Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Publisher: New American Library (March 1st, 2011)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 324 pages

Source: Publisher

Series: Falling Under, #1

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Review: Falling Under may seem to have familiar elements to other paranormal romances, but once you get into the story it is much more than that. It brings us into a world of dark, twisted creatures that terrify the reader. Trust me, it's scary!

The book begins by describing Theia, a young girl with a highly overprotective father. We get a glimpse into her life and it's easy to relate to her feelings towards freedom. Soon she begins having dreams that feel very real to her. At school, she sees a boy that brings them all to a new light. She knows she has seen Haden before in her dreams but she doesn't know why. 

Haden is very mysterious when he shows up in Theia's life. He's somewhat of a "lady's man" and doesn't give much attention to Theia. It takes them a while to get on the same page and interact more. Theia does have her friends Ame and Donny and they were a refreshing pair. Ame was interested in the paranormal and had her own link to psychic powers, while Donny was more grounded and rational in her thinking. They gave each other a great balance and perfect insight for Theia. 

Theia is quiet and guarded in the beginning. Soon she proves to be more strong and selfless than people may have originally expected. She seems to mature as the story progresses and she gains strength from the understanding of her mother and who she might have been. Gwen Hayes has a way with words that will have you squirming in your seat. Her descriptions of the Under realm were clear and completely frightening. The plot takes a turn I never expected and we are left wondering what will happen to Theia. 

Gwen Hayes did an outstanding job building a dark, dangerous realm with creepy characters you will have nightmares about. Falling Under has a depth I never anticipated and a list of characters that each bring their own importance to the story. I'm excited to see what happens next!




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