Tales & Tomes

Pages: 528
Published: 2010 (bind-up edition)
Genre: YA Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Angels & Demons

Spoiler-Free Synopsis:
This bind-up combines Book 3: Aerie and Book 4: Reckoning in The Fallen series. It continues Aaron Corbet’s journey as a young Nephilim. He is caught in the storm of an ancient celestial war. Aaron discovers his identity. He survives the threats that chased him. Aaron’s path leads him to Aerie, a hidden sanctuary for Nephilim like him. But while it offers safety, it also holds tension and mistrust. It has secrets that complicate Aaron’s emerging role in the angelic prophecy.

As Aaron continues to grow in power and purpose, a new darkness rises. In Reckoning, Aaron must confront enemies determined to wipe out the Nephilim. At the same time, he faces the disturbing truths about his destiny. A war is looming and loyalties are being tested. Aaron must decide what it truly means to be the one who could bring peace. Alternatively, he could cause destruction.

My Thoughts / Review:
Aerie and Reckoning deepen the mythology of the series. They add emotional weight in a really satisfying way. The world opens up dramatically in these installments, and we finally see what life looks like for others like Aaron. The sanctuary of Aerie is fascinating. It is equal parts hopeful and heartbreaking. Even among those who should understand him, Aaron finds conflict. He encounters distrust and people who fear his immense potential.

These books explore identity, belonging, and the burden of destiny with much more intensity than the first two. Aaron is growing into his power. He’s also growing emotionally. He is grappling with what it means to lead, even though he never asked to. His relationships become richer and more complex. This especially occurs as he begins to understand the full consequences of celestial rebellion. He learns what angels, fallen or otherwise, are capable of.

Sniegoski strikes a strong balance between action-forward storytelling and introspective moments. The battles are cinematic and high-stakes, but the quieter scenes—conversations about faith, survival, and freedom—hit just as hard. Reckoning especially ramps up the tension, setting the stage for the explosive conflicts to come.

What stands out most is how human Aaron remains. Even with his powers evolving, he feels deeply grounded, vulnerable, and relatable. It keeps the series emotionally compelling even as the scope widens into angelic politics and apocalyptic threats.

Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you enjoyed the first bind-up, this one is even stronger—more emotional, more expansive, and packed with character development. Fans of supernatural fantasy, found-family dynamics, and destiny-laden storytelling will love where the series goes from here.

✨ Loved my review? You can grab your own copy of The Fallen 2: Aerie and Reckoning on Amazon!