Publisher: Simon Teen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Fantasy - Paranormal
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.
Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most. - via Goodreads
Afterworlds is really two books combined into one. The first book is about a young girl, Darcy Patel, who has just graduated from high school with a two book publishing contract and is moving to New York City. The second "book" is Patel's novel in its final version with Lizzie as the protagonist.
It's really interesting to see how Patel's Afterworlds reflects things about happen in her life as she's begun her revisions and becomes immersed in the YA publishing world. Some are minor and some are not but no spoilers here!
The romance x2
Honestly, this was the weakest link. With Darcy and Imogen I never really connected with them. On the Lizzie and Yama side of things it's always bittersweet and really unclear. Maybe Darcy will clear that up in Patel Untitled. There are a few swoony scenes in both worlds but nothing earth shattering. I'm slightly more partial to the contemporary relationship since there's very realistic progression with a hint of nostalgia.
Behind the scenes of YA Heaven!
While I wasn't the biggest fan of the contemporary world I did love the behind the scenes look of YA publishing. From living on one paycheck for an entire year or more to meeting other writers and their relationships with each other. There a funny trailer with other YA authors that was put together since Westerfeld may or may not be revealing some real behind the scenes of the YA world and its subsequent heaven.
Whoa! Lizzie's world O_o
If you're a fan of paranormal with a hint of fantasy then you will love the rich world building done by Patel a la Westerfeld. Each time Lizzie would "cross over" I felt the warmth leave her body and relived her tragedy with her. Patel's Afterworlds made the whole book for me and I want more so I'm really hoping for Patel Untitled to come to life.
Fading people, fading buildings it all felt so real. Even the paranormal felt real which leads me to my next point...
It took me FOREVER to read because I'm a wimpy pants... womp, womp!
This is probably the slowest read, for me, ever! It took me about a month and why may you ask? Because Darcy Patel's world scares me!!!!!! I could not read about the ghosts during the day time... nope, couldn't do it!
Recommended for...
Lovers of contemporary and paranormal readers, and of course aspiring writers.
4.5 Stars - It took me forever because it was that intense!
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I read several different genres of books, but, by far, the YA community is the most involved, and has the most enthusiastic readers. It is really awesome to be a part of a community of book bloggers that is so welcoming and willing to share their experiences, reviews, and even ARCs. There are all different kinds of YA novels, but as a whole they are fun and engaging reads, which is what I love about them the most!
ReplyDeleteI think the diversity is my favorite.
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