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Cloud Nine
A hilarious, heartfelt supernatural YA rom-com in which a would-be guardian angel falls in love with a living boy – perfect for fans of The Good Place, Afterlove and The Dead Romantics.
Sixteen-year-old Evangeline has been dead for decades. Her accidentally heroic demise secured her a spot on Cloud Nine, the luxurious top tier of the Afterlife - but it turns out that even paradise can get boring. After a century of terminal niceness, Evvy volunteers to train as a celestial guide.
Now it's her job to watch over people during their final hours on earth, ensuring they don't screw up their chances of a decent Afterlife. Evvy isn't averse to bending the rules, and she always gets results - until she makes the fatal mistake of falling for a living boy.
Why can Tom see Evvy when he's not scheduled to depart yet? And how can she make this work when he's alive, she's dead, and fraternising with Beforelifers is absolutely forbidden? Suddenly, Evvy is facing the biggest challenge of her Afterlife...
A fresh, original and funny novel from the author of Totally Deceased - like You've Reached Sam or Afterlove, but with the humour of The Good Place and the Barbie movie.
Ideal for fans of Gabrielle Zevin's Elsewhere and The Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood.
A heartfelt romance spanning life and death, with a relatable contemporary world, an imagined afterlife and an unforgettable cast of characters from across history.
Sixteen-year-old Evangeline has been dead for decades. Her accidentally heroic demise secured her a spot on Cloud Nine, the luxurious top tier of the Afterlife - but it turns out that even paradise can get boring. After a century of terminal niceness, Evvy volunteers to train as a celestial guide.
Now it's her job to watch over people during their final hours on earth, ensuring they don't screw up their chances of a decent Afterlife. Evvy isn't averse to bending the rules, and she always gets results - until she makes the fatal mistake of falling for a living boy.
Why can Tom see Evvy when he's not scheduled to depart yet? And how can she make this work when he's alive, she's dead, and fraternising with Beforelifers is absolutely forbidden? Suddenly, Evvy is facing the biggest challenge of her Afterlife...
A fresh, original and funny novel from the author of Totally Deceased - like You've Reached Sam or Afterlove, but with the humour of The Good Place and the Barbie movie.
Ideal for fans of Gabrielle Zevin's Elsewhere and The Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood.
A heartfelt romance spanning life and death, with a relatable contemporary world, an imagined afterlife and an unforgettable cast of characters from across history.
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 18, 2025
Evangeline Buckle was a thief, but she died a hero—or at least, by taking a stabbing instead of her brother. That notion meant she got bumped up to Cloud Nine, the highest status you can get for the afterlife. For decades she retreats to a consistent nice day, luxurious beaches, cloudless days and all she could want for life after life. Except, she’s bored, really bored, in Paradise. Seth, her brother, must be long dead, but he’s not on her cloud—it figures, she realises, because they were thieves, but it doesn’t stop her holding out hope to see him again one day. Offering to train as a Celestial Guide seems like a project she could find herself feeling rewarded in. She even has a few friends around the Clouds that are fellow Guides, so it’s set: she’ll train, and take fellow departing souls to their designated afterlife where they belong.
What Evvy didn’t plan on was Tom. Handsome, nerdy Tom that loves books like her, introduces her to superheroes and works at the hospital she retrieves souls from. Except, Tom is not due to depart, and yet . . . he can see her. At first, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. This boy she has all these things in common with—books, humour, a deep connection—can see her and yet she can’t ever be the person he thinks she is: alive. Surely breaking a few rules and stealing away time from her charges is okay for a while, Evvy believes, not betting on falling in love so quickly. But when her boss catches on that she’s talking to a living boy who seemingly isn’t on death’s door, she’s in deep trouble. Suddenly, Evvy is faced with not only losing the boy she loves but not finding out if their crossed-world connection means he’s destined to take that pearly elevator to the Clouds—and if it means she’ll never see him again…
Overall, Cloud Nine was vulnerable, heartfelt and witty, the kind of book that makes you see life with a fresh perspective. Evvy was this flawed and punchy, yet deeply caring character that you can’t help but root for. True to it’s richly and humorous Manchester roots with added vocabulary that immerses you in the culture, Sue writes in such a way that makes the entire book feel, no pun intended, down-to-earth and lovely, whilst having this soulful and moving storyline. I loved so many of the side characters, especially Algy and Perkin. The beauty of the life and death connection between Evvy and Tom was truly beautiful, and many of the illnesses and topics were handled with a lighthearted and comforting vibe that makes this book what it really is at it’s core: a heavenly romance that will have you laughing and crying until the last page. I can’t wait to read more from Sue!
What Evvy didn’t plan on was Tom. Handsome, nerdy Tom that loves books like her, introduces her to superheroes and works at the hospital she retrieves souls from. Except, Tom is not due to depart, and yet . . . he can see her. At first, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. This boy she has all these things in common with—books, humour, a deep connection—can see her and yet she can’t ever be the person he thinks she is: alive. Surely breaking a few rules and stealing away time from her charges is okay for a while, Evvy believes, not betting on falling in love so quickly. But when her boss catches on that she’s talking to a living boy who seemingly isn’t on death’s door, she’s in deep trouble. Suddenly, Evvy is faced with not only losing the boy she loves but not finding out if their crossed-world connection means he’s destined to take that pearly elevator to the Clouds—and if it means she’ll never see him again…
Overall, Cloud Nine was vulnerable, heartfelt and witty, the kind of book that makes you see life with a fresh perspective. Evvy was this flawed and punchy, yet deeply caring character that you can’t help but root for. True to it’s richly and humorous Manchester roots with added vocabulary that immerses you in the culture, Sue writes in such a way that makes the entire book feel, no pun intended, down-to-earth and lovely, whilst having this soulful and moving storyline. I loved so many of the side characters, especially Algy and Perkin. The beauty of the life and death connection between Evvy and Tom was truly beautiful, and many of the illnesses and topics were handled with a lighthearted and comforting vibe that makes this book what it really is at it’s core: a heavenly romance that will have you laughing and crying until the last page. I can’t wait to read more from Sue!
November 11, 2024
I adored this supernatural YA romcom!
The story starts with a bang and kept me gripped throughout. Sue's writing is so smooth and readable.
There's a fascinating cast of characters. With death just around the corner for many of them, the stakes and tension are high throughout, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The world building is fabulous. The story centres around a cloud system - a sort of hierarchy for the afterlife. I thought this was such a clever concept and quite thought-provoking.
The humour is brilliant. There are so many hilarious moments in this story.
Funny, exciting and utterly unique!
The story starts with a bang and kept me gripped throughout. Sue's writing is so smooth and readable.
There's a fascinating cast of characters. With death just around the corner for many of them, the stakes and tension are high throughout, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The world building is fabulous. The story centres around a cloud system - a sort of hierarchy for the afterlife. I thought this was such a clever concept and quite thought-provoking.
The humour is brilliant. There are so many hilarious moments in this story.
Funny, exciting and utterly unique!
September 22, 2025
AHHHHHHH!!! 💕
March 22, 2025
The premise is so intriguing. There’s levels to heaven. Cloud one to cloud nine. Nine being the top of the cream. Do-gooders, firemen, altruistic ppl or someone like Evvy who accidentally took a knife, saving her brother. She’s sarcastic and in an impostor help group which is so funny. One of them died because he released a tiger but in result also free slaves 😂 Your points get tallied up based on your life but the last day of your life has the most impact. Live your day as if it were your last.
Let’s say you’re an ordinary office worker who wanted the last cookie snack in the break room but ended up saving his fellow coworker from an allergic reaction. Not the intended action but a heroic act. But, a nurse who is extra grumpy one day because of a bad hair day could risk a level down. We can see that the system is flawed
She’s bored in Cloud Nine. All of the filet-mignon and salmon en croute can’t distract her feeling of missing her brother, Seth. You’re not allowed to see residents from other clouds. So, she takes the job of being a guardian angel in hopes to meet other people and hopefully they would know where her brother is.
On a seemingly normal day of her job, she stumbles into Tom who can see her! We follow Evvy on her journey, wanting more time with Seth but also wanting to follow her heart with Tom.
I love a passage from one of the characters, Gloria, a kind middle age guardian, assigned to watch hospital rounds,
“This system ain’t right. They reckon being on Eight or Nine is some sort of reward, but it’s not. Who wants filet steak and fancy Egyptian-cotton bedsheets if you can’t be with the folk you love?”
“The day I departed, there was a fire on the ward. I knew it wasn’t safe, but I just had this overwhelming urge, like something was pushing me back inside. Or someone.” “And for what I couldn’t save that woman. No one could. She went to Six, and I ended up on Eight for my troubles. No doubt, my guide got a pat on the back for getting his client promoted.” She shakes her head slowly. “If I’d known then what I know now, I’d never have done it. If I’d resisted that push to go back inside, I’d be on Seven right now with my husband, having a good afterlife”
That hit me like a brick. Personally, I believe in heaven but even as a kid, I was scared of the concept of it because it sounds lonely. It promised peace and tranquillity but I was scared of not being able to see the people I love. That I would be separated from them.
pre-read:
The Good place combined with Office humor. This could be a nice palate cleanser for my romance slump.
On chapter 2, and it reads so smoothly and funny as heck!
Let’s say you’re an ordinary office worker who wanted the last cookie snack in the break room but ended up saving his fellow coworker from an allergic reaction. Not the intended action but a heroic act. But, a nurse who is extra grumpy one day because of a bad hair day could risk a level down. We can see that the system is flawed
She’s bored in Cloud Nine. All of the filet-mignon and salmon en croute can’t distract her feeling of missing her brother, Seth. You’re not allowed to see residents from other clouds. So, she takes the job of being a guardian angel in hopes to meet other people and hopefully they would know where her brother is.
On a seemingly normal day of her job, she stumbles into Tom who can see her! We follow Evvy on her journey, wanting more time with Seth but also wanting to follow her heart with Tom.
I love a passage from one of the characters, Gloria, a kind middle age guardian, assigned to watch hospital rounds,
“This system ain’t right. They reckon being on Eight or Nine is some sort of reward, but it’s not. Who wants filet steak and fancy Egyptian-cotton bedsheets if you can’t be with the folk you love?”
“The day I departed, there was a fire on the ward. I knew it wasn’t safe, but I just had this overwhelming urge, like something was pushing me back inside. Or someone.” “And for what I couldn’t save that woman. No one could. She went to Six, and I ended up on Eight for my troubles. No doubt, my guide got a pat on the back for getting his client promoted.” She shakes her head slowly. “If I’d known then what I know now, I’d never have done it. If I’d resisted that push to go back inside, I’d be on Seven right now with my husband, having a good afterlife”
That hit me like a brick. Personally, I believe in heaven but even as a kid, I was scared of the concept of it because it sounds lonely. It promised peace and tranquillity but I was scared of not being able to see the people I love. That I would be separated from them.
pre-read:
The Good place combined with Office humor. This could be a nice palate cleanser for my romance slump.
On chapter 2, and it reads so smoothly and funny as heck!
February 17, 2025
Evvy dies an accidental hero and ends up on Cloud Nine, the penthouse of the Afterlife. After more than a century of being 16, she is bored and decides to give being a celestial guide a try. She watches over her charges during the last hours of their life, helping them improve their Cloud Status if she can. She then meets Tom, a living boy who can see her and she falls for him. How can she make it work when she is dead, he is alive, and fraternizing with Beforelifers is forbidden?
The 1st person POV has a conspiratorial tone like we are in the know. Additionally, a dash of cynicism and more than that of snarkiness. The great sense of humor permeating this book is evident from the very first page.
The premise is great, plus the whimsical of this story's mythology is so refreshing. I love the appearance of personalities from different points of history but also from fiction. The author has succeeded in making us feel like this reality she's created exists, while the characters are relatable in their uniqueness. I adore the imagination pouring into the 'envelops you like a hug' narrative. The cleverness of the details is to be admired and colors it endearing. All I can say is that the author's take on the Afterlife is brilliant.
The impossibility of her situation with Tom is properly heart-squeezing and the mystery of why he can see her breathtakingly engaging. There is a plethora of obstacles though you will most certainly root for them. I loved how the story incorporated new elements and sprung the surprises on us. There are a lot of unanticipated, intriguing events going on. I still cannot believe how the story threads intertwined and led to where they did.
Bringing a lovely tenderness to this study of humanity, of our existence, it conveys so much meaning with its approachable language. It champions living life to the fullest, and being present in the here and now. What you do right now can change everything. Every moment must be savored.
One of the most fun and simultaneously moving supernatural YA romances that I have read, hilarious and poignant, with a deep respect and understanding of our mortality and hopefulness in its bittersweet beauty. Its ultimate message, love transcends all.
The 1st person POV has a conspiratorial tone like we are in the know. Additionally, a dash of cynicism and more than that of snarkiness. The great sense of humor permeating this book is evident from the very first page.
The premise is great, plus the whimsical of this story's mythology is so refreshing. I love the appearance of personalities from different points of history but also from fiction. The author has succeeded in making us feel like this reality she's created exists, while the characters are relatable in their uniqueness. I adore the imagination pouring into the 'envelops you like a hug' narrative. The cleverness of the details is to be admired and colors it endearing. All I can say is that the author's take on the Afterlife is brilliant.
The impossibility of her situation with Tom is properly heart-squeezing and the mystery of why he can see her breathtakingly engaging. There is a plethora of obstacles though you will most certainly root for them. I loved how the story incorporated new elements and sprung the surprises on us. There are a lot of unanticipated, intriguing events going on. I still cannot believe how the story threads intertwined and led to where they did.
Bringing a lovely tenderness to this study of humanity, of our existence, it conveys so much meaning with its approachable language. It champions living life to the fullest, and being present in the here and now. What you do right now can change everything. Every moment must be savored.
One of the most fun and simultaneously moving supernatural YA romances that I have read, hilarious and poignant, with a deep respect and understanding of our mortality and hopefulness in its bittersweet beauty. Its ultimate message, love transcends all.
February 12, 2025
When I found this book on Netgalley I was not entirely sure if it was gonna be my thing. Although there is a supernatural component to the story, I was afraid this book was gonna have a contemporary feel. And although there are some great contemporary novels out there, they are usually not for me. However, I got a little too curious for my own good and decided to request a digital review copy. Scholastic UK granted me one.
I needed some time to really get into the book. The beginning of the book goes incredibly fast and secretly there is a lot of world building and mythology. In the beginning it felt like things were happening so fast that I didn't get the time to really understand what was really happening. However, the pacing slowed down a little once our two main characters met and from then on I started to enjoy the story more and more.
Although the book has a lighthearted tone and never feels heavy, the book is secretly dealing with some complicated and hard themes. Not only has the author presented a detailed view on the afterlife, with its own flaws and weaknesses, but there is also a lot going on on the ground. Since we've mainly viewing those events from the point of view of someone who's already dead, it doesn't feel that traumatic, but the more you think about it, the more gruesome the events in this book are.
The romance is also kinda cute. It's not very deep, it's quite instant and since especially our heroine is forced to keep so many secrets they can't have a lot of meaningful conversations, but I was still rooting for these two people to get their happily ever after. And I have to admit that the author didn't take the easy road when it comes to giving these two people a future together. After all, it's more than just dead trying to get between them.
I needed some time to really get into the book. The beginning of the book goes incredibly fast and secretly there is a lot of world building and mythology. In the beginning it felt like things were happening so fast that I didn't get the time to really understand what was really happening. However, the pacing slowed down a little once our two main characters met and from then on I started to enjoy the story more and more.
Although the book has a lighthearted tone and never feels heavy, the book is secretly dealing with some complicated and hard themes. Not only has the author presented a detailed view on the afterlife, with its own flaws and weaknesses, but there is also a lot going on on the ground. Since we've mainly viewing those events from the point of view of someone who's already dead, it doesn't feel that traumatic, but the more you think about it, the more gruesome the events in this book are.
The romance is also kinda cute. It's not very deep, it's quite instant and since especially our heroine is forced to keep so many secrets they can't have a lot of meaningful conversations, but I was still rooting for these two people to get their happily ever after. And I have to admit that the author didn't take the easy road when it comes to giving these two people a future together. After all, it's more than just dead trying to get between them.
February 8, 2025
I was sent a copy to review by the publisher.
This book is equally funny, sad, and bittersweet. Which is hardly a surprise when you know it's about death.
It was entertaining, and it made me laugh in parts. But there's so much death that Evvy can't do anything to stop. The ending was technically happy, and I'm so glad she got to see her brother again. But on the romance side, it's bittersweet as the reason it can happen then and there...it's just sad.
So a very good book and one I imagine I'll be thinking about for a while.
This book is equally funny, sad, and bittersweet. Which is hardly a surprise when you know it's about death.
It was entertaining, and it made me laugh in parts. But there's so much death that Evvy can't do anything to stop. The ending was technically happy, and I'm so glad she got to see her brother again. But on the romance side, it's bittersweet as the reason it can happen then and there...it's just sad.
So a very good book and one I imagine I'll be thinking about for a while.
June 30, 2025
This was unexpectedly really good! I like how mature the storytelling is and I love that the plot was so creative! I have never read a book with such a plot about the different cloud levels of allocating people based on what they did on the day they died.
The writing was funny at times and the characters were hilarious. I truly enjoyed reading this!
The writing was funny at times and the characters were hilarious. I truly enjoyed reading this!
June 8, 2025
3.5
Unfortunately, there wasn’t any deeper commentary on life, or rather, any moments that truly tugged on my heartstrings to warrant a higher rating, but nonetheless, I will be on the lookout for this author’s future releases because the story’s creativity was ten out of ten xoxo
Unfortunately, there wasn’t any deeper commentary on life, or rather, any moments that truly tugged on my heartstrings to warrant a higher rating, but nonetheless, I will be on the lookout for this author’s future releases because the story’s creativity was ten out of ten xoxo
February 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for the free eARC.
This is marketed as a YA romance but I would be happy to lend it to some of my younger secondary school students as it doesn't get beyond characters kissing or staring at someone's bottom. It's quite an original take on a romance book and it does seem written with younger, less cynical, readers in mind. By that I mean readers that will enjoy characters rapidly falling in love, being willing to spend eternity with their new love, or even permanently giving up seeing family to be with them and love affairs immediately rekindling after decades apart. It's fluffy, there are funny moments, and it has a happy ending. If you are looking for all that, this book could well be for you.
I found the plot device of the cloud levels of heaven interesting but it didn't hold up under scrutiny. I also found it unsatisfying that the book ended with no resolution on the issues the characters encountered around this.
The main character, Evvy, didn't seem that likeable to me so I found it hard to root for her. She wasn't very nice to her flatmates and didn't seem bothered about finding her brother again, even though we kept being told she was devoted to him. Then she rapidly falls in love with Tom and We didn't really get an idea of Tom's character and why he was so appealing. There were descriptions of his physical appearance but beyond the fact that he had had cancer and now volunteered in the hospital there wasn't much to go on. They barely spent any time together and so I didn't find the idea that they meant so much to each other believable.
It was too fluffy for me but it was still a likable book. I appreciate that I could offer it to younger students who want to read romance books but aren't ready for mature content.
This is marketed as a YA romance but I would be happy to lend it to some of my younger secondary school students as it doesn't get beyond characters kissing or staring at someone's bottom. It's quite an original take on a romance book and it does seem written with younger, less cynical, readers in mind. By that I mean readers that will enjoy characters rapidly falling in love, being willing to spend eternity with their new love, or even permanently giving up seeing family to be with them and love affairs immediately rekindling after decades apart. It's fluffy, there are funny moments, and it has a happy ending. If you are looking for all that, this book could well be for you.
I found the plot device of the cloud levels of heaven interesting but it didn't hold up under scrutiny. I also found it unsatisfying that the book ended with no resolution on the issues the characters encountered around this.
The main character, Evvy, didn't seem that likeable to me so I found it hard to root for her. She wasn't very nice to her flatmates and didn't seem bothered about finding her brother again, even though we kept being told she was devoted to him. Then she rapidly falls in love with Tom and We didn't really get an idea of Tom's character and why he was so appealing. There were descriptions of his physical appearance but beyond the fact that he had had cancer and now volunteered in the hospital there wasn't much to go on. They barely spent any time together and so I didn't find the idea that they meant so much to each other believable.
It was too fluffy for me but it was still a likable book. I appreciate that I could offer it to younger students who want to read romance books but aren't ready for mature content.
April 6, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for providing with an early copy to read and review.
Cloud Nine is a YA supernatural romcom following Evangeline (Evvy) who is a celestial guide living on cloud nine, helping people pass into the afterlife, and Tom who is somehow able to see Evvy, even though he shouldn’t be able to. It kinda makes dating a bit difficult when one person is alive and the other is dead…
I absolutely adored this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter and I didn’t want it to end. It’s funny yet heartbreaking, and even though it made me cry, I was still happy at the end 🥹 Evvy is a fantastic character and she really made me laugh with her funny personality and her quirky little phrases. The relationship between Evvy and Tom was so cute and believable. The side characters were also very loveable and really added to the story.
This is set in Manchester and you can tell that Sue knows and loves this city. There was clearly a lot of research done on how the city has changed over the past century and I loved that. The pacing was quite fast with lots going on and a good subplot running alongside the romance.
Overall it’s a brilliant book and one I know I’ll re-read again in the future.
Cloud Nine is a YA supernatural romcom following Evangeline (Evvy) who is a celestial guide living on cloud nine, helping people pass into the afterlife, and Tom who is somehow able to see Evvy, even though he shouldn’t be able to. It kinda makes dating a bit difficult when one person is alive and the other is dead…
I absolutely adored this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter and I didn’t want it to end. It’s funny yet heartbreaking, and even though it made me cry, I was still happy at the end 🥹 Evvy is a fantastic character and she really made me laugh with her funny personality and her quirky little phrases. The relationship between Evvy and Tom was so cute and believable. The side characters were also very loveable and really added to the story.
This is set in Manchester and you can tell that Sue knows and loves this city. There was clearly a lot of research done on how the city has changed over the past century and I loved that. The pacing was quite fast with lots going on and a good subplot running alongside the romance.
Overall it’s a brilliant book and one I know I’ll re-read again in the future.
April 19, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this! I thought the concept of guides leading people to different levels, or 'clouds' was great, and Evvy was a really compelling protagonist. I loved seeing the personalities of the other 'departed' throughout the story, and seeing Evvy fall in love with a beforelifer was beautiful yet heartbreaking throughout. I really loved the way the story played through and wrapped up at the end, and I'd love a similar story set in this universe.
November 22, 2024
Sue Cunningham has done it again! Another utterly fabulous YA novel that manages the tricky feat of combining humour and a gorgeous lightness of touch with real depth and emotion. How she manages to make me laugh and cry, I don't know, but this book is an absolute treat. As others have noted, you could reference Ghosts x The Good Place to get a sense of the territory here. Evvy is a feisty, sixteen-year-old, Victorian pickpocket who, having died saving her beloved brother, finds herself on the highest tier of the afterlife - cloud nine. She finds work guiding the souls of the newly departed up to the correct zone of the afterlife - and tries to nudge them to a higher tier by helping them do good works on their final day on earth. Her existence is complicated when she falls in love with a living teenage boy who can somehow see her, even though his time is not yet up.
I love the cast of supporting characters drawn from different eras of history. I love the sense of Manchester as a contemporary city with a rich layered history. I love the generous spirit that infuses the whole story, spiked with flashes of wit and social critique.
Congratulations Sue and the whole team at Scholastic - another triumph, one I hope makes it to a screen adaptation!
Thank you for sharing the ARC on netgalley in return for this honest review
I love the cast of supporting characters drawn from different eras of history. I love the sense of Manchester as a contemporary city with a rich layered history. I love the generous spirit that infuses the whole story, spiked with flashes of wit and social critique.
Congratulations Sue and the whole team at Scholastic - another triumph, one I hope makes it to a screen adaptation!
Thank you for sharing the ARC on netgalley in return for this honest review
May 17, 2025
Another super-fun supernatural YA from Sue Cunningham, which I had been keenly awaiting after Totally Deceased and which did not disappoint. Main character Evangeline was unceremoniously booted from this mortal coil over a hundred years previously, having landed on the wrong end of a blade meant for her older brother. This noble act of self-sacrifice at the last second of an otherwise less-than-entirely-moral life (as a Victorian pickpocket working the streets of Manchester) meant that she was promptly elevated up the heavenly ranks to ‘Cloud 9’, the VIP section of the afterlife, which appears to be a lot like a 5* all inclusive Caribbean resort (albeit with more saintly nuns).
However, boredom sets in after a few decades, and Evvy ends up joining a group employed to chaperone others on Earth who are about to die, with extra points if you can boost them up a level or two. (The downside of this strict segregation of the Afterlife is that many devoted couples or loving family members end up separated from each other – no good deed goes unpunished after all.) Nobody back in the land of the living should be able to see her until they are a few hours from death, so how come she keeps bumping into hospital volunteer Tom, who has very definitely noticed her?
A really enjoyable read once again.
However, boredom sets in after a few decades, and Evvy ends up joining a group employed to chaperone others on Earth who are about to die, with extra points if you can boost them up a level or two. (The downside of this strict segregation of the Afterlife is that many devoted couples or loving family members end up separated from each other – no good deed goes unpunished after all.) Nobody back in the land of the living should be able to see her until they are a few hours from death, so how come she keeps bumping into hospital volunteer Tom, who has very definitely noticed her?
A really enjoyable read once again.
November 28, 2024
Thank you so so much to Scholastic on NetGalley for this book - it was an instant favourite, and I really hope it gets all of the recognition it deserves!
I've not read Sue Cunningham's first book, but I'll definitely have to after this. It was easily the most imaginative, entertaining book I've read in a long time... and northern! A northern UKYA read! As a YA author, I try to include as much representation of the north as possible in my books, but I was thinking just the other day about how few books I've read which are set in Manchester specifically. I now want to read every other Manchester-set book in existence.
The premise of this book is that sixteen-year-old Evvy died in the Victorian era, and, due to an accidental act of heroism, ended up on Cloud Nine - basically the top division of heaven. She gets a job as a guide in the twenty-first century, helping other departed people bridge the gap between the beforelife and the afterlife. One one of these trips, she meets a boy her age - who can mysteriously see her, even though beforelifers aren't meant to see dead people unless they too are on the brink of death.
The story which follows is one of wit, of heartbreak, of history and humour and humanity. I loved Cunningham's approach to writing people, each one so clever and unique, and to writing realistic, gritty settings and situations... it was a breath of fresh air, and different to any UKYA book I've ever read.
If you do anything in 2025, let it be to read this book. I can't wait to get hold of a physical copy to promote!
I've not read Sue Cunningham's first book, but I'll definitely have to after this. It was easily the most imaginative, entertaining book I've read in a long time... and northern! A northern UKYA read! As a YA author, I try to include as much representation of the north as possible in my books, but I was thinking just the other day about how few books I've read which are set in Manchester specifically. I now want to read every other Manchester-set book in existence.
The premise of this book is that sixteen-year-old Evvy died in the Victorian era, and, due to an accidental act of heroism, ended up on Cloud Nine - basically the top division of heaven. She gets a job as a guide in the twenty-first century, helping other departed people bridge the gap between the beforelife and the afterlife. One one of these trips, she meets a boy her age - who can mysteriously see her, even though beforelifers aren't meant to see dead people unless they too are on the brink of death.
The story which follows is one of wit, of heartbreak, of history and humour and humanity. I loved Cunningham's approach to writing people, each one so clever and unique, and to writing realistic, gritty settings and situations... it was a breath of fresh air, and different to any UKYA book I've ever read.
If you do anything in 2025, let it be to read this book. I can't wait to get hold of a physical copy to promote!
November 11, 2024
I thought this was such a unique take on the afterlife - the author has beautifully blended death and tragedy with humour, and it makes the heavier themes in this book more palatable to a younger audience.
I adored the wide variety of characters and the language used to portray them. I think this would make a fabulous television show!
I felt invested in Evie's story, in her hunt for her brother, her relationship with Tom and the mystery of the arsonist.
The story was a touch predictable, but was nonetheless a delightful read that I enjoyed.
I give this 4.5 stars (rounded up here to 5).
Thank you so much to Scholastic UK for this arc via NetGalley, and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.
I adored the wide variety of characters and the language used to portray them. I think this would make a fabulous television show!
I felt invested in Evie's story, in her hunt for her brother, her relationship with Tom and the mystery of the arsonist.
The story was a touch predictable, but was nonetheless a delightful read that I enjoyed.
I give this 4.5 stars (rounded up here to 5).
Thank you so much to Scholastic UK for this arc via NetGalley, and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.
December 29, 2024
Enjoyable read, giving ‘The Good Place’ vibes. Primarily a humorous romance, there are a number of more serious moments throughout the book- it is about death after all.
Evvy is a likeable main character, with lots of interesting side characters to add to the mix, providing a good foil to the darker moments. Tom, the love interest, doesn’t dominate the story. There are plenty of opportunities to see how death and the afterlife work (not as well as it could, as it turns out).
The only thing I struggled with is the cloud system. I get cloud 9, I don’t get the lowest clouds being for the bad people, surely they should be underground.
Evvy is a likeable main character, with lots of interesting side characters to add to the mix, providing a good foil to the darker moments. Tom, the love interest, doesn’t dominate the story. There are plenty of opportunities to see how death and the afterlife work (not as well as it could, as it turns out).
The only thing I struggled with is the cloud system. I get cloud 9, I don’t get the lowest clouds being for the bad people, surely they should be underground.
November 19, 2024
Life after death is an unusual and original setting for a YA romcom in which Evvy, a feisty accidental heroine earns a place in the upper levels of the afterlife.
The story is a mix of mystery, a cute romance and touches of humour which balance the heavier themes in the book. The world building is interesting; even in the afterlife many “residents” question the hierarchy and rules that are in the place. I enjoyed the historical details of some of Manchester’s well-known buildings.
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
The story is a mix of mystery, a cute romance and touches of humour which balance the heavier themes in the book. The world building is interesting; even in the afterlife many “residents” question the hierarchy and rules that are in the place. I enjoyed the historical details of some of Manchester’s well-known buildings.
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
February 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! It's SO original and feel good and sweet and funny.
I loved the characters from different eras hanging out in the afterlife — just as much a delight as in the BBC's Ghosts — and Sue’s vision of life-after-death is so fun and full of incredibly imaginative ideas.
Evvy is a cool character (I love how she’s kept up with current fashions throughout the eras) and the Manchester setting — both Victorian and current — are refreshing.
All in all, it’s a wonderful, playful, cosy book..highly recommended for some feel good escapism for young teens upwards!
I loved the characters from different eras hanging out in the afterlife — just as much a delight as in the BBC's Ghosts — and Sue’s vision of life-after-death is so fun and full of incredibly imaginative ideas.
Evvy is a cool character (I love how she’s kept up with current fashions throughout the eras) and the Manchester setting — both Victorian and current — are refreshing.
All in all, it’s a wonderful, playful, cosy book..highly recommended for some feel good escapism for young teens upwards!
September 18, 2025
As a fan of The Love Of My After Life, The Dead Romantics, and Meet Me When My Heart Stops, this book was right up my street.
Evvy died in the late Victorian era, and ended up on Cloud 9 because of a good deed on her last day alive. Problem is, it turns out that forever in paradise is pretty boring without your loved ones. To fill the time, she takes a job as a Guide helping the soon-to-depart reach as high a cloud level as possible and bringing them to the afterlife. That's how she meets Tom....except he's not dying, so why can he see her?
Although the afterlife doesn't hold up to scrutiny, the commentary on the unfair system was interesting and added an extra level of depth to the story.
A cute romance that's suitable for younger readers, but enjoyable for adults too.
Netgalley ARC
Evvy died in the late Victorian era, and ended up on Cloud 9 because of a good deed on her last day alive. Problem is, it turns out that forever in paradise is pretty boring without your loved ones. To fill the time, she takes a job as a Guide helping the soon-to-depart reach as high a cloud level as possible and bringing them to the afterlife. That's how she meets Tom....except he's not dying, so why can he see her?
Although the afterlife doesn't hold up to scrutiny, the commentary on the unfair system was interesting and added an extra level of depth to the story.
A cute romance that's suitable for younger readers, but enjoyable for adults too.
Netgalley ARC
February 8, 2025
I loved the world building in this novel, and thought the romance was very cute. It wasn't particularly ground breaking, but still a really enjoyable read!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 21, 2025
An original, heartfelt and hilarious supernatural YA Romcom that will tug at your heartstrings and have you laughing outloud. It's perfect for fans of BBC's Ghosts and The Good Place, I was hooked from the very first page!
February 18, 2025
Incredible original take on the Afterlife with characters I fell in love with. Have been looking forward to another book from this author and was not disappointed. Should be a show!
February 18, 2025
Joyful and bittersweet and funny
Read
August 11, 2025The first half was really good and then it got a little repetitive
September 5, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this! Truthfully it’s probably more of a 3.5, but here we are. I hope this isn’t a standalone, though I expect it will be.
January 21, 2025
Cloud Nine takes an ingenious concept and elevates it to new heights in this life-affirming, heart-warming sparkler of a book.
I loved Totally Deceased, which is an underrated YA gem that built wonderfully on its clever premise. Cunningham delivers that same dark humour and wonderfully drawn characters in this speculative YA romance. She clearly has a talent for spinning fantastic yarns out of ideas that just grab you immediately. This had the irreverent humour and existential considerations of The Good Place, with all the classic hallmarks of a great YA contemporary romance. It stands out from the crowd and is infused with so much heart. Evvy is a large part of that – leaping off the page instantly. She has an arresting voice that captivates you and endears you to her very quickly. I really enjoyed her development and personal journey over the course of the book. Her experiences as a guide really change her outlook and intersect with the central mysteries well.
At the same time, this also has several mysterious plotlines that are well-paced, with stakes of literal life and death. Evvy is desperate to crack the case with plenty of grit and determination, as well as a keen eye. I liked how out of time she felt at times and how her background as a Victorian thief informed how she moved through the world, even now. Her comments on how everything had changed were great. There was a deep-seated weariness that Cunningham touches on. The concept of the afterlife becoming boring in its perfection was fantastic, with the growing unrest about the separation of the levels. That throughline was heart-breaking and added a moral dilemma I had never considered before. It speaks to the way grief continues to throw new challenges your way, perhaps even after death.
Cloud Nine is a hilarious heartwarmer of a book that combines fantasy, romance and mystery into an irresitible story.
CW: death, murder, arson, terminal illness
I loved Totally Deceased, which is an underrated YA gem that built wonderfully on its clever premise. Cunningham delivers that same dark humour and wonderfully drawn characters in this speculative YA romance. She clearly has a talent for spinning fantastic yarns out of ideas that just grab you immediately. This had the irreverent humour and existential considerations of The Good Place, with all the classic hallmarks of a great YA contemporary romance. It stands out from the crowd and is infused with so much heart. Evvy is a large part of that – leaping off the page instantly. She has an arresting voice that captivates you and endears you to her very quickly. I really enjoyed her development and personal journey over the course of the book. Her experiences as a guide really change her outlook and intersect with the central mysteries well.
At the same time, this also has several mysterious plotlines that are well-paced, with stakes of literal life and death. Evvy is desperate to crack the case with plenty of grit and determination, as well as a keen eye. I liked how out of time she felt at times and how her background as a Victorian thief informed how she moved through the world, even now. Her comments on how everything had changed were great. There was a deep-seated weariness that Cunningham touches on. The concept of the afterlife becoming boring in its perfection was fantastic, with the growing unrest about the separation of the levels. That throughline was heart-breaking and added a moral dilemma I had never considered before. It speaks to the way grief continues to throw new challenges your way, perhaps even after death.
Cloud Nine is a hilarious heartwarmer of a book that combines fantasy, romance and mystery into an irresitible story.
CW: death, murder, arson, terminal illness
November 11, 2025
ohhh sue cunningham i love you <3
i’ll always be generous with my ratings for sue’s books purely because they’re northern. on paper, this one wasn’t quite as gripping or funny as totally deceased, but i still liked it. her books read like butter, and they have these gorgeous covers.
- beforelifers would surely just be “lifers”? but i guess if you want both lives to sound equal, then it makes sense
- “mortal coiler” >>
- on p198 - i thought the arsonist would somehow end up being seth, so i was like, halfway there lmao
- i think the girl with meningitis being hit by a bus and the old people being so horrified they were sick was really unnecessary and awful to read, more so than the rest of the deaths
- even though seth’s on 7, i thought he’d be in one of the 3-and-below clouds and that would be the twist. i’d have loved if we got to know more about those ominous ones
- she’s started saying “zounds” purely because of perkin that’s adorable
- “I’m not going anywhere, Evvy. Don’t we have all eternity?” because he had cancer and EVERYTHING… crying
- it is sad she left her friends on 9, but yeah, i’m glad they got reunited. i do think tom somehow achieving a 9 would’ve been better, as his halo was obscured in the hospital so i thought that might’ve been the twist, but i suppose that might’ve been too obvious and/or unattainable. i also think the ending was kind of like… oh very sudden obvious resolution that happens within 3 pages and everything’s fine now. and as some other reviewers pointed out, what’s so great about tom anyway?
i’ll always be generous with my ratings for sue’s books purely because they’re northern. on paper, this one wasn’t quite as gripping or funny as totally deceased, but i still liked it. her books read like butter, and they have these gorgeous covers.
- beforelifers would surely just be “lifers”? but i guess if you want both lives to sound equal, then it makes sense
- “mortal coiler” >>
- on p198 - i thought the arsonist would somehow end up being seth, so i was like, halfway there lmao
- i think the girl with meningitis being hit by a bus and the old people being so horrified they were sick was really unnecessary and awful to read, more so than the rest of the deaths
- even though seth’s on 7, i thought he’d be in one of the 3-and-below clouds and that would be the twist. i’d have loved if we got to know more about those ominous ones
- she’s started saying “zounds” purely because of perkin that’s adorable
- “I’m not going anywhere, Evvy. Don’t we have all eternity?” because he had cancer and EVERYTHING… crying
- it is sad she left her friends on 9, but yeah, i’m glad they got reunited. i do think tom somehow achieving a 9 would’ve been better, as his halo was obscured in the hospital so i thought that might’ve been the twist, but i suppose that might’ve been too obvious and/or unattainable. i also think the ending was kind of like… oh very sudden obvious resolution that happens within 3 pages and everything’s fine now. and as some other reviewers pointed out, what’s so great about tom anyway?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
This was cute, fun and really quite funny. I think it was really clever, especially the way the afterlife was set up with the different levels. The thing that let it down though was the ending, which just seemed far too easy and convenient resolution.
I liked Evvy’s character a lot. She felt very modern though. It made sense that she’d modernised over the years and I enjoyed the author slipping in some older fashioned phrases every now and again. I don’t think it would have worked if Evvy had kept her Victorian attributes so it made sense for the story.
Overall, I did enjoy this. I think when I was a teenager, this book would have had a bigger impact on me. But let’s face it. I’m not the target audience anymore. Still, I think adults and teens alike can have a lot of fun with this book.
I’ll be interested to see what else this author has written.
I was gifted this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Crossposted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
I liked Evvy’s character a lot. She felt very modern though. It made sense that she’d modernised over the years and I enjoyed the author slipping in some older fashioned phrases every now and again. I don’t think it would have worked if Evvy had kept her Victorian attributes so it made sense for the story.
Overall, I did enjoy this. I think when I was a teenager, this book would have had a bigger impact on me. But let’s face it. I’m not the target audience anymore. Still, I think adults and teens alike can have a lot of fun with this book.
I’ll be interested to see what else this author has written.
I was gifted this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Crossposted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
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