By Quentin Monasterial
Courier Staff Reporter/Columnist
We don’t often think of an apocalypse when we think of heaven. That word usually evokes images of angels, God, light and paradise.
The novel Angelfall by Susan Ee does so, but in a slightly unconventional manner. What really sets it apart from other similar books is that it features a never-before-seen clash between forces of heaven, hell, and…humanity.
The novel begins with the introduction of the main character Penryn Young, her mother, and her sister. It features Penryn Young’s survival and perseverance in a world perished by angelic forces, despite the odds that stand against her and her family.
The novel pace picks up shortly after the reader is transported into this ravaged world. Penryn is faced with a challenge that requires valiant effort: leave the sanctuary she’s established with her family in order to save the one who helped strengthen that sense of safety–her sister.
But before that, she comes face-to-face with the thing that the human race has come to fear: angels. After barely making it out alive, she meets an unlikely ally, another angel named Raffe. Together, they embark on a journey to save Penryn’s sister together and forge an unprecedented bond.
Susan Ee has written a story that hooks your attention from the beginning and holds it until the end. With characters and relationships that have you squealing in your seat (or wherever else you’re sitting). Although the story takes on a plain, grey hue at certain times, the action and mind-reeling adventure make up for it.
Additionally, the star-crossed relationship that buds between the Penryn and Raffee is slow, tender and really strikes home, especially when the stakes were high. In those moments when one of them was in danger, their devotion to one another was undeniable and potent.
This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys both adventure and romance, with an emphasis on the former, because Susan offers an intricate mixture of the two.
