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Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm
Kyra’s younger brother is stricken with an ailment that has no cure. The last thing she needs is to find a mysterious boy lurking in the hospital. But where did he go, and why does she feel this inexplicable connection to him?
Spirit Keeper Eric isn’t prepared for this. He was just there to do his job and bring a soul into the Afterlife. Little did he expect to run into a too-familiar face from his past in the land of the living…
In this great expanse where what’s lost is found, fate, memories, and love intertwine as Kyra and Eric embark on a daring rescue mission to save a little boy from Death’s clutches. Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is an epic Southeast Asian-inspired young adult fantasy graphic novel about one girl’s sacrifice as she fights to save what she loves.
Spirit Keeper Eric isn’t prepared for this. He was just there to do his job and bring a soul into the Afterlife. Little did he expect to run into a too-familiar face from his past in the land of the living…
In this great expanse where what’s lost is found, fate, memories, and love intertwine as Kyra and Eric embark on a daring rescue mission to save a little boy from Death’s clutches. Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is an epic Southeast Asian-inspired young adult fantasy graphic novel about one girl’s sacrifice as she fights to save what she loves.
204 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 14, 2024
*ARC provided by LibraryCon Live*
Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli! I love the cute art and storyline of this graphic novel & I look forward to buying the physical copy!
Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli! I love the cute art and storyline of this graphic novel & I look forward to buying the physical copy!
November 5, 2024
If you enjoyed Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, then you will probably also be swept away by the romance of this sepia-toned graphic novel, as a teenage girl fights Death itself to bring her little brother back to life.
If, however, you found TNC as wildly mid as I did, then you'll probably feel the same way about this book. But, y'know, TNC was a publishing phenomenon, so clearly I am in the minority here.
Much like its predecessor, Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is one of those books that's great in theory. There's a plucky young heroine on a quest, metaphysical questions on what happens after we die, and a love interest who's genuinely self-sacrificing without being a simp (archaic usage.) The book even opens on two young lovers whose romance is forbidden, sneaking away on a night train and trying to escape the actual circus they work in. Alas, things go poorly. The boy, Eric, subsequently makes a bargain with Death to forever be able to watch over his beloved Kyralee.
Fast forward a century and a teenaged girl named Kyra is in a hospital at her beloved brother's bedside. She's exhorting him to keep living. He doesn't. She spots a cloaked figure by the doorway and takes off in pursuit, much to the consternation of their parents. When she finally catches the cloaked figure, she discovers that he's a Soul Keeper named Eric, who was sent to guide her brother Major to the Afterlife. Kyra decides that she's going to get Eric to help her bring Major back to the realm of the living instead. As Kyra is the latest reincarnation of his lost Kyralee, Eric finds it difficult to say no, even when her actions grow increasingly rash and dangerous.
When Kyra's choices bring her up against Death itself, will Eric continue to support her as she strives to upset the balance of the cosmos? Is any happily-ever-after possible for these star-crossed lovers?
I think I would have been more into this book if Kyra weren't one of F Scott Fitzgerald's beautiful fools, ready to rush ahead to get what she wants without any concern for what anyone else thinks or feels. Kyra is the privileged hub around which the wheel of the plot revolves, one of those characters we're told to admire because they're the protagonist. Obviously, I found her insufferable. Eric would have been more intriguing if the girl he sacrificed his soul for was anything but a presumptuous ninny. None of the other characters have depth, and the surprise twist feels more self-serving than actually interesting. The ending does work as a lead-in to another book in the series, which might prove worth reading if it chooses to thoughtfully grapple with the results of what happened in this one.
I do hope that any sequel abandons the flatness of the sepia palette tho, or at the very least includes some contrast between the Real and Afterlife or whichever realms the book chooses to depict. Between the drawing style and the lack of color variation, everything felt very briefly sketched in, and I spent more time than I'd like trying to figure out what was happening, especially in the action sequences.
I really prefer to big up books from my native Southeast Asia, so I was pretty disappointed by this graphic novel. It has potential for a bigger, smarter series tho, which I hope they choose to do.
Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm by Gina Chew & Nadhir Nor was published October 15 2024 by Difference Engine and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
If, however, you found TNC as wildly mid as I did, then you'll probably feel the same way about this book. But, y'know, TNC was a publishing phenomenon, so clearly I am in the minority here.
Much like its predecessor, Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is one of those books that's great in theory. There's a plucky young heroine on a quest, metaphysical questions on what happens after we die, and a love interest who's genuinely self-sacrificing without being a simp (archaic usage.) The book even opens on two young lovers whose romance is forbidden, sneaking away on a night train and trying to escape the actual circus they work in. Alas, things go poorly. The boy, Eric, subsequently makes a bargain with Death to forever be able to watch over his beloved Kyralee.
Fast forward a century and a teenaged girl named Kyra is in a hospital at her beloved brother's bedside. She's exhorting him to keep living. He doesn't. She spots a cloaked figure by the doorway and takes off in pursuit, much to the consternation of their parents. When she finally catches the cloaked figure, she discovers that he's a Soul Keeper named Eric, who was sent to guide her brother Major to the Afterlife. Kyra decides that she's going to get Eric to help her bring Major back to the realm of the living instead. As Kyra is the latest reincarnation of his lost Kyralee, Eric finds it difficult to say no, even when her actions grow increasingly rash and dangerous.
When Kyra's choices bring her up against Death itself, will Eric continue to support her as she strives to upset the balance of the cosmos? Is any happily-ever-after possible for these star-crossed lovers?
I think I would have been more into this book if Kyra weren't one of F Scott Fitzgerald's beautiful fools, ready to rush ahead to get what she wants without any concern for what anyone else thinks or feels. Kyra is the privileged hub around which the wheel of the plot revolves, one of those characters we're told to admire because they're the protagonist. Obviously, I found her insufferable. Eric would have been more intriguing if the girl he sacrificed his soul for was anything but a presumptuous ninny. None of the other characters have depth, and the surprise twist feels more self-serving than actually interesting. The ending does work as a lead-in to another book in the series, which might prove worth reading if it chooses to thoughtfully grapple with the results of what happened in this one.
I do hope that any sequel abandons the flatness of the sepia palette tho, or at the very least includes some contrast between the Real and Afterlife or whichever realms the book chooses to depict. Between the drawing style and the lack of color variation, everything felt very briefly sketched in, and I spent more time than I'd like trying to figure out what was happening, especially in the action sequences.
I really prefer to big up books from my native Southeast Asia, so I was pretty disappointed by this graphic novel. It has potential for a bigger, smarter series tho, which I hope they choose to do.
Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm by Gina Chew & Nadhir Nor was published October 15 2024 by Difference Engine and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
December 8, 2024
when i started, i had high hopes, but it all fell apart. i know this might be an unpopular opinion, but i want to share my thoughts.
one of my biggest issues was major coming back to life. it went against the book’s main idea that death is a natural part of life. if death is something we all have to face, bringing major back just didn’t feel right. it made the ending seem forced and overly happy, rather than a conclusion that matched the serious tone of the story.
the issue with eric is that, i get that he loved erya in a past life, but she’s not the same person anymore. it didn’t make sense that eric would hold on to her, especially since their experiences were so different. he’s older and wiser, but instead of guiding erya, he let her make things worse. their romance didn’t work for me because he is much older than her mentally.
another issue was death’s role. as the character who represents death and the afterlife, death should’ve had more power in stopping erya from messing with the natural order, which felt like something the writers took out for a happier ending. instead, it felt like death was weak, which didn’t make sense. after all, death is death—he’s the force that keeps balance, meaning erya shouldn’t have had the power to stop him.
the ending was a huge letdown. if i could change it, i’d have preferred erya learning to grieve for her brother, accept that death is permanent, and grow from it. it would have made more sense for major to stay dead, and for erya to develop as a person with eric’s guidance. instead of a romance, their relationship could’ve been about understanding life and death. eric could’ve been a mentor, helping her see the bigger picture. after that, her memories of the afterlife would be erased, allowing the universe’s balance to be restored and letting her character grow.
