Fallen

Fallen
Lauren Kate / YA Paranormal


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 Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden , the other students are all screw ups, and security camera watch every move. Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce - and goes out of his way to make that 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.


I gotta say after reading this book, I can see why It sat so long on my bookshelf. When I first read the book jacket, the story held so much promise and I looked forward to finding out what the situation was with Daniel and just why Luce was so drawn to him. Now after I've read it, I'm still a little confused. Don't get me wrong, the mysterious guy is always the guy you want to get close to but he just REALLY ... I just didn't "get" him. I have NO problem with the plot theme of "He loves her but isn't good for her. He tries to stay away but he just can't do it." But honestly ... there came a point in this story where I was screaming "Enough already with the ping pong, either declare your love and hook up or stay away and get on with the story" Daniel had all the potential for a wonderful bad boy and I really don't think it was his fault that he fell a little flat. I don't think even he would have drug it out the way it was. Seriously, you love a girl, have spent lifetimes waiting for her and what is the first thing you do when you see her this life cycle? Flip her off? Like give me a break!! I may love a bad boy but never a jerk. The author had this poor girl bouncing between boys (Cam and Daniel) "Oh Cam's available and so cute but I'm so drawn to Daniel!" It was exhausting. Another thing I had a hard time with is that the book was 439 pages. You would think at the 350 pg mark that the plot would be pretty solid and the reader is excited for the big climax at the end. Nope ... not this reader. I'm texting my friend telling her "I am so confused .. what the hell is this book about again?" And honestly, the big scene at the end ..let me give you a brief description of what I saw - glowing guy, wings, swirly black shadows, people flying out of everywhere (it seemed the whole school was in on the big "conspiracy"), glowy flying creatures sparkling everywhere all while standing in the cemetery preparing for a huge battle. I'm cringing thinking "Oh my gosh, it's mass confusion and somewhere in there am I supposed to get the point of the story?" BUT after all is said and done, and before I can completely write the book off as something not for me, the author has a stroke of brilliance. I have just spent hours confused, investing myself into characters I really want to like and understand. The last page is turned and what is my very next thought? I wonder when the sequel comes out!!! Regardless of how crazy the book had me thinking, I need to know what happens. I can't just leave it at that. I'm hoping that maybe by reading the next book I'll get it and everything will be right in the world. Like I said, the author had a stroke of brilliance. The book was intriguing enough that amongst the confusion, there was something that pulled you in. You know, you may like the book. You may be one of those that can make sense of the "madness" But me, although the book wasn't an "aim for the trash" rating, I'm still leaning towards "Hmm I'm not quite sure" That's my two cents worth


Ratings: 3 stars and 2 hearts