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After
THE A chimera devastates the human population. Technology fails and infrastructure crumbles. Civilization collapses. A generation apart, two women and the men who love them make incredible sacrifices to survive, and to destroy a brutal system of sexual slavery in a world where men outnumber women ten-to-one.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2008
25 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Varian Krylov
16 books496 followersGrowing up near Los Angeles, I spent much of my time frolicking in the Pacific Ocean and penning angst-twisted poetry. Now I'm living in sunny Spain writing pathos-riddled fiction. Ironically, two of my favorite things are traveling, and swimming in the ocean, despite increasingly intense phobias of sharks and flying.
I've always loved the music and substance of words, always loved writing in well-worn notebooks by hand, tapping at the keys of the computer, and, of course, conjuring up stories.
And from my earliest memories, I've always been fascinated—maybe obsessed?—with sex and sexuality.
In my writing, sex is the medium, the expression, and the tool of discovery for my characters' insecurities, the needs that drive them, the comfort they can't live without, the joy and relish of life that makes each of them intense, strange, and alluring.
I've always loved the music and substance of words, always loved writing in well-worn notebooks by hand, tapping at the keys of the computer, and, of course, conjuring up stories.
And from my earliest memories, I've always been fascinated—maybe obsessed?—with sex and sexuality.
In my writing, sex is the medium, the expression, and the tool of discovery for my characters' insecurities, the needs that drive them, the comfort they can't live without, the joy and relish of life that makes each of them intense, strange, and alluring.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 14, 2012
Picture the male prison system and the sexual hierarchy within. Now remove the guards, throw in a beautiful virginal girl, and roll the cameras. This isn't the usual doomsday story where survival is defined by food hoards and weaponry skills. It is a dissection of non-consent sexuality and the ugliest human emotion: fear. The fear that destroys a mother when her baby is ripped from her arms. The fear that consumes a twelve-year girl when she sees a man for the first time in her life. The fear that weakens boys as they mature into the kind of men who raised them, never knowing what it feels like to touch and be touched without pain. Part 1, the back story with the heroic virgin, leaves a permanent scar branded with terror, disappointment, and inspiration. It was such an incredibly potent set up for Part 2, the aftermath twenty plus years later. What I found most compelling was the courageous honesty between the scared, and the scary, cast of survivors. There was very little to smile about in this story, and I wouldn't recommend it to the mainstream reader. It represents the worst of mankind, the monster that lies in wait, springing with the right measurement of nature and nurture. Yet, as Krylov brutally showed these monsters cold and merciless, she also showed their tears. And when you taste these tears, you feel their humanity. It was hideous and beautiful. I began this book with a bias since Krylov is one of my favorite authors. I ended it feeling dilated and awe-struck. The downside to reading such an powerful tale is knowing that the books I read its wake will fall short. This story will haunt my waking thoughts and chase me in my slumber for a very long time. I wish I could give it ten stars. I will, without doubt, read it again.
July 30, 2020
A bleak, disturbing vision of the future that I truly hope doesn't come to pass. Don't read this for an HEA - there is none.
If you read this, think about what touch means to you. I'm going to ruminate on this book for some time to come. You can tell by my tags my review - I rated this five stars. [I repeat, this not a fluffy bunny story].
If you read this, think about what touch means to you. I'm going to ruminate on this book for some time to come. You can tell by my tags my review - I rated this five stars. [I repeat, this not a fluffy bunny story].
February 26, 2013
A story so harsh, brutal and sad that I really can't recommend anyone reading it---unless you enjoy brilliant, powerful writing and unforgettable characters. There is no happily ever after--only survival and hope for the future
February 6, 2013
This author writes Beauty in the form of Horror!
Until I started writing my review, I wasnt sure what rating to give this book. I had pondered giving it 4 stars, because of the pain it caused while reading. But then I decided that no book that powerful should ever get less than a 5 star rating! No matter how sad, how scared, how broken I felt while reading, it's still powerful and thought provoking.
