My second read brings this book down to a 3.5, but I have to say, that on the second read, I was better able to appreciate the parallels to the stories of Lucifer's original battle and descent/fall. I was also better able to empathise with the tragedy and sacrifice of Baliel. So, while I got more out of it the second time around, I also found the science fiction elements even more grating, and I was totally dissatisfied with the ending. Yes, it's an HEA, but it's still lacking, with questions left unanswered, and that annoys me more than it did the first time, obviously.

I remain satisfied with the trilogy; it didn't wow me, but I feel like I got what I paid for, more or less. Perhaps someday my nieces will enjoy reading it.

reveriesociety_

Written on Aug 5, 2015

I wish you guys could look at my happy, happy face.

I was afraid End of Days would completely let me down, because I had high expectations for it. Really, I was hoping this book would blow my mind worse than the 100.

And well, it didn't, but I cannot say I didn't like it because it did deliver awesomeness, and yes, the lovebirds could untangle some of their issues, but... I expected... more.

It was like with Rogue, it had all the good stuff, but it just failed to reach that level of epicness I'd been expecting. The most important thing about this book for me was that I wasn't as lost here. Fortunately, a lot of the stuff I'd been confused about in the first two books was explained here.

It did bother me that the way in which things ended was simple compared to what I'd imagined. Sure, there was a battle, but, like I said, I expected more.

Don't worry, in this post-apocalyptic world there's plenty of gross and creepy things. Believe me. There's one particular scene that I had to read twice, because I thought I'd misunderstood it. I think it was askin too much of my suspension of disbelief. Except for that one, the story did a very good job of crafting a good plot.

A bit slow and blurry, but a plot nonetheless.

But hey! We have bonus Penryn+Raffe hot scenes, so YAY!

Briana @ Pages Unbound

Written on Aug 2, 2015

End of Days is a stunning conclusion to Ee’s trilogy. The past two books take readers across California and into various lairs of the angels—their parties, their labs, their dungeons. End of Days takes readers farther than ever before, to new exciting settings and the heart of all that is happening in this action-packed adventure.

There are some sparks of romance and sexual tension in this installment, just enough to keep readers interested and on the edges of their seats wondering what Penryn and Raffe will have to give up in order to stay together. I have seen other readers complain the romance is not enough, but I think the focus is perfect. For once, someone has written a post-apocalyptic book where the heroine is actually more concerned about saving the world than about whether she is going to kiss a cute guy. Penryn knows what is important: saving her family, saving lives, and saving Raffe’s wings whether the two of them have a future together or not.

Penryn has been going steadily questioning what her role in the post-apocalyptic world is going to be, and in End of Days she finally comes into her own. She may not want to be a hero, she may feel like she is a hero—but she can be a hero. Watching her grow and accept the weight of responsibility because so few other people will is quite beautiful. The other characters continue to grow, as well. Readers get new perspectives on Paige, Penryn’s mother, and even some of the baddies. Some of the heroes are quite unexpected.

The book’s one flaw—and it is a fairly large one—is that some of the most important questions of the series remain unanswered. I will avoid specifics, so as not to spoil too much of the book—but a lot of about the angels and their purposes is still unknown. Worse, the characters drop the topic whenever they feel a modicum of safety. Their world was destroyed, no one knows why, and apparently it does not matter if you think the world will not continue to be destroyed. The danger has passed, so it does not matter what caused it? Personally, I ended the book with a large feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction. The journey was glorious, but the destination is barely worth it.

Initial Thoughts: Great conclusion to the trilogy. Fast-paced, exciting plot and lots of character developed. However, some of the most important questions are left unanswered, which is problematic.

KitsuneBae

Written on May 31, 2015

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

Ahm, what happened, Susan? End of Days made me feel like it was written by another author. The characters are still wonderful but I couldn't say the same thing about the plot.

Kim Deister

Written on May 27, 2015

End of Days is the final book in this amazing series, and I am sad to see it end, so much so that now I have my son reading it so we can talk about it!! The conclusion was everything I wanted it to be.

It begins just after World After ends and so much has happened that it is hard toi remember that only about two weeks have passed since the beginning of Angelfall. The character development in this series is pretty intense. Penryn has no concept of anything superficial, no idea of her own looks. And I love that those things aren't even on her radar. Instead, she is fully focused on her mission, her family, and those she cares about. In this book, she is not just strong, but straight up badass. She fights not just for herself and for her own, but the people who need her. And then there is Raffe. He has always been true to his angelic ways and rules, but fully capable of thinking independently and standing up when wrong is being done, even if it is against his own. He, like Penryn, is a fighter for his own. And this often puts the two of them at odds with one another and herein lies our romantic tension.

One of the things that I love most about this book, and the series as a whole, is that the post-apocalyptic themes have been the focus of the main plot. The romantic aspect is powerful and beautiful, but subtle. Not only did I appreciate the idea that perhaps other things should be the main focus, but I found that it added so much anticipation to that part of the story. That being said, the romance was much more intense in this book and it fed that girlie part of my heart. Against all odds, they have come to see each other less as angel and human, but as equals. Despite Raffe's otherworldly abilities, there are still things that Penryn can do that he cannot and that works for them.

My Recommendation: I truly loved this series! I love the unique use of angels in the story line. I loved the characters. I loved the twists and turns. I loved the themes woven throughout the novel. This entire series is one that I highly recommend!

Joséphine

Written on May 19, 2015

Audiobook rating: 2 stars
Book rating: 1.5 stars

Initial thoughts: End of Days makes me wish Angelfall was a standalone book. That was so much wasted anticipation for a book that I didn't particularly care for once I was done reading. Angelfall was so different and surprising, it enthralled me. World After kept me hooked, even if it served more as a bridge. Sadly, I think the bridge was a better destination than End of Days was.

It's a good thing that I like the narrator, Caitlin Davies. It's through her voice that I experienced the entire trilogy, so even though I think Penryn was a much weaker character in End of Days than in Angelfall, listening to Davies maintained the familiarity for me.

What I did enjoy was the exploration of Beliel as a character. He was the only one who really had any substance and depth. Raffe was very inconsequential in comparison. Just as well. For all the people who ship Penryn and Raffe, I hardly cared about the outcome of their romance even from the start.

shannonmiz

Written on May 18, 2015

This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
Listen, I have to be honest here: I have a case of the sads. This book wasn't horrible or anything, I mean, 3 stars is still a decent book, no? But it wasn't exactly the epic, remarkable ending I'd hoped for. I was kind of bored for a lot of it, and then a whole bunch of junk happened at once, and then (not exactly a spoiler, but suggestive about the ending) there were basically unicorns and rainbows at the end. Which didn't make sense to me, considering how the series had been so violent and unstable.

Some things were too easy, some weren't even answered, and some just bored me. I mean, it was really just okay. There were some good moments, and I do like Penryn, but not enough for it all to be redeemed. Sadness. I almost rated this book even lower, but I think that was just my own disappointment, and not really the book's fault. Book, you owe Holly.

girlinthepages

Written on May 13, 2015

I've been meaning to write this review for weeks, but for some reason have been unable to fully form my thoughts about this book into coherent sentences (a strange occurrence for me, as it's common for my reviews to easily be 1000+ words). I think the dilemma of being able to form a concrete opinion about this book stems from the fact that I was equal parts satisfied and disappointed by the way that Penryn and Raffe's story ended, an odd juxtaposition of individual scenes I really enjoyed that led to an overall conclusion that felt lackluster.

End of Days picks up right where the action in World After leaves off, and there's enough recap that I was able to jog my memory despite not having read the first two books in about a year. The story jumps right into the romantic tension that's been brewing between Penryn and Raffe for the past two books, and Ee does not disappoint with giving readers some not too graphic yet satisfying scenes (and without compromising the integrity of the survival story, because there's only so much making out a character can do when they're also trying to save the world). I was truly curious to see how Penryn and Raffe would fare at the end of the trilogy, with such clear lines drawn between the angels and the humans, and Penryn and Raffe each feeling a deeper loyalty to their own kind than to their short, if intense, relationship. I appreciated that they didn't have the let's-throw-all-of-our-values-and-concern-for-fellow-human/angelkind-to-the-wind-because-we're-attracted-to-each-other mentality, and I was intrigued with how Ee brought in certain plot elements to create the climactic battle of the story. I especially loved the inclusion of Raffe's Watchers, her take on hell/"The Pit," and more glimpses into angel politics, although I wish more had been revealed about heaven/the celestial realm.

What I most enjoyed about the novel was how large a part the secondary characters played in the plot and final battle. Rather than used as a crutch to support Penryn's heroism, Penryn is very aware that she could not take on the angels without her fellow humans, as ragtag of a bunch as they may be. I continue to have an awe of Penryn's mother, who may be the most hilarious/fearless/badass supporting character I've ever come across in YA (even the angels are scared of her) and though Dee and Dum can seem overly silly at times, their wit and optimism is often what spurs Penryn into action and ideas. There was also a lot of character development for the angels, with Raffe's watchers being explored and Beliel's past being revealed, and I think it's a true testament to Ee's ability as a writer to not only be fair to her representation of her antagonists by developing their characters, but doing so in a way where I sympathized with them and understood their motivations while still abhorring their behavior. It made them wonderfully complex.

So with character development on point, creative mythology, and some swoon-worthy scenes, what went wrong for me? I would have to say it was the last third of the book. Once things started prepping for the big showdown, I couldn't help but think it was a little silly, if ultimately effective. I mean really, a talent show? I get that it was creative and in true Dee and Dum fashion, but I found it fell too far on the side of absurd to really appeal to me. I was really unsatisfied that after everything Penryn and Raffe had been through, there was such little time to explore their relationship at the end of the book, and certain things happened at the end that made me extremely frustrated because I felt like I went on a journey for a purpose and as soon as it was accomplished it was revoked again. I am talking, of course, about Raffe's wings. Seriously, THREE BOOKS of trying to get them reattached and then he gets them for a handful of chapters and trades them again? Obviously without a second thought for Penryn and humankind's well being, but still. (I apologize, I know some of these complaints are super vague but I don't want to spoil anybody!) And then there was the ending...which was...nice. "Nice" as in it checked the boxes of wrapping things up but it was no where near the unbelievable, horror-inducing, gut wrenching endings and emotions of the other books. It was like everyone just acted so nonchalant and normal, especially in the epilogue. After everything that had just gone down, I was expecting to be emotionally torn up for either better or for worse by the end.

Overall: Considering End of Days was one of my most anticipated books of 2015 that I pre-ordered months in advance, I wanted to convince myself that I was satisfied with it. Ultimately though, World After set up for a standard of storytelling that End of Days was unable to deliver, despite enjoyable individual moments within the narrative. The writing in End of Days is great, as always, the cover is beautiful, and it stayed true to its snark and crazy secondary characters that are oddly endearing. Yet it seemed to be missing the edge that set it apart from other YA paranormal romances/dystopians: the edge of horror, of desperation, of tension and of heartbreak. While I'm glad I read it, it fell short of the epic expectations the first two books in the series set up, and I just didn't feel it tug at my emotions the way Angelfall and World After did.

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littleread1

Written on Mar 19, 2015

JUST finished. I don't ... I need more. But that is the sign of a good story, leaving you wanting more. It's mostly wrapped up but a story like this with a world this messed up can't have EVERYTHING wrapped up in a pretty little bow. I realize this.

You guys.

What was originally slated to be a 4-5 book series was suddenly a trilogy. That almost made me sick. There was no way Ee was going to be able to wrap up this story in just one more book. NO WAY. Couldn't happen.

It did. And it did so perfectly.

Before I get too involved, let me lead with this - this trilogy is and always will be PENRYN'S story. Not Raffe's. Not her mom's. Not Paige's. PENRYN. If Pen doesn't know something, we won't either. I've seen lots of theories being tossed around the internet about some of the side characters and even Pen herself. But the focus here is Penryn. Ok, and Raffe. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves here.

END OF DAYS picks up right where WORLD AFTER left us. Our hero & heroines deserve a break. And they get a brief respite, where Pen finally lets herself be a normal teenager for a minute. Maybe two. As much as that made me cringe a little, it was also refreshing to see. She has had a lot to deal with for a long time. So to see her a mess of hormones like any other teenage girl was actually good for her as a character.

This story had many favorite scenes for me. And since I want to leave EVERYTHING to be a surprise I will be as vague as possible from here on out. About the scenes, not my feelings. Of which there are many. And I MAY reference things out of order. Just to keep you on your toes!

Ballerinas. Holy crap on a cracker with cream cheese. If you know me, you know I am not a crier. I don't even feel a lot of emotions. But the ballerinas turned me into a giant puddle of red-headed goo. With the hell these people have been through, the fact that they can come together and share this heartbreaking beauty with others ... I have goosebumps. And as I type this I read this scene 2 weeks ago. Seriously. Holy cow. Incredible.

Pooky Bear. Still my favorite inanimate object character. She has a few tricks up her sleeve ... er ... scabbard. We all know she is more than just a sword, but some of her talents extend beyond the possible. She is a fantastic source of comic relief as well in a time where I can't think much would be funny.

"You seem to bring out new and unimagined dimensions from both me and Kooky Bear."
"Pooky Bear."
"Right."
"Come on. Say it, Raffe. I love it when you say Pooky Bear. It's just so perfect when it comes out of your mouth."
"She might kill you in your sleep one of these days just so she can get rid of that name."

The "trip" for Penryn and Raffe. Seriously one of my favorite flying scenes ever. And I couldn't imagine EVER sympathizing with Belial, but boy do I after this. I am terribly sad for him. We all know, maybe in the back of our minds but we KNOW, that he has suffered as a fallen. Well, to know is different than to KNOW. If you know what I mean. ;-) But back to Raffryn (Raffe + Penryn = Raffryn) - they had some intense moments. As always. But this section IMO had so many I wanted to quote them all.

"You should be with a nice human boy. One who takes your orders and puts up with your demands. Someone who dedicates his life to keeping you safe and well fed. Someone who can make you happy. Someone you can be proud of. There's nobody like that in this lot."

"Don't drop me." I cling tighter and press myself up against him a little more.
"Never." There's so much confidence and assurance in his voice. "I have you. You're as secure as can be."

The Final Battle. We all know there is at least one battle in this book. And since it is the last book I am going to refer to it as The Final Battle. My review - my rules. :-) Ee writes battle scenes like no one's business. And so much is on the line, that every move - every action, takes your breath away, and at the same time keeps you from taking another. It is INTENSE.

There isn't much more I can say that won't ruin some aspect of this story for you. I am afraid I've already said too much. To sum it up, if I had to, END OF DAYS is the best possible ending a story told in this world could have. This remains one of, if not THE BEST YA series I have EVER had the pleasure of reading. I sense a re-read in my near future.