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The Eyes of the Republic are Everywhere. When her estranged husband's mysterious death is declared an accident, Lilia Desjardins knows that it is a lie. She leaves all she knows to risk the dark heart of the Republic -- only to find that she herself has been targeted by forces unknown. Adam Montgomery will do anything to complete his earthly mission, even if he has to tangle with the enigmatic Lilia Desjardins. But when his contact is murdered and he must rely on Lilia’s silence to save him from the slave dens, Adam knows that his wings were only the first sacrifice required of him. As danger and intrigue surround them, Lilia and Adam realize that they must work together -- body, mind, and soul -- in order to save the world.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 2008
17 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Claire Delacroix
123 books519 followersNew York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.
For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
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In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
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For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 24, 2009
First off, let me say that I would classify "Fallen" by Claire Delacroix as science fiction vice paranormal romance. Why? Well, the romance is really a side bar in this plot. If you removed it, the story wouldn't change all that much with the exception of one choice at the end which doesn't impact the rest of the story. BUT, I'm not the author's publicist or publisher, so who cares about my opinion :)
In the year 2099, the Earth is a very different place. In addition to the countless deaths from bombings in the First Global War, loss of major metropolises and the massive drain on energy sources devastated the infrastructure of civilization. Soon after, those affected by the fallout radiation were designated 'SHADEs' (Sub Human Atomic Deviant Evaluation) and laws were passed removing their rights and making them science fodder and energy slaves to fuel life for those unaffected. Any child born with any markings, scars, or deformities are automatically designated SHADEs and removed from the parent. In addition, the Republic runs whats left of the U.S. and has ultimate authority over every aspect of peoples lives via hand implant computers, ever-present monitoring, and spies.
Luckily for humans, there really are angels. On the downside, Satan is also real...and the battle for mankind is still on. Adam is a former angel who volunteered for a mission on Earth. To accept the mission, he had to lose his wings, his 'knowing', and his powers. So now he's more human than angel, but still has a mission to accomplish in order to regain his angel status. He becomes tangled up with Lilia when she arrives to his city to investigate the death of her estranged husband. Their investigations lead them to clues regarding a malignant conspiracy and finding the truth may cost them their lives.
There are several things left unexplained in this story. I'm assuming they are 'to be explained' in later books in the series and since everything that truly affected THIS story was explained, that doesn't bother me so much. The scope of this plot is very big, and it's easy to tell that Delacroix has much more to write about this world of hers. As a science fiction read, I found it engrossing and interesting. As a paranormal romance, it would be more of a 3 star read at best.
Delacroix's world is complex and layered, with information and history doled out incrementally as it impacts the plot. There are organizations and shadowy cabals as is necessary in any good science fiction tale of good vs evil. Her addition of heavenly intervention provides a different slant and is likely what garnered the paranormal romance designation. All in all, I liked the story...as science fiction. If that's not your thing? You'll likely be disappointed.
In the year 2099, the Earth is a very different place. In addition to the countless deaths from bombings in the First Global War, loss of major metropolises and the massive drain on energy sources devastated the infrastructure of civilization. Soon after, those affected by the fallout radiation were designated 'SHADEs' (Sub Human Atomic Deviant Evaluation) and laws were passed removing their rights and making them science fodder and energy slaves to fuel life for those unaffected. Any child born with any markings, scars, or deformities are automatically designated SHADEs and removed from the parent. In addition, the Republic runs whats left of the U.S. and has ultimate authority over every aspect of peoples lives via hand implant computers, ever-present monitoring, and spies.
Luckily for humans, there really are angels. On the downside, Satan is also real...and the battle for mankind is still on. Adam is a former angel who volunteered for a mission on Earth. To accept the mission, he had to lose his wings, his 'knowing', and his powers. So now he's more human than angel, but still has a mission to accomplish in order to regain his angel status. He becomes tangled up with Lilia when she arrives to his city to investigate the death of her estranged husband. Their investigations lead them to clues regarding a malignant conspiracy and finding the truth may cost them their lives.
There are several things left unexplained in this story. I'm assuming they are 'to be explained' in later books in the series and since everything that truly affected THIS story was explained, that doesn't bother me so much. The scope of this plot is very big, and it's easy to tell that Delacroix has much more to write about this world of hers. As a science fiction read, I found it engrossing and interesting. As a paranormal romance, it would be more of a 3 star read at best.
Delacroix's world is complex and layered, with information and history doled out incrementally as it impacts the plot. There are organizations and shadowy cabals as is necessary in any good science fiction tale of good vs evil. Her addition of heavenly intervention provides a different slant and is likely what garnered the paranormal romance designation. All in all, I liked the story...as science fiction. If that's not your thing? You'll likely be disappointed.
March 16, 2023
More a 2.4
I liked the idea and setting of this story, many of the elements the author has invented and the characters were original enough, I guess.
But I didn't connect with them, nor was i sufficiently motivated by their goals to have enjoyed reading this. I confess some chapters were skimmed. Of course I liked the fact the main characters were able to reach their HEA but even that was a little more HFN, considering the fact the world isn't well in the series.
I liked the idea and setting of this story, many of the elements the author has invented and the characters were original enough, I guess.
But I didn't connect with them, nor was i sufficiently motivated by their goals to have enjoyed reading this. I confess some chapters were skimmed. Of course I liked the fact the main characters were able to reach their HEA but even that was a little more HFN, considering the fact the world isn't well in the series.
December 29, 2008
This is both the best and worst book I've read in a long time. The prose is absolutely asinine and artless. However, the storyline is so interesting, except for the few overblown bits, that I enjoyed it immensely. The sex scenes weren't bad at all, frank and fun, but the whole "fight the devil by turning lust to love" crap was just pathetic. I mean lust is not a negative energy unto itself. It doesn't need marriage or Jesus-like self-sacrifice to redeem it. Without the compulsion of lust, how would characters even have romance? What would compel them to even bother to get to know one another in these fast-paced action books? Okay, off my soapbox. I eagerly await the next book in what will be a series about radiation fallout, political corruption, slavery, radiant angels, and the battle for the soul of humanity.
April 16, 2009
Another book that was really good in theory but didn't work for me. Unable able to get into it though. The plot was interesting and I thought it had a great go but just didn't work for me.
March 9, 2015
I think the storyline was refreshing from most PR books I've read in a long time. If there was a half star option I'd give it 3.5 stars. This is a series I will be continuing for sure!
September 10, 2018
This book reads like it was written to not be a romance novel but was only picked up through a romance publisher, so the story was changed a bit. The story was good, the romance could have been left out to make appealing to a wider audience, especially since it’s so relevant to current events.
February 15, 2017
Great story. More than expected and intriguing to say the least. Love the futuristic feel and the twists and turns. Cant wait to read the next book in the series. Enjoy!
April 24, 2020
Just was not interested in this book.
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April 19, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/18/2022)! 🎁
August 21, 2010
3.5 Stars
Lilia Desjardins is convinced that her husband was murdered and has set out to find the truth. Her search takes her into dangerous situations and her investigation has not gone unnoticed by the Republic or the handsome police officer Adam Montgomery. Adam is an angel who has volunteered to go to earth for a mission and will do what it takes to complete it. He is attracted to Lilia and they both soon realize that in order to find their answers they will need to work together.
It took me a while to get into this book, not because I didn't like it but because it wasn't what I expected. This book felt more Sci-Fi than Paranormal Romance. It is set in the future after there have been nuclear attacks. People born with birth defects are labeled as Shades. Shades are looked down upon and are not even considered humans. Lilia is a Shade hunter. Instead of turning them in and having them become slaves or medical experiments, she takes them to the circus where they are paid, allowed to have names and a sense of normalcy. I really liked Lilia's compassion towards the Shades and the strong opinions she has for those who mistreat them. Adam is set on fulfilling his mission so he can get his wings back and go home. Of course the arrival of Lilia in his life starts to make him change his mind. I didn't care too much for Adam's character. I did not dislike him but he just felt kind of bland. He did his duty whether it was for the police department or his mission and that's about it. I had a hard time feeling the love between Lilia and Adam. I knew they lusted for each other and their scenes together were hot but it didn't come off as love to me. Maybe if they appear in future books, I might change how I feel about it.
In the future the rights for women have taken a giant step back. The government has said it is woman's clothing that is to blame for sexual attacks so they are required to be completely covered from head to toe when in public. No veils are required but are highly recommended. I liked reading how Lilia walked the fine line of this ridiculous law. Also, every move you made is watched by the government. There is no such thing as privacy in future depicted in Fallen.
There is a supernatural element to Fallen of course with the angels. They are coming to earth to try and help save us from the corrupt who wish to cause more suffering for profit and greed. There were some interesting twists and what the Shades are put through and how they are treated really tugs at your heart. This was an interesting start to a series I look forward to continuing.
~Stephanie G
Lilia Desjardins is convinced that her husband was murdered and has set out to find the truth. Her search takes her into dangerous situations and her investigation has not gone unnoticed by the Republic or the handsome police officer Adam Montgomery. Adam is an angel who has volunteered to go to earth for a mission and will do what it takes to complete it. He is attracted to Lilia and they both soon realize that in order to find their answers they will need to work together.
It took me a while to get into this book, not because I didn't like it but because it wasn't what I expected. This book felt more Sci-Fi than Paranormal Romance. It is set in the future after there have been nuclear attacks. People born with birth defects are labeled as Shades. Shades are looked down upon and are not even considered humans. Lilia is a Shade hunter. Instead of turning them in and having them become slaves or medical experiments, she takes them to the circus where they are paid, allowed to have names and a sense of normalcy. I really liked Lilia's compassion towards the Shades and the strong opinions she has for those who mistreat them. Adam is set on fulfilling his mission so he can get his wings back and go home. Of course the arrival of Lilia in his life starts to make him change his mind. I didn't care too much for Adam's character. I did not dislike him but he just felt kind of bland. He did his duty whether it was for the police department or his mission and that's about it. I had a hard time feeling the love between Lilia and Adam. I knew they lusted for each other and their scenes together were hot but it didn't come off as love to me. Maybe if they appear in future books, I might change how I feel about it.
In the future the rights for women have taken a giant step back. The government has said it is woman's clothing that is to blame for sexual attacks so they are required to be completely covered from head to toe when in public. No veils are required but are highly recommended. I liked reading how Lilia walked the fine line of this ridiculous law. Also, every move you made is watched by the government. There is no such thing as privacy in future depicted in Fallen.
There is a supernatural element to Fallen of course with the angels. They are coming to earth to try and help save us from the corrupt who wish to cause more suffering for profit and greed. There were some interesting twists and what the Shades are put through and how they are treated really tugs at your heart. This was an interesting start to a series I look forward to continuing.
~Stephanie G
June 10, 2010
Fallen is the first book in a new trilogy by Claire Delacroix. It is set in a post apocalyptic America in 2099, several years after many cities were bombed with nuclear weapons. A large portion of the world’s population was killed because of these bombs. Another side effect of these bombs was nuclear radiation. The majority of the population was exposed to this radiation causing birth defects in unborn children. People who have side effects due to the radiation are known as shades. They are not considered human and do not have civil rights. They are used for research and slavery. Lilia Desjardins is a shade hunter. She finds shades and brings them to the circus where she works. The circus is the one place where the shades can live a relatively normal life.
Lilia’s estranged husband is killed in a mysterious accident. She suspects that his death was not an accident, but murder. She is convinced that she must uncover the killer and bring the truth about her husband’s murder to light. Lilia has a penchant for finding trouble. When she discovers a body of a shade who had connections to her husband, she reports it to the authorities. She meets Officer Adam Montgomery and together they search for her husband’s killer. Unbeknownst to Lilia, Adam is an Angel who has volunteered to help save humanity. Besides the fact that he is attracted to Lilia, he also believes that she will help him complete his mission.
I just have to say, I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of emphasis on the futuristic world and how corrupt it has become. The details are very tight and well defined. The book has a very dark vibe to it, and yet there is a tiny ray of light and hope at the center of everything. The characters Adam and Lilia are wonderfully drawn. Lilia is a bleeding heart. She might act tough and gruff, but underneath that steely façade she’s as soft as a marshmallow. Adam is otherworldly and is beginning to understand the appeal of being human. He becomes attached to earth and Lilia and this comes as a complete surprise to him.
Fallen ends more or less with a ‘happy for now’. There are conflicts that still need to be resolved with the big picture. The mystery surrounding Lilia’s husband’s death does get wrapped up. The next book in the trilogy will be Guardian. It won’t be out until October 2009 and features new characters Delilia and Rafe. Ms. Delacroix does state that Lilia and Adam will make an appearance in Guardian.
Lilia’s estranged husband is killed in a mysterious accident. She suspects that his death was not an accident, but murder. She is convinced that she must uncover the killer and bring the truth about her husband’s murder to light. Lilia has a penchant for finding trouble. When she discovers a body of a shade who had connections to her husband, she reports it to the authorities. She meets Officer Adam Montgomery and together they search for her husband’s killer. Unbeknownst to Lilia, Adam is an Angel who has volunteered to help save humanity. Besides the fact that he is attracted to Lilia, he also believes that she will help him complete his mission.
I just have to say, I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of emphasis on the futuristic world and how corrupt it has become. The details are very tight and well defined. The book has a very dark vibe to it, and yet there is a tiny ray of light and hope at the center of everything. The characters Adam and Lilia are wonderfully drawn. Lilia is a bleeding heart. She might act tough and gruff, but underneath that steely façade she’s as soft as a marshmallow. Adam is otherworldly and is beginning to understand the appeal of being human. He becomes attached to earth and Lilia and this comes as a complete surprise to him.
Fallen ends more or less with a ‘happy for now’. There are conflicts that still need to be resolved with the big picture. The mystery surrounding Lilia’s husband’s death does get wrapped up. The next book in the trilogy will be Guardian. It won’t be out until October 2009 and features new characters Delilia and Rafe. Ms. Delacroix does state that Lilia and Adam will make an appearance in Guardian.
April 7, 2025
Lilia has lived her life on the edge of the Republics rules, always skating the boundary between society and freedom knowing that one wrong move could see her harshly punished by the law. Old town is strictly off limits for most however her job as a Shade Hunter affords her more access to the new world’s dirty little secrets. But she's not in restricted land for work, she's there for personal reasons. To find out information on what really happened to her husband. His death was ruled a suicide but that tidy explanation given to her by the Society just doesn't fit with the man she married. And nearly every encounter she has in the search of answers to the truth point to her instincts being correct.
Montgomery is an Angel chosen to live on Earth masquerading as a mortal in order to aid in Heaven's mission to save humanity from itself. His job as a police detective affords him access to the tools needed to aid in that mission. What he doesn't need is his attraction to the worst kind of trouble. The beautiful kind. Lilia is a frustrating creature to say the least. Mainly because she has a habit of being in the centre of his investigation into dead Shades and also risking her safety with complete disregard. Yet, he just can't seem to get her out of his mind.
Trust is a large factor in their new-found alliance. Lilia and Montgomery both know very well that the Eyes of The Republic are everywhere. But they both have very good reason to want to make the dark come to light as history is on a fast track to repeating itself with dire consequences.
I kept the summery brief as I didn't want to spoil to whole plot of this book as what it does well is give the reader a futuristic mystery/conspiracy novel with Angels and Demons. The romance part I felt took a back seat to the overall story and I'm not entirely mad about that but romance is what I came here for. Both characters are well developed though I felt the heroine had more depth to her with her past trauma and intense need to find truth in a world of lies. The hero was nice, but he was definitely a muted character between the two of them. He didn't really have a lot of dark to him- granted he's a bloody angel-but still, I wanted him to have some hurdles to overcome and some personal demons to battle. Instead, he was focused on Lilian and his job.
Not a bad story, just not something I am likely to read again or look back on with great fondness.
Montgomery is an Angel chosen to live on Earth masquerading as a mortal in order to aid in Heaven's mission to save humanity from itself. His job as a police detective affords him access to the tools needed to aid in that mission. What he doesn't need is his attraction to the worst kind of trouble. The beautiful kind. Lilia is a frustrating creature to say the least. Mainly because she has a habit of being in the centre of his investigation into dead Shades and also risking her safety with complete disregard. Yet, he just can't seem to get her out of his mind.
Trust is a large factor in their new-found alliance. Lilia and Montgomery both know very well that the Eyes of The Republic are everywhere. But they both have very good reason to want to make the dark come to light as history is on a fast track to repeating itself with dire consequences.
I kept the summery brief as I didn't want to spoil to whole plot of this book as what it does well is give the reader a futuristic mystery/conspiracy novel with Angels and Demons. The romance part I felt took a back seat to the overall story and I'm not entirely mad about that but romance is what I came here for. Both characters are well developed though I felt the heroine had more depth to her with her past trauma and intense need to find truth in a world of lies. The hero was nice, but he was definitely a muted character between the two of them. He didn't really have a lot of dark to him- granted he's a bloody angel-but still, I wanted him to have some hurdles to overcome and some personal demons to battle. Instead, he was focused on Lilian and his job.
Not a bad story, just not something I am likely to read again or look back on with great fondness.
January 22, 2014
3.75 stars: re-release January 2014
FALLEN is the first storyline in Claire Delacroix’s (aka Deborah Cooke) dystopian/sci-fi /futuristic fantasy series-The Prometheus Project. Following a nuclear holocaust that has left most of America poisoned by radiation, the survivors have been grouped into two distinct categories: The Shades-those considered mutants by the radiation poisoning; and everyone else. With the Shades relegated to the Fringe, those in control of the Republic ensure that the Shades know their place in society. Tagged and tattooed, the radiated survivors become fair game in a war between the have and the have-nots.
Claire Delacroix pulls the reader into a storyline reminiscent of the radiated world on Mars in ‘Total Recall.’ Add Fallen Angels, power hungry politicians and mad-scientists and you have the perfect fodder for a storyline where one woman-Lilia Desjardins-searches for the truth behind her husband’s disappearance and his subsequent death. Labeled a possible suicide, Lilia knows that her husband Gideon was anything but despondent or suicidal. Hoping to uncover the truth, Lilia finds herself partnered with a mysterious police officer, Adam Montgomery, whose job it is to bring Lilia in for crimes against the Republic. Lilia has a secret and Adam is hoping to discover what it is she knows and why.
FALLEN is a storyline that blends science with the paranormal. Angels are sent to help but suffer at the hands of their own. We watch as a world endures birth defects, paranormal abilities, mutated animals and poisoned food only to discover that the nuclear incident may have been planned all along. The future has changed-and not for the good. Big Brother is watching –everywhere.
Claire Delacroix has written an interesting and thought provoking, dark storyline about the political, physical and emotional fall out following a nuclear disaster. Who will be the first to survive and who will be the first to sacrifice? What lengths would you go to, to prove that the man you loved was murdered because he discovered the truth about what happened years before?
Copy supplied by the author
www.thereadingcafe.com
FALLEN is the first storyline in Claire Delacroix’s (aka Deborah Cooke) dystopian/sci-fi /futuristic fantasy series-The Prometheus Project. Following a nuclear holocaust that has left most of America poisoned by radiation, the survivors have been grouped into two distinct categories: The Shades-those considered mutants by the radiation poisoning; and everyone else. With the Shades relegated to the Fringe, those in control of the Republic ensure that the Shades know their place in society. Tagged and tattooed, the radiated survivors become fair game in a war between the have and the have-nots.
Claire Delacroix pulls the reader into a storyline reminiscent of the radiated world on Mars in ‘Total Recall.’ Add Fallen Angels, power hungry politicians and mad-scientists and you have the perfect fodder for a storyline where one woman-Lilia Desjardins-searches for the truth behind her husband’s disappearance and his subsequent death. Labeled a possible suicide, Lilia knows that her husband Gideon was anything but despondent or suicidal. Hoping to uncover the truth, Lilia finds herself partnered with a mysterious police officer, Adam Montgomery, whose job it is to bring Lilia in for crimes against the Republic. Lilia has a secret and Adam is hoping to discover what it is she knows and why.
FALLEN is a storyline that blends science with the paranormal. Angels are sent to help but suffer at the hands of their own. We watch as a world endures birth defects, paranormal abilities, mutated animals and poisoned food only to discover that the nuclear incident may have been planned all along. The future has changed-and not for the good. Big Brother is watching –everywhere.
Claire Delacroix has written an interesting and thought provoking, dark storyline about the political, physical and emotional fall out following a nuclear disaster. Who will be the first to survive and who will be the first to sacrifice? What lengths would you go to, to prove that the man you loved was murdered because he discovered the truth about what happened years before?
Copy supplied by the author
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 18, 2009
Personally, this book was nowhere near being paranormal romance. The hero and heroine spend the majority of the book apart.
Whilst I found the hero's story interesting, and the overall plot once I got into it very absorbing, it took an awful long time to get there.
I had several problems. The heroine is stupid on several occasions. Though she's better in the second half of the book. And some of the worldbuilding I thought was unnecessary and took away from the story. There are sumptuary and decency laws (S&D), whereby a woman has to be covered up in public, wear a corset and is not allowed to cut her hair. This to me seemed stupid (there's that word again), and I don't understand the need for it, I don't think it added anything to the story. Also more than once the heroine goes running around whilst wearing a corset, chasing people over fire escapes. This didn't seem plausible to me. And every so often the author pops into the story, which is annoying.
Griping over. I very much liked the mystery aspect of the book and the reasons for the murders. I thought the exploitation of shades and their relationship with norms was well done. I wanted to know more about the shade/norm dynamic. Taking the S&D out of it, the worldbuilding was good, though reminded me slightly of Lyda Morehouse's Angel series.
I wish the author had had the courage to develop the relationships between her characters more slowly over the course of the trilogy. The relationship between the hero and heroine didn't ring true, because they spend so much time apart. It felt convenient rather than based on emotion.
If this had been an open ended series I wouldn't follow it further. But it seems to be a trilogy, and I am torn between wanting to know how the terrible world in which Lilia and Adam live can be saved and giving up on it now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2010
If you're looking for a fresh twist on the usual Urban Fantasy fare, this might be a good book to pick up. Angels volunteer to have their wings surgically removed and to pursue a mission on the Earth, only when their mission is complete can they get their wings back and return to their angelic state.
Adam Montgomery is one such angel. His role as a policeman gets him in contact with Lilia Desjardins, the newly widowed "Nuclear Darwinist" whose job it is to find and capture "shades", the mutated-by-radiation-fallout subhumans present in the world since major cities were nuked.
The world is a refreshing twist on the usual Urban Fantasy gritty cities. There is still grit, but its radioactive, and the government that has popped up to fill the power vacuum since the cities were blown away represses women (women must never cut their hair and wear demure clothing) enslaves Shades, and condones a harsh and brutal police force.
But Lilia's murdered husband had found out some secret that sheds light on the Shades and the nukes. She and Montgomery must learn to trust each other in order to find the secret before the assasins sent to end Lilia's life succeed.
The world, the Shades, and the mystery was intriguing. The romance didn't have tension for me. And as a romance junkie, their relationship lacking spark made this novel drop from a 4 to a 3. On top of that, sometimes the logical flow of the dialogue was a bit hard to follow.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Cool Ranch Doritos for being a good idea, but just not as satisfying as the original.
Adam Montgomery is one such angel. His role as a policeman gets him in contact with Lilia Desjardins, the newly widowed "Nuclear Darwinist" whose job it is to find and capture "shades", the mutated-by-radiation-fallout subhumans present in the world since major cities were nuked.
The world is a refreshing twist on the usual Urban Fantasy gritty cities. There is still grit, but its radioactive, and the government that has popped up to fill the power vacuum since the cities were blown away represses women (women must never cut their hair and wear demure clothing) enslaves Shades, and condones a harsh and brutal police force.
But Lilia's murdered husband had found out some secret that sheds light on the Shades and the nukes. She and Montgomery must learn to trust each other in order to find the secret before the assasins sent to end Lilia's life succeed.
The world, the Shades, and the mystery was intriguing. The romance didn't have tension for me. And as a romance junkie, their relationship lacking spark made this novel drop from a 4 to a 3. On top of that, sometimes the logical flow of the dialogue was a bit hard to follow.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Cool Ranch Doritos for being a good idea, but just not as satisfying as the original.
June 18, 2015
This story is a who-done-it mystery wrapped up in a post-apocalyptic package with romance and passion thrown in to spice it up. It is complex and I never figured out who the bad guy was until they revealed themselves. Claire Delacroix creates a post-apocalyptic world using news releases, government press statements and edicts, and short history lessons about how the US got to be where they are in 2099. She pulls in political commentary, religious and moral commentary, and conspiracy theories in order to tell a story that ended up requiring me to stay engaged. I loved it! I loved not knowing who the bad guy was, I loved that Montgomery is led to believe that Lilia is the murderer, that she is set up for several murders that are taking place while she is trying to figure out who killed her husband. On top of that, we have Montgomery, who is an angel who volunteered to come to Earth to complete a mission; so we end up having the whole angels and the devil, good vs. evil theme thrown into the mix. Delacroix tells a story that could have ended up being a jumble of ideas, plot twists, and character development, but she incorporates all of her elements smoothly. I look forward to reading book two, Guardian.
October 8, 2008
Ok, I give it two stars, but it really only should get one. I couldn't finish it. It was just too dull. I got half way through the book and nothing had changed. The heroine was a mix of guts and insecurity that did not flow well. Her whole position of "hating" the establishment was never explained until 3/4 of the way through the book and even then, it came across as awkward and forced. The hero was too mysterious, we never really got to know "him" other than being an "angel" - which I was confused about too. What was his purpose? I kept wondering even when I hit that dreaded 3/4 of the way through and finally had to throw it against the wall. I just couldn't make myself finish it.
The romance (what little of it there was) was forced and ridiculous, I mean there was no reason for these two to get together...they just did. Well, uh, noooooo. Sorry, didn't fly. I've read erotica where strangers did get it on, but their personalities made it expected...these two were too underdeveloped to really get any idea as to either of them. It was horribly dull to read.
Sorry if anyone else liked it....just wasn't for me.
The romance (what little of it there was) was forced and ridiculous, I mean there was no reason for these two to get together...they just did. Well, uh, noooooo. Sorry, didn't fly. I've read erotica where strangers did get it on, but their personalities made it expected...these two were too underdeveloped to really get any idea as to either of them. It was horribly dull to read.
Sorry if anyone else liked it....just wasn't for me.
September 4, 2009
In 2099, the eyes of the Republic are everywhere. But are they really wearing the pseudoskin - or is the Society of Nuclear Darwinists? Lilia Desjardins's husband's death was deemed an accident from exposure to too much radiation, but Lilia strongly suspects murder. Adam Montgomery is aiding her investigation, but he also has his own assignment - and a divine one at that.
I had no idea how awesome this would be. I was just expecting angels, but decided to pick up the book because it recently won an award. The world-building is simply amazing, with technological and medical advances, but devastating corruption and conspiracy. From the Society conference in New Gotham, to the netherzones and the circus, life is bleak but the author's imagination is stunning. The plot is engrossing, though I was more interested in the investigation than in the angels. The characters didn't really appeal to me, which prevents me from declaring this a five-star read, but Fallen is pretty damn close. I can't wait to read more of this world, and am desperate to get my mitts on the following novels in the series: Guardian and Rebel. Science fiction romance fans should love this.
I had no idea how awesome this would be. I was just expecting angels, but decided to pick up the book because it recently won an award. The world-building is simply amazing, with technological and medical advances, but devastating corruption and conspiracy. From the Society conference in New Gotham, to the netherzones and the circus, life is bleak but the author's imagination is stunning. The plot is engrossing, though I was more interested in the investigation than in the angels. The characters didn't really appeal to me, which prevents me from declaring this a five-star read, but Fallen is pretty damn close. I can't wait to read more of this world, and am desperate to get my mitts on the following novels in the series: Guardian and Rebel. Science fiction romance fans should love this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2012
an interesting premise to be sure but needed some serious fleshing out and a lot more of the romance angle to win anywhere near 4 stars from me.
the post apocalyptic word was interesting and multi-layered for sure, but there just wasn't enough back story. So many things were not explained and you had to muddle through things and do a lot of inferring and conclusion jumping for sure. I wish there was maybe a bit of a prologue and perhaps also a few more explanations of certain parts of the setting. Like when and why did humans become so intimately linked with computers? it was all a little to far-fetched when there was no rhyme or reason to many of these things.
I suggest you read it for yourself with an extremely open mind and keep your thinking cap on so you are able to keep all the details together and in important order.
I absolutely love the dragon series written under Claire's other name Deborah Cooke, so i'm willing to continue to give the series a chance. But i think i'll have to wait a while to get my mind back in order.
the post apocalyptic word was interesting and multi-layered for sure, but there just wasn't enough back story. So many things were not explained and you had to muddle through things and do a lot of inferring and conclusion jumping for sure. I wish there was maybe a bit of a prologue and perhaps also a few more explanations of certain parts of the setting. Like when and why did humans become so intimately linked with computers? it was all a little to far-fetched when there was no rhyme or reason to many of these things.
I suggest you read it for yourself with an extremely open mind and keep your thinking cap on so you are able to keep all the details together and in important order.
I absolutely love the dragon series written under Claire's other name Deborah Cooke, so i'm willing to continue to give the series a chance. But i think i'll have to wait a while to get my mind back in order.
April 12, 2016
I don’t read too many SciFi series and wasn’t sure what to expect. This story takes place in the future, and I thought started out a little slow. That could be due to all of the historical information, including the Republic’s rules/codes at the beginning of the story which sets up the storyline for the book.
This book takes place in a post nuclear world where Lilia is a Shade hunter who wants to find out what really happened to her husband, as she didn’t believe the details of his “accidental” death. As Lilia digs for information on her husband’s death, she finds herself in danger. Adam is a Angel who lost his wings as he volunteered for a mission. Here on earth, Adam is a police detective who tries to complete his mission without catching the attention of the government. Together they end up helping each other, and learn they need to trust each other with a little romance mixed in. I really enjoyed these characters and the storyline.
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes place in a post nuclear world where Lilia is a Shade hunter who wants to find out what really happened to her husband, as she didn’t believe the details of his “accidental” death. As Lilia digs for information on her husband’s death, she finds herself in danger. Adam is a Angel who lost his wings as he volunteered for a mission. Here on earth, Adam is a police detective who tries to complete his mission without catching the attention of the government. Together they end up helping each other, and learn they need to trust each other with a little romance mixed in. I really enjoyed these characters and the storyline.
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2016
This was a romantic futuristic (dystopian) suspense story, with paranormal elements. It is set in the future with a different kind of government organization that is more oppressive of the people, and restrictive of women's rights. The Hero is an angel who has come to earth as a volunteer, working as a policeman. The heroine is a scientist who is trying to solve a murder of someone close to her. In this society a group of people is treated as slaves and called, "shades." These are people with genetic mutations, generally due to exposure to radiation. I enjoyed this book,the first in a series, and found it to be very well written. The hero and heroine are at odds and each have secrets they are trying to protect, though the attraction between them is strong as well. I found the world presented through the book to be interesting, as well as the description of the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2016
I'm not sure about this book, it markets itself as a romance but I found little romantic about it. It also seemed a little muddled between the cyberpunk, steampunk and dystopia. The first mention of a corset had me going back a little bit to see if I'd missed something but it went on to explain, it was a startling juxtaposition with the rest of the book. We are going to make women dress in corsets and Victorian style clothing because we can.
The romance was incidental to the story, I got the impression they didn't so much fall in love as deeply in lust and the story could have happened without the sex.
I like the idea though, if it had fleshed out differently I might have enjoyed it more. Angels tend to be too one dimensional but I'm always interested in new ways they are presented (really, the same could be said of vampires but that tends to be all in the origin story, angels have too much cultural/traditional weight behind them to play with it much).
Maybe the following books will flesh out a little better.
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
The romance was incidental to the story, I got the impression they didn't so much fall in love as deeply in lust and the story could have happened without the sex.
I like the idea though, if it had fleshed out differently I might have enjoyed it more. Angels tend to be too one dimensional but I'm always interested in new ways they are presented (really, the same could be said of vampires but that tends to be all in the origin story, angels have too much cultural/traditional weight behind them to play with it much).
Maybe the following books will flesh out a little better.
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2010
I bought this book for a dollar. I figured; what the heck? And I liked it. It's not the most stellar plot, and the sex scenes were rather irritating (I just skipped through them. I was not left confused, leading me to believe that Delacroix wrote them in just to sell, and that they contributed nothing to the plot. I was right.) However, it was a dystopia sort of thing, but not exactly. More like an anti-big government conspiracy theory type of thing. In other words, right up my alley. :) I like dystopias and I like conspiracy and I hate big government. So really, it was great! Well worth the dollar. But like I said, the plot wasn't stellar. The characters were not dear to my heart. They were amusing, and I rooted for them, but I didn't really care about them. It wasn't like Harry Potter or Shiver, where I cried when something bad happened to the characters. But yeah, it was a good read. Entertaining at least.
March 1, 2012
This book was an odd mix of Victorian values and fashion and futuristic dystopian. Society is super conservative with Victorian fashion and strict rules surrounding dress and decorum. Yet it takes place in the future where most major cities have been destroyed by nuclear bombs. Weapons and armour are very advanced with everyone having a micro computer inserted in the palm of their hand. I found this mix odd and a little jarring, almost disjointed at times.
The story was quick and action-packed. Yet it seemed to drag at times.
The romance did not play a large part in the story. It was erotic-ish yet not very hot or romantic.
I loved the idea of the fallen angels yet found this plotline to be very unused and underdeveloped. Based on the title, I expected more from this angle.
Overall, this was an interesting book that fell flat. It was an odd mix of elements that did not seem to be fitted together in a seamless manner.
The story was quick and action-packed. Yet it seemed to drag at times.
The romance did not play a large part in the story. It was erotic-ish yet not very hot or romantic.
I loved the idea of the fallen angels yet found this plotline to be very unused and underdeveloped. Based on the title, I expected more from this angle.
Overall, this was an interesting book that fell flat. It was an odd mix of elements that did not seem to be fitted together in a seamless manner.
February 11, 2016
I have read a lot of Claire Delacroix's medieval fantasy books, but this is the first SciFi story. I enjoyed it and will continue with the series.
Lilia is a Shade Hunter who has come to New Gotham to investigate the death of her husband. Adam Montgomery is a policeman with a secret; he is really an Angel come to earth on a mission to save mankind.
The Earth is a mess. Nuclear detonations in major cities have destroyed the populace. Children in utero at the time of the various blasts are born with mutations and deformities. The government does not regard them as human and calls them 'shades'. Shades are slaves, meant to do the work that no one else wants.
This is a fast paced story that makes you want to keep reading to discover more. Lilia is a strong female lead and Adam is an interesting character also. The plot makes you think about the state of our world and where mankind is headed. Definitely a good read.
Lilia is a Shade Hunter who has come to New Gotham to investigate the death of her husband. Adam Montgomery is a policeman with a secret; he is really an Angel come to earth on a mission to save mankind.
The Earth is a mess. Nuclear detonations in major cities have destroyed the populace. Children in utero at the time of the various blasts are born with mutations and deformities. The government does not regard them as human and calls them 'shades'. Shades are slaves, meant to do the work that no one else wants.
This is a fast paced story that makes you want to keep reading to discover more. Lilia is a strong female lead and Adam is an interesting character also. The plot makes you think about the state of our world and where mankind is headed. Definitely a good read.
November 21, 2008
In a post-apocalyptic world, angels descend to Earth to thwart evil and save humanity. The heroine is a scientist looking into the death of her husband, with whom she had a troubled relationship. The world has reverted to repressing women, and humans born with genetic defects are classified as non-human and used in unnerving ways. The hero works for the state police and meets the heroine when she is picked up for entering a forbidden, radioactive area, and there's an attraction, which disturbs her. But he's not what he seems. And she's got deep, dark secrets too. This story is set in a complex world with a lot of secrets and complex characters, which makes it hard to describe in a quickie reviewlet. It's dark, and different, and interesting, and a good read for those willing to plunge into the unfamiliar world. I liked it.
May 30, 2016
The Prometheus Project Book One
Lilia Desjardins is convinced that the death of her husband, Gideon, was not a suicide. She travels to New Gotham to meet with someone who claims to have more information, only to find the shade dead. The following tragedies pile up to frame Lilia for death and destruction. Police Detective Adam Montgomery, a former angel, is trying to figure out the enigmatic woman who presents as the perfect suspect. However, he has been with her during several of the murders. The two are in a race against time to find out what Gid discovered to get him killed before Lilia is caught in the crossfire.
If you're looking for a new take on the dystopian society and nuclear fallout, this is the book for you!
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Lilia Desjardins is convinced that the death of her husband, Gideon, was not a suicide. She travels to New Gotham to meet with someone who claims to have more information, only to find the shade dead. The following tragedies pile up to frame Lilia for death and destruction. Police Detective Adam Montgomery, a former angel, is trying to figure out the enigmatic woman who presents as the perfect suspect. However, he has been with her during several of the murders. The two are in a race against time to find out what Gid discovered to get him killed before Lilia is caught in the crossfire.
If you're looking for a new take on the dystopian society and nuclear fallout, this is the book for you!
Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2013
Montgomery is a sexy angel who gave up his wings to save our Earth. Lilia is a rogue shade hunter who is determined to find out the true cause of her husband's mysterious death. When these two get together, the exchanges are full of sexual tension. Yet, both of them deny their attraction to each other.
But feelings can only be denied for so long, even for so long. When their missions become intertwined, secrets are revealed, passions are explored, and both characters are sent on the run in order to survive.
Fallen is a fast-paced, engaging, and sexy story that takes place in a future where society is living with the results of nuclear fallout. I highly recommend this story to fans of paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and dystopian stories.
But feelings can only be denied for so long, even for so long. When their missions become intertwined, secrets are revealed, passions are explored, and both characters are sent on the run in order to survive.
Fallen is a fast-paced, engaging, and sexy story that takes place in a future where society is living with the results of nuclear fallout. I highly recommend this story to fans of paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and dystopian stories.
April 29, 2016
It is not something that I would normally read. While it is not a bad book, I found parts of it to be kind of slow. Since it is classified as a romance book I kind of expected there to be more romance between the two main characters but there is not much. I felt that their relationship should have been more developed.
As a reader I also felt that there was not that much background into the futurist society given to explain the different variations in human culture, what the republic was, how it came to be, Shade vs, Human, etc. While I did end up enjoying the book it is not something that I would necessarily read again or continue to read as a series.
Copy gifted by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a reader I also felt that there was not that much background into the futurist society given to explain the different variations in human culture, what the republic was, how it came to be, Shade vs, Human, etc. While I did end up enjoying the book it is not something that I would necessarily read again or continue to read as a series.
Copy gifted by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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