Review: Falling Under

Author: Gwen Hayes

Pages: 324

Publisher: New American Library

Source: Library

Synopsis: Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

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The beginning of Falling Under was pretty average and typical as far as a paranormal romance goes but the last parts blew me away. I need the next book!

Falling Under started out as a typical PNR with a few exceptions. Girl meets guy and instantly falls in love. Guy acts like a douche but she still thinks there's more to him. They fall in love. Guy warns girl to stay away because he's dangerous. Girl doesn't listen. The same formula didn't enthrall me. Don't worry though, it got better.

Till we get to that awesome part I'd like to mention the characters a bit. Theia was this repressed English girl living in the US. She was locked under the watchful eye of her father because her mother was dead. I actually liked Theia and her father's dynamic. They were quiet and had big issues they needed to overcome but they loved one another.

Theia's friends didn't annoy me. I honestly loved the dynamic between them. They were true friends and had distinct personalities that fit with each other. I could see them at my high school. Donny was loud but honest and I loved reading about her and Gabe (whom I'm totally crushing on). Ame was so sweet and I'm really curious how her storyline goes. That's the other thing I liked; the BFFs had their own lives and weren't inserted into the story just for Theia to talk to occasionally.

Haden... He was very hot and cold. He was very typical and called Theia a lamb a lot (which admittedly is kind of weird). But he was also so sweet when he wasn't being furiously evasive. Haden had his secrets and he was very good at keeping them. In the end I ended up really liking Haden. When he was less angst-y (totally justified though) he was great. Plus, Falling Under had the rare alternating perspectives when needed for the story thing so we got a peek into Haden's head. It helped me relate to him.

Now, after the frustrating task of finding out Haden's secret, the story became very interesting. The plot appealed to me a lot. There were some "OMG" moments and the story ended in the best way: leaving me wanting more. There was also a fair bit of awkwardness too, which is always great. Life is awkward and this book had me giggling at some of the moments. There wasn't too much action but that may change in the sequel. Falling Under had all the great makings of an awesome series and now that we're past the typical, set up part, I can't wait to see where this story goes.

The premise is great-- not overly done. The characters I like. The plot has potential. I'd say fans of the paranormal YA will enjoy this book if they stick with it. 4 stars,

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