Review: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

December 28, 2010

HarperTeen

Synopsis:
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:
Going into Fallen Angel, I was expecting so much more than what it delivered. The romance sounded exciting and real, yet when I delved into the novel, I felt that Michael and Ellie's romance romance felt fake and forced. This is another one of those instant love books that drive me insane! I also had quite a few problems with the main characters personalities. While I did not enjoy the story as a whole, it still had a few redeeming qualities in the plot.

I really have no idea how I really feel about Ellie. She was so wishy-washy, and it seemed as though her personality did a complete 180 when Michael came into the picture. At first, she has no real confidence about herself and doesn't feel special. Her parents instilled values in her that I partly did not agree with. While I did like that they felt that they should give back to others, I didn't appreciate how they made Ellie feel like she had to be like everyone else. Most parents expect their children to stand out from the crowd and to feel like they are special. After learning some crazy things about who Ellie is, I can kind of see why they would do that, but I still felt for Ellie.

When Michael comes into the story, Ellie begins to feel her tummy flutter for a guy for the first time. He looks at her like she is beautiful, and no guy has ever made her feel that way. I can see why he would make her feel secure about herself. What I didn't like was how suddenly she changed. A girl doesn't just wake up one day and feel better about herself. It is a slow process, and I didn't think feel like the way Ellie changed was realistic. Another problem I had was how she started to completely disregard her supposed best friend when Michael comes in the picture. I see this happen so much, even in real life, and I hold no respect for girls who put their boyfriends before their friends. Ellie has a few scenes that do redeem her, but I still couldn't help but feel upset at her for the better part of the novel.

And then there is Michael. I will definitely remember him but not in a good way. At first, he seems really charming and sweet, and then when he starts to go out with Ellie more and they discover more about their powers, he changes. He becomes really annoying and I hated the way he just throws all of the craziness on her and expects her to process it quickly, which really isn't possible for Ellie. There were moments when I did like and respect him, but those were few and far in between. I am really hoping for more from him in the sequel to Fallen Angel, Eternity.

What really got me into Fallen Angel was the storyline. I really wanted to find out what Michael and Ellie were and how they became that way. Even though it is a bit obvious by the title, some of their "powers" were really interesting, and I hadn't seen them in any other books with the same supernaturals. I was shocked at what was revealed about Michael and Ellie at the end! I definitely didn't have any idea about how special they really were. The villian Ezekiel was also super creepy! I got shivers ever time he came on the scene.

Even though Fallen Angel isn't the greatest novel ever written, it has its positives. Just don't go in expecting a great romance, or you will be disappointed. The story really pick up in the end, so I have to say that I will definitely be reading Eternity.

My Rating: