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The Afterlife of Alice Watkins #2
The Afterlife of Alice Watkins #2
Spaceships? Aliens? Flashbacks to a life that was never hers?
It's a lot for our time travelling granny to take in as she settles into her new, beautiful life as Dr Alexis Langley.
Alice's story continues in Book Two. Her life of promise and opportunity leads to a world-shattering conclusion.
Taken from her humdrum existence in 2016, Alice’s new life five centuries in the future brings adventure, contentment and…love. She has everything she could ever wish for…
Until she learns that she is trespassing, that the journey she is taking was meant for another. To right this wrong, the Universe demands of Alice a sacrifice.
A sacrifice that will tear the very fabric of Time itself.
It's a lot for our time travelling granny to take in as she settles into her new, beautiful life as Dr Alexis Langley.
Alice's story continues in Book Two. Her life of promise and opportunity leads to a world-shattering conclusion.
Taken from her humdrum existence in 2016, Alice’s new life five centuries in the future brings adventure, contentment and…love. She has everything she could ever wish for…
Until she learns that she is trespassing, that the journey she is taking was meant for another. To right this wrong, the Universe demands of Alice a sacrifice.
A sacrifice that will tear the very fabric of Time itself.
- GenresTime Travel
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2018
50 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Matilda Scotney
14 books49 followersI am a former professional singer and actor who only realised I was ageing when I was offered the part of the ancient, grey-haired Granny in a stage production of The Addams Family. I decided then I had matured enough (physically and mentally) to give away theatre and turn to my other passion; writing, specifically, science fiction and even more specifically, time travel and space opera.
When my mind is not scouring the galaxy for new stories, my trust chihuahua sidekick Oggie by my side, I can be found in Australia with sand between my toes, collecting teapots and nerding out over everything Star Wars.
When my mind is not scouring the galaxy for new stories, my trust chihuahua sidekick Oggie by my side, I can be found in Australia with sand between my toes, collecting teapots and nerding out over everything Star Wars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 15, 2023
The Afterlife of Alice Watkins is nothing more than a Jane Austen novel parading around as Science Fiction. And I loved it. I really, really loved it.
I don’t compare this book to an Austen novel because it is chaste. Not so. It has a perfect dash of spice. I compare it to Austen because even though there are spaceships, and aliens, and cool futuristic tech; this is a character-driven romance through and through. Sure, our main hero is a broody starship captain, but there is nary a phew, phew anywhere. It’s all about the characters.
Alice is just pumpkin juice with whipped cream sweet and wonderful. I’m not sure I’ve ever used the phrase "sucked me into the story" in a review before, but it’s true in this case. And not because of the plot, but because of the characters, especially our main heroine.
I also give Scotney major props for writing this book extremely well in a Third-Person Omniscient POV. Not often done, and not often done well when attempted. The only other book I’ve read in that POV was The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman and she did not do it nearly as well as Scotney did in this series.
I’m not sure what more to say other than this duology is really good, and you should put it on your Want to Read shelve, now. Seriously, do it right now.
Cheers.
I don’t compare this book to an Austen novel because it is chaste. Not so. It has a perfect dash of spice. I compare it to Austen because even though there are spaceships, and aliens, and cool futuristic tech; this is a character-driven romance through and through. Sure, our main hero is a broody starship captain, but there is nary a phew, phew anywhere. It’s all about the characters.
Alice is just pumpkin juice with whipped cream sweet and wonderful. I’m not sure I’ve ever used the phrase "sucked me into the story" in a review before, but it’s true in this case. And not because of the plot, but because of the characters, especially our main heroine.
I also give Scotney major props for writing this book extremely well in a Third-Person Omniscient POV. Not often done, and not often done well when attempted. The only other book I’ve read in that POV was The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman and she did not do it nearly as well as Scotney did in this series.
I’m not sure what more to say other than this duology is really good, and you should put it on your Want to Read shelve, now. Seriously, do it right now.
Cheers.
February 10, 2023
What an incredible story. I feel like I've been on a journey reading this.
Scotney delivers a fully realized, complex futuristic world. I found it all intriguing, deeply compelling and difficult to put down (especially the 2nd book).
Alice as the main character is not at all what you'd expect and I found it to be so refreshing. I did find it hard to envision her as a romantic interest for the first book since she was often described as "childlike" and behaved as such. However, as she blossomed in the second book and gained in confidence and knowledge, it made more sense for her to progress romantically. And I loved the eventual romance and love that grew between her and her love interest.
The way this is written in 3rd person omniscient POV is done masterfully and really connects you to every character in a way that you feel like you know them all so well. As a result, most of the characters felt complex and real. Patrick and Dr Clere, who did feel completely recognizable as the Playboy and Evil Doctor perhaps being the 2 exceptions. (As a side note, I didn't appreciate the part where Patrick gets a chuckling pass as the charming rapscallion playboy while the women he slept with get labeled as "floozies".)
The story held quite a bit of mystery as to what actually happened to Alice/Alexis. The ending was quite complicated with multiple supernatural beings/aliens playing a role but what matters in the end was the result was very poignant. I have to say I've never felt this much emotion reading a sci-fi and I was just bawling once it was clear what was coming. I was happy to have the epilogue included but would have liked to have seen it from Eliza's parents POV (especially her dad).
4.5 stars
Scotney delivers a fully realized, complex futuristic world. I found it all intriguing, deeply compelling and difficult to put down (especially the 2nd book).
Alice as the main character is not at all what you'd expect and I found it to be so refreshing. I did find it hard to envision her as a romantic interest for the first book since she was often described as "childlike" and behaved as such. However, as she blossomed in the second book and gained in confidence and knowledge, it made more sense for her to progress romantically. And I loved the eventual romance and love that grew between her and her love interest.
The way this is written in 3rd person omniscient POV is done masterfully and really connects you to every character in a way that you feel like you know them all so well. As a result, most of the characters felt complex and real. Patrick and Dr Clere, who did feel completely recognizable as the Playboy and Evil Doctor perhaps being the 2 exceptions. (As a side note, I didn't appreciate the part where Patrick gets a chuckling pass as the charming rapscallion playboy while the women he slept with get labeled as "floozies".)
The story held quite a bit of mystery as to what actually happened to Alice/Alexis. The ending was quite complicated with multiple supernatural beings/aliens playing a role but what matters in the end was the result was very poignant. I have to say I've never felt this much emotion reading a sci-fi and I was just bawling once it was clear what was coming. I was happy to have the epilogue included but would have liked to have seen it from Eliza's parents POV (especially her dad).
4.5 stars
June 19, 2019
Amazing, Fantastic, Fresh, Innovative Whirlwind of a Story!!!
This is the second and to-date final book in the 2-book tale. I have not been so mesmerized, enchanted and completely absorbed in any book in many years! It is beautifully written with wonderful care and detail given to the people involved. (I find myself quite unable to call them "characters" as they have become friends.) There is plenty of action, romance, time-twisting and an alien presence and yet, somehow, it rings with reality. I don't know how Matilda Scotney manages to accomplish this but without a doubt, she does! Definitely read the books in sequence or you will lose much of the flavor. I tore through both books in 3 days. I will not give anything away but I can tell you that the ending does not disappoint! If I could, I'd give it far more stars than 6!!!!!
This is the second and to-date final book in the 2-book tale. I have not been so mesmerized, enchanted and completely absorbed in any book in many years! It is beautifully written with wonderful care and detail given to the people involved. (I find myself quite unable to call them "characters" as they have become friends.) There is plenty of action, romance, time-twisting and an alien presence and yet, somehow, it rings with reality. I don't know how Matilda Scotney manages to accomplish this but without a doubt, she does! Definitely read the books in sequence or you will lose much of the flavor. I tore through both books in 3 days. I will not give anything away but I can tell you that the ending does not disappoint! If I could, I'd give it far more stars than 6!!!!!
June 23, 2019
Fantastic, I am so sorry I have finished these 2 books!!
I have just finished the second book of the Afterlife of Alice Watkins. Absolutely enchanting story of lives woven in the future. I loved reading of all the changes technology has made in this future life, a life that is exceptional but very ordinary also. And I liked the cycling of the woman’s life, rapidly into the future, building of a life in the future, and then a return to first life. Really enjoyed this😀👍😀
I have just finished the second book of the Afterlife of Alice Watkins. Absolutely enchanting story of lives woven in the future. I loved reading of all the changes technology has made in this future life, a life that is exceptional but very ordinary also. And I liked the cycling of the woman’s life, rapidly into the future, building of a life in the future, and then a return to first life. Really enjoyed this😀👍😀
January 16, 2023
Absolutely Fantastic
I’ve been glued to this pair of books as often as I could for the past few days and wow, what a beautiful ride it was. Lovely and far reaching and filled to the brim with characters I adored. I was saddened by Alice’s history, felt her uncertainty and fear at each new turn and was fascinated by the drawn-out mystery of her Afterlife. These books were truly a delight to read.
I’ve been glued to this pair of books as often as I could for the past few days and wow, what a beautiful ride it was. Lovely and far reaching and filled to the brim with characters I adored. I was saddened by Alice’s history, felt her uncertainty and fear at each new turn and was fascinated by the drawn-out mystery of her Afterlife. These books were truly a delight to read.
April 10, 2023
My opinion of this duology plummeted after reading this book. I enjoyed the first book, but the second book took my expectations and left them out to dry. I am seeing a lot of positive reviews, which leads me to question what I'm missing, but I truly only finished this book because I kept hoping that the ending would finally solve the "time-travel mystery" that this duology was supposed to be. And it did, but hardly in a way I found satisfactory.
I truly liked Alice as a character. Her evolving personality is by far my favourite thing about these books. Alice's character development, as gentle as her natural disposition, progresses her from being passive and largely uneducated to a curious, self-assured and confident woman. It seemed dissonant, therefore, that she seemed to accept (or at least stop questioning) certain norms she initially found jarring.
It seemed strange that Book 1 Alice was more critical of the Calamities than in Book 2. Book 1 Alice was unsettled by the idea of segregating people who do not conform to the societal standard, however she never seems to follow up on this. Like Alice, I found this to be a very questionable norm, and expected it to be tackled in the second book. And yet, nothing. We are supposed to take it at face value, believe that somehow anyone queer or marrying interracially is content at being separated from their family and society. Book 2 Alice seemed to accept this strange neo-segregation. It seemed odd she would dismiss issues she found disturbing just as she was gaining assertiveness, just because we pinkie swear this works it's fine.
It was additionally irksome that somehow Alice could do no wrong, that whatever mistakes she made seemed to be of little consequence. Nobody ever seemed upset by anything, consequence of Alice's actions or not. Hardly anyone seemed capable of any negative emotion or reaction, depriving most characters of dimensionality.
All in all, I wouldn't say The Afterlife of Alice Watkins was badly written, but the points mentioned really broke the immersion for me.
I truly liked Alice as a character. Her evolving personality is by far my favourite thing about these books. Alice's character development, as gentle as her natural disposition, progresses her from being passive and largely uneducated to a curious, self-assured and confident woman. It seemed dissonant, therefore, that she seemed to accept (or at least stop questioning) certain norms she initially found jarring.
It seemed strange that Book 1 Alice was more critical of the Calamities than in Book 2. Book 1 Alice was unsettled by the idea of segregating people who do not conform to the societal standard, however she never seems to follow up on this. Like Alice, I found this to be a very questionable norm, and expected it to be tackled in the second book. And yet, nothing. We are supposed to take it at face value, believe that somehow anyone queer or marrying interracially is content at being separated from their family and society. Book 2 Alice seemed to accept this strange neo-segregation. It seemed odd she would dismiss issues she found disturbing just as she was gaining assertiveness, just because we pinkie swear this works it's fine.
It was additionally irksome that somehow Alice could do no wrong, that whatever mistakes she made seemed to be of little consequence. Nobody ever seemed upset by anything, consequence of Alice's actions or not. Hardly anyone seemed capable of any negative emotion or reaction, depriving most characters of dimensionality.
All in all, I wouldn't say The Afterlife of Alice Watkins was badly written, but the points mentioned really broke the immersion for me.
September 4, 2023
Oh wow. I can't believe I just read 900+ pages of basically nothing happening. The second book in the series could be called "Alice Watkins goes sight seeing on a future earth".
The description for this book promises way more time travel than there actually is. Alice has memories of another time, but it doesn't feel like time travel.
It took so long to get to
I wish I knew how much romance would be in this book/series, as I probably would never have started it.
The description for this book promises way more time travel than there actually is. Alice has memories of another time, but it doesn't feel like time travel.
It took so long to get to
I wish I knew how much romance would be in this book/series, as I probably would never have started it.
November 1, 2018
Not quite my cup of tea
Still I give it 4 stars because it is a great story skillfully told. For those of you who enjoy romantic space opera with an alien twist it will probably be a 5.
Still I give it 4 stars because it is a great story skillfully told. For those of you who enjoy romantic space opera with an alien twist it will probably be a 5.
December 27, 2022
It was a bit more romancey than my usual fare and everything was wonderful and lovely except for poor Patrick but that was probably justice served on him for his philandering ways. Poor old Alice Watkins, to have gone through her early life and then to realise how life could have been to be loved, appreciated and cared about by so many people and to have Alexis Langley as an alter ego, clever and pretty and so accomplished. A well thought out and written story although I'm not sure about the time travel aspect. Did she travel in time or was she reincarnated out of her timeline and carried along by Alexis as a passenger ? As with the first book it makes a nice change not to read of a post apocalyptic future where mankind is reduced to caveman levels or permanently at war with alien races and accepts the A'khet as a benevolent factor.
February 24, 2021
Holy cow!
The ending/beginning of Alice Watkins life is astounding and beautiful. M. Scoring did an inedible job of weaving together the lives of Alice and Alexis. Her use of words put crystal clear visions in my head of body postures, the landscapes, desires, fears and joys. I loved the ending. I half expected some convoluted way of explaining the relationship of the two very disparate individuals. I am happy to say this did not happen. I felt joy in the resolution of the A!ice/Alexis mystery. I highly recommend this two part adventure.
The ending/beginning of Alice Watkins life is astounding and beautiful. M. Scoring did an inedible job of weaving together the lives of Alice and Alexis. Her use of words put crystal clear visions in my head of body postures, the landscapes, desires, fears and joys. I loved the ending. I half expected some convoluted way of explaining the relationship of the two very disparate individuals. I am happy to say this did not happen. I felt joy in the resolution of the A!ice/Alexis mystery. I highly recommend this two part adventure.
January 14, 2023
Fascinating Story with great characters and premise
I was not sure I cared for Alice for the first 25 pages or so of book one; she seemed like a very non complex person. But I loved how the author had her evolve over time into a very interesting person, and the separation of personas was fascinating. The story was ever more interesting. I hated for it to end. Will try another of Matilda Scotney's books!! Soon!
I was not sure I cared for Alice for the first 25 pages or so of book one; she seemed like a very non complex person. But I loved how the author had her evolve over time into a very interesting person, and the separation of personas was fascinating. The story was ever more interesting. I hated for it to end. Will try another of Matilda Scotney's books!! Soon!
January 9, 2021
Outstanding
This is an amazing futuristic story where the world has changed so much. The heroine has woken from centuries of sleep and is introduced to new ways and laws but also love. I was amused that the author thinks that a 65 year old woman feels old and has wrinkles and white hair, has trouble moving her hips and so on. Perhaps a woman in her eighties would.
This is an amazing futuristic story where the world has changed so much. The heroine has woken from centuries of sleep and is introduced to new ways and laws but also love. I was amused that the author thinks that a 65 year old woman feels old and has wrinkles and white hair, has trouble moving her hips and so on. Perhaps a woman in her eighties would.
January 2, 2023
Purchased on.a whim
This was purchased on a whim, not my normal type of story. I started it because there was little else to read at the time but then became totally engrossed in the characters and storyline.
A thoroughly enjoyable read which I found hard to put down, and sad when it finished.
This was purchased on a whim, not my normal type of story. I started it because there was little else to read at the time but then became totally engrossed in the characters and storyline.
A thoroughly enjoyable read which I found hard to put down, and sad when it finished.
January 6, 2023
Fantastic read, had trouble to put it down and get sleep (love reading in bed). The story is very well told and it was for me as watching a movie. Second book didn't disappoint.
Became very fond of Alice and Alexis. One of my favorite books.
Before reading this book I recommend reading book number 1.
Became very fond of Alice and Alexis. One of my favorite books.
Before reading this book I recommend reading book number 1.
January 12, 2023
Satisfaction achieved!
This is a work of wonder. These two volumes tell a tale so deep, so filled with wonder and emotion, that to read them is to grow in spirit. I felt Alice/ Alexis’ life very deeply. The science is cutting edge, the alternate realities born from every decision are handled deftly. Do yourself a favor and get these books.
This is a work of wonder. These two volumes tell a tale so deep, so filled with wonder and emotion, that to read them is to grow in spirit. I felt Alice/ Alexis’ life very deeply. The science is cutting edge, the alternate realities born from every decision are handled deftly. Do yourself a favor and get these books.
September 3, 2023
I hardly know what to say. There is no plot per se, no clue as to where the book is going, but never have two books drawn me in so completely and utterly. Beautifully written, they are both page turners without really being able to say why! I feel bereft at finishing them and am wondering what on earth I follow them with. Fantastic!
March 28, 2021
A great story from beginning to end.
The characters are interesting as is the settings, explanations and time. Great imagination of future events and lifestyles. Look forward to more from this writer.
The characters are interesting as is the settings, explanations and time. Great imagination of future events and lifestyles. Look forward to more from this writer.
May 20, 2021
Engaging
This book kept me engaged in the story, colorful writing & interesting characters. I loved the twists at the end - I didn't see that coming! The author wrapped it up very nicely - I had goose bumps.
This book kept me engaged in the story, colorful writing & interesting characters. I loved the twists at the end - I didn't see that coming! The author wrapped it up very nicely - I had goose bumps.
Read
December 28, 2022Excellent
One of the most imaginative sci fi plots I have ever read. The reveals were spaced pretty far apart, but when revealed, picked up the story effectively. Could have been one book instead of two, nevertheless an excellent read.
One of the most imaginative sci fi plots I have ever read. The reveals were spaced pretty far apart, but when revealed, picked up the story effectively. Could have been one book instead of two, nevertheless an excellent read.
December 30, 2022
Good CPID ( cant put it down)
Immersive world, plot grabs you, wonderful character development.
Non-all-powerful Deus Ex Machina
Almost believable future history
But a bit on the socialistic utopian side detracts, but not a lot.
Immersive world, plot grabs you, wonderful character development.
Non-all-powerful Deus Ex Machina
Almost believable future history
But a bit on the socialistic utopian side detracts, but not a lot.
January 9, 2023
What a story!!!
Matilda has quite an imaginative mind! I read the first book and had to buy the second one. I couldn't put it down. It is so captivating. I am looking forward to more books of this kind.
Matilda has quite an imaginative mind! I read the first book and had to buy the second one. I couldn't put it down. It is so captivating. I am looking forward to more books of this kind.
April 17, 2023
Opus
What a fascinating story! I read a lot of Science Fiction and this story shared a totally new perspective. From the plague to the adventures in space it was a thought provoking tale.
What a fascinating story! I read a lot of Science Fiction and this story shared a totally new perspective. From the plague to the adventures in space it was a thought provoking tale.
March 2, 2019
After loving book one I was not disappointed to continue onto book two. Loved every part of it!
August 14, 2020
I loved this story so much. However still only give it two stars fir reasons mentioned before.
It's such a shame because otherwise it would have been a 5 star review
It's such a shame because otherwise it would have been a 5 star review
January 21, 2021
Very good
Strange society in the future but I enjoyed the story of Alice and her struggle to remember and adapt to new rules and technology
Strange society in the future but I enjoyed the story of Alice and her struggle to remember and adapt to new rules and technology
May 12, 2021
Excellent story!
I really enjoyed this book, and the first one too. The story is entertaining and well written. I will certainly be reading more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book, and the first one too. The story is entertaining and well written. I will certainly be reading more from this author.
June 1, 2021
Loved this book and characters , wish there was a continuing story :)
November 14, 2021
Wonderful Time Story
I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters in this book and would love to learn more about the future of Alexis, Noah, Eliza and Matteo!
I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters in this book and would love to learn more about the future of Alexis, Noah, Eliza and Matteo!
February 2, 2023
Once again a charming and engaging read from the author.
I very much enjoyed this novel,and would recommend it to other readers.
I gave it 5 well deserved stars.
I very much enjoyed this novel,and would recommend it to other readers.
I gave it 5 well deserved stars.
February 13, 2023
A good read.
A good read with lots of surprising twists and turns. The title is deceiving but The book is enjoyable. Try It!
A good read with lots of surprising twists and turns. The title is deceiving but The book is enjoyable. Try It!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews