The Fallen (Book 1 The Fallen Series)

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***

Genre: Fantasy

Author: Megan D. Harding

Rating: 2.5 Paws

This is a forbidden love story between a Nephilim (Half angel-half human Liam) and the human (Alana) he is trying to protect. Liam grew up in a Guardian sanctuary raised by Idris (their leader) because his father betrayed the Guardians and was stripped of his wings, sending him on the path to the Fallen Ones (angels who have been stripped of their wings, but still had power--dark power). Liam has always fallen shy of perfection, and one of his mistakes brings him to Alana. While spending time guarding Alana from those trying to harm her, Liam finds himself growing closer to his human side--and to Alana. He is torn between following in his father's footsteps and fulfilling a powerful prophecy. Time is running out, and a decision has to be made. Will he choose love or destiny?

***SPOILER ALERT***

I really wanted to like this book, and in some ways, I did. The story line is good, and has the potential to be captivating. The story moves along well, and the characters are innately likable. Alana is just a normal girl, which lends itself to being a good hook for the target audience. Liam is kind of your average, self-involved teenager, aside from being Nephilim. Where the story loses me is the ease in which Alana accepts Liam as an Angel. Although she puts up some resistance, overall she just mentally shrugs and says okay, Angels.

Then comes Caleb...she is captured and Liam saves her, with the help of Caleb the werewolf. She has no idea that Caleb is a werewolf, and doesn't seem to really question it other than a sidelong glance at him. The character development throughout the entire book could have been better. I would have like to know how Caleb got involved in all of this, and how he flip flopped from Lexi to Alana. Liam makes his choice, and they end up together. The ending was abrupt, and I would have liked more information.

When I read a book, I like to place myself in the world, be part of the story in my own mind. In order to do that, I need a visual. There was definitely a lack of that here. World building is lacking, but the potential is astronomical. I know the sanctuary is a large church, but what does it really look like? The details are sort of lost.

I had a difficult time really getting into the story due to grammatical and syntax errors that abounded throughout. With some editing, I believe this could be a good first novel to introduce you to the main plot line.

As I said, I really wanted to like this book, but there were definitely some issues. I was left with the feeling that it was unresolved. Hopefully the second book, The Uprising, will delve more into this world.

-M