Book Review: Fallen Angel (Fallen Angel, #1) by Heather Terrell

Fallen Angel (Fallen Angel, #1) by Heather Terrell

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: December 28, 2010

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 336

Source: Received from publicist for honest review

Summary: 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. In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

My Review: On the outside, Fallen Angel is a supernatural debut with a seemingly mysterious vibe. I appreciated that the writing flow contributed a fast-paced rhythm. However, the overall approach turned out to possess a clichéd and mediocre setting which pulled down its potential. The character distinction was there, but I hoped for a higher relatability factor which seemed to be lacking. The main protagonist, Ellie was raised in a humanitarian family who taught her simplistic ways of living. Clueless to her striking beauty and intimidation, Ellie succumbed to a low-key presence in school. Her only solace was her best friend Ruth, an over-bearing girl with a history of trust issues, until creepy Michael came along.

Michael's entrance and ploy towards Ellie was a bit pushy and sudden. If I was in Ellie's shoes I'd think he was a hot guy with stalker tendencies. Then again, the inevitable pull between the two was showcased all throughout. The romantic value behind there relationship was slightly abnormal, I just didn't feel the electrifying quality. Now, during the last one hundred pages, the story definitely picked up for the better. Answers about Ellie and Michael's abilities were announced with a satisfying reaction. Another element I enjoyed was the introduction of Ezekiel, a villainous figure who carried a leery darkness inside him. Overall, it wasn't my favorite supernatural read, but not the worst either. After reading so many Angel books, this one just didn't stand above the rest. I am still on the fence with continuing the series, but I am curious to see Heather's progression as a writer.

My Rating:

Author's Info:

Heather Terrell is the author of The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare. Before she started writing, she worked as a lawyer, and she has more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. A graduate of Boston College and Boston University School of Law, she now lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Fallen Angel is her first novel for young adults.

For more info on Heather, visit her site:

-Website

Coming Soon:

Eternity (Fallen Angel, #2) - July 1, 2011