Book Review: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee
Oh. My. God. Let me start by saying this: Angelfall had me feeling like I just won the lottery mixed with a shot of espresso! Seriously, folks, if you’ve been strugglin’ through a spate of mediocre reads, prepare to be blessed by the badassery that Susan Ee offers in this glorious novel. When I cracked open this book, I knew from the get-go it was gonna be a hell of a ride.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where angels have tossed humanity into chaos, Penryn is our fierce, take-no-prisoners heroine. Picture this: a seventeen-year-old girl, fighting to protect her crippled sister and cope with her paranoid mother, yet still managing to keep a wicked sense of humor. Honestly, I couldn’t help but cheer for her as she navigated both the physical threats and emotional turmoil. Her voice is dripping with raw honesty—a blend of snark and resilience that left me nodding along, feeling like she was my spirit animal.
The beauty of Angelfall, apart from the kickass action sequences, lies in its rich character development. Penryn isn’t just a cardboard cut-out; she comes alive on the page, grappling with her humanity while embracing the madness around her. I mean, who else would quip about her personal demon in a moment of existential dread? She’s real, gritty, and relatable, making you root for her as she evolves through hell and back.
And can we talk about Raffe? Oh, sweet mother of all that is holy, Raffe is the smoldering embodiment of “you know you shouldn’t, but you really want to.” He isn’t just another pretty face—instead, his layers reveal a depth that makes their relationship feel authentically complicated. There’s banter, tension, and that sweet build-up of slow-burning affection that had me swooning (yes, I may have fainted and then danced a little—no shame here!). The way he challenges Penryn and respects her independence is nothing short of refreshing in a genre often plagued by tropes.
Now, let’s just take a moment to appreciate Ee’s writing style. The pacing is razor-sharp, keeping you clutching your book like a lifeline while racing through each page. The action scenes? Divine! They’re not just sketched; you’re plunged into the chaos, heart racing, adrenaline pumping as you’re right there with Penryn doing the ass-kicking. There were moments when I was literally out of breath—who needs a gym when you have this book?
I was particularly struck by one line: “If we had been back in the old world, I would have called an ambulance…” It perfectly encapsulates the brutal transition from civilization to a savage new world. Susan Ee captures that haunting sentiment alongside the excitement and horror of the post-apocalyptic setting beautifully.
To wrap up, Angelfall isn’t just a book you read; it’s an experience that lingers long after you turn the last page. If you’re a fan of strong female leads, dark humor, and heart-pounding action wrapped in a richly woven narrative, do yourself a favor and dive into this world. Whether you need a lifeline after a string of mediocre novels or just want something that packs a punch, grab this book now—it’s a steal at 99 cents!
Trust me, your emotional range will thank you, and you’ll find yourselves daydreaming about Penryn and Raffe long after you’ve closed the cover. This one’s gonna stick with you, folks.
Discover more about Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) on GoodReads >>
