Fallen

Dec 18, 2012 Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron (Mira, Crixus, Gannicus & Spartacus) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alien-life-immortals, favorites, paranormal-romance, dystopian

Imagine the world AFTER an attack decimates most of what we know as our world today. Well, the characters in this book characterize the events of their lives as things happened to them BEFORE or AFTER this apocalyptic event. This book was a really great read. I was glued to my kindle and couldn't put it down.

This story starts AFTER by introducing us to Emma Anderson, her biological daughter, Mandy, and 7 other orphans that she has "adopted" while looking for shelter from "the Mists". The Mists a...more Imagine the world AFTER an attack decimates most of what we know as our world today. Well, the characters in this book characterize the events of their lives as things happened to them BEFORE or AFTER this apocalyptic event. This book was a really great read. I was glued to my kindle and couldn't put it down.

This story starts AFTER by introducing us to Emma Anderson, her biological daughter, Mandy, and 7 other orphans that she has "adopted" while looking for shelter from "the Mists". The Mists are a nomadic pocket of energy that looks like a white mist. It dissolves people and buildings as it is attracted to specific minerals. It is described as a painful death, so everyone is fearful of breathing when it comes around. Emma has the task of protecting the family from small pockets of rogue survivors as they try to travel to safety in Canada. Apparently there is a place in Canada not affected by the mists according to news reports before communication was completely down.

As Emma inherits these children, she finds that each one has a unique paranormal gift because of the event. One of her children tells her that an approaching convoy comes from a safe camp, so Emma decides to take the children there. After all, it has become increasing difficult for her to take care and provide for 8 children on her own. Emma meets the leader of the group, Arthur, and offers a proposition: shelter and protection in exchange for contributions to his community...including the personal kind from Emma.

Arthur leads the camp with protection and his plans to rebuild their society. As everyone gets to know each other, we get a glimpse into each person's past. Little by little, the hidden secrets start unfolding, The BEFORE life becomes a barrier for the AFTER life, threatening to destroy the community that Arthur is trying to build.

The secondary characters in this book were very interesting. They provided a strong backdrop for this new movement. The female camp consisted of women survivors, many who did not trust men due to crimes committed AFTER. They functioned just as well as the male camps. It is nice to have a story where there are strong women characters. Emma, Tara, and Laurette were examples of the vast expertise that women add to society. There was a lot more to Alexei, the not-quite villain. He was brutal with glimpses of kindness and there was an inevitable confrontation with Arthur that kept me tense with anticipation.

I was completely engrossed in the story because I wanted to see how the relationship between Arthur and Emma would play out. I also wanted to see how Arthur would manage to create this new civilization he was dreaming of forming.

I enjoyed the author's storytelling because it was riveting, but the ending left me stunned. I can't wait for the follow up book because my emotions are dangling on a cliff.

***Reviewed for the Paranormal Romance Guild*** (less)

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Dec 15, 2011 ☆Jessie☆ (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia-or-postapocalyptic, sci-fi, netgalley-arc, 2011-reads, 2011-reviews, reviewed, arc

Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!

I, quite simply, wanted to love Fallen. I'm often an easy sucker for a well-told post-apocalyptic novel full of second chances and "special abilities": the exact premise and subsequent hope I had for this one when I stumbled upon it browsing NetGalley one night. I wanted to be swept away into a story of love and hope in the ashes of a epic, world-changing disaster, and on some levels that is exactly what Fallen is. Though Ms. Slatton's novel is quit...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-paranormal

Reviewed by Rebecca for www.BookChickCity.com - 2.5 Star on the blog.

FALLEN by Traci L. Slatton is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a mysterious killing mist that has swept the globe.

Our opening scene of the novel describes how frightening the mists can be, with the mist attacking our main character’s daughter, Mandy. We are given a description of how they affect the human body, sending people insane and eventually turning them to sand:

If she moved into...more

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Dec 26, 2011 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, dystopia

drey’s thoughts: Fallen starts off with a bang, capturing your attention right away…

Yikes!! This is so not a world I want to live in–a mysterious mist that kills, rogue bands of survivors who round up women and children for far more nefarious purposes than you could imagine, dwindling food supplies…

It is in this world that Emma Anderson finds herself in charge of her five-year-old daughter Mandy, and seven other children; trying to survive and keep them safe and alive. When she meets a band of m...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance, sci-fi

Reviewed by: April
Book provided by: author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Fallen by Traci L. Slatton is a book unlike any other that you have read. It will keep you at the edge of your seat and unable to pry your hands and eyes away!

As off as it may sound, I love a great apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic story. It allows all of those theories and thoughts of “what ifs” to run through my mind and I love to have crazy things like that to contemplate. When I read the synopsis of Fallen, I...more Reviewed by: April
Book provided by: author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Fallen by Traci L. Slatton is a book unlike any other that you have read. It will keep you at the edge of your seat and unable to pry your hands and eyes away!

As off as it may sound, I love a great apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic story. It allows all of those theories and thoughts of “what ifs” to run through my mind and I love to have crazy things like that to contemplate. When I read the synopsis of Fallen, I was instantly intrigued and could not wait to begin reading. However, when I did begin reading, I was a bit let down in the fact that I felt as though I was missing something – like perhaps a previous book in the series. Fallen is, indeed, the first book of the series, so I had not found myself in the middle of a series – though it felt a bit like that. Also, (and this is not giving anything away, as it happens within the first couple of chapters of the story), the idea that a woman would make her way to a complete stranger during such a perilous time and offer her body in return for a safe place for her and her group of children to stay seemed a bit “out there” to me. Emma had never met this man and his group of men before and though there were band after band of rogue groups riding around killing, abusing and crazy, somehow Emma felt at ease to offer this proposal to Arthur.

Other than those two aspects that I mentioned, I really enjoyed Fallen. It was a story that gripped me and held tight as I read. There are several characters within the story, the main two being Emma and Arthur – both of which I liked and felt at least a slight connection to, allowing me to care for them. The idea that mists coming from the Earth itself and creating such destruction, devastation and mind-numbing deaths was intriguing and interesting to me. Personally, this idea did not seem that crazy to me, which lent to the credibility of the reality/possibility of such a thing truly happening. I was also gripped with what the world would be like if such a thing were to actually happen – how such simple things as water, medicines, food and basic every day necessities would be gone and/or very few and far between. Toss in the after effects that the mists left behind in people – such as healing abilities, abilities to see into the future and several other talents and you have one heck of an intriguing story that you will be hard-pressed to put down for any length of time.

In addition to the story line of living through an apocalypse, there is the strong thread of the romance that develops between Emma and Arthur. Emma has a husband a continent away, however the fact that she may never again see him plays heavily in the back of her mind. She must focus on the here and now, as well as what is best for her young five-year-old daughter. Survival is the most important priority. It doesn’t take long for the strong chemistry and bond between Emma and Arthur to come to the surface, however the Arthur of the present is not the same person as the Arthur of the past and once his secrets come out, they may shatter everything that Emma has come to gather and the slight security that she has found with him.

Fallen had me on an emotional roller coaster at times – warming my heart, bringing tears to my eyes, heart thundering in suspense and unease as well as the yearning of heat and passion simmering over me. Traci L. Slatton has an excellent story telling ability that allows the reader to fall right in to the story with the characters – bringing the characters to life and the surroundings to vivid reality within the reader’s mind. With the exception of the couple of issues that I had with the beginning of the story, I loved Fallen. The second in the trilogy, Cold Light is also now available and I cannot wait to dive into it. The ending of Fallen had my heart aching and my mind yearning for more.

This is one that I highly recommend and must warn you that once you start, you will be hard-pressed to step away from Emma’s story!

Quote: ”It’s made us love each other. And once you love, the love is always there. You can’t ever run away from love,” she said. She gave me her bright five-year-old smile, and my heart expanded with something bittersweet, filling my chest and leaving me breathless with ache. Her words had the ring of prophecy, and I both feared and treasured them.(less)

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Sep 29, 2012 Erica Hunt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I finished Fallen a long time ago but have never gotten around to writing its review. The first thing I will say is I almost gave up on this book. I really was not into in the beginning, but I figured I would give it 100 pages and if I still hated it I would move on. Well there hit a point and I was sucked in. This book is a story about the world post end of days. It centers around a mother who is traveling with her own daughter, and several other children she has picked up along the way. Each c...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Sandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

FALLEN (After Trilogy #1) by Traci L. Slatton

FALLEN is the first book in author Traci L. Slatton’s After trilogy. Following an apocalyptic nightmare where most the world’s population has been eaten by the poisonous mists that seem to appear out of thin air, the remaining small pockets of survivors (throughout the world) fight to stay alive. With rations in short supply, and marauding bands of thieves and cannibals on the search for a new source of food, Emma Anderson and her little family of 8 s...more FALLEN (After Trilogy #1) by Traci L. Slatton

FALLEN is the first book in author Traci L. Slatton’s After trilogy. Following an apocalyptic nightmare where most the world’s population has been eaten by the poisonous mists that seem to appear out of thin air, the remaining small pockets of survivors (throughout the world) fight to stay alive. With rations in short supply, and marauding bands of thieves and cannibals on the search for a new source of food, Emma Anderson and her little family of 8 surviving misfit children must find a way to stay alive in the once proud country of France. But when the mists encroach towards her young daughter, she is relieved and awed by a group of men and their leader when they are seemingly able to control the mists. And to ensure their continued safety, Emma offers herself up to the man in charge. But Emma was secretly hoping that one day she would find her husband and eldest daughter alive and doing well.

Arthur is a leader. An alpha male whose word is law and a once proud military man, Arthur must defend and protect his encampment in the outskirts of France. Daily he and his men must patrol and hunt for supplies as well as fighting the rogue band of cannibalistic warriors and ward off other encampments hoping to procure their supplies. But when a beautiful young woman with blonde hair offers herself up to protect the children, Arthur’s heart begins to thaw, if only for a short time. People are dying and they had to find a way to survive.

The poisonous mists are a mystery. Approximately eleven months earlier, a seemingly harmless mist appeared over the Arctic Circle, devouring everything in its’ path-everything that contained minerals. But a side effect of the mists was an increase in human psychic energy. Many of the survivors had developed some powers and that included Emma and her daughter Mandy.

Throughout the story we are taken on an adventure in survival 101. Death is always present especially when many of the people would quickly succumb to the mists poisonous side-effects. But Arthur had a secret and a few at the encampment and surrounding sites knew, and it was with that secret that many feared and hated Arthur for the man he was Before the Day. Now Arthur appears to be the only one who is able to control the mists and it was a secret that Emma wanted to know.

Emma and Arthur’s relationship begins as an exchange to keep the children safe-their safety is guaranteed as long as Emma remains as Arthur’s mate. But as the storyline develops, we are witness to a man who never believed he was able or capable of finding love with a woman such as Emma. As their love for each other grows, so does the distance between them with the knowledge that each is hiding something from the other. And it is Emma’s desire to find her husband that will set a series of events between she and Arthur on a road to heartbreak and horror.

Death is a fact of life among the encampments as madness and psychotic breakdowns begin to eat away at the surviving hordes. Day after day, people hoping to find safety are willingly offering themselves to the camp, in order to be shielded from the mists, because Arthur has somehow protected his camp. But over time the camp has amassed a group of people who were once professionals in the Before. Doctors, engineers, cooks and scientists will gather to determine is there is a possibility of life in the After. But Emma will learn that life as she now knew it, was not necessarily an act of God, but an act of war that went horribly wrong.

FALLEN is a remarkable and well-written story of what people must do to survive. Cannibalism aside, the small bands of survivors are determined to eke out an existence knowing that their lives could end horribly and painfully within a matter of minutes or days. Those with some psychic abilities are sought after and used, but it is Emma’s powers that find her imprisoned in another camp by a one-time associate of Arthur's.

There is plenty of science fiction and paranormal activity. The minds of the survivors begin to merge as the potential for a collective consciousness known as bio-mind grows stronger within the encampments, but Emma will discover that her abilities are stronger than she had previously proclaimed. And the origins of the mists will force Emma to make a decision that will leave a trail of broken hearts and the thoughts of betrayal foremost on her mind. Some may not agree with what the people must do to survive, but then again, most of us will never know what it is like to live in an apocalyptic nightmare.

Copy supplied by Author

see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com(less)

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Jul 29, 2012 Annette M Guerriero Nishimoto rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Today's review is on Fallen (After) by Traci L. Slatton

Because I'm not a huge fan of the post-apocalyptic and/or dystopian genres, I was a bit hesitant to read Fallen. But once I got started there was nothing that could have kept me from finishing this fantastically written story. Packed with danger and excitement, twists and turns, and an amazing love story, Fallen is one of those books that you just have to have!

A strange mist has destroyed most of the earth and has killed millions of people....more

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Jul 01, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The post-apocalyptic world of this story, set in France, resulted from the appearance of a mysterious and lethal mist, first released from the bowels of the earth ten months previously. These white miasmas scorch anything in their paths except plant life. For humans who breathe them in, they cause a slow and agonizing death. Emma, a woman in her early thirties trying to keep alive her five-year daughter Mandy as well as seven other orphans who have come into her care, has steeled herself to kill...more The post-apocalyptic world of this story, set in France, resulted from the appearance of a mysterious and lethal mist, first released from the bowels of the earth ten months previously. These white miasmas scorch anything in their paths except plant life. For humans who breathe them in, they cause a slow and agonizing death. Emma, a woman in her early thirties trying to keep alive her five-year daughter Mandy as well as seven other orphans who have come into her care, has steeled herself to kill anyone struck by the mist, because it is better than letting them suffer. Emma only knew of one thing that could make the mists recede: thrumming percussive sounds, such as horse hooves or drumming.

As the book begins, Mandy is about to be overtaken by the mist when galloping horses approach and the noise saves them all. After the leader of this group of horsemen goes into a nearby building looking for scavenge, Emma follows him. She asks that he take her and the children into his camp, and help protect them. In return, she says, she will "contribute," and offers her body as payment. The man, Arthur, accepts on the condition of “a lot of contribution” and no attitude about it. Emma knew Arthur could keep them safe because one of her children, Newt, is clairvoyant. In fact, most of them have been changed in some way by the mists, which apparently have parapsychological effects on those who survive its onslaughts. Emma can heal with her hands, and this also becomes a “contribution” she gives to Arthur’s camp.

In time, Emma and Arthur develop strong feelings for one another, but as more mysteries are resolved about the origin of the mists, and about the existence of other survivors, the challenges they face are even greater than the threat of the crazed predators surrounding their camp. Can trust and hope and love survive the revelations of After? Or will they just be yet more casualties of the post-apocalyptic world?

Evaluation: At first I was horrified that this book was taking on a parapsychological orientation, but I think the author did a nice job of making it seem less "woo-woo" and more “scientifically” explainable. Some parts of the relationship between Arthur and Emma bothered me at first as well. But although sex was used for trade, and Arthur had expectations related to dominance, Emma was in no way submissive; rather, she could be seen as practical, and doing what she could to save her children. Fortunately, Arthur was not evil, or the entire tenor of the book would have been different. In the end, I came to enjoy the story a great deal, in spite of a particular expression Emma used a lot that got on my nerves (a very idiosyncratic quibble). But alas, although it’s not YA, it’s still a trilogy, and this is only book one! I will definitely be in line, though, when book two comes out!

Rating: 3.5/5
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Jun 19, 2012 Carol Ward rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love disaster movies - I think it has something to do with the way the survivors handle surviving. I love disaster/post-apocalyptic books even more, so it's safe to say I loved this book.

Fallen grabs you from the very beginning and only reluctantly lets you go at the end. Emma and her young daughter Mandy have been separated from the rest of their family by a very unnatural, world-wide disaster - a lethal mist that seems to come out of nowhere seeking metals to ingest, even the metals in human...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Emma has eight children she is valiantly trying to keep alive. Most of the world is dead as a deadly mist has rose through-out the world. One breath of it and you die, horribly. There are a few places, like Canada, that haven't been affected, but trying to cross an ocean is deadly.

She's been dodging rebel gangs for weeks now, and she's tired. When a band of friendly men help her save her daughter from the mists, she knows this is her chance. They have a safe camp and she will do what it takes to...more Emma has eight children she is valiantly trying to keep alive. Most of the world is dead as a deadly mist has rose through-out the world. One breath of it and you die, horribly. There are a few places, like Canada, that haven't been affected, but trying to cross an ocean is deadly.

She's been dodging rebel gangs for weeks now, and she's tired. When a band of friendly men help her save her daughter from the mists, she knows this is her chance. They have a safe camp and she will do what it takes to ensure they are given access there. The leader of the camp, Arthur, doesn't want to take her and the kids - the camp only has men. But Emma promises to contribute to him only. Arthur's been without a woman for a while now and can't deny her.

The mists not only brought death, but they brought something other as well. Many have received supernatural abilities. Emma's hands heal, one of her kids can see the future and her own daughter can see into the past. It's helpful but also scary. Many would want to use those abilities for their own gain.

Emma and the kids settle into camp life and the relationship between Emma and Arthur blooms into romance. However, there is a secret Emma hasn't told Arthur and a devastating secret that Arthur hasn't told Emma. When they come to light, it isn't the mists that will break their bond.

Fallen is an apocalyptic romance that is a treacherous journey of choices. What may have been right in the Before, might be wrong in the After. With no power, no gardening because of the deadly mists, no transportation, it is a different world. It is to each man for himself. There are medical emergencies, action-packed raids, life and death moments that will have you breathless as you hurriedly turn the page to see what happens and more. The first in a new trilogy, I cannot wait to see where Slatton takes her characters next. You can read Fallen as a stand-alone, but I assure you that by the last page, you will desperately want the next installment. Dystopian fans will devour this one!
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Nov 12, 2011 JenniferJ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh my God! This book was soooo so good! The first few sentences draw you in and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride and just when you think it's okay to uncover your eyes or quit screaming it takes off again!

Emma is a woman who has been separated from her husband and older daughter, been thru heck and saw so much pain and suffering from the mists that have taken over and killed most everything in their path. Strange things are happening because of the mists...the ones who have survived...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Allizabeth Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Description:
In this fast-paced post-apocalyptic romance, the Earth is plagued by lethal mists that dissolve all living organisms and metal structures, excluding plants. Anything the mists touch, including humans, becomes a formless dead dust; and most of the human and animal populations have fallen prey.
Emma and her daughter Mandy have survived the mists, finding food and shelter in whatever places they can. There are several orphaned children in their group, a few with strange gifts that mys...more Description:
In this fast-paced post-apocalyptic romance, the Earth is plagued by lethal mists that dissolve all living organisms and metal structures, excluding plants. Anything the mists touch, including humans, becomes a formless dead dust; and most of the human and animal populations have fallen prey.
Emma and her daughter Mandy have survived the mists, finding food and shelter in whatever places they can. There are several orphaned children in their group, a few with strange gifts that mysteriously manifested when the mists began. Emma can heal someone just by touching them, and one of the children is slightly clairvoyant.
When a group of men save Mandy from the mists, Emma must decide what is best for the children; traveling with no protection, or joining the new group? So she finds their leader, Arthur, and trades her "affections" for a safe haven.
Their bargain begins as necessity, trading her womanly goods for food and shelter, but Arthur and Emma eventually start to fall for one another. Unfortunately, as soon as they give in to their desires they are tested. The mists are getting worse, rogue riders are attacking, and the other survivors can't be trusted, especially around Emma and the children. Can Arthur and Emma protect themselves and everyone that's relying on them? Or will the mists claim everyone and everything they love?

Review:
Fallen definitely had my attention from page one. It is an intense post-apocalyptic action/romance that's so well written you feel like the mists exist; (and you will probably avoid fog after reading). Being a fan of the survival-horror genre, I didn't know how a "survival-romance" would mesh, but Traci Slatton made it work. Her writing style is really descriptive and has a great flow to it; one minute your heart is racing, and the next minute you can't help but smile. The characters, Emma especially, had an authentic quality to them. They weren't just cookie-cutter characters, but 3-dimensional, and the dialogue fit them perfectly. As for the plot, it was very well developed, fast-paced, twisty, unique, and you won't see the ending coming. I personally can't wait for the next book in the trilogy!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from FSB Associates (Telemachus Press) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.(less)

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Oct 14, 2011 Julie Witt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, reviewed

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

From Goodreads: "As chaos descends on a crippled Earth, survivors are tormented by strange psychic gifts. In this time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test. One woman with mysterious healing power guides seven children to safety. Charismatic Arthur offers her a haven. Slowly Emma falls for him. But at the moment of their sweetest love, his devastating secret is revealed, and they are lost to each other...more I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

From Goodreads: "As chaos descends on a crippled Earth, survivors are tormented by strange psychic gifts. In this time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test. One woman with mysterious healing power guides seven children to safety. Charismatic Arthur offers her a haven. Slowly Emma falls for him. But at the moment of their sweetest love, his devastating secret is revealed, and they are lost to each other."

This was a good read for fans of post-apocalyptic stories. This isn't a paranormal book, but more of a "this is what could happen if the scientists of the world are not watched a little bit more closely" type of book. It was definitely a quick read as I read it in under 24 hours.

The book starts out with Emma, her daughter Mandy, and their "family," kids who have been orphaned as a result of the mysterious mists that devour buildings and people, but not before driving the people mad. Emma comes upon Arthur and his band of merry men and realizes that she must hook up with them in order to survive. She gives herself to Arthur in exchange for the safety of her group, and I have to admit that this bugged me a little bit from the get go. I really don't think this book is for teens because of this premise and lots of incidences of violence towards women, including rape. Women are definitely looked upon as second hand citizens in the new world, but Emma retained her strength throughout the book, which I admired. She was a very tough but fair character, and a good role model to the children in her care. The understanding with Arthur is that this is just a relationship of convenience, with no feelings getting in the way. As time goes on, though, both Emma and Arthur start to feel more strongly for each other, and that causes problems between them. The biggest obstacle, and one Emma conveniently forgets to mention to Arthur, is that she is married. When the mists arrived, Emma and her younger daughter, Mandy, were visiting Europe for business, while Heywood (Emma's husband) and their older daughter, Beth, were visiting family in Canada. Emma hasn't given up hope of finding a way to communicate with and hopefully eventually travel to Canada to reunite her family.

There is a lot of action in the story, and a lot of violence, but I don't really think the violence was extraneous. It definitely gave you the idea that there were some bad, bad people who survived the mists and who would kill to survive, and sometimes just to torture.

Traci definitely describes a very scary picture of a world without leadership, but there were also a lot of moments of tenderness thrown in to show that the human spirit can survive the worst life can give you.

In summary, I had a little trouble swallowing some of the actions of the men and women in this story, but I still really, really liked the book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series :D(less)

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Oct 12, 2011 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-books

Reviewed by Jenny O. for Bite Club

The world we know is no longer here. A strange mist has been traveling around the world killing people or making them out of their mind. People who are left are either trying to hurt each other or trying to find safety in numbers and care for each other. Emma is trying to survive with her own daughter and seven other children that she has found parentless, or all alone. She knows how to stay safe from the mists but is unable to stop them if they get into her com...more Reviewed by Jenny O. for Bite Club

The world we know is no longer here. A strange mist has been traveling around the world killing people or making them out of their mind. People who are left are either trying to hurt each other or trying to find safety in numbers and care for each other. Emma is trying to survive with her own daughter and seven other children that she has found parentless, or all alone. She knows how to stay safe from the mists but is unable to stop them if they get into her companions. She has made a vow that if anyone is attacked by the mists she will just kill them because she does not want them to suffer. Emma is looking for a place to keep herself and her children safe when she meets Arthur. They strike a deal, he will take her and the children to his camp and offer them safety in exchange for Emma being his and offering him whatever he asks. She takes the deal and they are off. While living in camp, Emma feels like she is part of the group and feels safer, she also feels that there is something about Arthur that she cannot trust. As she falls for him, complications arise that will test their relationship, she holds a secret and so does he. Will they find a way to stop the mists, and be together or will they be torn apart?

This was an interesting book. I never knew what was going to happen from one chapter to the next. The whole time reading I kept thinking I had it figured out and then something would change. I liked how the relationships among the survivors were played out. They were all trying to keep themselves safe as well as work somewhat together to continue the human race. There was one group camp of people that was only women because they did not trust the men in the world that were left, while until Emma and the children arrived Arthurs camp was just men. It made me think about what would really happen if this story became true. Would people work together or would we naturally segregate ourselves into groups to feel safe. There were also some unexpected secrets on the part of the two main characters that really threw me for a loop and made the book that much better. I really think that this book would be best for high school age and older readers, it deals with mature topics that are best suited for the more world experienced reader. All in all this is a great read!!(less)

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Sep 14, 2011 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-publicist, for-review

When I read the last word of Fallen the first thing I did was grab my laptop to find out if this is in fact the bitter sweet end of the story, and I’m thinking, “this can’t be the end. Please don’t let this be the end of this story.” So, as I’m crying and searching frantically on Traci L. Slatton’s website I find out that Fallen is in fact part of a trilogy.

I’ve read many YA dystopian books but this is my first adult book in the genre and I think it was trying to tear my heart to shreds. If you...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Viviane Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The world is coming to an end from the mists, phenomena that eat through metals and flesh, leaving behind a sand-like, formless substance. One woman, however, has survived and with her daughter now travels with seven children. They arrive at a camp led by a mysterious, tough guy named Arthur who has created a safe camp and community where the mists cannot attack, but that does not mean they are safe by any means!

For Arthur possesses the ability to sense when the mists are approaching and is able...more The world is coming to an end from the mists, phenomena that eat through metals and flesh, leaving behind a sand-like, formless substance. One woman, however, has survived and with her daughter now travels with seven children. They arrive at a camp led by a mysterious, tough guy named Arthur who has created a safe camp and community where the mists cannot attack, but that does not mean they are safe by any means!

For Arthur possesses the ability to sense when the mists are approaching and is able to raise his arms and make the mists disperse permanently. So why is he is so hard and what secrets does he possess about the mists that he will share with no one. Emma makes a very quick agreement with Arthur in order to ensure the safety of her young charges, but she's clear that means no commitment. Arthur wants that contract to mean she will obey him no matter what, and therein the sparks begin to fly.

Emma lives to love her kids, several of whom have very specific and unusual psychic powers, a reality that seems to be tied to the presence of the devastating mists but one that saves their lives more than once. Arthur and the community members have other known and unknown enemies who can be just as lethal as the power bent on eradicating humanity and even the earth. Another female community has several members with their own gifts and they know something about Arthur that they keep telling her to ask him about; this part of the novel occurs with some annoying frequency but does add to the mystery of it all.

The remainder of the novel concerns the ultimate confrontation between rogue riders, Arthur's former friend and now enemy, Alexei, and some conflicts based on so-called Tesla technology. Science can be a very dangerous subject! Ultimately, a surprising conclusion leaves the reader breathless and yet anticipating a return to the core personal and communal conflicts and chaos in another follow-up novel.

The reader is forced to consider previously stable definitions of time, obedience, psychic powers, science, and most importantly, love. Powers exist, perhaps, that enhance long-ignored mental skills but is the power of memory too strong to allow for new ways of relating and the freedom to explore same without guilt and ignoring the instinctive inclinations of the heart?

Many, many questions arise as one reads this story that defies what can be falsely read as a simplistic story/plot. Traci L. Slatton is a writer to watch closely, including in whatever sequels follow this unique, well-written sci-fi novel!(less)

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Jul 14, 2012 Stéphanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, own, science-fiction, romance, supernatural-paranormal

It’s the end of the world. Probably. Mists appeared out of thin air one day, and they have brought destruction to the earth. The mists seem to have mind of their own and like sentient beings, they move around with a purpose, feeding on buildings, animals and humans, and eradicating them by turning them to dust. The whole world has been touched by these mists and from those who have survived, some have literally gone crazy while others have developed psychic abilities. At first, I really didn’t l...more It’s the end of the world. Probably. Mists appeared out of thin air one day, and they have brought destruction to the earth. The mists seem to have mind of their own and like sentient beings, they move around with a purpose, feeding on buildings, animals and humans, and eradicating them by turning them to dust. The whole world has been touched by these mists and from those who have survived, some have literally gone crazy while others have developed psychic abilities. At first, I really didn’t like the idea of having an apocalyptic phenomena create psychic abilities but the idea grew on me. Although the scientific explanations in the book aren’t exactly probable, they do add an intelligent layer to the story.

Emma is one of the few who survived and she has gained the ability to heal with the touch of her hands. I loved her as a main character because she is so solid and strong. She went through great lengths to find refuge for herself, her daughter and her adoptive kids and I strongly believe she made the right choice in joining the camp of a well organized men. Their leader, Arthur, is quite the character, but for some reason I had a love/hate relationship with him throughout the book. I loved him because he seemed like such a hero and such a do-gooder but at the same time, I hated him because I never really trusted him. His secrets and his inability to share with Emma more or less turned me off.

Obviously, some type of romantic relationship develops between Emma and Arthur. I love the basis of the relationship, although I totally didn’t expect what happened between them in the first chapter. I have to admit, their bickering and their fighting is quite engaging and it’s the reason the love story behind the book is so interesting. I don’t want to spoil any surprises but it’s quite obvious, as you read the book, that secrets will create a lot of tension, not only between Emma and Arthur, but between the whole group of survivors. Although I understand the secret Emma hid from Arthur was pretty huge and that he had the right to know beforehand, I despised Arthur for accusing Emma of not sharing, when his secret was obviously way bigger than hers.

As I mentioned earlier, the mists seems to have a mind of their own, and it seems they have preferences when it comes to what they “eat.” For example, butterflies are not on the menu since they don’t have the right composition of minerals. I like the symbolism behind this, since butterflies are very fragile creatures and it goes to show that beauty and simplicity can still be found in a world of darkness and chaos. Emma daughter’s, Mandy, finds pleasure in chasing butterflies, even when the world is in pieces. Chasing after butterflies can be childish, but sometimes, chasing after something beautiful and fragile can be worthwhile. It might be childish hope that keeps us chasing after the things we want, but humanity without its fragility and hope would be nowhere.

As a whole, I really enjoyed this novel. It’s quite dark at times with the death of so many people and the fighting amongst gangs of survivors, but it works for me! The survival aspect of the novel is very realistic. When an author goes into details, explaining simple things like living habits, hygiene and survival conflicts, it proves to me that the author has really put some extra thoughts into his or her story. And Traci L. Slatton added a great amount of these details, creating a realistic image of a brutal world.

Post-apocalyptic books aren’t my usual forte, but I must admit, there’s something quite special about this book. It’s a love story disguising as horror/post-apocalypse and I think the author did an awesome job in weaving together all the different elements. I will absolutely read the sequel some time in the future, but for those who can’t wait, the second book has already been released recently! I don’t believe this series has enough to go on, beyond a couple more books, so I’m actually glad the series will only be a trilogy. Slatton is a wonderful discovery and fans of the genre will be satisfied with FALLEN since, not only is it very original, but it also has a good solid love story at the heart of the book.(less)

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Nov 03, 2011 Anncleire rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, 2011, i-can-t-stop-to-think-about, dystopian

“Fallen” racconta di un mondo distrutto da una specie di nebbia o vapore, mist che si nutre di metalli e va ad intaccare la biomind, quella parte del cervello che normalmente non utilizziamo. La protagonista è Emma, una donna che è bloccata in Francia con una delle sue figlie Mandy e che dopo il terribile attacco raccoglie un gruppo di bambini e cerca di mantenerli al sicuro, mentre suo marito e l’altra figlia Beth sono in Canada. Dopo mesi di vagabondaggi, in un villaggio abbandonato trova Arth...more “Fallen” racconta di un mondo distrutto da una specie di nebbia o vapore, mist che si nutre di metalli e va ad intaccare la biomind, quella parte del cervello che normalmente non utilizziamo. La protagonista è Emma, una donna che è bloccata in Francia con una delle sue figlie Mandy e che dopo il terribile attacco raccoglie un gruppo di bambini e cerca di mantenerli al sicuro, mentre suo marito e l’altra figlia Beth sono in Canada. Dopo mesi di vagabondaggi, in un villaggio abbandonato trova Arthur e un gruppo di uomini che hanno organizzato un campo sicuro e Emma decide di scambiare il suo corpo per la sicurezza che può fornire l’uomo per lei e i suoi bambini. Ma lo scambio diventa immediatamente qualcosa di più. Ma la loro relazione sarà ostacolata in mille modi, soprattutto dai segreti che nasconde Arthur.

Mi dispiace di aver aspettato così tanto per leggere questo libro, che è davvero molto interessante e scritto molto bene. Traci Slatton ha fatto un ottimo lavoro soprattutto con la caratterizzazione dei personaggi.
Emma è una donna molto forte, piena di coraggio e una madre che fa di tutto per tenere i suoi bambini al sicuro. Incredibilmente sicura di sé, sfida in continuazione l’autorità maschile e da donna non posso che apprezzarlo. Non tace, si mette in gioco, esprime le sue idee. Incredibilmente passionale, un artista nei giorni prima del disastro, fedele a ciò in cui crede, riesce ad adattarsi e a farsi accettare da un gruppo di uomini. E se all’inizio Arthur non vuole, alla fine cede non solo al suo fascino, ma anche alla sua mente. La mist ha cambiato le connessioni cerebrali dando delle abilità speciali. Emma può guarire malattie, ferite e agire sul corpo tramite il calore e una scarica di corrente benefica. E questo sarà uno dei motivi che più la metteranno in pericolo. L’ho adorata dalla prima riga per il suo spirito combattivo, per la sua capacità di ingoiare le lacrime e la sua empatia. Considerando che tiene in mano una pistola e la usa in modo appropriato. Per fare la cosa giusta anche quando il buonsenso le dice di andare da un'altra parte. Solo alla fine avrei voluto prenderla a calci.
Arthur è un altro personaggio incredibile. Sembra un duro ma in fondo è un tenerone, uno di quei romantici pieni di buone intenzioni ma che poi sanno tirare fuori le palle quando c’è da combattere. Incredibilmente bello e sexy, con tutte le caratteristiche per essere un leader, pieno di cultura e fascino, Emma è destinata ad innamorarsi di lui anche se lo respinge ogni volta perché attaccata a suo marito. Ma l’attrazione e il legame che forgiano è innegabile, e incredibilmente romantico. Un uomo con i controfiocchi ricco di idee, di buoni propositi e di speranze. Anche quando viene fuori quello che ha fatto prima non me la sento di condannarlo e anzi in fondo lo capisco e avrei voluto che le cose andassero diversamente, ma d’altronde c’è speranza. Ci sono altri due libri.
Il gruppo dei bambini è fenomenale, come stanno insieme, si aiutano a vicenda e cercano di tenere la loro presa sulla vita che scorre e il mondo distrutto e spazzato via.
Per non parlare di tutti i personaggi secondari che sono descritti in maniera molto convincente. E la vita nel campo che va vanti anche se in maniera complicata e messa in pericolo da più parti. Laurette, Roberto, Theo, il cuoco, Tara. Il campo dei russi e il super cattivo Alexei. Un caleidoscopio di umanità varia, un miscuglio di nazionalità e lingue come solo una catastrofe di immani dimensioni può portare.
E quando mancano le medicine e i metodi anticoncezionali ci vuole una donna capace di usare le piante e le erbe per infusi e rimedi naturali.

