> Skip to content

Article  •  12 May 2016

 

Are you a Fallenatic?

The sure-fire signs you’re obsessed with Lauren Kate’s Fallen series.

Fallenatic: one who is addicted to the consumption of Lauren Kate books; habitual and excessive fascination with angels; Fallen dependency.

Does this sound familiar? The first step to recovery is to identify that you may be suffering from clinically diagnosed Fallenism, for which the only known remedy is a continued healthy dose of reading. So take note Lauren Kate fans: here are the 13 tell-tale symptoms of Fallen dependence.

  1. You’d consider wearing black to your own wedding just for an excuse to finally dress in that Luce-style, tiered ebony ballroom gown with matching lace gloves that you’ve been eyeing on the Fallen covers for years.
  2. Immediately after reading the first book, you were hesitant to kiss your beau for fear that they might spontaneously combust.
  3. Sometimes you catch glimpses of dark shadows out of the corner of your eye, and are convinced that they’re announcers or portals to your countless past lives, which, by the way, you totally have.
  4. You spent a good few hours wondering which side of the scales you would tip, but finally came to the conclusion that gold wings would suit your complexion way better than silver – so demon it is.
  5. Speaking of demons, Cam Briel features prominently in your daydreams, which are all, disturbingly, set in a cemetery and feature the green-eyed dreamboat seductively saying ‘Oh yes, we’re going to brawl, baby. Over you. Again.’ on repeat.
  6. You are so psyched for the Fallen movie that you dream cast ordinary people you encounter in the street for the lead roles. For example, today I met the perfect Arriane at a bus stop and asked if she’d ever consider a career in acting.
  7. You’ve actually tried to submit the word ‘Nephilim’ while playing Words with Friends, only to be met with the infuriating error message, Sorry, Nephilim is not an acceptable word. I’m sure Shelby and Miles would beg to differ.
  8. You’ve considered naming your first born after one of the Fallen characters. Hopefully not Pennyweather Van Sykle Lockwood though, because that is a mouthful.
  9. You can’t visit gothic buildings, or alternatively watch Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, without being reminded of Bill the gargoyle.
  10. You’ve seriously contemplated getting yourself admitted to a reform school, because surely they’re all packed with a hot bunch of deviant angels just like Sword & Cross, right?
  11. All your ex-boyfriends are now referred to as ‘sorry-ass ex-boyfriends’ or SAEBs for short.
  12. After reading the books, you actually attempted to look at your own back in the mirror, in hopes of discovering the scars of an angel. You’ve also most likely cut two identical slits into the back of all your clothes, just on the off chance that your wings decide to unfurl at random one day. You can never be too careful.
  13. You’ve genuinely wondered whether, like Luce, you’ve simply forgotten entire chapters of your own epic, yet tragically damned angel-human love story. Chances are, you’re still waiting on a sign from heaven or to be flipped off by a handsome blonde, purple-eyed angel in a red scarf. Whichever comes first . . . 

Disclaimer: You should not rely on the information in this blog as an alternative to medical advice. If these symptoms persist, see your doctor or healthcare professional.

More features

See all
Article
Letters from Lauren

Fallen author Lauren Kate’s advice for young writers.

Article
How to recognise and avoid publishing scams

Penguin Random House (PRH) has been made aware of people impersonating our authors, including Richard Flanagan, and contacting members of the public by email or through social media.

Article
Discover the debut books of some of Australia’s bestselling authors

Every great author must start their story somewhere.

Article
Are audiobooks better than reading?

Both audiobooks and paperback books offer different ways to experience a story, each with its own distinct benefits.

Article
R. A. Spratt on writing for dyslexic readers

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to build greater awareness and understanding of dyslexia and the different ways people experience reading. Author R. A. Spratt shares some of the techniques she uses to make her books more accessible for dyslexic readers, along with practical reading and writing tips drawn from her own experience.

Article
What is Sense and Sensibility about? Your guide to the 2026 movie

The Dashwood sisters return to the big screen in a new Sense and Sensibility adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.

Article
Read about the inspiration behind Blunderbore!

This is Jack and the Beanstalk like you’ve never seen it before! An exciting action-packed graphic adventure story set in the world of Jack in the Beanstalk. From award-winning author Sofie Laguna and monster-illustrator extraordinaire, Marc McBride.

Article
Young adult fiction favourites

Some of the top young adult fiction novels to read right now

Article
The best history books to read now

The past has never felt so present.

Article
QUIZ: Discover Your Spark from Protector of Beyond

Your unique spark determines which Fiercer will choose you, and which Gard you will belong to!

Article
Our Dark Unravelling: the gothic revival is upon us

Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.

Article
Discover Protector of Beyond, the blockbuster new fantasy series

Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles