Review of the Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
Rating: 3.5/5
Lauren Kateโs Fallen series takes readers on a whirlwind journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption, weaving together elements of angelic mythology and forbidden romance. Spanning four main books (Fallen, Torment, Passion, and Rapture), the series explores the eternal love story of Lucinda Price (Luce) and Daniel Grigori, who are bound by a curse that causes Luce to die in every lifetime upon falling for Daniel.
The series opens with Fallen, which sets a dark and intriguing tone with its gothic boarding school, Sword & Cross. While the premise hooks readers with its promise of a timeless love story, the pacing can feel slow, and the character development lacks depth. However, the atmospheric setting and mysterious aura keep readers engaged.
In Torment, the focus shifts to Luceโs struggle to understand her past lives and the nature of her connection with Daniel. The addition of new characters and locations brings a refreshing dynamic, but the tension between Luce and Daniel sometimes feels repetitive. The love triangle with Cam, while intriguing, doesnโt reach its full potential.
Passion, the third book, delves into Luceโs past lives, offering insights into the curse and the many iterations of her romance with Daniel. While this installment provides much-needed backstory, the narrative becomes overly fragmented, and the pacing slows as the story moves through different historical eras.
The series concludes with Rapture, where the stakes are raised as Luce and Daniel work to break the curse and face the ultimate battle between good and evil. This final book brings action and resolution, tying up loose ends while revealing surprising twists about Luceโs true identity. Though the ending is bittersweet and satisfying for some, others may find it predictable or overly convenient.
The supporting cast, including Cam, Arriane, Gabbe, and Roland, adds color to the narrative, but many characters remain underdeveloped. Camโs arc, in particular, is compelling but leaves readers craving more closure.
Overall, the Fallen series is a mix of strengths and weaknesses. It excels in creating an atmospheric, romantic fantasy world and offers moments of genuine emotional depth. However, the series often struggles with pacing, character consistency, and reliance on familiar tropes.
Would I recommend the series? For fans of paranormal romance and angelic lore, Fallen offers an engaging escape into a dramatic love story that spans centuries. While it may not be groundbreaking or flawless, it provides enough intrigue and heart to make it a worthwhile read for those drawn to its themes.