Book Review: End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days, #3) by Susan Ee

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton

Published: 12th May 2015

Pages: 435

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance, Dystopia

Main Characters: Penryn, Raffe
Date Read: 4th April - 22nd April 2016

Rating Given:

Synopsis:End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy. After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

After reading the first book in this series I have been eager to finish the series to find out how it all ends but both of the books that followed Angelfall just didn't live upto it...

All of the covers in this series have been similar but with subtle differences. What I don't like about this particular cover is the circle with part of the cover from the first book as I feel as though it should be removable as it distracts from the overall look of the cover.

When I first began this book I was enjoying it to a certain extent but for the most I felt it was a little too slow it just took too long to get on with the action. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen throughout the book as some of the things that happened threw me I just wasn't expecting pretty much everything that had happened. There was some dark moments but there was a bit of humour to balance it out. The romance side of the story played a bit of a bigger part in this book but that being said I do feel as though it was a bit of an after thought and a bit rushed. The battle towards the end was epic and I wished there was more of it as it was thrilling. For me the ending was a bit rushed plus I felt like there could be another book or at least a novella just so there's more of a clear ending.

All of the characters have grown throughout the series and we were also introduced to some new characters which I loved I just wish we had met them before as they where great additions to this series. Penryn has had the biggest personality growth especially in this book which has made her an even more likeable character. Raffe was hit and miss in this book but mainly a hit especially the second half of the book.

Overall, it was a good ending to the series but I did expect more from this series especially after such an epic beginning with Angelfall.

Book of the Month - April

I had a descent month of reading in April as I was able to finish 7 books although not all of them where enjoyable but some of them where brilliant.

Here's what I read in April:

• The Aftermath (The Hurricane, #2) by R.J. Prescott - 5/5
• Ryker (Cold Hockey Fury, #4) by Sawyer Bennett - 4/5
• The Player (The Wedding Pact, #2) by Denise Grover Swank - 2/5
• End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days, #3) by Susan Ee - 4/5
• Broken Juliet (Starcrossed, #2) by Leisa Rayven - 4/5
• Unrivalled (Beautiful Idols, #1) by Alyson Noel - 2/5
• Rush by Shae Ross - 4.5/5

And the book of the month is...

The Aftermath (The Hurricane, #2) by R.J. Prescott

I loved reading book two nearly as much as the first book and I really hope there will be more from this series as I would love to see the other boys their HEA.

What is your book of the month?

Top 10 of 2015 - Best Books Read in 2015

I've decided to join Two Chicks On Books again this year to count down my favourite books. Throughout the week there will be different list, so without further ado let's get started!

Best books that I have read in 2015, it doesn't have to have been released in 2015, just a book that I've read in 2015.

10.

The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending, #1) by Rachel Harris

I read this at the beginning of the year and had to read the synopsis again to remind myself of what it was about. Once I reminded myself I remembered what a cute read it was and I can't wait to read more from this series.

9.

The Final Move (Hometown Players, #3) by Victoria Denault

This was a brilliant debut series but this one was better than the other two put together. I am really looking forward to reading more from Victoria Denault.

8.

 

Alex and Zack (Cold Fury Hockey, #1 & 3) by Sawyer Bennett

Number 8 is a bit of a cheat as it's a tie but in my defence they are both from the series, I just couldn't pick a favourite out of these two they where both as amazing as each other.

7.

The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1) by Gena Showalter

I don't think there's been a Gena Showalter book that I haven't loved and this one is no different. This one felt different from other books that I read as the characters wasn't perfect and it was gritty.

6.

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Another great end to another amazing series. This was one of those books that has everything in it that I always love in a book but it also had things in it that I never knew I was going to like. The ending was perfect for this story yet it has also left it open for maybe more if the author chooses to do so.

5.

Significance (Significance, #1) by Shelly Crane

I absolutely adored this book and found it so hard to decide over my top 5 and they would probably change if I was deciding on another day because they are all as amazing as each other.

4.

Hero by Samantha Young

I have to admit I had to remind myself about what this book was about but in my defence I did read this right at the beginning of the year, but because I've forgotten about it that was the reason why I couldn't put it any higher even after reading my rave review.

3.

The Substitute (The Wedding Pact, #1) by Denise Grover Swank

This is one of the most funniest read that I have ever read and I dare anyone not to fall in love with the Nan she is an amazing character. It's such a light hearted and feel good book that I just know I will be reading over and over again.

2.

Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee

I loved the writing style of this book as it was beautifully written and it had me enthralled into the world of Penryn. The way in which it was all descripted it had me feeling like I was watching a film rather than reading a book.

1.

 

 

Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott

Another bit of a cheat (but in my defence as the previous time I cheated I feel like it's not completely cheating when they are from the same series/author) but I really couldn't pick a favourite as they where all as outstanding as each other. I loved every moment spent with the Stage Dive men and I for one can't wait to read more from Kylie Scott I just hope it's as good as this series.

What was your favourite read of 2015?

Showcase Sunday #118

Showcase Sunday is a weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea.

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I have a few more books that I usually do as it was my 30th Birthday in September so naturally I got a Amazon voucher which I have spent a bit of but I still have some left over. Here's what I received in the month of September!

Paperback Books Recieved

  

 

I received Yours Tonight and Nymphs for review from the publishers. I got the rest for my Birthday.

Kindle Books Bought

  

I've wanted to read all these books since the moment I had heard about them and now I've finally gotten around to buying them thanks to my voucher.

Free Kindle Books

  

I didn't get many free books this month as there wasn't many that I really wanted to give a try this past month.

Kindle Review Books

  

  

 

Looking forward to reading these books in the upcoming months.

What did you receive this month/week?

Book Tag: Social Media

The Reading Pile has taken inspiration from the vloging Book Tag community over to the blogging world. Like her I'm not actually going to tag anyone but you're more than welcome to give it a try like I have just head over to her page and leave a link in her comments or in mine as I'm nosey and love to know what everyone else has done.

Over at The Reading Pile she has done the posts every Thursday and has already done a few so I thought I would go through the ones she has already done and do the ones I like the look of.

My Book Tag post this week is: Social Media:

1. Twitter: What is your favourite short book?

My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey - This was actually one of my first short books that I have read and when I saw how short it was I was actually disappointed as I thought it can't have much story if it's so short but boy was I wrong. 

2. Facebook: A book everyone pressured you into reading?

Angelfall by Susan Ee - If I hear about a book that everyone has read and loved I feel as though I need to see what all the fuss is about. This book I'm glad everyone kept going on about how amazing this book was as I don't think I would have heard about it otherwise which would have bee a shame because everyone was right as this is one amazing book.

3. Tumblr: What book did you read before it was cool?

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - This question was hard as I am always behind on starting series and end up jumping on the bandwaggon when it's been out for years. The only time this doesn't happen is when I have a book for review and actually get around to reading it before the release date which is what happened with Pushing the Limits so technically I read it before it was cool as I read it before the release date.

4. Myspace: Pick a book you don't remember whether you liked or not?

Sabriel by Garth Nix - I read this before I even knew what Goodreads was so when I first read this I didn't review it. I actually thought I really enjoyed this book but then when I went on Goodreads to look at 3 star ratings this was there so now I can't remember whether I loved it or not I think a reread is in order.

5. Instagram: Pick a book that was so beautiful you had to instagram it?

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - I don't actually use Intagram but if I did this cover would be the one I would instagram as it's stunning and it is by far my favourite cover and the story matches as well.

6. Youtube: Pick a book you wish could be turned into a movie?

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - This question was hard because pretty much every book that I adore I want to see on the big screene. Angelfall would definitely have been the answer to this one but i already used that in a previous question so I thought I would randomly pick another one and found Shatter Me which I think would translate well on film.

7. Goodreads: A book you recommend to everyone?

Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase - Again a tough question when I've read so many amazing books that I would highly recommend. I went with this one in the end as I don't think it is as well known in the UK as my other favourites.

Book Review: World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2) by Susan Ee

May contain spoilers from the first book

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Paperback 

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton

Published: 21st November 2013

Pages: 314

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

Main Characters: Penryn
Date Read: 3rd May - 23rd May 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis: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?

I was sent a review copy by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I love this cover just as much as the first book and I especially love that it ties in with the first book but with different wings. I liked that they have used different wings as these remind of the wings that Raffe has. I love the overall effect of this book as it makes it stand out even when there is not much on the cover.

After finishing the first book Angelfall I couldn't wait to continue on in the series however for me this second book disappointed me. I couldn't get into it like I did the first book and even though there was a lot going on it still didn't capture my interest. It took me ages to get through World After as I just didn't feel as though I wanted to continue on with it but I'm glad I did because the last half of the book started to grab me just like Angelfall did. The last half of the book just seemed to come together nicely with twists and turns that I didn't see coming the action in this half of the book had me on tenter-hooks. There was even a little more romance than there was in the first book which I loved. Once I had finished the book I got very excited to see how this series is going to end and I can't wait to get my hands on End of Days if its anything like Angelfall and the end of World After it's going to be epic!

I didn't have the same feelings towards the characters in this book although there was a few that I still loved. Raffe wasn't in most of the book but what little we did see I loved as I feel like we got a better understanding of why he is the way he is. Penryn showed a different side to her that I hadn't seen before and I didn't like it but apart from that she was her kick ass self. I seemed to warm a little more towards Penryn's mother as she seemed more sympathetic towards Paige which surprised me especially when she called Penryn out for her behaviour towards her sister. We got to see a little more of Paige in this book which was nice to see although I felt so sorry for what was done to her.

Overall the first half didn't do anything for me but I'm glad I kept with it as by the end I started to fall in love with the series again.

Book of the Month - May

I honestly thought I didn't read as many books as what I had done maybe that was down to some of the books feeling as though they dragged. Here's what I read in May:

• Flukes (Flukes, #1) by Nichole Chase - 4/5
• The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP) by Kate Winter - 4/5
• Remembrance (Transcend Time, #1) by Michelle Madow - 3.5/5
• One More Shot (Hometown Players, #1) by Victoria Denault - 5/5
• World After (Penryn and & the End of Days, #2) by Susan Ee - 3.5/5
• Redesigned (Off the Subject, #2) by Denise Grover Swank - 4/5
• A Secret to Keep by Railyn Stone - 2.5/5
• Burn For Me (Fighting Fire, #1) by Lauren Blakely - 3/5

And the book of the month is...

It was an easy pick for best book of this month as there was only one that got 5/5 which was this one. I loved every moment of this book and I can't wait to read more from this series.

What was your book of the month?

Book Review: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Paperback 

Publishers: Feral Dream

Published: 14th February 2012

Pages: 284

Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

Main Characters: Penryn, Raffe
Date Read: 18th April - 26th April 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
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. Travelling 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.

I received this for my birthday a couple of years ago now and I have only just gotten around to reading it. I really don't know why it took me so long to get around with it but in a way I'm glad I waited as I will be able to get the last book read with he series fresh in my mind.

I'm a huge fan of this cover and I must admit the cover was why I wanted to read it, I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover and I've been let down by favourite covers before but thankfully the story lives up to the cover. I love that the cover is simple with the dark colours saying everything.

As soon as I started this book I knew that all those reviews where not lying as this was one amazing read. There was so much happening in this book that I was never bored of reading it and it was written in a way that didn't make me feel overwhelmed with everything happening. I usually love romance in the books that I read but there wasn't really any of that happening apart from maybe a glimpse of something to come, I just didn't mind the lack of romance as I was so enthralled with everything that actually was happening I found that I didn't miss the romance. I have read a few angel books now and I have enjoyed most of them but I think that this one stands out for me. For me this book was beautifully written making me feel like I was watching what was happening rather than reading what was happening. As well as action there was some emotional scenes in there as well as one particular scene broke my heart and made me want to shout at the character not to believe what he was seeing. The ending was just as amazing as the rest of the book as left me wanting more and I am so glad I have book two waiting for me.

I loved all the characters and hated others (that I was supposed to hate). Penryn has to be one of my favourite female characters ever as she was strong, kick-ass, independent girl. She had to go through a lot of hard times yet it just makes her stronger. What I especially loved about her was the lengths in which she would go to for her sister. Raffe I also loved especially towards the end when he showed a softer (yet heartbreaking) side to him. My other favourite characters where Dee-Dum as they added much needed humour in what was dark times.

Overall I adored this book and I am now off to read the next book as I need to know what on earth is going to happen next.