Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Book Description:

Paperback, 324 pages

Published March 1, 2011 by New American Library

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.

Source: New American Library & Kayleigh (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Falling Under reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, like most books recently, especially with the maze and the merrymaking in Theia’s dreams. The world in Theia’s dreams not only looked real but it felt real. There, she encountered Haden, devastatingly gorgeous with mischief and dark promises in his eyes. But underneath that there was sadness in him that drew Theia in. The attraction she felt was genuine, she was in no way compelled, and that just made things more difficult and complicated because Haden was not safe for her. Despite all the things she and her father did to make sure that she did not follow her mother’s wild ways, will Theia give it up for Haden?

The worlds that Hayes created in Falling Under were mesmerizing. Theia’s world revolved around Serendipity falls, her school, her friend, her music, her father’s rules and her vivid dreams. There were cliques in the school as well. The Sneetches, the rich and the popular, were present. Then there were people like Theia and her friends, Amelia and Donny. Amelia was her Korean friend who was into tarot cards, crystal ball and metaphysical things. Donny was the sexy and irresistible of their trio. I admired their friendship and how they accepted each other and adjusted despite their differences. The other world, the one that Theia and Haden shared in her sleep was colorful, weird, and frightening. It was filled with surprises and horrors.

When Theia met Haden in school as the new kid, things started to spiral out of control. As the dreams with Haden continued, Theia developed a sense of confusion about him. He was hot then cold, pulling her in only to push her away the next minute. When Haden finally confesses what he really was and what his intentions for being in her world were, things started to get worse. Unpredictable, thrilling and sinister, Falling Under was a joy to read. It has humour, sarcasm, danger and romance in it.

Falling Under is romantic, mysterious, disturbing and addicting. It is a tale about making sacrifices, discerning reality and facing the consequences of actions and decisions. It was filled with twists and turns that I really enjoyed. I recommend this to fans of paranormal romance.

Rating: