bothered to finish them. The whole series is garbage...
I was very disappointed in this book...super boring. I'm not reading the second one.
this book was worth reading even though some points can be a bit slow and taxing its worth it in the end and i amd definatly going to get torment the second book in the series this fall. some of it left me confused until the end but that might just be me.
This book was okay. Hoping the next book is a little better. It took off at a very slow pace and was pretty boring and predictable throughout the story. Had a few decent twists to it. I felt like I couldn't really connect with the characters all that well. The plot and storyline i felt could have been better pieced together to create a more interesting story for readers. didnt get good until the last few chapters.
The pace of this book drags for a while, but if you can hang in there the story will entice you to come back for more. I liked the overall set up of the story. Kinda resembles another series with the whole....girl meets boy, boy tries to avoid girl, boy can't avoid girl, girl gets boy, enter another boy who wants girl, girl can't choose which boy she wants, then things start going wrong. Though don't get me wrong that is where comparisons stop. I like the angel mythology. Will Luce end up with Daniel the good guy with an serious edge? Or Cam the bad boy with a soft side? Can't wait to find out.
I always give books second and third chances. I'm the type of reader that once I start reading, I keep reading no matter what because I like to finish all books I read...but Fallen was hard to swallow....I stopped after page 70 or so.....it is so boring that really...I don't care what happens at all...the characters and the story is so dull that I fell asleep twice while reading it (that never happens to me)...so I don't think it deserves the half star I'm giving it....If you don't know the meaning of boring...well... this is it!
Good series with angels. Not as good as Twilight though.
I enjoyed this book. I got it from the library, knowing about it for sometime. It was a page turner. Definitely for teens, but well written. The book ended and you want to read the next one because there are some questions left unanswered, which I would think was the intention.
Where to start!? This book is a can't-put-it-down type of book. The plot is original, creative, and captivating. Lauren Kate, the author, draws you into the world of Luce and Daniel with such dramatic visions of an unknown, uncontrollable darkness that has followed Luce all her life. Luces life seems tragic and destined for a dark ending. Until she arrives at the reform school, after a terrible incident involving death, Luce sees Daniel and she feels an unbelievable pull, and a knowing him that she can't explain. No matter how mean and off putting he is, she is drawn to him. As the dark shadows befall Luce again and are increasingly more dangerous, Daniel appears to be more present to save her or guide her. Luce starts researching Daniel's past as she is drawn to him. She has to know everything about him. This only leads to more shadows appearing and hurting those around her. Ultimately, Luce figures out why she has these vivid dreams of her past and of being with Daniel and realizes they have been together in past lives and no matter what they do they find each other, but they are soon driven apart upon Luce's death. She only lives for 17 years each time and Daniel is heartbroken but so in love he falls for her each time. This time though things are different and Luce doesn't die when Daniel and others expect her to and Daniel is doing everything he can do to keep her safe and break the cycle of losing Luce. As the angel war begins, Daniel is doing everything he can to keep her safe because they need her.
As the reader, we don't find out in the book why they need Luce and what her importance is to the fallen angels, but both sides of angels need and want her and that is where we are left... with Luce safe and Daniel watching over her until he and his angel friends can figure out how to save her and win the war... One character alludes that the sanity of the world shouldnt revolve around the love of two sick lovebirds (Luce & Daniel) so we are not sure how important that Luce and Daniel be together really is. We are left with a lot of questions and so eager to continue the story.
I hope to hear more about Luces past lives and her purpose in the world of the fallen angels. Lauren Kate has such a great writing style. The story is vivid. I felt like I was there in every scene. This story would make an amazing movie if the screenwriter could capture the story and world Lauren has created.
Torment, the sequel to Fallen, comes out in August-2010. It is already pre-ordered! I cannot wait to continue this story. I was completely on the edge of my seat with this story and I did not want to turn to that last page. It was hard to close the book and have the story end. My anticipation is boiling over for this next book...hurry up August!!
My blog: http://cbbookreviews.blogspot.com/
As the reader, we don't find out in the book why they need Luce and what her importance is to the fallen angels, but both sides of angels need and want her and that is where we are left... with Luce safe and Daniel watching over her until he and his angel friends can figure out how to save her and win the war... One character alludes that the sanity of the world shouldnt revolve around the love of two sick lovebirds (Luce & Daniel) so we are not sure how important that Luce and Daniel be together really is. We are left with a lot of questions and so eager to continue the story.
I hope to hear more about Luces past lives and her purpose in the world of the fallen angels. Lauren Kate has such a great writing style. The story is vivid. I felt like I was there in every scene. This story would make an amazing movie if the screenwriter could capture the story and world Lauren has created.
Torment, the sequel to Fallen, comes out in August-2010. It is already pre-ordered! I cannot wait to continue this story. I was completely on the edge of my seat with this story and I did not want to turn to that last page. It was hard to close the book and have the story end. My anticipation is boiling over for this next book...hurry up August!!
My blog: http://cbbookreviews.blogspot.com/
This book had no substance to it at all. The characters were poorly developed, actually they weren't developed at all. It was completely cheesy and clearly the author was trying to capitalize on Stephanie myers series. Twilight series. There were even scenes in the book that were a direct knockoff of things that happened in Twilight only they were so poorly done it was agonizing to read. Why did I finish this book? I though for my efforts of reading it I would hold out hope that something would make this book redeemable. Seriously if I could give negative stars I would. And the finale? WEAK. Things just happened without any lead up or explanation at all. And the fight between the "angels" was never even shown. Just a bright light to indicate a battle going on. The H/H of the book were terrible and you really never know a thing about them as you read the entire book. I would never recommend wasting time on this book. I am not sure how it has any popularity at all.
I Loved this book,I can't wait till the next book comes out in Sept.2010.
EXCELLENT!!!!
EXCELLENT!!!!
Im going to say ahead of time that this review is probably going to make it seem like I didnt like this book, which is not actually the case. I did like it. But I also have some criticisms, so I apologize ahead of time.
First, I love the cover. Mine was an ARC, so I dont actually have this cover, but I love the cover. Its a good rendition of Luce and the positions she finds herself in.
I hate to sound like other people who have reviewed the book, but it just felt a little like Twilight crossed with Hush, Hush to me. I liked it better than Twilight, because I think my like/hate relationship with that series isnt a secret. I did not like this book as well as I liked Hush, Hush.
To read the rest of my review:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1084
First, I love the cover. Mine was an ARC, so I dont actually have this cover, but I love the cover. Its a good rendition of Luce and the positions she finds herself in.
I hate to sound like other people who have reviewed the book, but it just felt a little like Twilight crossed with Hush, Hush to me. I liked it better than Twilight, because I think my like/hate relationship with that series isnt a secret. I did not like this book as well as I liked Hush, Hush.
To read the rest of my review:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1084
I started this book with high hopes, but really struggled to finish it. There was so much teen angst and so little storyline. By the end of the book I hated Daniel almost as bad as I despised Luce. There were a few unexpected twists that made me wonder why I didn't enjoy it more but for the most part I felt as though I was dragged kicking and screaming to finish this book. I seriously doubt I'll give the second book in this series a chance because I really just don't care about the characters. The only redeeming feature of this book was the cover, which I loved.
This book was really long in the tooth so to speak in the beginning, you don't get into the story until the last part of the book. You are left wondering, hanging, frustrated and sometimes annoyed at the lack of detail in the story. So much to work with and sad to see she didn't run with it instead of running it into the boring abyss. Will give book 2 a try but won't wait for it to get more in depth.
This book was just o.k. It kept me interested enough to not stop reading. It was a bit slow, but I kept wanting to see how it played out. With so may good books out there I would skip on this one, not to mention its going to be a series of some sort so she leaves you hanging with unanswered questions.
A little slow to start but then it got really good. I am hooked.
I have no idea why so many have gave this book very negative reviews! I felt Kate did a very excellent job, I cannot help but feel for Luce, maybe because I'm young myself, but this will rank high with my favorite book series.
My only qualms is that I would love to have the books in first person from Luce and Daniel. To hear his perspective would be awesome.
As far as my favorite book series ranks it goes like this:
1. Harry Potter
2. The Mortal Instruments
3. Gone
4. Fallen
5. Hunger Games
6. Twilight
My only qualms is that I would love to have the books in first person from Luce and Daniel. To hear his perspective would be awesome.
As far as my favorite book series ranks it goes like this:
1. Harry Potter
2. The Mortal Instruments
3. Gone
4. Fallen
5. Hunger Games
6. Twilight
Amazing read. gets your attention good story line. full of suspense. loved it!
This book was amazing. The author knows how to keep your interest peaked. I borrowed this from a friend and can't wait to get a copy for my shelf so I can read it over and over again. I was sad when it ended but couldn't wait to start the 2nd book.
This was one of the best books I have ever read. It was so real and emotional with romance, suspense, and surprises! This is a must read!
I just liked the story about how love always finds you no matter what and how long it may take. Even in different eras.
The plot in Fallen is ridiculous, boring, confusing (or maybe just inconsistent) at times, and seemingly pointless. The characters are painfully one-dimensional. I could not relate to the main character at all. At one point, I was rooting for the "baddie" to end her life, just so the tedious narrative would be over. The love-triangle isn't even a good one. If the author wanted to use such a cliche as a love triangle in the first place, she should have at least developed the characters enough for the audience to actually care about one boy or the other. It takes the whole book to half answer the many questions this book brings up due to the ridiculous plot, and the answers only bring up more questions. At this point, I don't even want to know the answers. This is not a series I plan to continue. Don't be fooled by the pretty cover. There are a lot of amazing young adult books out there right now, but Fallen is not one of them. With a lot of work, it could possibly be at least a decent book, but as it is now, it reads like a rough draft.
This is one of the most boring books its been my misfortune to read. Predictable. Boring. Wordy. Don't waste your time or money.
Love it.
Burned and broken Lucinda Price has carted off the a prison like school Swords & Cross. She meets some strange people, some that look like they should never be at this school where others are correctly placed. First she meets up with Cam (Luce gets lost in his green eyes).Then she starts to befriend Arriane and gets to know her a bit. Then before school starts when sees a handsome guy with looks out of place, she fills a instant connection to, turns out it's Daniel. Shes wants to know all about him but he don't want nothing to do with her, and tries to avoid her. Not going to say mush but In the end they are in love.
Burned and broken Lucinda Price has carted off the a prison like school Swords & Cross. She meets some strange people, some that look like they should never be at this school where others are correctly placed. First she meets up with Cam (Luce gets lost in his green eyes).Then she starts to befriend Arriane and gets to know her a bit. Then before school starts when sees a handsome guy with looks out of place, she fills a instant connection to, turns out it's Daniel. Shes wants to know all about him but he don't want nothing to do with her, and tries to avoid her. Not going to say mush but In the end they are in love.
I'm definitely not the biggest fan of Fallen; there were multiple holes and the plot and characterization; and the writing left something to be desired...which is depressing, because the book had so much potential and the summary sounded so exciting! I felt that, personally, Fallen was quite predictable. The story is entitled Fallen, and by page 51 Daniel's name is revealed to be Grigori.
Dictionary Definition of Grigori: watchful angels
Anyone who knows what Griogori are can figure out the gist of the plot from just knowing this one fact! And yet, 400 pages later, Kate pulls it off like it's a huge reveal! (Does she think her readers are stupid or something?!?!) The characters are also not very well developed or realistic. The characters in Fallen are not likeable nor are they realistic. The protagonist - Luce - is excessively annoying, and not very likeable. The same applies to the rest of the supporting characters. I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of Kate's characters; there was just a lack of characterization everywhere! (I think this is the main reason I put the book down...) Oh...the plot! Where do I even start to critique?!?! *sighs* This story sounded so great from it's Goodreads description... but once you begin to read it, you find out that there literally is no plot! I'm sorry Mrs. Kate, but 450 pages of utter nothingness does not qualify as "a plot!" Not even close.
The actually writing was not very eloquent either. Lauren Kate is not one of those surprisingly eloquent writers; her sentences are choppy and sometimes not even fully grammatically correct! (I actually wondered if it was even edited!)
The story has no real message! Typically, most stories are written to teach people things - they're not usually just written for the heck of it. Personally, I didn't see what virtue Fallen was trying to convey. All in all, I'm most likely not going to finish the rest of the series. The series has so much potential, but I felt that it was just thrown away.
interesting and quick read.
