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20 Years Later
LONDON, 2012: It arrives and with that the world is changed into an unending graveyard littered with the bones, wreckage, and memories of a dead past, gone forever.
LONDON, 2032: Twenty years later, out of the ashes, a new world begins to rise, a place ruled by both loyalty and fear, and where the quest to be the first to regain lost knowledge is an ongoing battle for power. A place where laws are made and enforced by roving gangs—the Bloomsbury Boys, the Gardners, the Red Lady’s Gang—who rule the streets and will do anything to protect their own.
THE FOUR: Zane, Titus, Erin, Eve. Living in this new world, they discover that they have abilities never before seen. And little do they know that as they search post-apocalyptic London for Titus’ kidnapped sister that they’ll uncover the secret of It, and bring about a reckoning with the forces that almost destroyed all of humanity.
LONDON, 2032: Twenty years later, out of the ashes, a new world begins to rise, a place ruled by both loyalty and fear, and where the quest to be the first to regain lost knowledge is an ongoing battle for power. A place where laws are made and enforced by roving gangs—the Bloomsbury Boys, the Gardners, the Red Lady’s Gang—who rule the streets and will do anything to protect their own.
THE FOUR: Zane, Titus, Erin, Eve. Living in this new world, they discover that they have abilities never before seen. And little do they know that as they search post-apocalyptic London for Titus’ kidnapped sister that they’ll uncover the secret of It, and bring about a reckoning with the forces that almost destroyed all of humanity.
319 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
7266 people want to read
About the author
Emma Newman
97 books1,774 followersEmma Newman writes short stories, novels and novellas in multiple speculative fiction genres. She is also a Hugo Award-winning podcaster and an audiobook narrator.
She won the British Fantasy Society Best Short Story Award 2015 for “A Woman’s Place” in the 221 Baker Streets anthology. 'Between Two Thorns', the first book in Emma's Split Worlds urban fantasy series, was shortlisted for the BFS Best Novel and Best Newcomer 2014 awards. Her science-fiction novel, After Atlas, was shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke award and the third novel in the Planetfall series, Before Mars, has been shortlisted for a BSFA Best Novel award. The Planetfall series was shortlisted for the 2020 Best Series Hugo Award.
Emma currently creates a podcast called 'Imagining Tomorrow' for Friends of the Earth. Her hobbies include dressmaking, LARP and tabletop role playing. www.enewman.co.uk.
She won the British Fantasy Society Best Short Story Award 2015 for “A Woman’s Place” in the 221 Baker Streets anthology. 'Between Two Thorns', the first book in Emma's Split Worlds urban fantasy series, was shortlisted for the BFS Best Novel and Best Newcomer 2014 awards. Her science-fiction novel, After Atlas, was shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke award and the third novel in the Planetfall series, Before Mars, has been shortlisted for a BSFA Best Novel award. The Planetfall series was shortlisted for the 2020 Best Series Hugo Award.
Emma currently creates a podcast called 'Imagining Tomorrow' for Friends of the Earth. Her hobbies include dressmaking, LARP and tabletop role playing. www.enewman.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 21, 2020
Emma Newman can write!
All of her books I've picked up so far have been very different in tone and setting, but they all had one thing in common: I could not put them down once I've started. Newman's prose flows, her characters are fully realised multilayered persons. Never once had I the feeling of 'oh yeah, here comes character trope xyz', a feeling I quite often have with books aimed at younger readers.
I come from her Planetfall series, so of course the bar was set high. But once I clicked my mental switch into 'younger reader', this novel was great.
Something happened and 20 years later London is a nearly depopulated area where gangs rule, very few women exist and society came down to survival of the strongest - your usual dystopian scenario so far. But Newman opens this frame by clustering some members of the rivalling gangs around a tiny neutral ground. Mary and her son Zane managed to live a life of some shelter and ignorance because of their medicinal skills that are of use to all the gangs.
Four teenagers get together and slowly have to shed their ideals and ideologies due to reality. Again this is done in an entirely non-tropey, relatable way and definitely is the strength of the novel. The mystery about what happened isn't revealed until the very end. We learn only personal bits and pieces along the way.
The book was intended as the first in a series, yet since the publishing date 2011 no second book has been written. Because of that not all answers are given and readers who like a nice wrap-up probably will be disappointed. For me it left some nice room for thought experiments.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
All of her books I've picked up so far have been very different in tone and setting, but they all had one thing in common: I could not put them down once I've started. Newman's prose flows, her characters are fully realised multilayered persons. Never once had I the feeling of 'oh yeah, here comes character trope xyz', a feeling I quite often have with books aimed at younger readers.
I come from her Planetfall series, so of course the bar was set high. But once I clicked my mental switch into 'younger reader', this novel was great.
Something happened and 20 years later London is a nearly depopulated area where gangs rule, very few women exist and society came down to survival of the strongest - your usual dystopian scenario so far. But Newman opens this frame by clustering some members of the rivalling gangs around a tiny neutral ground. Mary and her son Zane managed to live a life of some shelter and ignorance because of their medicinal skills that are of use to all the gangs.
Four teenagers get together and slowly have to shed their ideals and ideologies due to reality. Again this is done in an entirely non-tropey, relatable way and definitely is the strength of the novel. The mystery about what happened isn't revealed until the very end. We learn only personal bits and pieces along the way.
The book was intended as the first in a series, yet since the publishing date 2011 no second book has been written. Because of that not all answers are given and readers who like a nice wrap-up probably will be disappointed. For me it left some nice room for thought experiments.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
May 10, 2012
Ok, dystopian literature has a long & honourable history - from Wells via Wyndham up to several current practitioners in the zombie horror field. This is an excellent entry into that Canon.
The story is sound - it's about 3 teenagers (Zane , Titus , & Erin) , & their life in a ruined London , 20 years after "IT" hapened . IT isn't explained until close to the end of the book , & is dealt with fairly quickly , which actually works well : I didn't find myself wondering what had caused this , as I was caught up in the story : who are the Unders , & what do they want?
What really comes through in this book is the author's enthusiasm for the story , which really picks the reader up . It's well-written , & the characters (young & old) strike you as rounded & 3-dimensional . The story's set up for a sequel , which I look forward to reading.
Highly recommended.
(Oh , Emma is on twitter - @EmApocalyptic : follow her , she's brilliant!)
The story is sound - it's about 3 teenagers (Zane , Titus , & Erin) , & their life in a ruined London , 20 years after "IT" hapened . IT isn't explained until close to the end of the book , & is dealt with fairly quickly , which actually works well : I didn't find myself wondering what had caused this , as I was caught up in the story : who are the Unders , & what do they want?
What really comes through in this book is the author's enthusiasm for the story , which really picks the reader up . It's well-written , & the characters (young & old) strike you as rounded & 3-dimensional . The story's set up for a sequel , which I look forward to reading.
Highly recommended.
(Oh , Emma is on twitter - @EmApocalyptic : follow her , she's brilliant!)
May 20, 2011
Twenty years after a devastating event, which killed most of the world’s people, four teens meet in post-apocalyptic London. Trying to keep the safety of the places they are born into and at the same time facing the horrors of a world, where the fight for survival is played out daily between gangs of different backgrounds, the four main characters of the book stumble upon the secret that nearly destroyed the world and have to stand against forces that are more evil than anything they’ve known before.
The books story is set in 2022 – which isn’t really that far away, but the London we are about to enter is a very different one. IT, something unspeakable and unknown to the children of that world, has decimated the planet’s population and here survival is the main thing that rules your day. No electricity, no internet, none of all the wonderful things we have – just the fight to stay alive. Gangs have formed, pockets of fragile peace kept by either the strict rulers of said gangs or people like Miri, who is a healer and as such enjoys the freedom of independence from any gang. She is Zane’s mother, one of our four teens who will meet under strange and stressful circumstances to find the lost sister of one of them - but really to discover the evil that destroyed our world and stand against it.
The novel is gripping and takes you firmly with it – you only will be able to leave it after you read the last page of the book. The story of the children’s growth from innocence to maturity is told so sensitively that you only near the end realise how the children have changed, how the ignorance about the real world has evolved into rather too much knowledge. I enjoyed that a lot, how changes creep rather than explode into one’s life. The book is marketed as a Young Adult novel – but apart from the fact that the main characters are about 15 there is no reason why older adults can’t read it. It is a thrilling story, well written, flowing with ease and the author shows a good understanding of the young teens in this story. Zane grows up rather protected, his mother believing that knowing the facts won’t do him any good. So when he discovers (not telling you what, don’t want to spoil) he has to mature fast. When he meets the other three kids he finds that even friends can have totally different opinions and thoughts about things, can sometimes act totally against his own beliefs without destroying the friendship. And although the discovery of (not saying) hardens the children somewhat, there is still enough feeling left to deepen the friendship. The relationship between the two boys and two girls evolves from the first careful, tentative steps to a solid group who will go on to probably even greater adventures in future (I hope). The book has an ending of sorts, but it is the first of a trilogy, so there are many questions still unanswered, a lot left open. So come on, Emma (the author), get the next one out fast!
The books story is set in 2022 – which isn’t really that far away, but the London we are about to enter is a very different one. IT, something unspeakable and unknown to the children of that world, has decimated the planet’s population and here survival is the main thing that rules your day. No electricity, no internet, none of all the wonderful things we have – just the fight to stay alive. Gangs have formed, pockets of fragile peace kept by either the strict rulers of said gangs or people like Miri, who is a healer and as such enjoys the freedom of independence from any gang. She is Zane’s mother, one of our four teens who will meet under strange and stressful circumstances to find the lost sister of one of them - but really to discover the evil that destroyed our world and stand against it.
The novel is gripping and takes you firmly with it – you only will be able to leave it after you read the last page of the book. The story of the children’s growth from innocence to maturity is told so sensitively that you only near the end realise how the children have changed, how the ignorance about the real world has evolved into rather too much knowledge. I enjoyed that a lot, how changes creep rather than explode into one’s life. The book is marketed as a Young Adult novel – but apart from the fact that the main characters are about 15 there is no reason why older adults can’t read it. It is a thrilling story, well written, flowing with ease and the author shows a good understanding of the young teens in this story. Zane grows up rather protected, his mother believing that knowing the facts won’t do him any good. So when he discovers (not telling you what, don’t want to spoil) he has to mature fast. When he meets the other three kids he finds that even friends can have totally different opinions and thoughts about things, can sometimes act totally against his own beliefs without destroying the friendship. And although the discovery of (not saying) hardens the children somewhat, there is still enough feeling left to deepen the friendship. The relationship between the two boys and two girls evolves from the first careful, tentative steps to a solid group who will go on to probably even greater adventures in future (I hope). The book has an ending of sorts, but it is the first of a trilogy, so there are many questions still unanswered, a lot left open. So come on, Emma (the author), get the next one out fast!
June 26, 2011
If I had to describe this book in one sentence it would sound something like this: London, after an apocalypse, with vicious rivalry gangs, crazy doctors, and even kids with supernatural powers. Sounds like a lot to tackle in a book that is just over 300 pages, right? Well, E.J. Newman somehow is able to manage every aspect to craft a great new novel in the dystopic ya genre.
She doesn’t hold back. Her writing style helps for a constant flow that made me want to continue reading with only the odd break. She was able to use her great style to elaborate on a world that was so real and believable. Set in London, usually one doesn’t think of a dystopia being set in a city, more like a country, continent or even the world, which also makes this book original. Not for a second did I question what was going on outside the character’s surrounding’s of the big city, like what’s happening in England or the rest of the world? Newman’s world held me till the very end. Although I haven’t gotten to reading all the new ya dystopias (read the standard Uglies and Hunger Games with much love) that have been coming out, because of the rate they are being published, it seems like there could only be so much one can do with the genre. That’s why this book amazed me. It felt unique and I believe it brought new things to the table for this particular type of book.
Not only was the world believable, but so were the characters. They appeared in an array of personalities with more than one side to each one. You have the gentle, sheltered one; the clever, determined one; the kick-ass, tough one; the weird, compassionate one. Every character has a trait that you love and ones that you hate. Like normal people they are not perfect. They even have supernatural powers!! I hope Newman eventually reveals where these powers come from, considering she leaves you in the dark about it after the first novel. Such well rounded characters with a supernatural tinge, what more can a reader ask for?
I am not going to lie I was kind of scared that Newman wouldn’t be able to sum of as much of the plot line as she did. When approaching the end of the novel I was thinking she was going to leave too many questions unanswered. An example being “It” or what was the apocalypse that took place exactly. Throughout the whole novel there is no explanation on what “It” was, just this is the world after “It” happened. When I was coming to the end of the book, I was afraid that nothing would be revealed. Although near the end, Newman does manage to shed some light on this topic. There are so many questions that still need to be answered which has left me wanting MORE!
My conclusion is that if I had to describe this book in one sentence it would sound something like this: Intriguing, fast-paced, original, unique and definitely worth the read.
She doesn’t hold back. Her writing style helps for a constant flow that made me want to continue reading with only the odd break. She was able to use her great style to elaborate on a world that was so real and believable. Set in London, usually one doesn’t think of a dystopia being set in a city, more like a country, continent or even the world, which also makes this book original. Not for a second did I question what was going on outside the character’s surrounding’s of the big city, like what’s happening in England or the rest of the world? Newman’s world held me till the very end. Although I haven’t gotten to reading all the new ya dystopias (read the standard Uglies and Hunger Games with much love) that have been coming out, because of the rate they are being published, it seems like there could only be so much one can do with the genre. That’s why this book amazed me. It felt unique and I believe it brought new things to the table for this particular type of book.
Not only was the world believable, but so were the characters. They appeared in an array of personalities with more than one side to each one. You have the gentle, sheltered one; the clever, determined one; the kick-ass, tough one; the weird, compassionate one. Every character has a trait that you love and ones that you hate. Like normal people they are not perfect. They even have supernatural powers!! I hope Newman eventually reveals where these powers come from, considering she leaves you in the dark about it after the first novel. Such well rounded characters with a supernatural tinge, what more can a reader ask for?
I am not going to lie I was kind of scared that Newman wouldn’t be able to sum of as much of the plot line as she did. When approaching the end of the novel I was thinking she was going to leave too many questions unanswered. An example being “It” or what was the apocalypse that took place exactly. Throughout the whole novel there is no explanation on what “It” was, just this is the world after “It” happened. When I was coming to the end of the book, I was afraid that nothing would be revealed. Although near the end, Newman does manage to shed some light on this topic. There are so many questions that still need to be answered which has left me wanting MORE!
My conclusion is that if I had to describe this book in one sentence it would sound something like this: Intriguing, fast-paced, original, unique and definitely worth the read.
February 11, 2017
20 Years Later has been one of those books that has been sitting on my Nook (then Kindle) for years. I picked it up as a free read when I purchased my Nook, and then it just sat there. I don’t think I do any favors by doing this to these poor authors, but I guess I can blame it on my magpie brain.
This is a YA novel. That is the first thing that should be addressed in the review. I don’t hold YA books to a different standard when reviewing, in my opinion good is good no matter who it is written for. That being said I do make allowances for writing style and vocabulary. This is a good YA book, not great but good. The environment and social structure of this world is well established, and the characters are believable. Some of the reviews have complained that the characters act younger than their age, and in some cases this is true, especially the main characters, Zane. This is to be expected. The author established right from the beginning the Zane has been kept sheltered by his mom. I really did not understand why she did this, it does seem an incredibly stupid to keep her son so very ignorant about the way of the streets.
This is the first book in what was obviously intended to be a series, but it was written in 2011, and there has not been a second book, so this may end up being a dropped series, it is too bad because the series has potential.
This is a YA novel. That is the first thing that should be addressed in the review. I don’t hold YA books to a different standard when reviewing, in my opinion good is good no matter who it is written for. That being said I do make allowances for writing style and vocabulary. This is a good YA book, not great but good. The environment and social structure of this world is well established, and the characters are believable. Some of the reviews have complained that the characters act younger than their age, and in some cases this is true, especially the main characters, Zane. This is to be expected. The author established right from the beginning the Zane has been kept sheltered by his mom. I really did not understand why she did this, it does seem an incredibly stupid to keep her son so very ignorant about the way of the streets.
This is the first book in what was obviously intended to be a series, but it was written in 2011, and there has not been a second book, so this may end up being a dropped series, it is too bad because the series has potential.
January 7, 2012
20 Years Later is a book that I was aware of long before it was picked up by fledgling US publisher Dystopia Press. The publishers very kindly sent me a copy to review many months ago, but even before then I already knew a great deal about the story as Emma Newman, the author of 20 Years Later, had been podcasting the story through her website for some time. Three quarters of the way through doing this she got that publishing deal for the book, but Dystopia Press allowed her to continue hosting the podcasts on her website.
I have mentioned previously in reviews that post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories seem to be all the rage in YA literature at the moment, although the genre is one that I only tend to dip in and out of. Focusing more on the post-apocalyptic rather than dystopian side of things, examples that spring to mind are Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin (great zombie story) and Moira Young's Blood Red Road (Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome for the new millennium). Whilst I would suggest that 20 Years Later is not as polished as either of these two, it is still a hugely enjoyable read. This story refreshingly does not include any zombies, neither is it like Mad Max, and best of all, in comparison to the majority of post-apocalyptic stories published this year, it is not set in the USA, but in London.
The story starts off with a prologue, narrated by an as yet unnamed person. I'm not a big fan of prologues in post-apocalyptic stories, as they are sometimes used to give the reader a history of whichever apocalypse has occurred, be it mass-zombification of a population, nuclear war, climate change, etc. The prologue is written as if it were the introduction to a book, long lost and finally discovered many years later, with the narrator begging the reader to read on, rather than burn the book for a few more minutes of heat. Whilst it is used to divulge a little information, to set the scene, it does not give us any information regarding the nature of the apocalypse (referred to as It), but a description of London being a 'dusty, ghost-filled monument to the dead' with bone-littered streets, leaves us with no doubt at all that 'It' was pretty nasty indeed.
The London of 2032 is a pretty nasty place indeed. Areas have been taken over by various gangs, and these gangs are happy to fight to the death in order to prevent other encroaching on their territory. We have the Bloomsbury Boys, the Gardeners and the most organised and strongest group, The Red Lady's Gang. Main character Zane lives with his mother Miri in Bloomsbury. The pair are tolerated by the gang of boys that control that part of London as his Zane's mum has often been their first port of call when injured as a result of a fight with another gang. Miri has a small house, with a tidy garden, different to most of the overgrown areas in the city. Living so close to the Bloomsbury Boys is not easy for Zane; he wants to fit in with the crowd, but also feels obliged to follow the rules that his mother has laid down for him.
Zane's world is shaken to the core by several events near the beginning of the story. First off, he and his friend Dev observe a mysterious giant stalking the corridors of a long-abandoned hospital, an event that stirs up a good deal of speculation amongst the rest of the gang. Soon afterwards a small boy, dressed only in pyjamas, is discovered on the fringe of Russell Square, central in the Boys' territory. As soon as the boy sees Zane's face he becomes completely terrifed, yet Zane has never seen him before in his life. So begins a tale that sees Zane having to grow very quickly, as he comes under the influence of the Red Lady, discovers he has a strange power, and meets Erin and Titus, two other very special young people, who join him in his quest to discover what the giant is doing, and where Titus' kidnapped sister has been taken.
One of the things I really liked about 20 Years Later was main character Zane. In may post-apocalyptic stories we are given characters who are wise beyond their years, their personalities hardened by the difficult lives they have had to lead in order to survive. Zane is very different to these characters - he is one of life's innocents, and has a naivety rarely seen in books of this genre. If he had been a fully paid up member of a gang this would not have been at all believable, but unlike the other children in the book he has been brought up within the protective sphere of his mother's influence, having to work the garden and follow sensible rules. She has shielded him from the realities that have faced everyone else, and as such he is not as well equipped as others when it comes to survival. He therefore has to grow a great deal as the story progresses.
One of the things I find quite hard to believe in many post-apocalyptic stories with young characters is how every one of them so quickly acclimatise to their new situation, fast becoming great survivalists. As someone who works with children I know that this simply would not be the case - a small number might, but many would give up as soon as things got too tricky for them. Having a character who is not worldy-wise and a ready killer is, for me, a breath of fresh air in this genre. Zane has also had the finer details of the nature of 'It' kept from him; in fact, none of the Boys seem aware of the nature of the apocalypse that affected their world, and as readers we are kept guessing until very near the end of the story. Again, I quite liked this as it kept the story feeling fresh and different to many others that deal with similar themes.
As I said before, 20 Years Later does not seem as polished as other big name books in this genre. This is not the fault of the author, who I feel has created a well-paced, exciting story. The blame needs to be laid on the head of the publisher, but not too heavily. Like all small press publishers, Dystopia Press will have limited resources and less time to put into the editing process, and I think this book would have benefited from the more rigorous editing process it would have received in the hands of one of the major publishers.
20 Years Later is the first book in a planned trilogy, and as such there are many loose ends left untied come the final page. E.J Newman does end the story in a satisfactory manner, without leaving us dangling on a nasty cliffhanger, but leaves us with plenty to look forward to in future instalments. Flaws aside, this is a hugely enjoyable read and I will definitely be wanting to follow the rest of the story.
I have mentioned previously in reviews that post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories seem to be all the rage in YA literature at the moment, although the genre is one that I only tend to dip in and out of. Focusing more on the post-apocalyptic rather than dystopian side of things, examples that spring to mind are Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin (great zombie story) and Moira Young's Blood Red Road (Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome for the new millennium). Whilst I would suggest that 20 Years Later is not as polished as either of these two, it is still a hugely enjoyable read. This story refreshingly does not include any zombies, neither is it like Mad Max, and best of all, in comparison to the majority of post-apocalyptic stories published this year, it is not set in the USA, but in London.
The story starts off with a prologue, narrated by an as yet unnamed person. I'm not a big fan of prologues in post-apocalyptic stories, as they are sometimes used to give the reader a history of whichever apocalypse has occurred, be it mass-zombification of a population, nuclear war, climate change, etc. The prologue is written as if it were the introduction to a book, long lost and finally discovered many years later, with the narrator begging the reader to read on, rather than burn the book for a few more minutes of heat. Whilst it is used to divulge a little information, to set the scene, it does not give us any information regarding the nature of the apocalypse (referred to as It), but a description of London being a 'dusty, ghost-filled monument to the dead' with bone-littered streets, leaves us with no doubt at all that 'It' was pretty nasty indeed.
The London of 2032 is a pretty nasty place indeed. Areas have been taken over by various gangs, and these gangs are happy to fight to the death in order to prevent other encroaching on their territory. We have the Bloomsbury Boys, the Gardeners and the most organised and strongest group, The Red Lady's Gang. Main character Zane lives with his mother Miri in Bloomsbury. The pair are tolerated by the gang of boys that control that part of London as his Zane's mum has often been their first port of call when injured as a result of a fight with another gang. Miri has a small house, with a tidy garden, different to most of the overgrown areas in the city. Living so close to the Bloomsbury Boys is not easy for Zane; he wants to fit in with the crowd, but also feels obliged to follow the rules that his mother has laid down for him.
Zane's world is shaken to the core by several events near the beginning of the story. First off, he and his friend Dev observe a mysterious giant stalking the corridors of a long-abandoned hospital, an event that stirs up a good deal of speculation amongst the rest of the gang. Soon afterwards a small boy, dressed only in pyjamas, is discovered on the fringe of Russell Square, central in the Boys' territory. As soon as the boy sees Zane's face he becomes completely terrifed, yet Zane has never seen him before in his life. So begins a tale that sees Zane having to grow very quickly, as he comes under the influence of the Red Lady, discovers he has a strange power, and meets Erin and Titus, two other very special young people, who join him in his quest to discover what the giant is doing, and where Titus' kidnapped sister has been taken.
One of the things I really liked about 20 Years Later was main character Zane. In may post-apocalyptic stories we are given characters who are wise beyond their years, their personalities hardened by the difficult lives they have had to lead in order to survive. Zane is very different to these characters - he is one of life's innocents, and has a naivety rarely seen in books of this genre. If he had been a fully paid up member of a gang this would not have been at all believable, but unlike the other children in the book he has been brought up within the protective sphere of his mother's influence, having to work the garden and follow sensible rules. She has shielded him from the realities that have faced everyone else, and as such he is not as well equipped as others when it comes to survival. He therefore has to grow a great deal as the story progresses.
One of the things I find quite hard to believe in many post-apocalyptic stories with young characters is how every one of them so quickly acclimatise to their new situation, fast becoming great survivalists. As someone who works with children I know that this simply would not be the case - a small number might, but many would give up as soon as things got too tricky for them. Having a character who is not worldy-wise and a ready killer is, for me, a breath of fresh air in this genre. Zane has also had the finer details of the nature of 'It' kept from him; in fact, none of the Boys seem aware of the nature of the apocalypse that affected their world, and as readers we are kept guessing until very near the end of the story. Again, I quite liked this as it kept the story feeling fresh and different to many others that deal with similar themes.
As I said before, 20 Years Later does not seem as polished as other big name books in this genre. This is not the fault of the author, who I feel has created a well-paced, exciting story. The blame needs to be laid on the head of the publisher, but not too heavily. Like all small press publishers, Dystopia Press will have limited resources and less time to put into the editing process, and I think this book would have benefited from the more rigorous editing process it would have received in the hands of one of the major publishers.
20 Years Later is the first book in a planned trilogy, and as such there are many loose ends left untied come the final page. E.J Newman does end the story in a satisfactory manner, without leaving us dangling on a nasty cliffhanger, but leaves us with plenty to look forward to in future instalments. Flaws aside, this is a hugely enjoyable read and I will definitely be wanting to follow the rest of the story.
September 12, 2020
My rating : 3.5 of 5 stars.
An engaging and enjoyable read that feels like it should have had a sequel. Full review to follow.
An engaging and enjoyable read that feels like it should have had a sequel. Full review to follow.
August 25, 2015
Warning: there are spoilers in this review. The major ones have been tagged, but a few small ones that probably won't affect your overall enjoyment of the story are here.
I was not overly impressed with 20 Years Later. I'd like to say I loved it. I picked it up in the library and read the cover jacket, and it sounded great. It had a perfectly coherent plot. Not everything ended up tied together, and there are sequels coming, but I don't know if I liked the book enough to read them.
The story centers around Zane, an extremely naïve kid who's lived his whole life with his mom tending their garden and performing first aid on the boys of a nearby gang. Soon, along comes Titus, a manipulative, calculating kid who's looking for his sister, captured by a mysterious gang with advanced weapons. They are also joined by Erin, a Hunter-in-training for yet another gang, run by the (also manipulative and calculating) Red Lady. These are the main characters, all of whom are mysteriously connected and have some kind of superpower.
Also in this cast of characters are:
Miri--Zane's mom
Callum--an older man who knows his way around VERY well
Jay--leader of the gang Miri does first aid for
Luthor--Erin's dad and a Hunter for the Red Lady
David--another of the Red Lady's Hunters
Much of the plot revolves around figuring out what's going on. Most of the story is told from Zane's perspective, and he is, as I said, very naïve.
There were some things that bothered me.
These kids grew up in a world without electricity. They don't know what computers are, or lightbulbs, or anything like that. But when they encounter some, the story will tell us exactly what they are and then say something like, "but of course they had no idea."
For example: "He heard a very curious sound unlike anything he had ever heard before...The sound of an electronic keypad made no sense to him; he didn't even have a name for it" (Newman 281).
I can get past this and still enjoy the story; it just jolted me out of the flow of the story a bit.
The book is, what, 300 pages long? The climax happens at the end, of course, but the whole thing went by so quickly that I had to read it a couple of times. It didn't seem like it was given much attention. I was disappointed with that. The mysterious It, the event that changed their world, was finally explained...and it was a brilliant and terrifying explanation, but it was totally out of nowhere.
I guess part of the problem was pacing. I just didn't enjoy reading it as much as I'd like to, because it was slow. The characters were pretty good. I think the whole thing just feels a little unfinished--the author clearly wrote it with sequels in mind. I may or may not end up reading them once they come out. Maybe there will be less of an anticlimax in a larger story arc.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this book. I feel like I could have been reading another of the several books I have stacked up, waiting to be read, and I never like coming out of a story feeling that way. This is the author's first novel. Maybe I'll like future ones better, if I ever come across anything written by her again.
I was not overly impressed with 20 Years Later. I'd like to say I loved it. I picked it up in the library and read the cover jacket, and it sounded great. It had a perfectly coherent plot. Not everything ended up tied together, and there are sequels coming, but I don't know if I liked the book enough to read them.
The story centers around Zane, an extremely naïve kid who's lived his whole life with his mom tending their garden and performing first aid on the boys of a nearby gang. Soon, along comes Titus, a manipulative, calculating kid who's looking for his sister, captured by a mysterious gang with advanced weapons. They are also joined by Erin, a Hunter-in-training for yet another gang, run by the (also manipulative and calculating) Red Lady. These are the main characters, all of whom are mysteriously connected and have some kind of superpower.
Also in this cast of characters are:
Miri--Zane's mom
Callum--an older man who knows his way around VERY well
Jay--leader of the gang Miri does first aid for
Luthor--Erin's dad and a Hunter for the Red Lady
David--another of the Red Lady's Hunters
Much of the plot revolves around figuring out what's going on. Most of the story is told from Zane's perspective, and he is, as I said, very naïve.
There were some things that bothered me.
These kids grew up in a world without electricity. They don't know what computers are, or lightbulbs, or anything like that. But when they encounter some, the story will tell us exactly what they are and then say something like, "but of course they had no idea."
For example: "He heard a very curious sound unlike anything he had ever heard before...The sound of an electronic keypad made no sense to him; he didn't even have a name for it" (Newman 281).
I can get past this and still enjoy the story; it just jolted me out of the flow of the story a bit.
The book is, what, 300 pages long? The climax happens at the end, of course, but the whole thing went by so quickly that I had to read it a couple of times. It didn't seem like it was given much attention. I was disappointed with that. The mysterious It, the event that changed their world, was finally explained...and it was a brilliant and terrifying explanation, but it was totally out of nowhere.
I guess part of the problem was pacing. I just didn't enjoy reading it as much as I'd like to, because it was slow. The characters were pretty good. I think the whole thing just feels a little unfinished--the author clearly wrote it with sequels in mind. I may or may not end up reading them once they come out. Maybe there will be less of an anticlimax in a larger story arc.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this book. I feel like I could have been reading another of the several books I have stacked up, waiting to be read, and I never like coming out of a story feeling that way. This is the author's first novel. Maybe I'll like future ones better, if I ever come across anything written by her again.
July 6, 2011
20 Years Later is actually my very first post-apocalyptic novel read. Sometime ago, I actually don't have an idea the difference between post-apocalyptic and dystopian book. While absorbing the knowledge in my head, I was compelled and interested on reading this one. Let's find out shall we?
PLOT. WOW! From the prologue until the epilogue of the book is simply astonishing. The idea of creating the new world is really brilliant. The thought of the nearest destruction of the entire civilization with the gangs and our four dearest protagonist actually amazes me!
They way the book was written is exactly the way I wanted it. Simple but there are many things going on. It is not confusing and easy to adapt. The creativity and originality of creating it's world is fantastic! It makes the readers' mind to picture this world that is mentioning. Newman is a very good author. She created this world with full of surprises, she bought such a believable story of emotions and with the twist of the protagonists special abilities. In short, the writing is very fresh and new, making all of her readers attached to the book.
CHARACTERS. Characters are all so goodie! Each of our four protagonist is very different from each other. Individually, they have their own story to share, their emotions and how their lives flow to the world they are into. But when all of them shared one purpose or connect to each other, it is more ravishing. They became one in such an amazing way.
Each of our protagonists have these different characteristics which is very likable in their own way. Zane, the soft and naive one. Titus, the smart and with a strong will and Erin, the tough with a good heart. While, Eve, the fourth whom I was very interested in. She wasn't been introduced not until the middle of the book but I think that she is more of a cute and innocent one. If you're are going to ask me, I really don't know who would be my favorite character.
In addition to the story, other characters such as Miri, Jay, Luthor and a lot more contributed big time! They adds more drama, action and mystery to the story. It gives the kick and excitement that the readers need.
FLAW? There is one at the first few chapters. The pacing is a bit slow. I was looking for the best part of it. But overall the greatest things I read inside this book. I loved each and every pages.
OTHER THOUGHTS. I have mentioned that I am very picky on the book how it ends. Well... This one didn't disappoints me. It was satisfying and it definitely makes me anticipate the next installment. Awesome! :D
20 Years Later is one of the best book I've this 2011. Brilliant and compelling. A worthy read! Salute to E.J. Newman! :D
*I received this ARC from the Publisher, Dystopia Press and to Mr. Mark Long in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!
PLOT. WOW! From the prologue until the epilogue of the book is simply astonishing. The idea of creating the new world is really brilliant. The thought of the nearest destruction of the entire civilization with the gangs and our four dearest protagonist actually amazes me!
They way the book was written is exactly the way I wanted it. Simple but there are many things going on. It is not confusing and easy to adapt. The creativity and originality of creating it's world is fantastic! It makes the readers' mind to picture this world that is mentioning. Newman is a very good author. She created this world with full of surprises, she bought such a believable story of emotions and with the twist of the protagonists special abilities. In short, the writing is very fresh and new, making all of her readers attached to the book.
CHARACTERS. Characters are all so goodie! Each of our four protagonist is very different from each other. Individually, they have their own story to share, their emotions and how their lives flow to the world they are into. But when all of them shared one purpose or connect to each other, it is more ravishing. They became one in such an amazing way.
Each of our protagonists have these different characteristics which is very likable in their own way. Zane, the soft and naive one. Titus, the smart and with a strong will and Erin, the tough with a good heart. While, Eve, the fourth whom I was very interested in. She wasn't been introduced not until the middle of the book but I think that she is more of a cute and innocent one. If you're are going to ask me, I really don't know who would be my favorite character.
In addition to the story, other characters such as Miri, Jay, Luthor and a lot more contributed big time! They adds more drama, action and mystery to the story. It gives the kick and excitement that the readers need.
FLAW? There is one at the first few chapters. The pacing is a bit slow. I was looking for the best part of it. But overall the greatest things I read inside this book. I loved each and every pages.
OTHER THOUGHTS. I have mentioned that I am very picky on the book how it ends. Well... This one didn't disappoints me. It was satisfying and it definitely makes me anticipate the next installment. Awesome! :D
20 Years Later is one of the best book I've this 2011. Brilliant and compelling. A worthy read! Salute to E.J. Newman! :D
*I received this ARC from the Publisher, Dystopia Press and to Mr. Mark Long in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!
June 29, 2011
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/06/...
3.5/5 Stars
20 Years Later takes place in a London devastated by an unknown horror 20 years earlier, an event referred to only as It. Ruled by roving gangs, fear and fights over territory are rampant, and killing is a daily event. 15 year old Zane and his mother Miri, have carved out an existence as healers, with no alliances with the gangs, and tolerated mostly for their healing abilities. When the Red Lady places them in her sights, however, things begin to change. Zane then meets Erin and Titus, and sets out on an adventure that will changes his entire world and lead to revelations about the event that left the world in shambles.
20 Years Later is an diverting look at a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of teens. The London setting is suitably creepy, and Ms. Newman populates the novel with an interesting cast of characters. I enjoyed getting to know each character, but developed a soft spot for Erin, the daughter of a warrior in service to the Red Lady. Ahh, the Red Lady: so beautiful, so deadly, and Zane has got the hots for her, so much so that you kind of want to slap him, but he’s a teenager, and the Red Lady is quite lovely, but it still frustrated me at times. Sometimes good sense was ignored in favor of teenage hormones, but that’s to be expected. I particularly enjoyed their trips into the abandoned hospital, which they’re told not to go under any circumstances, but really, teenagers are curious by nature, and the surest way to get them to do something is to tell them not to. Each teen has their own agenda. For example, Zane is determined to find out the truth about his father and Titus is committed to finding his missing sister, Lyssa. I would have liked to find out more about “It”, the incident that caused the collapse of society, but I’m confident we’ll learn more about that in the next book, since this is to be a trilogy. 20 Years Later is firmly a Young Adult novel, with a few flaws, but engaging, and I would most definitely recommend it to reluctant readers. Ms. Newman is certainly an author to watch!
3.5/5 Stars
20 Years Later takes place in a London devastated by an unknown horror 20 years earlier, an event referred to only as It. Ruled by roving gangs, fear and fights over territory are rampant, and killing is a daily event. 15 year old Zane and his mother Miri, have carved out an existence as healers, with no alliances with the gangs, and tolerated mostly for their healing abilities. When the Red Lady places them in her sights, however, things begin to change. Zane then meets Erin and Titus, and sets out on an adventure that will changes his entire world and lead to revelations about the event that left the world in shambles.
20 Years Later is an diverting look at a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of teens. The London setting is suitably creepy, and Ms. Newman populates the novel with an interesting cast of characters. I enjoyed getting to know each character, but developed a soft spot for Erin, the daughter of a warrior in service to the Red Lady. Ahh, the Red Lady: so beautiful, so deadly, and Zane has got the hots for her, so much so that you kind of want to slap him, but he’s a teenager, and the Red Lady is quite lovely, but it still frustrated me at times. Sometimes good sense was ignored in favor of teenage hormones, but that’s to be expected. I particularly enjoyed their trips into the abandoned hospital, which they’re told not to go under any circumstances, but really, teenagers are curious by nature, and the surest way to get them to do something is to tell them not to. Each teen has their own agenda. For example, Zane is determined to find out the truth about his father and Titus is committed to finding his missing sister, Lyssa. I would have liked to find out more about “It”, the incident that caused the collapse of society, but I’m confident we’ll learn more about that in the next book, since this is to be a trilogy. 20 Years Later is firmly a Young Adult novel, with a few flaws, but engaging, and I would most definitely recommend it to reluctant readers. Ms. Newman is certainly an author to watch!
January 27, 2012
Emma Newman is an accomplished writer of creepy short stories for adults that wouldn’t be out of place in a “Tales of the Unexpected” collection. 20 Years Later is her first novel, set in a post-apocalyptic London and aimed squarely at a YA audience. A mysterious disaster, refered to only as “It” has befallen the world, and now, twenty years after the event, the dilapidated city is ruled by rival gangs.
Zane and his mother live in Bloomsbury, Miri’s healing skills helping them to live in uneasy peace with the three gangs whose territory borders their square. They are close, but Zane is growing up. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in an abandoned hospital building, and his search for the kidnapped sister of his friend Titus lead to revelations that threaten to drive a wedge between them, and risk not only the fragile family, but the delicate balance between the gangs. What do the mysterious “Unders” want with the girl they snatch off the streets, and what link does it have to Miri’s past?
Zane is a likeable hero, loyal to his friends and his mother, but the novel lacks, until the very end, a strong antagonist. The Unders are too remote, too mysterious, to make much of an impression, and the Red Lady, perhaps the most interesting character, is under-used. The novel would have worked better if the point-of-view had stayed fixed with, if not Zane, then Zane and his friends Titus and Erin, three children who share mysterious powers. However, this is the first volume in a projected trilogy, and hopefully the Red Lady will become a more significant presence as the story progresses and Zane and his friends start to discover more about their abilities.
The depiction of the ruins of London is very strong and well thought-out, with some wonderful touches of description, the bones on the streets, the post-industrial life of Zane and Miri, the complicated interactions of the gangs. There’s a lot here for YA fans to enjoy, and I predict that E J Newman will grow as a writer as the series progresses, and it will become richer and more fascinating. It’s a slightly shaky start to what promises to become a very interesting trilogy.
Zane and his mother live in Bloomsbury, Miri’s healing skills helping them to live in uneasy peace with the three gangs whose territory borders their square. They are close, but Zane is growing up. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in an abandoned hospital building, and his search for the kidnapped sister of his friend Titus lead to revelations that threaten to drive a wedge between them, and risk not only the fragile family, but the delicate balance between the gangs. What do the mysterious “Unders” want with the girl they snatch off the streets, and what link does it have to Miri’s past?
Zane is a likeable hero, loyal to his friends and his mother, but the novel lacks, until the very end, a strong antagonist. The Unders are too remote, too mysterious, to make much of an impression, and the Red Lady, perhaps the most interesting character, is under-used. The novel would have worked better if the point-of-view had stayed fixed with, if not Zane, then Zane and his friends Titus and Erin, three children who share mysterious powers. However, this is the first volume in a projected trilogy, and hopefully the Red Lady will become a more significant presence as the story progresses and Zane and his friends start to discover more about their abilities.
The depiction of the ruins of London is very strong and well thought-out, with some wonderful touches of description, the bones on the streets, the post-industrial life of Zane and Miri, the complicated interactions of the gangs. There’s a lot here for YA fans to enjoy, and I predict that E J Newman will grow as a writer as the series progresses, and it will become richer and more fascinating. It’s a slightly shaky start to what promises to become a very interesting trilogy.
February 29, 2012
This was a great book - reads so easily, and I raced through it. Gripping plot of mostly kids, who have formed gangs following an unknown cause of people dying off and gone. Few adults in this new world. At the center is a young man with a gift, and his mother, who in the middle of two gangs, has made peace by supplying them with medical aid and supplies from her garden that she cultivates in the back of her house. The story unfolds slowly as more characters are introduced, more information on the gangs is brought forth, and the mystery slowly comes into focus when a young girl goes missing, but another young boy is just "found." Can't divulge much more about the plot without spoilers, but it's a well-written tale of how people cope with such stress. The hero is torn - his belief in healing over hurting is strong, so strong that he can't go along with the majority, even with his friends. His faith in himself never wavers, which feels right about a young 15 yr old teenage boy. Black and white to all of them. Revenge, honor, territory, all are "boundaries" that you don't cross. Although the book stands on it's own, it leaves open lots of questions as to why some of the kids are :different", why they are the ones left after "it" happened, and what does the woman leader of one of the gangs really want. Looking forward to the sequel.
February 16, 2012
It had its moments; moments when I was completely sucked in and stayed awake way too long to finish chapters. So I'll give some credit to the author, there. And I thought it was pretty creative to "organize" this dystopia into gangs. But the credit ends there for me. The characters were completely flat, none of the major questions were answered except what "It" was (and if you haven't figured it out by about page 25, you should probably read more, or at least watch more tv),and who caused "It" and why(complete disappointment, totally shallow). Everything else is left hanging, with the command to "look for another book with this same handwriting." (Don't even get me started on the framing device; it was ridiculous.) Was very frustrated by the treatment of women and girls in this book (which I assume I was supposed to be) as stupid, and mostly incapable of anything except birthing or sexual gratification. I was marginally intrigued by the promise of other questions being answered in subsequent books, but truly - not enough to actually read the books themselves. There was really just not enough substance here for me. Grr.
February 1, 2012
So I really enjoyed this book. WIthout the special powers I could actually see this would be the way of the world if there was a apocalyptic event. I really hope there will be another book after this I didnt want it to be over !
August 27, 2020
Went from bad, to okay, to what the fuck? Who let you publish this?
First, the font is bad. Just want to get that out of the way.
The idea of POC not existing anymore was weird, and then it went nasty. The idea of a virus meant to kill POC (or that humans could have enough genetic diversity to allow that) only leaves """""pure"""" humans and allows some humans to develop superpowers is absolutely bonkers bad. "Bad man racist, huh huh" like I think some of your own ideas about race are leaking into this
And then the MISOGYNY. The framing of Zane as childlike and innocent only to go super horny and objectify the Red Lady made me really grossed out. Women have the following roles in this book: mother, sexy manipulative lady, friend with arrows, kidnapped helpless sister, ugly mother, victims of repeated sexual assault, breeder, and Surprise Protagonist in the last fifty pages or so. The way Jay talks about women is especially dehumanizing and everyone lets him get away with it. Meanwhile the male characters are shown as strong, heroic, morally infallible, and complex. You can just say it, Newman: you hate women and POC.
The writing was a little condescending in that it felt aimed towards her favourite group descriptor, "children", and yet had violent and gory scenes. Target audience: ... young teenagers?
Premise wasn't great. I was actually more interested in life outside the small circle of gangs in this area of London.
First, the font is bad. Just want to get that out of the way.
The idea of POC not existing anymore was weird, and then it went nasty. The idea of a virus meant to kill POC (or that humans could have enough genetic diversity to allow that) only leaves """""pure"""" humans and allows some humans to develop superpowers is absolutely bonkers bad. "Bad man racist, huh huh" like I think some of your own ideas about race are leaking into this
And then the MISOGYNY. The framing of Zane as childlike and innocent only to go super horny and objectify the Red Lady made me really grossed out. Women have the following roles in this book: mother, sexy manipulative lady, friend with arrows, kidnapped helpless sister, ugly mother, victims of repeated sexual assault, breeder, and Surprise Protagonist in the last fifty pages or so. The way Jay talks about women is especially dehumanizing and everyone lets him get away with it. Meanwhile the male characters are shown as strong, heroic, morally infallible, and complex. You can just say it, Newman: you hate women and POC.
The writing was a little condescending in that it felt aimed towards her favourite group descriptor, "children", and yet had violent and gory scenes. Target audience: ... young teenagers?
Premise wasn't great. I was actually more interested in life outside the small circle of gangs in this area of London.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2016
I am going to give this book the benefit of the doubt and say I am not its target audience - yes, I am a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, and love me a good book set in London - in that this is squarely Young Adult fiction and I have moved beyond that description awhile ago. So perhaps a typical YA reader would have less problem with the plot holes and clunky dialogue. I am not sure even they would find the character of Zane particularly believable (as other reviewers have pointed out, he is ridiculously naive considering his age and the kind of situation he has grown up in) or the fact that only twenty years after the massive disaster much of what 'we' consider normal technology is forgotten (or is that because so many of the population are so young and have grown up without it).
While I admire a new publisher who takes on this kind of material, I wish they had put a bit more effort into editing, even back at the manuscript assessment stage. There IS a good story in here, but it really needs a little more work on the execution. That is not meant at as a dig at the author either - even very good authors often need quite a bit of editorial polish to shine, and there is nothing to say Newman won't do even better in the future with a stricter editor on board.
While I admire a new publisher who takes on this kind of material, I wish they had put a bit more effort into editing, even back at the manuscript assessment stage. There IS a good story in here, but it really needs a little more work on the execution. That is not meant at as a dig at the author either - even very good authors often need quite a bit of editorial polish to shine, and there is nothing to say Newman won't do even better in the future with a stricter editor on board.
August 23, 2018
London lies largely abandoned 20 years after an unspecified (although fairly obvious) apocalyptic event. The survivors are organised into gangs that control small portions of territory, and occasionally fight over their boundaries. Between the feuding gangs live a mother and son who tend a garden and give medical treatment to members of two of the groups. Cue some slightly odd goings-on with a mysterious 'giant' being sighted and another character vanishing.
I thought this book was OK, but not as great as some reviewers say. It's clearly a young adult book as the style is a bit simplistic, and it's obviously written as the first book of a series (although I can't see any sequels at the time of writing). Most of the aspects of the story are resolved, so the book does work stand-alone, but there are so many pointers to a follow-up that it feels like something's missing at the end. Average, in my opinion.
I thought this book was OK, but not as great as some reviewers say. It's clearly a young adult book as the style is a bit simplistic, and it's obviously written as the first book of a series (although I can't see any sequels at the time of writing). Most of the aspects of the story are resolved, so the book does work stand-alone, but there are so many pointers to a follow-up that it feels like something's missing at the end. Average, in my opinion.
April 26, 2020
The book deals with the politics of the gangs that carved up a small patch of London. Most of the characters are children and there are few adults. Zane is the main character and his mother shielded him from everything in the world. It makes sense that most of the characters are under 20 for the plot to work. But if they'd talk to the older characters, much of the drama and mystery would have disappeared. The slang/vocabulary is well explored. Reading is a mostly lost art.
The "giant" has a nice logical explanation. As does what "it" was 20 years ago. But there's a lot that is left unexplored. In particular, the four teens with powers. Why there are so many kids under 20. The couldn't have all come from the Unders. What happened to all the girls. Again, the Unders can't explain that fully.
I imagine this was meant to be a series. But without having a part 2, I find it hard to recommend.
The "giant" has a nice logical explanation. As does what "it" was 20 years ago. But there's a lot that is left unexplored. In particular, the four teens with powers. Why there are so many kids under 20. The couldn't have all come from the Unders. What happened to all the girls. Again, the Unders can't explain that fully.
I imagine this was meant to be a series. But without having a part 2, I find it hard to recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
In my opinion, this is a good book not the best but it is definitely interesting. When reading it I felt that there were times when my interest in continuing was low. In the beginning, the book was not as good to me because it took a while for it to pick up speed. It did a good job of introducing the other character and making you invested in the story through the mystery of their powers and the world around them. Although when the book picks up and starts uncovering the mysteries of what happened to this world and how it was caused it gets very interesting. The ending gave me a huge surprise since I would have never thought that the cause of the destruction of the world was so immoral. All in all the start was pretty slow but when it picks up the books strong parts come to light. Reading about these characters in this interesting post-apocalyptic world was very enjoyable. That's why I gave the book a three-star rating.
June 6, 2025
DNF.
It wasn't what I expected. Might have been OK, if I thought this was going to be a book about early middle school kids in gang battles (and facing some monsters sometimes?) -- which is the kind of book it is -- instead of a post-apocalyptic/maybe zombie book like I thought.
I would have even been okay continuing reading the middle-schooler story (despite the lack of polish this rough story displays, very unlike Newman's other titles) ... except that it was so much in their heads, and in blithe, uninteresting ways.
It wasn't what I expected. Might have been OK, if I thought this was going to be a book about early middle school kids in gang battles (and facing some monsters sometimes?) -- which is the kind of book it is -- instead of a post-apocalyptic/maybe zombie book like I thought.
I would have even been okay continuing reading the middle-schooler story (despite the lack of polish this rough story displays, very unlike Newman's other titles) ... except that it was so much in their heads, and in blithe, uninteresting ways.
November 23, 2025
Emma Newman's writing is excellent, original, surprising and as usual I didn't manage to put her book down.
Her characters are multi-layered and unforgettable, the story worlds are fresh and awesome, and her plots will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One of the best Dystopic, Post Apocalyptic stories I ever read. I wish there would be a continuation to this story.
Her characters are multi-layered and unforgettable, the story worlds are fresh and awesome, and her plots will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One of the best Dystopic, Post Apocalyptic stories I ever read. I wish there would be a continuation to this story.
September 12, 2018
I feel bad but I really couldnt get through this book. The writing style was fine, but the characters were dry and not interesting, nothing of the story was compelling enough to keep me reading, I had to stop after five chapters before I decided to give up.
November 22, 2022
Highly enjoyable YA post-apoc tale of a group of teenagers navigating their broken world - discovering more about it, their families and themselves.
April 25, 2016
I was spurred to pick this book up by seeing the author speak at Edge - Lit, in Derby. She sat on the horror panel, 'Do We Still Need Monsters' (or some such, it was to do with whether monsters are still necessary in any case - the answer was yes by the way) and I was impressed with the way she came across. As one of my great loves is a good apocalypse story I thought it was worth picking up her debut novel and seeing what I thought of it.
In all honesty the answer to that, is that my feeling are quite mixed. On the one hand the world Newman has created is vibrant, realistic and exciting. She ably sculpts a post apocalyptic London that seems plausible and dangerous, with inhabitants and gangs that feel as if they fit naturally into her setting. The additional details of the gangs make them interesting to read, though they do raise a fair of number of questions; for instance if there are Bloomsbury Boys, why no Bloomsbury Girls? Women are rare in the book, something which I'm frankly uncertain what to make of, is it a stylistic choice, an indication that Newman's more comfortable writing male characters or a not so veiled nod to the vulnerability of women in a world after an apocalypse with its resultant break down in law and order.
Other aspects are handled well, and in an intriguing fashion, the protagonist and his closest allies development of psychic abilities is nicely written, with Newman using a nice idea of a room where they meet when they're asleep that's almost equivalent to the mental network that John Wyndham uses in the Chrysalids, but with more show than tell.
The story itself, which ultimately concerns the reasons behind the apocalypse and the protagonist's discovery of his identity is interesting but feels slight in places and there's too much that feels unexplored; this is a world that cries out to be revisited and developed further. There are so many questions to answer, concerning the world's set up, the startling abilities the young people begin to exhibit in the story, the power the Red Queen exhibits over people and whether she has psi abilities, and the events hinted at in the prologue and epilogue that I really hope that there's a sequel or three planned. It would be a shame to leave the world undeveloped to the extent that it is currently.
The main problems I had with the book were that the characters sometimes felt very shallow and again, undeveloped. They frequently didn't have particularly strong individual voices and it was hard to get a sense of who they were. The other issue was the motivation for the apocalypse, which felt out of the step with the world, being caused by racism, rather than what currently feels more topical, religious intolerance (I know that they're only a hair apart but somehow the fact that it was down to the villains wanting to wipe out black people feels antiquated to me, as if it's a hangover from the 20th Century). This also has the effect of transforming the villain into a vaudevillian mustache twirler rather than a serious, credible threat, in a similar way to Alan Moore's penchant for making his villains homophobic. For all his power, the people working for him, the atrocities he had committed, the reveal of his intentions wipes out any standing he has in one fell swoop, changing him into a one note caricature.
All in all I'd say that it's a good first novel, but one that isn't without its flaws and that cries out for a sequel at the very least.
In all honesty the answer to that, is that my feeling are quite mixed. On the one hand the world Newman has created is vibrant, realistic and exciting. She ably sculpts a post apocalyptic London that seems plausible and dangerous, with inhabitants and gangs that feel as if they fit naturally into her setting. The additional details of the gangs make them interesting to read, though they do raise a fair of number of questions; for instance if there are Bloomsbury Boys, why no Bloomsbury Girls? Women are rare in the book, something which I'm frankly uncertain what to make of, is it a stylistic choice, an indication that Newman's more comfortable writing male characters or a not so veiled nod to the vulnerability of women in a world after an apocalypse with its resultant break down in law and order.
Other aspects are handled well, and in an intriguing fashion, the protagonist and his closest allies development of psychic abilities is nicely written, with Newman using a nice idea of a room where they meet when they're asleep that's almost equivalent to the mental network that John Wyndham uses in the Chrysalids, but with more show than tell.
The story itself, which ultimately concerns the reasons behind the apocalypse and the protagonist's discovery of his identity is interesting but feels slight in places and there's too much that feels unexplored; this is a world that cries out to be revisited and developed further. There are so many questions to answer, concerning the world's set up, the startling abilities the young people begin to exhibit in the story, the power the Red Queen exhibits over people and whether she has psi abilities, and the events hinted at in the prologue and epilogue that I really hope that there's a sequel or three planned. It would be a shame to leave the world undeveloped to the extent that it is currently.
The main problems I had with the book were that the characters sometimes felt very shallow and again, undeveloped. They frequently didn't have particularly strong individual voices and it was hard to get a sense of who they were. The other issue was the motivation for the apocalypse, which felt out of the step with the world, being caused by racism, rather than what currently feels more topical, religious intolerance (I know that they're only a hair apart but somehow the fact that it was down to the villains wanting to wipe out black people feels antiquated to me, as if it's a hangover from the 20th Century). This also has the effect of transforming the villain into a vaudevillian mustache twirler rather than a serious, credible threat, in a similar way to Alan Moore's penchant for making his villains homophobic. For all his power, the people working for him, the atrocities he had committed, the reveal of his intentions wipes out any standing he has in one fell swoop, changing him into a one note caricature.
All in all I'd say that it's a good first novel, but one that isn't without its flaws and that cries out for a sequel at the very least.
August 22, 2011
Originally posted at Fragments of Life.
In 20 Years Later, a different London existed. It was divided and ruled by gangs. Bloomsbury Boys was headed by Jay. Young and brave, he stood as the leader and the older-brother-figure of the boys he led. They were in constant battle against the Gardners, suit and tie-wearing men who were grown-ups and twice the size of the boys they fought with. The Red Lady’s Gang was probably the strongest of the three gangs with strong hunters for its members. These three gangs surrounded the place where Zane and her mother, Miri, lived. Territorial, loyal, always ready for fights, the gangs were not easy to deal with. But Zane and Miri has lived with them in peace for the past years.
I was quickly sucked in by 20 Years Later. I was completely engrossed with the story. The world they lived in was a very different one, with all the knowledge and the technology absent. This has made them more innocent, even childlike. But at the same time the lack of knowledge of the past world has made them harsher in their decisions and in their behavior. The modified language was very fun for me, especially the language of the Bloomsbury boys. The hint of child-talk was apparent in words like nuffin (nothing,) and honest-like (honest.)
I started reading it, wanting to find out about the discovery of one of Bloomsbury Boys, Dev, who was Zane’s friend. He saw a ‘giant’ in the hospital. The fierceness and recklessness of the Bloomsbury boys was a far cry from the sheltered Zane. He was careful, innocent and had a younger mentality for a 15 year old compared to most 15 year-old boys in our time. The character I liked the most was Jay. He was not only busy keeping his boys ready and alert for future Gardner attacks; he was also often busy swaggering, making sure he looked confident, cool and capable.
The story of how the Four came together was one filled with violence, adventure, and discoveries. They all had unexplained special abilities and were connected to one another. Distance couldn’t separate them. The gangs couldn’t separate. Even the unknown and the startling truths they were about to uncover could never separate them.
Well-written, original, adventurous and riveting, 20 Years Later offers a unique take on the future, a dose of wonder, danger and excitement and a blast of terror. I highly recommend this to dystopian readers! Pick this up if you’re up for something different.
In 20 Years Later, a different London existed. It was divided and ruled by gangs. Bloomsbury Boys was headed by Jay. Young and brave, he stood as the leader and the older-brother-figure of the boys he led. They were in constant battle against the Gardners, suit and tie-wearing men who were grown-ups and twice the size of the boys they fought with. The Red Lady’s Gang was probably the strongest of the three gangs with strong hunters for its members. These three gangs surrounded the place where Zane and her mother, Miri, lived. Territorial, loyal, always ready for fights, the gangs were not easy to deal with. But Zane and Miri has lived with them in peace for the past years.
I was quickly sucked in by 20 Years Later. I was completely engrossed with the story. The world they lived in was a very different one, with all the knowledge and the technology absent. This has made them more innocent, even childlike. But at the same time the lack of knowledge of the past world has made them harsher in their decisions and in their behavior. The modified language was very fun for me, especially the language of the Bloomsbury boys. The hint of child-talk was apparent in words like nuffin (nothing,) and honest-like (honest.)
I started reading it, wanting to find out about the discovery of one of Bloomsbury Boys, Dev, who was Zane’s friend. He saw a ‘giant’ in the hospital. The fierceness and recklessness of the Bloomsbury boys was a far cry from the sheltered Zane. He was careful, innocent and had a younger mentality for a 15 year old compared to most 15 year-old boys in our time. The character I liked the most was Jay. He was not only busy keeping his boys ready and alert for future Gardner attacks; he was also often busy swaggering, making sure he looked confident, cool and capable.
The story of how the Four came together was one filled with violence, adventure, and discoveries. They all had unexplained special abilities and were connected to one another. Distance couldn’t separate them. The gangs couldn’t separate. Even the unknown and the startling truths they were about to uncover could never separate them.
Well-written, original, adventurous and riveting, 20 Years Later offers a unique take on the future, a dose of wonder, danger and excitement and a blast of terror. I highly recommend this to dystopian readers! Pick this up if you’re up for something different.
June 2, 2011
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time. I finally just bought it for my kindle and read it very quickly. For such a fast read, the post apocalyptic world is built and revealed very slowly. The reader learns about the small patch of London where Zane and his mother Miri live in a mutually beneficial relationship with two of the local gangs. Zane has managed to reach early teens living within this sanctuary of a garden where he and his mother raise the fruits and vegetables that feed them and provides the herbs for healing the wounds of the gang of boys that live nearby. This sheltered existence can only be sustained for a time, and as Zane grows up, new people arrive and strange things occur, their lives become even more precarious and interesting than before.
There are mysteries about Zane's father and what happened to him as well as about what exactly IT was and how and why it occurred. As the story unfolds, more mysteries pop up such as what is the relationship between Zane, Titus and Erin and later Eve. Why are they different from the others? How did they get this strange link they have? Why are the Bloomsbury Boys always boys and where do they come from?
Read the rest here:
http://abookgeek-llm.blogspot.com/201...
There are mysteries about Zane's father and what happened to him as well as about what exactly IT was and how and why it occurred. As the story unfolds, more mysteries pop up such as what is the relationship between Zane, Titus and Erin and later Eve. Why are they different from the others? How did they get this strange link they have? Why are the Bloomsbury Boys always boys and where do they come from?
Read the rest here:
http://abookgeek-llm.blogspot.com/201...
October 29, 2012
Ok this book has some interesting ideas. I liked the characters. It's just the writing style that needs some help. I feel like there is so much potential, it just needs some refinement. A few things absolutely drive me nuts:
1. Don't refer to them as 'children' all the time. The story is told from the point of view of 15 yr. olds and they would never call themselves that...ruins the feeling
2. Telling the reader that the character sees something but doesn't know what it is bothers me. Ex: don't tell me he saw bright tubes of light and wondered not having ever seen electricity before. I know he hasn't seen it, I configure out what it is, but when you tell me what it is it ruins the feeling of discovery.
3. The writer changes voice SEVERAL times on one page. It's annoying to know what the other characters are thinking and keep track of who's voice is the principal.
4. i want to be more attached to the characters. i just don't feel close to any of them because there was no insight of any one character. lots of interesting storys for each, just no connection to the reader.
I am hoping that the next book is a little better written because i am interested in the story.
1. Don't refer to them as 'children' all the time. The story is told from the point of view of 15 yr. olds and they would never call themselves that...ruins the feeling
2. Telling the reader that the character sees something but doesn't know what it is bothers me. Ex: don't tell me he saw bright tubes of light and wondered not having ever seen electricity before. I know he hasn't seen it, I configure out what it is, but when you tell me what it is it ruins the feeling of discovery.
3. The writer changes voice SEVERAL times on one page. It's annoying to know what the other characters are thinking and keep track of who's voice is the principal.
4. i want to be more attached to the characters. i just don't feel close to any of them because there was no insight of any one character. lots of interesting storys for each, just no connection to the reader.
I am hoping that the next book is a little better written because i am interested in the story.
August 4, 2011
This book started off a little slow -- but in such a way to create the detailed setting that was so important to the plot. I really enjoyed the world Emma Newman created, and each of the gangs were incredibly detailed and realistic. The main three, Zane, Titus, and Erin were well-developed and easily identifiable characters.
Although some areas of the writing style wasn't pleasing, the story kept me interested throughout the entirety of this novel. It was fairly fast paced -- no need to worry about slow bits.
I truly enjoyed the ending, and love the hint about a sequel -- I can't wait to read more! It tells just enough about the characters and shows you the things they are able to achieve to make you want to read more. This would be a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic fiction.
NOTE: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I also received a hand-written note from Dystopia Press, as this was their first published book. I really appreciated the sentiment.
Although some areas of the writing style wasn't pleasing, the story kept me interested throughout the entirety of this novel. It was fairly fast paced -- no need to worry about slow bits.
I truly enjoyed the ending, and love the hint about a sequel -- I can't wait to read more! It tells just enough about the characters and shows you the things they are able to achieve to make you want to read more. This would be a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic fiction.
NOTE: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I also received a hand-written note from Dystopia Press, as this was their first published book. I really appreciated the sentiment.
May 28, 2011
I won an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Goodreads. Thank you, Dystopia Press!
One of the most important things about dystopian novels is the worldbuilding, and it is impressive in this book. Not just the description of the world itself, but what has happened to society in the 20 years after It happened. The first half of the book meanders at a good pace through this world from the point of view of three very different children, and it's not until about halfway through the novel it grabbed hold and I couldn't stop reading. As the characters meet increasingly more confusing and terrifying aspects of the world and are required to grow up far too fast, I couldn't help but feel rather protective of them, and I had to keep reading to make sure they were safe. The conclusion is a good combination of realistic happiness, and the author has left herself ample opportunity for sequels - although this could very easily be a stand alone novel. It was a quick and easy read that was very enjoyable.
One of the most important things about dystopian novels is the worldbuilding, and it is impressive in this book. Not just the description of the world itself, but what has happened to society in the 20 years after It happened. The first half of the book meanders at a good pace through this world from the point of view of three very different children, and it's not until about halfway through the novel it grabbed hold and I couldn't stop reading. As the characters meet increasingly more confusing and terrifying aspects of the world and are required to grow up far too fast, I couldn't help but feel rather protective of them, and I had to keep reading to make sure they were safe. The conclusion is a good combination of realistic happiness, and the author has left herself ample opportunity for sequels - although this could very easily be a stand alone novel. It was a quick and easy read that was very enjoyable.
January 1, 2012
This was a book of multiple feelings. I loved the idea and story a lot but i feel the execution could have been a little better. I love the world that she creates in this book and the characters as well.
The only thing that bothered me the most was the blocky dialogue that she used and how it seemed she would skip over some parts and didn't give enough details to help the reader understand the world completely. I also felt that Zane annoyed me way to much in some parts.
Another example of this would be like when they could be in the Garden or Hospital and next thing you know they could be somewhere else in the next paragraph. Maybe it was just me but I feel like if it was a longer book it could have been more well done.
With that all aside though, i really did enjoy this read. It wasn't the best book of this year for me but it was a book that I did really like. I'll be looking for a sequel definitely to see how the story develope's and see if more of the questions we have get answered.
The only thing that bothered me the most was the blocky dialogue that she used and how it seemed she would skip over some parts and didn't give enough details to help the reader understand the world completely. I also felt that Zane annoyed me way to much in some parts.
Another example of this would be like when they could be in the Garden or Hospital and next thing you know they could be somewhere else in the next paragraph. Maybe it was just me but I feel like if it was a longer book it could have been more well done.
With that all aside though, i really did enjoy this read. It wasn't the best book of this year for me but it was a book that I did really like. I'll be looking for a sequel definitely to see how the story develope's and see if more of the questions we have get answered.
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