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Afterlife #1

Beyond Death

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Our planet is full of people getting on with their lives like little ants, heads down and totally oblivious to the world around them. Perhaps it’s just as well. If they did look up they’d see someone bigger deciding whether or not to squash them...
Claire Sylvester’s perfect day comes to an abrupt end. Finding herself suspended between Heaven and Hell she has to come to terms with the secret lives of her family and decide how to save those that deserve saving. While others make decisions about where she'll spend eternity Claire, with the helping hands of an unlikely partner and heavenly guidance, faces betrayal, violence and evil.

‘Beyond Death’, a paranormal tale of life, death, deceit and danger.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2014

246 people are currently reading
1333 people want to read

About the author

Deb McEwan

42 books59 followers
Following a career of over thirty years in the British Army, Deb and her husband moved to Cyprus to become weather refugees.

Deb loves spending time with her husband Allan and rescue dog Sandy. She also loves writing, keeping fit, and socialising, and does her best to avoid housework.

She’s written children's books about Jason the penguin and Barry the reindeer and young adult/adult books about dogs, the afterlife, soldiers, and netball players.

The first book in the Unlikely Soldiers series is set in nineteen-seventies Britain. The second covers the early eighties and includes the Falklands War, service in Northern Ireland and (the former) West Germany. 'Friends and Revenge' is the third in the series, and takes a sinister turn of events.

'Court Out (A Netball Girls' Drama)' is Deb's latest standalone novel. Using netball as an escape from her miserable home life, Marsha Lawson is desperate to keep the past buried and to forge a brighter future. But she’s not the only one with secrets. When two players want revenge, a tsunami of emotions is released at a tournament, leaving destruction in its wake. As the wave starts spreading throughout the team, can Marsha and the others escape its deadly grasp, or will their emotional baggage pull them under,
with devastating consequences for their families and team-mates?

The Afterlife series was inspired by ants. Deb was in the garden contemplating whether to squash an irritating ant or to let it live. She wondered whether anyone up there decides the same about us and thus the series was born.

‘The Island Dog Squad’ is a series of novellas inspired by the rescue dog Deb and Allan adopted this March. The real Sandy is a sensitive soul, not quite like her fictional namesake, and the other characters are based on Sandy’s real-life mates.

For more information visit www.debmcewansbooksandblogs.com.

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5 stars
153 (41%)
4 stars
101 (27%)
3 stars
75 (20%)
2 stars
30 (8%)
1 star
14 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Bethan.
11 reviews20 followers
October 31, 2014
Free on Amazon (thankfully).

When I read the blurb I thought it sounded like a good idea for a book. Unfortunately, the blurb is probably the only well written thing about it, which was sad because the moral dilemmas faced by these characters could have made for a very interesting read.

It was very hard to pick out the main 'storyline' as there was so many different mini-plots going on. I did, however, like how all the characters interlinked throughout. It probably could have done with a stronger structure rather than reading like it was written on the fly with no planning done.

There were a number of mistakes in it, such as using the wrong pronoun and it really irritated me, especially as there was a thank you to the editor in the back. The sentence structure was also very clumsy and at times it was hard to follow the intended meaning.

1 star, but only because the idea behind the story had potential. It reads like a first draft.
Profile Image for Wesley Thomas.
Author 18 books52 followers
November 16, 2015

This book is, quite honestly, sensational. It acts as not only great entertainment, but answers a burning question we all have inside. A question that has never been scientifically answered to great satisfaction. It is not only a page-turner, but has you thinking. Long after you have read this book, or the moments in between reading it, you will be wondering about the themes and issues within this incredible novel. That being said, let’s move onto what makes the book so remarkable and stand out from anything currently available today.
Ever wondered what is between heaven and hell? You haven’t been perfect, but you haven’t been horrible either, where will you go? I think we all have at some point. Well in Deb’s terrific novel, we are about to read her take on this worldwide enigma.
Through excellent prose, a fast pace, great depictions and an addictive story, she takes us on a breath-taking journey that will have you gasping, crying and jumping for joy.
Simply put, the plot revolves around a young girl in her twenties. On a very important night her life is cut short. There is no time to mourn or absorb what has happened before Claire discovers she is in a half-way house where a bunch of angels decide whether she will be moving on to heaven, or be condemned to hell. In the chaos of the accident that killed Claire, the angels realize she wasn’t actually supposed to die. The angels have some very interesting ideas about what to do with Claire. Piqued your intrigue yet? I would imagine so!

Although undeniably entertaining, this tale pulls on the heart strings. We have themes of love and crushing loss. Yet to balance things out, the author cleverly weaves in revenge. I love how Deb actually lets the deserved get what is coming to them. We as the reader get a great deal of satisfaction from the karmic payback. Then we have enticing, shocking secrets making us gasp!
There really isn’t a dull moment in the entire binding. Between angels, death, reincarnation, emotions, the concept of what comes after we shed our human bodies, and dysfunctional families. There are multiple genres within this book which is why I firmly believe anyone and everyone will utterly adore it!
On the surface it is nothing more than a supernatural book. However, once you begin reading it, you’ll realize there are paranormal elements, it is also a thriller, drama, love story, acts as a spiritual guide of sorts and I feel is a mystery due to secrets being revealed in a particular fashion.

So, all in all, this book is thought-provoking, addictive, thrilling, plays with your emotions, intriguing, and compelling. ‘Beyond Death’ will charm you to death!
Profile Image for Jackie Parry.
Author 5 books54 followers
May 12, 2015
What happens to us when we die? Nobody knows for sure but it’s something I occasionally think about. Deb McEwan has obviously thought about it a lot to come up with this fascinating story about ‘life’ during and after death.
McEwan has creatively revealed one idea that is appealing. Angels, death, life, afterlife, and dysfunctional families intertwine to create a compelling tale balanced with enough paranormal and ‘normal’ to keep you flicking over each page when you’ve promised yourself an early night!
McEwan has a bunch of interesting books out there where she steps out of the box and invites the reader to stretch their minds to new ideas and boundaries, exploring the extraordinary. To put these thoughts into a feasible story cannot be easy, but she makes it appear so.
‘Beyond Death’ is captivating, charming and occasionally sinister. I was rooting for the good guys and cringed at some of the punishments meted out to the sadistic villains, even though they were thoroughly deserved.
I’m looking forward to discovering what happens to Claire and the others in book two – highly recommended.
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
August 11, 2015
*i received in exchange of an honest review*

Brilliant, creative, emotional and deep, this book is just a great read!!! Well written with a wide spiritual flair and a thrilling interesting story, it was a real pleasure!!! Built with an entwined stories style, the first pages can be confusing as it jump starts directly in action....but I beg of you to continue!!!! You will slowly grow attached to the characters and climb on this amazing roller coaster that is "Beyond Death"!!!! This swirling story will throw you back to notions like the book and circle of life or the debate that all humans are connected somehow. The multiple "beyond death" references in the likes of reincarnation, the battle between good and evil, the existence, role and making of angels (...) will enable any reader, pious or not, to ponder and enjoy the story without being confined in only one religion and its belief! Deb McEwan's pure talent shines through with this holly detective story!!! She successfully mixes genres in this book, from a spiritual guide to grief and loss, to a paranormal thriller, with a hint of socio-psychological study of human nature! We follow Claire's journey to the other side and the unfolding of events that are not truly what they appear!!! A true "complex till simple" story which felt like balm to the heart!! I loved it and can't wait to read more!!! Two thumbs up!!!
Profile Image for Jennie Orbell.
Author 7 books9 followers
November 4, 2014
A Bitter-Sweet Thought Provoking Read

Debbie McEwan's, Beyond Death (Book 1) is a bitter-sweet story of love, loss, secrets and revenge. Claire is 'taken' too early and, as an unearthly loose cannon has many lessons to learn before her future can finally be decided by the powers that be.
Ms McEwan has perfectly, and intricately, woven a real page-turner that tells the story of a great cast of characters - some nicer than the others and one in particular not nice at all. I smiled and almost punched the air when this character received his comeuppance - not once, but three times! I'd recommend 'Beyond Death' as an interesting and thought provoking read
Profile Image for William J Zaremba.
235 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2022
Beyond Death

When I first started reading thus I thought I wasn't going to like this story but I was wrong. I loved it, it really makes you think about heaven and he'll and what goes on like this story of a young woman named Claire and her taxi driver our killed and sent to what I think is purgatory. There they must convince an Angel if they our worthy of going to heaven. Ron the taxi driver and Claire embark on a mission to help there families. It gets rather complicated because Claire finds out her dad is leading a double life and has another family. This is only the start of what lies in this book.
96 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2017
A kinda fun read.

Not my favorite idea of an afterlife but it's well written with likable characters. Much of the sadness of loss is alleviated by allowing us to see there is another life after death. In this case the loss goes both ways and we see the pain suffered by those that have died. The kind guardian angels allow them not only to see those they left behind but in some cases to make contact and help them move on. The idea that some not so bad people can be rescued even from Hell I like. Much of it is rather humorous but there's too much pain and suffering for me to really enjoy it fully.
Profile Image for Tonya.
191 reviews
June 5, 2022
TW for contents of book: violence, abuse, sex trafficking and rape (or suggested rape)

Great premise and narrative. Well fleshed out characters. Not exactly a thriller (more like an episode of Criminal Minds) but still, I was intrigued enough to read quickly so I knew what was going to happen next.
Profile Image for Dani.
216 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2022
This book is about Claire who has her life stolen from her. The showcase is how she has to cope with what is going on and being able to save her family. This is a supernatural thriller with love horror hope and a hint of dark humor. Sign me up! This book had me falling into the pages and I had a hard time putting it down. With all the twists and the turns. I was dying to find out what the author was going to throw at us next
2 reviews
October 24, 2017
I found this book to be a really good read, death is not a great thing to talk about. This author made it very interesting to the things one might do on the other side. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book I will be looking for more from the same author.
Profile Image for Barbara Shea.
186 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2018
Not sure

Was undecided whether I liked this story. Was different for sure. Had me up & down with feeling s . I guess it’s not for everyone. I don’t know if I would recommend it or not.
Profile Image for Liz.
291 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2019
Beyond death

Unusual book following the life or after life of people after they have died visiting their loved ones back on earth trying to help people and their families I was instantly hooked
Profile Image for Amanda.
30 reviews
October 30, 2020
Fantastic read

Just finished book 1 in this series .really enjoyed looking at life from a spirits perceptive...on with the story ..into book 2. Looking forgot carrying on the story.
29 reviews
February 10, 2019
Interesting read

A thought provoking story about how the after life could be. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
926 reviews
August 19, 2019
Really entertaining and emotional ride no one knows what happens when our life ends on earth.
makes a great read and good story line
Profile Image for Tracett.
513 reviews14 followers
December 22, 2017
I expected a fun and easy paranormal read, which this is, but it is also more. It is also can be a thought provoking tale of morals, rights and wrongs, and the struggle for all of us to try to be better people to each other. The pacing was a little hinky, and it takes a while to keep all the people straight, but once you get going this is a worthwhile modern ghost story.
Profile Image for Ruth Phillips.
238 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2022
Wonderful

Not your usual life after death story/experience. Great story about redemption, love, family, and forgiveness. A need to keep reading once you start.
Profile Image for Deven VanKirk.
Author 2 books8 followers
June 17, 2022
Claire has, what most would consider, a perfect life. One night, that all changes, and she's left trying to figure her life out after.
The chapters switch between Claire’s journey, and her parents, who are trying to cope with the loss of their daughter, as well as major issues I’m their personal lives.
The characters in this book are believable and well written. Their journeys are interwoven seamlessly, and believably.
I enjoyed reading about what the author thought both Heaven and Hell might be like.
I didn’t see where the ending of this book was going, just thinking that part of the story was just a means to an end.
I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Allison.
553 reviews
June 12, 2022
love it

I started reading this book and I wasn’t sure what to think. Then it just sucked me right in and I couldn’t put it down! Claire is an awesome character and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
54 reviews
May 14, 2021
Not what I expected

Definitely not what I expected really good read a whole different point of view on the reaper afterlife sort of book had a little of everything life death love redemption and choice for both the living and dead and growth for all involved the good and bad excellent book gonna definitely get the next one
1,384 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2018
Whether one believes in an afterlife or not, in this form or another, this is a really good story with believable characters.
141 reviews
February 14, 2018
Cool clean read

A very well written story that pulls you in and keeps you entranced with the characters. I definitely recommend this to all readers it’s a great story. I look forward to checking out the next book
Profile Image for Frank.
245 reviews17 followers
July 7, 2017
Fast and fun read. Might continue reading the series at some point but was not good enough to rush to the next book.
25 reviews
April 5, 2022
Beyond life

Beyond life is an interesting take on when one dies whether your time or not. This thought provoking with humour and fun read is an interesting way of looking at beyond life. Certainly worth a read.
Profile Image for Dr. Simone J. Simone.
182 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2021
Couldn't put it down

This story reflects some of my readings about the afterlife. It flowed nicely but desperately needs the punctuation checked more closely. I liked this book a lot.
Profile Image for Anji Thompson.
23 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2022
Good ideas,

This book is filled with some good and original ideas. The issue is that the writing is more the level of a 15 year old writing fanfic. It is simplistic and repetitive and at one point a character changed her surname.
Saying all that I enjoyed the read and would happily take on another in the series.
103 reviews
March 7, 2017
I've always liked stories and novels that deal with the subject of life after death. I'm an agnostic so my mind is pretty wide open when it comes to conjecture about what might wait for us out there in the great beyond. This is a thoughtful yet imaginative story about people who have died and what that ends up meaning for them and those they leave behind. Nice job!
Profile Image for Rajalakshmi Prithviraj.
Author 2 books32 followers
May 20, 2016
Death has always been a much contemplated subject and writing about life after death without being preachy is a herculean task. But Deb pulled it off brilliantly.

Told through the eyes of a young girl whose life's dreams are shattered, this book revolves around coming to term with realities and moving on. Yes, if you believe that souls never die, then it is also important to learn to let go. I wish I could say more about the plot but the narrative is so gripping that even a bit of disclosure would act as spoilers.

Deb writes straight from the heart. You can feel the emotions as you read about them. The language is simple and yet has a charm if its own to keep you engrossed. As you keep turning the pages you will feel varied emitions capturing your heart and soul. The narrative is descriptive but puts across the point or the essence without too much of flowery language. There are loads of twists and turns but each one has been well depicted and adds on to the plot at every stage.

Loved the characterization. They have their flaws, their imperfections and above all they all have a role to play in keeping the storyline going. The characters emote, exhibit and enact. Above all, the strange combinations in terms of pairing of characters with contrasting temperaments does keep the reader interested.

Deb touches upon an important social issue. I wish I could elaborate and give my views here, but if I do then the whole essence of the story gets disclosed. In short, this is one story with a heart.

To sum up, if you want to do some serious reading and have food for thought subsequently, this book is for you.

P.S - Awesome story Deb. You really made me believe Youthere is something more beyond death.
Profile Image for Rose English.
Author 22 books183 followers
December 12, 2015
The whole series took me simply 4 days to read they were such page turners.

'Beyond Death' is the story of what could happen when you die, depending on how you conducted yourself during your lifetime on earth.

Claire Sylvester is a main character taken before her time, finding herself in between Heaven & Hell. She has so many questions for the angel that greets her, along with the man who caused their deaths. She wants to know everything.

Claire soon learns she can return to earth & discovers she can communicate with her twin older brothers. Also a great many secrets about her family are revealed, which she has to come to terms with and it is not always easy. Some parts are rather amusing.

We don't get to experience heaven but we do get a little insight into hell and the evil doers that are prodded and pulled down by rough scaley hands to be tortured & tormented. It is a little disturbing at times when you are let into the mind of the evil ones and you wonder if good can overcome the dreadful evil, especially when inflicted upon youngsters.

A great story I just had to read on & on. But don't take my word for it download a copy & read it for yourself. Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Yasmine.
128 reviews17 followers
July 24, 2016
This book is one that sparked my interest from the beginning to the very end. I believe this is my very first book about death and it didn't disappoint. Giving me the views of someone who was sent to heaven (sorta) and someone who was sent to hell.
I felt as though while the majority of the book was focused on the one who was sent to heaven, the one who was sent to hell wasn't left completely in the dark. There were no favorites to me.
While I myself feel like the book could have been written in a different way, I don't feel as though any events or the story line should be changed in any kind of way. I would love to read the other books in this series for I feel that the story and the main characters journey have yet to come to an end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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