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After Hope Dies
Living in the shadow of a once-great nation, the children of Eastern America have two options for survival: either work in assembly lines to make cheap phones for China, or work in brothels. Young Janelle chose the latter and ended up dead because of it. That is, until a monster brought her back to life...
This is what happens after America dies: the monsters take over. A young prostitute's reanimated soul now prowls the streets, seeking revenge against her killers. The reclusive nerd who lives next door suffers from a serious problem that goes far beyond the time-bending demon infesting his body. And across town, an occult guide owns a brothel where you can buy a child for cheap.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this dark literary fantasy debut examines life for the most disadvantaged who call post-prosperity America home.
Publisher's warning: this story includes racist content, depictions of rape and strong themes of child sexualisation/exploitation. Please reconsider reading if these topics are likely to upset you.
In place of recieving royalties, the author encourages readers to make a donation to COTS (Coalition On Temporary Shelter)
This is what happens after America dies: the monsters take over. A young prostitute's reanimated soul now prowls the streets, seeking revenge against her killers. The reclusive nerd who lives next door suffers from a serious problem that goes far beyond the time-bending demon infesting his body. And across town, an occult guide owns a brothel where you can buy a child for cheap.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this dark literary fantasy debut examines life for the most disadvantaged who call post-prosperity America home.
Publisher's warning: this story includes racist content, depictions of rape and strong themes of child sexualisation/exploitation. Please reconsider reading if these topics are likely to upset you.
In place of recieving royalties, the author encourages readers to make a donation to COTS (Coalition On Temporary Shelter)
- GenresHorror
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 29, 2018
This book was provided for review from NetGalley.
Author/Publisher/Reviewers Note: This book deals with darker themes including racist content, depictions of rape, and strong themes of child sexualization/exploitation. If ANY of these subjects make you uncomfortable, then this is not the story for you.
My dearest reader, if the above paragraph in bold as well as the brief description above has not already convinced you, let me state it AGAIN - this book contains disturbing imagery. It is NOT for the faint of heart or easily offended. There are numerous passages that require the reader to have a strong constitution. Several of the reviews I have seen, the person reading it did not take the warning seriously and sadly suffered for it.
All of that aside: After Hope Dies is an excellent book. It provides a truly scary "What if...?" that once the reader finishes the book - including the epilogue - will leave them wondering just how much could potentially occur.
In three short stories, After Hope Dies, follows several individuals in a not to distant future. The city they are in could be anywhere in the United States and the persons the overall story centers on live in one of the poorest sections. Drug use as well as vices of other kinds run rampant and all of the characters are affected in one way or another.
While each individual story has its own main character, they also cross over in to the other stories. The child prostitute in the first story is the next door neighbor of the game playing introvert of the second story, and she goes to school with the younger sister who features in the third story. The introvert runs in the same gaming circles as the older sister in the third story. And between them all is the brothel owner and his assistant. They all play off of one another, acting and reacting to events as they occur.
Each person has their own story and Haraden does an admirable job of delving in to each one. It is certainly not an easy task, some of the jobs that these characters take on could be described as distasteful, yet they all do what they must. They make deals with demons with the intent of living another day.
Haraden's writing is smooth and strong. As disturbing as some scenes are, they are penned in a way that is not difficult to imagine. The stories are easy to follow and the characters can be related to by most. As someone who is whiter than the proverbial sour cream, I will never be able to fully relate to the discrimination (both internal and external) faced by many. Reading After Hope Dies however, gave me a tiny inkling and takes me one step closer to understanding.
At times hard to read and hard to stomach, it is an engrossing book and one I simply must recommend.
March 19, 2019
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*
The trigger warning at the beginning of the book should be taken seriously: there is rape, violence, prostitution, pedophilia, hardcore racism and much more in this book. In that regard, it highly reminded me of the Sin City Universe. It is brutal, the language is - in places - racist, disturbing, slurring and hard to process. In other respects it is almost poetic and beautiful. The entire novel is a mixture of this, yet also something more... If you can stomach the topics in the novel, read it. It is rewarding to read the entire thing even though you might doubt it whilst reading...
Imagine a future, divided America that lives in poverty and is shaped by violence, crime, and child labour and prostitution. We meet many different characters that are all connected. Our first story focusses on Janelle, she is a young, Black girl who works in a brothel to enable her mother and herself a decent life. When she is raped and killed in an alley behind the brothel, she does not stay dead. A monster has taken her voice and a mirror version of herself now roams the streets, seeking revenge. With her new, white voice Janelle starts to re-visit her past sins and re-connect with humanity...
Each story gives the reader a new, deeper understanding of the story, despite the violent parts of the stories are beautifully crafted and give one some hope. Throughout the text one can find comments by the author (I didn't really get them but I thought it was nice to see what the author wanted to change etc.) and the story ends by a meta-commentary of the author that brings it all together. If you make it to the end of the story, you will be astonished. I really enjoyed it in the end although I had serious doubts mid-reading.
Four stars, because I had some problems immersing myself into the story because of all the violence... Would like to read more from the author.
The trigger warning at the beginning of the book should be taken seriously: there is rape, violence, prostitution, pedophilia, hardcore racism and much more in this book. In that regard, it highly reminded me of the Sin City Universe. It is brutal, the language is - in places - racist, disturbing, slurring and hard to process. In other respects it is almost poetic and beautiful. The entire novel is a mixture of this, yet also something more... If you can stomach the topics in the novel, read it. It is rewarding to read the entire thing even though you might doubt it whilst reading...
Imagine a future, divided America that lives in poverty and is shaped by violence, crime, and child labour and prostitution. We meet many different characters that are all connected. Our first story focusses on Janelle, she is a young, Black girl who works in a brothel to enable her mother and herself a decent life. When she is raped and killed in an alley behind the brothel, she does not stay dead. A monster has taken her voice and a mirror version of herself now roams the streets, seeking revenge. With her new, white voice Janelle starts to re-visit her past sins and re-connect with humanity...
Each story gives the reader a new, deeper understanding of the story, despite the violent parts of the stories are beautifully crafted and give one some hope. Throughout the text one can find comments by the author (I didn't really get them but I thought it was nice to see what the author wanted to change etc.) and the story ends by a meta-commentary of the author that brings it all together. If you make it to the end of the story, you will be astonished. I really enjoyed it in the end although I had serious doubts mid-reading.
Four stars, because I had some problems immersing myself into the story because of all the violence... Would like to read more from the author.
October 23, 2018
Thank you first to Lilly Haraden and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
The publisher's warning should definitely be taken seriously, there are multiple upsetting themes and rough language used throughout. Some of those themes include child prostitution, rape, murder, suicide, racism, Lilly Haraden hit a lot of big ones! On the flip side she also uses some stunningly beautiful language, such as any time when the cranes of hope and despair appear. It feels like an intentional balance the way the passages are placed.
Some of the language forced a slower read for me to keep track of what was happening at times, and I got the feeling that the reader is supposed to shrug and accept the supernatural aspects- much like the characters. Sometimes it was hard to understand what happened but the idea is there. The story has some unique points such as the characters creating monsters that create more monsters/spirits/ entities, very cool.
I really did enjoy the hope, despair and death imagery. I loved Hugo's character, and most disliked the vampire because she felt thrown into the mix and unrelated.
As a social commentary the book does it's job, if nothing else evoking some strong feelings and making us think about class, race, desperation, and despair among brighter aspects. It definitely is not meant to be a happy story but it is a good one. I would rate 3.5/5 stars and recommend this to those with a strong stomach and big imagination. Fans of the supernatural and fantasy won't be let down.
The publisher's warning should definitely be taken seriously, there are multiple upsetting themes and rough language used throughout. Some of those themes include child prostitution, rape, murder, suicide, racism, Lilly Haraden hit a lot of big ones! On the flip side she also uses some stunningly beautiful language, such as any time when the cranes of hope and despair appear. It feels like an intentional balance the way the passages are placed.
Some of the language forced a slower read for me to keep track of what was happening at times, and I got the feeling that the reader is supposed to shrug and accept the supernatural aspects- much like the characters. Sometimes it was hard to understand what happened but the idea is there. The story has some unique points such as the characters creating monsters that create more monsters/spirits/ entities, very cool.
I really did enjoy the hope, despair and death imagery. I loved Hugo's character, and most disliked the vampire because she felt thrown into the mix and unrelated.
As a social commentary the book does it's job, if nothing else evoking some strong feelings and making us think about class, race, desperation, and despair among brighter aspects. It definitely is not meant to be a happy story but it is a good one. I would rate 3.5/5 stars and recommend this to those with a strong stomach and big imagination. Fans of the supernatural and fantasy won't be let down.
October 23, 2018
Take heed of the authors warning about the content of this book! Depicts rape, child prostitution, very graphic content.
I did struggle with this book because of its content but I can't deny it was written well. There is more to the book than the authors warning though and the reason for my 5 star rating because I simply couldn't put the book down despite its hard content.
Book given free by author through voraciousreadersonly.
I did struggle with this book because of its content but I can't deny it was written well. There is more to the book than the authors warning though and the reason for my 5 star rating because I simply couldn't put the book down despite its hard content.
Book given free by author through voraciousreadersonly.
October 5, 2018
I did not take the publisher's note seriously: "This story includes racist content, depictions of rape and strong themes of child sexualisation/exploitation." I have a strong stomach, but After Hope Dies was brutal in it depiction of rape and child prostitution. If you can get past that, the book is excellently written. The characters are well developed and the plot is unique. I'm not sure what genre it belongs in, racial dystopian fantasy?
October 25, 2018
Wow. Just wow. This book is a mind twister. I didnt enjoy reading it although I was captivated. It is harsh and brutal. I would warn people that are easily offended or have closed minds, do not read. If you are open to trying to understand people and can take some really disturbing imagines, tread carefully. Overall, a good mind boggling read that grabs your attention.
*received free copy from Voracious Readers Only*
*received free copy from Voracious Readers Only*
November 4, 2018
I received an arc of this book through NetGalley. I put off reading it because I thought it might have me in my feelings. It did.
I used to forge ahead and read things with trigger warnings. Sometimes it's a little easier to digest than others.
This is to one of these times. Don't let that turn you off though. The subject matter, while sensitive is what's happening to so many young girls all over the globe. Abused, raped, murdered, forced to do things they do not want to do.
Its about how the author handles the situation. While we're not hand held, it's still a good read.
The reanimation of a young girl seeking revenge is what drew me to the story. It's a great fantasy slightly supernatural debut effort.
It's not what you re going to call an "enjoyable" read. Where you curl up and laugh, cry and enjoy the fictional tale. But it might be a necessary one. Because it's closer to reality than it should be.
I used to forge ahead and read things with trigger warnings. Sometimes it's a little easier to digest than others.
This is to one of these times. Don't let that turn you off though. The subject matter, while sensitive is what's happening to so many young girls all over the globe. Abused, raped, murdered, forced to do things they do not want to do.
Its about how the author handles the situation. While we're not hand held, it's still a good read.
The reanimation of a young girl seeking revenge is what drew me to the story. It's a great fantasy slightly supernatural debut effort.
It's not what you re going to call an "enjoyable" read. Where you curl up and laugh, cry and enjoy the fictional tale. But it might be a necessary one. Because it's closer to reality than it should be.
October 21, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for a review.
DNF at 10%. I was vastly disappointed with this book and could not force myself to continue reading it.
This felt like a joyless ride through a badly written Quentin Tarantino movie. The writing style is littered with missing prepositions and phrases that are so clunky and, frankly, odd that I couldn't get to the heart of what the author was trying to say. It felt as though the writing was making a bold, desperate attempt to sound elevated, but the smilies and metaphors used to convey meaning read so strangely (and honestly ridiculous) that they made little sense. Truly, I wish I had more details on the circumstance behind the character's plight and more of what the hell was going on than writing that felt disjointed and clunky.
I understand that this was written as a commentary inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, which is admirable cause to examine. I myself have spent countless hours in school and outside of school reading and writing analyses that examine literature through a critical, social justice-tinted lens. But I felt this was harsh to be harsh with little regard to how we as a culture function and react to the larger, more important issues that bind us together and ultimately tear us apart.
I wish the author the best in her career, but this book simply wasn't for me.
DNF at 10%. I was vastly disappointed with this book and could not force myself to continue reading it.
This felt like a joyless ride through a badly written Quentin Tarantino movie. The writing style is littered with missing prepositions and phrases that are so clunky and, frankly, odd that I couldn't get to the heart of what the author was trying to say. It felt as though the writing was making a bold, desperate attempt to sound elevated, but the smilies and metaphors used to convey meaning read so strangely (and honestly ridiculous) that they made little sense. Truly, I wish I had more details on the circumstance behind the character's plight and more of what the hell was going on than writing that felt disjointed and clunky.
I understand that this was written as a commentary inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, which is admirable cause to examine. I myself have spent countless hours in school and outside of school reading and writing analyses that examine literature through a critical, social justice-tinted lens. But I felt this was harsh to be harsh with little regard to how we as a culture function and react to the larger, more important issues that bind us together and ultimately tear us apart.
I wish the author the best in her career, but this book simply wasn't for me.
November 2, 2018
The story itself was VERY cool, and when I got to the end of the book and connected all the dots, I was thoroughly blown away -- but the child prostitution, I was not fond of. There were definitely paragraphs I skipped because they made me intensely uncomfortable. I understand it's a necessary piece in order to really emphasize how much of a monster certain characters are, but still . . .
I'm not entirely certain why the editing notes were left in, although apparently it was intentional - alright, accepted, but the intent went clean over MY head.
That said, I will probably read it again, because the magnificent closure was so intensely satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not entirely certain why the editing notes were left in, although apparently it was intentional - alright, accepted, but the intent went clean over MY head.
That said, I will probably read it again, because the magnificent closure was so intensely satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2021
"This story includes racist content, depictions of rape, strong violence, and heavy themes of child sexualisation/exploitation. If these themes are likely to upset you, then please consider if this story is right for you.".
Hoo boy, they weren't kidding! Readers really need to take this seriously before reading. Set in a fictional city in East America (sometimes. It seems to move around a lot), this is 6 interwoven stories set in the near future. Although there are supernatural elements, there is a over-arching social commentary to the story, which is explored in more depth in the final "story". There is a lot of violence, both physical and sexual, and does involve children. This can make it incredibly hard to read at times.
I'm not sure what to make of this book. I found it difficult to follow at times. The writing felt strange and unwieldy, to the point that I was re-reading paragraphs to understand what was said. There are several areas were what looks like editors notes have been left it but this is intentional. Other areas have been redacted and are again intentional. I think this is to make a metaphysical point but I found it distracting. The geography is confusing to the point of losing me completely but again, I think this is intentional. Although the storyline is good, I do not think this is a book I would return to.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review
Hoo boy, they weren't kidding! Readers really need to take this seriously before reading. Set in a fictional city in East America (sometimes. It seems to move around a lot), this is 6 interwoven stories set in the near future. Although there are supernatural elements, there is a over-arching social commentary to the story, which is explored in more depth in the final "story". There is a lot of violence, both physical and sexual, and does involve children. This can make it incredibly hard to read at times.
I'm not sure what to make of this book. I found it difficult to follow at times. The writing felt strange and unwieldy, to the point that I was re-reading paragraphs to understand what was said. There are several areas were what looks like editors notes have been left it but this is intentional. Other areas have been redacted and are again intentional. I think this is to make a metaphysical point but I found it distracting. The geography is confusing to the point of losing me completely but again, I think this is intentional. Although the storyline is good, I do not think this is a book I would return to.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2020
This was hard to read. And not just because of the warnings before the beginning (which MUST be taken seriously) or what comes immediately after the warning to make sure you took it seriously. It's hard to read because it points at us and makes sure we know that we still hold racial stereotypes in our minds. It points as us and shows us that this kind of future really isn't that far away. It points at us to try to make us think and feel awful about ourselves and force us to do better, to be better.
It's funny how who we perceive the author to be changes how we see the book. I wonder what I would see differently with a reread. I'm not sure if I could get through it again, but it would be a learning experience, as the first read through was.
These words near the very end of the book ring true: "America is a despotic wasteland of institutional racism and unfathomable, unending injustice. And time is running out. It's not long now before Janelle dies. The police won't even need to kill her. The country will. She'll die poor, forgotten, a discarded shell, garbage on garbage, like a child prostitute in modern day Manilla."
If you can't handle that quote, you can't handle this book.
It's funny how who we perceive the author to be changes how we see the book. I wonder what I would see differently with a reread. I'm not sure if I could get through it again, but it would be a learning experience, as the first read through was.
These words near the very end of the book ring true: "America is a despotic wasteland of institutional racism and unfathomable, unending injustice. And time is running out. It's not long now before Janelle dies. The police won't even need to kill her. The country will. She'll die poor, forgotten, a discarded shell, garbage on garbage, like a child prostitute in modern day Manilla."
If you can't handle that quote, you can't handle this book.
August 14, 2020
(3.5 stars)
Please do not take the author's warnings lightly, there is some extremely troubling stuff in here. I was highly disturbed.
With that being said though, I think reading this story felt... important in a sense, especially because the author built up a feeling of inevitableness, with the epilogue/afterword really hammering this point home. The events felt unavoidable, and that was both hypnotizing and absolutely horrifying.
I didn't really like the writing unfortunately. I'm sure some would enjoy it, but I found it to be too heavy-handed (?). I don't know, I could feel my eyes glazing over at some points. Too many words, which is really just the weirdest complaint. However, I thought the supernatural elements were excellent. They blended seamless into the story and the characters, and elevated it all.
Ultimately I'm not sure I fully got the message the author was trying to convey, because I'm sure I'm missing pieces here and there, but it did get me thinking about the world, about hope and despair, and hopefully that was enough.
(I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review)
Please do not take the author's warnings lightly, there is some extremely troubling stuff in here. I was highly disturbed.
With that being said though, I think reading this story felt... important in a sense, especially because the author built up a feeling of inevitableness, with the epilogue/afterword really hammering this point home. The events felt unavoidable, and that was both hypnotizing and absolutely horrifying.
I didn't really like the writing unfortunately. I'm sure some would enjoy it, but I found it to be too heavy-handed (?). I don't know, I could feel my eyes glazing over at some points. Too many words, which is really just the weirdest complaint. However, I thought the supernatural elements were excellent. They blended seamless into the story and the characters, and elevated it all.
Ultimately I'm not sure I fully got the message the author was trying to convey, because I'm sure I'm missing pieces here and there, but it did get me thinking about the world, about hope and despair, and hopefully that was enough.
(I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review)
November 8, 2018
After Hope Dies is a rough book for me to review. I was not able to finish this book. I may go back again later and try to stomach the content, but for now I had to put it down.
The writing style in this book took me some time to get used. I was very confused at first, but after reading the first chapter or two, I got used to the style and the story began to flow.
I did enjoy the supernatural aspects to this book. They were new and different for me. However, there could have been more building or explanation. Haraden threw these aspects into the story and left it up to the reader to figure it out.
I can appreciate what Haraden was trying to do with this story by making a social commentary. It could have definitely been done in a way that was easier to stomach, but at the same time, these stories (minus the supernatural) are some people’s reality. It is admirable that the author is also donating proceeds to charity showing that he wants to do more than simply start a conversation.
A copy of this book was provide by Netgalley for review.
The writing style in this book took me some time to get used. I was very confused at first, but after reading the first chapter or two, I got used to the style and the story began to flow.
I did enjoy the supernatural aspects to this book. They were new and different for me. However, there could have been more building or explanation. Haraden threw these aspects into the story and left it up to the reader to figure it out.
I can appreciate what Haraden was trying to do with this story by making a social commentary. It could have definitely been done in a way that was easier to stomach, but at the same time, these stories (minus the supernatural) are some people’s reality. It is admirable that the author is also donating proceeds to charity showing that he wants to do more than simply start a conversation.
A copy of this book was provide by Netgalley for review.
March 19, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am going to be honest, this book was a real struggle for me. The subject matter was fine and not an issue for me but what was was the writing style. I found it really difficult to understand what was going on it being said in the first few chapters.
Once the story got going it was easier to read but the style still kept me out of touch with the book. Maybe it all went over my head but I don't actually think I understand what happened in the end of the book either.
It's unusual for me to dislike a book however I was glad to complete this book but maybe I was not the target audience for this?
I am going to be honest, this book was a real struggle for me. The subject matter was fine and not an issue for me but what was was the writing style. I found it really difficult to understand what was going on it being said in the first few chapters.
Once the story got going it was easier to read but the style still kept me out of touch with the book. Maybe it all went over my head but I don't actually think I understand what happened in the end of the book either.
It's unusual for me to dislike a book however I was glad to complete this book but maybe I was not the target audience for this?
July 3, 2019
Thanks to Voracious Readers Only I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Do not take the authors warnings lightly. They are listed for a reason. The copy i got still had the editors notes listed, this made reading the book difficult and confusing. Each section is told from a different characters perspective so dont get to comfortable with your current character. Some sections of this book take a while to get through. Other sections are faster paced and take no time at all. Over all this book was an okay read given the subject matter. I would only recommend this book to a person who understands the warnings going in and is okay with the jumping around.
Do not take the authors warnings lightly. They are listed for a reason. The copy i got still had the editors notes listed, this made reading the book difficult and confusing. Each section is told from a different characters perspective so dont get to comfortable with your current character. Some sections of this book take a while to get through. Other sections are faster paced and take no time at all. Over all this book was an okay read given the subject matter. I would only recommend this book to a person who understands the warnings going in and is okay with the jumping around.
June 27, 2021
Bravo!! After Hope Dies by Lilly Haraden was beyond Excellent!! I give this book a Standing Ovation!! I read it in 4 days because I just couldn’t put it down not even for second as it was that good. When a writer can make you feel as if you are right there in the story and can feel what the characters feel that is a special talent. The book isn’t for the faint hearted and may even shock certain people yet there is a certain ring of truth to it. I loved this book!! Thank you so much for Voracious Readers Only for suggesting this book and for Lilly Haraden sending me a complimentary copy! Bravo Lilly you hit this one out of the ballpark!!
October 20, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only with a Publisher's warning: this story includes racist content, depictions of rape and strong themes of child sexualisation/exploitation. Please reconsider reading if these topics are likely to upset you.
I knew this book wasn’t in the normal genre of books I read but I gave it a try. I honestly couldn’t finish it. I tried to read it but the subject matter was off putting. The manner of speech of the characters made it difficult for me to understand what was being said also.
February 9, 2019
Thanks to Sourcebooks for the advanced copy.
I can't recommend this book. It reads like the sick fantasy of someone who has read too much hentai, has strong pedophilic themes. I don't like the writing style either, nor the cliche types that inhabit this world. It's like it wants to shock just because it wants to shock, and needs lots of editing.
It's way too graphic for my taste and loses its power by extreme exaggeration. A pity because the story isn't that bad. A missed opportunity.
I can't recommend this book. It reads like the sick fantasy of someone who has read too much hentai, has strong pedophilic themes. I don't like the writing style either, nor the cliche types that inhabit this world. It's like it wants to shock just because it wants to shock, and needs lots of editing.
It's way too graphic for my taste and loses its power by extreme exaggeration. A pity because the story isn't that bad. A missed opportunity.
July 1, 2019
This book shows a gritty world that may definitely trigger some readers. The content did not disturb me as much as the writing style did though. I had to force my way through the first third of the book because I wanted to see where the story was going. I really wanted to like this book more but just could not get into it due to the style.
**I received a free copy of this novel from Voracious Readers, but it in no way influenced my review**
**I received a free copy of this novel from Voracious Readers, but it in no way influenced my review**
March 12, 2020
Dropped @ 15%. A free copy provided by voracious readers, this was a bit heavy to read and had errors including what I think may have been a section addressed to the author by a previous reader? I dont know if it was meant to be a meta novel, as well as a social commentary, but I dont think so. Maybe I will come back to it in the future but probably not.
Thanks anyway.
Thanks anyway.
April 14, 2021
I was supposed to receive a free copy weeks ago, didn't receive it, but have been getting emails every few days about leaving a review....so here it is.
I would really love to give this book a better rating, but when the author doesn't follow through on the free copy I was promised that's hard to do.
I would really love to give this book a better rating, but when the author doesn't follow through on the free copy I was promised that's hard to do.
January 28, 2020
I enjoyed everything about the book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. The setting, the writing style, the plot, the plot twist, the characters and the story were all amazing. I would reread it again.
May 25, 2020
After Hope Dies is a supernatural/dystopian/ dark fantasy. The story is a little strange and confronting at times, and there are a few characters who I felt didn't get enough of the limelight, but it's a unique and interesting story that I enjoyed
December 1, 2018
Really shows the dark side of humanity
February 11, 2019
Sorry I tried hard to get into this book but not for me.
January 20, 2020
I could not make heads or tails of this book. I would not recommend this book
Read
February 5, 2020I tried to get into this book, but the story juumped all over the place. I could not read it to the end. I was bored to tears, I would not recommend this book.
September 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend taking the warning seriously as not everyone would be able to read it but I thought it was a great read even if the themes were dark.
August 8, 2021
I am very grateful to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. After a challenging year, I returned to the book and, after a few more pages, decided not to continue reading. I am sure this writing style will appeal to some, but the narrative voice is not for me. The violence seems purposeless. Unlike other books with violent aspects, such as A Clockwork Orange or American Psycho, the action here doesn't add to a sense of place or character but drifts untethered through the narrative. It probably sits on the edge of symbolism, but doesn't quite land for me, making it needlessly grusome. I quite enjoy violent storytelling when it creates uneasiness or attachment to a position about culture or character, but it needs to do it very quickly. This one hasn't done that for me. I have no position on the lead character in this section of the work and the combination has meant I won't be continuing,.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews