So happy to see a person on the non-Caucasian persuasion as the male lead in a novel. I salute you Scott Westerfeld on all the diversity in Afterwards. If you can divert your eyes for a moment check out my review below.
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
My Review:
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 1/2 Platypires
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld is completely different from other books I have read. Its actually 2 books in one. Part of the story is about Darcy, a young YA author embarking on her new career in New York. She's very young, naive and just got a 6 figure deal on her novel "Afterworlds." The second part of the story is the story "Afterworlds" which is a YA paranormal story staring Lizzie as the protagonist.
I thought that was an interesting concepts and being a book nerd I was fascinated by Darcy's story. I'm just not sure if it would be fascinating for those not interested in the publishing world. Do most readers care about copy-editors, deadlines and book tours? As for the "Afterworlds" I thought it was good but not great. No way near receiving a six figure deal but then again I am constantly surprised what book becomes a big deal. I just felt the story was already done before. A girl who can communicate with ghosts, learning her new talents and trying to solve a murder was not unique.
Overall I did enjoy both stories and like how they were tied together. Also loved all the diversity in both stories. I thought it was discussed very thoroughly. I hope other authors can learn from Scott Westerfeld and can do the same with their books.
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