Gwen’s review of Fallen (Fallen Angel Trilogy, Book 1) by Claire Delacroix
Urban fantasy romantic suspense released by Tor 30 Sep 08

The book takes place in a post-(multiple)apocalyptic United States, now called the Republic, in the year 2099.  It’s a dirty-nuke-ravaged, but functioning society that is literally powered by slave labor.  This labor is provided by “shades” – people born with radiation-caused deformities and mental deficiencies.  It isn’t even a crime to murder a shade, they’re considered that sub-human.  This is just the beginning of the oddities that Delacroix (a.k.a. Deborah Cooke) has populated this world with. 

Also prevalent in Delacroix’s world is a dress “code” and behavioral rules that are oddly Victorian, but very definitely 21st century enforced by bully-boys who are sanctioned by the government.  Then there’s the Society of Nuclear Darwinists who are responsible for rounding up the shades and putting them to work – for their own good, of course.  It’s all very complex and a tad bewildering at first.  The cast of characters is large, but we’re introduced to our key characters quickly.

The paranormal elements are a combination of spiritual – “fallen” angels (frequently mistaken for shades) who are here to help mankind – and physical – genetic mutations that have created “sensitive” humans who can see more of the world than perhaps the rest of mankind can, or should, see.  It’s all nicely woven into the story and adds the right amount of spice.  It was very easy to suspend my disbelief with this part of the story arc – nothing was overdone.

One of the complaints I have about the book is the amount of time spent on banalities.  It felt like not enough time is spent driving the plot forward.  For example, I didn’t need to know about the heroine showering, getting ready for bed, going to bed, waking up, calling her mom, etc., etc.  I would have rather had one or two sentences that told me all of that.  Not whole chapters.  I don’t know how many words this book was, but it probably could have been a couple of hundred fewer and I’d have been happy.

Fallen has an interesting suspense plot that kept me guessing for about two-thirds of the book – nicely done, Delacroix.  I was not very happy with the suspense plot’s resolution, but that’s just me.  I wanted more ass-kicking.  The “gray” left at the end may be the author’s point – perhaps to leave the “culprit” off the hook for more books.  I’d have still like to have seen more heads tumble for the unbelievably nefarious deeds done in the name of the “common good”.

I enjoyed the romance and the passion in Fallen.  I was a little disappointed that the hero and heroine took so much time to act on their feelings, but that’s my preference and shouldn’t be seen as a shortcoming.  I did find the hero to be very yummy and the description of his duality to be interesting and fun.  There’s some loose ends at the end of the book that I’m looking forward to resolving in the next book, Guardian, coming this October (you meet Guardian‘s hero in Fallen – his scenes are quirky and left me with a smile).

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes their urban fantasy on the not-so-dark side, with a nice suspense element, and anyone who enjoys “fallen angel” stories.  If you’re a fan of Delacroix’s historicals, this may not be the book for you.  However, if Deborah Cooke’s paranormals are your cuppa tea, you’ll like this.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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The Eyes of the Republic are Everywhere.
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When her estranged husband’s mysterious death is declared an accident, Lilia Desjardins knows that it is a lie. She leaves all she knows to risk the dark heart of the Republic – only to find that she herself has been targeted by forces unknown.
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Adam Montgomery will do anything to complete his earthly mission, even if he had to tangle with the enigmatic Lilia Desjardins. But when his contact is murdered and he must rely on Lilia’s silence to save him from the slave dens, Montgomery knows that his wings were only the first sacrifice demanded of him.
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As danger and intrigue surround them, Lilia and Montgomery realize that they must work together – body, mind and soul – in order to save the world.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: