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The Hereafter
Nin has no recollection of her death.
The things she does remember, like her cruel boyfriend, troubled father, and absent mother, she’d like to forget.
Dylan doesn’t need to remember his death to know that he deserved it. Who needs memories when you have the scars?
Sparks ignite when the two, very different, strangers meet. Together they spend one endless summer exploring their new world. Suddenly, their after-lives hold more possibility and promise than their tragic teenage lives ever did.
But no dream lasts forever, and all too soon, harmful memories from their pasts emerge and threaten to tear them apart. Given the chance to change their fates, Nin and Dylan must decide -- life or love.
Weaving through past and present and alternating perspectives, The Hereafter is an emotional journey about young love and second chances.
The things she does remember, like her cruel boyfriend, troubled father, and absent mother, she’d like to forget.
Dylan doesn’t need to remember his death to know that he deserved it. Who needs memories when you have the scars?
Sparks ignite when the two, very different, strangers meet. Together they spend one endless summer exploring their new world. Suddenly, their after-lives hold more possibility and promise than their tragic teenage lives ever did.
But no dream lasts forever, and all too soon, harmful memories from their pasts emerge and threaten to tear them apart. Given the chance to change their fates, Nin and Dylan must decide -- life or love.
Weaving through past and present and alternating perspectives, The Hereafter is an emotional journey about young love and second chances.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2016
About the author
Jessica Bucher
20 books74 followersJessica Bucher is a Young Adult author living in Texas with her husband and children. Her first book, The Hereafter, was published in 2016. When she’s not writing, editing, or chasing her kids, she can be found scrolling through Facebook or planning her next travel adventure.
Get to know Jessica more and join her launch group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21743...
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Get to know Jessica more and join her launch group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21743...
Follow updates and exclusives by subscribing here: http://eepurl.com/div4lv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 21, 2022
3.5 stars
What happens when we die? Who is waiting for us on the other side? If we're dead, how do we spend our days? Can we change the past? The Hereafter opens on a beach with 18 year old Evangeline(Nin) who realizes that she's dead. She just cannot remember what events led to this happening. It is on this same beach that she meets Dylan, also newly arrived on the afterlife beach. Nin and Dylan spend their days seeking adventure and travelling to all the places they always wanted to go. Ultimately the pair needs to know -why are they on this beach together? As their memories return, illustrated in the "before " sections of the text, Nin and Dylan will need to figure out if it is worth knowing the truth.
Honestly I was a little bit on the fence when I started the story, but Jessica Bucher's writing in its flowing rhythm kept me turning the pages. The story reminded me of the Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves film "The Lake House". Both stories ask the audience to follow characters on a life changing journey. They also beg of us to "think outside the box " or suspend our cynicism. Apparently, I am one of the people that drank the Kool-aid. Because I really fell into the story even though I could tell how it was going to play out. However, it was all worth it because this is an endearing debut novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date. 16/03/16
Goodreads review. 01/04/17
What happens when we die? Who is waiting for us on the other side? If we're dead, how do we spend our days? Can we change the past? The Hereafter opens on a beach with 18 year old Evangeline(Nin) who realizes that she's dead. She just cannot remember what events led to this happening. It is on this same beach that she meets Dylan, also newly arrived on the afterlife beach. Nin and Dylan spend their days seeking adventure and travelling to all the places they always wanted to go. Ultimately the pair needs to know -why are they on this beach together? As their memories return, illustrated in the "before " sections of the text, Nin and Dylan will need to figure out if it is worth knowing the truth.
Honestly I was a little bit on the fence when I started the story, but Jessica Bucher's writing in its flowing rhythm kept me turning the pages. The story reminded me of the Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves film "The Lake House". Both stories ask the audience to follow characters on a life changing journey. They also beg of us to "think outside the box " or suspend our cynicism. Apparently, I am one of the people that drank the Kool-aid. Because I really fell into the story even though I could tell how it was going to play out. However, it was all worth it because this is an endearing debut novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date. 16/03/16
Goodreads review. 01/04/17
June 2, 2016
Original Post: The Hereafter at FLYLēF (www.flylef.com) with rating of 4.5 of 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
❝ Inevitability and impossibility coexisted. ❞
In this profound novel, The Hereafter, debut author Jessica Bucher delivers a beautiful and complex love story about the interplay of second chances and forgiveness, in a deeply philosophical contemplation of inevitability and impossibility. This is no ordinary story about young love—this is a story to be loved.
I’m inexplicably drawn to characters that are a little bit broken. They are immensely interesting. Will the hardships they endure permanently snuff out their light; or rather, will the hardships be the catalyst that fuel their embers? Nin has no recollection of her death, only vague impressions of her troubled and sorrowful life. Dylan remembers even less of his haunting days up until his last breath. Sparks ignite when Nin and Dylan–two strangers—are irresistibly drawn to each other in this place known as the hereafter. Together, in this new world absent of time and space, they begin to explore new possibilities, and a love so sweet, evocative and delicate begins to blossom.
But as fate would have it, truths long forgotten have a penchant for resurfacing. All too soon horrific and haunting memories of their pasts emerge and a revelation far worst than they could have ever imagined forces them to choose between life or love? The interplay of chance and choice, complicated through love and sacrifice, held me captive, as I desperately wanted Nin and Dylan to find the happy ending they deserved.
The storyline can be a bit tricky to follow alternating between Nin and Dylan’s third-person perspective, as well as weaving through their past and present. The chapters are dated, which helps considerable. This is one of my least favorite forms of storytelling. However (you will likely never hear me admit this again), I actually liked the spontaneous and sporadic quality because it felt dreamy, like a lucid dream, where they are the directors and stars of their own destiny. It was handled so well, and I’m all the more impress by Ms. Bucher. It’s hard to imagine this is her first creative piece.
By the time I reach the end of The Hereafter, I found myself re-reading it. Nin and Dylan’s story left plenty of bruises even as it warmed my heart. Their story will change the way you look at young romance; it is beautiful, complex, and heart-expanding. I felt sadden that their story, while ended the way I wanted for them, also ended too soon.
{ I received this title in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, especially to the author and publisher, for kindly giving me an opportunity to review this title. }
June 13, 2016
The Hereafter features Nin and Dylan, two teens who find themselves dead. Neither of them have memories of their deaths. Nin 'awakes' at peace--on a beach and in a seemingly idyllic place. Dylan find himself dead in a dumpster--disaffected and angry and bitter. At first, Nin and Dylan seem like they can't be different people.
This story plays with memories, which I love. There's an insubstantial quality to the Hereafter, which alternates with 'Before' chapters. Boucher's flowing, wispy prose aids to this atmosphere and lends itself best to Nin's chapters and character. Nin and Dylan piece together their memories, showing that Nin's life wasn't so peaceful after all. The mysteries of both Nin and Dylan's lives are all in their memories, which kind of leaves the current story in the Hereafter feeling a little thin on stakes. That's personal opinion, though, and if you're okay with stories that are less action-packed, most of the momentum of the story taking place in Dylan and Nin's memories will probably work better for you than it did for me.
A romance taking place in the afterlife...it's kind of odd and yet sweet. Boucher's writing sells the sweet romance aspect of this, and what initially attracted me to this book was the idea of how this type of afterlife romance would develop. Dylan and Nin bond over their problems, and Dylan opens up to Nin about his frankly shitting life. This drives Dylan away from Nin, but she has her own problems when she begins to remember her old boyfriend and Mrs. Frost. Both of these characters are intensely sympathetic...which was a bit boring to me? If you like commentary romance and contemporary YA, I think this story will work better for you than it did for me.
I don't want to ruin the big twist in the story, but it did deliver. This story is 100% raw emotion and driven by the character's feelings. There's an underlying theme of forgiveness and atonement in the afterlife, which becomes pronounced the more the story progresses. There's a fluidity to this story and a non-linear aspect to it that's enchanting. It reminded me a bit of Everyday, which I really liked.
This story plays with memories, which I love. There's an insubstantial quality to the Hereafter, which alternates with 'Before' chapters. Boucher's flowing, wispy prose aids to this atmosphere and lends itself best to Nin's chapters and character. Nin and Dylan piece together their memories, showing that Nin's life wasn't so peaceful after all. The mysteries of both Nin and Dylan's lives are all in their memories, which kind of leaves the current story in the Hereafter feeling a little thin on stakes. That's personal opinion, though, and if you're okay with stories that are less action-packed, most of the momentum of the story taking place in Dylan and Nin's memories will probably work better for you than it did for me.
A romance taking place in the afterlife...it's kind of odd and yet sweet. Boucher's writing sells the sweet romance aspect of this, and what initially attracted me to this book was the idea of how this type of afterlife romance would develop. Dylan and Nin bond over their problems, and Dylan opens up to Nin about his frankly shitting life. This drives Dylan away from Nin, but she has her own problems when she begins to remember her old boyfriend and Mrs. Frost. Both of these characters are intensely sympathetic...which was a bit boring to me? If you like commentary romance and contemporary YA, I think this story will work better for you than it did for me.
I don't want to ruin the big twist in the story, but it did deliver. This story is 100% raw emotion and driven by the character's feelings. There's an underlying theme of forgiveness and atonement in the afterlife, which becomes pronounced the more the story progresses. There's a fluidity to this story and a non-linear aspect to it that's enchanting. It reminded me a bit of Everyday, which I really liked.
June 24, 2017
* I was voluntarily provided a free review copy by the publisher.
The Hereafter is a sweet, but insipid happily-ever-after story. The writing style created a barrier almost like a wispy mist leaving the reader on the outskirts rather than plunging the reader into the story to experience the characters first hand.
The Hereafter is a sweet, but insipid happily-ever-after story. The writing style created a barrier almost like a wispy mist leaving the reader on the outskirts rather than plunging the reader into the story to experience the characters first hand.
June 17, 2017
**I received this ebook from Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I honestly really liked this book, though at times I did feel like it dragged on a little too bit, but overall I liked how the book shows that you really don't know what is waiting for you in the afterlife. I grew up my whole life learning about different types and forms of the afterlife that wait for us after we die, therefore I've always been very curious about it and all the variety of different beliefs that people have for what awaits us someday. I also believe that when it's your time to go, it's your time to go, if not then it's not. I had to accept that at a young age when I lost my cousin who was basically my best friend.
In the book "The Hereafter" you meet Nin and it's pretty obvious pretty quick that she's dead but has no idea how she died or why she can't find her father who took his own life while she was still alive or find anyone for that matter. She just "lives" day after day alone on a beach wondering what's wrong and why she can't seem to find another dead person anywhere, that is, until she finally spots a boy who's "just like her". It takes awhile and also a lot of unnecessary stalling nothingness until things pick back up and first Nin finds out the boy is named Dylan and he's also just like her as far as confused as to where he is, how he got there, and what exactly "there" is.
It takes a a few days of Dylan and Nin sitting next to each other in the beach without talking for the most part and they go their separate ways for the night only to repeat the becoming ritual they have of meeting at the beach until nightfall then going their own ways. Eventually (thank goodness), they finally start having small and vague swap of words that slowly but surely become more sentences, and finally full out conversations. Nin realizes quickly that there are some subjects she needs to avoid with Dylan otherwise he simply shuts down and her out.
After day after day of the beach they finally decide to see if they could travel around the world for the sake of sightseeing and something other than the beach to stare at every single day since it becomes clear fast that Nin and Dylan are the only ones stuck wherever they're stuck. As they do this they start to become very close and open up more and more to each other, but they also start getting bits and pieces of memory from their living life too which they hide for the most part from each other.
Eventually everything starts to spiral out of control and with the memories of how they died finally coming to life (got to love puns even if I mean my pun quite literally) Nin and Dylan start to become distant and obsessed on finding the truth about how they died and why they're stuck in this place that clearly isn't the "normal afterlife" with the lack of another spirit anywhere in sight. As the pieces start to fall together they both know that they need to make some very serious and risky decisions, some that they even hide from each other. Nin and Dylan are in love and scared of losing each other, but when one of them makes a life altering decision.. even changes, drastically.
I definitely think anyone who's interested in the afterlife or just has an open mind will enjoy this book as well as people who have ever lost a loved ones, whether in death or by that person (living) who just seems to fade from your life to the point you don't even know when it all started to happen or why. Definitely enjoyed this book and I would've gave it 5 stars if it wasn't for some of the unnecessary dragging in parts, but don't let that discourage you because even when it drags, it does pick back up fairly quickly.
I honestly really liked this book, though at times I did feel like it dragged on a little too bit, but overall I liked how the book shows that you really don't know what is waiting for you in the afterlife. I grew up my whole life learning about different types and forms of the afterlife that wait for us after we die, therefore I've always been very curious about it and all the variety of different beliefs that people have for what awaits us someday. I also believe that when it's your time to go, it's your time to go, if not then it's not. I had to accept that at a young age when I lost my cousin who was basically my best friend.
In the book "The Hereafter" you meet Nin and it's pretty obvious pretty quick that she's dead but has no idea how she died or why she can't find her father who took his own life while she was still alive or find anyone for that matter. She just "lives" day after day alone on a beach wondering what's wrong and why she can't seem to find another dead person anywhere, that is, until she finally spots a boy who's "just like her". It takes awhile and also a lot of unnecessary stalling nothingness until things pick back up and first Nin finds out the boy is named Dylan and he's also just like her as far as confused as to where he is, how he got there, and what exactly "there" is.
It takes a a few days of Dylan and Nin sitting next to each other in the beach without talking for the most part and they go their separate ways for the night only to repeat the becoming ritual they have of meeting at the beach until nightfall then going their own ways. Eventually (thank goodness), they finally start having small and vague swap of words that slowly but surely become more sentences, and finally full out conversations. Nin realizes quickly that there are some subjects she needs to avoid with Dylan otherwise he simply shuts down and her out.
After day after day of the beach they finally decide to see if they could travel around the world for the sake of sightseeing and something other than the beach to stare at every single day since it becomes clear fast that Nin and Dylan are the only ones stuck wherever they're stuck. As they do this they start to become very close and open up more and more to each other, but they also start getting bits and pieces of memory from their living life too which they hide for the most part from each other.
Eventually everything starts to spiral out of control and with the memories of how they died finally coming to life (got to love puns even if I mean my pun quite literally) Nin and Dylan start to become distant and obsessed on finding the truth about how they died and why they're stuck in this place that clearly isn't the "normal afterlife" with the lack of another spirit anywhere in sight. As the pieces start to fall together they both know that they need to make some very serious and risky decisions, some that they even hide from each other. Nin and Dylan are in love and scared of losing each other, but when one of them makes a life altering decision.. even changes, drastically.
I definitely think anyone who's interested in the afterlife or just has an open mind will enjoy this book as well as people who have ever lost a loved ones, whether in death or by that person (living) who just seems to fade from your life to the point you don't even know when it all started to happen or why. Definitely enjoyed this book and I would've gave it 5 stars if it wasn't for some of the unnecessary dragging in parts, but don't let that discourage you because even when it drags, it does pick back up fairly quickly.
March 30, 2017
* Reviewed by eKelly for North of Normal Book Reviews
Just…Wow. Have the aspirin ready because you’re in for a serious book hangover after reading this.
THE HEREAFTER by Jessica Bucher is Young Adult/Crossover standalone fantasy romance.
Jessica Bucher is a new author to me. I saw this title offered on NetGalley, and the description of the book sounded so different I wanted to check it out.
From the blurb I knew to expect something unconventional, and boy did I get it.
Nin and Dylan have no recollection of their deaths. They are “living” in the hereafter, where they seem to be the only two around, existing not in heaven or hell but some place else. For what seems like an entire summer, they explore their world and experience all the things they didn’t do in life. Slowly memories of the events leading up to their deaths come back to them. With each memory, a wedge drives itself between their friendship and blossoming love. THE HEREAFTER is a journey through Nin and Dylan’s past, present, and future, and the possibiliy of changing fate.
First I must say that I am recommending this book to everyone I know. EVERYONE. It's fantastic! I’m shortening this review because I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wonder of this reading experience with any spoilers. There is not one single thing I didn’t like about this story. I was so engrossed in this book and in the characters that I finished reading this in 1.5 days by ignoring my job during the day and ignoring my family in the evening. The writing is amazing, but it's the characters and the deep connection I felt to these characters that made this book stand out. The romance between Nin and Dylan is incredibly classy and contained heart-melting moments I wanted to last and last! Every time Dylan told Nin something romantic, I just melted. for example: “I came to say that I’ve seen your face everyday of my life since I was six. Every moment of my life, you’ve been with me. I don’t think you really lost me. You see, I’ve been waiting for you my entire life." Swoon!
The story is told in alternating points of view (Nin and Dylan.) It also alternates in time, weaving episodes from the past when both were alive, with the present in The Hereafter. Nin and Dylan's heartbreaking childhoods and the events that lead up to their tragic deaths were especially intriguing. There is no cliffhanger in this story, and the plot elements wrap up very nicely and in the best possible way.
Read this book!
Seriously, read this book!
Though THE HEREAFTER is shelved under YA/teen romance, I think it reads more New Adult/College Romance, and due to the language, adult situations, and implications, I would recommend this for mature teens only, with a dramatic lean toward 18 years old and over.
THE HEREAFTER earns 5 North of Normal Stars!
Just…Wow. Have the aspirin ready because you’re in for a serious book hangover after reading this.
THE HEREAFTER by Jessica Bucher is Young Adult/Crossover standalone fantasy romance.
Jessica Bucher is a new author to me. I saw this title offered on NetGalley, and the description of the book sounded so different I wanted to check it out.
From the blurb I knew to expect something unconventional, and boy did I get it.
Nin and Dylan have no recollection of their deaths. They are “living” in the hereafter, where they seem to be the only two around, existing not in heaven or hell but some place else. For what seems like an entire summer, they explore their world and experience all the things they didn’t do in life. Slowly memories of the events leading up to their deaths come back to them. With each memory, a wedge drives itself between their friendship and blossoming love. THE HEREAFTER is a journey through Nin and Dylan’s past, present, and future, and the possibiliy of changing fate.
First I must say that I am recommending this book to everyone I know. EVERYONE. It's fantastic! I’m shortening this review because I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wonder of this reading experience with any spoilers. There is not one single thing I didn’t like about this story. I was so engrossed in this book and in the characters that I finished reading this in 1.5 days by ignoring my job during the day and ignoring my family in the evening. The writing is amazing, but it's the characters and the deep connection I felt to these characters that made this book stand out. The romance between Nin and Dylan is incredibly classy and contained heart-melting moments I wanted to last and last! Every time Dylan told Nin something romantic, I just melted. for example: “I came to say that I’ve seen your face everyday of my life since I was six. Every moment of my life, you’ve been with me. I don’t think you really lost me. You see, I’ve been waiting for you my entire life." Swoon!
The story is told in alternating points of view (Nin and Dylan.) It also alternates in time, weaving episodes from the past when both were alive, with the present in The Hereafter. Nin and Dylan's heartbreaking childhoods and the events that lead up to their tragic deaths were especially intriguing. There is no cliffhanger in this story, and the plot elements wrap up very nicely and in the best possible way.
Read this book!
Seriously, read this book!
Though THE HEREAFTER is shelved under YA/teen romance, I think it reads more New Adult/College Romance, and due to the language, adult situations, and implications, I would recommend this for mature teens only, with a dramatic lean toward 18 years old and over.
THE HEREAFTER earns 5 North of Normal Stars!
June 2, 2016
Brilliantly written, perfectly executed! I adored every single thing about this book. This is a story of love, fate, and destiny. Dylan and Nin are my OTP. I loved them so much!
This story was so cleverly written. It kept me in suspense and I really wasn't sure how it was going to play out. There were some moments that shocked me and that I didn't see coming. It all came together so well. This book played with my emotions. It had me sad, then happy. It gave me all the feels. It was a tragic yet beautiful story. I read this book in one day, in a few hours. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The only time I put this book down was when the battery on my kindle died. I didn't even let it get a full charge before diving right back into it.
The way this book was fleshed out made it so enjoyable to read and easy to follow. The chapters went back and forth between Nin and Dylan's point of view in the present and also in the past. This is the type of writing I love to read! It makes the story move along smoothly. This book had me an emotional mess. It gave me all the feels. It was very easy to get invested in these characters and feel for them. I was routing for them the whole way through.
This is one of those few fictional books that are fun to read but at the same time make you think and reflect. This isn't a light and fluffy book. It had some darker elements to it. It takes a look at the grayer parts of our world. It wasn't all puppies and roses. It was a breath of fresh air. This book didn't glamorize it's characters. They were real characters with real problems.
I truly loved this story and would read it all over again. This is one I want on my bookcase for sure! If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover's writing then you will really enjoy reading this book!
Don't miss out on winning a copy! Visit my website before June 10th to enter! Three winners will receive an e-book copy.
www.bookaholicbanter.com
* I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This story was so cleverly written. It kept me in suspense and I really wasn't sure how it was going to play out. There were some moments that shocked me and that I didn't see coming. It all came together so well. This book played with my emotions. It had me sad, then happy. It gave me all the feels. It was a tragic yet beautiful story. I read this book in one day, in a few hours. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The only time I put this book down was when the battery on my kindle died. I didn't even let it get a full charge before diving right back into it.
The way this book was fleshed out made it so enjoyable to read and easy to follow. The chapters went back and forth between Nin and Dylan's point of view in the present and also in the past. This is the type of writing I love to read! It makes the story move along smoothly. This book had me an emotional mess. It gave me all the feels. It was very easy to get invested in these characters and feel for them. I was routing for them the whole way through.
This is one of those few fictional books that are fun to read but at the same time make you think and reflect. This isn't a light and fluffy book. It had some darker elements to it. It takes a look at the grayer parts of our world. It wasn't all puppies and roses. It was a breath of fresh air. This book didn't glamorize it's characters. They were real characters with real problems.
I truly loved this story and would read it all over again. This is one I want on my bookcase for sure! If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover's writing then you will really enjoy reading this book!
Don't miss out on winning a copy! Visit my website before June 10th to enter! Three winners will receive an e-book copy.
www.bookaholicbanter.com
* I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
This is a fantastic story. When I realized this was a new author, I was amazed. It reads like she's been doing this for quite a while.
Nin and Dylan are both great characters with tragic pasts. Nin is grieving the loss of her father when she falls in with the wrong people and ends up dead and living in an after-life with only Dylan for company. Dylan didn't just fall in with bad people, he was one of those bad people and he has a secret that could tear them apart.
But, what if you didn't have to die? What if one decision could change your entire life? These are very real questions that Nin must deal with before deciding on a course of actions that could take away the person she loves most.
Even after things about Dylan were revealed, I found myself rooting for him. At one point I was terrified things weren't going to turn out the way I wanted them to and I was soooo nervous. This is a book that leaves you smiling long after the page goes blank on your kindle.
Nin and Dylan are both great characters with tragic pasts. Nin is grieving the loss of her father when she falls in with the wrong people and ends up dead and living in an after-life with only Dylan for company. Dylan didn't just fall in with bad people, he was one of those bad people and he has a secret that could tear them apart.
But, what if you didn't have to die? What if one decision could change your entire life? These are very real questions that Nin must deal with before deciding on a course of actions that could take away the person she loves most.
Even after things about Dylan were revealed, I found myself rooting for him. At one point I was terrified things weren't going to turn out the way I wanted them to and I was soooo nervous. This is a book that leaves you smiling long after the page goes blank on your kindle.
March 18, 2021
First thought right after I finished reading: "Because I haven't been crying enough lately." I was kind of a mess (all for my own reasons) the last few days while reading this, but then as I was getting to the end I knew this was going to shatter me.
I was already cracked this just needed to finish me off.
This had me from the very beginning, I was ready to give it the five stars long before I even hit the halfway point. It's an amazing, one of a kind story that I absolutely fell in love with. It's in a very limited class with those few other books that left me a little sad because I knew I would never find anything like it again.
Instead of stars I think I'd rather give it hearts; because I have so much love for these two characters and their story(-ies).
