Book Review: Falling Under by Gwen Haynes
Falling Under (Falling Under, #1) by Gwen Haynes. © 2011 New American Library. ISBN 9780451232687. Trade Paperback. Young Adult / Paranormal Romance. 324 pages. Source: review copy provided by the publishers.
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–note around town, but in her dreams. As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her close one moment and pushed her away the next the only thing Theia knows for sure if that incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear … and when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.
Review: Falling Under is loosely based around the legend of Persephone (and with that little tidbit, I’m sure you can figure out who Haden is–if you are familiar with Classical mythology at all that is). On top of being a paranormal romance, there are some rather gruesome bits which put it in the horror category as well, imo. The opening scene of a burning man falling from the sky is magnificent and hooks you straight away but we also encounter mutilated brides, sewn lips (a big ick factor for me, never could stand that visual), night terrors, and more.
The atmosphere of Falling Under is beautiful created and written, but I’m not as happy with the characters. Theia is a bit annoying to me. She’s spoilt, virtuous, and somewhat tight-laced. I was left wondering if this was the author’s own stereotype of English people, or what. Theia seems way older than she is, like centuries older. Haden likes to play mind games. One moment he is flirting with Theia, the next he is being an asshole towards her. I get that some of that is typical high school boy behavior, but it’s getting old. What attracts these girls to guys like this? I was always attracted to the nice guys in high school…
While this book does include some over overused tropes found in today’s YA Lit (though, thanks be to the gods, there is no love triangle), I still found it enjoyable, and I do end up liking Theia by the book‘s end. The overall changing mood of the novel and the gorgeousness of the dream sequences make this worth a read alone. I’ve never read Gwen Haynes’s books but after this one, I’m curious about her adult fiction. 3/5.
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