Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield
Title: Afterworlds
Author: Scott Westerfield
Number of Pages: 599
Genre: YA Paranormal/Contemporary
Overall Rating: 4.89/5 stars
Summary From Cover: Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she’s made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings…
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.
Discussion: You have to read this book. Like, now.
You might be wondering why I gave it 4.89 stars. Here’s why: I loved it. So much. It is my favorite book I’ve read this year.
But, Chloe, you only gave it 4.89 stars, not five, like other books you read!
Although I loved it to pieces, it still had flaws. So, sorry, but 4.89 stars. I just, I can’t even explain, it’s–
This is going to be an interesting review.
With lots of short “paragraphs.”
- Darcy’s world. She is 18, just signed a book deal, dropped college, and moved to NYC, where she meets her favorite authors in Chapter Seven. Isn’t this what all authors aspire to do? To chat with J. K. Rowling and Uncle Rick and write? At least I’d love it! But Darcy’s POV is so much more than that. I, personally, could connect with her easily. I am always thrilled when a book is like that. Darcy is the type of person I would love to meet. Anyway, from her POV, I learned a lot about publishing and writing and book tours. Fun stuff!
- Lizzie’s world. Darcy’s world is contemporary, while Lizzie’s is paranormal/fantasy/thriller. I have to say, I didn’t love it as much as Darcy. I couldn’t connect with Lizzie, and I mostly found her chapters’ beginnings boring, and it took me a while to get into them. And by the time I did, it was on to Darcy!
So what made me love this so much? [I’m in the mood for lists.]
- the writing
- Darcy’s POV
- the two novels together
- the romance
The romance. That was unexpected, but done very well. Kind of. I feel like Darcy’s parents and friends are waaay too cool about [insert spoiler here]. Darcy’s like, Oh, By the way, I have a girl/boyfriend. And her parents/friends respond, That’s great! What’s s/he like? If someone told me [insert spoiler here], I would be cool, but not that cool. That was the only part I found unrealistic.
Imogen is one of my favorite characters. Ever. I freaking loved her! She’s so headstrong, unique, and courageous. And a good writer, too, with lots of good ideas!
What did I not like?
- Lizzie’s POV
- the hangovers from each chapter
- the coolness of people about [insert spoiler here]
The hangovers. At the end of each chapter, I wasn’t ready for the next POV to begin. It was painful. And tedious. And it happened every time!
Before I go watch The Voice [Does anyone else watch it? I love it. :)], here’s an image I made using PicMonkey that I’ll post on Instagram.
I love the Angelina Jolie Paradox! Mainly because it makes perfect sense, yet no one talks about it.
Even though Afterworlds has flaws, I encourage you to pick up the book! I absolutely adore it.
[Sorry about the no-GIF issue.]
Poll time!
Free As a Girl With Wings 