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Beyond the After: Princess Lillian
Snow White's family is in danger. Will the magic within her daughter be enough to save them… and the kingdom? Princess Lillian is desperate to uncover who is behind the nefarious attacks against her and her family. Snow White’s daughter is racing against time to confront an evil presence who has returned seeking revenge. But this time, they’re coming for her. A mysterious stranger Alexander seems to know more about Lillian than seemingly possible. As the conspiracy unravels, answers bring her nearer to the truth—but also closer to the darkness. Lillian becomes hopeful as Alexander helps her develop the dormant power within her. But will she be able to control it in time… or at all? How will Lillian save her kingdom and ultimately those she loves? The famous fairytale continues in book one of the epic four-book, award-winning series—20 years beyond the “happily ever after.”
Book 1 of 4
Book 1 of 4
403 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2015
About the author
C.M. Healy
13 books21 followersC.M. Healy currently lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife, dog, and two giant cats where he taught seventh grade science. When he's not busy with teaching and writing, he enjoys building Lego sets, playing video games, reading comic books (The Flash is his favorite), and watching TV with his best buddy, his wife. He earned the distinguished award of Eagle Scout during high school and went on to obtain his masters in child development from Oklahoma State University. He has been working with and entertaining children of all ages ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 13, 2016
I'd like to start off by saying that I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which in no way sways my opinion of it.
This type of novel isn't one I normally read and review, but something about it pulled me and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. The novel starts with a bit of background info which really helped me get lost in the story. Reading about the characters we all fell in love with in our childhood is almost nostalgic in a way. This is an update on all their stories. This was such a different and interesting read. As an author myself, I can't imagine the work that went into this novel and the research that was done for it. C.M. Healy has something special here with this piece of work or should I say art. I was super pleased with this book and I will definitely be buying any future sequels.
I think this book will find its way into many of our hearts in the future as I'm sure we're all interested in finding out what happened to our favorite fairy tale characters.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who had a childhood or even anyone into epic fantasy. This book was such a breath of fresh air.
This type of novel isn't one I normally read and review, but something about it pulled me and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. The novel starts with a bit of background info which really helped me get lost in the story. Reading about the characters we all fell in love with in our childhood is almost nostalgic in a way. This is an update on all their stories. This was such a different and interesting read. As an author myself, I can't imagine the work that went into this novel and the research that was done for it. C.M. Healy has something special here with this piece of work or should I say art. I was super pleased with this book and I will definitely be buying any future sequels.
I think this book will find its way into many of our hearts in the future as I'm sure we're all interested in finding out what happened to our favorite fairy tale characters.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who had a childhood or even anyone into epic fantasy. This book was such a breath of fresh air.
August 4, 2017
This book is not a genre I generally read. I had to read the preface a couple of times to understand, as well as refresh my memory with the old fairy tales and their players. As I read the novel, I enjoyed how the plot slowly developed then wove into something that kept me reading. Just as on complication seemed nearly solved, another was slowly evolving, with another soon after. The figurative language was just enough to add intrigue but not too much to take away from the story. For example the description of the food (treats) had me wondering such as whether the sticky things was concoction close to Amores! I like the wording of some of the phrases such as"...over the wall" to implement someone is thinking of something crazy or gone crazy. The selling point this author has created is - I became invested in the characters and the action they are involved in. Even with some fairy tale magic thrown in, it didn't detract from the characters thoughts and actions. I look forward to the next book(s) so I can see how this after the fairy tales works out. I enjoyed it, and I know middle school aged teenagers will as well.
December 31, 2018
Lillian, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, has just turned 18 and her life immediately changes; a figure has entered her life who she’s not sure she can trust. And with a threat loaming over the kingdom, could this person be a friend or a secret enemy?
*sigh* Fairytale? Snow White’s daughter? Cinderella and Aurora crossover?? It sounded SO good! And even the preface impressed me. But once the actual story began, it just went downhill for me. I’m not going to nitpick; when reviewing a book that I’ve given 1 or 2 stars out of 5, I desperately don’t want to just bash it left and right. So I’m just going to state my major problems with this book.
My first issue was that Lillian turns 18 on the very first chapter, yet if her age wasn’t given and I went off just her attitude and vocabulary, I would guess she was probably 14-15 years old. The vocabulary in general with all the characters came across as very simple and cheesy, and certain conversations seemed to drag with lots of cliché fillers and phrases.
My main issue with Beyond the After is that I was over halfway through the book and still had not discerned where the story was headed. The plot was hidden and the majority of the book thus far was just repetitive encounters between Lillian and her mysterious “friend” Alex. Their romance was cringy and very full of “middle-school” vibes. Another issue was that I had to constantly remind myself that this was set in a fairytale kingdom; the vocabulary and descriptions were not culturally unique to the story setting and thus felt like a modern American story minus iPhones.
Lastly, via the synopsis on the back, it sounded as if the Cinderella/Aurora/Snow White crossover would take place in this particular book. But it didn’t; I’m assuming it’s going to take place in the sequels? It was really disappointing to expect a certain plot from the book summary and not get it.
*sigh* Fairytale? Snow White’s daughter? Cinderella and Aurora crossover?? It sounded SO good! And even the preface impressed me. But once the actual story began, it just went downhill for me. I’m not going to nitpick; when reviewing a book that I’ve given 1 or 2 stars out of 5, I desperately don’t want to just bash it left and right. So I’m just going to state my major problems with this book.
My first issue was that Lillian turns 18 on the very first chapter, yet if her age wasn’t given and I went off just her attitude and vocabulary, I would guess she was probably 14-15 years old. The vocabulary in general with all the characters came across as very simple and cheesy, and certain conversations seemed to drag with lots of cliché fillers and phrases.
My main issue with Beyond the After is that I was over halfway through the book and still had not discerned where the story was headed. The plot was hidden and the majority of the book thus far was just repetitive encounters between Lillian and her mysterious “friend” Alex. Their romance was cringy and very full of “middle-school” vibes. Another issue was that I had to constantly remind myself that this was set in a fairytale kingdom; the vocabulary and descriptions were not culturally unique to the story setting and thus felt like a modern American story minus iPhones.
Lastly, via the synopsis on the back, it sounded as if the Cinderella/Aurora/Snow White crossover would take place in this particular book. But it didn’t; I’m assuming it’s going to take place in the sequels? It was really disappointing to expect a certain plot from the book summary and not get it.
May 14, 2019
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beyond The After is not your typical fairy tale. It follows Lillian, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. She's just turned 18 and a mysterious stranger has saved her life. She starts to spend more and more time with him but, with a threat looming over the kingdom and Lillian herself, she is unsure if this person is a friend or an enemy.
This book started off well for me, I was interested to see where the story would go and it was fun to read about classic fairytale characters in a new setting. But about halfway through the book, I realized the plot was very dragged out. Nothing was furthering the story along, there was no new information about anything until the very end of the book. Everything in the middle just felt like filler. But the plot was good! I just took too long to get to the point. What I'm trying to say is that a lot of the book was unnecessary, but the parts that actually moved the story along were really good. And as far as the romance goes, I wasn't really impressed. I didn't really feel any chemistry between them.
And to be honest I feel like the synopsis on the back of the book was slightly misleading. It led me to believe that the other princesses were going to play a large part in the story but they weren't even in it. I'm assuming that they are going to be in the sequel, but then they shouldn't be mentioned in the synopsis of this one.
Beyond The After is not your typical fairy tale. It follows Lillian, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. She's just turned 18 and a mysterious stranger has saved her life. She starts to spend more and more time with him but, with a threat looming over the kingdom and Lillian herself, she is unsure if this person is a friend or an enemy.
This book started off well for me, I was interested to see where the story would go and it was fun to read about classic fairytale characters in a new setting. But about halfway through the book, I realized the plot was very dragged out. Nothing was furthering the story along, there was no new information about anything until the very end of the book. Everything in the middle just felt like filler. But the plot was good! I just took too long to get to the point. What I'm trying to say is that a lot of the book was unnecessary, but the parts that actually moved the story along were really good. And as far as the romance goes, I wasn't really impressed. I didn't really feel any chemistry between them.
And to be honest I feel like the synopsis on the back of the book was slightly misleading. It led me to believe that the other princesses were going to play a large part in the story but they weren't even in it. I'm assuming that they are going to be in the sequel, but then they shouldn't be mentioned in the synopsis of this one.
April 24, 2026
This continuation of the Snow White story offers a fresh take by focusing on Princess Lillian and the challenges she faces as new dangers threaten her family and kingdom.
I liked how the story builds tension while exploring her growth and emerging powers. The mystery around Alexander also adds an interesting layer that keeps things engaging.
Overall, it’s a solid and intriguing start to the series, especially for readers who enjoy fantasy with a bit more depth beyond the traditional fairytale.
I liked how the story builds tension while exploring her growth and emerging powers. The mystery around Alexander also adds an interesting layer that keeps things engaging.
Overall, it’s a solid and intriguing start to the series, especially for readers who enjoy fantasy with a bit more depth beyond the traditional fairytale.
March 26, 2020
This book was pretty amazing! I love fairy tale books, whether remakes of originals with a twist, or a what do you think happened after the happily ever after. So when I saw this book, I jumped at it. It definitely did not disappoint. It kept me on my toes the whole way through...literally! I’m still on my toes with unanswered questions that I can’t wait to find the answers to as I read the next books in the 4 book series.
March 21, 2024
I bought this book of my own free will and loved it. It took a little while to get into but once I did it didn’t regret it!!! I loved the story so much!!! I am a fantasy and Disney lover so this was awesome! If this helps I am a high schooler who likes feel good novels and this was definitely one!!!! I 100% recommend this book for an easy and fun read!
November 9, 2019
This is one of my most favorited books ever! Not only does it involve carrying on and drawing out stories that never did end, it also has cliffhangers, romance, fiction, fantasy, action, mystery, and it has its thriller moments too! I definitely recommend this book 10/10 5/5 stars must read!
May 17, 2020
Beyond the After
Author CM Healy did a wonderful job with this novel. This book can be enjoyed by both teens and adults. Both my teen daughter and I read it. We all love a good princess story, no matter our age. My daughter and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Author CM Healy did a wonderful job with this novel. This book can be enjoyed by both teens and adults. Both my teen daughter and I read it. We all love a good princess story, no matter our age. My daughter and I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 24, 2018
This book and it’s sequel will send you on an amazing adventure in a different world full of magic and mysterious characters!
February 1, 2019
I met CM Healy at a snow cone shop where I, of course, bought this book.
He is coming out with a Sci-Fi novel soon, so keep an eye out!
He is coming out with a Sci-Fi novel soon, so keep an eye out!
July 30, 2020
Creative!
Refreshing twist on fairy tales of the past. Intriguing character development. Certainly qualifies for young adult readers, but all adults would enjoy this fantasy read.
Refreshing twist on fairy tales of the past. Intriguing character development. Certainly qualifies for young adult readers, but all adults would enjoy this fantasy read.
November 20, 2016
This book is not a genre I generally read. I had to read the preface a couple of times to understand, as well as refresh my memory with the old fairy tales and their players. As I read the novel, I enjoyed how the plot slowly developed then wove into something that kept me reading. Just as one complication seemed nearly solved, another was slowly evolving, with another soon after. The figurative language was just enough to add intrigue but not too much to take away from the story. For example the description of the food (treats) had me wondering such as whether the sticky things was a concoction close to Smores! I like the wording of some of the phrases such as "...over the wall" to imply someone is thinking of something crazy or gone crazy. The selling point this author has created is - I became invested in the characters and the action they were involved in. Even with some fairy tale magic thrown in, it didn't detract from the characters thoughts and actions. I look forward to the next book(s) so I can see how this after the fairy tales works out. I enjoyed it, and I know middle school aged teenagers will as well.
July 28, 2016
This book was absolutely amazing! It is a refreshing fairly new look at fairy tales- specifically focused on (as the series title indicates) what happens AFTER the happily ever afters of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. There are a gazillion series out there that play on the original fairy-tales, but this series is one of the few series that covers the children resulting from happily ever after. Additionally, it is done in such a way that it is completely realistic, given the world it is set in, as opposed to most of the others I've found where there are some inconsistencies with the logic. My heart melts just thinking about the plot line, and then the world that is so intricately designed- it all makes me incredibly eager for the next book. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in fairy-tales, but that said, it is by no means predictable, like many fairy-tale based stories are.
Want to Read
October 21, 2016 10-20-16
Met the author at a fundraiser I was volunteering at. He's a nice indie author who self published. Apparently he taught at my old school for four years, but now he's following his dream of writing.
Interesting. I like the blurb, cover, and idea of the novel so I'll give this a try. Can't wait.
Met the author at a fundraiser I was volunteering at. He's a nice indie author who self published. Apparently he taught at my old school for four years, but now he's following his dream of writing.
Interesting. I like the blurb, cover, and idea of the novel so I'll give this a try. Can't wait.
January 26, 2026
Just reread this book in anticipation of the 3rd one hopefully coming soon. If you like fairytales/fantasy, this is a great read, telling the story of the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. It's adventurous, magical, romantic and just plain fun! Be warned: you will have to buy the sequel!
May 6, 2016
Senior year has been keeping me busy uggh and I haven't had much time to read so this took WAY longer than it should have because of it
May 31, 2019
How incredibly interesting! I simply can't wait to read the next one :D
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews