What do you think?
Rate this book
Penryn & the End of Days
World After
In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.
Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans, where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.
Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
About the author
Susan Ee
12 books12.5k followersSusan Ee is a USA Today bestselling author of the Penryn & the End of Days trilogy, ANGELFALL, WORLD AFTER, and END OF DAYS. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, and her short films have played at major festivals. She used to be a lawyer but loves being a writer because it allows her imagination to bust out and go feral.
Sign up to hear about her next book at www.susanee.com or follow her on Twitter @Susan_Ee.
Sign up to hear about her next book at www.susanee.com or follow her on Twitter @Susan_Ee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,119 reviews
Want to read
December 3, 2012This is me right now waiting for this sure-to-be-amazing book with a lot of my Goodreads friends:
I mean, come on! The first book was freaking amazing, and that last chapter.........that last freaking chapter. Damn. Can you all imagine what the second book is going to be like if the whole book is like that last chapter? Just think about it. I'd like to present you guys with..........
The Opening of the Second Book of Angelfall: A Tragic gif Play!
Caitlin is walking down the road one day when, sight of all sights, a copy of the Second Angelfall book appears! She was able to maintain her dignity and composure as its tantalizing cover sparkled in the sun yeah, right, she totally freaked out :
And she just can't resist breaking into song:
As Caitlin slowly approaches what could be the best book of her life, she places her hands on the cover:
As her out of control emotions rocket into the stratosphere, she looks around to see if this is a joke:
Seeing that it's not, her fingers slowly inch over to open to the first page; inside, her spirit is elated!:
While.....on the outside our beautiful, clever, and all-together amazing Caitlin shows a little less restraint......
She is finally able to calm herself down enough to re-approach the book; however, after some techniques are used to slow her racing heart:
All of the sudden, the worst happens: the book starts to move away from her! She, of course, chases after it desperately:
She can never catch up to it, as much as she runs. Eventually, the book disappears off into the distance, never to be seen again. She is forlorn as tears well in her eyes:
The road also disintegrates around her, until she wakes up in her desk chair at home, and she realizes that she dreamed the whole thing. The book is still months, maybe even a year, away from being published! It's just too much as she wallows in despair over what could have been:
She remains forlorn until the book is published, which turns out to be never. If you even ask her about it, this is what happens:
THE END.
......
...........
.................
........................
I have an overactive imagination, okay?
And let me just say that if we find out that Penryn is in a relationship with Obi or start developing feelings for him, I'm going to be pissed. Fucking goddamn pissed. And, since this series is supposedly five books long and although that does makes me happy, there is a chance we might not see Raffe at all in the second one and this might just be all about Penryn and the resistance. Just thinking about not seeing Raffe again makes me want to go to a hole somewhere and cry myself into oblivion So it won't happen. Because I said so. Anyways......
FIN.
I mean, come on! The first book was freaking amazing, and that last chapter.........that last freaking chapter. Damn. Can you all imagine what the second book is going to be like if the whole book is like that last chapter? Just think about it. I'd like to present you guys with..........
The Opening of the Second Book of Angelfall: A Tragic gif Play!
Caitlin is walking down the road one day when, sight of all sights, a copy of the Second Angelfall book appears! She was able to maintain her dignity and composure as its tantalizing cover sparkled in the sun
And she just can't resist breaking into song:
As Caitlin slowly approaches what could be the best book of her life, she places her hands on the cover:
As her out of control emotions rocket into the stratosphere, she looks around to see if this is a joke:
Seeing that it's not, her fingers slowly inch over to open to the first page; inside, her spirit is elated!:
While.....on the outside our beautiful, clever, and all-together amazing Caitlin shows a little less restraint......
She is finally able to calm herself down enough to re-approach the book; however, after some techniques are used to slow her racing heart:
All of the sudden, the worst happens: the book starts to move away from her! She, of course, chases after it desperately:
She can never catch up to it, as much as she runs. Eventually, the book disappears off into the distance, never to be seen again. She is forlorn as tears well in her eyes:
The road also disintegrates around her, until she wakes up in her desk chair at home, and she realizes that she dreamed the whole thing. The book is still months, maybe even a year, away from being published! It's just too much as she wallows in despair over what could have been:
She remains forlorn until the book is published, which turns out to be never. If you even ask her about it, this is what happens:
THE END.
......
...........
.................
........................
And let me just say that if we find out that Penryn is in a relationship with Obi or start developing feelings for him, I'm going to be pissed. Fucking goddamn pissed. And, since this series is supposedly five books long and although that does makes me happy, there is a chance we might not see Raffe at all in the second one and this might just be all about Penryn and the resistance.
FIN.
January 24, 2019
4 POOKY BEAR STARS!
Okay..Let's talk about the story:(There may be spoilers so if you haven't read the book try to avoid this paragraph)
Main characters
Penryn
Raffe
Paige
Me while reading the book ( favorite sentences ) :
Also I can't wait to see this and the first book on screen.
*Pictures from the review are not mine, I took them mostly from Google images or Tumblr*
It was quite a good read.But I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first book.The beginning was boring and there were some moments that I wanted to put the book down and start another one.The story moved so slowly and it just didn't work out for me.But the other half of the book was quite interesting,not as good as the first book but there were some moments that I quite enjoyed.Also there was a funny moment that I couldn't stop laughing for an hour.That was my favorite part of the book.Seriously it was one of the funniest book moments that I had.Beside that there are not a lot of breathtaking moments and the ending is not that unexpected.It was good but not how I wanted it to be.
However it was a great book , a powerful story and it blends correctly with the first book.I can't wait for the third book!
Okay..Let's talk about the story:(There may be spoilers so if you haven't read the book try to avoid this paragraph)
This book continues the story of the first one. Penryn now apart from Raffe continues her adventure to protect her family.Her family is not quite normal.Her sister can walk again and there is something off with her that no one knows what.Also she discovers about things that angels are creating and their plans to demolish the earth.
Main characters
Penryn
What I liked about Penryn in this book is her courage to do things on her own.Also her modesty because she never accepted that she is some kind of a hero.Also the motivation she carries with herself is remarkable because even when her world is all falling apart she is determined to protect the people she loves.
Raffe
Well as I mention in the review of the first book I really like Raffe's sence of humor.There are some sentences that you can't continue without bursting into laughter.
Paige
Paige is one of my favorite characters in this book.Her new transformation makes her like a killing machine and I really like killing machines.
Me while reading the book ( favorite sentences ) :
“I look up to say something but he puts his finger to my lips and whispers, “Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”
“He glares at me as if he already hates it. “What is it?” I consider lying but what’s the point? I clear my throat. “Pooky Bear"
He’s silent for so long I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear me when he finally says, “Pooky. Bear.” “It was just a little joke. I didn’t know.”
“I’ve mentioned that names have power, right? Do you realize that when she fights battles, she’s going to have to announce herself to the opposing sword? She’ll be forced to say something ridiculous like, ‘I am Pooky Bear, from an ancient line of archangel swords.’ Or, ‘Bow down to me, Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.’ ” He shakes his head. “How is she going to get any respect?”
“I'm gonna be sick," I said
"I'm ordering you not to," says Obi.
"Ah, don't say that," says Dee-Dum. "She's a born rebel. She'll puke just to make a point.”
“It's about time you showed some sense. You should be afraid."
"I'm shivering because I'm freezing."
"You're cute when you're afraid"
I give him a dirty look. "Yeah, you're cute when you're afraid too."
"You mean I'm devastatingly handsome when I'm not afraid. Because you've never seen me afraid”
“You're naming your collector's-item, kick-ass sword that's made to maim and kill, specifically designed to bring your ginormous enemies to their knees and hear the lamentation of their women-Pooky Bear?"
"Yeah, you like it?”
“You broke me out of the grasp of a living horror when I thought all hope was gone. You gave me the opportunity to crawl back to life when no one else could."
She glances over at me, her eyes shining in the dark. "You're a hero, Penryn, whether you like it or not.”
I highly recommend this book if you are into angel/paranormal kind of books.It's a great read believe me!
Also I can't wait to see this and the first book on screen.
*Pictures from the review are not mine, I took them mostly from Google images or Tumblr*
April 15, 2018
*SPOILER-FREE*
Picture this: the world ends, and you’re left with a schizophrenic mother who’s fallen off the deep end and a kid sister that looks like an autopsy victim with razor-blade teeth.
The humans around you are half-convinced that you’re hellspawn due to an unfortunate rising-from-the-dead incident, your one non-familial ally now looks like a creature from your nightmares, and since he also thinks that you’re actually dead, he’s abandoned you.
Now you’re being carted off to God-knows-where with a group of wounded, dirty survivors that are probably half a step away from turning cannibal. Things can’t get much worse, can they?
WRONG.
Things can always get worse. I just didn’t realize how much worse they’d get in a YA novel. I have to say, I love that Ee took it to the place she did. There’s a darkness in this book that clings to the pages, slithers from the paper to seep up your fingers and wrap its icy tendrils around your heart as you read.
This book is terrifying, but not in the way you might expect. Sure, there are some suspenseful moments, and more than a few scenes that will get your adrenaline going, but the real horror in this story comes from a surprising source. Not the angelic invaders, not the monsters that come buzzing out of the darkness in this latest installment, but the humans.
We think we’re so advanced, with our smart phones and our global connections. So above the rest of the animals on this planet. But take away our modernity, starve us for a little while and lock us in a cage, and you begin to realize why we’ve climbed to the top. It’s because we’re ruthless. Savage. At our core, we’re still fueled by the primitive need to survive, and this book serves as a haunting reminder of the things we’re capable of and the depths we’ll descend to.
Penryn is a survivor in the true sense of the word. She’s what so many other heroines in this genre claim to be and fail to achieve. She’s ruthless. Savage. And absolutely believable. She’ll do anything for herself and her family.
This makes her a complicated character by nature and one not everyone might warm to because those same instincts drive her to put herself and those she loves above all others. She has to make hard decisions in this book, has to choose which battles to fight, and those choices were part of what made this such a compelling read.
So prepare yourself, because this book pulls no punches. It picks up the blink after its predecessor ended and provides the same non-stop action, the same gritty, dirty and sometimes ugly story of post-apocalyptic survival. This is easily my favorite YA series of all time and after this latest installment I have infinite faith in Susan Ee to continue to deliver.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Picture this: the world ends, and you’re left with a schizophrenic mother who’s fallen off the deep end and a kid sister that looks like an autopsy victim with razor-blade teeth.
The humans around you are half-convinced that you’re hellspawn due to an unfortunate rising-from-the-dead incident, your one non-familial ally now looks like a creature from your nightmares, and since he also thinks that you’re actually dead, he’s abandoned you.
Now you’re being carted off to God-knows-where with a group of wounded, dirty survivors that are probably half a step away from turning cannibal. Things can’t get much worse, can they?
WRONG.
Things can always get worse. I just didn’t realize how much worse they’d get in a YA novel. I have to say, I love that Ee took it to the place she did. There’s a darkness in this book that clings to the pages, slithers from the paper to seep up your fingers and wrap its icy tendrils around your heart as you read.
This book is terrifying, but not in the way you might expect. Sure, there are some suspenseful moments, and more than a few scenes that will get your adrenaline going, but the real horror in this story comes from a surprising source. Not the angelic invaders, not the monsters that come buzzing out of the darkness in this latest installment, but the humans.
We think we’re so advanced, with our smart phones and our global connections. So above the rest of the animals on this planet. But take away our modernity, starve us for a little while and lock us in a cage, and you begin to realize why we’ve climbed to the top. It’s because we’re ruthless. Savage. At our core, we’re still fueled by the primitive need to survive, and this book serves as a haunting reminder of the things we’re capable of and the depths we’ll descend to.
Penryn is a survivor in the true sense of the word. She’s what so many other heroines in this genre claim to be and fail to achieve. She’s ruthless. Savage. And absolutely believable. She’ll do anything for herself and her family.
This makes her a complicated character by nature and one not everyone might warm to because those same instincts drive her to put herself and those she loves above all others. She has to make hard decisions in this book, has to choose which battles to fight, and those choices were part of what made this such a compelling read.
So prepare yourself, because this book pulls no punches. It picks up the blink after its predecessor ended and provides the same non-stop action, the same gritty, dirty and sometimes ugly story of post-apocalyptic survival. This is easily my favorite YA series of all time and after this latest installment I have infinite faith in Susan Ee to continue to deliver.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
April 21, 2014
I was rather disappointed with this sequel because I didn’t find it as exciting an action packed as Angelfall. This may have something to do with Raffe and Penryn not being very exciting apart from each other, because for the first half of the book, I struggled to stay interested. On the positive side, the second half does pick up after Penryn and Raffe reunites and the horror aspect that we saw at the end of Angelfall really starts to shine through. I’m curious to see where this series is going, because a large part of World After was about Penryn — once again — going off into danger to save her sister, who seems to now have a larger role in this whole Angel Apocalypse thing. I really hope books 3-6 don’t follow similar plots. There are only so many times Penryn can save Paige before it loses its appeal.
----------
So I read on Susan's blog that there will be 5 books total!!
OMG! I CAN'T WAIT!
But I don't know how I'll be able to wait so long. *sigh*
----------
So I read on Susan's blog that there will be 5 books total!!
OMG! I CAN'T WAIT!
But I don't know how I'll be able to wait so long. *sigh*
May 2, 2015
YES.
Yes.
That's all.
Yes.
That's all.
December 4, 2013
*no spoilers*
I have a baby sister, I love her. We are the same age apart as Penryn and Paige.
...aaaand some years after.
It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I will do everything I can to make damn sure she has a happy life. Nobody hurts my baby sister. A good sibling vengeance story will get me every time. I loved it in the Fever series, and I love it in this book.
I really enjoyed this book...with some reservations. This is one of the situations where I find myself to be the odd man out. I think every single one of my friend loved the first book in this series, whereas I enjoyed the originality of the first book, but was largely indifferent to it. However, I'm happy to find that I liked this book a lot more than the first. Don't get me wrong, there was absolutely nothing I disliked about this book. Penryn is a strong female character, with a tremendous sense of morality and loyalty to her family and friends that I admire, and the romance was well done in that it developed over time and was not the focus of the book. I had some problems with the plot, particularly towards the second half of the book, but overall, I think my reaction to the book is just one of chemistry.
That's right, chemistry. It happens with people, and apparently, it happens with books and the characters within. In life, you meet a lot of people. Some, you like, for no fucking reason. Some, you hate on the spot, despite the fact that they are perfectly pleasant, perfectly nice, completely inoffensive whatsoever, and yet, try as you might...there's just something lacking that prevents you from completely liking, from completely enjoying that person's company.
For me, the Angelfall series is a perfect example of chemistry gone wrong. This book has pretty much everything I could ever want, action, a light romance, awesome characters, horror, death, blood. SO MUCH BLOOD. And yet...like, not love. What can I say? It's just chemistry.
I'm starting to sound like I don't like this book. That's not true! I liked it a lot. I just find myself largely indifferent to the characters; that is a matter purely of personal taste, and not a reflection on the book itself. I truly did enjoy this book.
Summary: I didn't remember much from the first book. I didn't need to. This book summarizes the ending of the previous book well enough so that I didn't have any trouble being reimmersed into the World After. We are back in the Silicon Valley and it it a fucking (glorious) mess. This is what I loved. This is what I wanted. This is what I didn't get much of from the first book. People are scared, hungry, in hiding. They're forming into groups, gangs, because you can't survive alone, not in a world like this. Penryn, broken Paige, and their schizophrenic mother have just escaped the aerie, and are with the Resistance, planning to slowly retake their world from the destructive Angels. Penryn has no idea where Raffe is. All she gets is flashes of his thoughts and dreams, projected by the sword he has left her. Raffe is so tantalizingly close, yet so far away.
It's a tough life made tougher when Paide, Penryn's broken sister gets kidnapped. Penryn will do anything to get her back.
The Plot & Setting: A lot better this time around. Things just made more sense, and there is more of what I wanted to see. Call me morbid, but I love reading about a broken world. It's what drew me into post-apocalyptic fiction, and dystopian fiction. It's what hooked me in The Walking Dead, and I felt that this book delivered that scenario so much more than the previous one. We get to see more of the remnants of society as they cower in fear and try to raise a meager resistance. We get to see people imprisoned, starving, willing to go to the extent of cannibalism because they are so desperate for sustence. It is a gripping setting and scenario, it's not overly detailed on a grander scale, since Penryn only knows what she sees, so it is fine with me.
This book moves fast. There is too much action at times, for me, because I'm the sort of person who needs a moment of quiet and introspection amidst all the chaos. I still HATE the concept of the Aerie. The thought of angels getting into frat boy parties and swigging champagne and chilling with gorgeous "daughters of men," was absurd to me in the previous book, and it remains completely stupid to me in this book.
I liked the fact that this book did not feel the need to force Penryn and Raffe together unnecessarily. It shows that Penryn is independent, it shows that she is capable of survival without Raffe, however foolhardy her actions are, at times. And it makes the eventual reappeance of Raffe so much better, when it finally happens. It felt like taking a deep breath after holding it in for so long.
The Characters: I liked most of them. I really enjoyed Penryn's character, she is strong, she means well, but she is imperfect, and so very human. Penryn makes foolish decisions, she makes mistakes, and she realizes those mistakes. I liked that about her. Penryn knows all too well that no matter how good your intentions, no matter how bravely you try to act, no matter how much of a hero you try to me, shit can always go wrong.
I find myself altogether fascinated and horrified by Paige and Penryn's intrepid, unstoppable, and completely insane mother. She is truly bulletproof, and I can only shake my head, aghast, at her actions throughout the story.
The Romance: Penryn is not altogether strong, she has her moments of weakness. She aches, thinking about Raffe but there are better things to think about. Priorities, Penryn has them! Penryn allows herself a few moments of wanting him and missing him, but really, it's the end of the world, and she ain't got no time for romance when her SISTER's missing.
Altogether, a really good book, with likeable characters, in an interesting setting. You want your kick-ass heroine, you got your kick-ass heroine.
Was that you, Pooky Bear?There are a lot of themes of good vs. bad, the nature of evil, the length of which man will go to survive. As far as I'm concerned, the only message in this book that mattered is: you do NOT fuck with my sister, because I will hunt you down and I will make you pay. I understand it, and I admire Penryn for it.
I have a baby sister, I love her. We are the same age apart as Penryn and Paige.
...aaaand some years after.
It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I will do everything I can to make damn sure she has a happy life. Nobody hurts my baby sister. A good sibling vengeance story will get me every time. I loved it in the Fever series, and I love it in this book.
I really enjoyed this book...with some reservations. This is one of the situations where I find myself to be the odd man out. I think every single one of my friend loved the first book in this series, whereas I enjoyed the originality of the first book, but was largely indifferent to it. However, I'm happy to find that I liked this book a lot more than the first. Don't get me wrong, there was absolutely nothing I disliked about this book. Penryn is a strong female character, with a tremendous sense of morality and loyalty to her family and friends that I admire, and the romance was well done in that it developed over time and was not the focus of the book. I had some problems with the plot, particularly towards the second half of the book, but overall, I think my reaction to the book is just one of chemistry.
That's right, chemistry. It happens with people, and apparently, it happens with books and the characters within. In life, you meet a lot of people. Some, you like, for no fucking reason. Some, you hate on the spot, despite the fact that they are perfectly pleasant, perfectly nice, completely inoffensive whatsoever, and yet, try as you might...there's just something lacking that prevents you from completely liking, from completely enjoying that person's company.
For me, the Angelfall series is a perfect example of chemistry gone wrong. This book has pretty much everything I could ever want, action, a light romance, awesome characters, horror, death, blood. SO MUCH BLOOD. And yet...like, not love. What can I say? It's just chemistry.
I'm starting to sound like I don't like this book. That's not true! I liked it a lot. I just find myself largely indifferent to the characters; that is a matter purely of personal taste, and not a reflection on the book itself. I truly did enjoy this book.
Summary: I didn't remember much from the first book. I didn't need to. This book summarizes the ending of the previous book well enough so that I didn't have any trouble being reimmersed into the World After. We are back in the Silicon Valley and it it a fucking (glorious) mess. This is what I loved. This is what I wanted. This is what I didn't get much of from the first book. People are scared, hungry, in hiding. They're forming into groups, gangs, because you can't survive alone, not in a world like this. Penryn, broken Paige, and their schizophrenic mother have just escaped the aerie, and are with the Resistance, planning to slowly retake their world from the destructive Angels. Penryn has no idea where Raffe is. All she gets is flashes of his thoughts and dreams, projected by the sword he has left her. Raffe is so tantalizingly close, yet so far away.
It's a tough life made tougher when Paide, Penryn's broken sister gets kidnapped. Penryn will do anything to get her back.
The Plot & Setting: A lot better this time around. Things just made more sense, and there is more of what I wanted to see. Call me morbid, but I love reading about a broken world. It's what drew me into post-apocalyptic fiction, and dystopian fiction. It's what hooked me in The Walking Dead, and I felt that this book delivered that scenario so much more than the previous one. We get to see more of the remnants of society as they cower in fear and try to raise a meager resistance. We get to see people imprisoned, starving, willing to go to the extent of cannibalism because they are so desperate for sustence. It is a gripping setting and scenario, it's not overly detailed on a grander scale, since Penryn only knows what she sees, so it is fine with me.
This book moves fast. There is too much action at times, for me, because I'm the sort of person who needs a moment of quiet and introspection amidst all the chaos. I still HATE the concept of the Aerie. The thought of angels getting into frat boy parties and swigging champagne and chilling with gorgeous "daughters of men," was absurd to me in the previous book, and it remains completely stupid to me in this book.
I liked the fact that this book did not feel the need to force Penryn and Raffe together unnecessarily. It shows that Penryn is independent, it shows that she is capable of survival without Raffe, however foolhardy her actions are, at times. And it makes the eventual reappeance of Raffe so much better, when it finally happens. It felt like taking a deep breath after holding it in for so long.
I look up to say something but he puts his finger to my lips and whispers, “Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”^____________^
The Characters: I liked most of them. I really enjoyed Penryn's character, she is strong, she means well, but she is imperfect, and so very human. Penryn makes foolish decisions, she makes mistakes, and she realizes those mistakes. I liked that about her. Penryn knows all too well that no matter how good your intentions, no matter how bravely you try to act, no matter how much of a hero you try to me, shit can always go wrong.
I feel sick.I liked the other characters in the book, and how well they were portrayed. They don't appear for too long, but the twins, Dum and Dee greatly reminded me of Poison Study's Ari and and Janco, the "Power Twins." Dum and Dee are strong, tough guys, who often act exaggeratedly silly, and they inject just the right amount of humor into a serious book.
Sick from fear. Sick from anger. Sick from the stupidity of what I’ve done.
I came here for my sister and instead I’ve gotten myself recklessly caught.
I find myself altogether fascinated and horrified by Paige and Penryn's intrepid, unstoppable, and completely insane mother. She is truly bulletproof, and I can only shake my head, aghast, at her actions throughout the story.
The Romance: Penryn is not altogether strong, she has her moments of weakness. She aches, thinking about Raffe but there are better things to think about. Priorities, Penryn has them! Penryn allows herself a few moments of wanting him and missing him, but really, it's the end of the world, and she ain't got no time for romance when her SISTER's missing.
I’m dying to know what he felt during our kiss.I felt the romance was very well done; it was light, it was believable, and I love the fact that Ms. Ee has the courage to not force Penryn and Raffe together unbelievably and unnecessarily.
I know it doesn’t matter. I know it won’t change anything. I know it’s juvenile.
Whatever.
Can’t a girl be a girl for, like, five minutes?
Altogether, a really good book, with likeable characters, in an interesting setting. You want your kick-ass heroine, you got your kick-ass heroine.
December 4, 2013
3.5 stars
World After ticks a lot of boxes but it simply isn't as strong a story as we were given in Angelfall. I don't know how many books are planned for this series but it seems to fall prey to what would be called "middle book syndrome" in a trilogy. The story plods along, giving the novel a weighted feel which made it easy to put aside at times (something that could never be said for the previous book). My rating leans towards the positive because I did enjoy this sequel - Ee has a talent for balancing gory, gritty action scenes with playful and hilarious banter - but I admit that I was expecting something more from possibly my most anticipated book of this year. Still, the last fifty pages exploded with flashes of everything I love - action, humour, unexpected plot turns and romance - and I adore Penryn enough to know I will be returning for more.
Readers will surely recognise the author's delightfully sarcastic touches of humour straight away - I found myself laughing aloud multiple times, even when I'd been cringing in horror and sat tense on the edge of my seat just moments earlier. I think this is what I like most about Ee's writing: she somehow manages to make it both creepy and funny at the same time. This rarely works for me; I almost always find the humour draining the scary atmosphere out of each scene or the jokes falling flat amid the descriptions of gore... but Ee makes it work perfectly. Penryn is as badass as ever, always in the centre of the battle and fighting for the ones she loves. Raffe also returns (though not often enough if you ask me) for hilarity and sexual tension.
My main issue is the lack of progression in this book. Angelfall took us on a wild journey that presented us with so much fascinating information, angel lore and complexly-woven characters and relationships. World After, on the other hand, takes baby steps and reminds us of many things we already know: that Penryn feels conflicted about her newly monstrous sister, that she and Raffe have the hots for one another, etc, etc. While it wasn't a bad read, I felt like it could have all happened in a few chapters rather than spread over an entire book. The greatest progress made by this sequel is in the character development of Penryn's mother. She becomes more than the token crazy person in World After and we see her for what she really is: a confused but intelligent woman who loves her children very dearly. This aspect of the book was fantastic, IMO.
A good sequel that could have been better with more careful plotting and pacing - perhaps the author intends this series to be longer than it needs to be (as is often the case). But I enjoyed World After a lot and I'm not surprised to see other reviewers expressing their continued love. I just hope the third book doesn't take so long!
Want to read
December 27, 2011Finish writing this book, damnit!
...then give it me! Give it me!
...then give it me! Give it me!
September 17, 2013
4.5 stars
I AM EXCITE.
I AM EXCITE.
November 1, 2013
Scroll down for my full review.
My initial thoughts on 9/18/13:
On Friday, when I got my ARC of World After:
Also, because Amazon actually sent me an ARC!!!:
Friday night when I got home and sat down to crack this baby open:
When my family wanted to go out to dinner, then shopping, then a million other things that weren't reading:
All weekend, when my family had other plans for my precious reading time:
Then on Sunday when I finally got to start reading:
As I was reading:
When Raffe made his first appearance:
Last night when I finished the book:
And then when I realized I have to wait FOREVER for the next book:
Overall impression:
__________________________________________
And so begins the sequel to one of the best angel books I've ever read. I knew World After would be good. I mean, how could the follow-up to Angelfall be anything but good? This sequel has been a long time coming, though some have been waiting longer than others. (I only discovered Angelfall last year, but it quickly became a favorite.) To put all of your dear minds at rest, I'll just say that this book was well worth the wait.
Penryn
I am ridiculously happy that after everything Penryn Young has suffered, she came through it all with her snark intact. I probably flagged a hundred passages in my ARC, including those highlighting her quick wit, her sharp-tounged quips, and her banter with Raffe. But I also loved her inner monologues, where she pondered how best to escape an inescapable situation, how to protect her family, and what to make of her feelings for Raffe.
I voted Penryn to the top of my "favorite heroines ever" list the very first time I read Angelfall, but I've come to appreciate her character even more with this sequel. Not only is she a skilled fighter who would do anything and risk anything to keep her family safe, but she's also very smart and calculating, and she has a remarkable talent for keeping cool in situations that would find anyone else running for the hills with their tail between their legs. Penryn is the epitome of what I want in a protagonist because even though she is all these things, she is still just a girl, emotional and vulnerable and just trying to make it to the next day.
The Sword
Yes, the Sword of Light gets its own section in my review because it is that badass. This thing is sentient, can tell who's got a hold of it and what their intentions are, and it. Is. Badass. Okay, I said that already, but I just need to convey how awesome this sword is. And Penryn has to hide her.
The disguise Penryn comes up with is, well, degrading and demoralizing to the sword and anyone who knows exactly what it is. As is the name Penryn accidentally gives it. Those were some of my favorite parts in the story because not only did they show how connected to the sword Penryn already was, they also added some much-needed levity to an otherwise disheartening story.
Raffe
Raffe is, for better or worse, absent from a good chunk of the book. BUT, through the sentient power of that awesome, badass sword, we get glimpses of him in the past, sort of like his perspective through the sword's eyes. So, even though he's not there, he's still with us. I think it's because of this -- and her fear for her family -- that Penryn is able to continue, to keep going when it all seems pointless.
When Raffe does resurface, he is every bit the Raffe we met before. He still wants his wings back, and now he's fighting with a rage that only comes from grief. He believed Penryn to be dead, and so he undertook his previous mission with single-minded intensity. Raffe can be hard and cruel and unforgiving, but he is not wholly unfeeling. In fact, I believe there's more emotion locked up in his angel heart than we're ready to see yet, which is why we've only been given glimpses so far.
The Romance
Le sigh. I'll tell you what's addictive: everything about Raffe. Between his quips about Penryn being a lowly human to the condescending way he berates her every action, you'd think he can't stand her. But quite to the contrary, this is a defense mechanism. Push her away so that he's not tempted to make the same mistakes his Watchers did. I get it. And it's kind of hot to watch the tension between these two, even knowing it won't amount to anything...yet. That's the thing...all those long looks and all of that banter, they're leading up to something big. I can feel it. Raffe can feel it. Even Penryn, who thinks Raffe has no feelings for her, feels it...she just doesn't quite grasp what it means yet. The sword helps her along that path, though. ;0)
Penryn's Family
For those of you wondering, yes, Penryn's mother isjust as crazy, dare I say EVEN crazier than she was in the first book. That woman gives new meaning to the word crazy. And yet, this series just would not be the same without her. Far from being a detriment to all of Penryn's well-laid plans, she actually makes things easier for Penryn...more often than not, anyway. Her antics tend to keep everyone occupied while Penryn does all the heavy lifting.
Paige is more feared than even their mother now, though, and so Penryn spends a good chunk of time battling her feelings toward her sister and also clashing with others, all in an effort to keep little Paige safe. But the changes inflicted on Paige in the first book have left her stronger and more capable, and it's time Penryn gave her the benefit of the doubt.
Everything else in this novel is just icing on the cake. Beliel, Obi, and Dee Dum are all present and accounted for, and causing the kind of trouble you'd expect from all of them. Penryn gets herself into a jam a time or two...or ten. Plans are being cemented for the evil angels to fully possess our world and everything it has to offer. And all the while I'm screaming at Raffe to give us some hope.
If you enjoyed Angelfall, I have no doubt you'll love this sequel equally as much. The writing, the characters, the world...everything you fell in love with in the first book is present and accounted for, only it plucks an even more emotional response from the reader this time around because you already know and love these characters. You've seen what they've survived, what they're willing to do for each other, and you just want them to be okay in the end. And you also know that it's going to be a long, long wait for the next book.
Bring on the Angelfall movie already!!!
*All quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change.
Super huge thanks to Skyscape/Amazon Children's Publishing for providing an ARC for review!.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
My initial thoughts on 9/18/13:
On Friday, when I got my ARC of World After:
Also, because Amazon actually sent me an ARC!!!:
Friday night when I got home and sat down to crack this baby open:
When my family wanted to go out to dinner, then shopping, then a million other things that weren't reading:
All weekend, when my family had other plans for my precious reading time:
Then on Sunday when I finally got to start reading:
As I was reading:
When Raffe made his first appearance:
Last night when I finished the book:
And then when I realized I have to wait FOREVER for the next book:
Overall impression:
__________________________________________
"Everyone thinks I'm dead."
And so begins the sequel to one of the best angel books I've ever read. I knew World After would be good. I mean, how could the follow-up to Angelfall be anything but good? This sequel has been a long time coming, though some have been waiting longer than others. (I only discovered Angelfall last year, but it quickly became a favorite.) To put all of your dear minds at rest, I'll just say that this book was well worth the wait.
Penryn
"My dad once told me life would get complicated when I grew up. I'm guessing this isn't what he meant. My mom, on the other hand, agreed with him, and I'm guessing this kind of thing is exactly what she meant."
I am ridiculously happy that after everything Penryn Young has suffered, she came through it all with her snark intact. I probably flagged a hundred passages in my ARC, including those highlighting her quick wit, her sharp-tounged quips, and her banter with Raffe. But I also loved her inner monologues, where she pondered how best to escape an inescapable situation, how to protect her family, and what to make of her feelings for Raffe.
I voted Penryn to the top of my "favorite heroines ever" list the very first time I read Angelfall, but I've come to appreciate her character even more with this sequel. Not only is she a skilled fighter who would do anything and risk anything to keep her family safe, but she's also very smart and calculating, and she has a remarkable talent for keeping cool in situations that would find anyone else running for the hills with their tail between their legs. Penryn is the epitome of what I want in a protagonist because even though she is all these things, she is still just a girl, emotional and vulnerable and just trying to make it to the next day.
The Sword
"I've mentioned that names have power, right? Do you realize that when she fights battles, she's going to have to announce herself to the opposing sword? She'll be forced to say something ridiculous like, 'I am Pooky Bear, from an ancient line of archangel swords.' Or, 'Bow down to me, Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.'" He shakes his head. "How is she going to get any respect?"
Yes, the Sword of Light gets its own section in my review because it is that badass. This thing is sentient, can tell who's got a hold of it and what their intentions are, and it. Is. Badass. Okay, I said that already, but I just need to convey how awesome this sword is. And Penryn has to hide her.
The disguise Penryn comes up with is, well, degrading and demoralizing to the sword and anyone who knows exactly what it is. As is the name Penryn accidentally gives it. Those were some of my favorite parts in the story because not only did they show how connected to the sword Penryn already was, they also added some much-needed levity to an otherwise disheartening story.
Raffe
"Something catches his eye and he walks to the window. A formation of angels flies past the moon. He leans toward the glass, almost pressing his face to it as he looks up at the angels. Every line of him tells me he longs to fly with them."
Raffe is, for better or worse, absent from a good chunk of the book. BUT, through the sentient power of that awesome, badass sword, we get glimpses of him in the past, sort of like his perspective through the sword's eyes. So, even though he's not there, he's still with us. I think it's because of this -- and her fear for her family -- that Penryn is able to continue, to keep going when it all seems pointless.
"Raffe looks over at the bloody knife in my hand. "If I still had any doubts that it was you, that would do it." He gestures toward my opponent rolling on the ground with his hands cradling his package."
When Raffe does resurface, he is every bit the Raffe we met before. He still wants his wings back, and now he's fighting with a rage that only comes from grief. He believed Penryn to be dead, and so he undertook his previous mission with single-minded intensity. Raffe can be hard and cruel and unforgiving, but he is not wholly unfeeling. In fact, I believe there's more emotion locked up in his angel heart than we're ready to see yet, which is why we've only been given glimpses so far.
The Romance
"The candlelight flickers a soft glow along his jawline, along his lips. "I hated losing her." His voice is a low growl. "I hadn't realized just how attached I'd gotten." He reaches and moves a strand of wet hair out of my face. "How dangerously addictive she could be."
Le sigh. I'll tell you what's addictive: everything about Raffe. Between his quips about Penryn being a lowly human to the condescending way he berates her every action, you'd think he can't stand her. But quite to the contrary, this is a defense mechanism. Push her away so that he's not tempted to make the same mistakes his Watchers did. I get it. And it's kind of hot to watch the tension between these two, even knowing it won't amount to anything...yet. That's the thing...all those long looks and all of that banter, they're leading up to something big. I can feel it. Raffe can feel it. Even Penryn, who thinks Raffe has no feelings for her, feels it...she just doesn't quite grasp what it means yet. The sword helps her along that path, though. ;0)
Penryn's Family
"He sighs. "I miss the days when females could be ordered around and they'd have no choice."
"Sure that wasn't just a myth? I'm pretty sure nobody ever ordered my mom around -- ever."
"You're probably right. The unruliness of the women in your family must go back for generations. You're like a plague upon the land."
For those of you wondering, yes, Penryn's mother is
Paige is more feared than even their mother now, though, and so Penryn spends a good chunk of time battling her feelings toward her sister and also clashing with others, all in an effort to keep little Paige safe. But the changes inflicted on Paige in the first book have left her stronger and more capable, and it's time Penryn gave her the benefit of the doubt.
Everything else in this novel is just icing on the cake. Beliel, Obi, and Dee Dum are all present and accounted for, and causing the kind of trouble you'd expect from all of them. Penryn gets herself into a jam a time or two...or ten. Plans are being cemented for the evil angels to fully possess our world and everything it has to offer. And all the while I'm screaming at Raffe to give us some hope.
If you enjoyed Angelfall, I have no doubt you'll love this sequel equally as much. The writing, the characters, the world...everything you fell in love with in the first book is present and accounted for, only it plucks an even more emotional response from the reader this time around because you already know and love these characters. You've seen what they've survived, what they're willing to do for each other, and you just want them to be okay in the end. And you also know that it's going to be a long, long wait for the next book.
Bring on the Angelfall movie already!!!
*All quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change.
Super huge thanks to Skyscape/Amazon Children's Publishing for providing an ARC for review!.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
October 20, 2016
➦First of all, I think my hubby needs a pair of those angel wings. Angelplay could be fun, right? LOL
➦Second of all, this shit is great!
➦After reading this I know that angels are NOT after human pussy after all. They are actually all waiting for the judgement day! Woo-hoo! That clears things up.
➦And there are a lot of scorpion-looking flying weird thingies. And they fight with angels too. Like, wrestling and stuff. Kinda.
➦Scorpions sometimes wed too and wear wedding rings. They also might or might not have some lion parts. Who? Angels or scorpions?
➦Just pass me the next book :D
April 26, 2015
“It’s amazing how many times we need to go against our survival instincts to survive.”
WARNING: There will probably be spoilers for the first book (Angelfall) in this review.
I read the first book of this series about three years ago. I had my doubts about it, since it looked like some typical dystopian/paranormal romance, but a lot of reviewers were saying it had far exceeded their expectations, so I gave it a try.
And I was pleasantly surprised! Angelfall turned out to be a dark and atmospheric book, full of intriguing world-building, disturbing and vivid imagery, a lot of action and excitement, a likable and fairly well-developed romance, and a cool heroine.
I waited eagerly for the sequel to come out, especially since the first book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. I pre-ordered the e-book and attacked it the moment it magically appeared on my Kindle.
And, well ... I liked it. Don't get me wrong, it's a good book. It just didn't pack the same punch as the first book, in my opinion. In the end, I had very mixed feelings about it. It's now been more than a year since I read it (I'm sorry, this review is EXTREMELY delayed due to me being busy with college and also being a lazy shit), so my memory is a little cloudy. But from what I remember, here are my thoughts.
What I liked:
• Action! Excitement! –– If anything, this book is a page-turner. Like the first book, it has a lot of violence and action. There were definitely a lot of sequences that had me on the edge of my seat.
• Family dynamics –– Penryn's mother and her sister, Paige, were mostly absent throughout Angelfall, so I liked that they played more of a role in the sequel. We get to experience more of their relationships with each other (which is all very complicated, what with the mother suffering from some kind of mental illness and Paige being a ... cannibalistic demon thing ... ?)
• The humor –– Something I appreciated about the first book was the dark humor, which is still present in this one. (For example, Penryn carries around a sword hidden in a giant teddy bear named Pooky Bear––maybe a little a bit ridiculous and unreasonable, but the idea is still amusing.)
• The romance doesn't overwhelm the story –– Well, I have mixed feelings about this. I think there could have been a bit more romance, but I'm also glad it didn't take over the story. It could've gone down the route that a lot of YA series take––where the protagonist gets together with the love interest and then it's just a ton of making out and drama and love triangles and whatnot. Fortunately that's not the case here. There's still that hint of romance, but without distracting too much from the actual conflict.
What didn't work for me:
• The pacing –– This book is 320 pages which is not that short, but when I remember it I feel like it was much shorter. I think it's just that it took a while to really get into the heart of the story. As I said, it had exciting parts, but it didn't feel as fast-paced as the first book was. It just felt like a lot of build-up rather than having its own strong, central plot. The end seemed to be moving towards a more significant conflict, but then it was cut off abruptly.
• WHERE THE HELL WAS RAFFE? –– Raffe was one of my favorite parts of the first book, so I was pretty disappointed that he didn't show up until more than halfway through this one. And when he did show up, the reunion between him and Penryn was ... anti-climatic. I mean, he thought she was dead and then when they met up again it was just kind of like:
Penryn: hi I'm not dead
Raffe: coolbeans
Like seriously, that's it???? The scene where he thought she was dying/dead in the first book was so heart-wrenching, and then the whole thing where he returned her (supposedly dead) body to her mother even though it could've gotten him killed ... it was just AGGGH MY HEART. ALL THE FEELINGS.
So ... I expected something a little more emotional, I guess.
Additionally, I feel like one of the strongest things about Angelfall was the dynamic between Raffe and Penryn––their "witty banter," the development of their relationship, etc. And since they were separated for most of the sequel, that aspect was mostly absent. But now that they've been reunited, maybe the third book will be better.
The final word:
I had super high expectations for this book, and I have to say they weren't quite met. But that said, it was still enjoyable and exciting, and I still have hope for the third one.
---------
Pre-review rambling and whatnot under the cut:
June 9, 2023
UHHHHHH SO GOOOOOD.
This series is just so fast paced and so entertaining that it is impossible to put down! I believe this may be a new fan girl series for me as I am already REALLY attached to the characters! Plus it makes my heart happy to know there are going to be quite a few books in this series :D
Also, Raffe is super hot, and that sword is super sassy.
This series is just so fast paced and so entertaining that it is impossible to put down! I believe this may be a new fan girl series for me as I am already REALLY attached to the characters! Plus it makes my heart happy to know there are going to be quite a few books in this series :D
Also, Raffe is super hot, and that sword is super sassy.
May 4, 2015
So excited to read this AGAIN in April 27 2015.
Buddy Reading with Cathryn, Danae, Ashley, Angela, Tanya, Catherine, Sarah, Navessa, Brigid, Shandra, Ya, Andrea, Mindy, Maria, Annette, Kristen, Lea, Sara, Athena (Shardbearer), Brandi, Nicholas, Michelle, Tandie, Jenny, Amanda, Gavin, Armina and Shelly at Buddies Books and Baubles
Reread April 27:
Darker than I remember and I loved it. Susan Ee really builds in some horrific elements about how bad it can really get. I'm all refreshed now and ready for the conclusion.
Original review Nov 2013
4.5 Stars Wow just wow.
“The world going crazy doesn’t mean your mother isn’t still crazy too.”
I thought Angelfall was a wild ride but World After kicked crazy up a notch. Susan Ee has really impressed me with her second book in the Penryn and The End of Days series. After the first book I really wanted some insight into the Angels and Raffe’s Past, I also wanted to know more about the creepy Frankenstein monsters that were at the Aerie, Penryn’s crazy mom and Paige poor little Paige. Well Susan Ee found a great way to give us insight into most of these things and just when I thought she couldn’t horrify me any more Ms. Ee pushed the bar just one step farther.
Penryn’s mom is still crazy, I mean sometimes she seems like maybe she is the only one that is on top of what is truly happening but she is still nuts and I love every second of it.
”Of course your fine.” She keeps walking. “You’re the devils bride and these are his creatures.” - Penryn’s Mom
In Penryn’s mom’s defense the tableau at the end of Angelfall did make Raffe look like the Devil. But, you still have to be crazy to come up with an idea like that. It is safe to say that the Young family wasn’t exactly popular in the new resistance camp with a mom speaking in tongues, resurrected girl and a stitched up child with super strength and razor teeth.
DeeDum were hilarious and up to their shenanigans again at the new resistance camp. They have some great one liners and seems to always be in the know, but that is to be expected of the great spymasters. Where ever they go trouble will abound but they seem to always be able to help Penryn out in some way.
Even though Raffe and Penryn are apart at the beginning of the book Susan Ee found a very interesting way to show us part of Raffe’s past as an Archangel and his time with the watchers. It also gave us some insight to his POV from the first book on a few scenes and showed what else was going on at the same time adding even more dimension to the story and his character.
World After is really a dark story. I was very worried about the characters at certain parts of the book when it became the darkest and pushed the envelope of even the first book. But Susan Ee really hits you with some levity throughout too. For it being about the apocalypse I really laughed quite a few times. Penryn and Raffe’s banter is fantastic once again.
”Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”
I was so happy when they found each other again and I might have fist bumped in the air. There is the forbidden romance and it is still smoldering and a slow burn. I ship these two so hard I really want it to work out for them in the end but an Angel and a Daughter of Man have a lot stacked against them it will be interesting to see how that progresses.
The romance never overshadows the rest of the story and there is one dilemma after another. Questions are answered and others are posed but I feel like a good deal of the questions I had after the first book were at least addressed and I know so much more about this world and the motivations of all the characters than I did before.
My new favorite character is……Pooky Bear.
“Bow down to me Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.”
Until you read the book you won’t understand I just have to throw it in that it some of the funniest moments in the book and I laugh so hard just thinking about it. But don’t let the name fool you Pooky Bear kicks ass.
I am wowed by this book it has action, adventure, sci-fi, monsters, A Crazy Mom, heroes, demons, Aerial Combat, crazy club scenes Gatsby Style, incredibly disturbing moments, incredibly hopeful moments and decidedly unexpected moments….there were a lot of moments. The ending left me aching for more. This is one of those books that I marked so many pages I loved it was hard to pick just a few things for the review.
I really can’t wait to see what else pops out of the mind of Susan Ee. Well played Ms. Ee Well Played.
Buddy Reading with Cathryn, Danae, Ashley, Angela, Tanya, Catherine, Sarah, Navessa, Brigid, Shandra, Ya, Andrea, Mindy, Maria, Annette, Kristen, Lea, Sara, Athena (Shardbearer), Brandi, Nicholas, Michelle, Tandie, Jenny, Amanda, Gavin, Armina and Shelly at Buddies Books and Baubles
Reread April 27:
Darker than I remember and I loved it. Susan Ee really builds in some horrific elements about how bad it can really get. I'm all refreshed now and ready for the conclusion.
Original review Nov 2013
4.5 Stars Wow just wow.
“The world going crazy doesn’t mean your mother isn’t still crazy too.”
I thought Angelfall was a wild ride but World After kicked crazy up a notch. Susan Ee has really impressed me with her second book in the Penryn and The End of Days series. After the first book I really wanted some insight into the Angels and Raffe’s Past, I also wanted to know more about the creepy Frankenstein monsters that were at the Aerie, Penryn’s crazy mom and Paige poor little Paige. Well Susan Ee found a great way to give us insight into most of these things and just when I thought she couldn’t horrify me any more Ms. Ee pushed the bar just one step farther.
Penryn’s mom is still crazy, I mean sometimes she seems like maybe she is the only one that is on top of what is truly happening but she is still nuts and I love every second of it.
”Of course your fine.” She keeps walking. “You’re the devils bride and these are his creatures.” - Penryn’s Mom
In Penryn’s mom’s defense the tableau at the end of Angelfall did make Raffe look like the Devil. But, you still have to be crazy to come up with an idea like that. It is safe to say that the Young family wasn’t exactly popular in the new resistance camp with a mom speaking in tongues, resurrected girl and a stitched up child with super strength and razor teeth.
DeeDum were hilarious and up to their shenanigans again at the new resistance camp. They have some great one liners and seems to always be in the know, but that is to be expected of the great spymasters. Where ever they go trouble will abound but they seem to always be able to help Penryn out in some way.
Even though Raffe and Penryn are apart at the beginning of the book Susan Ee found a very interesting way to show us part of Raffe’s past as an Archangel and his time with the watchers. It also gave us some insight to his POV from the first book on a few scenes and showed what else was going on at the same time adding even more dimension to the story and his character.
World After is really a dark story. I was very worried about the characters at certain parts of the book when it became the darkest and pushed the envelope of even the first book. But Susan Ee really hits you with some levity throughout too. For it being about the apocalypse I really laughed quite a few times. Penryn and Raffe’s banter is fantastic once again.
”Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”
I was so happy when they found each other again and I might have fist bumped in the air. There is the forbidden romance and it is still smoldering and a slow burn. I ship these two so hard I really want it to work out for them in the end but an Angel and a Daughter of Man have a lot stacked against them it will be interesting to see how that progresses.
The romance never overshadows the rest of the story and there is one dilemma after another. Questions are answered and others are posed but I feel like a good deal of the questions I had after the first book were at least addressed and I know so much more about this world and the motivations of all the characters than I did before.
My new favorite character is……Pooky Bear.
“Bow down to me Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.”
Until you read the book you won’t understand I just have to throw it in that it some of the funniest moments in the book and I laugh so hard just thinking about it. But don’t let the name fool you Pooky Bear kicks ass.
I am wowed by this book it has action, adventure, sci-fi, monsters, A Crazy Mom, heroes, demons, Aerial Combat, crazy club scenes Gatsby Style, incredibly disturbing moments, incredibly hopeful moments and decidedly unexpected moments….there were a lot of moments. The ending left me aching for more. This is one of those books that I marked so many pages I loved it was hard to pick just a few things for the review.
I really can’t wait to see what else pops out of the mind of Susan Ee. Well played Ms. Ee Well Played.
October 11, 2014
*4.5 Stars!*
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder...
I LOVED this! I went into this sequel with some reserve, fairly unsure of what to expect, and I can honestly say that I fully enjoyed every moment of this suspenseful, action-packed, never predictable, twisted but just plain fun addition!
World After picks up directly where Angelfall leaves off, at the peak of chaos and calamity. The story follows Penryn as she unknowingly becomes a warrior for her kind ... fighting for the survival of herself, her family, and the innocent people surrounding her. The angels/demons have stepped up their "organized" plan of attack, but Penryn is intent on remaining one step ahead. Once again, she is the epitome of strength, intelligence, and perseverance — not to mention an official master at cracking hilarious mental-mom jokes.
This story offered just as much action as the last, but, due to Raffe's limited appearance, was lighter on the romance. However, none of it felt overdone or became tired. Yes, Raffe's now infamous prolonged absence was a bit of a hurdle, but it served well to build the anticipation. Plus, I found the story was strong enough to hold its own. I loved how the author cleverly inserted Raffe's POV without the use of dual perspectives. Allowing his sword to interact with Penryn kept Raffe's character present during his MIA moments.
But, at last, Raffe does return in the flesh, and we are once again united with all the humor, sexiness, witty banter, and fierce protection his amazing character exudes.
Susan Ee is just a fabulous storyteller. Not only is this storyline top notch and original, but its delivery is just as captivating. The scenes glide effortlessly into one another with words that feel light and smooth, yet paint a powerful picture. This sequel offers the perfect ratio of peril, humor, and romance, and ends with a strategically constructed cliffhanger that opens up more story while offering just enough temporary resolve to satisfy. Impatiently wait for MORE... Awesome read!
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic/Angels
▪ Steam Caliber: Clean
▪ Romance: Working on it
▪ Characters: Angel/protective hero. Strong, kickass heroine.
▪ Plot: Penryn takes on the evil and struggles to keep her family safe. Reunites with Raffe.
▪ Writing: Engaging, intense, fluid.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: Yes, but enough resolve.
▪ Next Installment: Follow up.
▪ HEA?
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder...
I LOVED this! I went into this sequel with some reserve, fairly unsure of what to expect, and I can honestly say that I fully enjoyed every moment of this suspenseful, action-packed, never predictable, twisted but just plain fun addition!
World After picks up directly where Angelfall leaves off, at the peak of chaos and calamity. The story follows Penryn as she unknowingly becomes a warrior for her kind ... fighting for the survival of herself, her family, and the innocent people surrounding her. The angels/demons have stepped up their "organized" plan of attack, but Penryn is intent on remaining one step ahead. Once again, she is the epitome of strength, intelligence, and perseverance — not to mention an official master at cracking hilarious mental-mom jokes.
This story offered just as much action as the last, but, due to Raffe's limited appearance, was lighter on the romance. However, none of it felt overdone or became tired. Yes, Raffe's now infamous prolonged absence was a bit of a hurdle, but it served well to build the anticipation. Plus, I found the story was strong enough to hold its own. I loved how the author cleverly inserted Raffe's POV without the use of dual perspectives. Allowing his sword to interact with Penryn kept Raffe's character present during his MIA moments.
But, at last, Raffe does return in the flesh, and we are once again united with all the humor, sexiness, witty banter, and fierce protection his amazing character exudes.
"Don't talk. You'll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth."
Susan Ee is just a fabulous storyteller. Not only is this storyline top notch and original, but its delivery is just as captivating. The scenes glide effortlessly into one another with words that feel light and smooth, yet paint a powerful picture. This sequel offers the perfect ratio of peril, humor, and romance, and ends with a strategically constructed cliffhanger that opens up more story while offering just enough temporary resolve to satisfy. Impatiently wait for MORE... Awesome read!
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic/Angels
▪ Steam Caliber: Clean
▪ Romance: Working on it
▪ Characters: Angel/protective hero. Strong, kickass heroine.
▪ Plot: Penryn takes on the evil and struggles to keep her family safe. Reunites with Raffe.
▪ Writing: Engaging, intense, fluid.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: Yes, but enough resolve.
▪ Next Installment: Follow up.
▪ HEA?
July 5, 2017
Oh my that was truly adorable!
I won't opt for a long review, but this book is totally worth reading. When I started this series I had my doubts. So many biblically illustrious books tend to insult religions intentionally or not.
This book didn't really dwell on the religious aspect of Angela and demons, well not enough to cause annoyance anyways.
The book has a few flaws, the most dispensable being the fact that otherworldly angel who landed on earth only 2 months ago knows what a sharpie is, can make very modern earthly references and has a relatable sense of humor?
But overall despite this obvious shortcoming the book is well written, entertaining, and a lot of fun. It really stroked my curiosity making me want to keep going.
I don't own book number 3, and that needs to change yesterday.
I won't opt for a long review, but this book is totally worth reading. When I started this series I had my doubts. So many biblically illustrious books tend to insult religions intentionally or not.
This book didn't really dwell on the religious aspect of Angela and demons, well not enough to cause annoyance anyways.
The book has a few flaws, the most dispensable being the fact that otherworldly angel who landed on earth only 2 months ago knows what a sharpie is, can make very modern earthly references and has a relatable sense of humor?
But overall despite this obvious shortcoming the book is well written, entertaining, and a lot of fun. It really stroked my curiosity making me want to keep going.
I don't own book number 3, and that needs to change yesterday.
February 19, 2016
I just really love Penryn a lot, okay??
This was even better than the first one and I am really interested to see where this series goes!
This was even better than the first one and I am really interested to see where this series goes!
June 7, 2014
This book had better come out ASAP 2013. I need it now, like candy or Ian Somerhalder, and on second thought, perhaps even more. This one is going to be fantastic, no doubt about it! Hurry up, Ee, you officially rocked my socks, period.
Update: January 3, 2014
My Review
There are no words for this book. The funny thing is that I went in expecting nothing but perfection. Ee floored me with Angelfall and I just couldn't conceive of a world where the book following such excellence was lacking in any way. I needed World After to be as good, if not better than Angelfall. Spoiler Alert: It was.
The curse of the second is pretty much something I implicate when going into sequels, simply said, they tend to be less enthralling than their predecessors. But the curse? It didn't exist for this book. Ee is an author after my own heart, this is why her books are my kryptonite, I feel like she writes for me. So thank-you for this, Ee, it was superb.
World After follows the events of Angelfall and Penryn is slowly recovering from the scorpion sting that left her paralysed. She's with her family, Paige is finally returned, but the experimentations done on her have altered Penryn's baby sister in ways that go much deeper than the physical. Her pain was palpable, and finding the sister she lost in the "Low Demon" now in her stead was a struggle for Penryn. Her mother, craziness aside, latches onto her daughter and encourages Penryn to look in Paige's eyes because those haven't changed; she is the same sister and daughter they know and lost. Surprisingly, Penryn has difficulty with this, and if things aren't hard enough, they still don't know what to feed Paige. It isn't until one incident at their base refugee camp that the gory answer is arrived at.
Paige needs meat. Raw meat, most readily available in human beings. There is an uproar, and the rest of the survivors try to capture her and she flees the camp, leaving Penryn and her mother to find Paige yet again. Clara, an unexpected survivor who Penryn saves from being sucked dry by the scorpions/"locusts" comes along for the ride, and together they embark on the quest to save Paige from the unpredictable angels, herself, and from hurting anyone else.
Yeah, not so much.
I was taken rapture, by the incredible storytelling and the characters brimming with anguish and determination to survive. I think more than anything, this series is a chronicle of survival and persistence even at the worst of times.
Penryn grew, into the kind of Heroine one cannot forget about simply by closing the book. She stays with you, making you question her actions as well as what you might do in her place. If your world was turned upside down, the man you loved apart from you, and your family ravaged...what would you do? I'd hope I would act as Penryn did and kick some serious ass! Can I get a "what-what" for her skills with Pookie Bear!?
I was very pleased, and excited that more of Raffe's past was revealed through his sword and also that some insight as to what Paige went through was provided. I think I would have hated it if her whole experience with the angels was glossed over, and Ee gave just enough detail about her abduction that satisfied but did not completely satiate my curiosity. As always, I am hungry for more and the next book is something I absolutely must have.
World After was full of action and entertained me to the very end. Much is revealed about the Angels as well as their purpose on Earth. Uriah's motives are despicable, but then again was any less expected? Things are more complicated than they appear and I am glad there will be 5 books to unravel the mystery of this new world and its many conspiracies.
Did I mention, I am hella pleased to have more Raffe and Penryn coming my way? I NEED this two to happen, damnation aside. Their chemistry is crackling and my tummy warmed at their reunion. I'm shipping this so hard, it hurts. Raffe did not disappoint me and the fact that he recognized Penryn right away made the romantic in me swoon for days! I'm in love. World After is the kind of book that satisfies and I am so happy.
This book was everything I needed it to be, the perfect sequel with an ending that makes me ever loyal to Ee and this series. So beautifully written...All I want is the next book!
5 FLAMING STARS!
September 13, 2016
A teenager, a mutated girl, a tattered angel, and a sword named Pooky Bear walk into a bar...
[insert punchline here]
[end result = win]
4.5 stars. Spoilers for book 1 only. I promise that there are no major spoilers here for World After, but I am placing a couple of quotes in this review with the assumption that most readers would figure Penryn and Raffe were going to cross paths again at some point. I just won't say when or how.
Not that I wasn't already in love with this series, but when the sword started interacting with Penryn, I did an internal happy dance. Who knows why I like swords with attitude, but I do.
I know a few people weren't fond of the pacing in this book, but I was pretty much happy with the entire thing. The dream sequences could have been pared back to one or two scenes, but since I liked the interaction between Penryn and Pooky Bear, I didn't mind the scenes either. It gave the reader some knowledge of what Raffe was thinking without having to add chapters in his PoV.
The banter between Raffe and Penryn was great. One of the things that I appreciate the most about Raffe is that he is very focused and serious, but still has these moments of hilarity which break through.
There are still an ample amount of action scenes, fight scenes, survival scenes, etc. for the people who crave all of that dark post-apocalyptic goodness. I thought the balance of action to sexual tension was perfect for what I like to read. Others might wish for less swooning, but I didn't mind having a few moments here and there to break up some of the science experiments and fight scenes.
The side characters are still around and contributing to this crazy story. Both Paige and her mom were back to add a few bizarre scenes to the mix. When you have a whack-job fanatic and a razor-toothed little girl demon on the scene, things are bound to go a little nutty.
Add in a creepy turn on Alcatraz and an epic angel battle, and we have a well-rounded story. The way things ended has me itching for book 3 and I know that I'll be re-reading World After in the meantime because it was that good.
I have nothing else to say but read this series!
My review can also be found on Booklikes
Are you an adult who loves to read and chat about young adult books? Join us over in the Rated YA-MA group!
[insert punchline here]
[end result = win]
4.5 stars. Spoilers for book 1 only. I promise that there are no major spoilers here for World After, but I am placing a couple of quotes in this review with the assumption that most readers would figure Penryn and Raffe were going to cross paths again at some point. I just won't say when or how.
Not that I wasn't already in love with this series, but when the sword started interacting with Penryn, I did an internal happy dance. Who knows why I like swords with attitude, but I do.
I carefully pull out the bear and sword. I proudly flip the bridal veil skirt to show him the scabbard.
Raffe stares at the disguised sword for a second before commenting. "Do you know how many kills this sword has?"
"It's a perfect disguise, Raffe."
"This sword is not just an angel sword. She's an archangel sword. Better than an angel sword, in case that's not clear. She intimidates other angel swords."
"What, the other swords quake in their scabbards when they see her?"
"Yes, if you must know," he says following me. "She was made for ultimate respect. How is she supposed to get that disguised as a teddy bear in a bridal gown?"
I know a few people weren't fond of the pacing in this book, but I was pretty much happy with the entire thing. The dream sequences could have been pared back to one or two scenes, but since I liked the interaction between Penryn and Pooky Bear, I didn't mind the scenes either. It gave the reader some knowledge of what Raffe was thinking without having to add chapters in his PoV.
The banter between Raffe and Penryn was great. One of the things that I appreciate the most about Raffe is that he is very focused and serious, but still has these moments of hilarity which break through.
"You're not Fallen, are you?"
"From everything I've heard, that would just make me more sexy to you Daughters of Men. What is it that you all see in bad boys?"
.....
"Oh, don't worry. You're safe," he says in a reassuring voice. "I'd never tell you that you have a nice personality."
There are still an ample amount of action scenes, fight scenes, survival scenes, etc. for the people who crave all of that dark post-apocalyptic goodness. I thought the balance of action to sexual tension was perfect for what I like to read. Others might wish for less swooning, but I didn't mind having a few moments here and there to break up some of the science experiments and fight scenes.
The side characters are still around and contributing to this crazy story. Both Paige and her mom were back to add a few bizarre scenes to the mix. When you have a whack-job fanatic and a razor-toothed little girl demon on the scene, things are bound to go a little nutty.
Add in a creepy turn on Alcatraz and an epic angel battle, and we have a well-rounded story. The way things ended has me itching for book 3 and I know that I'll be re-reading World After in the meantime because it was that good.
I have nothing else to say but read this series!
My review can also be found on Booklikes
Are you an adult who loves to read and chat about young adult books? Join us over in the Rated YA-MA group!
April 29, 2015
I loved this, I really did...just not as much as the first book.
I think the reason has to do with the lack of Raffe for the majority of the time. He's off doing stuff, and Penryn is on her own trying to save the day.
Which is cool. Really!
I think the story was more entertaining when they were all bickery with each other.
*shrugs*
For those of you who don't like to know anything before you read a book, there are mild spoilers in this review. Be warned!
Ok, so what happens in this book?
Crazy-Mom gets crazier, because the nutty gleam in her eyes and rotten egg fetish weren't bad enough. She's like an insane ninja sneaking around and taking out perceived threats.
Still.
Insane is the key word to remember here.
The What-Happened-To-Paige mystery is delved into a lot deeper, and we find out that she may be suffering from Stockholm syndrome. *cough* Among other things.
Penryn has a hard time looking her little sister in the eyeballs, which causes some trust issues. Especially when villagers with the torches and pitchforks decide she ate a dude.
Did she?
Well, it's possible...
Remember the Scorpion things that the angels were cooking up in those incubating vats?
Guess what? Soylent Green is people!
Also, it looks like there's a HUGE Apocalypse conspiracy going on that most of the angels are unaware of, and Penryn has stepped right in the middle of it. I'm so crazy excited to see where exactly Susan Ee is going with this one! I have theories. Many theories.
One of them is bound to be right, I just know it...
There were plenty of other fun tidbits sprinkled throughout the book that made up (somewhat) for the lack of Raffe.
Such as:
Pookie Bear! The most accessorized sword to be wielded by aarchangel teenage girl...
And what kind of accessories does an ass-kickin' sword need, you ask?
And, of course, we finally get an answer to the age old question: Can angels swim?
Although, in the ocean, does it really matter?
Also reviewed for:
I think the reason has to do with the lack of Raffe for the majority of the time. He's off doing stuff, and Penryn is on her own trying to save the day.
Which is cool. Really!
I think the story was more entertaining when they were all bickery with each other.
*shrugs*
For those of you who don't like to know anything before you read a book, there are mild spoilers in this review. Be warned!
Ok, so what happens in this book?
Crazy-Mom gets crazier, because the nutty gleam in her eyes and rotten egg fetish weren't bad enough. She's like an insane ninja sneaking around and taking out perceived threats.
Still.
Insane is the key word to remember here.
The What-Happened-To-Paige mystery is delved into a lot deeper, and we find out that she may be suffering from Stockholm syndrome. *cough* Among other things.
Penryn has a hard time looking her little sister in the eyeballs, which causes some trust issues. Especially when villagers with the torches and pitchforks decide she ate a dude.
Did she?
Well, it's possible...
Remember the Scorpion things that the angels were cooking up in those incubating vats?
Guess what? Soylent Green is people!
Also, it looks like there's a HUGE Apocalypse conspiracy going on that most of the angels are unaware of, and Penryn has stepped right in the middle of it. I'm so crazy excited to see where exactly Susan Ee is going with this one! I have theories. Many theories.
One of them is bound to be right, I just know it...
There were plenty of other fun tidbits sprinkled throughout the book that made up (somewhat) for the lack of Raffe.
Such as:
Pookie Bear! The most accessorized sword to be wielded by a
And what kind of accessories does an ass-kickin' sword need, you ask?
And, of course, we finally get an answer to the age old question: Can angels swim?
Although, in the ocean, does it really matter?
Also reviewed for:
July 17, 2016
3.5 stars :)
this book did not disappoint! it was nearly as good as the first one :D Although admittedly, the first part of this book was not nearly as action packed and suspenseful as the first one. The first book started out with a BAM and had me on the edge of my seat for the whole time but for this one, it was kinda boring at first to be honest.
i feel really bad for feeling bored but with raffe missing for a huge chunk of the book and the plot taking a bit of a time to get juicy i was really bored. BUT the second half totally made up for the first half! Raffe gets back and he's more sassy and sarcastic as ever and that was amazing to watch. Penryn's sister started to grow on me as well and by the end of the book i started to like her again. (still creeped out by the mom though) Penryn is super awesome and kickass in this book and i was just watching her proudly like-
RAFFE! oh RAFFE <3 i was kinda sad in this book as i did not get to see as much of him as i would like to. Which just made me so sad in this book :'( like i was looking forward to more interactions between him and Penryn. The way they met again was so cute though! My poor heart couldn't take it. PLUS everytime Raphael is in the book my heart just melts and i start internally dancing
the plot twist (kinda) at the end was really great.ALSO URIEL i'm watching you closely
IM SO EXCITED TO START THE LAST ONE and see how it all ends and turns out! !!
this book did not disappoint! it was nearly as good as the first one :D Although admittedly, the first part of this book was not nearly as action packed and suspenseful as the first one. The first book started out with a BAM and had me on the edge of my seat for the whole time but for this one, it was kinda boring at first to be honest.
i feel really bad for feeling bored but with raffe missing for a huge chunk of the book and the plot taking a bit of a time to get juicy i was really bored. BUT the second half totally made up for the first half! Raffe gets back and he's more sassy and sarcastic as ever and that was amazing to watch. Penryn's sister started to grow on me as well and by the end of the book i started to like her again. (still creeped out by the mom though) Penryn is super awesome and kickass in this book and i was just watching her proudly like-
RAFFE! oh RAFFE <3 i was kinda sad in this book as i did not get to see as much of him as i would like to. Which just made me so sad in this book :'( like i was looking forward to more interactions between him and Penryn. The way they met again was so cute though! My poor heart couldn't take it. PLUS everytime Raphael is in the book my heart just melts and i start internally dancing
the plot twist (kinda) at the end was really great.ALSO URIEL i'm watching you closely
IM SO EXCITED TO START THE LAST ONE and see how it all ends and turns out! !!
May 11, 2016
We have a date on here.....October 10th??
I JUST NEED THIS BOOK!!!
..........
UPDATED NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so having heard a rumour going around on goodreads that Susan Ee had heard many of the fans prayers about book 2, I immediately checked her blog, as you do, and prepare yourself there is some EPIC NEWS!!!
ANGELFALL BOOK 2 WILL BE RELEASED IN FALL 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!
so yeah Fall 2013, while I can't say I'm too excited about waiting another year (I was still hoping for a Jan 1st release if it had to be released in 2013) but like well all of you I'm just so glad we have news, and this means TITLE, COVER AND SYNOPISIS RELEASE IN THE MEANTIME!!!!!
THATS NOT ALL!!!!!!!!!! THE MOVIE RIGHTS TO ANGELFALL HAVE BEEN PICKED UP!!!!
heres the link to Susan Website incase you had to see for yourselves, you now have permission to FREAK OUT!!!!!
http://www.susanee.com/blog/2012/11/b...
http://www.susanee.com/blog/2012/11/a...
-------
Its been a year and a half, no title, no blurb, no release date, no teasers,
And it has now changed to 2013, I mean WHAT!!!!
After that ending please Susan Ee, Im dying here PLEASE release the book, can you IMAGINE what the second one is like
Just please please Susan Ee give us word!
I, just can't survive much longer, I need to know something about this book :(
Until then
January 30, 2018
Holy Shit! Treffender kann man es denke ich gar nicht formulieren. Musste mir vorgestern nach beenden des ersten Bandes direkt den hier schnappen um zu wissen wie es weitergeht mit Penryn, Raffe und Co. Und ich wurde nicht getäuscht, denn ganz im Gegensatz zum klassischen etwas schnarchigen zweiten Band einer Trilogie, war das hier einfach ein wilder Ritt. Es passiert so viel und immer direkt Schlag auf Schlag, dass ich manchmal echt die Luft angehalten hab beim lesen 😅 die Charakterentwicklung war hier auch grandios, vor allem die von Paige von ich gewagt von der Autorin, dennoch richtig gut gelungen. Bin nach diesem Teil - und vor allem dem letzten Kapitel (WHAT THE F***?!) - so gespannt wie sich das alles auflösen soll 😱
April 27, 2023
Let me be honest with you, friends - my experience with Young Adult novels, those featuring either postapocalyptic or dystopian themes, and those with any hints of paranormal romances, has been mostly, well, uninspiring, to say the least. But yet I keep digging through the piles of dreck, forgetting the famous misattributed Einstein's definition of insanity, because among the piles of manure there may occasionally be a gem or two.
Susan Ee's debut novel, Angelfall, pleasantly surprised me, falling in with the gems, not the manure. It was a surprisingly refreshing read, earning very positive responses from the audience. World After is a much-anticipated sequel to the promising first volume, and overall it did not disappoint me, earning a solid 3.5 star rating - a very decent grade for a middle book in the series as far as I'm concerned. Was it perfect or at least as good as it's predecessor? Well, no - but for all it's flaws it had enough redeeming qualities and, just like the first book, kept my full undivided rapt attention for its entire 300+ pages.
The first book introduced us to the life in California's Silicon Valley a couple of months after an invasion by none other than angels, who turned out to be a brutal thuggish force and left cities in ruins and those few of the humans not yet decimated desperately looking for ways to survive - ranging from prostituting themselves to forming the Resistance.
Enter Penryn Young, a teenage girl whose experience with studying martial arts for years comes in handy in the world in which she needs to fend for her paranoid schizophrenic mother and paraplegic younger sister against both humans and angels, each group equally dangerous. Penryn teams up with a newly wingless angel Raffe (how long did it take you to assume that cocky Adonis-like [barf!!!] Raffe = legendary Rafael? It took me about 2 paragraphs. Can you beat me?) . One decadent Gatsby-style angelic party, mutant scorpions and reengineered children, and a pair of demon wings later - and we arrive at the events of World After, again full of angelic parties and mutant scorpions.
Ahem, anyway, back to this book.
World After gives us more of the same, really, expanding a bit on what was already shown. There's a bit more of politics, experiments leading to creation of mutants, cruelty from the invaders and the Resistance alike. Penryn's mother gets a bit more character development, which is quite welcome. Little Paige has become something entirely else than human, and is turning into something more than simply a plot-advancing McGuffin she was starting to become in the first book. And her story is quite sad, but just as your heartstrings feel tugged on a bit too much, an unexpected bloodshed or two will surely fix the mood.
As for Penryn herself - she is still a great heroine. She finds a few more occasions to demonstrate her fighting skills, and holds her own against a variety of opponents. There's a bit of sarcastic humor in her that feels genuine even if occasionally too juvenile (Pooky Bear, anyone?). To her credit, she remains resourceful and practical, and kicks ass, even if some scenes are full of quite forced stereotypical waif-fu (seriously, learning sword fighting via dream sequences makes me cringe. Good thing it's a magical super-duper special sword that can pretty much wield itself). While very much acting age-appropriately for a teenager, she mostly avoids the annoying stereotypes that plague countless similar books.
As for the worldbuilding, Susan Ee does not shy away from unpleasantness, either. She adds just the necessary touch of gore and gritty to add some weight and consequences to her world. She knows when to to switch the pace of her narration with a well-placed action scene or two.
And even when at the end of this book you do realize that the storyline has not advanced all that much despite all the action, you still can't help but overall enjoy the experience.
Well, that was the good. Now let's take a peek at the bad and the ugly.
All of the above, while sometimes too juvenile and too naive, was still fun to read about, and written quite decently at that. The parts that were losing me, however, had to do with the Adonis-like love interest, the one and only Raffe. Supposedly an ancient archangel, he does play a part of hormonal teenager convincingly, actually too convincingly for it to be enjoyable.
Book writers, listen up. You want to have an ancient creature in love with your teenage protagonist? Fine; I don't quite get the appeal of such a pairing but what do I know? You want to have a witty banter of two hormonal teenagers? Fine. You want to combine the two ideas above? Fine as long as you're aware that your ancient creature acting like a sixteen-year-old is, quite honestly, creepily disturbing. Please have Penryn's love interest be either Rafael, the respected archangel or Raffe, the cocky young kid - but the amalgam of above is dysfunctional.
Also: nonstop witty banter, even in the middle of a battle, cute as it may be, can get juuuust a bit tiring and eventually annoying. It has time and place, and it's okay to let the gravity of the situation stand without punctuating it with lighthearted fun banter. It lessens the emotional impact and wears thin after a while. Oh, and the witty bantering adorable teenage twin brothers? Other than Fred and George Weasley, few can pull it off without becoming silly comedic relief - and the twin duo in this story, sadly, is not up to par.
----------------------
When weighing the good and the bad in this book, the scale still tips towards the positive for me. Despite the flaws and the annoyances, it is still overall an interesting and decent read that retains quite a bit of the appeal of the first story and remains full of promise for the remaining books in the series. Whether the rest of the story lives up to the promise or succumbs to the flaws that are so common in this genre - well, only time will tell. But I surely will be reading the next book in the series.
3.5 stars.
----------------------
My review of Angelfall, the first book in this series, is here.
Susan Ee's debut novel, Angelfall, pleasantly surprised me, falling in with the gems, not the manure. It was a surprisingly refreshing read, earning very positive responses from the audience. World After is a much-anticipated sequel to the promising first volume, and overall it did not disappoint me, earning a solid 3.5 star rating - a very decent grade for a middle book in the series as far as I'm concerned. Was it perfect or at least as good as it's predecessor? Well, no - but for all it's flaws it had enough redeeming qualities and, just like the first book, kept my full undivided rapt attention for its entire 300+ pages.
The first book introduced us to the life in California's Silicon Valley a couple of months after an invasion by none other than angels, who turned out to be a brutal thuggish force and left cities in ruins and those few of the humans not yet decimated desperately looking for ways to survive - ranging from prostituting themselves to forming the Resistance.
Enter Penryn Young, a teenage girl whose experience with studying martial arts for years comes in handy in the world in which she needs to fend for her paranoid schizophrenic mother and paraplegic younger sister against both humans and angels, each group equally dangerous. Penryn teams up with a newly wingless angel Raffe (how long did it take you to assume that cocky Adonis-like [barf!!!] Raffe = legendary Rafael? It took me about 2 paragraphs. Can you beat me?) . One decadent Gatsby-style angelic party, mutant scorpions and reengineered children, and a pair of demon wings later - and we arrive at the events of World After, again full of angelic parties and mutant scorpions.
Ahh, Scorpions... I just couldn't resist even though I realize I'm really dating myself with this reference. "Wind of Change"was so idealistically popular when I was a child, and the sound of it still makes me want to wave a lighter in a slow-mo to the haunting music. Taaaaake me to the magic of the moment on a gloooory night where the children of tomorrow dream awaaaaay in the wind of change.....
Ahem, anyway, back to this book.
World After gives us more of the same, really, expanding a bit on what was already shown. There's a bit more of politics, experiments leading to creation of mutants, cruelty from the invaders and the Resistance alike. Penryn's mother gets a bit more character development, which is quite welcome. Little Paige has become something entirely else than human, and is turning into something more than simply a plot-advancing McGuffin she was starting to become in the first book. And her story is quite sad, but just as your heartstrings feel tugged on a bit too much, an unexpected bloodshed or two will surely fix the mood.
As for Penryn herself - she is still a great heroine. She finds a few more occasions to demonstrate her fighting skills, and holds her own against a variety of opponents. There's a bit of sarcastic humor in her that feels genuine even if occasionally too juvenile (Pooky Bear, anyone?). To her credit, she remains resourceful and practical, and kicks ass, even if some scenes are full of quite forced stereotypical waif-fu (seriously, learning sword fighting via dream sequences makes me cringe. Good thing it's a magical super-duper special sword that can pretty much wield itself). While very much acting age-appropriately for a teenager, she mostly avoids the annoying stereotypes that plague countless similar books.
As for the worldbuilding, Susan Ee does not shy away from unpleasantness, either. She adds just the necessary touch of gore and gritty to add some weight and consequences to her world. She knows when to to switch the pace of her narration with a well-placed action scene or two.
And even when at the end of this book you do realize that the storyline has not advanced all that much despite all the action, you still can't help but overall enjoy the experience.
Well, that was the good. Now let's take a peek at the bad and the ugly.
All of the above, while sometimes too juvenile and too naive, was still fun to read about, and written quite decently at that. The parts that were losing me, however, had to do with the Adonis-like love interest, the one and only Raffe. Supposedly an ancient archangel, he does play a part of hormonal teenager convincingly, actually too convincingly for it to be enjoyable.
Book writers, listen up. You want to have an ancient creature in love with your teenage protagonist? Fine; I don't quite get the appeal of such a pairing but what do I know? You want to have a witty banter of two hormonal teenagers? Fine. You want to combine the two ideas above? Fine as long as you're aware that your ancient creature acting like a sixteen-year-old is, quite honestly, creepily disturbing. Please have Penryn's love interest be either Rafael, the respected archangel or Raffe, the cocky young kid - but the amalgam of above is dysfunctional.
Also: nonstop witty banter, even in the middle of a battle, cute as it may be, can get juuuust a bit tiring and eventually annoying. It has time and place, and it's okay to let the gravity of the situation stand without punctuating it with lighthearted fun banter. It lessens the emotional impact and wears thin after a while. Oh, and the witty bantering adorable teenage twin brothers? Other than Fred and George Weasley, few can pull it off without becoming silly comedic relief - and the twin duo in this story, sadly, is not up to par.
----------------------
When weighing the good and the bad in this book, the scale still tips towards the positive for me. Despite the flaws and the annoyances, it is still overall an interesting and decent read that retains quite a bit of the appeal of the first story and remains full of promise for the remaining books in the series. Whether the rest of the story lives up to the promise or succumbs to the flaws that are so common in this genre - well, only time will tell. But I surely will be reading the next book in the series.
3.5 stars.
----------------------
My review of Angelfall, the first book in this series, is here.
August 5, 2015
4 creepy stars
“It’s amazing how many times we need to go against our survival instincts to survive.”
This book. Oh my god this book. I spent a part of it freaked out, another part grossed out and a third part of it I was heartwarmed. How does Susan Ee do this? Is she a brilliant author mastermind?
I remember when this book was released I got it in the mail from amazon and I ripped open the package and started reading right away, because I had to know Raffe's reaction when he saw Penryn again. But Raffe wasn't in the beginning. Then I started skimming and he wasn't in the middle. I kept flipping the pages and went to the ending and there he was! The last 20% or so of the book he appears. In a fit of rage I put the book down and didn't pick it up again until now. And I'm glad I waited, because it gave me time to appreciate what was happening at the beginning of the book in a way I know I wouldn't have appreciated (basically I would have skimmed).
World After picks up directly after the ending of Angelfall. Penryn and her family are with the resistance and things are not going very well. Paige looks like a disturbing demon frankenstein baby and is having trouble keeping down food. Penryn's mother is as cray-cray as ever, and it's up to Penryn to keep them all alive (as per usual).
“I’m fine, Mom. Thanks for asking."
“Of course you’re fine. You’re the devil’s bride and these are his creatures.”
“I’m not the devil’s bride.”
“He carried you out of the fire and is letting you visit us from the dead. Who else would have those privileges except his bride?”
Soon catastrophe strikes and Paige is separated from her family again. Penryn, her mother and a woman named Clara all leave the resistance together to go find her, and find up becoming trapped on the island of Alcatraz.
This book was captivating, even if at times the descriptions made me feel sick. The new world that was created after the angel strike is such a harsh and sinister one, survival of the fittest and every man for himself. I was particularly creeped out by the scorpion creatures, how they were made and what they ate. Yuck.
I was surprised by how much of the book I enjoyed without Raffe, Penryn on her own just showed the reader how strong and determined she is, how she'll do anything to save her younger sister even if she is a little bit frightened of her. It was also a compelling glimpse at what humanity looks like when put in extreme conditions together.
Overall a great middle book for a trilogy, but it was a little too dark and twisted for me to give it a full five stars. But that's just personal preference.
“You're naming your collector's-item, kick-ass sword that's made to maim and kill, specifically designed to bring your ginormous enemies to their knees and hear the lamentation of their women-Pooky Bear?"
"Yeah, you like it?”
“It’s amazing how many times we need to go against our survival instincts to survive.”
This book. Oh my god this book. I spent a part of it freaked out, another part grossed out and a third part of it I was heartwarmed. How does Susan Ee do this? Is she a brilliant author mastermind?
I remember when this book was released I got it in the mail from amazon and I ripped open the package and started reading right away, because I had to know Raffe's reaction when he saw Penryn again. But Raffe wasn't in the beginning. Then I started skimming and he wasn't in the middle. I kept flipping the pages and went to the ending and there he was! The last 20% or so of the book he appears. In a fit of rage I put the book down and didn't pick it up again until now. And I'm glad I waited, because it gave me time to appreciate what was happening at the beginning of the book in a way I know I wouldn't have appreciated (basically I would have skimmed).
World After picks up directly after the ending of Angelfall. Penryn and her family are with the resistance and things are not going very well. Paige looks like a disturbing demon frankenstein baby and is having trouble keeping down food. Penryn's mother is as cray-cray as ever, and it's up to Penryn to keep them all alive (as per usual).
“I’m fine, Mom. Thanks for asking."
“Of course you’re fine. You’re the devil’s bride and these are his creatures.”
“I’m not the devil’s bride.”
“He carried you out of the fire and is letting you visit us from the dead. Who else would have those privileges except his bride?”
Soon catastrophe strikes and Paige is separated from her family again. Penryn, her mother and a woman named Clara all leave the resistance together to go find her, and find up becoming trapped on the island of Alcatraz.
This book was captivating, even if at times the descriptions made me feel sick. The new world that was created after the angel strike is such a harsh and sinister one, survival of the fittest and every man for himself. I was particularly creeped out by the scorpion creatures, how they were made and what they ate. Yuck.
I was surprised by how much of the book I enjoyed without Raffe, Penryn on her own just showed the reader how strong and determined she is, how she'll do anything to save her younger sister even if she is a little bit frightened of her. It was also a compelling glimpse at what humanity looks like when put in extreme conditions together.
Overall a great middle book for a trilogy, but it was a little too dark and twisted for me to give it a full five stars. But that's just personal preference.
“You're naming your collector's-item, kick-ass sword that's made to maim and kill, specifically designed to bring your ginormous enemies to their knees and hear the lamentation of their women-Pooky Bear?"
"Yeah, you like it?”
April 6, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I decided to break my own rule of reading Book #2 in a series after finishing Angelfall last year and giving it 3.5 Stars (that’s like the equivalent of 7 Stars for most people). I’m giving World After a very generous 3 Stars in hopes that the soon-to-be-released Book #3 gets back on track.
The problem I have with YA books in a series is there always seems to be so much filler that should have been left on the cutting room floor. While World After contained a few awesome action sequences and answered some questions like “what the F are those scorpion pod things?!?!?!?!?!” and “how did little Paige end up a Frankenhuman?!?!?!?!?” there was a lot of time spent doing pretty much nothing. And when Penryn was doing stuff, it was kind of the same stuff she did in Angelfall - like infiltrating the angels’ new aerie. Not to mention that, although Penryn is way more kickass than the average YA female lead, a certain someone . . .
didn’t even appear until the 72% point. WTF? It’s great to have a heroine who can hold her own, but it’s even better with Raffe’s banter . . .
“Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”
Crossing my fingers that End of Days has less of this . . .
and a lot more of this . . . .
or even this . . .
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
I decided to break my own rule of reading Book #2 in a series after finishing Angelfall last year and giving it 3.5 Stars (that’s like the equivalent of 7 Stars for most people). I’m giving World After a very generous 3 Stars in hopes that the soon-to-be-released Book #3 gets back on track.
The problem I have with YA books in a series is there always seems to be so much filler that should have been left on the cutting room floor. While World After contained a few awesome action sequences and answered some questions like “what the F are those scorpion pod things?!?!?!?!?!” and “how did little Paige end up a Frankenhuman?!?!?!?!?” there was a lot of time spent doing pretty much nothing. And when Penryn was doing stuff, it was kind of the same stuff she did in Angelfall - like infiltrating the angels’ new aerie. Not to mention that, although Penryn is way more kickass than the average YA female lead, a certain someone . . .
didn’t even appear until the 72% point. WTF? It’s great to have a heroine who can hold her own, but it’s even better with Raffe’s banter . . .
“Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”
Crossing my fingers that End of Days has less of this . . .
and a lot more of this . . . .
or even this . . .
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
January 11, 2014
LOVED WORLD AFTER here's my full booktalk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w5f6s...
May 18, 2016
*5 APOCALYPTIC STARS*
"It is painful to see that people prefer a bad guy who looks like an angel to a good guy who looks like a demon.”
Yes, yeesss, YEESSSSS! Someone pinch me because this was just too perfect!
I think I loved this novel even more than the previous one! Yes, even though Penryn and Raffe were apart for the better part of this. Their reunion made it all worth it though!
I felt like them being apart for a while, made them develop more as individual characters and it made me love them even more than I already did, if that's even possible. Also, don't get me started on Pooky Bear! Some of the scenes involving Pooky Bear made me laugh out loud so hard that my boyfriend lying next to me started thinking I'd gone crazy lol.
These books were so damn good that I'm only writing this review now, now that I've already read the entire trilogy. I just didn't want to miss a single second by writing reviews and after finishing one book, I immediately dived into the next. (sorry for that haha, I'll be writing all my missing reviews soon!)
I advise everyone who hasn't read these books yet, to pick them up asap, they're definitely worth it and you won't be disappointed! I did notice that not each and every review of these books is as raving as mine, but I think it's mainly the characters that drew me in, as well as the entire setting. Penryn, Raffe(and Pooky Bear) are all great in their own way and they just have everything I'm always looking for in a main character. Suspense is also something really important in a book for me, and you can't deny that these books have a lot of that as well!
"It is painful to see that people prefer a bad guy who looks like an angel to a good guy who looks like a demon.”
Yes, yeesss, YEESSSSS! Someone pinch me because this was just too perfect!
I think I loved this novel even more than the previous one! Yes, even though Penryn and Raffe were apart for the better part of this. Their reunion made it all worth it though!
I felt like them being apart for a while, made them develop more as individual characters and it made me love them even more than I already did, if that's even possible. Also, don't get me started on Pooky Bear! Some of the scenes involving Pooky Bear made me laugh out loud so hard that my boyfriend lying next to me started thinking I'd gone crazy lol.
These books were so damn good that I'm only writing this review now, now that I've already read the entire trilogy. I just didn't want to miss a single second by writing reviews and after finishing one book, I immediately dived into the next. (sorry for that haha, I'll be writing all my missing reviews soon!)
I advise everyone who hasn't read these books yet, to pick them up asap, they're definitely worth it and you won't be disappointed! I did notice that not each and every review of these books is as raving as mine, but I think it's mainly the characters that drew me in, as well as the entire setting. Penryn, Raffe
April 15, 2022
2nd read: 3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
1st read: 4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
World After is an AMAZING sequel, keeping you on the edge of your seat even after the story's somewhat calm because the narration is so eerily on point you literally see the story unfold in your mind with sharp images, and when you're dealing with an apocalyptic world, things just get darker and even more enticing. Also, I think one of the best things of this book is the writing, (hardy har har). I don't think I've ever read a book with such realistic descriptions of the setting and it was astounding how easily I could picture what Susan Ee was trying to convey (Okay so SOMETIMES I had to reread some paragraphs because I was totally lost, but once I got the hang of it, POOF, it was like magic).
"You're a hero, Penryn, whether you like it or not.”
I already had Penryn Young pretty high up in my list of favorite bad-ass female characters, but with World After I was able to connect even more with Penryn and see sides of her unravel better than I did in Angelfall. Here in World After, we can see how the weight of the world is catching up with her and how she tries to handle it as best as she can, which is pretty darn perfect. She is so strong-willed and the fact that she never backs down to protect herself or the ones close to her makes me admire her even more. I also loved the fact that she didn't lose her sarcastic touch along the way, because her narration and dialogue with mostly everyone had me laughing out loud (no joke), I love love love Penryn. Clara was right, Penryn is a hero.
“He is the one pocket of warmth in a sea of ice. Being in his arms feels like the home I never had.”
RAFFE THOUGH. When they reunited, and all of their scenes from there on out were so beautiful and tender and heartbreaking. I love their interactions and so far they're my favorite pair in the series. It's just.. THE TENSION and the attraction between these two is killer. But even more than the attraction is the deep feelings they both feel for each other but cannot yet speak up about them. But everyone knows Susan Ee is building up to something, WE CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR.
The characters were so masterfully written that you felt their aches, their desires, their doubts and dreams in every sentence. Your heart breaks, you cheer and you hold your breath until you turn as blue as the book's cover as you race to finish reading this book. And now that it is over, I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE OTHER BOOK.
1st read: 4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
World After is an AMAZING sequel, keeping you on the edge of your seat even after the story's somewhat calm because the narration is so eerily on point you literally see the story unfold in your mind with sharp images, and when you're dealing with an apocalyptic world, things just get darker and even more enticing. Also, I think one of the best things of this book is the writing, (hardy har har). I don't think I've ever read a book with such realistic descriptions of the setting and it was astounding how easily I could picture what Susan Ee was trying to convey (Okay so SOMETIMES I had to reread some paragraphs because I was totally lost, but once I got the hang of it, POOF, it was like magic).
"You're a hero, Penryn, whether you like it or not.”
I already had Penryn Young pretty high up in my list of favorite bad-ass female characters, but with World After I was able to connect even more with Penryn and see sides of her unravel better than I did in Angelfall. Here in World After, we can see how the weight of the world is catching up with her and how she tries to handle it as best as she can, which is pretty darn perfect. She is so strong-willed and the fact that she never backs down to protect herself or the ones close to her makes me admire her even more. I also loved the fact that she didn't lose her sarcastic touch along the way, because her narration and dialogue with mostly everyone had me laughing out loud (no joke), I love love love Penryn. Clara was right, Penryn is a hero.
“He is the one pocket of warmth in a sea of ice. Being in his arms feels like the home I never had.”
RAFFE THOUGH. When they reunited, and all of their scenes from there on out were so beautiful and tender and heartbreaking. I love their interactions and so far they're my favorite pair in the series. It's just.. THE TENSION and the attraction between these two is killer. But even more than the attraction is the deep feelings they both feel for each other but cannot yet speak up about them. But everyone knows Susan Ee is building up to something, WE CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR.
The characters were so masterfully written that you felt their aches, their desires, their doubts and dreams in every sentence. Your heart breaks, you cheer and you hold your breath until you turn as blue as the book's cover as you race to finish reading this book. And now that it is over, I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE OTHER BOOK.
August 2, 2016
"It’s amazing how many times we need to go against our survival instincts to survive."
•My mind took its sweet time to put its finger (mine? Whatever) on the reason why I wasn't enjoying World After the same way I'd enjoyed Angelfall. At last, I realized that the main problem was very simple: the plot is too similar to that of the previous book.
Desperate initial situation. Baby sister is missing. Let's go look for her. Insert in the middle three or four attacks and sundry misadventures so that the pace is balanced, then take a nap until crazy Mom calls you for dinner. Which may never happen, come that I think of it.
In this respect, I expected something, let alone original, but at least new, not certainly a cut-and-paste.
•Why do the chapters last, on average, four pages? Of course it's not a flaw in itself and I can't remember if the same happened in Angelfall (if it did, I didn't notice at all), but when a dram that could easily occupy just one chapter of eight pages at most gets to occupy two super-short chapters for no reason, that does seem strange. It compromises the fluidity of the whole narrative, in my opinion.
•I guess it's due to the fact that the different specifics of the single situations no longer offer the best suitable circumstances for Penryn to show those parts of her personality that had captivated me so much, but I found her slightly less impressive than in the first installment. She still remains absolutely likeable and relatable, though, and I challenge anyone to do better in her position (and with a Mom like hers in tow).
•Speaking about this, Penryn's family very likely is one of the things that make this series absolutely unique. Her mom is a total psycho and her sister is a man-eating little monster (plus other things), which just adds to the general delicious creepiness of the atmosphere. Respects.
•I'm not including this in the reasons why I think the first book is superior, because this was just how the story had to unfold and again, not a flaw in itself, but Raffe barely appears. Just thought I should warn you.
➽ Accurate diagnostic tests resulted in the identification of a relatively serious middle-book syndrome. Any recommendation would be pretty useless since the conclusion to the series has already been written and published, therefore, let's just hope for the better.
•My mind took its sweet time to put its finger (mine? Whatever) on the reason why I wasn't enjoying World After the same way I'd enjoyed Angelfall. At last, I realized that the main problem was very simple: the plot is too similar to that of the previous book.
Desperate initial situation. Baby sister is missing. Let's go look for her. Insert in the middle three or four attacks and sundry misadventures so that the pace is balanced, then take a nap until crazy Mom calls you for dinner. Which may never happen, come that I think of it.
In this respect, I expected something, let alone original, but at least new, not certainly a cut-and-paste.
•Why do the chapters last, on average, four pages? Of course it's not a flaw in itself and I can't remember if the same happened in Angelfall (if it did, I didn't notice at all), but when a dram that could easily occupy just one chapter of eight pages at most gets to occupy two super-short chapters for no reason, that does seem strange. It compromises the fluidity of the whole narrative, in my opinion.
•I guess it's due to the fact that the different specifics of the single situations no longer offer the best suitable circumstances for Penryn to show those parts of her personality that had captivated me so much, but I found her slightly less impressive than in the first installment. She still remains absolutely likeable and relatable, though, and I challenge anyone to do better in her position (and with a Mom like hers in tow).
•Speaking about this, Penryn's family very likely is one of the things that make this series absolutely unique. Her mom is a total psycho and her sister is a man-eating little monster (plus other things), which just adds to the general delicious creepiness of the atmosphere. Respects.
•I'm not including this in the reasons why I think the first book is superior, because this was just how the story had to unfold and again, not a flaw in itself, but Raffe barely appears. Just thought I should warn you.
➽ Accurate diagnostic tests resulted in the identification of a relatively serious middle-book syndrome. Any recommendation would be pretty useless since the conclusion to the series has already been written and published, therefore, let's just hope for the better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,119 reviews