Fallen by Lauren Kate

Book Information:
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Release Date: December 2009
Recommendation
Level: So-So
From: Amazon (ebook)

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 what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her. Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

Sometimes all it takes is a quick glance at a cover to know whether or not this novel is for you. From my first glance, Fallen definitely seemed like a story I could get into. Unfortunately there is some truth to the saying, "You can't judge a book by it's cover."

One of my pet peeves about Fallen was how slow paced it was. The first half of the book seemed to drag with little to no action, however, the second half kept me up the rest of the night finishing it. I also could not stand how many times Luce was folded into Daniel's arms. It seemed a little repetitive. (We get it. It's a angel reference!) There were holes in the back history of the story that I hope will be addressed in the second installment of this series. I did enjoy the setting (which was a little unusual) and the characters. Most of them were very relatable, but there were a few that I felt could have been expanded on. The writing was rich, detailed, and captivating.

Luce was a little boy crazy and jumped into situations that she otherwise could of avoided. All in all, a typical teenage girl. She was a very connectable character, however. I felt like I really got to know her (unlike other characters in the story). Daniel was the usual mysterious moody hero we all know and love. I wished Lauren would have taken the idea of the mysterious stranger to the next level, but Daniel was predictable which was enjoyable in a way. I guess if it's not broke, don't fix it, and I am a sucker for the mysterious gloom and doom dropdead hottie. Arriane without a doubt was my favorite character in this novel. Her quirky charm and antics had me laughing almost non stop.

Fallen is not a waste of time, but not a novel that I would push up through the TBR pile. Lauren will hopefully capture my imagination with Torment coming September 2010.