Fallen    by Claire Delacroix Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2008 (2008) Paperback Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Martina Bexte Lilia Desjardins has never believed that her husband's death was an accident. As a high-ranking Nuclear Darwinist, Gideon had been too much the consummate scientist to allow himself to be felled by radiation contamination. Determined to overturn the Republic's accidental death ruling, Lilia illegally travels into New Gotham to begin an investigation of her own. However, her attempts to gather evidence are soon stymied as she's confronted by unexpected dangers. If not for the intervention of a Gotham cop, Lilia's fledging investigation would certainly have taken a deadly turn. Adam Montgomery's mission on Earth is clear - to save humankind from itself and from future annihilation. Unfortunately, his superiors have remained cryptic about many details of his assignment. Adam's earthbound contact and fellow fallen angel is the only one who has access to this information. When he finds her brutally murdered, Adam fears for the success of their mission as well as his life should he find himself exposed as a S.H.A.D.E. (sub-human atomic deviant). Since the day her daughter was stolen away from her after being labelled deviant, Lilia has secretly worked to bring the S.H.A.D.E.'s up from the darkness of the slave markets. Once she realizes that Adam's search for the truth mirrors her own, they work together to expose those within the Republic who would see the final destruction of humanity for their own misplaced political agenda. Fallen is the first of a trilogy of dark fantasy romances featuring fallen angel heroes. They are set in a gritty urban future where 'the eyes of the Republic are everywhere'. Delecroix has envisioned a bleak, almost Orwellian society where a citizen's every move is closely scrutinized. And where those exhibiting any sort of difference are hidden away from normal society and pressed into what amounts to slavery. Amid this chaotic and repressive backdrop, Delecroix introduces readers to two strong, fascinating leads in Adam and Lilia. Both absolutely dominate the story and their priorities are turned upside down as their agendas collide - and then again as their relationship turns into a touching and sensitive love story. Don't miss Fallen - one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking paranormal romances of the year. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews