Thursday, December 13, 2012

Fallen.

Title/Author: Fallen.

Narrated by: Justine Eyre.

Genre: UF.

Publisher: An Unabridged Production.

Source: Library.

Favorite character: Ariana

All in all: Too scattered to work for me, but has interesting moments.

Synopsis: 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. ~Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:   The supernatural premise, its gorgeous cover and the fact that there just aren't that many audio books in my library made me pick up Fallen.  It included a few interesting characters and a mysterious premise.  Luce, the main female protagonist is sent away to a boarding school for troubled teens and meets an array of classmates.  Sassy, wise Arriane.  Practical, shy Penne.  Cam, hot guy who makes no bones about being interested in her and Daniel the other hot guy who she is totally besotted and obsessed with but who wants her to stay away from him. 

I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that Fallen is about angels, so if you're really into that this book might be another spin on the mythology.  There isn't a lot of theology in it however, I would say this book is more about the romance and mystery of Luce and Daniel.

I really loved the narration.  Justine did a wonderful job with ALL the characters, even the males, which I feel is difficult.  When she read as one of my favorite characters, Arriana, she reminded me of Liza Weil, the actress who played Paris on Gilmoure Girls. 

Unfortunately, this book wasn't my cup of tea.  There is a lot of telling and it seemed as if some things were summed up and then other scenes were not.  So I got more sense of Luce's angst and her interactions with Cam and Daniel than with the story.  There was a lot that frustrated me as well.  Luce's behavior, although I understand that the author wanted to show their epic love story, embarrassed me.  I like bad boys as much as the next girl, but if a guy gave me the finger, I would NOT keep pursuing him. But again, I think this is the author showing us that even with all of Daniel's resistance, Luce knows subconsciously that there is a connection between them and won't let up until she figures it out.  Daniel constant beratement of how "she doesn't get it" and "has no idea" is a bit much after a while.

Also the entire story seems made up of hints until the last disc and a half and then it seemed as if it was just an explosion of explanation.  It is as if the story takes place before the events in the book took place if that makes sense. I think that if Luce and Daniel were portrayed a little stronger, the mystery could have held up.  There are other threads that confused me in the story as well, however, the end is left open for the sequels, when I'm sure more will be revealed. 

However, don't let my opinion deter you.  Check out Amazon and Goodreads reviews for other views.  I do think that people who are really into romance and unrequited love will like this.


9 comments:

Unknown said...

I read this one quite awhile ago. I'll admit I was sucked in by the cover, it beautiful. The story didn't live up to it for me and I never had the desire to continue the series. Though, I know many love it. I just never had any connection to it, sadly. Great review, you make some very valid points.

Unknown said...

Too bad! I did enjoy the fallen series. I think I still have one more book to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Unknown said...

Oh and I love your new header!!

Jenny said...

"I like bad boys as much as the next girl, but if a guy gave me the finger, I would NOT keep pursuing him."

Yes! I was the same way with this one. I really wanted to like Luce, but I struggled with her drive to be near Daniel when he clearly wanted no part of it. There's a certain line with bad boys where they become less bad and more asshat if they cross it, and that's when I struggle. An asshat for me has less of a chance at redemption in my eyes, whereas a bad boy is more damaged and has a touch of vulnerability as a result. I need that touch of vulnerability.

Amber I @ Awesomesauce said...

This book just wasn't for me. I read it a while ago and just could not get into it. I was sad because I LOVE the cover.

fakesteph said...

I read this a long time ago and I pretty much don't remember anything about it. I liked it enough to buy the second book, but then I never read it.

Karen said...

I was beginning to think that maybe I should have listened to this one on audio instead but nope - you came to the same conclusion as I did.

Luce drove me nuts. Daniel came on too strong and nothing was resolved.

And yeah - I still read book #2. Shame lol

~Sara @ Just Another Story said...

I hated this book!!!! I remember reading it when I first started blogging and I was NOT impressed. I stopped at Fallen and I have no desire to continue. I also totally agree- if a guy gave me the finger I'd show him the front door. Hahah. Thanks for the review Pam!

Sara @ Just Another Story

Midnyte Reader said...

@Ali-I agree. The story didn't live up to its potential. I think it had a good premise though.

@Savvy-I'm going to find your review. I'd love to hear your pov.

@Jenny-Ooooh...love your thoughts on bad boys vs. asshats!

@Amber-I wish I could have gotten into it more as well.

@Steph-I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to buy the 2nd one!

@Karen-Interesting (or maybe not?) that we both basically had the same experience. I often wonder if an audio book vs. a print would give a different experience.

@Sarah-Ouch!

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