at first, the story felt real, like there were stakes, depth, and meaning, but then it started to feel shallow and forced. labeling it as a "teen" book didn’t help, because i was expecting something more complex. the “happy ending” felt out of place, like it was added to make it more appealing to kids. the story had built up consequences, balance, and a serious tone, but it felt like the whole foundation was shaken. after everything that was set up, this is the ending? it’s not even about the characters or plot anymore—it’s about wasted potential. it’s frustrating that the book doesn’t respect its own themes. the balance of life and death, and the consequences of messing with it, which are deep and thought-provoking themes. when they’re tossed aside for a happy ending, it ruins the journey. i know my review might seem harsh, but i’m not hating on anyone. i respect the opinions of those who enjoyed the book (many people, it seems, since i’m the only one who rated it one star). thanks for reading my thoughts! feel free to share yours—I'll be happy to read them! :D
one of my biggest issues was major coming back to life. it went against the book’s main idea that death is a natural part of life. if death is something we all have to face, bringing major back just didn’t feel right. it made the ending seem forced and overly happy, rather than a conclusion that matched the serious tone of the story.
the issue with eric is that, i get that he loved erya in a past life, but she’s not the same person anymore. it didn’t make sense that eric would hold on to her, especially since their experiences were so different. he’s older and wiser, but instead of guiding erya, he let her make things worse. their romance didn’t work for me because he is much older than her mentally.
another issue was death’s role. as the character who represents death and the afterlife, death should’ve had more power in stopping erya from messing with the natural order, which felt like something the writers took out for a happier ending. instead, it felt like death was weak, which didn’t make sense. after all, death is death—he’s the force that keeps balance, meaning erya shouldn’t have had the power to stop him.
the ending was a huge letdown. if i could change it, i’d have preferred erya learning to grieve for her brother, accept that death is permanent, and grow from it. it would have made more sense for major to stay dead, and for erya to develop as a person with eric’s guidance. instead of a romance, their relationship could’ve been about understanding life and death. eric could’ve been a mentor, helping her see the bigger picture. after that, her memories of the afterlife would be erased, allowing the universe’s balance to be restored and letting her character grow.
at first, the story felt real, like there were stakes, depth, and meaning, but then it started to feel shallow and forced. labeling it as a "teen" book didn’t help, because i was expecting something more complex. the “happy ending” felt out of place, like it was added to make it more appealing to kids. the story had built up consequences, balance, and a serious tone, but it felt like the whole foundation was shaken. after everything that was set up, this is the ending? it’s not even about the characters or plot anymore—it’s about wasted potential. it’s frustrating that the book doesn’t respect its own themes. the balance of life and death, and the consequences of messing with it, which are deep and thought-provoking themes. when they’re tossed aside for a happy ending, it ruins the journey. i know my review might seem harsh, but i’m not hating on anyone. i respect the opinions of those who enjoyed the book (many people, it seems, since i’m the only one who rated it one star). thanks for reading my thoughts! feel free to share yours—I'll be happy to read them! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
Shadows of the Afterlife weave with a girl's determination, bravery, and heart to create a touching read with a lovely romance.
Kyra's brother is on the border of death, and there's nothing she can do about it. When she discovers a long lost friend, Eric, wandering the hospital halls, everything changes. Eric died and unlike the other dead, has maintained his memories. Especially the ones of Kyra. It's his job to escort souls into the Afterlife, and he is Kyra's key to bringing her brother back.
In many ways, this is a beautiful tale. Kyra's desire to save her brother is touching and already creates tons of emotional goodness, but meeting a boy she once adored, again, adds an extra layer. The relationship between Kyra and Eric flows very well and brings the sweetness and hope a touching romance needs. There's just enough bite and darkness thanks to their journey to the Afterlife and the obstacles they face to keep the tension high, too.
Then, there's the illustrations. These stick mostly to earthy tones. While seeming basic and simple, they hold intricate details where it counts and deliver an atmosphere fitting to the plot. These work well with the text to create a rich world.
With all of this goodness, it was a read to get lost in...almost. The two-hundred pages isn't enough. Richness would have been gained by showing more about Kyra's and Eric's past, or by diving into a little more depth surrounding reincarnation and the world. It was very engaging, and yet, left the desire to know more. But I'd still recommend it and can only hope that another book is on the way to develop those areas.
Kyra's brother is on the border of death, and there's nothing she can do about it. When she discovers a long lost friend, Eric, wandering the hospital halls, everything changes. Eric died and unlike the other dead, has maintained his memories. Especially the ones of Kyra. It's his job to escort souls into the Afterlife, and he is Kyra's key to bringing her brother back.
In many ways, this is a beautiful tale. Kyra's desire to save her brother is touching and already creates tons of emotional goodness, but meeting a boy she once adored, again, adds an extra layer. The relationship between Kyra and Eric flows very well and brings the sweetness and hope a touching romance needs. There's just enough bite and darkness thanks to their journey to the Afterlife and the obstacles they face to keep the tension high, too.
Then, there's the illustrations. These stick mostly to earthy tones. While seeming basic and simple, they hold intricate details where it counts and deliver an atmosphere fitting to the plot. These work well with the text to create a rich world.
With all of this goodness, it was a read to get lost in...almost. The two-hundred pages isn't enough. Richness would have been gained by showing more about Kyra's and Eric's past, or by diving into a little more depth surrounding reincarnation and the world. It was very engaging, and yet, left the desire to know more. But I'd still recommend it and can only hope that another book is on the way to develop those areas.
June 18, 2023
Everything you’ve ever lost, every belief you’ve ever had, every emotion you’ve ever felt washes up in the Afterlife. Here, souls that enter have no memories of their past life. With no idea what to do with their lost possessions, they lurk around looking to remember even an inkling of their past.
But Spirit Keeper Eric does. He remembers his past life, he remembers *her*. So, when Eric goes to the Real to collect a soul for Death, he encounters an all-too-familiar face—Kyra. Determined to save her younger brother from Death, Kyra convinces Eric to journey to the Afterlife and bring her brother back.
First off, the illustrations are simply BEAUTIFUL. Nadhir’s illustrations truly brought the story to life. I love the city gates, the market square, Death’s library… EVERYTHING.
However, I feel like the story could have been more. I think I would have loved to see how reincarnation worked since the characters went through multiple lifetimes. Like how and when are the souls in the Afterlife called to live out their next life? Do they also drink the soup of forgetting before crossing the bridge to reincarnate? See, I’m so invested in the world now that I have to know how all of it works!!
This was a pleasant read nonetheless and I look forward to more graphic novels from DE with this sort of art style!!
P.S. Leaf, you precious little thing, I see you. :”)
But Spirit Keeper Eric does. He remembers his past life, he remembers *her*. So, when Eric goes to the Real to collect a soul for Death, he encounters an all-too-familiar face—Kyra. Determined to save her younger brother from Death, Kyra convinces Eric to journey to the Afterlife and bring her brother back.
First off, the illustrations are simply BEAUTIFUL. Nadhir’s illustrations truly brought the story to life. I love the city gates, the market square, Death’s library… EVERYTHING.
However, I feel like the story could have been more. I think I would have loved to see how reincarnation worked since the characters went through multiple lifetimes. Like how and when are the souls in the Afterlife called to live out their next life? Do they also drink the soup of forgetting before crossing the bridge to reincarnate? See, I’m so invested in the world now that I have to know how all of it works!!
This was a pleasant read nonetheless and I look forward to more graphic novels from DE with this sort of art style!!
P.S. Leaf, you precious little thing, I see you. :”)
October 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of this graphic novel at the Frankfurt Book Fair last week. And not even 2 days afterwards I had finished it. Here are my thoughts:
I loved this story, and truly the only downside was that there wasn't more of it. I would have loved to see more of the memories of Kyra and Eric in their past life, and how they kept popping into each other. But truthfully, I am a sucker for romance and know not all stories need to have that as their main focus. Which is of course fully valid.
The art was sublime, and yet while it was so simplistic, it was complex all the same as it whimsically showed the afterlife and everything that came with it. The lore of the afterlife set up an amazing words where I wouldn’t mind seeing more stories from. More people facing death, and more people fighting for the things they love, let it be sibling, romantic, or yourself.
All in All, a great graphic novel that I wished would be double the size, just so I could get all the nice little details.
I loved this story, and truly the only downside was that there wasn't more of it. I would have loved to see more of the memories of Kyra and Eric in their past life, and how they kept popping into each other. But truthfully, I am a sucker for romance and know not all stories need to have that as their main focus. Which is of course fully valid.
The art was sublime, and yet while it was so simplistic, it was complex all the same as it whimsically showed the afterlife and everything that came with it. The lore of the afterlife set up an amazing words where I wouldn’t mind seeing more stories from. More people facing death, and more people fighting for the things they love, let it be sibling, romantic, or yourself.
All in All, a great graphic novel that I wished would be double the size, just so I could get all the nice little details.
August 14, 2023
Art: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Though to be honest I think there's more things to the plot and themes that the author meant for but I probably can't really get.
A very decent attempt for a first-timer-storyteller. It touches not just on afterlife but alot on memory (how important our memories are to us, how far we'd go to preserve them, and how forgetting seems to also mean identity loss), relationships, and living as humans in a spiritual realm where we are all one foot in Life and one foot in Death.
The art is beautiful! A really interesting style that is very fresh, beautiful, detailed, even whimsical. I'm no illustrator but I can tell how difficult it is drawing this in greyscale, but the many movements by the characters and wispy feel of the afterlife is perfectly depicted.
Story: 3.5/5
Though to be honest I think there's more things to the plot and themes that the author meant for but I probably can't really get.
A very decent attempt for a first-timer-storyteller. It touches not just on afterlife but alot on memory (how important our memories are to us, how far we'd go to preserve them, and how forgetting seems to also mean identity loss), relationships, and living as humans in a spiritual realm where we are all one foot in Life and one foot in Death.
The art is beautiful! A really interesting style that is very fresh, beautiful, detailed, even whimsical. I'm no illustrator but I can tell how difficult it is drawing this in greyscale, but the many movements by the characters and wispy feel of the afterlife is perfectly depicted.
October 3, 2024
I don't get it. I tried but I don't get it.
I didn't like the style and I don't know if there was something about the digital version via Edelweiss that made it harder to read (plus the watermark) but I found the tonal colors to be hard to see and didn't provide what was likely the purpose for creating a palette like that.
There's spiritual, afterlife philosophical exploration here, but I'd stick with my Ghost Book about traditions and beliefs because I was lost in this one.
I didn't like the style and I don't know if there was something about the digital version via Edelweiss that made it harder to read (plus the watermark) but I found the tonal colors to be hard to see and didn't provide what was likely the purpose for creating a palette like that.
There's spiritual, afterlife philosophical exploration here, but I'd stick with my Ghost Book about traditions and beliefs because I was lost in this one.
April 16, 2025
(3.4) The premise demonstrates the importance of memory, family, life and death all influenced by Asian culture. The sepia artwork inspires historical significance, and the passage of time through an unimaginable and expansive world.
Now the bad: there is a lot going on plot wise with little explanation (but continued with vague understanding). It may have improved by becoming two volumes for more elaborate world building.
Now the bad: there is a lot going on plot wise with little explanation (but continued with vague understanding). It may have improved by becoming two volumes for more elaborate world building.
February 19, 2024
so tender… memory may be the greatest form of love we can experience in this world
February 25, 2024
ahhh this was so fantastical and lovely, and with such dynamic, evocative art despite the barebones style
July 1, 2024
There's potential in the storyline.
December 25, 2024
Eric and Kyralee will live in my heart forever. This was such an incredible story, hopeful and heartwarming
January 1, 2025
Wierd plot and sepia tones did nothing to elevate it
May 29, 2025
An extra star solely for Nadhir’s art, which was gorgeous and evocative
June 22, 2025
I love this whimsical take of the Afterlife and Death. Wonderful illustration as well. I do believe grief can drive someone to the Afterlife, and those who have left us should remember this life.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews