Title: Torment
Author: Lauren Kate
First published September 28, 2010
452 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385739146 (ISBN10: 0385739141)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Luce thought she had found forever with her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. But when he tells her he must leave to hunt down dangerous Outcasts who want her dead, Luce’s world shatters.
Seeking refuge, she finds herself at Shoreline, a school for the gifted offspring of fallen angels and humans. As she discovers the power of the Shadows and learns about her past lives, Luce begins to suspect that Daniel is keeping secrets from her – secrets that could be deadly.
Could there be someone else she’s meant to be with? Luce must unravel the truth before it’s too late in Torment by Lauren Kate.
About the Author
Meet Lauren Kate, a talented author who has written books for readers of all ages. Her repertoire includes the charming romantic comedy “By Any Other Name” and the captivating young adult series “Fallen.” When she’s not busy crafting stories, Lauren can be found enjoying life with her loved ones in the peaceful hills of Laurel Canyon.
Editoral Review
Lauren Kate’s Torment is a brilliant addition to the young adult fantasy genre. Published in 2010, the book follows the story of Luce Price and her struggles as a fallen angel.
Torment is the second installment of in the four-book series “Fallen.”
Kate’s writing style can be described as vivid and descriptive, as she paints a beautiful picture of each scene. The book is set in a school called Sword & Cross, where the main character, Luce finds herself.
The campus itself is eerie and shrouded in mystery, creating an ominous tone that sends chills down the spine of the reader.
The story begins with Luce’s return to the boarding school after being kicked out in the previous book.
Luce is once again dragged into the conflict between the two fallen angels, Daniel and Cam, who both hold a deep love for her. The tension between the three characters is palpable, creating a captivating love triangle that has readers turning pages late into the night.
The character development in Torment is exceptional, with Luce’s journey of self-discovery taking center stage. Luce is no longer the naive young girl she used to be, and the evolution of her character is a pleasure to witness as she embraces her angelic origins with both fear and excitement.
One of the strengths of Torment is the pacing, which is quick and engaging, leaving no room for boredom or monotony. The plot structure is well-executed, with the story flowing smoothly from one scene to another without any noticeable jarring transitions.
Kate also tackles some thought-provoking themes in the book, such as fate, sacrifice, and redemption. Despite all the book’s positives, it does have some limitations.
One of them being the lack of diversity in characters. The representation of characters from different backgrounds is minimal, which is a drawback in today’s society, where diverse representation is imperative.
The dialogue in the book can also feel stilted at times, limiting the emotional impact of certain scenes. In conclusion, Torment by Lauren Kate is an extraordinary read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The author crafts an Otherworldly setting and weaves a captivating story that deals with love, friendship, and redemption. Fans of young adult fantasy and romance will enjoy this book, and its exploration of themes that ring true to our own time.
Therefore, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
