YA Novel: Fallen

Fallen was written by Lauren Kate. It is the first of two books, the second being Torment.

Synopsis: Luce is a troubled 17-year-old with a history of psychosis. At least that's what the doctors say it is. She is hounded by eerie shadows that follow her and show up at dark and stressful times. One of those times was a tragic fire that turned deadly. Now, suspicious of her involvement in the fire, her parents have sent to a reform school. Sword and Cross is a last resort for Luce's parents. It is supposed to be a safe place for 'wayward' teens like Luce. The only bright spot at Sword and Cross is Daniel Grigori. The only problem is, Daniel doesn't feel the same way about Luce.

Review: Yet another teen love story. I do read other genres, I promise! I suppose, as with any other book, Kate must reel the reader in quickly. I was hooked by the prologue, though not in love. While I finished Fallen quickly (3 days), it wasn't because of my eagerness to read it, but rather my lack of anything better to do. Admittedly, I was eager by the last quarter of the book to find out what was going to happen. Sadly, there was no conclusion. Just an open-ended cliffhanger luring me to read the next book Torment, which I will, undoubtedly, read very soon, just to see what happens with the characters and the story line. Bottom line: Not great, but not bad, either.

Pros: Easy read, very descriptive text, interesting religious references, interesting character development
Cons: No conclusion, same-ol'-same teenage angst

Rating: ★★★
Mom Rating: PG-13 for violence, adult situations, and language. I would let my kids read this at age 15.