Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Falling Under

Falling Under

Author: Gwen Hayes

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 336

Read Time: Didn’t finish. Stopped at page 75.

Rating (1-5): 4

Tag Words: Paranormal romance, sheltered girl, dreams, occult, witchcraft, fortune tellers, sexy boys

My Summary:

Theia has lived a sheltered, bland life until the night a burning man falls from the sky.

After that night Theia escapes to a dream world of horrors, evil and a handsome boy. Theia is not made for his world, is she ready to fall under?

My Review:

I didn’t finish this one, but isn’t not because it’s a poorly written book, (quite the opposite) I stopped because the book took a turn from paranormal romance into an Occult tainted, and possibly centered, plot.

I think this writing style, and the non-occult elements are really fab. The book reminds me of a Gothic-style otherworldly plot and the names are amazing. I wish that things hadn’t gone to the Witches, Warlocks and the like because I don’t mess with that stuff.

A bunch of people have been complaining about Theia and how much of a roll-over she is, but I didn’t mind. She was trapped and a kid; how much can you do to unstick yourself that young?

The book also has a lot of sexual content, heavy cursing and the like, all within the first 75 pages, so I will still be doing a PBR. I am not recommending this book because of the witchcraft, the sexual content and the cursing, but the writing is cool and I will be looking for Hayes to write a non-paranormal.

Notes on the Names:

Such amazing names! The name meanings reflect the characters and the plot, as well! *Happy Dance!*

Theia means the Divine One, while Haden is thought by some to be the word for ‘Heathen.’ Donnatella is quite a bold choice, though I think Jezebel would have worked just as well and sweet Amelia was an interesting contradiction to the look of the character.

Thoughts on the Cover: I liked the cover until I got it in front of me. When you turn it to face the model right side up you can see the image is poorly photoshopped. I am really happy with the model, though! She looks just like the Theia in the text.

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

Only up to page 75.

Sexual Content:

Heavy.

Donnatella gets around and uses very crude innuendo and sexual dialogue.

Language:

B- 4
S- 1
H-4
A- 1
Bas- 1
Jesus-1

Violence:

None in the first 75 pages.

Other Notables:

Amelia is a ‘metaphysical’ and seeks a fortune teller who informs them that evil is in Serendipity Falls and Amelia has gifts. They read tarot cards, death calls on Theia three times, they read palms.

Underage drinking on the part of the fortune teller.

Theia sees a burning man fall from the sky, his incinerated corpse is detailed.

Theia returns in dreams to a hedge where ghosts, ghouls and the like gather. Their gruesome features are described.

8 comments:

Gwen Hayes said...

I just wanted to let you know how much I respect this review. I understand exactly why you didn't finish, and I appreciate the fact that you articulated that the subject matter goes against your beliefs without bashing. Your review was fair and balanced, despite your misgivings, and to me that is the mark of intelligence.

I don't usually comment on reviews, but this one just made me want to tell you that your readers are lucky. I don't want anyone to spend money on my book if they aren't going to be able to finish it due to their belief system.

Gabrielle Carolina said...

Wow! Thank you so much, that is really sweet of you to reach out in that way, I am honored.

Blessings,

Gabrielle Carolina

donnas said...

Great review. Really well put and described. While I can understand why you didnt finish I like how you still pointed out the positive sides to the book and writing as well. Its great to see good, honest reviews like this. Not every book is the right fit for every person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such a great way.

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Wow! This is probably the most honest review of a book I've ever read. Still have it on my wishlist, though.

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alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
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Linda: Book Ninja said...

Wow. I thought the book would turn out well but since I've read your review and others, I'm not so sure. The plot sounds interesting but I'm not a major fan of a lot sex. I love the cover though and hope others aren't too put off if they are disappointed in the book.

Book Sp(l)ot said...

I think I'll be interested in this review, but given your review, I think there are some people I won't be able to gift this to.

I'm also glad I chose this review to read because I'm definitely going to read your reviews now. I think the same things you don't read in books are the ones some people I frequently give books to don't read and it will help me judge their reactions :)

Jennifer said...

This is a book on my to read list. Interesting review, interesting that you didn't finish, and interesting that the author responded!

Judit said...

Wow, such a honest review. It's a great example for everybody, who doesn't know how to cope up with writing a bad review.
I also respect the author, whose reaction was very professional. I think this is one of the reason I'm going to give this book a chance despite your negative experience with it.

Gwen seems to be an amazing person, doesn't whe? :)