What do you think?
Rate this book
The Apothecary #3
The After-Room
It’s 1955, and Benjamin Burrows and Janie Scott are trying to live a safe, normal life in America. It’s not easy, when they have the power to prevent nuclear disaster, and sinister forces are circling. Soon the advice of a mysterious, unscrupulous magician propels Janie and Benjamin into danger, and toward the land of the dead.
Meanwhile, their friend Jin Lo washes up on a remote island where an American spy is stationed, and finds herself on the trail of a deadly threat in China. But she’s on the other side of the world—how can Janie and Benjamin reach her?
The triumphant finale in the trilogy that began with Maile Meloy’s bestselling, critically acclaimed The Apothecary , and continued in its captivating sequel, The Apprentices , The After-Room is full of enchantment and heart, with Ian Schoenherr’s stunning illustrations throughout.
Meanwhile, their friend Jin Lo washes up on a remote island where an American spy is stationed, and finds herself on the trail of a deadly threat in China. But she’s on the other side of the world—how can Janie and Benjamin reach her?
The triumphant finale in the trilogy that began with Maile Meloy’s bestselling, critically acclaimed The Apothecary , and continued in its captivating sequel, The Apprentices , The After-Room is full of enchantment and heart, with Ian Schoenherr’s stunning illustrations throughout.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2015
100 people are currently reading
1655 people want to read
About the author
Maile Meloy
33 books886 followersMaile Meloy is the author of the novels Liars and Saints and A Family Daughter, the story collections Half in Love and Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It (named one of the Ten Best Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review), and the award-winning Apothecary trilogy for young readers. She has received the PEN/Malamud Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship, and was chosen as one of Granta’s Best Young American Novelists. Her new novel for adults, Do Not Become Alarmed, will be published June 6, 2017.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 8, 2016
Wow. This book was just...breathtaking. Benjamin and Janie both had such good character development, and their romance was was so touching.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I almost cried when (SPOILER!) Janie came back to life, and how much Benjamin cared about her. And that ending. It was just perfect. Benjamin fate is certain...and Janie is talented in sciences, so she has probably decided to stay with him. I really liked how Janie and Benjamin had fights and doubts about each other, which I think strengthened their relationship and love, but in the moments that mattered, they were there with each other. Ned and Jin Lo...now that was perfect. Pip made me the laugh the whole way. He's traveled a long way to get to Valentina. (*cough* Sarah *cough*)
This series has touched my heart in so many ways.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I almost cried when (SPOILER!) Janie came back to life, and how much Benjamin cared about her. And that ending. It was just perfect. Benjamin fate is certain...and Janie is talented in sciences, so she has probably decided to stay with him. I really liked how Janie and Benjamin had fights and doubts about each other, which I think strengthened their relationship and love, but in the moments that mattered, they were there with each other. Ned and Jin Lo...now that was perfect. Pip made me the laugh the whole way. He's traveled a long way to get to Valentina. (*cough* Sarah *cough*)
This series has touched my heart in so many ways.
February 10, 2016
Conclusion to the Apothecary trilogy. Benjamin Burrows is living with the Scott family, but is wracked with guilt over his role in his father's death and seeks a way to contact his father in the after-room. Meanwhile, halfway around the world, a grieving father has stolen nuclear material and intends to get even with China for his son's death by detonating a bomb there. Jin Lo joins an American spy to stop the madness. Meloy's strong anti-nuke message is clear.
December 29, 2015
It’s been a while since I read this series, and I really hadn’t given it a thought since I read book two in 2013. Still, when it popped up on the audio review list, I thought eh why not?
The After-Room, like the rest of the series, is a pleasant read, but it’s not one that really stands out in any particular way. I like elements of the story and characters, but also any time I try to sit down and think about the strengths of this book I’m left without much of anything to say. The plot’s a bit convoluted, the magic herein contained so easy and convenient that it really loses the cool factor. I mean, Janie hears that telekinesis is possible and teaches it to herself no problem. It’s not even a huge plot thing; it mostly just happens.
However, the audiobook was truly fantastic. The narrator, Cristin Milioti, does a great job with all of the voices and accents. Even though I wasn’t absorbed by the plot of the book itself, I sped through the audiobook because she was so good at the storytelling.
The After-Room, like the rest of the series, is a pleasant read, but it’s not one that really stands out in any particular way. I like elements of the story and characters, but also any time I try to sit down and think about the strengths of this book I’m left without much of anything to say. The plot’s a bit convoluted, the magic herein contained so easy and convenient that it really loses the cool factor. I mean, Janie hears that telekinesis is possible and teaches it to herself no problem. It’s not even a huge plot thing; it mostly just happens.
However, the audiobook was truly fantastic. The narrator, Cristin Milioti, does a great job with all of the voices and accents. Even though I wasn’t absorbed by the plot of the book itself, I sped through the audiobook because she was so good at the storytelling.
January 31, 2024
I don't know why it's taken me this long to finally get around to finishing these series. I read the first two books like ten years ago, and I think the series was a lot more engaging then. This time around, I found a lot of flaws with the second book, so I didn't have high hopes for The After-Room.
I felt like The After-Room was kind of just a repeat of The Apprentices but with even more bad decisions. The magic has kind of worn off in this one and it just becomes a bunch of people who don't listen to each other and have no idea what each other are doing.
The After-Room was a lot more confusing than I remember either of the other two being. It seemed to skip around too much and most of the plot points came out of nowhere. I don't usually have a problem with far-fetchedness in fantasy or magical realism, but somehow The After-Room was more annoying. Everything was just sudden, but not in a shocking plot twist kind of way, more in a "really? kind of way.
I did like Jin Lo's story (as always) even though it was really hard to follow too. It seemed like she was doing a lot more of the work that had been going on in the first two books. Maybe if Janie and Benjamin had been more involved in that, it would have been better. As it was, it seemed like the goals weren't aligned. Unfortunately, I didn't like the way her story ended. It was too flat; wrapped up too neatly, and Janie and Benjamin were barely part of it. I do, however, like that she ended up happy.
I will say I did like that Janie and Benjamin are starting to lead a normal life. I liked their friends, and their ending was a good one. The surprise communication from an old friend whose story didn't completely wrap up in the first book was nice too. It's fun to imagine their reunion and all the couples staying together and being happy.
I'm glad I finally finished this series that I've been hoping to finish since middle school. I think I would still recommend it to young adult readers, but I just don't love it any more. I'll be happy to donate or sell the first two books and move on.
I felt like The After-Room was kind of just a repeat of The Apprentices but with even more bad decisions. The magic has kind of worn off in this one and it just becomes a bunch of people who don't listen to each other and have no idea what each other are doing.
The After-Room was a lot more confusing than I remember either of the other two being. It seemed to skip around too much and most of the plot points came out of nowhere. I don't usually have a problem with far-fetchedness in fantasy or magical realism, but somehow The After-Room was more annoying. Everything was just sudden, but not in a shocking plot twist kind of way, more in a "really? kind of way.
I did like Jin Lo's story (as always) even though it was really hard to follow too. It seemed like she was doing a lot more of the work that had been going on in the first two books. Maybe if Janie and Benjamin had been more involved in that, it would have been better. As it was, it seemed like the goals weren't aligned. Unfortunately, I didn't like the way her story ended. It was too flat; wrapped up too neatly, and Janie and Benjamin were barely part of it. I do, however, like that she ended up happy.
I will say I did like that Janie and Benjamin are starting to lead a normal life. I liked their friends, and their ending was a good one. The surprise communication from an old friend whose story didn't completely wrap up in the first book was nice too. It's fun to imagine their reunion and all the couples staying together and being happy.
I'm glad I finally finished this series that I've been hoping to finish since middle school. I think I would still recommend it to young adult readers, but I just don't love it any more. I'll be happy to donate or sell the first two books and move on.
March 21, 2016
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
This is, I have to say, a very strange trilogy.
But I love it. I can't help loving it, even when I'm wrinkling my brow and going "huh?" This was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy, wrapping things up for everyone in such a way that just makes sense.
I was a little worried going in about the theology, considering the way the characters can actually send their minds to talk with dead people. It's very strange, yes, but there's no direct reference to any specific religion and Meloy keeps it ambiguous enough that I think readers can interpret everything however they want to.
Honestly, I don't have much to say about this book because it is such a peculiar gem that so perfectly ends the series. This series is one of those things that you either love or hate, and I love it - but at the same time, sometimes I pause and go "hmm, weird." The strange mix of science and magic (i.e. alchemy) works wonderfully throughout the series, and the plots of all three books are realistic and compelling - I honestly felt the characters' emotions bleed into me as I read, making me laugh and cry (and occasionally blush) along with them.
The entire trilogy is one of those things that I have a hard time analyzing, because it's so unique and flawless that I can't think of any ways to change it. No, wait, I do have one way: the ending. I would have liked a little bit of a punchier final scene. Then again, I was mulling it over in my head for like a week afterward, so maybe the slightly underrated ending was the way to go. Hmm . . .
Gah, I know I sound so conflicted and confused! Just read the series for yourself, and you can make up your own mind about it. I'd love to know whether you love it or hate it!
This is, I have to say, a very strange trilogy.
But I love it. I can't help loving it, even when I'm wrinkling my brow and going "huh?" This was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy, wrapping things up for everyone in such a way that just makes sense.
I was a little worried going in about the theology, considering the way the characters can actually send their minds to talk with dead people. It's very strange, yes, but there's no direct reference to any specific religion and Meloy keeps it ambiguous enough that I think readers can interpret everything however they want to.
Honestly, I don't have much to say about this book because it is such a peculiar gem that so perfectly ends the series. This series is one of those things that you either love or hate, and I love it - but at the same time, sometimes I pause and go "hmm, weird." The strange mix of science and magic (i.e. alchemy) works wonderfully throughout the series, and the plots of all three books are realistic and compelling - I honestly felt the characters' emotions bleed into me as I read, making me laugh and cry (and occasionally blush) along with them.
The entire trilogy is one of those things that I have a hard time analyzing, because it's so unique and flawless that I can't think of any ways to change it. No, wait, I do have one way: the ending. I would have liked a little bit of a punchier final scene. Then again, I was mulling it over in my head for like a week afterward, so maybe the slightly underrated ending was the way to go. Hmm . . .
Gah, I know I sound so conflicted and confused! Just read the series for yourself, and you can make up your own mind about it. I'd love to know whether you love it or hate it!
January 11, 2018
I found the first book of the Apothecary series to be beautifully written, thoughtfully constructed and generally enchanting, but thought that the second book was a bit of a throwaway. I was hopeful, and a bit nervous, to start the third book. The After-Room was slow starting but, once established, a worthy end to the series. While the second book offered little that was novel or intriguing, the idea of the after-room offered a compelling core around which this third book was constructed. With that said, endings are not a strength in this series. It always feels to me as though the author suddenly realizes that she is nearing her page limit and rushes to tie up loose ends, after such carefully developed introductions. All in all, this is one of the more original middle grade series I've read in a long time. I'm excited to share it with my children and intend to seek out some of the author's other work.
October 27, 2018
This final book was really the perfect ending to a perfect trilogy. If this is the kind of middle grade/YA books the author is able to write, then I'm really hoping that she sticks with that genre instead of going back to writing more adult novels. I read one of those recently and wasn't impressed. It was rather hard to believe that someone who could write such a fascinating series for younger readers could then write a book for adults that was just meh. Please Maile Meloy, stick with middle grade/YA, because I will definitely read anything you write in that genre.
November 11, 2021
3.5 stars. I liked parts of it, especially with Jin Lo's adventures and Benjamin realizing how much Janie means to him. It's about Benjamin and his struggle with dealing with the past, Janie helping him with that while dealing with her own grief, a magician who's in a bad state, and lots of trouble. Some language and dealing with what is and what isn't ethical that I didn't always agree with.
September 17, 2025
The third and final book in this series brought the story to a satisfying close. It follows a trio of teenagers, two boys and a girl, on their magical adventures, which reminded me a lot of another well-known magical series. While I found the second book less engaging, this one won me back. Themes of grief and loyalty are explored with surprising depth, and although some of the situations the characters faced felt a bit rushed and unbelievable, the adventure as a whole was both enjoyable and rewarding to read.
December 26, 2017
By far my favorite of the three books, it was so good and tied everything up perfectly.
Just how far everyone has come over the past three books is unbelievable and the way the story came together in the end was wonderful.
I’m going to miss this series majorly, but am so proud of the characters that I’m almost not upset about having to say goodbye.
It just left a really good feeling with me and I’m really happy now.
5/5 stars.
Just how far everyone has come over the past three books is unbelievable and the way the story came together in the end was wonderful.
I’m going to miss this series majorly, but am so proud of the characters that I’m almost not upset about having to say goodbye.
It just left a really good feeling with me and I’m really happy now.
5/5 stars.
August 29, 2017
It was a good ending to the trilogy. I guess as they are getting older, hormones are complicating things. While there were lots of locations and various characters (some new, some old), there was not quite as much chemistry/potion making with "the book" that there has been in the past. Still, most of it was fast paced. It was a little disjointed in that there were really 2 stories happening alongside each other, but they came together near the end.
July 29, 2017
This is a great "hidden gem" middle grades series. Especially good for students who have a passion for STEM and for science fiction. It's also historical fiction. Quite versatile.
June 26, 2018
Book 3 of 3. I'm hoping there will be more!
September 15, 2019
Interesting conclusion to the series. I like how it has a satisfactory end with enough room for more story if needed.
January 16, 2020
All that I hoped it would be. Really enjoyed it.
July 28, 2025
4/5 - This was the last of this series that I read to Henry. He really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2019
I'm only half-way..and already feel the book is kinda boring.. I only read a few chapters a day (and one chapter is like 2-3 pages with very large font >__<)
Unlike the first 2, I finished them in like a few days.
Unlike the first 2, I finished them in like a few days.
February 18, 2021
I loved the romance that blossomed between Benjamin and Janie in this last epic adventure! Heartwarming and melting throughout with new characters and old blending together.
December 5, 2018
I personally thought the best book of this trilogy was the second one. The beginning of this one seemed kind of slow to me, but I had a good time reading the story. I liked the interpretation of the afterlife and other supernatural powers. Jin Lo and Janie were my favorite characters. Jin Lo because of her determination and strong morals. Janie, because of her perseverance and her bravery. Even though it started a bit slow for me, it definitely picked up some speed and got more interesting. Overall I thought it was a good read, and I would definitely recommend this series.
June 26, 2015
There are many many cool things about my job, but by far the coolest is getting an ebook galley hot off the digital presses for the conclusion of the YA trilogy by one of my very favorite authors. I of course loved it. It wasn't my favorite of the three - there was a little too much of the afterlife and ghosts and magic, vs a basis on the scientific and alchemical in the first two - but still a wonderful finale. It does leave things just a tiny bit open for her to return to the characters someday but I think it's great as a trilogy. I love that Janie and Benjamin are smart and brave and resourceful; the Cold War setting is such a departure from most books for that age; and the writing is just so smart and I adore how she takes them all over the world. What a nice way to pull myself out of my post-War & Peace mindset.
April 29, 2018
Book three--Meloy has gotten through a lengthy series with her plotline developed, her characters well matured, and a satifying ending. Having said that, I do have issues with the series. There were times when I had to really stretch my belief system which is extremely stretchy. I wanted the main characters I loved to not have to have others come in and "fix things." I wanted to have a bit longer in an episode exposed before jumping to the alternate story. I wanted more of Janie and Benjamin's time together in the final book. However, these were the way the author chose to tell the story and not a reason for the trilogy to not get 5 stars. Beautiful job Maile Meloy. Maybe give us another trilogy about Janie and Benjamin in their future???
January 31, 2019
I had more trouble with the angst in this book than I did in the first two of the series, especially coming from Benjamin. It felt like some of the poor decisions made by the kids were too stupid to be coming from them. About two-thirds of the way through, I realized I was judging them too harshly. I recognized their ages and their experiences up to that point were actually plausible. Genius-level kids aren't necessarily mature in social or emotional ways.
Once I backed away from wanting to call Benjamin an idiot, I really enjoyed the story. Although there are a few teasers of things that might happen in the future, this book ends the series in enough of a satisfying fashion that the reader doesn't feel cheated if Benjamin, Janie, and Pip do not appear in print again.
Once I backed away from wanting to call Benjamin an idiot, I really enjoyed the story. Although there are a few teasers of things that might happen in the future, this book ends the series in enough of a satisfying fashion that the reader doesn't feel cheated if Benjamin, Janie, and Pip do not appear in print again.
January 6, 2016
A solid installment in this series. Janie and Benjamin are now sixteen and discover new abilities, mainly that they can communicate with Benjamin's father, who is in the "After-room", and through him other people who have passed over. Jin Lo also has some interesting developments in this book, which could be the last one.
February 6, 2017
The After-Room was amazing. She gave predictable endings but those were good.The ending was amazing but, it made me so sad. I guess I could compare myself to Jin Lo. Not in looks but in her inner identity and values. Jin Lo is resourceful and values family even though she doesn't realize it. Overall the book, I think, was the best in the series.
July 10, 2017
I am so OBSESSED with this series. Every book is better than the last! My only complaint is the fact that Pip didn't shown up till late in the book but that aside I loved it. Ned is my love and Jin Lo is perfection. Nuff said.
May 25, 2016
I'm so sad to see this series end, I love Benjamin Buttons & Ned Maddox, and this ending is too bittersweet. I need a book of the kids still around as adults, a few years down the road.
May 4, 2016
I lost track of this trilogy and started reading this with my ears before realizing I skipped part 2. Excellent audio production.
December 17, 2016
So sad this series is over...
June 17, 2021
jin lo >>>>
April 2, 2023
I really loved this book. The plot was pretty solid, and though it was maybe a bit of a weaker main plot compared to the first two books I think it was still really good. The themes in this book are also great, and the character arcs for Benjamin, Janie, Jin lo, etc are all executed very well. I also liked the new setting and the stories of the side characters. I truly enjoyed this book a lot, and it was a satisfactory ending to the series for me.
Now moving on to my in depth thoughts (!Spoilers ahead!)
The best chapters in this book for me were Jin lo and ned. Jin lo has always been a great character and I loved her story in this book, washing up on the island, then allying and eventually falling in love with Ned??? Priceless. Their love story was everything to me, especially considering how neither of them have any family. Them getting married was the cherry on top for me, absolutely perfect.
Benjamin and Janie. As always, I love Janie. She’s a interesting, layered, and likable main character that I’ve always enjoyed reading about ever since the first book. Her and Benjamin’s love story has also always been very sweet, and that didn’t stop in this book. Benjamin’s story was very good for me, trying to deal with the loss of his father, not being able to open up, blaming himself for his fathers death? It was all handled very well. I love that in the end he was able to let his father go after trying so desperately to hold onto him through the after room.
Janie and Benjamin’s romance was really sweet in this book, Janie only being able to be brought back to life by Benjamin’s kiss was so sweet and I loved it so much. They had a lot of cute moments and I can definitely see how much their relationship has progressed and matured!
Onto the side characters, we have Doyle. Now I loved Doyle, say what you want about him but his character development was great. Something I also love about these books is the effortless insertion of fantasy elements into essentially a historical fiction book. It’s really great. Doyle just being able to read minds and use telekinesis is super cool, I also really liked that Janie was able to learn to also use telekinesis, just somehow.
I was slightly disappointed that Rafaello didn’t show up in this book. But I get that there was really no reason for him to. Pip also had a short but nice storyline in this book, and even though Vili didn’t have his own storyline I love him just as much as always. I was so surprised by Ned, I love him SO MUCH. Him and Jin Lo have to be my favorite ship from this entire series, they are too cute.
Onto the ending. It was practically perfect. All the characters get their happy endings, and although I’m obviously sad to not be able to read anymore about these characters I’ve grown really attached to, I know they’re all very happy. Jin lo and Ned got married. Janie’s parents are writers again. Janie and Benjamin are happy and are ready to figure out their lives together. Pip has a successful career and possible romance with Valentina. Doyle has developed and grown, and is going to start a better life.
I was so pleased by this book, and I think it was an amazing ending to a series I throughly enjoyed. (:
Now moving on to my in depth thoughts (!Spoilers ahead!)
The best chapters in this book for me were Jin lo and ned. Jin lo has always been a great character and I loved her story in this book, washing up on the island, then allying and eventually falling in love with Ned??? Priceless. Their love story was everything to me, especially considering how neither of them have any family. Them getting married was the cherry on top for me, absolutely perfect.
Benjamin and Janie. As always, I love Janie. She’s a interesting, layered, and likable main character that I’ve always enjoyed reading about ever since the first book. Her and Benjamin’s love story has also always been very sweet, and that didn’t stop in this book. Benjamin’s story was very good for me, trying to deal with the loss of his father, not being able to open up, blaming himself for his fathers death? It was all handled very well. I love that in the end he was able to let his father go after trying so desperately to hold onto him through the after room.
Janie and Benjamin’s romance was really sweet in this book, Janie only being able to be brought back to life by Benjamin’s kiss was so sweet and I loved it so much. They had a lot of cute moments and I can definitely see how much their relationship has progressed and matured!
Onto the side characters, we have Doyle. Now I loved Doyle, say what you want about him but his character development was great. Something I also love about these books is the effortless insertion of fantasy elements into essentially a historical fiction book. It’s really great. Doyle just being able to read minds and use telekinesis is super cool, I also really liked that Janie was able to learn to also use telekinesis, just somehow.
I was slightly disappointed that Rafaello didn’t show up in this book. But I get that there was really no reason for him to. Pip also had a short but nice storyline in this book, and even though Vili didn’t have his own storyline I love him just as much as always. I was so surprised by Ned, I love him SO MUCH. Him and Jin Lo have to be my favorite ship from this entire series, they are too cute.
Onto the ending. It was practically perfect. All the characters get their happy endings, and although I’m obviously sad to not be able to read anymore about these characters I’ve grown really attached to, I know they’re all very happy. Jin lo and Ned got married. Janie’s parents are writers again. Janie and Benjamin are happy and are ready to figure out their lives together. Pip has a successful career and possible romance with Valentina. Doyle has developed and grown, and is going to start a better life.
I was so pleased by this book, and I think it was an amazing ending to a series I throughly enjoyed. (:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews