Penryn & the End of Days series (Angelfall) by Susan Ee (Group Read April 2015)

[Jenny]

I finished it last night. The end is definitely some crazy shit. I really, really like the book. ALL that stuff at end has me sorta...concerned. Cause WTF. I'm definitely glad that I preordered World After. I don't know what to make of all that stuff. I am still processing.

[Ash Wednesday]

Jenny wrote: "I finished it last night. The end is definitely some crazy shit. I really, really like the book. ALL that stuff at end has me sorta...concerned. Cause WTF. I'm definitely glad that I preordered [bo..."

Yep, (view spoiler)[Raffe as the batman o.O and the bit where he carries Penryn to the humans in all his bat-winged glory: movie poster! (hide spoiler)] Or maybe not because that's too spoilery but still! The imagery just sticks!

[Robin]

I'm totally enjoying my re-read it is just as good the 2nd time around so far. But really trying to pace myself with just 20% a day. I could have finished it all in a day again.

I love that scene in the cabin Ash Chapter 10ish when she gets cold sleeping (view spoiler)[ and Raffe cuddles her for warmth and then in the morning when he is across the the room he says "Yes" and Penryn is thinking Yes, that was me last night. Yes, I know you liked it :P (hide spoiler)]

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

I'm about 60% in now, where they're back in SF, which sort of heads into the section where I was all wTF? but ended up loving it.

I forgot that there was good banter in this book! You are nothing but a bird with attitude made me laugh.

Two things that I really liked about this book to begin with :

(view spoiler)[ Penryn was so focused on her sister, that she only dealt with Raffe at first because of it. The slower burn between them made for a more interesting read.

They ate cat food. Now that's surviving! (hide spoiler)]

[Ash Wednesday]

I finished! Always a problem with me to slow down when I hit the aerie party... Great Gatsby Batman! :) i imagine susan ee being forced by her beta readers to write the second to the last chapter where (view spoiler)[Raffe is shown to be alive (hide spoiler)] Because this book gave me the worst hangover after and I can only imagine further my shit fit if that chapter wasn't written in.

Stacia (lost interest) wrote: "I'm about 60% in now, where they're back in SF, which sort of heads into the section where I was all wTF? but ended up loving it.

I forgot that there was good banter in this book! You are nothing..."

I totally forgot about it too! But at second glance I also noticed some cliched turns of phrases, there was a stretch where it was repeatedly hammered how beautiful Raffe is... minor nitpicks considering the bigger picture.

I love that (view spoiler)[Raffe is agnostic (hide spoiler)]. I also forgot that. And I don't think that's something I've seen in other angel books.

Which other book features Raphael in the story? I know but was he in as well?

[Robin]

Ugh...it was so hard to stop at 48% today which was 8% more than I was supposed to read.

Ash I also totally loved that whole line where (view spoiler)[ he is agnostic (hide spoiler)]

There were a few things I forgot. Like I didn't remember that Raffe at 48% (view spoiler)[ Tried to leave Penryn with Obi and the resistance because he is worried that she will be killed too like so many others in his life. I also totally loved how he saw her as someone watching his back and since he has been alone for a long time he missed it. It is almost like he sees her as an equal. (hide spoiler)]

It was almost painful to stop right there.

[Leea]

That's my favorite line too... Made me laugh so hard the first time I read it and again on my reread.

[Bailey]

I've finished and holy shit, do I feel like I was just put through the wringer. Thank god I only read this now and haven't been waiting a year for World After. I feel for those who have because I have so many questions I couldn't bear to wait on answers for.
If I had a dime for every time I asked, "What the fuck is going on?" I'd have enough to be at Dunkin' Donuts right now buying a box of peppermint mocha Joe (Mmmm...peppermint mocha).
My brain is still a little rattled.

[Robin]

It does get a little crazy when you hit the Aerie and the (view spoiler)[ monster science experiments (hide spoiler)]

[Ash Wednesday]

What IS going on there? It gave me some (view spoiler)[Josef Mengele (hide spoiler)] vibes.

I find it funny-tragic how the apocalypse all boils down to(view spoiler)[ break down of communication between God and the angels since there's no PR-guy/messenger. (hide spoiler)]

[Bailey]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "What IS going on there? It gave me some [spoilers removed] vibes.

I find it funny-tragic how the apocalypse all boils down to[spoilers removed]"

You know (view spoiler)[I think it might be simpler if there was just some sort of cellphone/pager communication. I mean, Raffe is up to date on his television shows so it's obvious they don't shun technology. Why elect another messenger when there are mass-texts? Save on all the political drama too. (hide spoiler)] Just a thought. :D

[Jenny]

I think that Raffe is (view spoiler)[up to date on his television shows because he is the one who was stationed on Earth in order to hunt the Nephilim. The other angels are pretty behind on the times if they're all about the 20s. At least, that's how it looks to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

Spoiler for closer to the end of the book. I can't believe that I forgot about Raffe (view spoiler)[getting fallen angel bat wings at the end. (hide spoiler)]

It's going to make for an interesting book 2, and the cover makes a lot more sense now.

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "What IS going on there? It gave me some [spoilers removed] vibes.

I find it funny-tragic how the apocalypse all boils down to[spoilers removed]"

Your second spoiler is kind of funny. Didn't they sort of have a similar issue in Shadows (Rephaim)? Although, I guess with them being Nephilim, maybe they didn't have the same hookup.

Oh, and I don't think there was an angel Rafael in Sanctum, just a character? Or am I remembering that wrong?

[Robin]

Stacia (lost interest) wrote: "Spoiler for closer to the end of the book. I can't believe that I forgot about Raffe [spoilers removed]

It's going to make for an interesting book 2, and the cover makes a lot more sense now."

Oh that was such a vivid image that it really stuck in my mind. I guess the next cover wouldn't make as much sense if you forgot that part.

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

I think I read Angelfall 2 ish years ago or more, so it was like rediscovering the story all over.

I vaguely remembered (view spoiler)[what happened with Paige (hide spoiler)] but I'm super curious to see how that's going to turn out.

[Ash Wednesday]

Stacia (lost interest) wrote: "Oh, and I don't think there was an angel Rafael in Sanctum, just a character? Or am I remembering that wrong?"

I'm trying to remember who the healer is in Sanctum. Because the smith is Michael right?

I know right? Facebook would make everything just so much easier.

[Robin]

Stacia (lost interest) wrote: "I think I read Angelfall 2 ish years ago or more, so it was like rediscovering the story all over.

I vaguely remembered [spoilers removed] but I'm super curious to see how that's going to turn out."

Yeah seems like Obi might have some plans on that front that Penryn might not agree with.

[Ash Wednesday]

Massive hangover.

I think I like best that this wrapped up clean compared to Angelfall and like Robin said in her review, it answered a lot of questions but sets up well for the next book without ending on a savage cliffhanger.

(view spoiler)[will Raffe gets his wings reattached by the Doc?

Will Michael make an appearance in the series?

Will the apocalypse/last judgment actually happen? I actually have no idea how I want this to end. If either Raffe or Penryn ends up dead, becomes an angel or becomes human (though I have a feeling this one's the winner)

What will happen to Paige? Is she now like the queen scorpion/locust? And will book 3 be about the humans getting some vengeance? The cannibalism scene was really horrible. And alcatraz was like a Nazi concentration camp.

And why did the angels really come here? Did I miss that? It wasn't revealed what Gabriel's message was right? Or if he had a message? (hide spoiler)]

[Hillary]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "Massive hangover.

I think I like best that this wrapped up clean compared to Angelfall and like Robin said in her review, it answered a lot of questions but sets up well for the next book without ..."

No you didn't miss that. It wasn't revealed. Or, if it was we both missed it!

(view spoiler)[ What we do know is the Gabriel came with 2 Archangels Uriel and Michael (I assume since it was mentioned that Michael was out on some campaign as to why he wasn't partying it up) and a legion. Though I wonder about some twists because how the hell did Uriel have enough time to devise his plot to bring about the "apocalypse" that required Laylah and her Chimera lovin' ways. Had to have this in place to include her in the legion that was brought. This makes me CURIOUS!

Paige--I had a feeling something was going to tie her to the Scorpion thingies/locusts because it seemed to be a flashing light sign pointing every time Penryn thought "How did Paige get to Half Moon Bay so quickly?!" And "mysteriously" Paige disappears after being attacked by men and then men being attacked by the Scorp Locusts.

I really want Doc to be useful but I think some how Laylah is going to fuck things up for Raffe and his wings. Again.

I am with you not knowing how I want the books to end. But like I said I wonder if them coming was suppose to trigger the Apoc/Judgment because Uriel. Fishy little politician weasel. I kind of think I would prefer if Raffe or Penryn dies rather than one becoming and angel or human. I don't know why that is though because I like to love wanting them together. I love their dance that is a relationship.

/sigh I have so many speculations it would take all night to get them out. These damn books are just too good. I need the next now, but I fear the wait...oh god the wait.... (hide spoiler)]

[Robin]

@Ash (view spoiler)[They mention the other angel Doctor that is higher up than Laylah but not in on the Chimera plot so maybe that is who will be able to help Raffe with his real wings.

I don't think it is ever really explained why the Angels are here. It seemed like some actually thought it was just a training exercise that went wrong.

Laylah at least was here doing experiments at least 10 months before the war started.

Did Gabriel come with the Legion in tow. I just remember he was shot but I don't remember if Uriel was there too or the legion or if that came later. (hide spoiler)]

@Hillary wait what...(view spoiler)[ You want them to die :( oh no. I ship them so hard. I think Susan Ee will come up with something totally genius

I sorta wonder if Raffe is going to switch sides and lead the Locusts against Uriel and help the humans. (hide spoiler)]

[Hillary]

I don't know why! I kinda do but I don't. It is complicated in my head! lol

[Ash Wednesday]

Robin wrote: ""

Oh my gaaaad that made me laff! It's a fire drill gone absolutely wrong!

Something about that scene where Raffe was boarding up the windows makes me think of door number 3. Also I get the feels that with how Ee writes (view spoiler)[it will be a HEA with a but. Like Raffe becomes human and with Penryn but is crippled. I mean she hasn't gone the path of GRR Martin. YET. Everyone's still semi-intact. (hide spoiler)]

But then she pulled that (view spoiler)[(awesome) twist in the end with Paige (hide spoiler)] so who knows :)

[Ash Wednesday]

Oh and I LOVE your last spoiler

[Robin]

Hillary wrote: "I don't know why! I kinda do but I don't. It is complicated in my head! lol"

It's complicated in my head too. But I love HEAs especially if I commit to 5 books. The author can tear me apart and tap dance on my heart for four or five books....cough fever series.....cough cough Georgina Kincaid series. But in the final act I want a definitive HEA and an epilogue.

[Robin]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "Robin wrote: ""

Oh my gaaaad that made me laff! It's a fire drill gone absolutely wrong!

Something about that scene where Raffe was boarding up the windows makes me think of door number 3. Also ..."

lol well they are alive at least maybe not in the best condition (view spoiler)[Raffe has demon wings, countless human turned into Chimera, kids Frankenstiened up, Clara shriveled to beef jerky (hide spoiler)] but alive oh except all (view spoiler)[the humans at the second Aerie (hide spoiler)]. George RR Martin would have killed off half the characters by now.

[Ash Wednesday]

@Hillary: I did miss out that it was (view spoiler)[Uriel and Michael that came with Gabriel. Interesting. I thought he had lackey angels with him or something. That makes me wonder now if Uriel had a hand at the shooting seeing as he and Layla's been planning his campaign for months. (hide spoiler)]

And Michael... I'm gonna bet Michael's a boozy, violent lewd drinker. That's his stereotype right?

[Hillary]

lol I know what you mean. And I am not 100% on anything. I wouldn't mind a HEA but there is always a but in my head when I think about it for some reason.

Also for some reason I really wanted to have like a chapter here and one there from Raffe. Just in the beginning and maybe one right after you know... Just as a little insight into his corny humored brain.

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

I had to up my rating on Angelfall to a solid 5 star so I could give this one 4.5 stars. I think the dream sequences could have been pared back to one or two scenes and the Alcatraz part was a bit longer than needed, but otherwise, I loved the entire book.

One of my favorite scenes was this one, (view spoiler)[ in which P&R are having a conversation and he's pretty much getting an angel boner in the middle of them having a serious conversation. It's sort of implied, but you can tell it's happening if you read between the lines.

"Angels have friends?" I pucker my lips around my finger, sucking every bit of the treat off it.

He shifts uncomfortable in his seat and glares at me. "When you fight side by side with other warriors, they become your brothers. Every one of us has a brother who has fallen. The only thing that offers any hope for them is Judgment Day. On that day, they finally get their trial."

"An eternity of punishment comes before the trial?" I'm about to dip my fingers into the jar again when he dumps cereal in into it. I'll have to eat through the cereal before I can lick up more peanut butter. (hide spoiler)]

Robin, I think that there's a good chance (view spoiler)[Raffe will join forces with the scorpions. I sort of hope that God finds the angels on earth lacking and kicks them out, so Raffe can be restored to a good place, but still want him to end up with Penryn too, so I'm curious to see how this could happen. (hide spoiler)]

[Robin]

Stacia (misses killing the hype) wrote: "I had to up my rating on Angelfall to a solid 5 star so I could give this one 4.5 stars. I think the dream sequences could have been pared back to one or two scenes and the Alcatraz part was a bit ..."

Haha Stacia that is a great scene at first I thought it was all innocent and then I got it and totally giggled like a little school girl.

[Jenny]

lol Stacia I was cracking up at that too.

I really liked it. I agree that the middle was not as awesome as the rest, but I think part of the problem for me with the (view spoiler)[ Alcatraz part was the lull between the sword visions of Raffe and her and Raffe meeting back up. I just like it most when he's there. (hide spoiler)] I can't wait for the next one, which says June 2014 on here so that isn't so bad. If it's not a vicious lie.

[Michelle {Book Hangovers}]

WWWwwwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!

I don't get my World After book til sometime tomorrow!!! The waiting is killing me!!!!!

[Gwennie]

So, I'm at 27%.

(view spoiler)[It's absolutely believable and realistic, but it is completely breaking my heart what's happened to Paige. I'm so fricking sad reading her pain (hide spoiler)].

[Ash Wednesday]

Stacia (misses killing the hype) wrote: "I had to up my rating on Angelfall to a solid 5 star so I could give this one 4.5 stars. I think the dream sequences could have been pared back to one or two scenes and the Alcatraz part was a bit ..."

Your first spoiler: "Stahhhhppp! Or I'll be upping my rating to 10 (view spoiler)[angel bonered (hide spoiler)] stars!" I think I missed that, so you win my internetz today.

@Wendy: i loved all of Paige and Penryn's scenes. It would've made me cry if I read this in the proper hormonal cycle.

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

I feel so dirty for enjoying that scene. *scared of being smited*

[Ash Wednesday]

Angels are fair game...
Son of Satan on the other hand....

ETA: I am so getting pelted by some (view spoiler)[Reyes (hide spoiler)] fans. #donthurtme

[Robin]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "Angels are fair game...
Son of Satan on the other hand....

ETA: I am so getting pelted by some [spoilers removed] fans. #donthurtme"

I never loved the Son of Satan more....I'm joining the (view spoiler)[Reyes (hide spoiler)] fan club.

[Bailey]

Stacia (misses killing the hype) wrote: "I feel so dirty for enjoying that scene. *scared of being smited*"

Holy crap, I didn't even think about that until you pointed it out. All I was thinking was mmm...peanut butter. I have a real problem with peanut butter.

