Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Afterworlds
Written by Scott Westerfeld
Contemporary, Paranormal
Expected publication September 23rd 2014
608 Pages
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon Pulse
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Darcy Patel has put college on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. With a contract in hand, she arrives in New York City with no apartment, no friends, and all the wrong clothes. But lucky for Darcy, she’s taken under the wings of other seasoned and fledgling writers who help her navigate the city and the world of writing and publishing. Over the course of a year, Darcy finishes her book, faces critique, and falls in love.

Woven into Darcy's personal story is her novel, Afterworlds, a suspenseful thriller about a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. The Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead, and where many unsolved, and terrifying, stories need to be reconciled. Like Darcy, Lizzie too falls in love… Until a new threat resurfaces, and her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she cares about most.
Eighteen year old Darcy has just signed a lucrative two book deal, her first novel written within a month from the safety of her bedroom. Darcy was inspired by her mother's story, even though neither parent had read Afterworlds as yet. As an eleven year old girl, her friend was murdered by a stranger and now Darcy has taken her story to the world. But while Darcy is in the midst of rewrites, Lizzie is living her words.

Lizzie isn't just a character in Darcy's book, she's real and lives out Darcy's story. From the terrorist attack at the airport where she was the sole survivor, Lizzie survived by pretending to be dead among the bodies that littered the ground. But somehow managed to immerse herself in the Afterworld, meeting the handsome and mysterious Yamaraj. Yamaraj is a Psychopomp, or a reaper that guides the deceased to their final resting place... And now so is Lizzie. She is forced to navigate her new strange world, unaware that her story isn't fate, but something created by Darcy. 

My Thoughts


I have no idea how to review Afterworlds. It was certainly unique, where Darcy is a soon to be published author and Lizzie is living out her words. The two girls have never met, and Lizzie doesn't see her life as being that of an alternate reality. But what isn't clear, is Lizzie real? Told in dual points of view, I found Lizzie's story much more engaging, where Darcy's writing, relationship and life woes tended to drag on. She's only eighteen, but incredibly insecure, highly strung and often seemed to snap, unable to cope with the pressure of life. Darcy is a Hindu meat eater who doesn't follow her culture's religious beliefs, she's also gay. I'm all for diversity and applaud authors for experimenting, but it seems to a bit too much for a culture rich in tradition. That's the miracle of young adult novels.

Like the publisher reaction to Darcy's novel, Lizzie's opening chapters are as equally terrifying and incredible. But although there are moments of brilliance throughout, the inclusion of Hindu mythology, the remaining are few and far between. Considering his other works, I've convinced myself that this was more so a tongue in cheek dig at how many tropes are squeezed into young adult novels, as Lizzie's storyline didn't seem to amount to very much at all. Even though Darcy's love life may have taken a battering, everything else seemed to fall into place for the teen wonder. The perfect apartment, the exorbitant payment for her first novel written within thirty days, the parties with other fabulous young adult writers, tagging along with a accomplished author's book tour. It was too easy, and being an avid reader of author blogs, this seemingly contradicts what most authors experience. Was it simply a case of satire at the young and inexperienced author also being the flavour of the month? I think there may be far more behind the meaning of Afterworlds than taking this one at face value.

In true Scott Westerfeld style, the writing is impeccable, but sadly it's his characters and storyline that let me down. I was eagerly anticipating Afterworlds, but was just left feeling disappointed.

17 comments

  1. I was going to request this from NetGalley, but I knew I wouldn't like the whole "day in the life of a becoming YA author" thing. Though I am surprised that you actually get to live out her character's story/world as an alternate reality. That's pretty cool, I had no idea that was tied in. So I guess that makes it a little more interesting, but judging from your review, it doesn't look like anything amazing. I'll still pick it up if I have the time....and if it's freeeeee :D

    Thanks for the amazing review Kelly!!!!

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    1. That's the thing, I'm not sure whether it IS an alternate reality, I just assumed it was seeing that Lizzie's point of view was that of being paranormal. I don't know even how to describe it really. I think nearly everyone who reads this will probably see a different interpretation.

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  2. Aw sad it wasn't awesome. I actually had no idea that's what it was about now I'm curious. I like books about writing! Although then they make me jealous...totallydidnotjustadmitthatno.

    So it's like dual pov but one side isn't real? That's odd. Like Fangirl maybe? Where bits of Cath's fanfic was in there? Although I won't admit *cough* that I actually skipped those bits in Fangirl so maybe this isn't the best book for me...

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    1. I'm not entirely sure if it's real or not, the whole concept was really interesting, but it just wasn't executed all that well. I skipped those parts in Fangirl as well, I wasn;t a fan either. Pardon the pun.

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  3. Mmh...I think you were able to express the issues many people have with this novel in a way that definitely turned me off it. On the other hand, I appreciated your well-balanced approach to the subject.
    I'm still curious about this book, but oh, well...too many of them, too little money...

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    1. I'm thinking that maybe I'm simply looking for something that isn't there with this one, just seems as though it has an alliterative motive and takes a swipe at young adult tropes, publishers and how authors are turned out so quickly. Maybe it's just me though.

      Thanks for stopping by Roberta.

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  4. Woah, that diversity in this book sounds CRAZY! Kudos to the author for making it so out there. But yeah, that kind of does seem like a tongue in cheek jab at authors in general. I wonder why that is? Great review anyways, I'm really curious.

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    1. I'm thinking that might have been a little tongue in cheek. A gay couple, Indian protagonist and also an Indian love interest, a barely legal age author who was thrown a large sum of money... Just all mish mashed together. You have to grab a copy, I'd love to see how you interpret it Jeann.

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  5. I'm so sad that this book didn't work for you - it had such potential! I haven't read anything by Westerfeld yet, but I would like to try some of his work one of this days. Fantastic review nonetheless. Also, I'm loving the blogs new look. :)

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    1. He's a brilliant writer, but I just couldn't decide whether this was an actual novel, or something more. It just seemed to be more of a dig at the publishing industry and how they seem to only produce the regular trope filled young adult novels today.

      His Uglies series was fantastic. It was one of the first series I read when I got back into reading and loved it. Really unique and carries a strong social message as well, which makes me think there is far more behind this one that is being portrayed.

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  6. Hmmm doesn't bode well that the first review I've read of this book is negative. I got approved for this book so it should arrive in the next month or so, and I'm still REALLY excited because I'm also a young writer. Plus I love the idea of the dual narrative. But maybe if I don't take it at face value, might be better.

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    1. I try to see the positives in every book I read, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time reading them, but this one falls into the too many issues to mention category. It just didn't work for me, and although he's a brilliant author and this won't stop me from reading any new titles of his in the future, it just seemed a bit tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously. Really looking forward to seeing what you think of this one and if you can see any hidden meanings.

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  7. I read Scott's Uglies series back in high school and remember hating it but forcing myself to finish it. I had a feeling that Afterworlds would put me in the same situation, so I'm glad I didn't request it for review. It sucks that this was such a let down for you. I love the premise, but it's pretty hard to pull off a story within a story. When you talked about it being a small dig at the publishing industry, the first book/person that popped into my head was Lucy Saxon with Take Back the Skies. Because it's what happened to her EXACTLY (writing her book in 30 days, get a good pay cheque and hanging with the established authors). I will probably give this book a miss. Thanks for the honest review lovely xx

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    1. I actually enjoyed Uglies, it was one of the first series I read when I returned to reading, so I admit that I didn't have much to compare it to at the time. If you didn't enjoy it, I dare say you'll probably really dislike this one.

      I was thinking of that exact book too while reading this one. I hope it really isn't the case though, I know Taking Back The Skies wasn't for everyone, but you wouldn't wish anyone to have a dig (no matter how subtle it is) at another author who's just trying to make it like everyone else.

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  8. Awww damn. I even requested a copy of this. Darcy sounds like she is a character out of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.... Not sure how I feel about that, seeing as I didn't like that book. At least this book had some redeeming qualities for you! Great review :)

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    1. A few, but not many to be honest. I still don't know what to make of this one Gina but really interested to see what you think of it.

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  9. I have been absolutely itching to read this book ever since I heard about it at the Brisbane PTA Live event. A writer and her character? YES, PLEASE.

    But now reading about how unrealistic is sounds makes me hesitant about picking it up. Especially since I have seen how big the bad boy is, and how much time I would have to invest in it.

    I think it seems like a great idea gone a bit wrong, and that makes me feel really disappointed. I've never been keen for tongue in cheek, especially when its directed to authors (since I am an aspiring one, after all).

    I think I will definitely have to rethink my decision on reading this one ...

    Nevertheless, wonderful review, dearie <3

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