Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

Passion by Lauren Kate. A Fallen Novel.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739160

Review: Luce and Daniel - destined to love one another no matter what, but cursed so that their love can never evolve. Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross, they had lived many lives - always falling in love only to have Luce ignite in flames when their love grew too strong. In the third book in the Fallen series, Passion by Lauren Kate, Luce embarks on a quest back in time to see once and for all if there is any hope of her unlocking the curse that condemns their love.

Luce would die for Daniel, and since the dawn of time, Luce has continued to die over and over again. But, Daniel, a fallen angel, lives on and on only to relive the romance, love and ultimate pain once she's gone. Luce knows there is a curse, but its origins are a mystery to her. But something seems different in this lifetime, and Luce is determined to find a way to break the curse. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to go back in time and see for herself how it all began. Luce travels via Announcers from one life to another - spanning thousands of years and across the globe - reliving the passion and the death over and over again. As she travels back in time, Daniel, along with Cam and the other angels, frantically race after her hoping to stop her from altering the past. How far will she have to go before she finds the truth? And what will happen if she is able to rewrite history? It could be far worse than anyone imagined.

Lauren Kate has hit a goldmine with the Fallen series, and Passion is certainly no disappointment. The overall premise of the novel is fascinating - visiting past lives and having the opportunity to see yourself in a different time and place. Passion takes readers to pivotal periods in history spanning civilizations across the globe. The cultural lessons alone are captivating! Readers are given an inside look at who Luce and Daniel were before they met them at Sword & Cross. Plus, some of the questions that have plagued readers are finally answered. However, new questions will arise, and readers will yearn for the next book to end the confusion. That being said, it is essential that readers begin with Fallen and read the series in order in order to fully appreciate Passion. However, it will certainly be worth the effort! The exciting conclusion to the series, Rapture, is expected to be released summer 2012.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Passion for this review.

Have you read Passion? How would you rate it?