World After | Book Review

"It is painful to see that people prefer a bad guy who looks like an angel to a good guy who looks like a demon."

―Susan Ee, World After

Overall rating: 9/10


Synopsis:

Thoughts:

At first, I thought I would be disappointed with this sequel because I didn’t find the first half of the book as exciting and action-packed as Angelfall. This may have something to do with Raffe and Penryn not interacting at all. Most of the time, the second book of a trilogy is my least favourite; it happens in Insurgent as well. I struggled to read through the first half. There were definitely moments where I wanted to pit the book down as it didn’t intrigue me enough. Without surprise, midway through reading this book, I picked up another book and finished that.

However, on the positive note, the second half does pick up quickly after Penryn and Raffe reunites. They get to share some intimate moments together, which is something I’m so eager to see. Raffe’s sense of humor is to die for. And I also think that Raffe in World After seems to be much more care-free and shows his feeling towards Penryn, than in Angelfall which he hides his feelings.

The majority of this book is, again, about Penryn going off into dangers and trying to find her sister Paige, after her sister’s life-changing transformation. Even though until now that we still have no idea what Paige has turned to, but it’s glad to know that her humanity has not shut down. I think she is a strong character, especially after her transformation. With her new look and features, she becomes more independent.

Okay, let’s now talk about my favourite part of the book. That would be the conversation between Raffe and Penryn, and also the involvement of Pooky Bear the archangel sword. I’m going to extract some of my favourite quotes from the book; they are so funny and hilarious.

        “I look up to say something but he puts his finger to my lips and whispers, “Don’t talk. You’ll just spoil my fantasy of rescuing an innocent damsel in distress as soon as you open your mouth.”

        “He glares at me as if he already hates it. “What is it?” I consider lying but what’s the point? I clear my throat. “Pooky Bear"

He’s silent for so long I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear me when he finally says, “Pooky. Bear.” “It was just a little joke. I didn’t know.”

“I’ve mentioned that names have power, right? Do you realize that when she fights battles, she’s going to have to announce herself to the opposing sword? She’ll be forced to say something ridiculous like, ‘I am Pooky Bear, from an ancient line of archangel swords.’ Or, ‘Bow down to me, Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.’ ” He shakes his head. “How is she going to get any respect?”

                “I reach out, thinking that maybe we could touch hands, wanting to connect. But seaweed is tangled between my fingers, and I reflexively shake it off. It lands on his face with a slimy plop before sliding off.”

(I literally burst into laughter reading this)

        “She wasn’t made to be alone.”

“I guess none of us are.”

Our eyes meet and an electric tingle runs through me.

“She missed you,” I say in a whisper.

“Did she?” His voice is a soft caress. His gaze into my eyes is so intense that I swear he sees straight into my soul.

“Yes.” Warmth flushes my cheeks. I… “She thought about you all the time.”

The candlelight flickers a soft glow along his jawline, along his lips. “I hated losing her.” His voice is a low growl. “I hadn’t realized just how attached I’d gotten.” He reaches and moves a strand of wet hair out of my face. “How dangerously addictive she could be.”

(well, this one they clearly are using the sword to tell their feelings.)

        “For a second, his defenses fall and I can see the turmoil behind his eyes. He saw me die. This must be a mistake.”

Finally, I’m grateful that the author didn’t end the book with a cliff-hanger. In fact, the ending perfectly wraps up the story. I think it is okay even if this whole story ends here. IT IS JUST A PERFECT HAPPY ENDING. I do enjoy the book and can't wait for the last book to come out in May!