Fallen by Traci L. Slatton

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.

Rating 5/5
Fallen

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