I had this book on my must haves in 2012. 
 I really wish I would have read it then, so I could say, "One of the best books I've read all year!" Which is still true, but considering I've only read 7 books so far this year, it doesn't feel the same. 
 I'm kicking myself for not reading this sooner!! 
 I love it when an author takes a step out of the norm, and writes a book completely out of the ordinary. This isn't your normal angel book here. This book is dark. It is disturbing. It is SO.GOOD. 
 Susan Ee creates a dark, disturbing post-apocalyptic world that you never, ever want to be in. Her writing is smooth, strong and beautiful. She took angel lore and shook it up, creating a masterpiece that will keep you on edge from page 1. We have death. Cannibals. Army resistance, and a little romance, (which didn't overwhelm the story) The pacing was perfect; flowing from scene to scene beautifully. It does get pretty graphic, with some things I personally haven't seen in a young adult novel, but it didn't sway me from the story. If anything, it made me want to learn more about WHY.and HOW these things are happening. 
 I loved Penryn. There were times things were NOT going in her favor, yet, she never gave up. She never swayed from her goal to rescue her sister. My heart broke for her, on several occasions. This girl is brave and strong. I loved her a Raffe's relationship. Everything that they had seen and went though, was horrific, but they were able to keep a little humor going and made an awesome team. Things were rocky at first, but their relationship developed beautifully over their journey to San Francisco. And little Paige? Heartbreaking. And scary. 
 My only frustrations? There was very little explanation regarding WHY the angels started this war. The only clue is the conversation between Penryn and Raffe in the hotel room (view spoiler)[(about the messenger and Gabriel) (hide spoiler)]. Also, as for the gruesome things in the basement and the angels specimens, a little light on that would have went a long way. 
 I am anxiously waiting for book 2!