Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Falling Under, Gwen Hayes

Release date: 1st March 2011

Publisher: Penguin Group
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Pages: 324

Series: Falling Under

1. Falling Under

2. Dreaming Awake (January 2012)

Author's website

In her dreams he’s irresistible—seductive, charming, and undoubtedly dangerous. But when he appears to her when she’s awake—and captivates her just the same—she’s not sure which way is up and which is down.

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life, not allowed the same freedoms as the rest of the teenagers in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, she feels every urge she’s ever denied burning through her at the slightest glance from Haden Black. Theia knows she’s seen Haden before—not around town, but in her dreams.

Theia doesn’t understand how she dreamed of Haden before they ever met, but every night has them joined in a haunting world of eerie fantasy. And as the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her forward 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 as she slowly discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.  

I picked up Falling Under with low expectations. I had read an excerpt, and the whole 'I'm not safe for you' reminded me too much of Twilight. The whole concept of the book reminded me of Twilight. And I'm really just sick of Twilight. But I had read a great review of the book and decided, Why not?

Let me tell you: While it may sound like Twilight, it's not. The beginning sucks you in, and I just couldn't put it down. Theia is a very relateable character-- she's not super strong or confident, and is very sheltered but wants to breaks free of her father's strong cage. She's got two great friends which aren't just accessories; they add to the story and help move it along, as well as adding sub-plots to the book.

I don't know about Haden. I didn't really like him much. What I mean is, I just didn't fall for him. He was way too hot-and-cold for me. I mean, who wants a guy who's a bastard to you one minute and then sweet the next? Oh, wait... *coughBellacough*. I just didn't end up liking Haden, despite him turning out to be a good guy in the end. Haden is very confident in his abilities to embarrass and frighten Theia, and he uses his hotness to make her jealous. He appears in her dreams and despite them getting on together in the dreams, Haden ignores Theia or isn't very nice to her in real life. I just didn't like that. If a guy was like that to me, I'd either ignore him or ask him what the hell was going on-- which Theia did, but waaayyy too late int he book, in my opinion.

Talking about Twilight, I loved what Theia said:

Haden sighed and his eyelids lowered, his gaze resting on my lips. "I'm serious, Theia. You'll never be safe with me."

"If you are about to tell me you are a vampire that glitters in the sunshine, I will--"

I thought that was funny, kind of making fun of Twilight, but also ringing very true: The whole 'You aren't safe around me!' crap got annoying so damn fast, I can't tell you how much I wanted to stab Haden. That got old the first time he said it, and the whole trying to keep Theia away from him? We all know they're gonna end up together anyways; just hurry up and skip all the teen angst crap!

The good points are that while it wasn't too fast paced, some things did happen and they were hugely dramatic. I actually did enjoy this book, despite being very unhappy at some points. It got a bit steamy at one point and I was all for it, but then something happened and I ended up cursing Gwen Hayes!

My verdict: Whist a compelling and interesting read, its plot and themes ran too close with Twilight for me to fully appreciate the book. I always enjoy a book where I feel strongly enough about it that I want to chuck it at a wall-- even if it's annoyance. A definite book to add to every one's TBR pile. :)