Safkhet Publishing ~ Summer Reads

Sunday 13 October 2013

Review ~ FALLING by Linn B Halton. Deeply affecting & beautifully written!

Falling (Angels Among Us #1)Falling by Linn B. Halton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having already read and loved some of Linn B Halton’s books, I took ‘Falling’, the first in the Angels Among Us series, away on holiday. I’m a boater and sometimes time dedicated to reading can be limited. It has to engage me immediately therefore and keep me engaged. Falling engrossed me, totally. It’s beautifully written, a clarity and calmness in the author’s voice which drew me straight into Ceri’s world, a world where she co-exists with angels. Ceri doesn’t fall over them. She more experiences them on occasion, her strong intuition telling her they are simply there to direct her to intervene in a life event, thereby averting tragedy. She’s not spooked by them, though possibly by the fact that she’s different and doesn’t – yet – understand why. Thus, her intuition is screaming at her in regard to her twin brother’s upcoming wedding. Seb’s fiancée is going to hurt him, he’s going to ‘crumble’, yet Ceri has no way of knowing how, her frustration exacerbated by the fact that she can find nothing to dislike about her brother’s intended. The tragedy that ensues (and I’m not saying a word, which would definitely be a huge spoiler) had me stopping and taking deep breaths. The emotion around events at that time, Ceri’s emotions and those of her brother, as told through Ceri, were tremendously affecting and totally believable (although I didn’t want to believe it!). My heart broke for her brother – and for Ceri, too, who obviously blames herself for not doing … something.

There is no ‘man’ in Ceri’s life. She’s tested the waters but dropping, ‘oh, by the way, I see angels’ into the conversation is a bit of a hindrance when it comes to relationships. There is, however, her co-worker Alex, whose sexuality is ambiguous. Though Ceri wonders, Alex is most definitely not the gay foil who often appears to offer counselling in single girl stories, yet he seems to have no significant other in his life. Indeed ‘any other’. He, too, is intuitive, we see that immediately. He’s easy on the eye, easy to get along with – and in love with Ceri. Deeply in love, yet acting on that love screams against his instincts. Intrigued?? Yes, so was I. I could tell you the whole story, Ceri’s and Alex’s coming together, his pulling away. His telling us why (Alex’s pov was a nice touch and perfectly timed). I think I’ve said enough though. Whether you believe in other worldly beings, have an interest in the paranormal or not, I can honestly say ‘Falling’ will draw you in and hold you right to the end, where it will leave you itching for book two. The cliffhanger on the last page is the real start of Ceri’s journey, I feel. I can’t wait to see where it takes her (and Alex).

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2 comments:

Guernsey Girl said...

I'll have to read the book now after that recommendation - I have no choice!

Linn B Halton and Lucy Coleman said...

Came to pay a visit and so thrilled to see your review in full for 'Falling'! Thank you so much for your very kind words, Sheryl. As writers you know yourself it is always a thrill when someone connects with something you have written. I must admit I might just become a little addicted to novellas ... and ones that end on a cliffhanger as it's such fun! It felt like writing an episode for TV - 'tune in next week and see what happened next...' ha! ha! Thank you, m'dear! Lxx