Rapture: Fallen, Book 4
Common Sense says
- Lauren Kate
- Romance
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Rapture is the last book in the Fallen series about an angel-human romance. The actual rapture described in the New Testament almost happens, and on the way to stop it, celestial beings do quite a bit of fighting -- some die, some get gory injuries, and many burn to death; plus, there's a bloody scene with a willing human sacrifice. Also know that there's a view of heaven, particularly in this book in the series, that might not sit well with some religious readers.
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Book
What's the story?
At the end of Book 3 of the Fallen series, Lucinda discovered that the little gargoyle pal time traveling with her to her past lives was really Satan. Boy, is he mad when his plan fails to get her to give up her soul. So mad that he sets in motion the angels' Fall from heaven all over again. Now Lucinda, her angel boyfriend Daniel, and their friends only have seven days until the end of the second Fall to find relics that will lead them to where it all happened the first time. From there they hope to go back in time to stop Satan and the end of the world. How could mortal Lucinda get Satan so riled up? It turns out her role in the balance of heaven is much bigger than she ever realized.
Is it any good?
OK, Fallen series fans, RAPTURE is your "tied neatly in a bow" romantic conclusion -- but getting there isn't terribly satisfying. When the characters are hunting for relics -- for reasons clumsily established -- it feels like one of those crazy "10 countries in seven days" tours; too many places and characters come at you too fast (Venice, Vienna, Outcasts, Scale, fallen angels, demons, Elders...) so that nothing seems important anymore.
Then there's the Daniel-Lucinda romance for the ages. They'd be more compelling if there had been any real relationship development in the last few books. When they're together in the present, Lucinda talks about how perfect and beautiful Daniel is -- blah. They kiss a couple times -- same old. Danger finds them, sure, but it doesn't change their relationship in any way. Soul mates are boring. Even what should be a profound moment for them, making a huge decision together, is marred by the author's less than inspiring (a few might say offensive) take on what goes on in heaven.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the decision that Daniel and Lucinda make in the end. Were you happy with it?
There are many views of heaven and angels, some in religious texts, some in literature, some in popular lore. Do you like this book's take? What do you think is missing? What does and doesn't sit well with you?
Were you familiar with places the characters visited on their relic hunt? Can you find them on a map?
Book details
- Author: Lauren Kate
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication date: June 12, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
For kids who love romantic fantasies and the paranormal
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