[Robin]

Bailey wrote: "Stacia (misses killing the hype) wrote: "I feel so dirty for enjoying that scene. *scared of being smited*"

Holy crap, I didn't even think about that until you pointed it out. All I was thinking w..."

I was flying through the book and had to do a double take. When I re-read the scene I was like sneaky :P

[[deleted user]]

Just started!
at 33% and your spoilers are killing me!

Loving it so far

[Ash Wednesday]

Isn't anyone concerned about (view spoiler)[Raffe's wings? It's been ripped from him, carried around, hidden, cut (by penryn), reattached to a demon, i think he tried to rip it off beliel again in angelfall then finally in WA. I can't imagine them being pretty anymore and pretty much imagine a partially plucked chicken everytime it gels mentioned. With bald spots o.O (hide spoiler)]

Yay Melanie!

[Bailey]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "Isn't anyone concerned about [spoilers removed]

Yay Melanie!"

I keep thinking about that too. (view spoiler)[Those wings gotta be pretty messed up. Nothing stays nice in an apocalypse, but they have been through way more than anything should. Maybe they can spend time at a day spa once this is all over or at the very least, a salon. A good shampoo, some highlights and lowlights, and a few extensions...maybe. Or they can go the more boring route and self heal themselves like angels do. I for one prefer a pampered pair of wings though. ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Robin]

Bailey wrote: "Ash Wednesday wrote: "Isn't anyone concerned about [spoilers removed]

Yay Melanie!"

I keep thinking about that too. [spoilers removed]"

lol@Bailey. extensions haha.

end of book spoiler (view spoiler)[ I almost hopes he keeps the demon wings and Pooky Bear comes back to him with the Wings. Think of all the havoc he could reek with both. But I'm also torn because I want Penryn to keep the sword. I like something about a girl brandishing a very masculine weapon, that is also a girl. Girl power squared with a phallic object teehee. (hide spoiler)]

[Ash Wednesday]

Robin wrote:

Me too! (As I told Bailey in her review) it makes for very nifty weapons when he's fighting :)

[Bailey]

Ash Wednesday wrote: "Robin wrote:

Me too! (As I told Bailey in her review) it makes for very nifty weapons when he's fighting :)"

And its sort of hot.

[Ash Wednesday]

Bailey wrote: "."

Ooh that reminds me something about recuperation, it was implied earlier that angels (view spoiler)[need water to recuperate. When Penryn spied on some of the angels in the ruins of the blasted aerie they were carrying buckets of water. Which makes me wonder about the swimming scene.. (hide spoiler)]

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

Hmm. I wonder why (view spoiler)[the water is needed (hide spoiler)]

I think the (view spoiler)[demon wings look more badass but the white feathers in all their massive wingspan glory probably look gorgeous. Plus, if you're gonna eventually end up doing anything physical with the guy, you might not want to be poked by bat wings.

I wouldn't complain either way though. He can rock either look, I'm sure. :p (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle {Book Hangovers}]

I GOT MY BOOK IN THE MAIL JUST NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I need to put the smack down on the Darkfever book so I can read World After and talk about it with y'all!! xo

[Rachel]

Finally finished! Stupid grading took way too much time...

Loved reading all your spoilers! I couldn't help feeling like there was a lot of rehash from Angelfall in the first 50-60% though it was neat to see it (view spoiler)[ from the perspectives of Raffe and Paige (hide spoiler)]. Plus, I wasn't able to do a reread so it actually helped jog my memory.

The last 30% totally made up for it! Love R&P together and love the dialogue that Ee writes between them

Stacia - The PB scene! hahaha

[Stacie]

My favorite part of this series is still the macabre aspect! It left a good amount of questions that still need to be answered! (view spoiler)[That time gap, experimenting for 10 months and they have only been here for 2?!?! That makes me wonder about the doctor too, how long have you been apart its this whole thing! (hide spoiler)] I finished today and am kind of sad I decided against PB&J for lunch, lol! Penryn is such a Badass and I love it! (view spoiler)[And so is Pooky Bear! (hide spoiler)] Loved it so glad they are looking to make it a movie!