Fallen Review

Author: Lauren Kate

Release Date: December 8, 2009

Pages: 452

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+

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.
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I had been waiting for Fallen ever since the beautiful cover was released. I have to say, it didn't fully meet my expectations. But it wasn't bad.

The plot was slow. You don't get answers to the millions of questions that Lauren Kate gives you until the last 150 pages or so. Once it got to that point, I enjoyed it a whole lot more. I think it probably could've been shorter, and had a faster pace. (Or one or the other.)

The characters were good. Luce was easy to relate to, but towards the beginning I would think "He's not interested!" but apparently book characters can't read my mind. Who knew? Aside from that I liked Luce. I don't know why, but I never completely fell for Daniel. Near the end I was getting close, but I'm still not swooning. I really, really loved Penn, Luce's best friend. I also really liked super-hyper Arianne, another one of Luce friends. I really liked Cam a lot well...at first.... But, although all of the characters are at a reform school, they just seemed to be...normal high-schoolers. That definitely turned me off a little.

I really enjoyed Fallen's writing. She crafts a dark, gothic, romantic setting very well. Lauren Kate has definitely found the right genre for her. The storytelling was good too.

Like I said, the last 150 pages were my favorite, and the ending rocked. Except for the fact that Lauren Kate still leaves you with so many questions. Too many questions. So, yeah, Fallen had its flaws. But I still enjoyed it. And of course, I'll be reading Torment, the next installment in the Fallen series. I'd recommend it to fans of the paranormal genre.

Hush, Hush Review

Release Date: October 13, 2009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Age Group: 14+
Pages: 391 (Paperback)

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
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I LOVED this book. (Yes, I smell a rave review.)

The plot was highly original, creative, and very well though out. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, it changes on me completely and I'm still left guessing. It's paranormal, but it's also a mystery, which was a pleasant surprise to me.I could not put this book down. The ending was not what I expected at all (but still, pretty much, perfect).

I know that this probably isn't a good thing (and it will probably worry my mom), but I instantly fell in love with Patch. I think most people will be drawn to his mysterious, sexy, dark nature. Nora was very easy to relate to, and made an awesome protagonist. And her sex/boy-obsessed friend Vee was essential to the story, funny, and lovable. Hush, Hush has great characters that I think most people will love just as much as I did.

Patch's and Nora's romance is original and very easy to become engrossed in and believable. You can feel their connection as if you were in the room. It's got an extremely great romance.

The writing was just what the story deserved: nothing less than amazing. Becca Fitzpatrick writes as if she's been doing it for her entire life. Her descriptive, emotional writing will have you flipping pages religiously-as I did. We're sure to expect great things from her (and I'm not just saying that because she's following me).

Overall, if you don't get an ARC, it is definitely worth the wait. I cannot wait for the sequel, Crescendo. I highly recommend it to romance, mystery, and paranormal fans. And anybody else.