Il libro fa parte delle distopie, è un libro che parla di uno scenario post-apocaliptico, del modo in cui un gruppo di sopravvissuti cerca di andare avanti e ricostruire una parvenza di vita. Il passato li bracca, tutti hanno perso qualcosa di importante ma cercano di tenere fede alle loro vite, a quello che erano e sono diventati ora. È un libro che parla di speranza di amore e di rinascita. Lo stile della Slatton è incredibile, scorre veloce, mantiene alta la tensione e alterna momenti di quiete a momenti orribili di paura e ansia. Si rimane incollati alle pagine, seguiamo l’evoluzione della romance, ma ci rendiamo conto di come i due si legano, ma soprattutto come diventano un punto di riferimento per tutta la comunità del campo. Molto molto bello.
Anche la parte più propriamente scientifica, quella legata alla spiegazione della mist è molto interessante, ben curata, e anche se in qualche modo lontana da lui perfettamente verosimile. Le spiegazioni della biomind, quello che significa la coscienza collettiva, il passaggio delle informazioni e l’evoluzione è molto interessante e induce a riflettere su quello che sarà il nostro mondo.

Per chi ama il genere, questo è un libro che deve essere letto. Affrettatevi a procurarvelo. E io intanto non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito. Arthur sono con te.

Intanto non mi rimane che ringraziare ancora una volta Netgalley e Telemachus Press per avermi concesso l’onore e il piacere di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio della mia recensione.
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Aug 22, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fallen is the first book in a romantic post apocalyptic trilogy by Traci L. Slatton from Telemachus Press.

Book Blurb:

In a time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test . . .

Lethal mists have scourged the planet, killing billions of people. As chaos and madness descend, one woman with mysterious healing power guides seven children to safety. Charismatic Arthur offers her and her wards a haven. Slowly Emma falls for him. At the moment of their sweetest love, he reveals his devastating secre...more

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Aug 15, 2011 WildAboutBones rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read4bbpr-review

This is a paranormal romance without any supernatural elements. I laughed a little, which may sound somewhat strange for a end of the world disaster story, and I cried several times. While it is a romance, it has a heart wrenching and depressing tone throughout and is not what typical paranormal romance fans are used to.

Almost everyone is dead, killed by a deadly 'pearlescent' mist which came up from the ground and then out of the oceans to kill by turning internal organs to mush, heating it up...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Lady Raven RAVE! rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mix-genre-romance, paranormal-romance

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers

BRIEF SUMMARY
In a post apocalyptic world, survivors are trying to survive in France. Emma and her daughter are trying to survive along with seven other children that she has found along the way when they stumble across Arthur and his men. Both Emma and Arthur struck a deal in order to survive together until true intentions and secrets are revealed.

THOUGHTS

I found ‘Fallen’ to be a very interesting read. I haven’t really read apocalyptic sceneries bu...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, adventure, book-reviews, fantasy, fiction, futuristic, paranormal, romance, romantic-fantasy

Posted first on The Romance Reviews

As the mists slowly rolled in, the beauty of the cloud like vapors belied the events that were soon to take place. As the poisonous gasses began to kill those encircled by the haze, those that had no chance but to breathe it in, there was no rhythm to when or how it moved to its next victims. From the beginning, I was enthralled with the story and Slatton’s voice. She has taken an end of the world scenario and created characters that are so real they make you f...more Posted first on The Romance Reviews

As the mists slowly rolled in, the beauty of the cloud like vapors belied the events that were soon to take place. As the poisonous gasses began to kill those encircled by the haze, those that had no chance but to breathe it in, there was no rhythm to when or how it moved to its next victims. From the beginning, I was enthralled with the story and Slatton’s voice. She has taken an end of the world scenario and created characters that are so real they make you feel. To arm such a story with the budding of a love of such heat and passion creates a crescendo of feeling that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.

Emma has escaped the destruction of the mist with her daughter Mandy. Trying to eke out an existence, she becomes a beacon to the other children who have lost their families. She has taken on the job of keeping them safe from further incidents of mist. While they have all become family, when her own daughter Mandy is threatened she is frantic, the pain is unbearable. Yet even as death begins to stalk her daughter, safety comes in the sound of the thrumming of horse’s hooves. The percussion of sound appears to drive off the mists temporarily. The rescuers are a group of rough men, and yet Emma has a feeling. This could be the safety net for her and her children; she is willing to do what it takes to find a place for them where they can be safe. Those that have survived the mists are fragile and yet each seems to have picked up a gift. Emma is able to heal with a touch, Newt can see the future, and Mandy can see shadows of things that have happened.

Following the leader into one of the homes where he is foraging she strikes a bargain for their safety. She will be his woman in return for the safety of his camp. Neither of them understands the ramifications of the impact this small promise will make. Even safety from the mist does not provide protection from the marauders that are also roaming the world. Can Emma and Arthur keep everyone safe in this world on the edge?

This is a remarkable story of the aftermath of the end of the Earth as we know it. The story itself and the world building are well thought out and quite descriptive. You find yourself in that place and that time as you become involved in the reading. The characters are amazingly well described; I could picture them and relate to them as though they were real.

What becomes so unexpected is the budding of romance that then grows into a consuming inferno of passion between Arthur and Emma. The heat is exceptional and you can feel the waves of passion as they dissipate from their bodies. The passion evolves into a love that reaches deep and connects in such a way that it will not let go.

This was an intense read and I found it difficult to put down. The premise of the story is intriguing, and there is longing and loss, romance and action, littered with just about every emotion you can imagine. Slatton has created an addictive read that will leave you looking for more.

This book was received from the Author or their representative. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.(less)

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Oct 27, 2011 Lydia Presley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, dark-fiction, fiction, postapocalyptic

Original review posted here

So there is a lot, and I do mean a lot, of dystopia slash apocalyptic literature being published these days, especially for young adults. Now, don’t get me wrong – I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I have issues with the cut and paste stories of some of them, but as a whole they are fairly decent (and some even exceptional).

That said, I was missing reading it on more of an adult level – because there is no way that an apocalyptic word wouldn’t have some people doing de...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron (Mira, Crixus, Gannicus & Spartacus) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, post-apocalypse

Imagine the world AFTER an attack decimates most of what we know as our world today. Well, the characters in this book characterize the events of their lives as things happened to them BEFORE or AFTER this apocalyptic event. This book was a really great read. I was glued to my kindle and couldn’t put it down.

This story starts AFTER by introducing us to Emma Anderson, her biological daughter, Mandy, and 7 other orphans that she has “adopted” while looking for shelter from “the Mists”. The Mists a...more Imagine the world AFTER an attack decimates most of what we know as our world today. Well, the characters in this book characterize the events of their lives as things happened to them BEFORE or AFTER this apocalyptic event. This book was a really great read. I was glued to my kindle and couldn’t put it down.

This story starts AFTER by introducing us to Emma Anderson, her biological daughter, Mandy, and 7 other orphans that she has “adopted” while looking for shelter from “the Mists”. The Mists are a nomadic pocket of energy that looks like a white mist. It dissolves people and buildings as it is attracted to specific minerals. It is described as a painful death, so everyone is fearful of breathing when it comes around. Emma has the task of protecting the family from small pockets of rogue survivors as they try to travel to safety in Canada. Apparently there is a place in Canada not affected by the mists according to news reports before communication was completely down.

As Emma inherits these children, she finds that each one has a unique paranormal gift because of the event. One of her children tells her that an approaching convoy comes from a safe camp, so Emma decides to take the children there. After all, it has become increasing difficult for her to take care and provide for 8 children on her own. Emma meets the leader of the group, Arthur, and offers a proposition: shelter and protection in exchange for contributions to his community…including the personal kind from Emma.

Arthur agrees to the deal and adds her family to his existing group. Arthur is portrayed as innovative, resourceful, and a great protector because he can sense the Mists and he can control them by making them go away and he can also dissolve. (What? He can dissolve? How does he stay alive then?) For the first time in a long time, Emma and her children have some sort of shelter and collective harmony. The kids are laughing, reading, and eating decent food. Emma and Arthur start getting closer, but it is clear that they are both keeping secrets from each other. We soon learn that Emma has another reason why she is insisting on getting to Canada.

As they travel, Emma helps the camp with healing and hygiene issues (brushing teeth etc), while Arthur leads the camp with protection and rebuilding for the future. As the non-committal relationship grows into something much stronger, each person’s past begin to come to light. Little by little, the hidden secrets start unfolding, The BEFORE life becomes a barrier for the AFTER life, threatening to destroy what Emma and Arthur have built with one another.

The secondary characters in this book were very interesting. They provided a strong backdrop for this new movement. I loved Laurette, the camp herbalist. This sassy and competitive woman initially came on loan from the female camp. She ended up staying and she was as valuable to the camp as anyone. The female camp she came from consisted of women survivors, many who did not trust men due to crimes committed AFTER. They functioned just as well as the male camps and they ended up being a great ally to Arthur’s camp. It is nice to have a story where there are strong women characters. Emma, Tara, and Laurette were examples of the vast expertise that women add to society. There was a lot more to Alexei, the not-quite villain. He was brutal with glimpses of kindness and there was an inevitable confrontation with Arthur that kept me tense with anticipation.

I was completely engrossed in the story because I wanted to see how the relationship between Arthur and Emma would play out. I also wanted to see how Arthur would manage to create this new civilization he was dreaming of forming. I wanted to see Arthur defeat Alexei and I wanted to see Arthur defeat the mists. The ending was bittersweet, I didn’t get the resolution that I expected and that is okay because this book is the first one part of a trilogy.

I enjoyed the author’s storytelling because it was riveting, but the ending left me stunned. Emma’s last sight out of the plane is what I remember the most and it was not a good feeling for me. I can’t wait for the follow up book because my emotions are dangling on a cliff.

***Reviewed for the Paranormal Romance Guild***
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Nov 28, 2011 J.C. Hart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really, really liked this book. I've read an awful lot of YA this year, so it was a lovely change to read something that is more for adults than teens.

Right from the very beginning of this book I was transported from the modern world into Slatton's post-apocalyptic vision of the future. A future that could happen, you just never know. Right from the beginning, you also can't help but connect with the main character, Emma, as she watches a situation unfold which, one way or the other, looks li...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As dystopian literature is my drug of choice lately, Fallen by Traci Slatton sparked an interest in me. As with all good dystopians, this book is sets in a post-apocalyptic world, France to be specific. Devastating mists are attacking the earth, devouring anything composed of metal, including human beings. The deaths the mists deliver are atrocious. Worse still, the crippled society that remains leaves survivors scrambling to stay alive. The protagonist, Emma, is a tough, spunky and likable moth...more As dystopian literature is my drug of choice lately, Fallen by Traci Slatton sparked an interest in me. As with all good dystopians, this book is sets in a post-apocalyptic world, France to be specific. Devastating mists are attacking the earth, devouring anything composed of metal, including human beings. The deaths the mists deliver are atrocious. Worse still, the crippled society that remains leaves survivors scrambling to stay alive. The protagonist, Emma, is a tough, spunky and likable mother who takes in a horde of eight displaced children. Emma leads the group through the hellish landscape, searching for food and shelter while avoiding the deadly mists. Then she meets Arthur, the bold leader of a group of men. They strike a bargain: Emma gives herself to Arthur and he, in turn, takes care of her and her children.

Things take an interesting turn when the characters reveal they have psychic powers and abilities. Newt can see the future. Emma can heal. Arthur can control the mists. Emma and Arthur also learn that their no-strings-attached relationship is morphing into something neither one of them can control.

The book is expertly written. It’s clear from page one that Slatton knows what she is doing. Having degrees from Columbia and Yale pay off for this writer. The opening grabs you right from the start and then you wait, breathless, to know what will happen to these characters that you grow more fond of on each page. It almost made my top picks category except for one thing. As soon as we learned Arthur could control the mists, the antagonistic force was neutered and it took a long time for another source of peril to appear on the scene. This left the middle a bit saggy and tensionless.

Overall, it is an excellent read and one that dystopian fans will enjoy. It doesn’t necessarily fit neatly in a YA category as the protagonist is an adult and there is sexual content. However, the sex scenes are tastefully done (think of movies panning into the fire as the characters begin to strip). The content and subject material is appropriate for older teens and adults. It’s a quality read for any dystopian fan, teen and adult alike.

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Aug 09, 2012 Lelia Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: full-reviews

This book presented an unusual dilemma for me. My likes and dislikes regarding any book are generally pretty clear-cut but that’s not the case this time and I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship with Fallen. The end result is a mixed bag with much hope for the future.

So, let me get the negative part out of the way first—I really dislike the three main characters and, yes, that’s a pretty important piece of the pie. To explain my feelings about these people, I’ll have to take them on...more This book presented an unusual dilemma for me. My likes and dislikes regarding any book are generally pretty clear-cut but that’s not the case this time and I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship with Fallen. The end result is a mixed bag with much hope for the future.

So, let me get the negative part out of the way first—I really dislike the three main characters and, yes, that’s a pretty important piece of the pie. To explain my feelings about these people, I’ll have to take them one by one. First, Emma. When we initially meet her, she is shepherding eight children including her own 5-year-old daughter, Mandy, and the child is in dire peril from the deadly mist. Emma shows her strength by being prepared to prevent the inevitable suffering Mandy faces in a move many parents could never make. Throughout the story, we will see that Emma is a very complex woman with a good deal of resilience and intelligence and great bravery in the face of terrible circumstances and she clearly cares about other people, especially the children. Why, then, do I not like her much? It’s because she makes a particular bargain with a stranger and she does so within minutes of meeting him. Apparently, it never occurs to her to simply ask for shelter without offering the trade in question. Perhaps it wouldn’t have worked but she didn’t even try and later, when his attitudes towards her become painfully obvious, she just accepts it, much like a submissive woman.

The man in question, Arthur, has much going for him including good looks, intelligent leadership and concern for other people. Where Emma is concerned, though, he turns into a jealous control freak who continually has to make his manliness known and who decrees she is to have no expectations or demands and give him “no backchat and no attitude” while she contributes to said manliness. At one point, he even behaves in such a way that, in today’s reality, would cause him to be considered an abuser and she not only accepts it, she takes pleasure in it after the fact.

Finally, there’s Alexei, leader of another group of refugees. Alexei indulges in kidnapping, assault, whippings, slavery and all manner of brutality and it’s nearly impossible to discern any redeeming qualities in this man other than his love for his son. Despite that, in a moment of terrible sadness, he makes it possible for Emma to do what must be done so did I think better of him? Yes and no but, at the very least, he shows himself to be a very complicated man.

There is much about these three people that I can’t admire or like but—and this is where things get interesting—I can’t say enough good things about Ms. Slatton‘s worldbuilding, her creation of the circumstances that have brought these people together, and the secondary characters.

I’m a devotee of post-apocalyptic fiction and I’m always looking for authors that do it well. Ms. Slatton not only does it well, she is superb at it. The mists she has envisioned are uncommon to the subgenre and the menace that threatens the survivors is palpable. I could actually feel their fear when confronted by this thing that can’t be stopped by self-defensive means. One can destroy a zombie’s brain in a variety of ways or fight off an extraterrestrial attack or learn to live without modern technology after an EMP but how do you fight a cloud? The pockets of survivors are exactly what is to be expected when such a global disaster occurs as are the brutalities and selfishness, the compassion and generosity that come to the fore when humans are forced into unaccustomed situations. Although I don’t like Emma and Arthur and Alexei, I understand them and I’m quite sure there would be many more like them if we should really find ourselves in a world like this some day. I also found myself intrigued by the special “gifts” some of the survivors have discovered in themselves since the advent of the mists.

Then there are the secondary characters. Many authors make the mistake of neglecting them, of not recognizing how important they can be to the development of the story, but Ms. Slatton clearly means for these people to be an integral part of the reader’s connection with her tale. Whether it’s Tara, the quiet and intelligent leader of a group of women and children, or James, the hardworking doctor, or the children under Emma’s care, or Kulap, a woman held captive and brutalized in Alexei’s camp, or one of the band of marauding rogues, they are most certainly not flat and dull. Each of the many survivors we meet adds an element to the overall story and these very diverse people are the ones who made me believe in the author’s conception of how we would respond to a post-apocalyptic world.

Finally, there is the question of quality of product. By that, I mean the technical issues such as spelling, grammar, syntax, formatting of the ebook edition, etc., and also the ability of the author to effectively tell the tale. Here, I can say Ms. Slatton is hands down a winner. If there are any flaws, I certainly didn’t notice them, and this lady can put words together in a marvelous fashion. The sentences flow and I found myself very sorry to reach the end of the book.

So, I don’t care much for some aspects of the major characters but I like everything else about this book. What exactly does that mean? Despite my reservations, I would recommend this to others who like post-apocalyptic fiction. I suspect I may be too sensitive to certain behaviors when other readers would see the relationship between Emma and Arthur as a work in progress (Alexei has to get something of a pass here because the story needs a bad guy). By all means, read it and form your own opinion. As for me, I am looking forward to reading the second book, Cold Light, which has just been released. The fact is, I have to know what happens next and you never know—I might come to love these folks.(less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Racheal Luther rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: post-apocalyptic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In Traci L. Slatton’s world, Earth as we know it, is a wasteland of toxic mist’s, cannibals, and an extinct race of humans. “Fallen” has now become one of my new favorite post apocalyptic books right up there with “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy. Just like McCarthy, she doesn’t sugar coat it. The end of the world is never a beautiful thing and she lets you know every little detail that comes with it.

We begin our journey with Emma and her several “children”, that she’s taken up as her own, fighting...more In Traci L. Slatton’s world, Earth as we know it, is a wasteland of toxic mist’s, cannibals, and an extinct race of humans. “Fallen” has now become one of my new favorite post apocalyptic books right up there with “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy. Just like McCarthy, she doesn’t sugar coat it. The end of the world is never a beautiful thing and she lets you know every little detail that comes with it.

We begin our journey with Emma and her several “children”, that she’s taken up as her own, fighting off the evil metal eating mists. But out of no where comes a large group of horse galloping men that make the mists go away.

Seeing that these men have weapons, look healthy, and are better off than most humans, Emma takes a chance and “convinces” the leader, Arthur, to take her and her children into safe keeping and in return give herself to him. Once arriving upon Arthur’s camp she finds there’s more people living than she assumed. She helps heal the wounded, with the strange gift the mists have possessed her with, and soon becomes apart of a tight knit colony.

What she doesn’t realize is that there’s secrets she’s yet to unfold from the mists. Arthur caters to her as much as he can, but is still very distant with his past Before. She learns about other camps like the women’s camp and the Russians that have a past with Arthur as well. Secrets begin to become more apparent as the their story continues and she soon finds herself in love with Arthur but is still tortured by the “what-ifs” to Arthur as a whole.

What I loved about this book is that it keeps making you guess what’s going to happen next. It tears you’re ever loving heart out of your chest, throws it on the ground, and stomps all over it; that’s how heart wrenching this book can get if you dive deep enough. Slatton gives you every living detail and almost makes you die with how horrible the human race can become when there’s nothing left to truly live for.

Putting this book down made me cry when I finished because I wanted to know what happened next. Why would she make beloved characters have an unfinished ending so quickly? That’s what a sequel is for and I cannot wait to pick up it up and see what is revealed in Emma’s future.(less)

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Jul 31, 2012 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-chick-city-reviews-2012

Reviewed for Book Chick City
http://www.bookchickcity.com/2012/08/...

FALLEN by Traci L. Slatton is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a mysterious killing mist that has swept the globe.

Our opening scene of the novel describes how frightening the mists can be, with the mist attacking our main character’s daughter, Mandy. We are given a description of how they affect the human body, sending people insane and eventually turning them to sand:

“If she moved int...more

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Fallen (After Trilogy #1)

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