Picture a Korean-American storyteller who turned angels into fearsome warriors and captivated the world with her thrilling tales—meet Susan Ee! A former lawyer who swapped courtrooms for fantastical worlds, Ee skyrocketed to fame with her young adult fantasy trilogy, Penryn & the End of Days. Her debut novel, Angelfall, is a dark, gripping masterpiece that landed on Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
With her vivid imagination and knack for blending gritty reality with otherworldly magic, Ee has carved a unique niche in contemporary fantasy. Her books, translated into over 20 languages, have enchanted readers globally, and her storytelling prowess even caught Hollywood’s eye. Ready to dive into her epic worlds? Let’s explore Susan Ee’s journey!
The Making of Susan Ee
Born in 1950 in the United States, Susan Ee’s early life was shaped by a curiosity for storytelling and a fascination with the mythical. Before becoming a bestselling author, she pursued a career as a lawyer, navigating the structured world of law. But her creative spirit couldn’t be contained. Inspired by classic tales of angels as destroyers, not just guardians, Ee began writing, channeling her passion into crafting stories that thrill and provoke. Her transition from law to literature was fueled by a desire to let her imagination run wild, a decision that would redefine her legacy.
Susan Ee’s Unforgettable Stories
Ee’s breakout work, Angelfall (2011), introduces Penryn Young, a fierce teenager navigating a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by angelic warriors. This novel, initially self-published, became a sensation for its dark reimagining of angels and its heart-pounding blend of action, suspense, and romance. Its sequels, World After (2013) and End of Days (2015), complete the Penryn & the End of Days trilogy, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and humanity’s resilience.
Beyond her apocalyptic trilogy, Ee ventured into fairy tale retellings with the Midnight Tales series. Cinder & the Prince of Midnight (2019) reimagines Cinderella in a twisted, bloodthirsty kingdom, while Ruby & the Huntsman of Midnight (2019) and Briar & the Dreamers of Midnight (2021) weave dark, enchanting narratives. Ee’s style is cinematic, blending meticulous research with raw emotion, creating worlds where danger and wonder collide.
Her storytelling is marked by strong female protagonists, complex moral dilemmas, and a knack for subverting expectations. Whether it’s angels wreaking havoc or cursed kingdoms, Ee’s works invite readers to question power, destiny, and sacrifice, all while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
Why Susan Ee Matters
Susan Ee’s impact on young adult fantasy is undeniable. Her bold reimagining of angels as warriors, not cherubs, challenged genre norms and inspired a new wave of gritty, character-driven fantasy. Her books, celebrated by Amazon US and UK as “Best of” picks, resonate with readers for their emotional depth and fearless exploration of dark themes. The global reach of her work, with translations in dozens of languages, underscores her universal appeal.
Ee’s journey from lawyer to bestselling author also inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and perseverance can transform dreams into reality. Her engagement with fans, from offering college essay tips to sharing creative insights, reflects her commitment to nurturing creativity. In a genre often dominated by predictable tropes, Ee’s unique voice continues to captivate and inspire.
- Birth Year: 1950
- Key Works: Angelfall, World After, End of Days, Cinder & the Prince of Midnight
- Notable Recognition: Angelfall on Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books; finalist for 2011 Cybils Award
Snag Angelfall and dive into Susan Ee’s thrilling, heart-stopping worlds today!