Torment by Lauren Kate

Kate, L. (2010). Torment. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0385739141

Plot Summary

  Torment is the sequel to author Lauren Kate's first book, Fallen. This book continues the love and hate relationship that Daniel and Luce have even though Luce is trying hard to break away from her relationship and feelings that she has for Daniel. The location changes to sunny California as Daniel hides Luce at a boarding school for children of half humans and angels after Daniel makes a pact with the Demons to protect Luce from the Outcasts. Even though Daniel instructs Luce to learn all that she can while at school, Luce uses these new powers to find answers and is constantly putting others in danger. New characters are introduced as well as possible new love and readers are left with more unanswered questions and greatly anticipate the next book.

Critical Evaluation

  Lauren Kate has done it again. She has turned something so far fetched into something that everyone can relate to. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as new relationships are formed and problems arise, and are bigger than ever before. Luce is still the naive character who acts on a whim and follows her heart to the fullest, even if this means risking everything. Torment is mysterious, sexy, sad, and humours and grabs readers in before the first page is done.

Readers Annotation

  While Luce recovers from the battle from Sword and Cross she must now battle her relationship between Cam and Daniel.

Author Information

  Lauren Kate was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, attended college in Atlanta, Georgia, and then moved to New York City to write. Kate has said that he background and knowledge of the "Old South" helped inspire her to set her first novel, Fallen, in a Civil War era academy.

  Her first novel, Fallen, came out in 2009 and was quickly followed by the sequel Torment, which stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for a month at number 1. The third book is Passion and will be released in 2011. She also wrote the book The Betrayal of Natalie Horgrove. 

Genre

  Fantasy - Paranormal Romance

Curriculum Ties

  The book could be used in an English class or an after school writing workshop. 

Booktalking Ideas

  - Would you give up on love if it hurts those around you?

  - With the settings in the first two books changing so drastically, where do you think the next book will take place? Where would you want it to take place?

  - Do you think Luce is truly meant to be with Daniel, or do you think he is there for something different?

  - Team Cam or Team Daniel? Why?

Reading Level/Interest Level

  9-12th grade/ Young Adult

Challenge Issues

  Religious connotations, Heaven and Hell

  Librarians will offer their Collection Development Policy and highlight the part of challenges. 

Reason for Selection

  We had the amazing opportunity to host Lauren Kate last month at our public library. I had read Fallen, and immediately purchased Torment so I could have Kate sign it. I am so glad that I had this opportunity.