Fallen by Lauren Kate

Title:  Fallen
Author:  Lauren Kate
Genre:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Doubleday
Publication Date:  8/12/09
Book Length: 452 pages

Favourite Quote:  "Trust is a careless pursuit at best.  At worst it's a good way to get yourself killed."

Synopsis (from the back of the book)

Some angels are destined to fall.

Instant.  Intense.  Weirdly familiar...

The moment Luce looks at Daniel she knows she has never felt like this before.  Except she can't shake the feeling that she has... and with him - a boy she doesn't remember ever setting eyes on.

Will her attempt to find out why enlighten her - or destroy her?

My Thoughts

I was surprised to find mixed reviews on this.  Some absolutely loved it, others thought it was too much like another very popular book, and hated it.

I personally thought this was a great book.  Luce is thrown into Sword & Cross a reform school for "troubled" teens.  She sees shadows and has ever since she was young.  Shadows that have caused her parents to resort to numerous psychologist appointments, medication and finally reform school.

The opening chapter didn't barrel me over, although, this was mainly to tie in with the rest of the book it didn't capture me until right at the end.  Then in steps Luce, and once she was in the picture I couldn't put it down.  Seriously.  All through the book I felt like I was standing there with her, watching the story unfold.  

I found the other characters intriguing and I especially adored Penn who was so lovely and open.  I'm glad that Lauren Kate didn't rush into things regarding Luce and Daniel.  I think it would have ruined the story for me.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, my only issue is having to wait so long for the next book to come along.  Torment will be out in September 2010. (so it says in the back of Fallen)