Amber
Written on Jul 1, 2013
Full review on Books of Amber
One of Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time
It's been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain.
Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night.
When angels fly away with a helpless girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back...
- ISBN10 144477851X
- ISBN13 9781444778519
- Publish Date 23 May 2013 (first published 1 February 2012)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Imprint Hodder Paperback
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 336
- Language English
Reviews
Full review on Books of Amber
e_rodz_leb
Written on Feb 12, 2013
Angelfall has been in my TBR list for a long time and then, last week I saw a great review in another blog (I can’t remember which) that made me put it on hold at my local library. I devoured it in no time :) Okay, let’s start with Penryn. First, let me say that I’ve ever heard this name before. Penryn is an amazing character, she reminds me a bit of Katniss (from The Hunger Games), in the sense that they are survivors. She will do anything to keep her loved ones safe in a world that’s been turned up-side-down in a very short span of time. Due to a schizophrenic mother, she was trained in different forms of self-defense from a young age; she also feels she is in charge and the protector of her little unusual family.
Raffe is the wingless angel that Penryn rescues in order to help her find her sister (no spoilers, this is in the synopsis). He is physically perfect, lighter and bigger than humans and willing to sacrifice a lot to get his wings back. Pernyn and Raffe form an uncomfortable alliance based on need and a sense of loyalty that grows between them.
The characterization is amazing. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Penryn and Raffe and suffer with them through every trial. Penryn’s mom is some kind of crazy and a little abusive, I cannot imagine growing up like that, but it does make for a good survival skills. My heart brakes for all of them, especially for Paige, Penry’s little sister.
The plot is incredibly good. This is dystopia at its best. A story based on angels that descend to Earth to destroy humanity. These are celestial beings that are not fluffy or angelic, but ruthless and cruel. The entire world goes to heck in a matter of weeks; with unreliable electricity, no food and gangs taking over the streets. It’s amazing how people go crazy so fast! The politics of angels is very complicated and I can’t wait to understand what’s going on (although I have my suspicions). Angelfall is not for the weak of mind. It is dark, way dark. The survivors have to see and suffer many horrors, not only from the angels, but from fellow humans. The writing is astounding; so, so good.
The ending was sort of a non-ending for me. I hope that Raffe and Pernyn find each other again and soon. I’m still reeling from the last few chapters, it’s all so unfair. I’m glad I read Angelfall this year, as book #2 in the series, still untitled, is not due for publication until the fall of this year (with the projected five books, it means I will be waiting for the series to end for a few more years!).
Here are some quotes for you:
“Oh, please. Your giant head is getting too big for this forest. Pretty soon, you’re going to get stuck trying to walk between two trees. And then, I’ll have to rescue you” I give him a wary look. “Again” – Penryn to Raffe.
“I lean into his strength until I realize what I’m doing. I pull back abruptly. I don’t have the luxury of leaning on anyone’s strength, least of all an angel’s. My shoulder feels cold and vulnerable once his warmth is gone.” – Penryn
“You should know” he says. His whisper is low enough that even angels probably can’t hear it beyond the background noise of conversations in the corridor. “I don’t even like you”. – Raffee to Penryn
About the cover: Gorgeous!
lizarodz
Written on Feb 12, 2013
Angelfall has been in my TBR list for a long time and then, last week I saw a great review in another blog (I can’t remember which) that made me put it on hold at my local library. I devoured it in no time :) Okay, let’s start with Penryn. First, let me say that I’ve ever heard this name before. Penryn is an amazing character, she reminds me a bit of Katniss (from The Hunger Games), in the sense that they are survivors. She will do anything to keep her loved ones safe in a world that’s been turned up-side-down in a very short span of time. Due to a schizophrenic mother, she was trained in different forms of self-defense from a young age; she also feels she is in charge and the protector of her little unusual family.
Raffe is the wingless angel that Penryn rescues in order to help her find her sister (no spoilers, this is in the synopsis). He is physically perfect, lighter and bigger than humans and willing to sacrifice a lot to get his wings back. Pernyn and Raffe form an uncomfortable alliance based on need and a sense of loyalty that grows between them.
The characterization is amazing. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Penryn and Raffe and suffer with them through every trial. Penryn’s mom is some kind of crazy and a little abusive, I cannot imagine growing up like that, but it does make for a good survival skills. My heart brakes for all of them, especially for Paige, Penry’s little sister.
The plot is incredibly good. This is dystopia at its best. A story based on angels that descend to Earth to destroy humanity. These are celestial beings that are not fluffy or angelic, but ruthless and cruel. The entire world goes to heck in a matter of weeks; with unreliable electricity, no food and gangs taking over the streets. It’s amazing how people go crazy so fast! The politics of angels is very complicated and I can’t wait to understand what’s going on (although I have my suspicions). Angelfall is not for the weak of mind. It is dark, way dark. The survivors have to see and suffer many horrors, not only from the angels, but from fellow humans. The writing is astounding; so, so good.
The ending was sort of a non-ending for me. I hope that Raffe and Pernyn find each other again and soon. I’m still reeling from the last few chapters, it’s all so unfair. I’m glad I read Angelfall this year, as book #2 in the series, still untitled, is not due for publication until the fall of this year (with the projected five books, it means I will be waiting for the series to end for a few more years!).
Here are some quotes for you:
“Oh, please. Your giant head is getting too big for this forest. Pretty soon, you’re going to get stuck trying to walk between two trees. And then, I’ll have to rescue you” I give him a wary look. “Again” – Penryn to Raffe.
“I lean into his strength until I realize what I’m doing. I pull back abruptly. I don’t have the luxury of leaning on anyone’s strength, least of all an angel’s. My shoulder feels cold and vulnerable once his warmth is gone.” – Penryn
“You should know” he says. His whisper is low enough that even angels probably can’t hear it beyond the background noise of conversations in the corridor. “I don’t even like you”. – Raffee to Penryn
About the cover: Gorgeous!
Ashley
Written on Dec 22, 2012
BookNook — Young Adult book reviews
This is one of those books I was a little nervous going into because of all the hype and the rave reviews. Lately I have read a lot of books that people loved, but I didn't end up enjoying them that much. Luckily, Angelfall completely blew me away! It was everything I hoped it would be and more.
One of the coolest things about Angelfall was that it takes place near where I live! The story starts out in Silicon Valley, which is where my house is! Penryn kept mentioning streets like El Camino and Page Mill Road, and I kept thinking, "OMG I know where that is! I drive on those roads!" It was so cool to read a story about an angel apocalypse that takes place near where I live! It definitely put a very cool, frightening spin on the book.
Penryn is one of the best characters I've encountered in young adult books. She's mentally strong and she can physically kick some serious ass! Her mom pushed her into taking all kinds of self defense classes, so now, at age 17, she knows how to handle herself in a fight! She may not be an angel, but she still stands up to them and can really hold her own! But in addition, Penryn has a very strong loyalty streak that was incredibly admirable. She refuses to give up when her sister gets taken by the angels, despite several people telling her that it's pointless because her sister is most likely dead. Also, Penryn is a hilarious narrator! I love her sarcasm and snarky comments.. or her lack of snarky comments when she's rendered speechless or can't think of a good comeback!
“Oh, please. Your giant head is getting too big for this forest. Pretty soon, you're going to get stuck trying to walk between two tress. And then, I'll have to rescue you." I give him a weary look. "Again.”
—Angelfall by Susan Ee
I really adored the fantasy in Angelfall. I loved how swords have loyalty and can decide who should use them and when. If a sword doesn't show loyalty to a person/angel, then that person/angel won't be able to lift it! There were also some religious undertones in Angelfall, but I think it was the perfect amount. They were really subtle and didn't dominate the book at all. And there's a big question—even amongst some of the angels—of whether or not God really exists.
There actually wasn't as much romance in Angelfall as I was expecting. I think I assumed it would be a typical "human girl falls in love with angel" story. Instead, the book definitely focuses on the politics surrounding the angel attack, a human resistance, Penryn getting her sister back, and Raffe getting his wings back. The romance does start to develop near the end though, and Susan really sets the stage for what will certainly be an EPIC series, with more romance to come! Oh, and Raffe is hot. HOTTTT!!
“My friends call me Wrath,” says Raffe. “My enemies call me Please Have Mercy. What’s your name, soldier boy?”
—Angelfall by Susan Eee
This is definitely one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. It's a fairly short book (at only 284 pages), and I was devastated when it ended! I just wanted MORE!!! I want to see the angels go to war with the humans. I want to know what happens to Raffe. I want to see more of that romance that started to develop. All I can say is that I'm so glad this book is a series, because I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters or the amazing story.
neddieb
Written on Sep 22, 2012
Wow wow and then some! Awesome book. Do I need to say more? I am actually speechless and awed by this totaly freaking kick ass fantastic wonderful book!
Kelly
Written on Aug 15, 2012
blackbibliophile
Written on Jun 2, 2012
Angie
Written on May 20, 2012
It's 6 weeks after the apocalypse struck Northern California, and 17 year old Penryn is struggling to take care of her wheelchair bound younger sister and schizophrenic mother. While trying to move them some place safe, she runs into a battle between a group of angels. It's 5 against 1, and even though they're the cause of the ruin, Penryn finds it in herself to help the lone angel. Unfortunately, one of the others uses this opportunity to fly off with her sister, and now Penryn must work together with the hated creature she's saved in order to get her back.
This is one of the best, if not the best, self-published novel I've read. It's also the best angel novel I've come across. Angelfall is dark, gritty, action packed, and unlike anything I've read before. This is a superb take on angels. They are not your typical, glowy, beautiful beings who protect you from danger and help you choose good over evil. These angels are dark, violent creatures who you need protection from! Except Raffe; he's pretty sweet and hilarious.
I can't believe that ending! I need more, now! I must know what the angels are up to! Why are they trying to destroy the humans? What are they doing to those kids? What are those things in the giant tubes?! This book is full of so much awesome: street gangs, cannibals, resistance camps, action, adventure, survival, angels of the apocalypse, science projects gone wrong. Parts were pretty darn disturbing and I couldn't help but cringe, but wow, this book is good!
"Besides, she didn't eat him, she just...gnawed on him a little."
I recommend this to...everyone!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
littleread1
Written on Jan 16, 2012
The first thing that drew me into this book was the fact that the Angels were the bad guys. It makes sense if you really think about it, but in our culture they have been, well, Angels for so long, it is hard to think of them as bringers of the apocalypse. They are exactly as you would picture them; beautiful, strong, and they think humans, or “monkeys” are below them.
Of course the “monkeys” have other thoughts. Penryn, the MC, is a little more than your average teenager. She doesn’t have special powers or anything like that. She just has a lot of self-defense training. And that isn’t random either, it is explained pretty early on why. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but she had an interesting childhood. She does love her family with a fierceness that is heartwarming, so when her wheelchair-bound sister, Paige, is taken by a group of Angels, you feel her anguish along with her. She will do anything to find her. The only thing I have to say that could have been improved upon was her sense of urgency. Days pass, and while Paige is mentioned, that rush to find her doesn’t seem to be there.
Raffe, the Angel Penryn pairs up with, is written wonderfully. He is such a cocky bastard yet so caring all at the same time. You never hate him, but sometimes you want to punch him in his face. Their partnership is obviously delicate, as Angels and Humans are enemy’s. There are a few situations they get themselves into that make you hold your breath, and you aren’t sure how they will get out of it.
And the ending … oh buddy am I glad there is supposed to be a sequel. Again, I don’t want to ruin it for you, but it is tough. On one side you are cheering on Penryn (and Raffe too), but their goals do seem to conflict with the overall fight with Angels. You really want everyone to live happily ever after, and the way this book ends, you have no idea if that is even possible, but dammit they have to try!
Overall, this book held me in it’s sway both times I have read it. I would have to give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Susan Ee has a link on her page that will send you an email when there is more information on the release of book two. You better believe I am already signed up for that!
Linda
Written on Dec 31, 2011
Even though her love often manifests itself in ways that a mentally healthy person couldn’t understand – might even declare abusive – that doesn’t diminish the fact that she does care.
This whole story was dark and disturbing – but still delicious if that makes any sense at all. Penryn is a very strong young woman; she has had to be for years before the attack. With her mom conversing with demons and her little sister Paige in a wheel chair, Penryn had to be the responsible party of her family after her dad took off.
The angels in this story are so scary and mean it seems like they all hail from hell rather than from heaven – all except Raffe, that is. He and Penryn form an unlikely alliance after his enemies cut off hi swings, and disappear with Paige. Somehow, Penryn is able to grab the cut-offs, his sword, and him, and use Paige’s wheel chair to bring him to safety.
From there, things only get darker, scarier and more dingy. Flesh-eating monsters, resistance, and her crazy mother make up most of it – as do little moments of peace with Raffe. Penryn is just a normal girl who knows her martial art, and she is willing to fight to the death for what she believes in – and it is so easy to believe in her ! She is able to put her doubts into a little box in her mind, then continue to walk forward to save Paige, and maybe even humanity as well.
The whole book is like a mad rollercoaster, you want to get off, but at the same time, it is so exhilarating you can’t help but enjoying it while you scream your head off. It’s fast, with hard twists and turns, and endless falls, and it never stops! Not even in the end… I swear, my heart is still beating its’ way out of my chest, and I wish I already had the 2nd book in this series. I need to know what will happen next!
I never thought about it before, but I’m proud to be human. We’re ever so flawed, we’re frail, confused, violent, and we struggle with so many issues. But all in all, I’m proud to be a Daughter of Man.