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The Fallen #1
Fallen Blood
What mystery surrounds an abandoned house now owned by the Federal government, that would bring men dressed in black to a frightened teen's home in the middle of the night? That would have them drag her parents from their home? What would have them desperately searching for her, to keep whatever secret they hide. Her only hope is a lovesick teen with a secret of his own to hide.
Vampire blood. Is it a curse, or is it a blessing? For two people in love, it's about to be a little of both.
Vampire blood. Is it a curse, or is it a blessing? For two people in love, it's about to be a little of both.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2010
11 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 3, 2010
AWESOME BOOK! CAN WE HAVE ANOTHER FINISHING WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM WHEN THEY GO TO VEGAS, AND DECIDE WHAT TO DO FROM THERE WITH THEIR LIVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP? OR TALK TO HIS AUNT AGAIN?
September 14, 2011
This was the first vampire novel I read and it definitely won't be my last. The characters were great and the author gave such good details. This book was an easy read that I quickly finished. Get it, you won't be disappointed!
June 6, 2011
This was an interesting take on vampires.
The protagonist, Brian, though a vampire is unlike other vampires we have seen on TV or read about in other novels.
Yes he does drink blood, but there's a variety of other qualities, abilities in particular that set him apart.
Brian is a vampire who awakened on his 13th birthday. He's never known his father and his mother is dead. He is provided with with blood and other supplies by his auntie and he goes to high school. He is in love with Heather,m who according to him is the epitomy of femininity and beauty. As a vampire he has the ability to enter her dreams and generally see where she is and it is this ability that gets him into trouble. While Heather and her friends are partying at an abandoned house they are picked up by a strange group of people. Heather escapes thanks to Brian, but her parents are taken. Brian takes it upon himself to save Heather and help her understand what is going on and get her parents back.
I have to admit that it was an original story and I really wanted to enjoy it more, but there were a few things that really made me roll my eyes a little.
Yes, the abilities were unique and cool but the love story just didn't convince me. Even Heather herself, says in the book that she had never talked to Brian before that day and they lived across the street from each other. I can understand that Brian was in love with her but the way he spied on her all the time, watching her sleep, entering her dreams...was a little more than creepy (in my opinion)...it was pretty unsettling.
Then there were several spelling and other errors and a lot of repetition. There must have been at least 5 scenes where Brian watched Heather sleep, described similarly, if not exactly the same. Maybe it was my copy (because I have purchased this copy quite some time ago and didn't check for any newly-edited versions),though, so I can't say anything else about that.
What really bothered me the most, though, was that Brian generally seemed unable to form any kind of emotional attachment or relationship with anyone else other than Heather and his mom. To be alive so many years and not have the capacity of feeling something that isn't connected to lust and/or mother-child love is disturbing... Then again, maybe his kind of vampires are different.
The only person he seemed to care a little about was Bobby and that was after he had used him numerous times already. He didn't even feel really sorry for Heather's parents. He was just glad he had the chance to be with her.
Though the book wasn't very short, I think it would be so much better, had it been just a little prologue to the series, because the way it left everything (almost) unexplained and there was no solid world building (I mean what are covens? How does the Government know about this? What's the hierarchy in the societies?), it felt like a teaser and not a book.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book, because I do believe that it's going to be so much better and explain things more as well as give us the chance to get to know the characters better and sympathize with them.
All in all, an interesting read introducing us to a whole new version of vampires and to two kids, Heather and Brian, who apparently are more valuable than they realize.
The protagonist, Brian, though a vampire is unlike other vampires we have seen on TV or read about in other novels.
Yes he does drink blood, but there's a variety of other qualities, abilities in particular that set him apart.
Brian is a vampire who awakened on his 13th birthday. He's never known his father and his mother is dead. He is provided with with blood and other supplies by his auntie and he goes to high school. He is in love with Heather,m who according to him is the epitomy of femininity and beauty. As a vampire he has the ability to enter her dreams and generally see where she is and it is this ability that gets him into trouble. While Heather and her friends are partying at an abandoned house they are picked up by a strange group of people. Heather escapes thanks to Brian, but her parents are taken. Brian takes it upon himself to save Heather and help her understand what is going on and get her parents back.
I have to admit that it was an original story and I really wanted to enjoy it more, but there were a few things that really made me roll my eyes a little.
Yes, the abilities were unique and cool but the love story just didn't convince me. Even Heather herself, says in the book that she had never talked to Brian before that day and they lived across the street from each other. I can understand that Brian was in love with her but the way he spied on her all the time, watching her sleep, entering her dreams...was a little more than creepy (in my opinion)...it was pretty unsettling.
Then there were several spelling and other errors and a lot of repetition. There must have been at least 5 scenes where Brian watched Heather sleep, described similarly, if not exactly the same. Maybe it was my copy (because I have purchased this copy quite some time ago and didn't check for any newly-edited versions),though, so I can't say anything else about that.
What really bothered me the most, though, was that Brian generally seemed unable to form any kind of emotional attachment or relationship with anyone else other than Heather and his mom. To be alive so many years and not have the capacity of feeling something that isn't connected to lust and/or mother-child love is disturbing... Then again, maybe his kind of vampires are different.
The only person he seemed to care a little about was Bobby and that was after he had used him numerous times already. He didn't even feel really sorry for Heather's parents. He was just glad he had the chance to be with her.
Though the book wasn't very short, I think it would be so much better, had it been just a little prologue to the series, because the way it left everything (almost) unexplained and there was no solid world building (I mean what are covens? How does the Government know about this? What's the hierarchy in the societies?), it felt like a teaser and not a book.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book, because I do believe that it's going to be so much better and explain things more as well as give us the chance to get to know the characters better and sympathize with them.
All in all, an interesting read introducing us to a whole new version of vampires and to two kids, Heather and Brian, who apparently are more valuable than they realize.
December 31, 2010
At first I thought this story started out slow and maybe I was loosing focus with it, but as I thought about it there was so much mystery going on here my mind was constantly running through scenarios as I was trying to figure out what was going on and trying to make sense of it. So, where I thought it was slow, was just me trying to piece everyting together and taking it all in. Where things didn't make sense, the pieces started falling into place. The mystery was what hooked me. At first I thought Brian was a little crazy, maybe a little stalkerish and Heather came across as whiney and some what pathetic. I wanted to shake her and tell her to pull herself together, but when it comes down to it, I'd be a mess too and worried about my parents. If you come across this in the begining, hold on, things come together. I loved having the story told the heros perspective, that's always a nice change for me and what was even more amazing was watching Brian discover what he could and couldn't do with his powers as he tested his limits. Brian is a vamprire, in highschool and in love with the girl next door. Of course she is dating the stupid jock Chuck. He has some unique set of powers that he explores daily. His mother died six months before and is basically fending for himself with some small help from his aunt. He has been in love with Heather from afar, but is able to visit her in her dreams. As the story rolls on we see that Brian isn't one hundred percent sure what exactly he is and takes alot of notes from movies and books. He's not sure what else is out there and if he is the only one with his unique powers. He's been left in the dark. Brian get's the chance he has always wanted with Heather when she is in trouble and he is there to save her, but how much of it is from his power of suggestion?? What happens over this book is a lot of action, crazy government agents, a hairy beast and maybe a little bit of a love story. The last few chapters really were hard for me to put down as things started moving really fast. We had an intorduction to the aunt, a few things explained and the infamous showdown the story leads up to. We are left hanging at the end which makes me anxious for what is to happen next in Vegas. How is Bobby going to play out in this? Where is Chuck and Heather's parents. Nephilm was mentioned at the end and hoping to have Brian explore more of what exactly he is. Overall, I wasn't too sure in the begining if I would like it, but am glad I kept with it. I'm still a little questionable about Heather and am hoping she'll come into her own in the next book, can't wait to continue the story
May 15, 2012
...did I ever start reading this book?!?
Brian is our clueless little seventeen year old vampire who doesn't know if others like him exist. And he's in love with a girl (whose name I can't even remember. Yes, the story was that bad.) in his school since who knows when and almost his whole life he has been sneaking inside her dreams and doing you-know-what without her even realizing she's being dream-raped (apparently he's a dream-walking vampire).
She has a boyfriend whom she's so totally in "love" with.
Then one day as Brian gets ready to dance around in her dreams, to his surprise golden girl here hasn't gone to sleep yet so our poor Brian goes to spy on her anyway and somehow vaporizes himself and finds her with her boyfriend and other friends, in an old abandoned "mysterious" house.
Then all of a sudden, government agents start spilling in the house and arresting everyone there but, surprise! The girl has already headed home. Lucky for her, Brian had been following right behind and when he gets to know about the agents, he very nicely summons fog from god-knows-where and so the agents can't find her. Oh, and after this we also get to know that Brian can control humans by looking into their eyes. So, yeah he does this to her and tells her to go to his home
and ask him for help. And hence begins "The great adventures of Stupid Brian and his pathetic love".
Here are a few of the things that I definitely did NOT like about this book-
1) The plot which didn't seem that well executed.
2) The weak, DUMB (special emphasis on the word) and totally helpless main female lead.
3) The way Brian heartlessly kept killing (indirectly) innocent, clueless people and then just shrugging it off and being like "Oh, well we had to keep ourselves (him and his love) safe so I guess it doesn't matter."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2012
I received a copy of Fallen Blood courtesy of LibraryThing.
Starting Fallen Blood, I was a little confused, but also still curious. Brian is a vampire, but not not in the sense as we've come to know vampires. He's in love with Heather, but she doesn't even really know he exists. Even though she lives across the street from him, and he visits her in her dreams. Well, Brian ends up inadvertently saving Heather when her friends and parents are taken by these men in suits and dark glasses. Think Mr. Smith in The Matrix.
I found the writing style ok, the story wasn't too bad. I actually want to read the next, Tainted Blood, to find out where this whole thing goes. I found Heather a little too unbelievable of a character. She was just such an idiot, constantly changing her mind about stuff, she reminded me of one of the bimbo's in a slasher flick. The only reason Heather didn't end up getting axed is because Brian's weird obsession with her. I was actually hoping someone would knife her. Aside from that, Brian was a little arrogant when he shouldn't have been, but then again, he's a 17yr old vampire. People that like the Vampire Kisses series will definitely like Fallen Blood.
Starting Fallen Blood, I was a little confused, but also still curious. Brian is a vampire, but not not in the sense as we've come to know vampires. He's in love with Heather, but she doesn't even really know he exists. Even though she lives across the street from him, and he visits her in her dreams. Well, Brian ends up inadvertently saving Heather when her friends and parents are taken by these men in suits and dark glasses. Think Mr. Smith in The Matrix.
I found the writing style ok, the story wasn't too bad. I actually want to read the next, Tainted Blood, to find out where this whole thing goes. I found Heather a little too unbelievable of a character. She was just such an idiot, constantly changing her mind about stuff, she reminded me of one of the bimbo's in a slasher flick. The only reason Heather didn't end up getting axed is because Brian's weird obsession with her. I was actually hoping someone would knife her. Aside from that, Brian was a little arrogant when he shouldn't have been, but then again, he's a 17yr old vampire. People that like the Vampire Kisses series will definitely like Fallen Blood.
July 7, 2011
What starts out as a teenage obsession with a beautiful girl soon develops into a thrilling chase in Martin Sharlow's YA novel that presents a rather unique (and quite different) look at vampires and werewolves.
Admittedly the book offers both a fascinating premise and especially the main character Brian, who might not sparkle but needs blood to keep up his strength, was well thought out. Following the story through his eyes, from secretly following the girl of his dreams, Heather, and keeping her save from some strange pursuers, the book started rather slowly and only ever gained momentum towards the middle before ending with a cliffhanger and the promise of a sequel.
I really believe this could have been a good, even a great book, if it weren't for two things - first off the narrative itself could use some more polishing and streamlining, and secondly it needs some serious proof reading as there were so many grammar ans spelling mistakes that it was almost painful.
In short: A promising YA novel that's in desperate need of a good editor!
Admittedly the book offers both a fascinating premise and especially the main character Brian, who might not sparkle but needs blood to keep up his strength, was well thought out. Following the story through his eyes, from secretly following the girl of his dreams, Heather, and keeping her save from some strange pursuers, the book started rather slowly and only ever gained momentum towards the middle before ending with a cliffhanger and the promise of a sequel.
I really believe this could have been a good, even a great book, if it weren't for two things - first off the narrative itself could use some more polishing and streamlining, and secondly it needs some serious proof reading as there were so many grammar ans spelling mistakes that it was almost painful.
In short: A promising YA novel that's in desperate need of a good editor!
September 16, 2011
I really enjoyed this book...I always like to read books that take a well known story or idea and adds a new twist and this book definitely did that. I also liked how relate-able the characters were and how Brian was dealing with problem like any normal kid would, not just the fact that he was a vampire. It definitely kept my attention and I was caught up in the story. I love the high stakes that author created for the characters and the devastating possibility that could come from them. A thrilling story and I'm excited to read the sequel!
June 1, 2012
I had great hopes for this book. The premise was different and interesting...a combination that usually spells winner. Unfortunately, not in this case. The pacing drags, there are inconsistent character issues with Brian, (he's known he's different his whole life but describes things and acts in ways that point toward the opposite fact), and then there are the editing issues. Every book has them, so I try to overlook small errors. Sometimes though, there are just too many. Others may enjoy the unique premise and action without being distracted by the things that bothered me.
July 17, 2011
MARTIN C. SHARLOW'S "FALLEN BLOOD" (REVIEW)
A Vampire named Brian falls for a human girl named Heather and finds himself going to extraordinary lengths to not only keep her safe but to make her fall for him. The only problem is when he's forced to reveal his true nature he has to take the chance on her being able to keep his secret and not finding him to be more of a monster than the ones she's running from.
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
A Vampire named Brian falls for a human girl named Heather and finds himself going to extraordinary lengths to not only keep her safe but to make her fall for him. The only problem is when he's forced to reveal his true nature he has to take the chance on her being able to keep his secret and not finding him to be more of a monster than the ones she's running from.
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
September 16, 2011
I bought "Fallen Blood" because I love vampire novels. I really enjoyed this book. I can definitely see it being turned into a Hollywood motion picture.
Sharlow engages the reader with an exciting plot, about "Brian" a teen vampire who has a crush on a teenage girl named "Heather". "Fallen Blood" is a dangerous, mysterious, spellbinding love story. From the moment I started reading this book, I was not able to put it down. I was immediately drawn into the intriguing vampire world.
Sharlow engages the reader with an exciting plot, about "Brian" a teen vampire who has a crush on a teenage girl named "Heather". "Fallen Blood" is a dangerous, mysterious, spellbinding love story. From the moment I started reading this book, I was not able to put it down. I was immediately drawn into the intriguing vampire world.
July 27, 2011
It's nice to have a YA book from the male perspective. A little creepy with his use of mind control and his trying to control her via dreams though. Interesting enough I didn't stop reading it but not interesting enough to make me in any hurry to read the second one. It was just kind of ho-hum for me.
September 16, 2011
Who DIDN'T feel out of place in high school?? I've read a few vampire novels, and I found this one enjoyable. I really like the new angle of having the character be a "better" version of himself in the dreams of his unrequited love. It had depth to it, but was still an "easy" read. I'll be checking out more of the books in this series!
April 4, 2015
I wasn't really impressed with this book as the writing style and errors were not good BUT it sucked me in. The end was much better than the beginning. We were given lots of things to be curious about but I wasn't driven to rush into the next book for answers. Perhaps down the track but not now. Still worth 3 star rating though as it did get pretty good.
February 22, 2013
Sparkling vampires? It was bad enough when it was done the first time in Twilight. I was fighting the urge to put this down before that anyway because of how obsessed the main character was with the girl. (And the fact that i was bored to tears) But that was the cherry on the cake.
September 11, 2016
It was ok, but not at all what I thought it was...
March 24, 2013
Two words. Proof. Read.
Want to read
November 17, 2015Interesting plot so far. Not a really big fan of the font that the paperback has, maybe it's different one on the ebook version?
Want to read
November 5, 20162015 Reading Challenge: A book at the bottom of your to-read list
June 11, 2011
I liked it alot but it needed more depth.
June 23, 2012
Some good ideas, but lacks some stuff ;)
kindle-i-own-to-read
November 4, 2012Amazon Freebie 11/3/2012
June 12, 2015
Weak characters. Plot seems to be all over the place. Struggling to finish.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews