Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense apocalyptic angel series ramps up violence, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
After angels have descended upon Earth and destroyed most of civilization, 17-year-old Penryn struggles to protect her mentally ill mother and her crippled sister, who's been horrifically transformed by the heavenly invaders. Carrying the magical sword that once belonged to Raffe, her mysterious angel ally, Penryn plunges from one desperate situation to another. Separated from those she loves, she travels from Alcatraz to Pier 39 to an angel aerie, learning terrible secrets about the invasion and looking to be reunited with Raffe.
Is It Any Good?
WORLD AFTER continues author Susan Ee's fresh take on the Apocalypse, in which angels are the instruments of humanity's destruction. Seventeen-year-old Penryn is an engaging and resourceful narrator-protagonist, and even though she and the angel Raffe are separated for most of the book, their sarcastic but oddly tender relationship continues to develop. More of the story's big picture is revealed in this installment, and the action is nearly nonstop. Some of the revelations about Penryn's little sister may make some more sensitive readers uncomfortable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of angels in recent young-adult fantasy fiction. Why do you think they're a trend in popular culture?
Why are stories about global disasters, supernatural or otherwise, popular now?
What challenges do kids face when their parents must cope with mental illness?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Skyscape
- Publication date : November 19, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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