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Afterlife Academy #1
The Glass Dagger
A new spin on a gothic fantasy world…
When a bunch of misfit orphans all find themselves on a bus heading towards a new life at a new school, one called Afterlife, what they was expecting wasn't what they found. But even fate can play games and five teens will soon find themselves asking even more questions than ever before. Questions about an uncertain future in a new world hidden in plain sight and the very first one on the top of that long list…What does the King of Heaven and Hell have in store for them?
When a bunch of misfit orphans all find themselves on a bus heading towards a new life at a new school, one called Afterlife, what they was expecting wasn't what they found. But even fate can play games and five teens will soon find themselves asking even more questions than ever before. Questions about an uncertain future in a new world hidden in plain sight and the very first one on the top of that long list…What does the King of Heaven and Hell have in store for them?
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2017
592 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Hudson
196 books2,319 followersStephanie Hudson is a #1 Amazon bestselling Author. She had dreamed of being a writer ever since her obsession with reading books at an early age. What first became a quest to overcome the boundaries set against her in the form of dyslexia, has turned into a life's dream.
Afterlife is the first book in the series of 12 books, with the story of Keira and Draven becoming ever more complicated in a world that sets them miles apart. The Transfusion Saga will also be a 12 book series once book 12 is released in May 2021. Other spin -off books and series are also available with lots more planned.
When not writing, Stephanie enjoys chatting with her fans and spending time with her friends. Being with her loving family as much as she can including her wonderful daughter Ava, sons Jack and Halen and supportive husband and personal muse Blake, who is there for her no matter what.
Afterlife is the first book in the series of 12 books, with the story of Keira and Draven becoming ever more complicated in a world that sets them miles apart. The Transfusion Saga will also be a 12 book series once book 12 is released in May 2021. Other spin -off books and series are also available with lots more planned.
When not writing, Stephanie enjoys chatting with her fans and spending time with her friends. Being with her loving family as much as she can including her wonderful daughter Ava, sons Jack and Halen and supportive husband and personal muse Blake, who is there for her no matter what.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 30, 2019
Why am I not surprised by how absolutely great this book was.. OMG Stephaine you did it again girl. What a winner this new set of Afterlife Chronicles are going to be.
I'm so happy you didn't let the story end with just Keira and Draven but gave us a new twist with new main characters and the secrets of who they really are, especially our new hero Theo.
I just wonder who his parents really are? Hmmmm...
Oh boy I'm just so excited about this book and what's more to come of this storyline... I can't wait for book 2...
Excellent job Stephaine you never disappoint that why I'm a fan!!!!
Overall rating:
5*~ A Excellent Read
This is a YA genre.
I'm so happy you didn't let the story end with just Keira and Draven but gave us a new twist with new main characters and the secrets of who they really are, especially our new hero Theo.
I just wonder who his parents really are? Hmmmm...
Oh boy I'm just so excited about this book and what's more to come of this storyline... I can't wait for book 2...
Excellent job Stephaine you never disappoint that why I'm a fan!!!!
Overall rating:
5*~ A Excellent Read
This is a YA genre.
November 11, 2017
Wow, just wow
I didn't expect to like so much! But was I wrong. I just loved it! I'm a little confused because i expected the pieces to fall together, well i'll just have to wait for book two. So read it!
I didn't expect to like so much! But was I wrong. I just loved it! I'm a little confused because i expected the pieces to fall together, well i'll just have to wait for book two. So read it!
May 8, 2018
418 pages of material that could have been summed up in 50. I understand that this is a young adult book, but for it to be a spin off of a great series it was quite boring and gave you a whole lot of notta.. Was glad to see that the original Afterlife series is continuing.
November 2, 2017
Absolutely loved this first book in The Afterlife Chronicles series. Great book for a wider range of readers opening up the Afterlife world to a younger audience but still a fabulous read for us oldies!!!. The new characters are a perfect fit with our previous favourite characters and the new story has been written to perfection. Looking forward to this new journey and where it will lead us. The illustrations are a great addition and have captured the likeness of the characters and scenes perfectly. Waiting impatiently for book 2.
January 21, 2018
Irritated
I loved the afterlife series, but this book is way to much, it was painful to read and I had no idea who was talking most of the time, because everyone had the same personality. I honestly don't think the author has met any teenagers lately or in fact ever met any teenage orphans from London. The premise was all over the place and was full of constant monologue. I got to half way and gave up.
I loved the afterlife series, but this book is way to much, it was painful to read and I had no idea who was talking most of the time, because everyone had the same personality. I honestly don't think the author has met any teenagers lately or in fact ever met any teenage orphans from London. The premise was all over the place and was full of constant monologue. I got to half way and gave up.
March 18, 2025
must read after afterlife series
Mind blowing and brilliant, leaving me with unanswered questions I can’t wait to find out about and really enjoying all the new information in the process
Mind blowing and brilliant, leaving me with unanswered questions I can’t wait to find out about and really enjoying all the new information in the process
January 7, 2018
It breaks my heart to give Stephanie not more than 3 stars considering the Afterlife saga is and will always be the best book series in the world, but if I compare it to the original saga it was not as phenomenal. I liked the story, and I will definitely read the other books, but there were a lot of things that confused me. 1) the book was too much of an introduction. the first gamechanger came after about half of the book. 2) too much chitchat about unnecessary things. I love Pip as a character, and I'm also a movie freak, so I like these jokes, but all dialogue was full of it. Someone asks something, and it drifts off over 3 pages of movie talk. Also, it took 10 pages to describe how Afterlife looked like and another 10 for the decoration of their own rooms. This interrupted the story all the time. 3) I'm unsure about the audience. The way it's written and the "tone" of the book suggest it's for teens but do you really think that every teen today knows what a GameBoy is or who Buffy was? I grew up with that stuff, so it's no issue for me, but I doubt the younger audience understands all of it. 4) a lot of repetitive words and sometimes poor editing. I know from the previous books that Stephanie doesn't like commas, lol, but some sentences seemed weird. 5) it's okay to keep secrets to remain tension, but I feel as if absolutely nothing has been revealed, only more secrets and more questions. Whenever someone asks what was going on, the question gets sidestepped. They all sit at a dining table, but there is not one word spoken between Theo and Draven. The book threw up so many questions, it left me utterly confused.
As I said, the story is not all bad, but I have the feeling that now that the main saga is over, Stephanie gets carried away and makes things too complicated. Let's see how book2 goes.
As I said, the story is not all bad, but I have the feeling that now that the main saga is over, Stephanie gets carried away and makes things too complicated. Let's see how book2 goes.
November 27, 2017
Absolutely nothing happened until the last few chapters. The reintroduced characters from the much-loved adult Afterlife series were wooden and, apart from Pip, ill-described. Even so, without Keira as foil Pip seemed inane.
The teenager characters lack any real depth and the reason for their selection and their individual attributes are only vaguely addressed.
Thinking it may just have been my adult tastes which found the story lacking I gave the book, without comment, to my sixteen year old granddaughter to read and she gave up half way through.
I so loved the original Afterlife series.
The teenager characters lack any real depth and the reason for their selection and their individual attributes are only vaguely addressed.
Thinking it may just have been my adult tastes which found the story lacking I gave the book, without comment, to my sixteen year old granddaughter to read and she gave up half way through.
I so loved the original Afterlife series.
November 22, 2020
Loved this NA paranormal thriller
This book has a great YA feel to it like Percy Jackson but the language (swearing) made it more NA (can you have swearing in YA?) 🤷♀️
I loved the host of new characters Theo is all brave and strong and a natural leader zane is great comic relief Janie the sweet shy one, Ena the goth chick and Ivan the lovable teddy bear all unique and Individual
I loved seeing my favourite characters from new eyes
The story is just getting started and I’m intrigued at where is will go
This book has a great YA feel to it like Percy Jackson but the language (swearing) made it more NA (can you have swearing in YA?) 🤷♀️
I loved the host of new characters Theo is all brave and strong and a natural leader zane is great comic relief Janie the sweet shy one, Ena the goth chick and Ivan the lovable teddy bear all unique and Individual
I loved seeing my favourite characters from new eyes
The story is just getting started and I’m intrigued at where is will go
October 19, 2019
Love love love
Pip is the best love her
Pip is the best love her
November 3, 2017
3.5 stars
I have to admit that I wasn't extremely excited for this series from the start. Not because I'm not a HUGE fan, I just don't see the Afterlife in a PG13 atmosphere. Not that is was done poorly, it just wasn't the same.
I was pretty frustrated with the amount of questions I still had after finishing the Afterlife series so I was hoping that there would be some answers in the Chronicles but I have even more questions than before. My main reason for 3 1/2 stars is that it felt like a whole new set of characters was just dropped into an already well established story. There was a lot of time spent in describing the world and original characters that the Afterlife fans are already very familiar with. I believe that if I had read this book without having already read the Afterlife books that I would have a very different review.
Stephanie's writing was still amazing as well as her characters! I just feel like the Afterlife series should've been more finished before adding a whole new list of questions to wait for answers to.
I have to admit that I wasn't extremely excited for this series from the start. Not because I'm not a HUGE fan, I just don't see the Afterlife in a PG13 atmosphere. Not that is was done poorly, it just wasn't the same.
I was pretty frustrated with the amount of questions I still had after finishing the Afterlife series so I was hoping that there would be some answers in the Chronicles but I have even more questions than before. My main reason for 3 1/2 stars is that it felt like a whole new set of characters was just dropped into an already well established story. There was a lot of time spent in describing the world and original characters that the Afterlife fans are already very familiar with. I believe that if I had read this book without having already read the Afterlife books that I would have a very different review.
Stephanie's writing was still amazing as well as her characters! I just feel like the Afterlife series should've been more finished before adding a whole new list of questions to wait for answers to.
November 3, 2017
Fantastic Read
After I heard that this book was geared towards a younger audience I debated on wether or not I wanted to read it but I can honestly say that I am very very glad that I did. There are authors who write great young adult series and then there are authors who write great adult series but it is not often that you come across an author who has the ability to do both at the same time. In my opinion, possessing the ability to do this doesn’t just make that person a fantastic author but also truly makes them an artist as well.
Stephanie Hudson up until now there has only ever been one other author that absolutely amazed me with her ability to not only create an entire world of wonder on her pages but also her ability to captivated audiences of all ages, and that author is J.K. Rowling. You have accomplished the very same thing with this book, it is absolutely brilliant as is all things Afterlife!!!
After I heard that this book was geared towards a younger audience I debated on wether or not I wanted to read it but I can honestly say that I am very very glad that I did. There are authors who write great young adult series and then there are authors who write great adult series but it is not often that you come across an author who has the ability to do both at the same time. In my opinion, possessing the ability to do this doesn’t just make that person a fantastic author but also truly makes them an artist as well.
Stephanie Hudson up until now there has only ever been one other author that absolutely amazed me with her ability to not only create an entire world of wonder on her pages but also her ability to captivated audiences of all ages, and that author is J.K. Rowling. You have accomplished the very same thing with this book, it is absolutely brilliant as is all things Afterlife!!!
April 16, 2018
Awesome start to a new series. Even though this is for a younger audience I found myself loving it as a adult as much as the Afterlife Saga. I would suggest if you have read Afterlife Saga to finish it completely before you read this. Even though as it's own book you can enjoy it I think you will get more out of it, and understand some hidden elements and main plot, if you have read up to 'Blood of the Infinity War' (which is what this is going to be about). Great plot where these 5 orphans meet to head to a special school and build a unlikely bond. Theo is the best and I loved everything about him. Great new characters: Theo, Ena, Janie, Ivan, Zane. You'll love each one and want to know more. Past favorites like: Vincent, Pip, Adam, Sophia, Zagan, Ragnar, Takeshi, Rue, Carrick, and Draven. I wish I had a book like this when I was younger for sure. I read this in one night. Can't wait for the next.
November 11, 2017
Well what can i say,i was a bit apprehensive about reading this book,as i have loved all Stephanie Hudson's Afterlife series and this being aimed at a younger audience i wasn't sure that this was for me.But i should of known this being AFTERLIFE and Stephanie's baby,WOW i was totally blown away with how this story unfolded and i suprised myself how much i loved this.
I liked all the illustrations they were amazing and loved that we got to meet up with some of our favourite characters in this book.The new charaters was well thought out and fit straight into this story,i just loved Zane and his funny personality.
Can't wait for this journey with new and old characters to see how it unfolds.Well done Stephanie for creating this world that i absolutely love and now can't wait for the next chapter.Also the spin offs are coming which i am super excited about.
I liked all the illustrations they were amazing and loved that we got to meet up with some of our favourite characters in this book.The new charaters was well thought out and fit straight into this story,i just loved Zane and his funny personality.
Can't wait for this journey with new and old characters to see how it unfolds.Well done Stephanie for creating this world that i absolutely love and now can't wait for the next chapter.Also the spin offs are coming which i am super excited about.
November 13, 2017
What a fab spin off. I was a bit unenthusiastic about reading to begin with because it was said it was aimed at a teenage audience with illustrations which was a little off putting for me in my 30s. However, as Ive read the entire afterlife saga (twice I might add minus the last book which was only once so far) I decided it would be silly not to give it a go.
At first I felt the images were weird on my Kindle, mainly as im not used to them, but then I was hooked! Absolutely fantastic illustrations which kept me wanting more.
I did feel the first chapter was extremely slow to get into but picked up quickly, and in usual Stephanie Hudson fashion, drew me in like a moth to a flame.
The storyline is awesome. The characters are brilliantly written and you instantly feel you know them. The book also features some loved characters from the original saga series, yet you don't need to have read it to gain an understanding or love of them.
In my spare time, I found I was still thinking about Theo and the gang.
This is when you truly know your hooked!
Well done Stephanie and Caroline. Can't wait for the next!
At first I felt the images were weird on my Kindle, mainly as im not used to them, but then I was hooked! Absolutely fantastic illustrations which kept me wanting more.
I did feel the first chapter was extremely slow to get into but picked up quickly, and in usual Stephanie Hudson fashion, drew me in like a moth to a flame.
The storyline is awesome. The characters are brilliantly written and you instantly feel you know them. The book also features some loved characters from the original saga series, yet you don't need to have read it to gain an understanding or love of them.
In my spare time, I found I was still thinking about Theo and the gang.
This is when you truly know your hooked!
Well done Stephanie and Caroline. Can't wait for the next!
November 27, 2017
Omg brilliant
Absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book. Stephanie and Caroline have brought afterlife back to life with the chronicles, it keeps u on the edge of your seat from start a brilliant read for all afterlife saga fans and everyone else.
Was so happy to see so many of our beloved afterlife crew back for this instalment of afterlife chronicles if you haven't read this or the afterlife saga then u really don't know what ur missing go on give it a try! U will not be disappointed.
Congratulations Stephanie and Caroline I loved it!! and can't wait to see what comes next 😊
Absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book. Stephanie and Caroline have brought afterlife back to life with the chronicles, it keeps u on the edge of your seat from start a brilliant read for all afterlife saga fans and everyone else.
Was so happy to see so many of our beloved afterlife crew back for this instalment of afterlife chronicles if you haven't read this or the afterlife saga then u really don't know what ur missing go on give it a try! U will not be disappointed.
Congratulations Stephanie and Caroline I loved it!! and can't wait to see what comes next 😊
October 15, 2018
It's a very quick read.
Stephanie gave us enough time to get to know the new characters before she smashed in my favourite oldies the only thing I was a bit dissapointed in and the reason why I didn't give it five stars is because toots wasn't there. I love that girl and over the afterlife books I grew more and more attached to her. (and Lucius but I kinda understood why ue wasn't there. Ish)
I'm just thinking but I have the impression that they're all descendents of the original characters. And while I like that the story continues i do miss my favourite characters. Even though they are there. It's like something's missing but maybe that's just a piece of my heart.
Stephanie gave us enough time to get to know the new characters before she smashed in my favourite oldies the only thing I was a bit dissapointed in and the reason why I didn't give it five stars is because toots wasn't there. I love that girl and over the afterlife books I grew more and more attached to her. (and Lucius but I kinda understood why ue wasn't there. Ish)
I'm just thinking but I have the impression that they're all descendents of the original characters. And while I like that the story continues i do miss my favourite characters. Even though they are there. It's like something's missing but maybe that's just a piece of my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2020
Amazing
I have read the afterlife series and absolutely loved it, I wasn't sure what th expect with this series. I can definitely say I love this series too, I liked the pictures Caroline is an amazing artist. It added something interesting to be able to see what the characters looked like, instead of imagining it. I loved reading a bit more about the afterlife characters, Pip is still my favourite I can't wait for her story. I'm now going to read book 2, thank you Stephanie for another brilliant book.
I have read the afterlife series and absolutely loved it, I wasn't sure what th expect with this series. I can definitely say I love this series too, I liked the pictures Caroline is an amazing artist. It added something interesting to be able to see what the characters looked like, instead of imagining it. I loved reading a bit more about the afterlife characters, Pip is still my favourite I can't wait for her story. I'm now going to read book 2, thank you Stephanie for another brilliant book.
January 19, 2023
Apparently, this is a spinoff of another series but I came into this without reading any of those books. This is a YA book that introduces the reader to the Afterlife Academy. Having no prior knowledge of any of the characters, I just took everything as it was given. With that being said, there was a lot of information that really didn't feel like it was relevant. Lots of info - about movies, music, room decorations, etc.
I alternated between listening and reading this and had no problems with the narration. While this did hold my interest, in the end, I felt like it was just okay. I will admit, that I liked the character of Pip the best. She really was hilarious.
Will I continue onward? At this point, I'm not sure.
I alternated between listening and reading this and had no problems with the narration. While this did hold my interest, in the end, I felt like it was just okay. I will admit, that I liked the character of Pip the best. She really was hilarious.
Will I continue onward? At this point, I'm not sure.
November 29, 2017
Continues to rock!
Solid rating for this new series in continuation of the Afterlife Series. The new characters were very interesting and unique. I loved seeing the original characters entwined into the story as well, even though there were a few missing that I would have loved to read more about. Great ending and I am anxious to see what comes next as well as...hopefully...some revealing facts about the kids.
Solid rating for this new series in continuation of the Afterlife Series. The new characters were very interesting and unique. I loved seeing the original characters entwined into the story as well, even though there were a few missing that I would have loved to read more about. Great ending and I am anxious to see what comes next as well as...hopefully...some revealing facts about the kids.
May 23, 2018
Teenage kids
At first I wasn't really sure if i was going to like this. The beginning was cryptic and confusing. I didn't like what happened to the kids at the beginning but soon the story started to unfold making sense. I needed up liking the story. Loving the fact previous characters were in here as well. Although I missed one character from before. Oh well, maybe she will show up in the next book.
At first I wasn't really sure if i was going to like this. The beginning was cryptic and confusing. I didn't like what happened to the kids at the beginning but soon the story started to unfold making sense. I needed up liking the story. Loving the fact previous characters were in here as well. Although I missed one character from before. Oh well, maybe she will show up in the next book.
November 1, 2017
Ohh was so excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint! Was great seeing the regular characters, they’ve become like old friends, and to meet the young characters.
Stephanie has done a wonderful job, the illustrations are amazing and add another level to an awesome read, so looking forward to book 2!
Stephanie has done a wonderful job, the illustrations are amazing and add another level to an awesome read, so looking forward to book 2!
November 7, 2017
Unexpected enjoyment
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Secrets learned and secrets yet to discover so I keep I will read the next in the series. Initially the art work made me feel this book was aimed at a younger audience, almost fifty, but I really enjoyed the visualisation and appreciated the art. Well done to both artists.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Secrets learned and secrets yet to discover so I keep I will read the next in the series. Initially the art work made me feel this book was aimed at a younger audience, almost fifty, but I really enjoyed the visualisation and appreciated the art. Well done to both artists.
November 15, 2017
Babes In the woods.
Continuing Afterlife this is not what I expected. Saying this I was very happy to see that this is going to be a horrific yet sweet journey. Kids do say the funniest things! If you don't laugh throughout this book you have no sense of humor. At least chuckle😈 😇
Continuing Afterlife this is not what I expected. Saying this I was very happy to see that this is going to be a horrific yet sweet journey. Kids do say the funniest things! If you don't laugh throughout this book you have no sense of humor. At least chuckle😈 😇
November 19, 2017
Amazeballs toots.
Considering this book was written with teens in mind, i thought it was excellent. The brilliant descriptive writing ensures your imagination has no choice but to be captivated, not only by the characters (who you will fall in love with) but the enchanting afterlife castle. I cannot wait for book 2.
Considering this book was written with teens in mind, i thought it was excellent. The brilliant descriptive writing ensures your imagination has no choice but to be captivated, not only by the characters (who you will fall in love with) but the enchanting afterlife castle. I cannot wait for book 2.
January 29, 2018
Love this author
Loved the afterlife series and this side spin is just as good. If you haven’t read the afterlife series yet you need too. This is definitely set towards the younger audience but it’s still as thrilling as the other series. The author always puts good twist into her stories. Can’t wait until the next book comes out.
Loved the afterlife series and this side spin is just as good. If you haven’t read the afterlife series yet you need too. This is definitely set towards the younger audience but it’s still as thrilling as the other series. The author always puts good twist into her stories. Can’t wait until the next book comes out.
October 24, 2019
Wow what a ride!
I love this book. It's incredibly well written and you feel like you care about the characters. You get to know them as you read the story. Each of their quirks as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Warning there is a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm excited to read more!
I love this book. It's incredibly well written and you feel like you care about the characters. You get to know them as you read the story. Each of their quirks as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Warning there is a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm excited to read more!
February 23, 2022
Ok. So, Stephanie Hudson readers are used to something a little more...adult oriented. That being said, this is a pretty good start to a Young Adult series. It incorporates some Afterlife characters that, if you read the Afterlife series, we know and love. And I have a hunch...but I'm not telling! ready for book#2!
February 9, 2023
Great
Soo good being able to follow what has happened following on from Afterlife.
This follows teens, who must be linked in some way to our favourite characters. They are learning about their other halves and how to work with their powers. The characters are likeable. I can’t wait to read the next book
Soo good being able to follow what has happened following on from Afterlife.
This follows teens, who must be linked in some way to our favourite characters. They are learning about their other halves and how to work with their powers. The characters are likeable. I can’t wait to read the next book
January 8, 2024
Highly addictive!
So much that I am binge reading the sequel already and I'll write a global review for the series.
If you love YA fantasy with demons and angels, love an academy setting and found family this is for you!
And if you loved the Afterlife (adult) saga like I did, it will be fun too.
So much that I am binge reading the sequel already and I'll write a global review for the series.
If you love YA fantasy with demons and angels, love an academy setting and found family this is for you!
And if you loved the Afterlife (adult) saga like I did, it will be fun too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews