(ARC) Book Review: HEREAFTER by Kate Brian

Hereafter
by Kate Brian
Series: Shadowlands #2
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Format Acquired: e-ARC from NetGalley
Expected Publication October 1st 2013 by Disney-Hyperion

Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan. 

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends.

MY REVIEW

(Warning: This review might contain some spoilers to those who haven't read Shadowlands yet)

Here comes the next installment to Shadowlands, where we were left with a huge revelation and a number of questions in mind. Rory Miller is now a Lifer -- those who usher souls to their final destination, to the Light or to the Shadowlands. And the people on Juniper Landing, except Tristan's circle of friends, are in fact, dead.

It took a while before Rory was able to adjust to her new life, to her new family (although her father and Darcy were still there). She knew nothing will change from then on and there's nothing she can do about it. But when she discovered what she is, weird things started to happen in Juniper Landing, weirder than before. And the blame is on her. Rory started asking questions, investigating the real mystery behind the unusual events that happened in Juniper Landing. She can't accept the fact and give up, considering that the fate of her family.

Rory cannot tell her new secrets to her family, even if she's dying to. Although there are times that she looks like a huge paranoid, especially when they're outside their new home, I totally understand the trauma that the previous events gave her. Still, she stood strong and positive. She didn't let her weakness overpower her. She's braver than I thought. I just feel bad for Darcy, being jealous of her sister, because she's completely ignorant of whatever's happening around her.

I have to admit I love this book more than Shadowlands. There are so many exciting thing to look forward to this book: the things Rory can do now as a Lifer, the unusual thing that didn't happen at Juniper Landing for years, more revelations, and a cliffhanging ending! I never thought...

I will totally recommend this to YA mystery lovers out there. And I need the third book now, even if Hereafter is not yet published.

(Read my review of the first book in the series, Shadowlands here)

MY RATING

I REALLY LIKE IT!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Brian

Kate Brian is the prolific author of many books for teens including the Private series, the new Privilege series, and Sweet 16. She lives with her husband in New Jersey. She writes under the pseudonym Kate Brian, instead of using her real name: Kieran Scott.

Author Links:
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