The Fallen and Leviathan (The Fallen, #1-2) Summary & Key Insights

Thomas E. Sniegoski's The Fallen and Leviathan, the first two books in The Fallen series, introduce a world grappling with the sudden, cataclysmic arrival of fallen angels. The story centers around a handful of human protagonists thrust into a supernatural war against these powerful beings, each with unique abilities and allegiances.

The narrative begins with the unexpected manifestation of the Nephilim, giant, angelic warriors described in biblical apocrypha, and their subsequent attack on Earth. This event plunges humanity into chaos, with governments crumbling and the usual order dissolving. Among the human survivors are John "Jack" Mallory, a former Green Beret struggling with PTSD and haunted by a past mission, and his unlikely allies: the enigmatic and powerful Sarah, who possesses mysterious abilities tied to her angelic heritage; Father Michael, a Catholic priest wrestling with his faith in the face of unimaginable horror; and several other individuals who gradually join their cause.

Jack, initially a reluctant participant, becomes a pivotal figure, his military experience proving unexpectedly useful in the fight against the Nephilim. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as he confronts his past traumas and learns to embrace his newfound role as a protector of humanity. Sarah's character arc is equally compelling, as she grapples with the implications of her lineage and the burden of her inherited powers. Father Michael serves as a moral compass, representing faith and the struggle to reconcile religious beliefs with the brutal realities of the conflict.

The Fallen, led by the powerful Lucifer, are not portrayed as simple villains. Their motivations are complex, driven by a desire to reclaim their dominion over Earth and, in some cases, a genuine belief in their own righteousness. This adds layers of moral ambiguity to the narrative, challenging the simplistic good versus evil dichotomy often found in similar stories.

The Fallen primarily focuses on establishing the world and introducing the core characters, showcasing the devastating impact of the angelic invasion and the early struggles of the human resistance. Leviathan significantly expands the scope, introducing new factions, more powerful angels, and a deeper understanding of the conflict's origins and the overarching cosmic battle being waged. The second book significantly raises the stakes, revealing the true extent of the Nephilim's power and the desperate measures humanity must take to survive.

Overarching themes of faith versus reason, the nature of good and evil, and the resilience of the human spirit are central to the series. The story explores the profound implications of a world shattered by the intervention of the supernatural, leaving the reader to question the boundaries of belief and the potential of humanity in the face of insurmountable odds. Both novels end on cliffhangers, leaving the fate of humanity and the outcome of the celestial war uncertain, eagerly awaiting further installments.