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Sebastian and the Afterlife
Death is a debt we all must pay. ~Euripides
Sebastian, an average seventeen-year-old boy, has just paid this debt. He awakes in a surreal world somewhere between mortal life and the afterlife, where the Grim Reaper rules and his loyal agents maintain the law. But not all is peaceful in this mystical realm. Axis Red and his soul pirates threaten the future of all who dwell there.
Sebastian soon finds himself at Sapentia, a high school for the departed. There he makes new friends but longs for his lost love, Sarah, who is still alive in the mortal world. Some things are forbidden; some lines cannot be crossed. What will Sebastian risk to be close to Sarah again?
Sebastian, an average seventeen-year-old boy, has just paid this debt. He awakes in a surreal world somewhere between mortal life and the afterlife, where the Grim Reaper rules and his loyal agents maintain the law. But not all is peaceful in this mystical realm. Axis Red and his soul pirates threaten the future of all who dwell there.
Sebastian soon finds himself at Sapentia, a high school for the departed. There he makes new friends but longs for his lost love, Sarah, who is still alive in the mortal world. Some things are forbidden; some lines cannot be crossed. What will Sebastian risk to be close to Sarah again?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2011
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
William J. Barry
7 books16 followersClick the 'Follow' button to be notified of William's new releases!
Born in Newton, New Jersey, William j. Barry dreamed of adventure from his earliest days. Relocating first to Florida and then to Georgia, his nomadic upbringing fueled his passion for storytelling. As a youth, his imagination roamed freely, bringing to life adventurous tales that would later become a hallmark of his writing.
A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology, William's insights into the human psyche enrich his characters and plots. After college, he channeled his creativity into the literary world, creating a captivating YA dark-fantasy trilogy: Sebastian and the Afterlife (2011), Agents of the Reaper (2012), and Forever Awakening (2014). Venturing into the realm of YA science fiction, his 2022 release, Will’s Corvette, further showcased his versatility. The Arcade, released in 2023, continued his exploration of YA science fiction, mixed with a bit of retro nostalgia.
When he isn't conjuring new worlds on paper, William immerses himself in the world of music, both as a writer and a recording artist. A cinephile and retro video game enthusiast, his varied interests provide rich textures to his storytelling. Today, William calls Bogart, GA home, sharing his life with his wife and their two spirited Dachshunds.
Born in Newton, New Jersey, William j. Barry dreamed of adventure from his earliest days. Relocating first to Florida and then to Georgia, his nomadic upbringing fueled his passion for storytelling. As a youth, his imagination roamed freely, bringing to life adventurous tales that would later become a hallmark of his writing.
A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology, William's insights into the human psyche enrich his characters and plots. After college, he channeled his creativity into the literary world, creating a captivating YA dark-fantasy trilogy: Sebastian and the Afterlife (2011), Agents of the Reaper (2012), and Forever Awakening (2014). Venturing into the realm of YA science fiction, his 2022 release, Will’s Corvette, further showcased his versatility. The Arcade, released in 2023, continued his exploration of YA science fiction, mixed with a bit of retro nostalgia.
When he isn't conjuring new worlds on paper, William immerses himself in the world of music, both as a writer and a recording artist. A cinephile and retro video game enthusiast, his varied interests provide rich textures to his storytelling. Today, William calls Bogart, GA home, sharing his life with his wife and their two spirited Dachshunds.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 25, 2011
Debut author William J. Barry tackles an often discussed and written about topic, the afterlife, then employs his own unique and intriguing spin on it to create Sebastian and the Afterlife.
In Sebastian and the Afterlife, the Grim Reaper is a benevolent, yet strict, ruler who gives a lot of freedom to the departed, but little leniency to those who choose to break his few rules. He allows unsettled souls the opportunity to resolve lingering issues before heading to the afterlife by giving them the option to attend a school that will acclimate them to their ghostly selves and give them the tools needed to discover the issue holding them back from the afterlife and to rectify it.
Seventeen year old Sebastian finds himself at Sapentia, a high school for the recently departed. He is fairly certain that his soul's unresolved issue is his love for his girlfriend Sarah and that if he could only hold her one last time, his soul could be free to go to the afterlife. It's not that simple though. The only way for Sebastian to hold Sarah one last time is to take possession of a mortal's body, which goes against one of the few rules the Grim Reaper has for ghostly souls.
What transpires as Sebastian grapples against his heart and conscience is a quirky coming of age tale for him and his group of newly departed teenage friends: Onyx, the girl pining after Sebastian; Patricia, one who left the world with no one to love or miss her; Jack, the funny, full of life guy who died of cancer; and Caleb, Jack's fellow sport enthusiast who he introduces to the group.
Barry spices up a common story theme with a bit of paranormal espionage. The Grim Reaper employs agents to keep peace in the afterlife and to protect students from Pirates, ghostly souls turned evil by their thirst for power. A few agents decide to work with the Pirates to overthrow the Grim Reaper, steal his power, and rule the realm. Sebastian and his group of adventuresome friends find their way into the mess of double agents and espionage and with their limited power and practice with their ghostly abilities, it doesn't look promising that they will survive to settle their souls and move on to the other side.
Sebastian and the Afterlife was a fun story to read. The narrative moved quickly and with every page a new and exciting development unfolded. Within a day, I had started and finished this book. Yet, as fun and exciting as it may have been, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off by the simple writing style. At times, I felt as though I were reading a middle schooler's attempt at writing a book because the sentences were very short and at times almost every sentence in a paragraph would start off the same way. For me, this derailed any narrative flow and momentum the author had built up and jarred me from the story.
I rarely give up on a book once I start it, but there were a couple of times that I wanted to stop reading Sebastian and the Afterlife and move on to a new book. I'm glad I stuck with it though because I ended up enjoying it, despite my hang ups with the delivery.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo...
In Sebastian and the Afterlife, the Grim Reaper is a benevolent, yet strict, ruler who gives a lot of freedom to the departed, but little leniency to those who choose to break his few rules. He allows unsettled souls the opportunity to resolve lingering issues before heading to the afterlife by giving them the option to attend a school that will acclimate them to their ghostly selves and give them the tools needed to discover the issue holding them back from the afterlife and to rectify it.
Seventeen year old Sebastian finds himself at Sapentia, a high school for the recently departed. He is fairly certain that his soul's unresolved issue is his love for his girlfriend Sarah and that if he could only hold her one last time, his soul could be free to go to the afterlife. It's not that simple though. The only way for Sebastian to hold Sarah one last time is to take possession of a mortal's body, which goes against one of the few rules the Grim Reaper has for ghostly souls.
What transpires as Sebastian grapples against his heart and conscience is a quirky coming of age tale for him and his group of newly departed teenage friends: Onyx, the girl pining after Sebastian; Patricia, one who left the world with no one to love or miss her; Jack, the funny, full of life guy who died of cancer; and Caleb, Jack's fellow sport enthusiast who he introduces to the group.
Barry spices up a common story theme with a bit of paranormal espionage. The Grim Reaper employs agents to keep peace in the afterlife and to protect students from Pirates, ghostly souls turned evil by their thirst for power. A few agents decide to work with the Pirates to overthrow the Grim Reaper, steal his power, and rule the realm. Sebastian and his group of adventuresome friends find their way into the mess of double agents and espionage and with their limited power and practice with their ghostly abilities, it doesn't look promising that they will survive to settle their souls and move on to the other side.
Sebastian and the Afterlife was a fun story to read. The narrative moved quickly and with every page a new and exciting development unfolded. Within a day, I had started and finished this book. Yet, as fun and exciting as it may have been, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off by the simple writing style. At times, I felt as though I were reading a middle schooler's attempt at writing a book because the sentences were very short and at times almost every sentence in a paragraph would start off the same way. For me, this derailed any narrative flow and momentum the author had built up and jarred me from the story.
I rarely give up on a book once I start it, but there were a couple of times that I wanted to stop reading Sebastian and the Afterlife and move on to a new book. I'm glad I stuck with it though because I ended up enjoying it, despite my hang ups with the delivery.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo...
March 13, 2011
3 1/2 stars. This review was originally published on my blog: The Reading Fever
Sebastian and the Afterlife has a very interesting concept. It deals with those who pass away, who still have unfinished business in the mortal world. When they pass on, their spirit leads them to places of learning in a realm between the mortal world and the afterlife that is controlled by the Grim Reaper, where they learn the skills necessary to fulfill their unfinished business in the mortal world and move on the the afterlife. But, as the descriptions says, there are those in the realm who are trying to take it over, and are making it a dangerous place to be.
The realm itself is an interesting place, and I like the imagination that went into it; the powers, the places, the way everything works, and how the spirits function (not to mention the Agents; I may have to book-ish crush on one of them). It's perfect for those who like reading supernatural stories.
As far as the characters, I did have a hard time keeping track of names, especially since everyone who was introduced was given a name, description, and sometimes even a back story, whether they were a key character, or someone who was only mentioned once or twice. Aside from that, I liked the main character, Sebastian. We are shown what a toll his death has been on those who knew him, and his quest to find peace with leaving his girlfriend Sarah behind, is sweet, and just a little heartbreaking. I also really liked Onyx, who is a smart, strong-willed girl, and brought a lot into the story.
Overall, Sebastian and the Afterlife was an entertaining book. It shows a different view of what happens when we die, and given the danger the characters face, it was fun to guess what would come next. Reading about a realm where the Grim Reaper is not only in charge, but is good, went against everything I've ever thought of the guy. But I liked it. :)
Sebastian and the Afterlife has a very interesting concept. It deals with those who pass away, who still have unfinished business in the mortal world. When they pass on, their spirit leads them to places of learning in a realm between the mortal world and the afterlife that is controlled by the Grim Reaper, where they learn the skills necessary to fulfill their unfinished business in the mortal world and move on the the afterlife. But, as the descriptions says, there are those in the realm who are trying to take it over, and are making it a dangerous place to be.
The realm itself is an interesting place, and I like the imagination that went into it; the powers, the places, the way everything works, and how the spirits function (not to mention the Agents; I may have to book-ish crush on one of them). It's perfect for those who like reading supernatural stories.
As far as the characters, I did have a hard time keeping track of names, especially since everyone who was introduced was given a name, description, and sometimes even a back story, whether they were a key character, or someone who was only mentioned once or twice. Aside from that, I liked the main character, Sebastian. We are shown what a toll his death has been on those who knew him, and his quest to find peace with leaving his girlfriend Sarah behind, is sweet, and just a little heartbreaking. I also really liked Onyx, who is a smart, strong-willed girl, and brought a lot into the story.
Overall, Sebastian and the Afterlife was an entertaining book. It shows a different view of what happens when we die, and given the danger the characters face, it was fun to guess what would come next. Reading about a realm where the Grim Reaper is not only in charge, but is good, went against everything I've ever thought of the guy. But I liked it. :)
December 27, 2011
Just about everyone knows the theory that ghosts are the spirits of people who have passed away, but can’t move on due to unfinished business. A matter that is so important, their soul lies in unrest until it’s resolved; and once it is they can move on fulfilled and at peace.
What happens when that ghost can’t find their unfinished purpose? They are left to wonder aimlessly, stumbling to reach a mysterious goal. In the world of Sebastian and the Afterlife, the spirit realm exists with the sole aim of pointing restless spirits in the right direction. It is a domain tethered both to the mortal realm and the afterlife, resting in the middle as a bridge between them and preparing spirits to move on and unite with their soul.
Alas, for every pure ambition there must be a tainted one.
Sebastian and his new friends quickly settle into their spiritual life at Sapienta - an institution in the spirit realm similar to a high school in the mortal realm, where teenage spirits are grouped and educated together. As they attend their classes, practice lessons and venture into the mortal realm to solve their unfinished business, they are unaware of the magnitude of danger that the spirit realm is in. Sure, they have been taught about the evil deeds of the Soul Pirates and their leader Axis Red who harvest soul energy that “has become like a currency in the black market circuits”, but it’s not until they stumble upon a mysterious document and search for answers that they reach full enlightenment.
As an ensemble cast of characters, each player has a valuable role to the story. However, Sebastian discovers that his time in the spirit realm has a higher design than he originally thought. As more than a pawn between good and evil or power and weakness, he ascends his own ideas and needs to reset the balance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2014
Sebastian and the Afterlife deals with a very intriguing concept. It's story plot revolves around people that have passed away from our world, but enter another, only souls that have unfinished business in our world can enter.
This world is controlled by the Grim Reaper himself and his Agents. The main danger in this story is the Soul Pirates. Pirates that are around and try to steal your soul! (insert evil laugh)
For me the idea of a place you go after you die, like the one in this book, is very intriguing way of thinking of it. In this place you can still see your family and friends and you can still travel to their world.
Sebastian and the Afterlife is a great supernatural middle grade book that will help kids/teens cope with the idea of death and losing someone.
I also really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this story, even though all their names were a bit over whelming at times. As for Sebastian and his small group of friends, I fell for them all and was rooting for each of them to find their peace with what had happened to them. I especially was rooting for the main character Sebastian to find peace in leaving his family and girlfriend behind. I also really enjoyed how strong these characters are and the bonds they build in the group.
I enjoyed reading this story, one where the Grim Reaper is a good guy and there is a such thing as Soul Pirates who are out to steal your soul. I really never pictured the Grim reaper as a good guy, have you? So this book is really different way of seeing the Grim Reaper. I always pictured him a very creepy bad guy! Overall Sebastian and the Afterlife is a great story.
This world is controlled by the Grim Reaper himself and his Agents. The main danger in this story is the Soul Pirates. Pirates that are around and try to steal your soul! (insert evil laugh)
For me the idea of a place you go after you die, like the one in this book, is very intriguing way of thinking of it. In this place you can still see your family and friends and you can still travel to their world.
Sebastian and the Afterlife is a great supernatural middle grade book that will help kids/teens cope with the idea of death and losing someone.
I also really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this story, even though all their names were a bit over whelming at times. As for Sebastian and his small group of friends, I fell for them all and was rooting for each of them to find their peace with what had happened to them. I especially was rooting for the main character Sebastian to find peace in leaving his family and girlfriend behind. I also really enjoyed how strong these characters are and the bonds they build in the group.
I enjoyed reading this story, one where the Grim Reaper is a good guy and there is a such thing as Soul Pirates who are out to steal your soul. I really never pictured the Grim reaper as a good guy, have you? So this book is really different way of seeing the Grim Reaper. I always pictured him a very creepy bad guy! Overall Sebastian and the Afterlife is a great story.
December 19, 2013
"I can't be dead...that's ridiculous."
Sebastian finds himself standing in front of an imposing archway surrounded by forest in the afterlife...well, sort of.
Seventeen year old Sebastian's soul has decided that he still has a purpose to fulfill and leads him to away from the archway to the afterlife and into Sapentia school, a high school for other souls still trying to finish their business. While at the school Sebastian and his new found spirit friends, Jack, Onyx and Patricia are guided by spirit teachers who help them find their purpose by using special compasses that will guide them back and forth between the mortal realm and spirit realm. The teachers and Special Agents of the Grim Reaper also keep keep the students away from the outer edges of the spirit realm where 'pirates' roam, trying to steal spirit student's energy.
Sebastian must navigate his new spirit world, try to finish his business in the mortal world and deal with the encroaching threat of a new pirate scheme.
This series is aimed at the YA crowd and is written from a high schooler's point of view which gives us a fresh perspective on death and the afterlife. Sebastian's character is interesting and very true to a seventeen year old male. The adventure aspect of the story adds fun and intrigue. Sebastian is quite the unlikely hero, but those are the best.
The Sebastian and the Afterlife series will be on blog tour at stephaniesbookreviews.weebly.com from Jan. 13-31. Check it out!
Sebastian and the Afterlife was provided as an Advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian finds himself standing in front of an imposing archway surrounded by forest in the afterlife...well, sort of.
Seventeen year old Sebastian's soul has decided that he still has a purpose to fulfill and leads him to away from the archway to the afterlife and into Sapentia school, a high school for other souls still trying to finish their business. While at the school Sebastian and his new found spirit friends, Jack, Onyx and Patricia are guided by spirit teachers who help them find their purpose by using special compasses that will guide them back and forth between the mortal realm and spirit realm. The teachers and Special Agents of the Grim Reaper also keep keep the students away from the outer edges of the spirit realm where 'pirates' roam, trying to steal spirit student's energy.
Sebastian must navigate his new spirit world, try to finish his business in the mortal world and deal with the encroaching threat of a new pirate scheme.
This series is aimed at the YA crowd and is written from a high schooler's point of view which gives us a fresh perspective on death and the afterlife. Sebastian's character is interesting and very true to a seventeen year old male. The adventure aspect of the story adds fun and intrigue. Sebastian is quite the unlikely hero, but those are the best.
The Sebastian and the Afterlife series will be on blog tour at stephaniesbookreviews.weebly.com from Jan. 13-31. Check it out!
Sebastian and the Afterlife was provided as an Advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2011
When 17-year-old Sebastian dies, he finds himself in a place between life and the afterlife. it is a place for people who have unfinished business. Here, Sebastian makes friends and attends school to learn what their unfinished business is. In this story, the Grim Reaper is a good guy whose job it is to guide and protect the newly dead mostly from soul pirates.
Despite being many many years past the age of the target audience, I really enjoyed this book. It is a well-written, sweet and fun story with some very likable characters. I especially liked how it portrayed the effect of death on those left behind, their grief but also their need to move on. This one definitely gets a big recommendation from me!
Despite being many many years past the age of the target audience, I really enjoyed this book. It is a well-written, sweet and fun story with some very likable characters. I especially liked how it portrayed the effect of death on those left behind, their grief but also their need to move on. This one definitely gets a big recommendation from me!
March 16, 2012
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, I found it hard to work out what age group it was aimed at (writing style seemed to be very young, but main character was 17 and book was quite long for a young child.). There was lots of unnessecary information in there, we didn't need to know all about Tyler's ex-girlfriend's boyfriend, same with alot of the other characters. There was too much telling, not enough showing, sentences like "Sebastian was sad."
I also didn't really understand the point of the prologue, it featured a character we don't see for the rest of the book?
Viewpoint was constantly changing without any warning, and way too many characters and subplots that weren't needed.
This could have been a good story, if about 2/3 was cut out.
I also didn't really understand the point of the prologue, it featured a character we don't see for the rest of the book?
Viewpoint was constantly changing without any warning, and way too many characters and subplots that weren't needed.
This could have been a good story, if about 2/3 was cut out.
September 26, 2011
full book review and author interview on talksupe.blogspot.com
This is a perfect book to give or read with/to someone between the ages 6-12 who are either into ghost stories or just recently lost someone close to them. It's a good story to ease a worried young heart who wonders what becomes of the soul of someone who passed away.
This is a perfect book to give or read with/to someone between the ages 6-12 who are either into ghost stories or just recently lost someone close to them. It's a good story to ease a worried young heart who wonders what becomes of the soul of someone who passed away.
November 21, 2011
A PYN Review of Sebastian and The Afterlife
SJ Byrne, PYN Reviewer
Sebastian and the Afterlife is an entertaining look at what 'life' might be like for a young spirit who leaves the living world behind before they're ready...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
SJ Byrne, PYN Reviewer
Sebastian and the Afterlife is an entertaining look at what 'life' might be like for a young spirit who leaves the living world behind before they're ready...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
July 27, 2011
Fantastic read from beginning to end! The protagonist, Sebastian, is more than capable of carrying the plot line without being a "predictable" character. How refreshing to be kept guessing throughout this supernatural tale. More later......
January 20, 2012
A Harry Potter-esque ghost story. See my full review at Girl Who Reads
June 18, 2011
Great read for all ages. enjoyed the characters and the layers of plot. looking forward to the next in the series!
June 1, 2014
Creative and authentic! Can't wait to read more!
August 31, 2011
Imaginative and original! Can't wait to see what comes next from William Barry!
June 26, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book, and the characters of the Afterword. It was such a unique look at what could happen. I look forward to reading the second book soon.
February 20, 2013
Very interesting concept! Enjoyed the first book, reading book 2. Really liking direction of book 2, halfway through it!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews