Fallen

Lauren Kate

  • First published 2000
  • 464 pages
  • English
There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori. When Lucinda Price is sent to the imposing Sword & Cross reform school in Savannah, she finds that the mysterious and aloof Daniel captures her attention from the moment she sees him. He is the only bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden and security cameras monitor every move. Though he wants nothing to do with her, Luce can't shake the feeling that they have met before. She is irresistibly drawn to him, determined to uncover the secret he seems so desperate to protect.

As she navigates the school's gothic landscape and its intimidating student body, Luce finds herself caught in a struggle that is far older than she is. The intense connection she feels with Daniel is shadowed by danger and a sense of destiny she cannot comprehend. Uncovering the truth of their past might require her to make the ultimate sacrifice, forcing her to confront that some secrets are not meant to be kept and some loves are cursed to repeat themselves for eternity.
3.72
626K ratings across the web
6 in 10 readers loved it, 2 didn't like it
The reviews for this book highlight several positive aspects that appealed to some readers. Many consistently praised the book's gorgeous and alluring cover, which often drew them in. Some reviewers appreciated the dark and edgy atmosphere, as well as the overarching premise of fallen angels and an ancient war. They found the story's dynamic elements gripping and, for some, even addictive, despite acknowledging a slow initial pace. The two main love interests, Daniel and Cam, were described as captivating and sexy, contributing to a compelling love triangle. For these readers, the book successfully built suspense and developed its characters, ultimately setting the stage for what they hoped would be an exciting series with promising twists.

However, a significant number of reviews expressed strong criticisms, particularly regarding the writing quality, which was frequently described as poor, with choppy sentences, awkward phrasing, and a general lack of polish. The protagonist, Luce, drew widespread criticism for being passive, dim-witted, and lacking self-respect, often engaging in problematic "stalker" behavior. The central romance was largely deemed unconvincing and unhealthy, with the male lead, Daniel, often treating Luce poorly, and their connection feeling forced due to a perceived lack of genuine chemistry or character development. Critics also pointed out the exceedingly slow and uneventful pacing, with many feeling that little plot progression occurred until the final chapters. This left numerous questions unanswered, contributing to a sense that the overall story was shallow, predictable, and derivative of other popular paranormal romances, particularly the Twilight series. Some reviewers also noted outdated or potentially offensive social portrayals and a perceived lack of research into the mythological elements.

Overall, the reviews for this book are sharply divided, with a considerable number expressing extreme dissatisfaction. While some readers found the first book enjoyable enough to consider continuing the series, many others described it as a frustrating, dull, and ultimately unfulfilling read. The book is generally recommended for younger teen readers, particularly those who enjoy the tropes common in early 2000s paranormal romance, such as a mysterious school setting, a love triangle, and powerful romantic leads, especially fans of the Twilight series. However, more critical or discerning readers, particularly those seeking originality, strong character development, or well-executed plots, are likely to find it disappointing.

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This edition
Delacorte Press, 2013
ISBN
9780385376112
Language
English
Original edition Originally published in 2000 · English · Books on Tape, Inc.

Other editions (94)