Apocalypse in the Skies

The world is in chaos, angels rule the skies, and humanity cowers below. Penryn, a teenage girl, clings to the archangel Raffe as they fly above the devastated city, her stitched-up sister Paige riding a monstrous locust. They seek safety, haunted by the violence and loss that have become their new normal. The trio lands on Angel Island, hoping for a brief respite. The landscape is scarred, survivors are desperate, and trust is rare. Penryn's love for her family and her growing feelings for Raffe are her only anchors in a world where monsters—both human and angelic—roam free. The emotional weight of survival, loyalty, and the hope for redemption set the tone for their journey.

Sanctuary on Angel Island

On Angel Island, Penryn, Raffe, and Paige find a Victorian house, briefly claiming it as sanctuary. The house's previous occupants flee, leaving behind traces of normalcy and fear. Raffe secures the perimeter, chaining the demon Beliel outside, while Penryn tends to her traumatized sister. The group's exhaustion is palpable; every moment of rest is shadowed by the threat of violence. Penryn's longing for safety clashes with the reality of their monstrous companions and the scars of recent battles. The house becomes a microcosm of their fractured world—haunted by memories, guarded by suspicion, and sustained by fleeting moments of comfort and connection.

Wounds, Rest, and Regrets

As the group settles in, Penryn cleans Paige's wounds, reflecting on the horrors inflicted by both angels and humans. Raffe, desperate to reclaim his angelic identity, tends to his severed wings, his frustration and vulnerability exposed. Exhaustion draws Penryn and Raffe together, their mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface. A moment of intimacy blurs the line between comfort and desire, leaving both shaken and uncertain. The emotional wounds—betrayal, loss, and longing—are as raw as the physical ones. In the quiet aftermath, Penryn grapples with her feelings for Raffe, the weight of responsibility for her family, and the impossibility of love in a world at war.

Chains, Memories, and Demons

Beliel, chained and broken, becomes a focal point for Penryn's curiosity and unease. He offers her a chance to see his memories through the angel sword, tempting her with the promise of truth about Raffe's past and the origins of his own bitterness. Penryn's decision to accept plunges her into a vision of the Pit, where fallen angels are tormented and love is punished. She witnesses Beliel's agony, the loss of his beloved Mira, and the cruelty of angelic law. The experience blurs the boundaries between victim and villain, forcing Penryn to question the nature of justice, loyalty, and the cost of survival.

Temptation and Confession

The aftermath of Penryn and Raffe's intimate encounter is fraught with confusion and shame. Raffe flees, leaving Penryn to wrestle with her feelings of rejection and longing. Paige's disappearance adds to the turmoil, and Beliel's manipulations sow seeds of doubt about Raffe's loyalty. Penryn's internal struggle mirrors the chaos outside—the collapse of old certainties, the hunger for connection, and the fear of betrayal. The emotional landscape is as treacherous as the physical one, with love and trust constantly at risk of being consumed by the darkness around them.

Beliel's Truth Revealed

Penryn, driven by a need for answers, allows Beliel to share his memories through the sword. She is pulled into a vision of hell, witnessing the torment of the fallen and the monstrous transformation of angels into demons. The boundaries between memory and reality blur as hellions—creatures of the Pit—emerge into the real world, attacking Penryn. The encounter leaves her wounded and shaken, her trust in Raffe and her understanding of good and evil further eroded. Beliel's revelations are both a warning and a curse, exposing the cyclical nature of suffering and the dangers of seeking truth in a world built on lies.

Descent into the Pit

The hellions' attack forces Penryn and her companions to flee once more, pursued by monsters both literal and metaphorical. The group's fragile alliances are tested as they confront the reality of their situation—Paige's monstrous hunger, Raffe's desperation for his wings, and Penryn's growing sense of isolation. The journey becomes a descent into the underworld, both physically and emotionally, as each character is forced to confront their deepest fears and the limits of their humanity. The line between savior and monster grows ever thinner.

Hellions Unleashed

The world outside is no safer than the one within. Swarms of hellions and locusts descend, driven by primal instincts and the manipulations of those who would wield them as weapons. Paige's unique bond with the locusts becomes both a blessing and a curse, offering protection but also marking her as a target. The struggle for control—over monsters, over fate, over one's own nature—intensifies. Betrayals, both large and small, threaten to unravel the group's tenuous unity, and the cost of survival grows ever steeper.

Fractures and First Aid

The group's flight leads them to the Resistance, where old wounds are reopened and new ones inflicted. Doc, the only hope for healing Raffe's wings and Paige's condition, is himself broken—beaten by those he once tried to help. The Resistance is fractured by fear, suspicion, and the weight of too many losses. Penryn's reputation as an angel killer precedes her, making her both a symbol of hope and a target. The struggle to heal—bodies, relationships, and communities—becomes a central challenge, with no guarantee of success.

Hunger and Hyenas

As resources dwindle and threats multiply, hunger becomes a driving force. Paige's inability to eat normal food is a constant reminder of her transformation, and Penryn's attempts to care for her are met with frustration and heartbreak. The arrival of hellions, drawn by the scent of blood and fear, forces the group into a desperate flight. The boundaries between predator and prey blur, and the struggle for survival becomes ever more brutal. The emotional toll of hunger—literal and metaphorical—pushes each character to the edge.

Swarms and Power Struggles

The balance of power shifts as Paige's control over the locusts is challenged by a new, more brutal leader. The swarm becomes a symbol of both hope and danger, its loyalty uncertain and its violence unpredictable. The struggle for leadership—among humans, angels, and monsters—mirrors the larger battle for the fate of the world. Penryn, Raffe, and Paige are caught in the crossfire, their choices shaping the course of the coming apocalypse.

Resistance and Reunion

The group's arrival at the Resistance camp is met with suspicion and intrigue. Old friends and enemies resurface, and the lines between ally and adversary blur. Penryn's reputation as an angel killer makes her both a leader and a liability. The camp is a microcosm of the larger world—fractured, desperate, and clinging to hope. The search for Doc, the need for healing, and the looming threat of angelic retribution drive the narrative forward, as each character is forced to choose between loyalty and survival.

Rumors and Bounties

Word spreads of Penryn's deeds, making her a target for both angels and humans. Bounties are placed on her head, and trust becomes a rare commodity. The cult of personality grows, with Penryn and Paige both elevated to mythic status. The dangers of fame—envy, betrayal, and the constant threat of violence—are ever-present. The group must navigate a world where every action is watched, judged, and potentially punished.

Cults, Sacrifice, and Sisters

The rise of cults and the willingness of followers to sacrifice themselves for Paige highlight the extremes of faith and desperation. Penryn is forced to confront the limits of her own beliefs and the meaning of family in a world gone mad. The tension between individual survival and collective salvation becomes acute, as each character is asked to make impossible choices. The bonds of sisterhood are tested, and the cost of leadership becomes painfully clear.

Messenger's Election

The angelic host gathers for the election of a new Messenger, with Uriel manipulating events to secure his own power. Raffe's quest to reclaim his wings and his place among the angels becomes intertwined with the fate of humanity. The election is a spectacle of violence, ambition, and betrayal, with the outcome shaping the course of the apocalypse. Penryn's role as both participant and pawn is highlighted, as she navigates the treacherous waters of angelic politics.

Betrayal and Abduction

Penryn is betrayed by those she hoped to save, drugged and delivered to the angels by cultists seeking favor. Her journey becomes one of captivity and resistance, as she is paraded before the angelic host and forced to confront her own powerlessness. The experience is a stark reminder of the dangers of trust and the ever-present threat of betrayal in a world where survival often comes at the expense of others.

Trial by Blood

Penryn is thrust into a gladiatorial trial, forced to fight hellions and demons for the amusement of the angelic host. The spectacle is both brutal and symbolic, a test of strength, will, and identity. Raffe's intervention turns the tide, but the cost is high. The trial becomes a crucible, forging new alliances and exposing the true nature of both angels and humans. The boundaries between hero and monster, victim and victor, are blurred beyond recognition.

Into the Pit Again

In a last-ditch effort to save humanity, Penryn, Raffe, and the Watchers descend into the Pit to recruit the fallen angels for the coming battle. The journey is one of pain, loss, and self-discovery, as each character confronts their own demons—literal and figurative. The cost of redemption is high, and not all will make it back. The experience reshapes their understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the possibility of forgiveness.

Watchers' Redemption

The Watchers' return to the world is marked by both triumph and tragedy. Beliel, the gateway, is left behind, his sacrifice a stark reminder of the cost of freedom. The group's reunion is bittersweet, haunted by the losses endured and the battles yet to come. The struggle to reclaim agency, identity, and hope is ongoing, with each victory shadowed by the memory of those left behind.

The Last Stand

The survivors gather for a final stand against the angelic host, transforming despair into defiance. The talent show becomes a symbol of humanity's resilience, creativity, and refusal to be defined by fear. Old rivalries are set aside, and new alliances are forged. The stage is set for a battle that will determine the fate of both angels and humans, with Penryn at the center—leader, fighter, and reluctant hero.

Talent Show of Defiance

The talent show is both a distraction and a declaration—a celebration of life in the face of death. Music, dance, and laughter become acts of rebellion, uniting the survivors in a shared moment of humanity. The performance is interrupted by the arrival of the angelic host and the outbreak of battle, but its impact lingers. The show is a reminder that even in the darkest times, beauty and connection endure.

Locusts, Angels, and War

The final battle erupts in chaos—locusts, angels, and humans clashing in a maelstrom of violence and hope. Paige's command of the locusts turns the tide, but the cost is high. The lines between friend and foe, monster and savior, blur as each character fights for survival. The battle is both a literal and symbolic reckoning, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Plague and Sacrifice

The unleashing of the angelic plague—carried by monstrous sixers—devastates the angelic host. Raffe's bargain with a Pit lord brings both salvation and loss, as he sacrifices his wings to save Penryn and humanity. Uriel's downfall is brutal and complete, his ambition undone by the very monsters he sought to control. The survivors are left to pick up the pieces, haunted by the cost of victory and the uncertainty of what comes next.

Love, Loss, and New Dawn

In the aftermath, Penryn, Raffe, and the survivors begin the slow work of rebuilding. The bonds forged in battle—love, loyalty, and sacrifice—endure, offering a fragile hope for the future. Raffe, now wingless, chooses humanity and love over power and perfection. Paige, scarred but healing, becomes a symbol of resilience. The world is forever changed, but the promise of a new dawn remains, carried forward by those who refuse to surrender to despair.

Characters

Penryn Young

Penryn is a teenage girl thrust into the apocalypse, forced to grow up fast as she navigates a world ruled by angels and monsters. Her primary motivation is the survival and well-being of her family—her vulnerable, transformed sister Paige and her mentally unstable mother. Penryn's journey is one of transformation: from frightened survivor to reluctant leader, from outsider to symbol of hope. Her relationship with Raffe is fraught with longing, fear, and the impossibility of love in a world at war. Penryn's psychological resilience is tested by betrayal, loss, and the burden of leadership, but her core remains defined by loyalty, compassion, and an unyielding refusal to give up.

Raffe (Raphael)

Raffe is an archangel stripped of his wings and status, caught between the world of angels and the world of humans. His relationship with Penryn is both a source of strength and a source of pain, as he struggles with forbidden love and the demands of duty. Raffe's journey is one of loss and redemption—seeking to reclaim his wings, his honor, and his place among the angels, only to discover that true belonging may lie elsewhere. His psychological complexity is marked by pride, vulnerability, and a deep sense of responsibility. Raffe's ultimate sacrifice—giving up his wings for Penryn and humanity—marks his transformation from angelic warrior to human ally.

Paige Young

Paige is Penryn's younger sister, transformed by angelic experiments into a stitched, childlike monster with the power to command locusts. Her journey is one of suffering and resilience—struggling to retain her humanity in the face of physical and psychological trauma. Paige's bond with Penryn is unbreakable, and her actions—both monstrous and heroic—are driven by love and a desperate need for acceptance. She becomes a symbol of the possibility of redemption, her scars a testament to the cost of survival and the hope for healing.

Beliel

Beliel is a demon and former Watcher, consumed by bitterness and regret. His past is marked by love lost, betrayal, and the agony of the Pit. Beliel's interactions with Penryn and Raffe are manipulative and self-serving, but his pain is genuine. He serves as both a warning and a mirror—showing what happens when hope is lost and vengeance becomes the only purpose. His ultimate sacrifice as the gateway for the Watchers' return is both redemptive and tragic, highlighting the complexity of guilt, forgiveness, and the longing for belonging.

Obi

Obi is the leader of the human Resistance, a figure of hope and organization in a world descending into chaos. His strength lies in his ability to inspire, organize, and make hard choices for the greater good. Obi's relationship with Penryn is one of mutual respect and occasional conflict, as both struggle with the burdens of leadership. His death marks the end of an era and the passing of responsibility to a new generation. Obi's legacy is the belief that humanity can survive, adapt, and even thrive in the face of overwhelming odds.

Dee and Dum (The Twins)

Dee and Dum are twin brothers who provide levity, ingenuity, and a sense of community amid the apocalypse. Their talent for organization, betting, and entertainment makes them indispensable to the Resistance. Psychologically, they cope with trauma through humor and action, refusing to be paralyzed by fear. Their loyalty to Penryn and the cause is unwavering, and their ability to unite disparate groups—gangs, refugees, and fighters—proves crucial in the final stand. The twins embody the resilience and adaptability of humanity.

Doc

Doc is a human doctor trained by angels, responsible for both monstrous experiments and acts of healing. His relationship with Penryn and Paige is fraught with guilt and the hope for redemption. Doc's psychological complexity lies in his struggle to reconcile his actions with his conscience, seeking forgiveness through service. His knowledge and skills are vital to the Resistance, but his past crimes cast a long shadow. Doc represents the moral ambiguity of survival in a world where the lines between victim and perpetrator are blurred.

Josiah

Josiah is an angel whose loyalty is constantly in question. His actions are driven by self-preservation, ambition, and a complex relationship with Raffe. Josiah's role as messenger, manipulator, and occasional savior makes him both a threat and a resource. Psychologically, he is marked by insecurity, opportunism, and a desire for recognition. His shifting allegiances reflect the instability of the world and the difficulty of discerning friend from foe.

Uriel

Uriel is the primary antagonist, orchestrating the false apocalypse to secure his own power as Messenger. His psychological profile is defined by ambition, cunning, and a willingness to sacrifice anything—and anyone—for his goals. Uriel's manipulation of prophecy, monsters, and politics makes him a formidable foe. His downfall is both a personal and symbolic reckoning, exposing the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of power built on lies.

The Watchers

The Watchers are a group of fallen angels, once Raffe's most trusted warriors, now exiled to the Pit for loving Daughters of Men. Their journey is one of suffering, loyalty, and the hope for redemption. Psychologically, they are marked by loss, camaraderie, and the struggle to retain their identity in the face of dehumanization. Their return to the world is both a triumph and a tragedy, as they fight for a place in a world that has moved on without them.

Plot Devices

Dual Worlds and Memory Visions

The narrative structure alternates between the devastated world of the present and the hellish memories of the Pit, accessed through the angel sword. This device allows for deep exploration of character backstories, motivations, and the cyclical nature of suffering. The visions serve as both exposition and emotional crucible, forcing characters—and readers—to confront uncomfortable truths about love, betrayal, and the cost of survival. The interplay between memory and reality blurs the boundaries between victim and villain, past and present, and shapes the characters' choices.

Shifting Alliances and Moral Ambiguity

The story is driven by constantly shifting alliances—between humans, angels, demons, and monsters. Trust is a rare and fragile commodity, and betrayal is a constant threat. Characters are forced to make impossible choices, often sacrificing personal happiness for the greater good. The moral ambiguity of survival is a recurring theme, with no clear heroes or villains. This device heightens tension, deepens character development, and underscores the complexity of the world.

Symbolic Monsters and Plagues

The use of monsters—locusts, hellions, sixers—and plagues as plot devices externalizes the internal and societal conflicts faced by the characters. These creatures are both literal threats and symbolic representations of fear, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The unleashing of the angelic plague is both a plot twist and a metaphor for the self-destructive tendencies of power. The monsters force characters to confront their own darkness and the limits of their humanity.

Talent Show as Defiance

The talent show serves as a narrative and symbolic device, uniting the survivors in a shared act of defiance and humanity. It is both a distraction and a declaration—a reminder that beauty, creativity, and connection endure even in the face of annihilation. The show becomes a turning point, galvanizing the community and setting the stage for the final battle. It is a testament to the power of art to inspire hope, foster unity, and resist despair.

Sacrifice and Redemption

Sacrifice—of love, power, and even life—is a recurring motif. Characters are forced to give up what they value most in order to save others. Redemption is possible, but never easy or complete. The narrative structure uses sacrifice as both a plot engine and a means of exploring the psychological and emotional growth of the characters. The possibility of forgiveness—of oneself and others—is held out as the ultimate hope in a world defined by loss.

Analysis

End of Days is a searing exploration of survival, love, and the search for meaning in a world undone by violence and betrayal. Susan Ee crafts a narrative that is both epic and intimate, blending apocalyptic spectacle with deeply personal struggles. The novel interrogates the nature of power—how it corrupts, how it is wielded, and how it can be reclaimed. Through Penryn's journey, the story examines the cost of leadership, the fragility of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. The interplay between monsters and humanity, angels and demons, serves as a metaphor for the internal battles faced by every survivor. The talent show, a moment of collective defiance, encapsulates the novel's central message: even in the darkest times, art, love, and community endure. The ending, marked by sacrifice and the promise of rebuilding, offers a hard-won hope—one that acknowledges the scars of the past while daring to imagine a future shaped by compassion, courage, and the refusal to surrender to despair.

Last updated: October 7, 2025