(re)Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Release Date: December 8, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Series: Fallen, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

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 Savannah. 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–he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But 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.

I'm rereading this series because I'm going to part of the upcoming blog tour for the release of the paperback of the fifth book in the series, Unforgiven. It's been such a long time since I've read these books! I didn't even actually finish the series–I have yet to read the fourth book, so this reread will give me the chance to do so. I was a little afraid of going into this one, because while I did absolutely love this book when I first went into it way back in 2010 (and wrote a review that I couldn't finish reading because I was too busy cringing), my attitude towards books in general has changed, and I felt like I would be annoyed at parts of it. I'm glad that I still liked this book for the most part, even if I found parts that I didn't, and I'm excited to be rereading and continuing on with this series.

I can't remember how I felt about Luce the first time round, but ugh–I didn't like her! She's the only problem I had with the book. Seriously wayyyy too obsessive over Daniel. He flips her off, she wants him more. She's told to stay away from him, she just CAN'T. She stalks him, tries to find out more about him... it was just way too much. I mean, sure around the time this book was published, a lot of the young adult paranormal or supernatural novel's heroines were like this. Drawn to the mysterious boy, wondering why he's so different, basically trying to grasp onto any connection they have. 2010 me definitely would have appreciated it, but I just about tolerated it. I mean, there was a character–who shall remain nameless to avoid spoilers–who said it best:

❝You're the human equivalent of a migraine.❞

–p. 415, paperback

The other characters though? Loved them. Well, maybe with the slight exception of Penn. That chick was wayyy too clingy. Maybe that's why she and Luce are friends? Makes sense anyway. But yeah, Arriane was a total badass, and I liked that she was quirky and different. I even loved Gabbe, because she's got that sweet, protective vibe to her. Cam was super interesting, because he's the typical bad boy, and definitely has some swoon to him. Daniel–oh, Daniel–was one of my first book crushes, and yup, distance (and a whole load of time) DOES make the heart grow fonder.

While my hatred for Luce tarnished my reading experience this time round, I'm excited to be diving back into this world. It's been a while since I've read a good ol' supernatural book with the classic tropes that made the young adult market boom. Dark and compelling, with a delicious gothic touch, Fallen reminded me of my love for (not only Daniel Grigori, but also) eternal love stories and paranormal fiction.

If you like this, try...

• Evernight by Claudia Gray ● Goodreads
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ● Goodreads

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