Review: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

Title: Fallen Angel
Author: Heather Terrell
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 12/28/10
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.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
I really enjoy a good fallen angel book, and this one didn't disappoint. The only real negative I have plot-wise is that I hate when a book is named or described in a way that tells the reader without a doubt what supernatural creature is involved, but then it takes the main character at least half of the book to figure it out. It was amusing that Ellie and Michael thought they were vampires, but a bit annoying that I was sitting there with it already figured out due to the title. Other than that, this was a very interesting take on fallen angels. You could tell the author did her research when shaping her fallen angels, while still making them fresh and fun.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This novel read like a breeze. There was a large number of short chapters, which somehow always tends to read quicker for me. There was a great flow throughout the novel. Time goes by, events happen in a realistic timespan. There was never a time when the story slowed down to that dreaded point where the action lags and the mind wanders. There was a moment in which Ellie and Michael went off to fly one too many times, but crazy things often happened during those adventures, so it evened out.

Characters: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed reading about all of the characters in this novel. Ellie was a likeable main character, and I really enjoyed her best friend, Ruth. I didn't have a problem with Michael either. But there were times in which the interactions between Ellie and Michael seemed a little off. I didn't always believe that their feelings for each other were so strong and real. A bit of the relationship seemed forced. But in the end, it didn't ruin the novel for me and I look forward to future novels. Hopefully they're relationship will progress in a more believable fashion. I also enjoyed how frustrating and cryptic Ellie's parents were about the whole situation.

Cover: 3.5 Stars
My favorite part of this cover is the shockingly white title. It really stands out against the darkness of the rest of the cover, and therefore grabs your attention. The feather added to the title is a nice touch that will hopefully tie future covers to this one. Other than that, the cover seems a bit drab. The cover model doesn't really stand out, and her expression is a bit confusing. I can't tell if the look in her eye is a depressed look, a I-know-something-you-don't-know look, or just a spaced-out look. The tree bark takes up the majority of the background, which could've used something with more detail that would add a dimension to the cover that possibly describes the setting better.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.