Angelfall by Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

My thoughts

This is one of those times where I think a hype is fully deserved. Wow, this book was amazing. I don't quite know how to tell you just how special this book was. Right off, it doesn't seem much different than other YA dystopia books, but that's only until you turn the very first page. I was sucked into the story and couldn't let go. It was funny, creepy, intense, actionpacked and snarky in a perfect blend. I never knew what was going to happen next. 
I was utterly impressed by Susan Ee's writing, I don't know exactly what it was, but it just made the story flow effortless. 

I loved the story and how the angels were portrayed as the "bad guys" like they were in the old stories from the Bible. The mystery, however, is why they have suddenly attacked Earth. And are all the angels evil?
I also liked how the angels weren't the only dangerous part in the story; after the angels have created havoc and destroyed cities, humans will do anything to survive in this post-apocalyptisc world, even if it means turning against each other, often with fatal results. Nothing is safe anymore, and there's nowhere to turn for help. I think this gave the story even more of an edge, while it was still very believable.

I absolutely loved Penryn, she was such an awesome heroine. Really. She was independent and used to taking care of her family and would do anything to keep them safe. But still, she knew when she needed help, and she accepted that. She could protect herself, and kicked some major ass, and she didn't wait around for someone else to come safe her. And she definitely did not go around swooning over Raffe, she just didn't have time for that. 

Raffe was mysterious and I had a hard time figuring him out. At first it was clear that he only made the deal with Penryn because he had to, and that he didn't think highly of her. Then he would protect her without really needing to. He sent mixed signals, and I loved trying to sort him out.  

The banter between Penryn and Raffe was hilarious, and they seriously cracked me up. 

“A little weird? That was freakin' Bizarroville."
He pauses and looks back at me. 
"Are you speaking English?” 

There was a touch of romance, maybe more like a little tension between them, but it never took over the story. They both had more serious things to focus on, but I loved seeing them slowly change their look and understanding of each other. 

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was a bit too creepy for me at times. I don't read horror books because they honestly scare me so much. Yes, I'm a bit of a wuss. So when I suddenly stumpled over that in Angelfall I'm sure I sported some crazy expressions while I cringed from the book. But it was only a small part so it wasn't too bad, and I will still read the sequel, World After, even if Susan Ee hinted at it being even more creepy.

Angelfall is a book not to be missed. The story was fast-paced and engaging, the characters were believable, and Penryn is what you secretly have been missing in most other YA heroines. A new favorite for me, and another long wait for the next book, which I just cannot wait to read.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm waiting on:

World After (Penryn and the End of Days # 2) by Susan Ee

Release date: November 19.

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans, where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

-oOo-

So I just finished Angelfall earlier this week and after that last page I need this book!! 

What are you waiting on this week? Leave a link and let me know!

Top Ten Books On My Fall 2013 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is: Top Ten Books On My Fall 2013 TBR List. 

To be released this fall

1. The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead: This is probably my most anticipated book this fall. I seriously cannot wait to read it. I go into total fangirl mode goes whenever I think or hear about it.

2. Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout: The last book in the series! I'm so eager to find out how it all end, though I'm sad there won't be more books after this.

3. Just One Year by Gayle Forman: Just One Day made a huge impression on me, and that ending..! This book better come ASAP in my mailbox when it's released!

4. Allegiant by Veronica Roth: I loved Divergent, but was honestly not overly impressed by Insurgent. I still can't wait to read Allegiant though.

5. World After by Susan Ee: I just finished reading Angelfall and I need this sequel NOW. 

Already released

6. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: I've read a lot of praising reviews for it and plan on reading this some time soon.

7. Pivot Point by Kasie West: If I ever get this from the library (they are sooo slow) this is on the top of my TBR pile. I can't wait.

8. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa: I've had this on my shelf for so long, maybe I'll finally get to it this fall.

9. Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I've read all the books in the Lux series except this and I'll definitely have to change that. I got this one for free a week or so ago, so now I'm finally getting around to reading it. Can't wait for Dawson and Bethany's story.



10. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: I hope I'll get my hands on this one sometime during the fall, because it sounds really good and I've heard some very good things about it.

What is on your fall TBR list? Leave a link and let me know :)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

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The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My thoughts

Scarlet picks up right where Cinder ended and this book is a retelling of the little red riding hood, and what a retelling! I really liked Cinder, but I think Scarlet was even better. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but then things got real and I could. not. put. the. book. down. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and trying to turn the pages fast enough. 

Scarlet's grandmother has disappeared without a trace, but the police has just dropped the case, leaving Scarlet hopeless and furious. Then she meets Wolf, a street fighter, who might be able to help her, but can she trust him? In the mean time Cinder has escaped prison and is trying to find a way to temporary safety. But what should she do next? And can she stop Queen Levana before she claims Earth?

Scarlet was a great heroine. She was strong, independent and had quite a temper. She'd do anything to save her grandmother, and she had to go through a lot to find her. I think she was very brave, and I liked how she stood her ground and didn't take anything from anybody. 
I had a had a hard time figuring Wolf out. He seemed tough and dangerous, but was at the same time so shy and cautious around Scarlet. He was not what I expected, but I really liked him a lot. His and Scarlet's interaction were my favorite parts of the books, and even though they'd only known each other for a couple of (very eventful) days, their attraction seemed so believable and I couldn't help rooting for them. 

I was happy to see Cinder again and following her next steps. Along with her is Captain Thorne and he was just hilarious. There was even a Kai cameo and we get to see some of his struggles after the events in Cinder. I loved how the stories of Cinder and Scarlet were connected and finding those little clues to both of their stories. It was also interesting seeing more of the world Meyer has created, and she makes it all come alive with her amazing writing. The plot of the series is expanding, and Scarlet had a lot going on. I really like how each book in the series has its own story while still being a part of the overall story. I can't wait to read the continuation in the third book, Cress. 

Overall, this was an amazing book. I love Meyer's writing, the world and all the characters. If you haven't yet started this series I highly recommend it.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm waiting on:

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release date: November 2.

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

-oOo-

I cannot wait to read this book! Sentinel is one of my most anticipated books this year, though I'm kind of sad that it's the last book. Then there won't be more Aiden :( But I still can't wait to find out how it's all going to end. 

What are you waiting on this week? Leave a link and let me know.

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

My thoughts

Origin was one of my most anticipated books this year, and it did not disappoint. The stakes are definitely raised and it was indeed a gamechanger. It was also very different from the previous three. After that crucial ending in Opal I was eager to find out what happened to Katy and what Daemon would have to do to get to her. From the cover and the blurb it sounded like he was literaly going to burn down the world to save her, so I was a bit surprised to how the events unfolded in the first part of the book. 

Katy has been captured by Daedalus and has to go through some horrifying things and some of it kept me on edge. But she also learned more about them, the Luxen and the Arum. If you've read Obsession you know it was already hinted at the Luxen might be far different from what we'd learnt so far. Katy doesn't know what to think and who to trust, but if Daedalus is right it will change everything. 

In the meantime Daemon does everything he can to find Katy, even if it means sacrificing himself. But will he be able to find her and to what price? 

The story was great and I flew through the pages, having to know what happened next. And I truly never knew what was going to happen. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but the middle and ending easily made up for that. There was a lot revealed in this book, and we get a look into Daedalus and their secrets. Some of the things were kinda creepy and the whole possible alien invasion was pretty scary - but that might be because alien invasions scares the sh!t out of me. Also, the whole thing with the origins was both interesting and scary too and frankly very different from what I expected. 

But beside the action and the revelations, there was also sweet and swoony moments in the book, which were my favorites, and JLA sure knows how to write them. JLA always makes me laugh out loud several times during her books, and Origin was no exception. I laughed so hard a couple of times I was glad I was all alone while reading! 

I liked the dual pov in Origin and it was great seeing both Katy and Daemon's side and see how they reacted to the same situations. I love both characters, but I don't think Katy was very prominent in the story, and I kind of missed her at times. Daemon on the other hand stole the spotlight and made this his very own book. He was his usual arrogant, snarky self and with a lot of awesome one-liners, but at the same time we get to see a lot of his sweet and tender side through his pov. I loved getting to know him even better and to understand his motives.

But why oh why did Origin have to end on another cliffhanger?! Just as I thought I was safe this time around she goes and does that! Now the wait for the final book, Opposition, seems even longer. I'll just be waiting around here. 

If you've read the previous books I highly recommend Origin, it will change everything you know about the world JLA has created. A great addition to the series.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