Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

Fallen by Aria Glazki is a romance taken to the height of fine literature by Ms. Glazki’s exquisite prose and deep insight. The story contains all the basics of a romance—two lovers kept apart by villainous obstructions (in this case a fatal disease and superficial high society) and finally tearfully reunited. But here, thanks to the author’s transcendent skill, we are carried far above the common heights of much contemporary romance fiction. The book is written in the first person, present tense, with two protagonists alternating their points of view. The first is Adrian’s, a “nobody” mingling among New York’s “shamelessly wealthy.” He is captivated by the second voice: that of the “breathtaking” Violetta Doree, the prized “possession” of billionaire William Braxton, for whom she arranges “flawless” social events.

Violetta, we learn early in the story, is dying and intends to milk out as much hedonistic pleasure as she can. Adrian, the virtual antithesis of such a view, a believer in true love and personal integrity, sees through Violetta’s pose and wants to love her as a human being and not as a high society poseur. Therein lies the elevated theme of Aria Glazki’s astounding writing task, and the reader is rewarded with an inspiring and tear-jerking masterpiece. She contrasts the soirees and luxuriant world of fine food, drinks, entertainment, and unfettered wealth with the simplicity and honesty of walks on the beach, bike rides, milkshakes, and heartfelt love: integrity versus pretense. Fallen by Aria Glazki expresses this conflict in insightful characterization, setting descriptions comparable to F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the moral message of truth versus façade. In all, a sublime literary romance that is not to be missed. Fabulous writing!