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Wednesday 23 March 2011

Review: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell


Title: Fallen Angel
Series: Fallen Angel
Author: Heather Terrell
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Book Group
Publication Date: 28 Dec 2010

Source: International Book Tours - thank you




Synopsis: From GoodReads
Heaven-sent?
Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.
Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They've both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.
Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

Review:
Urghhh I am berating myself for not writing this review as soon as I finished the book, as I have forgotten quite a bit of what I wanted to say. I am torn with this one, there are good points and not so good points.  I will say that I enjoyed the basic premise of it.

The story is written in first person narrative from Ellie's point of view, at 16 her parents have brought her up to be socially responsible - putting other people before herself in all respects. Her parents are professors who implement eco-friendly farming techniques in third world countries during their holidays. They have instilled a deep moral code in Ellie from a young age. Ellie does however, make hasty decisions with no real thought to her actions or their consequences.

I did find the story to be slightly disjointed, as I read an ARC there were quite a few grammatical, spelling and continuity problems that I hope were addressed in the finished copy. The plot moved quite slowly and at times lacked direction, the pace of the book seemed to lack 'flow', an all or nothing scenario. It does take shape towards the end of the book which ultimately left me pining for the next book in order to get my questions answered.

The cross-over vampire and angel mythology reminded me of the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz minus the glitz. Well researched biblical references added depth to the plot. Ingenious use of one of the lesser known names for the Devil conjured up the imagery even if you were unaware of the connection with the name.

The romance and chemistry between Ellie and Michael was intense and worked really well. You do question whether their relationship is 'healthy' and I think that is what Heather Terrell was aiming for with the storyline. Far more connotations from their relationship with regards to the main plot are hinted at but yet to be disclosed. Their true identities and purposes are implied but not completely revealed, leaving me jumping to a lot of assumptions without the benefit of verification one way or another.

I have to mention that I completely detested the whole memory loss angle employed at one point in the story. The whole 'was it just a dream' made me want to throw the book across the room. But that may just be me.

At the end of the book I was left with so many unanswered questions - although I was disappointed with the pacing of the plot - I still feel compelled to read the sequel in order to discover the direction the plot takes and hopefully get my questions answered.

5 comments:

  1. I have to say, I really didn't like this one. I love Angel themed books, but this one just didn't do it for me.

    Oh, and what did you think of that whole blood swapping malarky? Gross! lol!

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  2. ooh was it like Dallas, when Bobby Ewing stepped out of the shower and told Pam it was all a dream!

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  3. This book sounds frustrating. Sorry it wasn’t what you’d hoped for :(

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  4. I've not heard great things about this one, so I think I'll pass. LoL @ Bobby and Pam reference.

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  5. I hadn't heard of this one before today but as for me Angel books tend to be hit or miss I think I'll give this one a miss.

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