In 2011, that book was Angelfall by Susan Ee. It was the last book I read that year, and was easily one of my Top 5 of 2011. When I finished it, I immediately re-read it, so it was a Top 5 of 2012 as well. Yep, it’s that good.
So good that the little self-published indie book I bought online for $0.99 is now two different editions on my bookshelves and an upcoming movie directed by Sam Raimi. I am pretty sure I have recommended it to everyone everywhere who has ever asked me “What should I read next?” Seriously, it’s better than whatever you’re reading right now. You can stop.
What put this YA Apocalypse book on my Top 5 list two years in a row? I’m glad you asked.
The Hook
Within the first 10 pages, there is no doubt that Angelfall is going to be different than other books you’ve read with similar tag lines. You’ve seen angel books or apocalyptic YA with a young female main character and a budding romance with a paranormal hottie. What you haven’t seen necessarily are opening sentences like this one.
From the bat, you already know that this is going to be writing worth your time. It’s rich and it’s only been one paragraph. How many different ways have you read descriptions of a sunset? How many times has the language stayed with you so that you LOOK for real sunsets like bruised mangoes? Congrats on your brain, Susan Ee.
There is also instant danger and action. Unlike so many YA novels that give you chapters and chapters to care about the protagonist and her place in the world, Ee throws you into her world without so much as a how-de-do. There is no perceived, potential future threat. As soon as she opens her front door, she’s tensed for battle. And you’re hooked.
The Girl
Penryn Young. She’s not just a cool freaking name. Penryn is the definition of awesome. Who can say that way too may novels have epically annoying main characters?
Yeah, it happens more often than not. Not so here. Penryn is wise and cautious and loyal and crafty but not without integrity. A real girl. But one that is not a hopeless, selfish teenager, instead one who has dealt with a severely mentally ill mother, an absent father and a crippled younger sister. She’s been the role of protector even before the angel apocalypse began, so she’s prepared, kickass, strong and smart.
The Hint
Angelfall is the romance that isn’t. It doesn’t tease. It doesn’t promise. Penryn meets her erstwhile companion, the angel Raffe, as he’s being brutally ripped of his wings. Even in her haste to help him (for her own purposes) she sees his otherworldly beauty and SHE DOESN’T CARE. There’s never any flowery romantic language about his perfect face. She isn’t distracted from what she NEEDS from him to ever forget that he is her enemy. And Raffe doesn’t let her forget it either. And for all her cocky posturing, you know there is something there. Like this exchange that happens when Penryn is in the midst of a shocking, frigid nightmare:
See? It’s romantic, but it isn’t a romance. She’s not even awake for this. If she were, she would never have accepted his comfort. GAH. They have the best relationship. Their bond is reluctant and prickly but strong and real. They are using one another and yet you get the sense of honest respect. There is loyalty and maybe love, but trust me: nothing will happen how you think it will.
The Pace
You literally cannot stop reading this book. The chapters are almost comically short, sometimes only a few pages. But each one ends and gives you no pause.
Oh, that tiger striped angel is swooping down on Penryn’s younger, wheelchair bound sister? I’ll stop there.
Is that a bloody body on the road in front of you? Time for bed.
Partially cannibalized little girls left hanging from trees? This should be a fine image to fall asleep to. (Did I mention there is some sort of frightening cannibalistic monsters running around? Oh yeah. It’s bananas.)
The last dozen chapters or so are heart-poundingly perfect. There are no info dumps despite there being a large amount of angel lore that Penryn isn’t privy to. SHE sees and deduces. She HEARS and makes choices. There could have been several places were Raffe just gives her the business about his world, but he never bothers. I loved it.
The End
This book has the most haunting, gorgeously depicted, resonating imagery at the end that I’ve ever read. The final image of Raffe and Penryn together (I’m making the distinction because it’s not the final image of Raffe, or the final image of Penryn, or the final image of the book) is gritty and gorgeous. I wish the book had a bigger fandom so there were artists out there illustrating it. I wish quoting it wouldn’t totally spoil the book for most of you because it’s just so great. It makes me insanely excited for the movie and especially for ….
THE SEQUEL
Yes, FINALLY FINALLY, Susan has announced the title, summary and release date for the follow up novel. World After (Penryn and the End of Days #2) will be released November 19th, just in time to protect my sanity. Because I swear if it had gone into 2014, I would have cut someone.
As it is, we have a bit of a wait. But I’ve waited this long. By the time it comes out, it will be almost exactly two years since I first fell in love with Penryn and Raffe. But what kind of fangirl would I be if I had no patience? And to be honest, I can’t wait to put World After on my Top 5 list of 2013.
I’m serious, guys. I’m not reccing a three star book here. It’s a MUST READ. It’s phenomenal. Get on it. I have three copies. I will send you one.
Have you read it? Are you one of the 75 people I already made read it? Who do you see as Raffe in the upcoming movie? Penryn?
