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Afterlight
From the bestselling author of Mercy.
Life’s been tough on Sophie Teague.
Since her parents died in a freak motorbike accident, she’s been living with her gran in their rundown pub. And she’s just enrolled at a new school, desperate for a fresh start.
That’s until ‘Eve’, a beautiful ghost clad in black, starts making terrifying nightly appearances in Sophie’s bedroom.
Eve doesn’t speak, or write—she just hovers, transmitting images and pleading for Sophie’s help.
What happened to Eve? Does it have something to do with the recent murder that sent a notorious bikie-gang leader on the run?
Sophie isn’t sure—but she knows Eve won’t stop haunting her until she finds out. So with the unlikely help of her enigmatic classmate Jordan Haig, Sophie sets out to unravel the mystery.
Dark, thrilling and utterly spooky, Afterlight will take you deep into the heart of a dangerous love story, revealing the unworldly—and deadly—pull of the past.
Life’s been tough on Sophie Teague.
Since her parents died in a freak motorbike accident, she’s been living with her gran in their rundown pub. And she’s just enrolled at a new school, desperate for a fresh start.
That’s until ‘Eve’, a beautiful ghost clad in black, starts making terrifying nightly appearances in Sophie’s bedroom.
Eve doesn’t speak, or write—she just hovers, transmitting images and pleading for Sophie’s help.
What happened to Eve? Does it have something to do with the recent murder that sent a notorious bikie-gang leader on the run?
Sophie isn’t sure—but she knows Eve won’t stop haunting her until she finds out. So with the unlikely help of her enigmatic classmate Jordan Haig, Sophie sets out to unravel the mystery.
Dark, thrilling and utterly spooky, Afterlight will take you deep into the heart of a dangerous love story, revealing the unworldly—and deadly—pull of the past.
Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2015
5 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Lim
39 books732 followersRebecca Lim is an Australian writer, illustrator and editor and the author of over twenty books, including Tiger Daughter (a Kirkus, Amazon and Booklist Best Book, CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers and Victorian Premier’s Literary Award-winner), Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky (NSW History Award-winner and Book Links Children’s Historical Fiction Award-winner) and the bestselling Mercy. Her work has been twice shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award, shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards, ARA Historical Novel Prize and Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, shortlisted multiple times for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Aurealis Awards and Davitt Awards, and longlisted for the Gold Inky Award and the David Gemmell Legend Award. Her novels have been translated into German, French, Turkish, Portuguese, Polish, Vietnamese and Russian. She is a co-founder of the Voices from the Intersection initiative and co-editor of Meet Me at the Intersection, a groundbreaking anthology of YA #OwnVoice memoir, poetry and fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 22, 2015
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Afterlight was a suspenseful and engaging story of grief, playing the reluctant hero and a ghostly apparition that demands attention. Told from Sophie's perspective and set in my hometown of Melbourne, she's the girl next door. Awkward, both socially and physically, still growing into her own body. She's the quiet, grieving teen, having lost her parents in a freak accident that she's slowly coming to terms with. Her guardian is now her tough as boots grandmother, who runs The Star Hotel, Sophie living in her own room upstairs. Eve isn't the first ghost she's seen, but by far the most insistent. Eve has unfinished business, and embroils Sophie into her world via a series of images and cryptic clues. Before long, the cool, untouchable Jordan is drawn into the fray, helping Sophie in her mission and to banish Eve from both their lives.
It was enthralling, engaging and action packed. Although Jordan was far less interesting and felt bland at times, I adored Sophie. Her character was flawed but incredible realistic. She's not all that remarkable or plans to save the world, but the reluctant heroine who up until meeting Eve, wanted to go through high school unnoticed, by everyone but Jordan that is. I felt such affection for Sophie, she's the quiet girl next door and although intelligent, she's so lovely and naive that I felt the need to protect her. Even from Jordan.
The romance was barely there, but would have preferred to have seen a friendship form between the two teens, perhaps with a similar tension as Mycroft and Watts from Ellie Marney's Every Series. It felt more so a romance of convenience and not at all believable sadly. But only a small gripe.
I loved it. The intensity, especially with the last few chapters was unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat. I adored Sophie's character, who readers will not only find likable but also relatable. Rebecca Lim is a wonderful Aussie author who's taking our own brand of young adult to the world.
Not only does it end on a cliffhanger, but as yet there is no series planned. Fingers crossed that this isn't the case.
Afterlight was a suspenseful and engaging story of grief, playing the reluctant hero and a ghostly apparition that demands attention. Told from Sophie's perspective and set in my hometown of Melbourne, she's the girl next door. Awkward, both socially and physically, still growing into her own body. She's the quiet, grieving teen, having lost her parents in a freak accident that she's slowly coming to terms with. Her guardian is now her tough as boots grandmother, who runs The Star Hotel, Sophie living in her own room upstairs. Eve isn't the first ghost she's seen, but by far the most insistent. Eve has unfinished business, and embroils Sophie into her world via a series of images and cryptic clues. Before long, the cool, untouchable Jordan is drawn into the fray, helping Sophie in her mission and to banish Eve from both their lives.
It was enthralling, engaging and action packed. Although Jordan was far less interesting and felt bland at times, I adored Sophie. Her character was flawed but incredible realistic. She's not all that remarkable or plans to save the world, but the reluctant heroine who up until meeting Eve, wanted to go through high school unnoticed, by everyone but Jordan that is. I felt such affection for Sophie, she's the quiet girl next door and although intelligent, she's so lovely and naive that I felt the need to protect her. Even from Jordan.
The romance was barely there, but would have preferred to have seen a friendship form between the two teens, perhaps with a similar tension as Mycroft and Watts from Ellie Marney's Every Series. It felt more so a romance of convenience and not at all believable sadly. But only a small gripe.
I loved it. The intensity, especially with the last few chapters was unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat. I adored Sophie's character, who readers will not only find likable but also relatable. Rebecca Lim is a wonderful Aussie author who's taking our own brand of young adult to the world.
Not only does it end on a cliffhanger, but as yet there is no series planned. Fingers crossed that this isn't the case.
August 12, 2015
This review appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!
Afterlight is an elegantly written tale about a ghost who haunts a teenager who has lost her parents. It’s fast paced, filled with thrills and diversity, and I read it in one sitting. I loved the Melbourne setting as well, with the description of school being quite realistic for Australians.
The haunting in the novel is a creepy and fascinating part of the book – where the ghost Eve, sends Sophie on missions to tie up loose ends of her life and to perform good deeds. It was weird how Sophie was strangely accepting of this, but she’s lonely and coping with grief so she just goes along with it. I loved how following Eve’s lead gave Sophie a sense of direction and confidence, taking her mind off her parents death.
Sophie is a tall redhead, who is often insecure and worries about her place in life, and Jordan is a hot mysterious guy with tattoos. Once Jordan figures out that Sophie could see Eve as well, he takes it upon himself to help her with her missions. Things moved a bit fast between them for my liking though, they barely knew each other and are soon making out. But thankfully the romance doesn’t overtake the story.
It was fantastic how the diversity was just a part of Afterlight. A tall girl, guy with tattoos, crazy cat lady, gay drag queen and motorcycling gangs are all weaved into the story. It was incredible how precisely the author described bad smells and dodgy people, I could picture these things vividly in my head.
Things get pretty intense in the latter half of the book but the supernatural elements become hard to believe. It also ends rather abruptly; I wish there were more pages to tie it off properly.
Afterlight is a fast paced ghost story with thrills, a wonderful amount of diversity and a relatable Melbourne setting. The story is written beautifully and elegantly demonstrating a journey of closure and understanding of oneself. Another great Aussie YA title!
I received a review copy from the publisher.
Afterlight is an elegantly written tale about a ghost who haunts a teenager who has lost her parents. It’s fast paced, filled with thrills and diversity, and I read it in one sitting. I loved the Melbourne setting as well, with the description of school being quite realistic for Australians.
The haunting in the novel is a creepy and fascinating part of the book – where the ghost Eve, sends Sophie on missions to tie up loose ends of her life and to perform good deeds. It was weird how Sophie was strangely accepting of this, but she’s lonely and coping with grief so she just goes along with it. I loved how following Eve’s lead gave Sophie a sense of direction and confidence, taking her mind off her parents death.
Sophie is a tall redhead, who is often insecure and worries about her place in life, and Jordan is a hot mysterious guy with tattoos. Once Jordan figures out that Sophie could see Eve as well, he takes it upon himself to help her with her missions. Things moved a bit fast between them for my liking though, they barely knew each other and are soon making out. But thankfully the romance doesn’t overtake the story.
It was fantastic how the diversity was just a part of Afterlight. A tall girl, guy with tattoos, crazy cat lady, gay drag queen and motorcycling gangs are all weaved into the story. It was incredible how precisely the author described bad smells and dodgy people, I could picture these things vividly in my head.
Things get pretty intense in the latter half of the book but the supernatural elements become hard to believe. It also ends rather abruptly; I wish there were more pages to tie it off properly.
Afterlight is a fast paced ghost story with thrills, a wonderful amount of diversity and a relatable Melbourne setting. The story is written beautifully and elegantly demonstrating a journey of closure and understanding of oneself. Another great Aussie YA title!
I received a review copy from the publisher.
November 15, 2021
I've been thinking about this review for the last couple of days and I'm still not sure what to write. There's no pretending I'm a fan of Rebecca Lim. I read her book The Astrologer's Daughter when it first came out and rather disliked it (read: loathed it). The characters were awful, there was no conclusive ending - which is ridiculous for a mystery - and the writing tried too hard. It left me angry and bitter. Luckily Afterlight wasn't nearly so infuriating... but I cannot sit here and pretend that it was a particularly well-written or enjoyable story.
For one, the writing tried so hard to be poetic and pretty, but - to me, at least - it didn't suit the story. It was a little too... whimsical? Flowery? This isn't a light-hearted story. It's dark and gloomy, and the writing just didn't manage to capture that feeling at all. In fact, it almost seemed to be trying to 'hide' the darker themes behind the writing style, to counter-balance it or something. This was especially evident with the ending - some serious stuff is going down and the writing was trying to make the scene, I don't know, mean something? There were all these metaphors about life & death and it was just out of place.
The characters didn't help the matter either. While I was much more tolerant towards Sophie than I was Avicenna (the protagonist of The Astrologer's Daughter), I cannot pretend that I came to care for her. Both she and her romantic interest (whose name I cannot be bothered looking up) seemed to have very little personality, other than seeing ghosts. Plus, the romance, holy shivers, it was just so darn boring and predictable. The hottest boy in school ignores the advances of all the 'hot, cheerleader' types and falls for the quirky, misfit girl instead. Sophie is so shocked that she cannot believe that they breathe the same air. Where have I heard that before? Oh, right - like in every other book. I won't even go into a rant that they 'loved each other' after only two days... *snorts*.
Another thing which just didn't work for me was the ghost lore, which seemed to have no real consistency. In fact, it seemed to be made up as the story went along. I have so many questions still: why did Eve make Sophie do all those things? How did she communicate with the romantic interest (seriously, what was his name!) and not Sophie? What was with the tattoos and old spell - how did they work? Why did the ghosts bother some people more than others? If Sophie could see ghosts her whole life, why didn't they bother her until now but annoy Romantic Interest his whole life? Who becomes ghosts and how? .... I have so many unanswered questions as you can see.
Overall? I tried to give the author a shot at redemption but I wasn't able to enjoy her latest story. I don't think I'll be holding my breath for any of her newer releases.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
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For one, the writing tried so hard to be poetic and pretty, but - to me, at least - it didn't suit the story. It was a little too... whimsical? Flowery? This isn't a light-hearted story. It's dark and gloomy, and the writing just didn't manage to capture that feeling at all. In fact, it almost seemed to be trying to 'hide' the darker themes behind the writing style, to counter-balance it or something. This was especially evident with the ending - some serious stuff is going down and the writing was trying to make the scene, I don't know, mean something? There were all these metaphors about life & death and it was just out of place.
The characters didn't help the matter either. While I was much more tolerant towards Sophie than I was Avicenna (the protagonist of The Astrologer's Daughter), I cannot pretend that I came to care for her. Both she and her romantic interest (whose name I cannot be bothered looking up) seemed to have very little personality, other than seeing ghosts. Plus, the romance, holy shivers, it was just so darn boring and predictable. The hottest boy in school ignores the advances of all the 'hot, cheerleader' types and falls for the quirky, misfit girl instead. Sophie is so shocked that she cannot believe that they breathe the same air. Where have I heard that before? Oh, right - like in every other book. I won't even go into a rant that they 'loved each other' after only two days... *snorts*.
God, he and I are breathing the same air
Another thing which just didn't work for me was the ghost lore, which seemed to have no real consistency. In fact, it seemed to be made up as the story went along. I have so many questions still: why did Eve make Sophie do all those things? How did she communicate with the romantic interest (seriously, what was his name!) and not Sophie? What was with the tattoos and old spell - how did they work? Why did the ghosts bother some people more than others? If Sophie could see ghosts her whole life, why didn't they bother her until now but annoy Romantic Interest his whole life? Who becomes ghosts and how? .... I have so many unanswered questions as you can see.
Overall? I tried to give the author a shot at redemption but I wasn't able to enjoy her latest story. I don't think I'll be holding my breath for any of her newer releases.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
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July 24, 2015
Rebecca Lim has such a gift for weaving dark supernatural elements into gritty, realistic YA novels, and Afterlife is no exception.
It's eerie and intentionally unsettling, and the tension builds to almost unbearable levels in the last quarter of this book.
But the darker elements are nicely tempered by Sophie's engaging narrative voice and her relationships with her grandmother, fellow ghost-seer (and cool guy) Jordan, and Eve, the foreboding and demanding dead stripper.
What makes Afterlife so unsettling in parts is Rebecca's realistic depiction of violence and that fact this story (like The Astrologer's Daughter) are clearly inspired by real-life events.
That makes Afterlife not only a gripping read, but also an important one to remind us of the collateral damage wrought in a world where violence has been normalised.
Darkness aside, this was a fast-paced page-turner and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm curious to read about these characters and their role as gatekeepers between our world and the next.
It's eerie and intentionally unsettling, and the tension builds to almost unbearable levels in the last quarter of this book.
But the darker elements are nicely tempered by Sophie's engaging narrative voice and her relationships with her grandmother, fellow ghost-seer (and cool guy) Jordan, and Eve, the foreboding and demanding dead stripper.
What makes Afterlife so unsettling in parts is Rebecca's realistic depiction of violence and that fact this story (like The Astrologer's Daughter) are clearly inspired by real-life events.
That makes Afterlife not only a gripping read, but also an important one to remind us of the collateral damage wrought in a world where violence has been normalised.
Darkness aside, this was a fast-paced page-turner and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm curious to read about these characters and their role as gatekeepers between our world and the next.
July 27, 2015
I am like 85% sure Rebecca Lim is not of this world. I don't know how she does it, but she's written a novel about a girl who follows the directives of a ghost and it's somehow believable. Authentic. Ghosts exist. There's these gate-keepers stopping them from getting at us. All of this makes perfect sense. She's got powers, is what I'm saying. I am fully convinced this all could've actually happened. I think this is due to a combination of two things: Sophie's hilarious, unpretentious narration (which reads like a friend telling you what they got up to at the weekend) and the astounding amount of geographical detail (I'd call it world-building but it's Melbourne which I'm fairly sure is not Rebecca Lim's creation - but who really knows, maybe I'm in a Rebecca Lim novel? Disappointing lack of babes/supernatural creatures makes me think this is unlikely).
I stayed up very late reading this novel and it is a very creepy novel and when I went to get a glass of water in the dark, scary night while reading the dark, scary book I was DEEPLY CONCERNED that there would be a ghost in the kitchen and/or outside the kitchen window (for some reason, outside the kitchen window is scarier, I don't know why). Fortunately there was not. But. This book: really, really spooky. (After I finished reading, I had weird, disorienting dreams. Possibly due to this book. Possibly due to the fact I usually have weird, disorienting dreams.)
I cannot believe Jordan Haig is not mentioned in the blurb because he's terrific, he's the most terrific character in the book, I can't believe it. Best love interest in a YA novel I've read in recent memory. It's a definite read-in-one-sitting book (both because it is really short and also because it is really compelling). There are some characters that I expected more development of or some resolution to their story, which makes me hope there's a sequel (for instance, Daughtry seemed underutilized - surely he could've helped out a little more?). I thought, at the very least, Claudia P (the very awful bully) would get some sort of ghostly comeuppance (or would that have been cliché? Possibly). Afterlight doesn't have the same degree of in-depth expansive development as Lim's Mercy series, but it does have the same fast-paced, punchy thrills of The Astrologer's Daughter. I'm just very excited to read whatever Lim writes next, sequel or standalone.
Read it if you like: Underbelly and/or Goosebumps; spooky stories; quick, compelling reads; paranormal romance/urban fantasy/thrillers or any combination thereof. Just read it. I reckon you'll enjoy it.
I stayed up very late reading this novel and it is a very creepy novel and when I went to get a glass of water in the dark, scary night while reading the dark, scary book I was DEEPLY CONCERNED that there would be a ghost in the kitchen and/or outside the kitchen window (for some reason, outside the kitchen window is scarier, I don't know why). Fortunately there was not. But. This book: really, really spooky. (After I finished reading, I had weird, disorienting dreams. Possibly due to this book. Possibly due to the fact I usually have weird, disorienting dreams.)
I cannot believe Jordan Haig is not mentioned in the blurb because he's terrific, he's the most terrific character in the book, I can't believe it. Best love interest in a YA novel I've read in recent memory. It's a definite read-in-one-sitting book (both because it is really short and also because it is really compelling). There are some characters that I expected more development of or some resolution to their story, which makes me hope there's a sequel (for instance, Daughtry seemed underutilized - surely he could've helped out a little more?). I thought, at the very least, Claudia P (the very awful bully) would get some sort of ghostly comeuppance (or would that have been cliché? Possibly). Afterlight doesn't have the same degree of in-depth expansive development as Lim's Mercy series, but it does have the same fast-paced, punchy thrills of The Astrologer's Daughter. I'm just very excited to read whatever Lim writes next, sequel or standalone.
Read it if you like: Underbelly and/or Goosebumps; spooky stories; quick, compelling reads; paranormal romance/urban fantasy/thrillers or any combination thereof. Just read it. I reckon you'll enjoy it.
August 6, 2015
a good author is like a good therapist, they do wonders for you, and lucky I found both...but..
What the fuck?!
WHAT.THE.ACTUAL.FUCK?!
This is some seriously intricately beautiful shit. And I love it.
So, the last two books I've read have been a bit bland yeah? And I was so excited to get my hands on this one (I travelled and hour and a half away to get it!) anyway...where was I?
Oh yea, so, the last two books I've read kinda left me feeling despondent...I wanted so badly to really get into them, but after a while it felt like I was dragging on...I'm not sure if it's coz of work or I'm lazy or they just weren't good books, I dunno...and to be honest, I love reading, but opening another book kinda felt like...when you're stuck in a life rut and nothing can shake you out of it.
But then something does.
And it's like fire in your chest, fireworks in the sky...you could jump up and down from finally finding something that gets you back into things and gets you excited and makes you happy.
That was this book for me.
It's little, well, not little, but about 200 pages is short for me, I like my books with booty, ya know what I'm saying? But the size doesn't diminish the story (I've been told size doesn't always matter, good lesson to learn *wink wink*)
Anyway...
I took my time with this, I only read little bits at a time because I knew if I read more, it would steamroll me and I'd never go back to work...but I just couldn't take it anymore, and today, I had to pull myself away to go back to work for two and a half hours before I could read the rest.
And, as predicted, it takes a hold of you and runs you the fuck over. And it's glorious.
Can we talk about Sophie for a second?! What a bad arse, she is exactly like me, in terms of shyness and I love her. She's larger than life once you get to know her. Though, dirty Neil...mate, I would've glassed you a lot earlier, but that's violence and I hear that's frowned upon, so I would've put a cockroach on your drink or something.
And our dear love interest...I think he was the only part of the book that sort of...bothered me...he just breezes in, like "I'm here bitches, get used to it" who does that?! No "hey, how are you" or "I'm gonna be your knight in shining armour" just "oh, changed my mind, I've decided I want to be in your life, deal with it" nuh uh, boy, I would've smacked the shit outta you...and then maybe kissed you.
Im shit scared of ghosts, so if eve rocked up in my bedroom, there is no way she would've gotten anything but a Broadway musical.
Daughtry, there was an American rock band named that, but otherwise...the hell are you? I can't figure it out...he's a ghost yeah? Or is he legit an actual person that has some sweet break and enter skills?
and the bikers, I was so enthralled that I completely forgot, but then somewhere towards the end when Sophie was being attacked, I almost yelled out in rage on a train packed with strangers...I believe the words "those bastards" emitted from my mouth. I must've said it with such rage, because the poor little Asian woman next to me looked sacred for her life...couldn't get off the train and away from me fast enough.
And back to my original point...the fuck?! The ending is left there?! WHAT?! It's like the early seasons of every supernatural cliffhanger, you get so unbelievably pissed off that the writers ended it there. But being a sucker for punishment, you know you're going to go back for more...
But seriously, THAT'S WHERE IT ENDED?! What is this sorcery?! There had better be a sequel or something, otherwise there's gonna be a one woman riot in the aisles of dymocks.
I swear, Rebecca is this magical little writer fairy that just KNOWS how to be awesome and write things that I need to read.
This book is awesome, and I love it so. Hell, anything Rebecca writes is brilliant... Because she knows how to tell a story, and a damn good one. Her books are always intricate,and woven so wonderfully together...if there are only two Australian authors that you ever read in your life, make it Rebecca limited and John Marsden.
Loved it. Seriously.
What the fuck?!
WHAT.THE.ACTUAL.FUCK?!
This is some seriously intricately beautiful shit. And I love it.
So, the last two books I've read have been a bit bland yeah? And I was so excited to get my hands on this one (I travelled and hour and a half away to get it!) anyway...where was I?
Oh yea, so, the last two books I've read kinda left me feeling despondent...I wanted so badly to really get into them, but after a while it felt like I was dragging on...I'm not sure if it's coz of work or I'm lazy or they just weren't good books, I dunno...and to be honest, I love reading, but opening another book kinda felt like...when you're stuck in a life rut and nothing can shake you out of it.
But then something does.
And it's like fire in your chest, fireworks in the sky...you could jump up and down from finally finding something that gets you back into things and gets you excited and makes you happy.
That was this book for me.
It's little, well, not little, but about 200 pages is short for me, I like my books with booty, ya know what I'm saying? But the size doesn't diminish the story (I've been told size doesn't always matter, good lesson to learn *wink wink*)
Anyway...
I took my time with this, I only read little bits at a time because I knew if I read more, it would steamroll me and I'd never go back to work...but I just couldn't take it anymore, and today, I had to pull myself away to go back to work for two and a half hours before I could read the rest.
And, as predicted, it takes a hold of you and runs you the fuck over. And it's glorious.
Can we talk about Sophie for a second?! What a bad arse, she is exactly like me, in terms of shyness and I love her. She's larger than life once you get to know her. Though, dirty Neil...mate, I would've glassed you a lot earlier, but that's violence and I hear that's frowned upon, so I would've put a cockroach on your drink or something.
And our dear love interest...I think he was the only part of the book that sort of...bothered me...he just breezes in, like "I'm here bitches, get used to it" who does that?! No "hey, how are you" or "I'm gonna be your knight in shining armour" just "oh, changed my mind, I've decided I want to be in your life, deal with it" nuh uh, boy, I would've smacked the shit outta you...and then maybe kissed you.
Im shit scared of ghosts, so if eve rocked up in my bedroom, there is no way she would've gotten anything but a Broadway musical.
Daughtry, there was an American rock band named that, but otherwise...the hell are you? I can't figure it out...he's a ghost yeah? Or is he legit an actual person that has some sweet break and enter skills?
and the bikers, I was so enthralled that I completely forgot, but then somewhere towards the end when Sophie was being attacked, I almost yelled out in rage on a train packed with strangers...I believe the words "those bastards" emitted from my mouth. I must've said it with such rage, because the poor little Asian woman next to me looked sacred for her life...couldn't get off the train and away from me fast enough.
And back to my original point...the fuck?! The ending is left there?! WHAT?! It's like the early seasons of every supernatural cliffhanger, you get so unbelievably pissed off that the writers ended it there. But being a sucker for punishment, you know you're going to go back for more...
But seriously, THAT'S WHERE IT ENDED?! What is this sorcery?! There had better be a sequel or something, otherwise there's gonna be a one woman riot in the aisles of dymocks.
I swear, Rebecca is this magical little writer fairy that just KNOWS how to be awesome and write things that I need to read.
This book is awesome, and I love it so. Hell, anything Rebecca writes is brilliant... Because she knows how to tell a story, and a damn good one. Her books are always intricate,and woven so wonderfully together...if there are only two Australian authors that you ever read in your life, make it Rebecca limited and John Marsden.
Loved it. Seriously.
May 5, 2016
This is the second Rebecca Lim I've read and I have to say I'm a fan of her writing. Her eerie blend of realism and the supernatural is utterly believable. Looking forward to working my way through her backlist. :)
March 10, 2016
A copy of this novel was provided by Text Publishing for review.
I had pretty high expectations going into Afterlight. I had read and LOVED The Astrologer’s Daughter last year, and I thought that I would equally love Afterlight.
I was, sadly, incorrect.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t loathe or hate Afterlight, I just didn’t love it. It was a good, quick, eerie read, but it just didn’t leave any kind of impression on me.
Let’s start with our main character. I, for one, do not like characters who are constantly self hating. Yes, okay Sophie, you’re tall and you have red hair and you’re skinny and you blush a lot. I am quite short with regrowth and not particularly slim and I also blush a lot. But who cares? Seriously. No one. I also really don’t like it when characters use the “of course you wouldn’t like me, I mean look at me” card because Jesus Christ that is so shallow and horrible, both to a reader who might not be so confident, and the character they are saying it to. Looks aren’t the numero uno in everyone’s books, okay? Okay.
The romance between Sophie and Jordan moved far too quickly for me. I mean, they spoke twice, hung out for a few hours and then BAM they’re making out, and Jordan’s talking about how special and unique Sophie is and just *eye twitch* This is a relationship that I seriously could have gotten behind, if only the slow burn had been in place.
I did like the eerie feel to the novel, in the fact that Eve had Sophie doing some seriously weird shit. These were probably my favourite parts, because Sophie was just being herself, and wasn’t worrying about what she looked like, or what Jordan or anyone else thought of her. She was just doing these incredibly wild things … because a ghost just told her to. I have to give her props for that. No one could get me out on the street by myself in the middle of the night. Except maybe for my cat, if he so needed me.
I was mildly offended and uncomfortable with the introduction of a certain character (who may be LGBTQIA+, but it wasn’t made abundantly clear) towards the end, because I felt like Sophie’s reaction to them was more than a little unkind, and some of the thoughts she had about them were a bit off-putting. And also the fact that she promptly forgot about them when all the crap went down in the last few chapters didn’t really speak much for her character, to be honest.
I’m interested to see if this turns out to be the first in a series, because the ending was the mother of all cliffhangers.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
I had pretty high expectations going into Afterlight. I had read and LOVED The Astrologer’s Daughter last year, and I thought that I would equally love Afterlight.
I was, sadly, incorrect.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t loathe or hate Afterlight, I just didn’t love it. It was a good, quick, eerie read, but it just didn’t leave any kind of impression on me.
Let’s start with our main character. I, for one, do not like characters who are constantly self hating. Yes, okay Sophie, you’re tall and you have red hair and you’re skinny and you blush a lot. I am quite short with regrowth and not particularly slim and I also blush a lot. But who cares? Seriously. No one. I also really don’t like it when characters use the “of course you wouldn’t like me, I mean look at me” card because Jesus Christ that is so shallow and horrible, both to a reader who might not be so confident, and the character they are saying it to. Looks aren’t the numero uno in everyone’s books, okay? Okay.
The romance between Sophie and Jordan moved far too quickly for me. I mean, they spoke twice, hung out for a few hours and then BAM they’re making out, and Jordan’s talking about how special and unique Sophie is and just *eye twitch* This is a relationship that I seriously could have gotten behind, if only the slow burn had been in place.
I did like the eerie feel to the novel, in the fact that Eve had Sophie doing some seriously weird shit. These were probably my favourite parts, because Sophie was just being herself, and wasn’t worrying about what she looked like, or what Jordan or anyone else thought of her. She was just doing these incredibly wild things … because a ghost just told her to. I have to give her props for that. No one could get me out on the street by myself in the middle of the night. Except maybe for my cat, if he so needed me.
I was mildly offended and uncomfortable with the introduction of a certain character (who may be LGBTQIA+, but it wasn’t made abundantly clear) towards the end, because I felt like Sophie’s reaction to them was more than a little unkind, and some of the thoughts she had about them were a bit off-putting. And also the fact that she promptly forgot about them when all the crap went down in the last few chapters didn’t really speak much for her character, to be honest.
I’m interested to see if this turns out to be the first in a series, because the ending was the mother of all cliffhangers.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
June 27, 2015
This was a book that drew me in from the beginning. Soph (Storkie) is a teen who has more reason than most to be suffering from teen angst. She has lost both her parents and is learning how to adjust to her new life when she starts receiving visits from a mysterious ghost, and all sorts of chaos ensues which I don't want to spoil for you. I made the mistake of starting this book just before bedtime....bedtime got a little delayed as I kept telling myself that I would stop after the next chapter, and before I knew it, I was done! As with Lim's other YA books, there is a good mix of mystery, romance and thrills, along with beautifully written prose, so please enjoy it!
August 10, 2015
I ripped through this book enjoying every minute. The main character, Sophie, is interesting and uncontrived and convincing .. which, given the crazy things that happen to her, is pretty impressive.The story is gripping and witty, and It is just so satisfying how the baddies get their comeuppance.
I have read a few of Lim's books and she delivers fantastic, adventurous stories which are totally entertaining. Ultimately, this book is that perfect blend of spookiness, mystery, romance, angst and adventure. .
I have read a few of Lim's books and she delivers fantastic, adventurous stories which are totally entertaining. Ultimately, this book is that perfect blend of spookiness, mystery, romance, angst and adventure. .
September 30, 2015
oh wow what a read!! strategically read this during daylight hours only as it brought back memories of the 90's classic: The Sixth Sense.. I loved the thrill it have me when a beautiful ghost makes unannounced night appearances to the protagonist so she can do her bidding.. I found the story to also be so unpredictable.. Such a page turner!! Just as I thought I worked it out - BAM! Curve ball! lol I loved the mystery that keeps you asking "why is this happening?" and "what's the connection?" So well written.. Very imaginative and creative.. Well done Rebecca Lim!!
August 29, 2015
An excellent read in so many ways - characterisation, plot, humour, all moving with the inevitability of a train in motion. Borrowed ebook from library, started to read at about 9.30, couldn't stop til I finished it, now re-reading from about a third of the way through. This is my first Rebecca Lim book, beginning of a new favourite author.
September 12, 2015
This is a stunning YA book. It's a thriller, romance, mystery and ghost story all rolled into one. Sophie is an unexpected strong character, and together she and Jordan make a great team. Their (rather complicated) relationship will make them a great team. They'll uncover Eve's (Oops, I mean Monica's!) story and maybe, just maybe, they might just find themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2015
This review came much later then I meant it to. I have so much to say about this book, and it's basically all good. I give it 4.5 stars, and a full review is coming after I finish writing and editing it.
March 17, 2016
Wonderfully evocative of Melbourne and its suburbs, Afterlight is a pageturning read for ages 14 plus.
Here’s just a few reasons to dip into this dark, revealing and thrilling novel:
‘[Afterlight has] a dark premise, an unpopular outcast heroine, a beautiful and brooding love interest and a mystery.'
Books + Publishing
‘I am 85% sure Rebecca Lim is not of this world.’
Steph Bowe
‘As in her triumphant The Astrologer’s Daughter, Lim carefully unspools her tightly plotted fantastical mystery with a reluctant, socially maladroit heroine and an unlikely partner at the center. Her insistent focus on murders of people at society’s fringes and the ability of teen girls to right truly foul injustices are both most welcome…Readers will hold out hope for a second installment set in Lim’s richly imagined world.
Kirkus
‘Rebecca Lim has crafted a tense and eerie tale, complete with a demanding ghostly apparition and a stirring romance.’
Readings
‘I loved it. The intensity, especially with the last few chapters was unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat. I adored Sophie’s character, who readers will not only find likeable but also relatable. Rebecca Lim is a wonderful Aussie author who’s taking our own brand of young adult to the world.’
Diva Booknerd
Read this interview with Kirsty Eagar, in which Rebecca talks about her process and why you don’t need a room of your own to write: www.kirstyeagar.com/where-the-magic-h...
Or hear her reading from Afterlight and discussing it with the Published...Or Not team at 3CR: www.3cr.org.au/publishedornot/episode...
Here’s just a few reasons to dip into this dark, revealing and thrilling novel:
‘[Afterlight has] a dark premise, an unpopular outcast heroine, a beautiful and brooding love interest and a mystery.'
Books + Publishing
‘I am 85% sure Rebecca Lim is not of this world.’
Steph Bowe
‘As in her triumphant The Astrologer’s Daughter, Lim carefully unspools her tightly plotted fantastical mystery with a reluctant, socially maladroit heroine and an unlikely partner at the center. Her insistent focus on murders of people at society’s fringes and the ability of teen girls to right truly foul injustices are both most welcome…Readers will hold out hope for a second installment set in Lim’s richly imagined world.
Kirkus
‘Rebecca Lim has crafted a tense and eerie tale, complete with a demanding ghostly apparition and a stirring romance.’
Readings
‘I loved it. The intensity, especially with the last few chapters was unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat. I adored Sophie’s character, who readers will not only find likeable but also relatable. Rebecca Lim is a wonderful Aussie author who’s taking our own brand of young adult to the world.’
Diva Booknerd
Read this interview with Kirsty Eagar, in which Rebecca talks about her process and why you don’t need a room of your own to write: www.kirstyeagar.com/where-the-magic-h...
Or hear her reading from Afterlight and discussing it with the Published...Or Not team at 3CR: www.3cr.org.au/publishedornot/episode...
July 23, 2015
Afterlight is a difficult one to categorise, but it’s Australian, and has ghosts (but is set in reality - here in Melbourne, actually) and has some romance, and is a bit scary. I suppose it would be Paranormal? But much more palatable than the other blockbuster stuff out there in that genre. I really liked it! Ghosts in YA is not usually my thing, but Afterlight has a sharp pace and plenty going on apart from all the haunting. It definitely kept me on my toes, and wanting more.
And here is a slight spoiler:
Back to the beginning. Sophie Teague’s life is pretty shit (what with her parents suddenly dead and kids giving her a hard time left, right and centre) and then things get worse: she starts getting nightly visits from the petrifying and resolute ghost, Eve. When Sophie starts to do Eve’s bidding in the world of the living (with the help of a new found ally), things progress thrillingly.
By the end, I was starting to get JUST SLIGHTLY fed up with the otherworldly drama (maybe because I don’t read this stuff often) but for the most part, I was intrigued, and I didn’t want to stop reading at any point. Afterlight is a slight, hair-raising novel with plenty of suspense and some nice little twists.
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
And here is a slight spoiler:
Back to the beginning. Sophie Teague’s life is pretty shit (what with her parents suddenly dead and kids giving her a hard time left, right and centre) and then things get worse: she starts getting nightly visits from the petrifying and resolute ghost, Eve. When Sophie starts to do Eve’s bidding in the world of the living (with the help of a new found ally), things progress thrillingly.
By the end, I was starting to get JUST SLIGHTLY fed up with the otherworldly drama (maybe because I don’t read this stuff often) but for the most part, I was intrigued, and I didn’t want to stop reading at any point. Afterlight is a slight, hair-raising novel with plenty of suspense and some nice little twists.
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
January 7, 2016
Sophie already had it rough enough with her parents dying in an accident and having to change schools but now she's seeing ghosts. Well one in particular, Eve, who seems really intent in getting Sophie to help her do whatever it is she wants, making Sophie look even more like a freak to everyone around her.
I read this one in two sittings because ghosts and Sophie. While I obviously wanted to know the mystery behind Eve's appearances--and the clairvoyant boy--my favorite part about the book was Sophie and her self-deprecating/sarcastic humor.
I'm not sure if this is meant to be a standalone or the start of a possible series but I am all in for more teenage girl living above the family owned bar. It being set in Melbourne was a bonus.
I read this one in two sittings because ghosts and Sophie. While I obviously wanted to know the mystery behind Eve's appearances--and the clairvoyant boy--my favorite part about the book was Sophie and her self-deprecating/sarcastic humor.
I'm not sure if this is meant to be a standalone or the start of a possible series but I am all in for more teenage girl living above the family owned bar. It being set in Melbourne was a bonus.
November 13, 2015
Mini review:
Okay, for me /personally/ it was more of a 2.5 read. I finished it, but it just wasn't for me. A lot of people LOVED this, so I think it may just be a taste thing :) I personally could not deal with the huge amount of Australian slang, I found some of the writing confusing, and overall the writing style just didn't work for me. However I did like the way the setting was brought to life and how the end was full of action :)
Thanks for the review e-copy, Edelweiss/Text Publishing :)
Okay, for me /personally/ it was more of a 2.5 read. I finished it, but it just wasn't for me. A lot of people LOVED this, so I think it may just be a taste thing :) I personally could not deal with the huge amount of Australian slang, I found some of the writing confusing, and overall the writing style just didn't work for me. However I did like the way the setting was brought to life and how the end was full of action :)
Thanks for the review e-copy, Edelweiss/Text Publishing :)
September 26, 2015
After light was a suspenseful and intriguing book, but I think the ending could have been better
July 7, 2021
WHAT. IS. THAT. ENDING!?!!!!
I like this ghostly trope so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this book and managed a read-in-a-single-sitting. Sophie Teague is an easily likeable character; all the more so due to her awkwardness and yet unfailing kindness. However, it is her generous heart that got her into the mire this time. Luckily, though, help came from a very unexpected place. Afterlight is a very easy & very smooth read. I would've said a good-feels kind of read except for that ending... I'll never get over that. I keep thinking throughout the reading that it feels like a series sort of book and not a stand alone. I do think the author needs to produce a sequel... I'm hurt.
I like this ghostly trope so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this book and managed a read-in-a-single-sitting. Sophie Teague is an easily likeable character; all the more so due to her awkwardness and yet unfailing kindness. However, it is her generous heart that got her into the mire this time. Luckily, though, help came from a very unexpected place. Afterlight is a very easy & very smooth read. I would've said a good-feels kind of read except for that ending... I'll never get over that. I keep thinking throughout the reading that it feels like a series sort of book and not a stand alone. I do think the author needs to produce a sequel... I'm hurt.
July 20, 2021
I’m not keen on openly criticising books considering the respect and gratitude I have for children’s and YA authors. This was ok, fairly fast paced and a ghost story and murder mystery some of my intermediate readers will enjoy. The “love story” was a bit convenient and the main character’s personality went from invisible mouse to loud and assertive very quickly but I was hooked to finish this very quickly. I felt there could be more to know about these two ghost see-ers.
February 9, 2017
An eerie tale of ghosts, hauntings and gate-keepers, Afterlight is a gorgeous work of magical realism set in the sinister alleyways of Melbourne.
Sophie Teague lives with her grandmother above the pub her family has always owned. Still grieving the deaths of her parents in a tragic accident, she changes schools to get away from the stares and gossip. As if all that wasn't enough, Sophie starts to see a ghost. Eve, as Sophie names this silent apparition, sends Sophie on a series of missions that end in Soph saving three lives and returning a gold ring and a shirt. She attracts the attention of the local police, Today Tonight and the cute boy that every girl in school wishes would notice her, Jordan Haig.
Sophie's not confident. She hates basically everything about herself - from her height to her red hair to the way she blushes. And honestly, it's exhausting to read from the point of view of someone who dislikes themselves that much. Rebecca Lim always writes broken protagonists, but something about the way Sophie talked about herself got under my skin. It's not that I didn't like Sophie - I feel like I was never given a chance to like her because she kept putting herself down.
However, it cannot be denied that Sophie is painted incredibly realistically. Perhaps that's why I found her self-hate so disturbing. The same cannot be said for her love interest. Jordan Haig is a cardboard cutout of a character, an incredibly hot hunk who's hiding a dark secret and who, despite having never shown interest in any of the other girls in school (and especially not the catty blonde and her two best friends), is already head over heels for Sophie by the time they first speak to each other. This was the most disappointing aspect of the novel for me. It was a terrible case of insta-love, aggravated by Sophie's insistence that he was not interested in her, because, well, look at her.
This book is surprisingly lacking in answers. Having introduced hauntings, strange tattoos in Latin and French, and the mysterious gatekeepers, Lim ends Afterlight on a cliffhanger and leaves us with more questions than answers. In fact, this books reads like the first book in a duology; an instalment that sets up a sequel with all the answers. Except there are no hints at a sequel!
Afterlight is an intense read. It introduces us to a dark and gritty side to Melbourne, where crime and darkness and desperation exist side by side. It's a world of ghosts and motorcycle gangs and violence, blended so seamlessly that it's easy to believe in it all.
I enjoyed Afterlight, as I have enjoyed all of Lim's works. She's an expert at telling these stories, where the natural world brushes against the supernatural with unexpected consequences. But I hope there's more to this world and these characters, because as it stands, Afterlight doesn't reach its full potential.
This review was originally posted on Speculating on SpecFic
Sophie Teague lives with her grandmother above the pub her family has always owned. Still grieving the deaths of her parents in a tragic accident, she changes schools to get away from the stares and gossip. As if all that wasn't enough, Sophie starts to see a ghost. Eve, as Sophie names this silent apparition, sends Sophie on a series of missions that end in Soph saving three lives and returning a gold ring and a shirt. She attracts the attention of the local police, Today Tonight and the cute boy that every girl in school wishes would notice her, Jordan Haig.
Sophie's not confident. She hates basically everything about herself - from her height to her red hair to the way she blushes. And honestly, it's exhausting to read from the point of view of someone who dislikes themselves that much. Rebecca Lim always writes broken protagonists, but something about the way Sophie talked about herself got under my skin. It's not that I didn't like Sophie - I feel like I was never given a chance to like her because she kept putting herself down.
However, it cannot be denied that Sophie is painted incredibly realistically. Perhaps that's why I found her self-hate so disturbing. The same cannot be said for her love interest. Jordan Haig is a cardboard cutout of a character, an incredibly hot hunk who's hiding a dark secret and who, despite having never shown interest in any of the other girls in school (and especially not the catty blonde and her two best friends), is already head over heels for Sophie by the time they first speak to each other. This was the most disappointing aspect of the novel for me. It was a terrible case of insta-love, aggravated by Sophie's insistence that he was not interested in her, because, well, look at her.
This book is surprisingly lacking in answers. Having introduced hauntings, strange tattoos in Latin and French, and the mysterious gatekeepers, Lim ends Afterlight on a cliffhanger and leaves us with more questions than answers. In fact, this books reads like the first book in a duology; an instalment that sets up a sequel with all the answers. Except there are no hints at a sequel!
Afterlight is an intense read. It introduces us to a dark and gritty side to Melbourne, where crime and darkness and desperation exist side by side. It's a world of ghosts and motorcycle gangs and violence, blended so seamlessly that it's easy to believe in it all.
I enjoyed Afterlight, as I have enjoyed all of Lim's works. She's an expert at telling these stories, where the natural world brushes against the supernatural with unexpected consequences. But I hope there's more to this world and these characters, because as it stands, Afterlight doesn't reach its full potential.
This review was originally posted on Speculating on SpecFic
March 10, 2018
I am so annoyed right now. I'm screaming.
Despite being short, Afterlight turned out to be one hell of a book. It's haunting and mysterious, but short and sometimes it doesn't have enough depth for me. It's a gripping read, and despite being eerie and unsettling, it's a great book with great characters and great writing.
Basically, a ghost has been showing up at night in Sophie's bedroom, scaring the hell out of her. Eve isn't a particularly nice ghost, but she wants Sophie to tie up all her loose ends. This leads to Sophie being tangled up in all kinds of different situations, in which she is forced to go out and help people, e.g. stop a kid from being kidnapped, stop a man from being killed by a car, etc. And this path puts her on a collision course with Jordan, someone else who can see ghosts. Jordan's abilities and background aren't explained well enough for my liking, but he is in this story and I liked his character a lot. Despite the fact nothing about him or his life was really mentioned up until a certain point - he just appears in this story - I really loved the way he laid himself bare for Sophie and pretty much told her he liked her.
This is what I want to see more of in YA fiction, ok? Soppy love stories where the characters really care about each other because of reasons.
But then the last 20? pages happened and I am not ok. This part of the story felt a little rushed, and I wasn't entirely sure what was going on at times, but I'm not happy with that ending. And that unexplained thing with Daughtry? I desperately need to know what happens next.
I want more. I did not expect that fact going in, but this feels like a book I would gladly read a series of, which, considering my track record with the first book in a series, is not normal.
Despite being short, Afterlight turned out to be one hell of a book. It's haunting and mysterious, but short and sometimes it doesn't have enough depth for me. It's a gripping read, and despite being eerie and unsettling, it's a great book with great characters and great writing.
Basically, a ghost has been showing up at night in Sophie's bedroom, scaring the hell out of her. Eve isn't a particularly nice ghost, but she wants Sophie to tie up all her loose ends. This leads to Sophie being tangled up in all kinds of different situations, in which she is forced to go out and help people, e.g. stop a kid from being kidnapped, stop a man from being killed by a car, etc. And this path puts her on a collision course with Jordan, someone else who can see ghosts. Jordan's abilities and background aren't explained well enough for my liking, but he is in this story and I liked his character a lot. Despite the fact nothing about him or his life was really mentioned up until a certain point - he just appears in this story - I really loved the way he laid himself bare for Sophie and pretty much told her he liked her.
This is what I want to see more of in YA fiction, ok? Soppy love stories where the characters really care about each other because of reasons.
But then the last 20? pages happened and I am not ok. This part of the story felt a little rushed, and I wasn't entirely sure what was going on at times, but I'm not happy with that ending. And that unexplained thing with Daughtry? I desperately need to know what happens next.
I want more. I did not expect that fact going in, but this feels like a book I would gladly read a series of, which, considering my track record with the first book in a series, is not normal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2016
Me and Rebecca Lim are frenemies. I was not a fan of The Astrologer's Daughter but I really did enjoy the Mercy series. Afterlight comes somewhere in the middle for me. For one thing, this book kept my attention in a big way. I read it in one sitting and it was really addictive - I loved the paranormal mystery side of things with Sophie saving Eve and trying to figure out what was going on with her suddenly seeing dead people. That was really interesting to me and it kept me reading. This was also a pretty short read which was good because I couldn't really see myself enjoying it if it was much longer.
There was a romance story between Sophie and Jordan but it was absolutely insta-love. I could barely see any chemistry at all and I found that t all made very little sense at all - they had spoken like twice and then all of suddenly he is in love with her and they are insperable. I didn't like that side of things. I also found that I didn't really connect with either of them much - Sophie is very insecure and her reactions to things made me not like her a whole lot. Honestly, she was always talking about her looks and being self-depricating. I didn't like it much.
There were also a few questions with regards to Soph suddenly seeing dead people that I found weren't answered. This meant that I didn't feel like the book had been wrapped up all that well.
Lim's writing is still amazing, I loved reading this book - it was actually a really well written books despite quite a few development flaws.
Overall Rating: C
There was a romance story between Sophie and Jordan but it was absolutely insta-love. I could barely see any chemistry at all and I found that t all made very little sense at all - they had spoken like twice and then all of suddenly he is in love with her and they are insperable. I didn't like that side of things. I also found that I didn't really connect with either of them much - Sophie is very insecure and her reactions to things made me not like her a whole lot. Honestly, she was always talking about her looks and being self-depricating. I didn't like it much.
There were also a few questions with regards to Soph suddenly seeing dead people that I found weren't answered. This meant that I didn't feel like the book had been wrapped up all that well.
Lim's writing is still amazing, I loved reading this book - it was actually a really well written books despite quite a few development flaws.
Overall Rating: C
April 25, 2016
I read the first ten pages of this at the library then had to borrow it - how could I go past a YA novel set in my hometown of Melbourne and featuring a tall awkward redhead MC, Sophie, who's the daughter of dead bikies and who helps her Gran in their rundown pub... Then there's the ghost of a beautiful but demanding stripper Eve, more bikies, and a cute boy, Jordan, who appears to hate/fear Sophie on first sight... or was he really looking at her?
This was a great read, never quite what you expect, that keeps up the pace and pressure while Sophie tries to do what Eve wants her to do, with interesting after-effects. There's much humour to leaven the grittiness, from the bullying at school to the male bikie leader's toxic ego, and the depictions of Melbourne's grubbier side. It's a nicely balanced mix of detective story/paranormal as Sophie and Jordan have to use their brains to follow Eve's tracks.
And yes, the love interest does move too fast (as per some of the other reviews here) but I can understand the attraction given what these two are going through - they share much in common that cannot be explained to many others.
There were a number of things that confused me and didn't quite seem to fit, but I have to say that the end will truly leave you hanging out for more - there'd better be more, Rebecca Lim, you can't leave it like that!
This was a great read, never quite what you expect, that keeps up the pace and pressure while Sophie tries to do what Eve wants her to do, with interesting after-effects. There's much humour to leaven the grittiness, from the bullying at school to the male bikie leader's toxic ego, and the depictions of Melbourne's grubbier side. It's a nicely balanced mix of detective story/paranormal as Sophie and Jordan have to use their brains to follow Eve's tracks.
And yes, the love interest does move too fast (as per some of the other reviews here) but I can understand the attraction given what these two are going through - they share much in common that cannot be explained to many others.
There were a number of things that confused me and didn't quite seem to fit, but I have to say that the end will truly leave you hanging out for more - there'd better be more, Rebecca Lim, you can't leave it like that!
September 5, 2016
After the death of Sophie's parents, she's struggling to get back to normality. Which isn't helped when Eve, an intriguing ghost dressed in black appears by her bed and gives her images of things she wants her to find. Sophie is taken on an adventure filled with bikers, romance, danger and most of all questions without answers, rounding off with an explosive ending that will have you thinking about the book long after you turn the last page.
Up until 3/4 of the way through this book, I was willing to give it three stars. It was intriguing and sort-of interesting, I was kind of interested in what would happen but I wasn't dying to know. The story just kind of ticked along nicely without anything too impressive happening. Until the final quarter. My heart rate picked up, my fingers itched to turn the page and I had a strong urge to know what was going to happen. Somewhere along the way, I had become interested in Sophie, Eve and their stories and I never saw it coming. And that ending - wow! Read this book, it was fun and the ending was thrilling, but don't expect anything amazing.
Up until 3/4 of the way through this book, I was willing to give it three stars. It was intriguing and sort-of interesting, I was kind of interested in what would happen but I wasn't dying to know. The story just kind of ticked along nicely without anything too impressive happening. Until the final quarter. My heart rate picked up, my fingers itched to turn the page and I had a strong urge to know what was going to happen. Somewhere along the way, I had become interested in Sophie, Eve and their stories and I never saw it coming. And that ending - wow! Read this book, it was fun and the ending was thrilling, but don't expect anything amazing.
June 29, 2018
Rebecca Lim is notorious for creating strong feminine characters that aren't on the "A List" and Sophie most definitely finds herself in that category. She's got a lot stacked up against her: wild red hair and six feet of skin and bone. She's not the smartest in her class, she's teased and bullied, and hopelessly head over heels for the hottest guy in school. But what Sophie does have going for her is compassion and a gift. The two combined prove to be a powerful force.
The voice of the story is what spoke to me most about Afterlight. Like Lim's other books, Afterlight is written in 1st person POV and Sophie's voice is genuine. The language, dialogue, and heart are true to life and it's obvious that Lim really "knows" Sophie in a very intimate way.
Afterlight is a little sneak peek into the planned return book for Mercy along with The Astrologer's Daughter (which I also read and loved, but didn't review). And although I am loving the fact that Mercy will be returning, I'm also hoping that this isn't the last we'll hear from Sophie!
www.joviinunderland.wordpress.com
The voice of the story is what spoke to me most about Afterlight. Like Lim's other books, Afterlight is written in 1st person POV and Sophie's voice is genuine. The language, dialogue, and heart are true to life and it's obvious that Lim really "knows" Sophie in a very intimate way.
Afterlight is a little sneak peek into the planned return book for Mercy along with The Astrologer's Daughter (which I also read and loved, but didn't review). And although I am loving the fact that Mercy will be returning, I'm also hoping that this isn't the last we'll hear from Sophie!
www.joviinunderland.wordpress.com
September 13, 2018
Tip: best to read this 5 star book during daylight hours
Wow what a read!! I strategically read this during daylight hours as it brought back memories of the 90’s classic: The Sixth Sense.. I loved the thrill and the chills it gave me when a beautiful ghost makes unannounced night appearances to the protagonist so she can do her bidding and bring justice to a mystery that went unsolved before the “ghost’s” untimely death..
I found the story to also be so unpredictable.. It’s so well written and such a page turner!! Just as I thought I worked it out – BAM! I’m thrown a curve ball! I loved the mystery that keeps you asking “why is this happening?” and “what’s the connection?”
Such an eerie yet very imaginative and creative storyline!!!
- Annie
Wow what a read!! I strategically read this during daylight hours as it brought back memories of the 90’s classic: The Sixth Sense.. I loved the thrill and the chills it gave me when a beautiful ghost makes unannounced night appearances to the protagonist so she can do her bidding and bring justice to a mystery that went unsolved before the “ghost’s” untimely death..
I found the story to also be so unpredictable.. It’s so well written and such a page turner!! Just as I thought I worked it out – BAM! I’m thrown a curve ball! I loved the mystery that keeps you asking “why is this happening?” and “what’s the connection?”
Such an eerie yet very imaginative and creative storyline!!!
- Annie
September 17, 2015
Very hard to read at times, and some parts of the book felt a little unnecessary. It was a little hard to get to know the characters because there were so many unanswered questions which left holes in the characters. However, was still an utterly amazing novel with an extremely creative storyline. Let's not forget the sweetest romance and absolute cliffhanger of an ending.
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