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The Curse of the Fallen

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Catherine O’Halloran is going to die. Twenty years ago, her sister heard a terrible wail, a relentless keening that no one else could hear. Catherine didn’t believe her—until she saw a banshee crying at their bedroom window the night her sister died. Now Catherine has begun to hear the same wailing, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before the same dark specter pays her a visit.

But Catherine has no intention of going gently into that good night, so she travels to Ireland for answers about the banshee’s curse hanging over her family. After a near deadly attack from a malevolent spirit, she meets Liam—a Fae sent to help her. Liam tells her the terrible truth: the banshee is part of a league of Dark Fae that collects human souls. If Catherine doesn’t find a way to stop the banshee, her and her sister’s souls will be lost forever.

Catherine and Liam must travel through the past and into the misty Fae underworlds for a miracle. But when Liam reveals he has his own agenda in this war of souls, Catherine must decide between saving herself and her sister’s soul or protecting all of humanity from darkness.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2018

3 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Colleen Halverson

7 books504 followers
As a child, Colleen Halverson used to play in the woods imagining worlds and telling stories to herself. Growing up on military bases, she found solace in her local library and later decided to make a living sharing the wonders of literature to poor, unsuspecting college freshmen. After backpacking through Ireland and singing in a traditional Irish music band, she earned a PhD in English with a specialization in Irish literature. When she’s not making up stories or teaching, she can be found hiking the rolling hills of the Driftless area of Wisconsin with her husband and two children.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Jai.
170 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2018
KA-RAY-ZZZZ! Crazy! Crazy good! This book will definitely take you on a death defying, breathtaking, amazing adventure! I am so glad when I decided to read this book it wasn't at night. I was captivated by the title alone and did not read the synopsis. I cannot begin to describe how happy I am that I've had an opportunity to read this book. The world building is incredible and a good amount of interesting and unusual creatures.

I do have to admit Catherine's headstrong disregard for personal safety and the safety of others really graded on my nerves. In the book she refers to herself as a control freak and I can see where that could be true, but I think it could've been portrayed differently. Her past has molded her into the person she is today, but her choices cause her to make stupid decisions.

Truth be told Liam's character was well written. There are so many facets to him, that intrigues you and draws you in to want to know more about him. One moment he is secretly (tricking) asking for help and the next moment he is offering a kind word or a gentle touch. He serious but fun, secretive but open, alpha but willing to submit... I could go on. Very enjoyable read indeed. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Nancy .
118 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2018
Usually I read romance, all kinds of romance. But I became hooked on Halverson's writing by reading her "Aisling Chronicles" as a favor to a friend of a friend. I offer a review of "The Curse of the Fallen" after receiving an ARC of the novel.

If you live long enough, eventually you'll collect a few would of, should of, could of moments, especially if those moments are tethered to personal tragedy and loss. Such moments often become a force within the individual. With this premise, we join Liam and Catherine's experience into a haunting tale where a Fae, Liam, seeks the light and the human, Catherine, seeks the dark. The tale is peppered with Irish lore as we teleport between past and present. I thoroughly enjoy Halverson's style because she develops her characters and their story with emotion and within vivid cinematic prose. Liam and Catherine are believable even when they travel through the fantastically evil realms. When you are led to believe all is lost and you come to terms with that, you find different sources for existence. So, take a journey with Liam and Catherine as they teleport into dark nightmarish circumstances while they chase what haunts them. I love everything about this book, Please give it a try.
Profile Image for Kim.
6 reviews
October 1, 2018
Halverson has this way with words and with heroines. She pulls you into these amazingly rich worlds, but rather than them feeling overwhelming or heavy, they feel immediate and real. I am with Catherine as she faces down her fears. I'm with her as she grieves for her sister and finds her resolve. One thing that I always appreciate about Halverson's heroines is that they don't need rescuing. Don't get me wrong, there's some hot romantic tension and a master class in how consent can be so sexy, but Catherine is strong and fierce. And even when she is vulnerable, you don't feel like she is weak or simpering or navel-gazing. I particularly appreciated the details and nuances of how Catherine's reporting skills help her to uncover details, connect dots, etc. I can only hope that Halverson continues to explore these dark journeys with us.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
198 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2018
The Curse of the Fallen was an absolutely captivating story. I was glued to the pages to find out how this story would unfold. The book was very well written and the characters were interesting. The world and characters in the book seemed to come alive for me the more i read of the book. I definitely hope this becomes a series. I would definitely love more from these characters! I would definitely recommend reading this book!
received an advanced copy
Profile Image for Sharne Warren.
1 review
October 2, 2018
I loved this book. I enjoyed the development of the characters, the development of the story. I enjoyed the balance of action and a slow burn romance. Lately I am enjoying the theme of the light and dark in us all through the books I am reading. We can aspire to be better and accept the dark within. Anyway that's what I took from this story. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Micayla Lally.
Author 1 book15 followers
September 22, 2018
A gripping tale from my queen of faery tales! A wild ride through the dark places of the fae and into the arms of our new favourite faery prince. Catherine's quest hooked me from the beginning.
201 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2018
Liam and Catherine are well written characters. Colleen Halverson wrote a captivating story I liked Liam and Catherine's journey through the book.
Profile Image for Carole.
824 reviews
September 29, 2018
Colleen Halverson has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I have enjoyed her Aisling Chronicles - Through the Veil and Children of the Veil which are centered around the Fae.
After given the opportunity to review The Curse of the Fallen, I jumped at the chance.
Of course this story centered around Ireland and the Fae and one particular Fae named Liam.
I loved the main heroine Catherine and the fortitude that she had throughout her trials. No matter
how much trama she suffered through she was still loyal and strong. I feel fate and this is what drew Liam to her.
Without giving away any spoilers, the journey that they took was captivating.
On a side note I did find it confusing the definition of angels and faeries, but you will discovered that in the story. Even though the definition didn't match my understanding of the Fae the story was gripping.
I do wonder if this is a standalone or if it is the beginning of a new series as the way the book ended it left it wide open for more.
If you haven't read anything from Colleen Halverson, I highly recommend that you give this author a try, it is worth the money spent.
Profile Image for Natalie Noblett.
153 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2018
I was kindly given an ARC of Curse of the Fallen by Colleen Halverson and have read many of her previous books so was keen to read this one. It did not disappoint.
Catherine’s sister’s soul got taken by a banshee when Catherine was younger and now she has also heard the Banshee cry which means she is next. Catherine goes to Ireland to try to find a way out of having her soul taken and finds out that a curse was placed on her ancestors in the past.
The story is about Catherine trying to break the curse and save her sister’s and her own soul but Catherine is more important than she realised and she is soon thrown into a world she didn’t know existed.
This is a great story with a few twists and turns to keep you on your feet!
A great read. You will enjoy!
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,296 reviews63 followers
October 12, 2018
I found this story to be part romance, part horror and the combination together made for a compelling terrifying read! I have always been intrigued with Banshees ever since I saw the movie Darby O'Gill and the Little People when I was really young and this is the first story I have encountered on that subject ever since. In case you were wondering, Banshees are terrifying and amazing and you do not want to EVER run into one. I loved how Colleen gave a backstory to the scary creatures, as well as reasons and quirks- it really helped me visualize. Also, I am a sucker for Ireland- you set a book there and I will read it. Add in mythology and the Fey- bonus points!



Catherine was the main character of the story and she was as damaged as a character could be. As the book progressed, we learned they whys behind how she was as well as her desperate pursuit to find answers about her sister. There were times (many, many times!) where she would blindly run into a dangerous situation with no thought to the consequences or the fact it was a blatant lie. Over and over again she did stupid things and I really just wanted to shake sense into her. I found Liam to be a great character (my favorite actually!), so complicated and full of layers I was never sure what he would do or be capable of. I liked learning more about him and his reasons for the seemingly terrible things he took part in or forced on Catherine, and the sweet moments and truths he revealed made me want to hug him. The fact that he had any light in him was shocking based on his upbringing and I am concerned for his future promise.

The ending was very surprising (aka shocking), but I guess it should not have been after everything that occurred in the book. That being said, I am not sure if this is a standalone or not- the big issues wrapped up but I have so many more questions that I would love to have addressed because I do not know what will happen next in this world or to the characters I grew to know. This was my first book by Colleen but I look forward to picking up her Through the Veil books asap so I can get swept up in more magical, terrible adventures.

**Find me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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