Angelfall by Susan Ee is a post-apocalyptic urban fantasy novel set in a California ravaged by angels. The story follows Penryn, a smart and kick-butt heroine, as she navigates a world filled with cannibals, enemies, and terrifying monsters after an angel takeover. The book delves into themes of survival, family dynamics, and the unexpected alliance between Penryn and the angel Raffe, amidst extreme creepiness and violence.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, particularly Penryn and Raffe, each embodying strength and depth of personality amid their struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible and engaging, filled with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue that enhances character interactions and the story's pace.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores a grim post-apocalyptic world ravaged by angels, centered on Penryn's mission to save her sister, with constant action and the unfolding of a deeper conflict.

Setting:

The setting provides a haunting backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world where angels wreak havoc on humanity.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is relentless, driving the plot forward with little interruption, ensuring a compelling and engaging read.

Ironically, since the attacks, the sunsets have been glorious. Outside our condo window, the sky flames like a bruised mango in vivid orange, reds, and purples. The clouds catch on fire with sunset co...

Notes:

Angelfall is set six weeks after the apocalypse caused by angels.

The protagonist, Penryn, is on a mission to rescue her sister who has been kidnapped by angels.

Raffe, the fallen angel Penryn saves, has his wings cut off in a battle among angels.

The story revolves around themes of survival, loyalty, and complex relationships in a dystopian setting.

The book has been praised for its strong character development, particularly Penryn's resilience and determination.

Angels in Angelfall are portrayed as ruthless and vengeful rather than benevolent beings, contrasting common angel lore.

The narration is in first-person present tense, providing an immersive experience in Penryn's journey.

Penryn's mother is portrayed with schizophrenia, adding depth and complexity to her character and Penryn's circumstances.

Some reviewers noted the book includes disturbing themes, such as cannibalism and experimentation on humans.

The book has an open-ending, setting the stage for a sequel by introducing unresolved questions and conflicts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, bloodshed, depictions of cannibalism, and mental illness.

From The Publisher:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister, Penryn, will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where Penryn will risk everything to rescue her sister, and Raffe will put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

"Ee's debut novel is a promising opener to what looks to be a YA series worth following, one that explores what it means to be human and what it means to be a hero." -Locus Magazine, March 2012

Finalist for Cybils Bloggers' Award for Best YA Fantasy & Sci-fi Book of the Year 2011

Ratings (64)

Incredible (11)
Loved It (29)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (143):

Read It (63)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (64)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (11)

4 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

1 month

I was looking for a new YA series to read and I found this. I honestly didn't have high hopes for it. It both looked and sounded like a product of its time, it was written in 2011. Luckily this proved me wrong and was a very enjoyable read. Perhaps I've missed a lot of great YA series believing so. It was entertaining z exciting and I'm so eager to continue on with the series sooner rather then later

StephB

Incredible

2 months

Re-Read Review

First Read (Paperback): 19 Jul 2011

Rating: ✮✮✮✮½

Re-Read (Audiobook): 25 Oct 2013

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thoughts after First Read: Love the world that Susan's created! Cannot wait to return to it ASAP!

Even better the second time around! 5-stars! More anxious to get my hands on book 2.

katyana

Loved It

2 months

Wow. This was a fantastic start to a series. I'm a little bummed I left this sitting on my kindle for so long, but I was intimidated by what sounded like a cheesy blurb. Still, all my friends raved about this series, and I wanted to give it a try.

And I just couldn't put it down. Really, really excited to dive into the next book.

minnow

Did Not Like

6 months

DNF Whoever recommended that this was a good book lied to me - very sorry

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