We’ve talked to Susan Ee, the author behind the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days series).
For the benefit of those not familiar with Penryn & the End of Days, can you tell us a bit about it?
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where angels have destroyed the modern world. A 17-year old girl has to partner up with an injured enemy angel to find the angels’ lair. She wants to go there to rescue her sister who has been kidnapped by the angels, and he wants to get his wings back after they’ve been brutally chopped off in an attack. Along the way, they only have each other to rely on against street gangs, freedom fighters, and the new monsters that roam the night.
World After, your second book in Penryn & the End of Days recently released in November. Can you give us a peek?
In World After, Penryn learns more about the angels and what they’re up to. We’ll see more of the monstrous creatures that are being released into the world, and catch a glimpse of what has happened to her sister.
Angelfall has been a huge success, how has this influenced you and your writing?
If I’m not careful, it can sometimes feel like I’m writing with a thousand people looking over my shoulder. Anything I write while feeling that way, I throw away because I’m not interested in writing a well-mannered story that tries to please the masses. I want to write a wild, emotionally true story with an exciting plot that entertains that one perfect reader. Once it’s done, I hope other readers will love it too, but by that time, it’s out of my hands.
What is it with angels you find so fascinating?
Biblical angels have been known to destroy entire cities and turn people into pillars of salt. Yet, we tend to portray them as cute cherubs and sweet guardian angels. If they came down to earth in force, I figured they would be warriors and badass street-soldiers. It fascinates me to think about what might happen then. Would there still be room for humanity? For love? For adventure?
Angelfall has been translated into several languages. How has that process been and are you afraid something is lost in translation so to speak?
It’s exciting to have readers from all over the world. I think it’s being translated into about 20 languages. I’m sure something is lost in each translation, but the hope is that something else can be gained by a good translation as well. I have my fingers crossed!
How have you experienced the success of Angelfall, has it changed you in any way?
It’s been a wild ride. The word-of-mouth and readership enthusiasm has been incredible, and I’m deeply grateful to all my readers. Before Angelfall, I had no idea of the true connection an author can feel with her readers through her books. It’s opened up a new dimension in my life.
What kind of books do you read, any favourite authors?
I’ve been a life-long fan of sic-fi/ fantasy/ horror, especially if there’s a touch of romance. Stephen King, JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Haruki Murakami, China Mieville, and George RR Martin are some of my favorites.
What do you do when you’re not writing, any hobbies?
I love boardgames, movies, and I used to love DIY filmmaking until being a novelist took up all my filmmaking time.
What’s next?
Book 3 of the Penryn & the End of Days series. And hopefully, the Angelfall movie which is in development by producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, and Good Universe.
Anything you want to add to your fans?
A heartfelt thank you to the readers! They have been fantastic, and I feel privileged to be a part of their lives through my stories.
You can visit Susan Ee at susanee.com
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Interview by Dag Rambraut – SFFWorld.com © 2013
