Afterthoughts: A YA science fiction mystery

by Justine Alexi

Kanara never meant to kill her mother. A lifetime in prison awaits her. But the judge gives her a break and sentences her to ten years at Zylen Mental Hospital.

At first glance, the hospital isn’t bad. The food is edible, the other patients don’t know about her crime, and Eliot, the intern assigned to her case, is gentle and kind, not to mention gorgeous.

But the hospital has a few secrets of its own.

Like the cryptic message on the wall in Kanara’s room, written in a cipher only she and her sister know.

And the new voice in her head that seems to be able to predict the future.

And the doctors whispering in secret that their experiment is failing, the patients are dying, and they’re all running out of time.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

Reviews

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic mystery with some YA components.

Kanara has been admitted to a psych center when we first meet her. Why? Because we discover she recently murdered her own mother. Immediately Kanara has a feeling this place is not what it seems... and as she meets other "patients" she discovers she isnt the only one.

WOW, I was sucked in immediately! This was an advanced reader copy won from LibraryThing, and loved every minute of it. I highly recommend!

[Kelsey McQuillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to the ARC world but this is the best one I’ve read so far. Fast paced and an interesting concept kept my attention and I had a hard time putting it down. Great way to start off 2025, I’m looking forward to the sequel

[Katelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖

Book Title: Afterthoughts
Author: Justine Alexi
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨ Review Summary ✨

🔹 Afterthoughts has ABSOLUTELY gone into my top read books lately, as someone who loves all things mystery and thrills I was anxious to see what had happened with Eliot, Kanara and the rest of the gang. I quickly fell in love with the story, and the Epilogue had me losing my marbles. Justine did an amazing job with drip feeding just enough to make you want to keep reading, to find out what in the world was going on at Zylen Mental Hospital; and just when you think you know? Plot twist, something was very wrong.

🔹I had read the Prequel, Foresight, (which I absolutely recommend!) before starting Afterthoughts and it kinda gave a good bit of background to what was going on, but I think it could be read both before or after and give a lot of context and tugs at the heart strings.

🔹 I would absolutely recommend reading this for anyone who likes Science Fiction and Mystery or Thrillers.

🔹 5/5 ⭐ Easiest 5-star review I've ever had. The entire book was a series of 'oh my god's as every turn of the page had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I quite literally could not put it down! I'm very patiently waiting the next book in the series, because I'm sobbing not knowing what happens to our girl Kanara.

🔹 Spoiler for the end of the book, wait until you've read the Epilogue to read this! Also, I really need to see a world where Eliot and Kanara make it out and end up together; after the kiss at the end of the story and how she seemed to trust him, I am BEGGING for this.

💖 Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of Afterthoughts in exchange for an honest and voluntary review of Afterthoughts via an Advanced Reader Copy of the book. 💖

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little confused with what was going on at first. The reader is given things in pieces, but when it's finally put together, or at least, together enough--wowzers! There were some fairly good twists I definitely hadn't expected, and enough mystery and intrigue to keep me interested and wanting to know more. I'm certainly curious to see how everything is going to play out in Afterimages with how the surprise ending ended, especially since the fmc has so few allies, and plenty of enemies lurking in plain sight as well as  the background. I'm so very curious to find out how Kanara, the fmc, is going to regain the couple of friends she lost at the end, and if a few of her enemies might just be turned into allies? Overall, I liked the book. It was a fast paced read that checked all the right boxes for suspense, thrills, and twists, with a mostly likeable cast of characters that were shrouded in mystery as well. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.

[Aubrey Nett · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Kanara who is being transferred to a mental hospital for a 10 year sentence instead of going to prison. Right away you know something isn't right with the hospital, it almost seems too good to be true.

I really enjoyed this book! The author has a great writing style and it captured my attention right away. You could tell she put a lot of thought into the story, she was detailed and I felt like I could picture where Kanara and the other patients were. There are some YA components to this story but the author did such a good job avoiding making it cringy. I wasn't sure how the story was going to come together but was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the twist at the end. I usually don't enjoy cliffhangers but Justine does a great job and I'm excited for the second book "afterimage".

I received this as an ARC for an honest review of this author's work.

⭐ 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)

[TBRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afterthought by Justine Alexi

Kanara is admitted to a mental health hospital as a court order after she killed her mom. But after finding a secret message from her sister, Kanara begins to suspect that the hospital is not all that it seems to be. Teaming up with other patients they begin trying to figure out what is going on. As they begin to figure out what’s happening they realize that there is even more things going on than they thought.

I thought this book was amazing! The writing, the details, everything was incredible. The suspense was amazing and the characters were awesome! Everything about this book was awesome. I can’t wait to read the next book! The ending was a cliffhanger, but cliffhangers make reading the next book so much better.

I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Alex B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so interesting! I think it is a unique concept that I haven't really seen much before. It has so many twists and I couldn't guess what exactly was going on. So many times, I was trying to figure out what the heck was happening. I loved the main character and the bonds she formed with the other characters. Even though the main focus was on the story not character relationships, I would say, it was written in a way that made you feel for each of them. The events that unfolded with them still affected me a lot. I think that's a true testament to how well it's written. It truly was such an interesting and captivating read. And the ending! How could it leave off like that, can't wait to read the next one! There's so much more to understand and discover. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes dystopian, ya, fiction!

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Afterthoughts” is the first of the series of the same name. The story introduces Kanara jensen, a young woman convicted of killing her mother and sentenced to ten years at Zylen Mental Hospital.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s a thriller, but wrapped within a bit of a mystery. Trying to figure out what exactly is going on within the walls of Zylen and piecing together what happened with Kanara’s mother kept me flipping the pages in this fast-paced novel. Kanara’s an intriguing protagonist. She’s intelligent, remorseful, and caring. Her pod 3 mates are just as distinctive and memorable - especially Isabella, Myles, and April. The emotion within those who lose within the book jumps off the pages. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Tina Transformation · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster through a haunting dystopian world mixed with psychological depth and edge-of-your-seat suspense. 🧠🔒

The writing? Sharp and immersive. The characters? Flawed, raw, and so real. The themes? Guilt, redemption, and the search for identity—it hits deep. 💔🪞

It’s one of those stories that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. If you love books that make you think and feel while keeping you hooked with every chapter… this one’s for you. 🖤

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
📖 Recommended for: Fans of dystopian thrillers, psychological deep-dives, and character-driven stories.

Trust me, you’ll want to add Afterthoughts to your TBR pile ASAP. 🖤📖

[Hannah Liming · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Received ARC from author)

Oh my gosh. This booked started the year off STRONG. I could’ve binged this in one sitting if I hadn’t had to go to work. The pacing was perfect. It kept my interest the whole time; giving me time to create my own theories of what is happening while not wasting time. I had read the prequel Foresight, so I had a bit of knowledge going into one of the major plot reveals, but it was done well that I enjoyed it even with knowing beforehand.

I think Kanara is a really interesting character and I am glad she didn’t fall into the typical sassy/witty main character that feels like the author is trying to be clever. Super excited to see how she faces new challenges in the next book.

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who enjoy young adult/sci-fi/mystery, this may be an excellent book to add to the TBR. The story is really unique and it left me wondering what would happen next after every chapter. I thought it was paced really well, and the writing was excellent. Some of the dialogue between characters was perhaps a bit stale, but for me that’s less a critique of this book specifically than of most young adult books (it’s not exactly my #1 genre). That being said, though, I really did like this one. It kept me entertained throughout and I am interested in seeing what happens in the sequel that will be released later in 2025!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read! I couldn't put this one down. I read this in a day. This is fast-paced, and the author knows how to keep your attention. Well written. It is very detailed. Easy to follow.

TW: Self-harm. Death. Murder

This is like a mystery thriller.. filled with secrets. Twists and turns. Surprises. Coded riddles. Time bend. Slow burn romance but closed door. Ya. Banter.
This is worth reading, I promise you! Things get revealed at the end, leaving you wanting more. I can't wait for book 2 Afterimage release unknown, but I can't wait. I don't want to ruin the surprises, so this is the end of my review.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the prequel, I was so so excited for Afterthoughts and it did not disappoint. I felt like I was on a mysterious adventure with Kanara and her pod. We didn't understand what was going on, why and how things were happening, who to trust, it was a journey. The story was captivating. I couldn't put it down. The only thing that got me a little was the ending, when things did get explained. Maybe I was just tired, but I just wasn't understanding what the explanation for every thing was and how we got where we were but the story was great none the less. I can't wait for the next book. This book left off on a little bit of a cliffhanger and left me excited for more.

[Kayla Nowakowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! I loved trying to follow the clues and solve the mystery of what was happening at this institution because when a future predicting voice shows up, you know something big is going on! This was a great story with Sci-Fi aspects along with mystery solving, teamwork, and new friendships. I would recommend reading the prequel (Foresight) AFTER this one though because I do feel like it gave away a bit of the big shock factor when everything starts to come full circle at the end. I need to know what happens next and cannot wait for the next book!

[Lilian Deforest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid YA thriller. It was engaging and seemed to have a fairly unique premise, though this isn’t the genre I’m most familiar with. There’s a relatively small cast of characters and they are well defined, though some points of some relationships felt rushed. The pacing was good, I felt the plot moved fairly consistently from discovery to discovery, with just a bit of rushing at the end. If anything, I think the plot could have used just a bit more length to build up to some of the reveals at the end. Overall a great story, I’m glad I received an ARC to review!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a Librarything giveaway. This book's synopsis explains a lot.

The patients of this hospital appear to be typical as with the staff. But, that code under the bed and eavesdrop conversation turns everything onto its head.
The more the pod investigate, the more questions arise and they are wondering if everything they do or say is a set up or a success. And more importantly why?
As an adult, this young adult reads well for anyone. And, darn it, there's a cliffhanger for book 2. I do have some suspicisions I want to satisfy.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on pre-order because the blurb and cover intrigued me and I dove into it the day it was released. I loved the world, the characters, seeing them put the pieces together and all the danger and intrigue, the twists and turns the plot went through, and overall just how real and engaging it was. Alexi has crafted a world and characters that you want to know more about, that you root for, that you want to win the day and come together at the end. All of it was brilliantly crafted and well written and I will be reading the next in the series. Very much recommended!

[Tayah Widdicombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… just wow. I was hooked from the very beginning and found I couldn’t put the book down. I loved Kanara and Eliot and adored most of the characters. The writing was well done and flowed beautifully. All the little plot twists leading up to the big reveal were so well written, I was impressed. Some moments left me shocked and had me racing to finish. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger but I enjoyed it.

One of my favourite books I’ve read!!

[lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by this author. It was definitely an intriguing and suspenseful story. Kanara accidentally killed her mother and was sentenced to tens years in prison but the judge sent her to Zylen mental hospital instead. She and others in the same pod start to see things that just aren't adding up so they ban together to seek out the truth. Even if the truth can get them killed. This was a very interesting story and look forward to reading the next book.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afterthoughts by Justine Alexi

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 0

Media Type: Kindle

This story was super unique and kept me interested for most of the story. I loved the premise and how you figure things out alongside the main character. I never knew what was coming next, which made it really exciting. The last 25% got a little confusing for me, but it wrapped up in a pretty cool way. Not totally my thing, but overall, it was a decent read.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's unique but feels familiar. The characters are what grabbed me and pulled me headfirst into the story. The plot is twisted and suspenseful but then you get to the end of the book and the ground drops out from under you with a rather disturbing discovery. So good. I'm going to read this many times in the years to come.

No bad language or inappropriate content. Completely safe read for any age.

[BAMF_Book_Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afterthoughts by Justine Alexi hooked me from the prequel and completely blew my mind. I found Afterthoughts to be an incredible suspenseful thriller that felt like a real-life escape room that made you question how far you would be willing to go to save a life and reverse a wrong. I absolutely love the plot and the characters; Isabelle and Eliot were my two favorite characters.

[Kate Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…so full of twists and turns leaving you in the edge of your seat. Starting off I felt like I was following Kanara’s journey as she navigates her mental hospital sentence but never expected the path the story took. It is amazing! I cannot wait for the next book to come out and continue following the story of Kanara, Eliot, Myles and April.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my genre jam. I loved everything about it. It’s a YA sci-fi mystery thriller and so very well done. I could see how it might not be some people’s cup of tea but it is 100% mine. It does end on a cliffhanger but that isn’t unusual for series. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I loved it.

[Caris Riemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good. I loved the plotline and the characters were really well thought-out. A few problems with some of the words being different sizes, but otherwise a really captivating read!

PS: I received a free eBook copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, VRO!

[Smutty Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was an emotionally compelling book. Well, a YA, which I hadn't read in a while, so I had to get used to that. The plot was very well put together, the book remained interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to the next parts!

[Jewel Roper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book, it kept me engaged and made me wanting more. I always loved reading books that dealt with Hospitals and loved the plot line with Kanara. It’s the first Young Adult book I have read in a while and it was amazing it had everything with mystery, puzzles, messing with Time.

[asia michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the concept of it and how fast-paced it was. Definitely a great book to the start of this new year. I’m a sucker for asylum/mental hospital plot books, I don’t read many of them that catch my interest the way this one has. It was a book I’d recommend to my friends.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Afterthoughts is a YA sci-fi mystery and very interesting! The book is a fast-paced page-turner that I couldn't put down. The plot is very well thought out. This book does end as a cliffhanger!! Looking forward to the next!!

[BookZebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can’t believe how much I loved this book! It was original and interesting, and the twists were absolutely shocking but totally believable! I couldn’t believe how it ended and I can’t wait to read the next book.