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was already cracked this just needed to finish me off.
This had me from the very beginning, I was ready to give it the five stars long before I even hit the halfway point. It's an amazing, one of a kind story that I absolutely fell in love with. It's in a very limited class with those few other books that left me a little sad because I knew I would never find anything like it again.
Instead of stars I think I'd rather give it hearts; because I have so much love for these two characters and their story(-ies).
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2016
Amazing story! Love how it is told from the different perspectives of the main characters. I didn't want it to end!
January 2, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The Hereafter was fairly enjoyable, although I didn't find as many good things in it as I expected. For starters, it took me a while to get into it, and I found Nin's parts boring at first. For quite a while, Nin and Dylan just seemed to be skirting around each other and nothing was moving the plot forward. I mean, they didn't introduce themselves until 15%! The characterisation was good, once I'd gotten past the initial boredom, and while I grew to like Nin, I preferred Dylan. I loved their flashbacks, but I preferred the current story over them. The plot was quite slow throughout, and didn't really wow me. I expected each event to happen so wasn't surprised when they did. Overall, a decent book, but kinda slow.
The Hereafter was fairly enjoyable, although I didn't find as many good things in it as I expected. For starters, it took me a while to get into it, and I found Nin's parts boring at first. For quite a while, Nin and Dylan just seemed to be skirting around each other and nothing was moving the plot forward. I mean, they didn't introduce themselves until 15%! The characterisation was good, once I'd gotten past the initial boredom, and while I grew to like Nin, I preferred Dylan. I loved their flashbacks, but I preferred the current story over them. The plot was quite slow throughout, and didn't really wow me. I expected each event to happen so wasn't surprised when they did. Overall, a decent book, but kinda slow.
August 29, 2017
I stopped reading at 28% as I found the characters bland and their interactions not particularly interesting. I started reading this shortly after completing an adorable YA novel with an incredibly charming MC and loveable secondary characters. I was hoping to meet another instantly loveable character in Hereafter, but I found both the male and female protagonists far less intriguing.
The concept of two characters meeting in the afterlife was definitely fascinating to me. I absolutely loved The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, a novel also narrated by a dead girl. But Hereafter was no Lovely Bones. For a YA novel, it didn't have the instant pull that I often feel when cracking a novel of this genre open.
The concept of two characters meeting in the afterlife was definitely fascinating to me. I absolutely loved The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, a novel also narrated by a dead girl. But Hereafter was no Lovely Bones. For a YA novel, it didn't have the instant pull that I often feel when cracking a novel of this genre open.
May 31, 2016
Where to begin with this wonderful story?
We first meet Nin, a young woman who is going to be graduating from high school very soon. Her best friend Serena and her planned out their future for California. However Nin's dad is upset and doesn't want her to go away really. See Nin has been helping clean up her dad's mess almost her whole life because her mom couldn't deal and left. She lives with her dad and grandma. Her dad battles with drinking and depression. But when something happens that's out of her control she takes on the guilt and blame. She starts setting out on a I don't care anymore life. She meets Matthew someone a little older then her. Matthew doesn't treat her well and has a shady business. Which Nin finds out a little late.
Then we meet Dylan who has had a rough life where no one has really cared for him his whole life. He gets into serious trouble selling drugs and such. Dylan finally calls his brother from jail. Derek is only to happy to "help" his little brother out.
Derek tells him how he can make money and be his partner and it's all great no trouble. But before long Dylan realizes this isn't what he signed up for, however the money is great. But everything comes down to that one second that can change everything.
Nin finds herself on a beach not knowing why or how except one thing she knows is true... She died... But how?
Dylan wakes up by a trash bin in an alley and not sure how it why?
He meets Nin on the beach and they both have questions and aren't sure why they are the only two around.
Check this lovely book out about love, changing the past and future.
We first meet Nin, a young woman who is going to be graduating from high school very soon. Her best friend Serena and her planned out their future for California. However Nin's dad is upset and doesn't want her to go away really. See Nin has been helping clean up her dad's mess almost her whole life because her mom couldn't deal and left. She lives with her dad and grandma. Her dad battles with drinking and depression. But when something happens that's out of her control she takes on the guilt and blame. She starts setting out on a I don't care anymore life. She meets Matthew someone a little older then her. Matthew doesn't treat her well and has a shady business. Which Nin finds out a little late.
Then we meet Dylan who has had a rough life where no one has really cared for him his whole life. He gets into serious trouble selling drugs and such. Dylan finally calls his brother from jail. Derek is only to happy to "help" his little brother out.
Derek tells him how he can make money and be his partner and it's all great no trouble. But before long Dylan realizes this isn't what he signed up for, however the money is great. But everything comes down to that one second that can change everything.
Nin finds herself on a beach not knowing why or how except one thing she knows is true... She died... But how?
Dylan wakes up by a trash bin in an alley and not sure how it why?
He meets Nin on the beach and they both have questions and aren't sure why they are the only two around.
Check this lovely book out about love, changing the past and future.
March 17, 2019
Loved it!!! Great story. Couldn't put it down. Loved the story told from the character's perspective. Definitely a must-read. 😊
April 5, 2016
What happens to us when we die? What if we could somehow find a way to atone for our sins and come back with a clean slate?
Jessica Bucher's debut novel, The Hereafter, is a wonderfully-crafted love story about two teenagers who both meet tragic ends to their lives, ends that are more connected than either one realizes at first. Nin, wracked with guilt about her father's suicide, has thrown herself in with an abusive, cruel boyfriend. Dylan, a product of a broken home, has turned to crime.
When they meet each other on a beach in the hereafter, they are drawn to one another. But as their memories return, they realize that not only are their destinies intertwined, but those destinies may not be written in stone after all. But what choice will they make - to spend eternity together, or to grasp their one and only chance to make their lives right again.
The Hereafter was a brilliant book of love, death and redemption. Books about the afterlife often tend to be overly dramatic or abysmally depressing, but this was neither. I highly recommend this book.
Jessica Bucher's debut novel, The Hereafter, is a wonderfully-crafted love story about two teenagers who both meet tragic ends to their lives, ends that are more connected than either one realizes at first. Nin, wracked with guilt about her father's suicide, has thrown herself in with an abusive, cruel boyfriend. Dylan, a product of a broken home, has turned to crime.
When they meet each other on a beach in the hereafter, they are drawn to one another. But as their memories return, they realize that not only are their destinies intertwined, but those destinies may not be written in stone after all. But what choice will they make - to spend eternity together, or to grasp their one and only chance to make their lives right again.
The Hereafter was a brilliant book of love, death and redemption. Books about the afterlife often tend to be overly dramatic or abysmally depressing, but this was neither. I highly recommend this book.
March 27, 2016
A beautiful and well written debut novel that came recommended by Author Amanda Richardson. I loved how this story was being told in both main character's POV, as well as in the present, and in the past. I'm not a paranormal reader but this aspect didn't throw me off at any time. Suffice you go in with an open mind. The story is written in a perfect and engaging pace that left me wondering what I would find on the next page or in the next chapter, and all the while asking myself how this would end... Without spoiling anything, I was surprised to see how the story came to and end. A beautiful and unexpected twist in the lives of Nin and Dylan.
I'd recommend this story to anyone and I'm looking forward to read more by this author!
4,5 stars
I'd recommend this story to anyone and I'm looking forward to read more by this author!
4,5 stars
May 31, 2016
The Hereafter by Jessica Bucher!!! I got this book to host a review book tour stop, and I was not disappointed in the book at all!!!! I am really surprised that this was Jessica's first book! The way she wrote this story it perfectly unfolded and didn't drag out, end to soon, or leave the readers asking questions like most new authors!!! This story had me captivated with the tale of love after death and the story how true love can save a persons life!!! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!!!
May 17, 2016
While this is a book about teenagers falling head over heels in love, it takes a unique approach. I always get caught up in TV shows that use the whole flashback/flash forward approach to reveal pieces of a story, so I found this book hard to put down. I had many ideas of how it might have ended and I think I would have been ok with any of them including how it actually ended.
April 3, 2016
LOVED it! A very unique love story.
July 27, 2016
A True Gem...
See my full review on YA Books Central
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
See my full review on YA Books Central
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
May 4, 2017
This was an interesting story. You have Nin waking up in a white room alone and wondering what is going on. She realizes she is dead, but has no memory of her death. She sits on the beach day in and day out, until one day there is a boy on the beach. Dylan wakes from his death in an alley. He finds himself on the beach drawn to the girl but doesn't know why. The two form a friendship that eventually develops into more. They realize they can go anywhere they want by just thinking of it, so they travel the world together, doing all the things they dreamed of doing in life but never go the chance. Dylan is very secretive about his past and as Nin starts to poke around it, she realizes why he is so closed off. When she discovers that she can leave a mark on the past, she is determined to change their fates. First they have to learn more about their deaths and the days leading up to them. They may not recover from what they find out. Also, can they change the past and get another shot and living? This was a very interesting story about two very different people who meet under strange circumstances. They both have undesirable pasts they would like to forget, but when they get the chance to change them, will they risk the love they've found in order to have a shot at life? I enjoyed getting to know these characters in a different setting than usual. You see how their mistakes and unfortunate circumstances ended with them both dead too young and how they get a shot at finding happiness when life didn't allow that for either of them. Overall, I really enjoyed this "love" story.
May 17, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book, it began very slowly - Nin and Dylan spent far too long skirting around each other which made the plot very static and made chunk of the book a dull read - once it got going though, it was an enchanting story about the complexity of love, second chances and forgiveness.
Both the main characters have troubled pasts, they’re a little bit broken and defeated. And dead. Neither of them remember anything much at all about their deaths but sparks fly when they meet one another in the hereafter. They begin to learn about each other and about themselves, explore new possibilities and experiment with happiness. Their romance is tooth achingly sweet, in a good way. As memories of their pasts start to come back to them, they realise that soon enough they'll have to choose between life and love.
I don’t think I’ve ever willed for a happy ending more in my life, than I did with this story. life. Both characters were so endearing and they deserved something good.
The alternating narratives are straight forward to follow thanks to dated chapters, makes the chopping and changing between the past and present a lot easier to get on board with.
I will absolutely on the lookout for any future books by Jessica Bucher. After a rocky start, I ended the book throughly impressed and dazzled by her writing style.
Both the main characters have troubled pasts, they’re a little bit broken and defeated. And dead. Neither of them remember anything much at all about their deaths but sparks fly when they meet one another in the hereafter. They begin to learn about each other and about themselves, explore new possibilities and experiment with happiness. Their romance is tooth achingly sweet, in a good way. As memories of their pasts start to come back to them, they realise that soon enough they'll have to choose between life and love.
I don’t think I’ve ever willed for a happy ending more in my life, than I did with this story. life. Both characters were so endearing and they deserved something good.
The alternating narratives are straight forward to follow thanks to dated chapters, makes the chopping and changing between the past and present a lot easier to get on board with.
I will absolutely on the lookout for any future books by Jessica Bucher. After a rocky start, I ended the book throughly impressed and dazzled by her writing style.
May 9, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an eARC review copy of this novel.
Wow. Where do I start?
The Hereafter was a story filled with themes of the afterlife. I was drawn to this book as I always wondered how other people thought of death and the afterlife. How they felt about it.
This book truly moved me. It was so beautifully written with realistic and flawed characters. The themes of friendship, love, and the ugliness of life combined with the Before and After chapters truly made this book a masterpiece. The Hereafter also made me appreciate and understand how fortunate I am to have a family who accepts me as I am.
I'm still stunned at how it all played out and would like everyone to read this book.
5 wonderful stars!
Wow. Where do I start?
The Hereafter was a story filled with themes of the afterlife. I was drawn to this book as I always wondered how other people thought of death and the afterlife. How they felt about it.
This book truly moved me. It was so beautifully written with realistic and flawed characters. The themes of friendship, love, and the ugliness of life combined with the Before and After chapters truly made this book a masterpiece. The Hereafter also made me appreciate and understand how fortunate I am to have a family who accepts me as I am.
I'm still stunned at how it all played out and would like everyone to read this book.
5 wonderful stars!
March 19, 2017
I wasn't too sure about this book at first, and the criticisms I have are ones that continued from the beginning - I found the pacing off in places and there were aspects of the story that I would have wanted to be mentioned before they became important.
However, I really enjoyed this book. I read most of it in one day. It's an easy read with some beautiful imagery. Nin and Dylan are incredibly relatable characters with how they deal with their grief and their abuses and how their worlds have shaped them. I loved the idea of these two people being connected so entirely at such an important moment that shaped everything. The way that Bucher writes memories and plays with the idea of whether they can be trusted is very well done.
The Hereafter is a very sweet, well written, character driven love story that made me feel all warm inside by the end. I'm a sucker for those kinds of happy endings! This is just Bucher's debut book and it's already a great read, I'm sure that each book that follows will allow Bucher to improve in leaps and bounds!
However, I really enjoyed this book. I read most of it in one day. It's an easy read with some beautiful imagery. Nin and Dylan are incredibly relatable characters with how they deal with their grief and their abuses and how their worlds have shaped them. I loved the idea of these two people being connected so entirely at such an important moment that shaped everything. The way that Bucher writes memories and plays with the idea of whether they can be trusted is very well done.
The Hereafter is a very sweet, well written, character driven love story that made me feel all warm inside by the end. I'm a sucker for those kinds of happy endings! This is just Bucher's debut book and it's already a great read, I'm sure that each book that follows will allow Bucher to improve in leaps and bounds!
September 28, 2018
Great read, well written with a great plot and characters. This is an emotional, suspenseful read, love, romance and some twists. This book also has some hard subjects in it, suicide, domestic violence and drug abuse. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 14, 2020
This has been on my Kindle for awhile, and I can't remember when or why I downloaded it. But it was the perfect read for Valentine's Day - young love, fate and a greater purpose...lovely, satisfying novel.
February 15, 2018
Wow!
Amazing book!! I absolutely enjoyed it! I recommend this book. Its not what I thought it would be. The characters are wonderful as well as the story line.
Amazing book!! I absolutely enjoyed it! I recommend this book. Its not what I thought it would be. The characters are wonderful as well as the story line.
June 12, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which does not in any way affect the truthfulness of the following statement, that is nothing but my honest opinion.
Update: I have a giveaway of this book running over at my blog, which you can check out here! Open int.
I really enjoyed The Hereafter! I thought the story was unique and well-built, keeping the reader intrigued about what is going on for quite awhile (which I tend to like).
I really liked that the characters were dead - I'd never read anything like that before, and I found it really cool! They were very interesting as well -they had difficult lives that sadly aren't all that rare, and I really appreciated their rawness and their genuineness, together with their evident growth throughout the book. I really came to love both of them :) Also, I have to mention the male character's preschool teacher, who represents such an important figure that should always be present in a child's life. I am a huge fan of hers!
The romance, although expected, was cute and had its own, perfectly realistic pace (which a lot of YA contemporary novels miss these days!). In addition, the book touches some topics that I think are very important for society to think about -it talks about how difficult upbringings can affect the way children turn out to be, as well as mental disorders in a smooth way I really appreciated.
The ending was unexpected and satisfying! And there is a pretty good plot twist as well ;)
I really recommend this book to people in need of a light paranormal/fantasy YA read. I was really impressed!
You can read my full review at Wonderful Literature here: http://wonderfulliterature.blogspot.c...
Update: I have a giveaway of this book running over at my blog, which you can check out here! Open int.
I really enjoyed The Hereafter! I thought the story was unique and well-built, keeping the reader intrigued about what is going on for quite awhile (which I tend to like).
I really liked that the characters were dead - I'd never read anything like that before, and I found it really cool! They were very interesting as well -they had difficult lives that sadly aren't all that rare, and I really appreciated their rawness and their genuineness, together with their evident growth throughout the book. I really came to love both of them :) Also, I have to mention the male character's preschool teacher, who represents such an important figure that should always be present in a child's life. I am a huge fan of hers!
The romance, although expected, was cute and had its own, perfectly realistic pace (which a lot of YA contemporary novels miss these days!). In addition, the book touches some topics that I think are very important for society to think about -it talks about how difficult upbringings can affect the way children turn out to be, as well as mental disorders in a smooth way I really appreciated.
The ending was unexpected and satisfying! And there is a pretty good plot twist as well ;)
I really recommend this book to people in need of a light paranormal/fantasy YA read. I was really impressed!
You can read my full review at Wonderful Literature here: http://wonderfulliterature.blogspot.c...
March 30, 2017
“The end is only a painful beginning”
The idea of two young souls whom meet in the afterlife without recollection of how they ended there promised an interesting story
At first we have Nin, a 17 year old girl who have been dead for a few weeks.
Later joins her Dylan, another youngster.
Both alone and full of wondering so they turn to each other looking for comfort and they got it. But as soon as their memories begins to reappear the new peaceful life they just started to enjoy start to crumble.
The Hereafter, Jessica Bucher debut novel, catch you from its very first pages. It touch some sensitive topics without too much drama making the story enjoyable.
Personally I don’t believe in afterlife but I really liked the way Bucher made use of it on her story.
The pace of the story is kind of slow since the real action occur in their memories but this does not make it boring at all, at least it wasn’t for me.
As is usually seen on YA novels you can expect to find some cheesy and cliche moments, but overall you will have an intriguing story.
Full English Review
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
La idea de dos jóvenes almas que se reúnen en la otra vida sin recuerdar cómo terminaron allí prometía una historia interesante
Al principio tenemos a Nin, una chica de 17 años que ha estado muerta por unas cuantas semanas.
Más tarde se une a ella Dylan, otro joven.
Ambos solos y llenos de preguntas, así que bucan el uno en el otro consuelo y lo consiguen. Pero tan pronto como sus recuerdos comienzan a reaparecer la nueva vida pacífica que sólo comenzaban a disfrutar empieza a desmoronarse.
The Hereafter, novela de debut de Jessica Bucher, te atrapa desde sus primeras páginas. Toca algunos temas sensibles sin demasiado drama haciendo la historia agradable.
Personalmente no creo en la vida después de la muerte, pero me gustó mucho la forma en que Bucher hizo uso de ella en su historia.
El ritmo de la historia es un poco lento ya que la acción real ocurre en sus recuerdos, pero esto no la hace aburrida en absoluto, al menos no para mí.
Como es usual en las novelas de YA se puede esperar encontrar algunos momentos cursis y cliché, pero en general es una historia intrigante.
Reseña en español completa
(I received this title in exchange for an honest review/Recibí este título a cambio de una reseña honesta)
The idea of two young souls whom meet in the afterlife without recollection of how they ended there promised an interesting story
At first we have Nin, a 17 year old girl who have been dead for a few weeks.
Later joins her Dylan, another youngster.
Both alone and full of wondering so they turn to each other looking for comfort and they got it. But as soon as their memories begins to reappear the new peaceful life they just started to enjoy start to crumble.
The Hereafter, Jessica Bucher debut novel, catch you from its very first pages. It touch some sensitive topics without too much drama making the story enjoyable.
Personally I don’t believe in afterlife but I really liked the way Bucher made use of it on her story.
The pace of the story is kind of slow since the real action occur in their memories but this does not make it boring at all, at least it wasn’t for me.
As is usually seen on YA novels you can expect to find some cheesy and cliche moments, but overall you will have an intriguing story.
Full English Review
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
La idea de dos jóvenes almas que se reúnen en la otra vida sin recuerdar cómo terminaron allí prometía una historia interesante
Al principio tenemos a Nin, una chica de 17 años que ha estado muerta por unas cuantas semanas.
Más tarde se une a ella Dylan, otro joven.
Ambos solos y llenos de preguntas, así que bucan el uno en el otro consuelo y lo consiguen. Pero tan pronto como sus recuerdos comienzan a reaparecer la nueva vida pacífica que sólo comenzaban a disfrutar empieza a desmoronarse.
The Hereafter, novela de debut de Jessica Bucher, te atrapa desde sus primeras páginas. Toca algunos temas sensibles sin demasiado drama haciendo la historia agradable.
Personalmente no creo en la vida después de la muerte, pero me gustó mucho la forma en que Bucher hizo uso de ella en su historia.
El ritmo de la historia es un poco lento ya que la acción real ocurre en sus recuerdos, pero esto no la hace aburrida en absoluto, al menos no para mí.
Como es usual en las novelas de YA se puede esperar encontrar algunos momentos cursis y cliché, pero en general es una historia intrigante.
Reseña en español completa
(I received this title in exchange for an honest review/Recibí este título a cambio de una reseña honesta)
March 29, 2017
Just…Wow. Have the aspirin ready because you’re in for a serious book hangover after reading this.
Jessica Bucher is a new author to me. I saw this title being offered on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The description of the book sounded so different that I wanted to check it out.
Nin and Dylan have no recollection of their deaths. They are “living” in the hereafter. They seem to be the only two people existing not in heaven or hell but some place else. For what seems like an entire summer they spend their days exploring the world and experiencing things they didn’t do in life. Slowly their memories of the events leading up to their deaths come back. With each memory it drives a wedge into their friendship and blossoming love. The Hereafter is a journey through Nin and Dylan’s past, present, future, and the possibilities of changing fate.
First I must say that I am recommending this book to everyone I know. Its fantastic! I’m writing a shortened review for this because I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wonder of this book. There is not one single thing I didn’t like about this story. I was so engrossed into this story and the characters that I finished reading this in 1.5 days by ignoring my job during the day and family in the evenings. The writing is amazing that you are able to feel what these characters are feeling and see what they are seeing. The romance between the characters is written very classy that every time Dylan told Nin something romantic it just made my heart melt. Here is a prime example of one of my heart melt episodes “I came to say that I’ve seen your face everyday of my life since I was six. Every moment of my life, you’ve been with me. I don’t think you really lost me. You see, I’ve been waiting for you my entire life”.
This story is told in alternating point of views of Nin and Dylan. It also alternates in time with the episodes of the past when both were alive and to the present in The Hereafter. Before Nin and Dylan died the story weaves through their heartbreaking childhoods and the events that lead up to their tragic deaths. There is no cliffhanger at the end and the story wraps up very nicely in the best possible way. Read this book!
This book is advertised under YA/teen romance. I tend to disagree with that categorization and would categorize this more under YA/new college romance/fantasy. It has language and adult situations and implications that I would recommend this book be read by anyone 18+.
Jessica Bucher is a new author to me. I saw this title being offered on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The description of the book sounded so different that I wanted to check it out.
Nin and Dylan have no recollection of their deaths. They are “living” in the hereafter. They seem to be the only two people existing not in heaven or hell but some place else. For what seems like an entire summer they spend their days exploring the world and experiencing things they didn’t do in life. Slowly their memories of the events leading up to their deaths come back. With each memory it drives a wedge into their friendship and blossoming love. The Hereafter is a journey through Nin and Dylan’s past, present, future, and the possibilities of changing fate.
First I must say that I am recommending this book to everyone I know. Its fantastic! I’m writing a shortened review for this because I don’t want to say too much and ruin the wonder of this book. There is not one single thing I didn’t like about this story. I was so engrossed into this story and the characters that I finished reading this in 1.5 days by ignoring my job during the day and family in the evenings. The writing is amazing that you are able to feel what these characters are feeling and see what they are seeing. The romance between the characters is written very classy that every time Dylan told Nin something romantic it just made my heart melt. Here is a prime example of one of my heart melt episodes “I came to say that I’ve seen your face everyday of my life since I was six. Every moment of my life, you’ve been with me. I don’t think you really lost me. You see, I’ve been waiting for you my entire life”.
This story is told in alternating point of views of Nin and Dylan. It also alternates in time with the episodes of the past when both were alive and to the present in The Hereafter. Before Nin and Dylan died the story weaves through their heartbreaking childhoods and the events that lead up to their tragic deaths. There is no cliffhanger at the end and the story wraps up very nicely in the best possible way. Read this book!
This book is advertised under YA/teen romance. I tend to disagree with that categorization and would categorize this more under YA/new college romance/fantasy. It has language and adult situations and implications that I would recommend this book be read by anyone 18+.
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