REVIEW: FALLEN ANGEL by Heather Terrell

FALLEN ANGEL

by Heather Terrell

pub: Dec 2010

Teen Fiction / Paranormal

Amazon / Website

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. 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.

Ellie's trying to figure out the meaning of her strange visions and dreams - and awakening powers. She uncovers details about her ancestry which is interesting and unusual, but initially makes for less action and a slower pace. 

Ellie may be clueless about a lot of things but she's diligent in finding answers. I also liked the relationships with her parents and her BFF, Ruth - real and full of love. The romance with Michael happens fast and while there's a reason for the connection, the "instantness" (not sure if it's a word but work with me) loses the build up of sexual tension. I wasn't completely crazy about Michael because he makes such a bonehead move in the middle of the book - makes him seem weak -  but to his credit, he makes up for it in the end. 

Ellie is the stronger one (Go Girl Power!) and the focus of FALLEN ANGEL is her story of discovery which highlights her fortitude and courage. I liked that when Michael shows seriously poor, dangerous judgement, Ellie distances herself. With minimal whining, she fights her darker tendencies and heads out on her own traveling a quest to save herself and the ones she loves. 

Bad guys are good reading!

When the dastardly Ezekiel shows up, things head to the sinister side. Yay! The evil guys are always fun and, honestly, I would have liked more insight into his background and motives. (Should I worry about my own darker tendencies? Naw, they're just literary fantasy, right?...right?) Ellie works to keep from becoming his prey. Sure she makes mistakes, but I liked that she kept taking action!

The unique folklore is one of the best aspects of FALLEN ANGEL. The explaining slows the pacing but you get a fresh take on angel legend. Exciting drama builds in the final pages. You get some answers but not all and the action-filled finale punches with tension, intrigue and surprising twists. 

FALLEN ANGEL offers unique angel lore, a gutsy heroine, good family and friend, and a creepy villain. While the beginning slows due to explaining the fallen angel premise, the final pages ramp up the action and suspense!  

• The sequel, ETERNITY, is out June 28. 
• Heather reveals her real-life love story on her Guest Post
• Learn more about Heather on her WEBSITE. 

Heather Terrell is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College with a focus in History and Art History, and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.