Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Title: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate

Genre: YA Paranormal fiction

Publishing Information: December 8, 2009 by Delacorte Press

Where I got it: E-book from the library

One sentence: When Luce and Daniel meet at the Sword & Cross Boarding School, Luce knows that he’s different, familiar, and she’s drawn to him and his mysteries like no one else.

Themes: Angels, demons, mystery, bad boy, romance

Main character: 3/5

I actually preferred Luce to Nora from Hush, Hush. I think she has more of a past and more conflict that makes her more interesting to me. I like the fact that she is able to see the shadows, and that she has this familiar feeling about Daniel. I wouldn’t say that I felt particularly drawn to her or that she is intriguing, but I could deal with her.

Secondary characters: 3.5/5

I liked Arianne- she was spunky and witty and made for a great sidekick. Penn was her complete opposite, but I liked that too. Cam was… obvious. He was the hunky second love interest and I could see what was going to happen from a mile away. And Daniel, oh dear. Another Edward rip-off. I didn’t see the relationship between him and Luce developing at all, it just seemed to be there….creepily.

Writing style: 3/5
I would have preferred more detailed descriptions. I feel like the book was long enough, but not much happened, so Kate could have filled at least some of that with mature and detailed writing style, particularly because I was expecting it due to the Gothic charm of the beginning of the novel.

Plot: 3/5

The plot was very predictable. I could see the next twist coming a mile away, which was disappointing. I had also just finished Hush, Hush, so the fallen angel thing was coming right after that. I wish Kate hadn’t skirted around the action either- she sent Luce away from the battle, which could have been one of the most exciting scenes.

Ending: 2/5

Barely wraps it up for the first novel; I’m pretty sure I know where the entire series is headed. Pretty lackluster, considering the lack of the climactic action scene that we know is happening.

Best scene: The fire in the library

Positives: Setting, cover, cute and spunky secondary characters

Negatives: Main characters, boring writing style, unoriginal and slow moving plot, the climax

First Line: Around midnight, her eyes at last took shape.

Cover: GOREGEOUS! I just wished the rest of the novel had matched the beauty and tone of this cover.

Verdict: Another easy and simple read, however I finished this one feeling disappointed.

Rating: 6.0 / 10