With everything still so fresh in my head, I thought it'd help me write a better review (rather than waiting) but my emotions are rundown, like I'm teetering on the brink of insanity. Bottom line: I'm overwhelmed. Dark thrillers usuaully draw me in deep and get lost in the characters...and love every second of it. This one was different. I tried so hard NOT to get sucked into the characters and the story. I tried to disconnect myself, very much like Nix does, to preserve my well being. I'm very thankful that this story isn't written in first person.
The rest of my review will contain spoilers, there's just no way around that...I apologize.
Overall, I have to say Krylov has become one of my favorite authors. She takes the sensitive, taboo, and dark subjects and writes beautiful stories, full of understanding and relatability. I wish we could live in her world, where there'd be no misunderstanding, no judging, and no embarrassment. All our preconceived notions of shame, guilt, and curiosity would be wiped clean. I think the world could be a better place if we all took a page out of her book.
Until I started writing my review, I wasnt sure what rating to give this book. I had pondered giving it 4 stars, because of the pain it caused while reading. But then I decided that no book that powerful should ever get less than a 5 star rating! No matter how sad, how scared, how broken I felt while reading, it's still powerful and thought provoking.
With everything still so fresh in my head, I thought it'd help me write a better review (rather than waiting) but my emotions are rundown, like I'm teetering on the brink of insanity. Bottom line: I'm overwhelmed. Dark thrillers usuaully draw me in deep and get lost in the characters...and love every second of it. This one was different. I tried so hard NOT to get sucked into the characters and the story. I tried to disconnect myself, very much like Nix does, to preserve my well being. I'm very thankful that this story isn't written in first person.
The rest of my review will contain spoilers, there's just no way around that...I apologize.
Overall, I have to say Krylov has become one of my favorite authors. She takes the sensitive, taboo, and dark subjects and writes beautiful stories, full of understanding and relatability. I wish we could live in her world, where there'd be no misunderstanding, no judging, and no embarrassment. All our preconceived notions of shame, guilt, and curiosity would be wiped clean. I think the world could be a better place if we all took a page out of her book.
December 4, 2013
After, is a story of a post-pandemic America where men outnumber women ten-to-one. Women are reduced to breeders and bodies to satisfy men depending on if they can reproduce or not. The book covers a span of two decades after "The Dying". It tells the tale of what two women have had to endure to survive.
This first woman, Eva, is among the first women to be found and she is forced to become the only female among twenty some men. She is given a husband through a lottery and is expected to reproduce with him. This story is dark and disturbing. It chronicles how humanity can be reduced to brutality and animalism in the face of near extinction.
I gave this book a solid four stars. The book itself was extraordinarily well written. The only faults were that at times the story seemed to drag. It was long and covered a lot of ground. This is a dark and heavy read but well worth it.
June 13, 2012
This is a dark, disturbing read. An interesting look at a post-apocalyptic world where women are in short supply and what men will do for want of them. I rated this high because I am irresistibly drawn to Krylov's writing and her voice. All of her books are dark and disturbing but they suck me into the vortex and stay with me forever in my own post-apocalyptic haze. For better or worse, that is also worth 5 stars to me. Krylov seems to have disappeared from the scene. I sure wish she'd come back.
Read
May 25, 2014And so..if this is what some readers term as 'dark content' they will think I'm completely certifiable for rating it as nose-picking material.
I'm always seeking to expand my kinky horizons..but there was no opportunity for growth here.
The first 25% is stereotypical POS-female-mewling-sobbing character fretting over being the only designated female servicing port for these very high-strung, hand-chapped men at this apocalyptic encampment. But what do you know! Alas..she lucks out and conveniently only ends up having to service one (1) really nice dude named John (ohh..that's soooo violent and dark..I was shivering). -.-
And he's a complete and utter gentleman. A. Really. Nice. Guy. And so..(yawn)..excuse me..John is soo f'ing nice he soothes her into her very first orgasm. That's. Nice.
M/M: The first docile 'dark' m/m action isn't until about 27% into the story and it starts out in the apocalyptic camp after lights out when all the men are tucked in their bunks/beds. Two guys (best-buds of course), one is decided homosexual and the other is het/undecided but on the GFY-Fast-Track-Course. And they're doing the usual predictable under-covers-after-dark-routine of cautious-furtive touching, shudders, progressing to cooking-oil copulation bliss..until surprise!! Look out! We have the usual dooms-day disaster homophobe squad of Tom-Dick-&-Harry dropping in for a good-old-fashioned gay-bash-multi-POS-sodomizing-tea-&-crumpet visit.
But it's All. Off. Page. Every violating word of it. Ahem.
So-I took my irritated ass off-page too..unfinished at page 174.
I'm always seeking to expand my kinky horizons..but there was no opportunity for growth here.
The first 25% is stereotypical POS-female-mewling-sobbing character fretting over being the only designated female servicing port for these very high-strung, hand-chapped men at this apocalyptic encampment. But what do you know! Alas..she lucks out and conveniently only ends up having to service one (1) really nice dude named John (ohh..that's soooo violent and dark..I was shivering). -.-
And he's a complete and utter gentleman. A. Really. Nice. Guy. And so..(yawn)..excuse me..John is soo f'ing nice he soothes her into her very first orgasm. That's. Nice.
M/M: The first docile 'dark' m/m action isn't until about 27% into the story and it starts out in the apocalyptic camp after lights out when all the men are tucked in their bunks/beds. Two guys (best-buds of course), one is decided homosexual and the other is het/undecided but on the GFY-Fast-Track-Course. And they're doing the usual predictable under-covers-after-dark-routine of cautious-furtive touching, shudders, progressing to cooking-oil copulation bliss..until surprise!! Look out! We have the usual dooms-day disaster homophobe squad of Tom-Dick-&-Harry dropping in for a good-old-fashioned gay-bash-multi-POS-sodomizing-tea-&-crumpet visit.
But it's All. Off. Page. Every violating word of it. Ahem.
So-I took my irritated ass off-page too..unfinished at page 174.
September 7, 2012
Wow...just wow... This was what I expect from Krylov. It was dark and emotional and exhausting and amazing. She has a way to suck you in, make you think, make you feel so much and hold your breath waiting for the next page. After reading her Abduction I knew I was a fan, but this cemented my love for her writing. This book is one that will stay with you.
October 11, 2015
It is way past midnight now that I am sitting here, trying to write a review about this masterpiece. I finished it a few hours ago, and I have been tossing and turning in my bed, unable to settle. I am still too shaken, feel stripped of all my defences and my stamina... too raw to be coherent. Too stunned and in awe.
This is a book of 2 stories. Stories of 2 women that are more capable than they have ever thought of themselves. 2 women so strong and delicate, so caring and independent, so merciful and unforgiving. It is the story of the women who have suffered, and the men who loved them for it. Loved them endlessly, fruitlessly, passionately, desperately. Loved them when the world had ended. Loved them and cherished them more than the air they breathed, and the blood that ran through their veins.
These are the stories of 2 women that Lived.
And yet, these are the stories of the Men that Survived. Beaten and broken, their pride, their happiness, their desires and needs convoluted and twisted beyond recognition. Their love, shy and reluctant, is disbelieved or unwanted. Their cruelty is expected, and accepted. And they hate themselves for it. How can you blame that which has known no love?
This has been such a roller-coaster of emotions, I am clenching my stomach with one hand, and eating chocolate to cheer myself up with the other. Yes the writing is rough and might put some people off. I personally loved it. Everything about this experience has been unpolished and brutal - the short, staccato sentences match the twists and turns to a tee. But how can you nottip your hat take a bow at the brilliance that was Varian's plots? How can you not adore the deep, uniquely fantastic characters, feel their humanity through their heinous acts, relate to them and not know if you are proud or appalled by it?
I don't know what else to write. I adore this book, and the gut-wrenching feeling it left me with. I adored the tears I cried, the shocks that made my chest tighten, the face palms, the shame, the pride... the tears..
Worth. Every. Single. One.
This is a book of 2 stories. Stories of 2 women that are more capable than they have ever thought of themselves. 2 women so strong and delicate, so caring and independent, so merciful and unforgiving. It is the story of the women who have suffered, and the men who loved them for it. Loved them endlessly, fruitlessly, passionately, desperately. Loved them when the world had ended. Loved them and cherished them more than the air they breathed, and the blood that ran through their veins.
These are the stories of 2 women that Lived.
And yet, these are the stories of the Men that Survived. Beaten and broken, their pride, their happiness, their desires and needs convoluted and twisted beyond recognition. Their love, shy and reluctant, is disbelieved or unwanted. Their cruelty is expected, and accepted. And they hate themselves for it. How can you blame that which has known no love?
This has been such a roller-coaster of emotions, I am clenching my stomach with one hand, and eating chocolate to cheer myself up with the other. Yes the writing is rough and might put some people off. I personally loved it. Everything about this experience has been unpolished and brutal - the short, staccato sentences match the twists and turns to a tee. But how can you not
I don't know what else to write. I adore this book, and the gut-wrenching feeling it left me with. I adored the tears I cried, the shocks that made my chest tighten, the face palms, the shame, the pride... the tears..
Worth. Every. Single. One.
January 9, 2013
Imagine this...
"Crazy people lighting cars on fire, all the cars, until whole streets seem to be lined with signal fires. Fires to light the path. The sick putting out their dead. Mass graves. People killing other people with guns and knives. Looting. Beatings. People jumping from tenth-floor windows. Then, the empty city. Day. Night. Empty."
After the "dying", most of the world is wiped out. There are only few survivors (they think so), and they are living in military base.
And then comes beautiful Eva...
Eva. She's not the first woman. She is The Last (well, they thing she is). She ate an apple and it brought her lots of trouble. Not with God, but with all mighty Major Smith and his 17 men. All mighty Major decided to give her her first husband for next six months and all the rest will have the pleasure to watch their sexual activites. Her partner's name was't Adam. He was John, Avery, Jason, James, Jake... She was very wicked and wise woman and she had a plan...
This selfless women with a heart of gold will bring the peace in this little society with sex. Loads and loads of sex. I know how this sounds. Like a first class porn. But belive me, it's not. She has a high purpuse and it works psychologically by using the sexual therapy. At the end, which is not happy at all, she finds love, happiness and forgiveness in this harsh new world.
23 years after Eva we will meet Eva's children,Cain and Abel Gareth and Nadia.
This second part of book, two decades after the "dying" from deadly virus, the rest of the survived world is fallen apart.
"It's like societies just menage to check the brutality of human nature, but as soon as there's a tear in the fabric, fear, hate, horrible violence come spilling out"
Nix is a second heroine we meet in this book. She is a fighter in the man's world. With only few survivors where men outnumber women ten-to-one, where woman is property and is nothing better than a object which gives a birth, she is trying to save as many females from this harsh world as possible. After all abusing and killing in her life, she doesn't belive in love, and then she meets Gareth, bad boy with golden heart in this cruel world . They are finding the road from victim to freedom and hope of healing from sexual abuse (she as a victim, and he as a abuser), and at the end, they found all this in love.
This futuristic horror is like nothing i've ever read! Its dark and disturbing, sad and hot as hell, horrible and beautiful. It shows us fear of worst kind and monsters, but it shows us and the other side- humanity, sacrifice and kindness. There is no happily ever after in this book and don't expect it. Overall, great writing, a wonderful plot, hot scenes, deep and twisty character psychology.
I highly recommend it to everyone! This book is one that will stay with you forever.
"Crazy people lighting cars on fire, all the cars, until whole streets seem to be lined with signal fires. Fires to light the path. The sick putting out their dead. Mass graves. People killing other people with guns and knives. Looting. Beatings. People jumping from tenth-floor windows. Then, the empty city. Day. Night. Empty."
After the "dying", most of the world is wiped out. There are only few survivors (they think so), and they are living in military base.
And then comes beautiful Eva...
Eva. She's not the first woman. She is The Last (well, they thing she is). She ate an apple and it brought her lots of trouble. Not with God, but with all mighty Major Smith and his 17 men. All mighty Major decided to give her her first husband for next six months and all the rest will have the pleasure to watch their sexual activites. Her partner's name was't Adam. He was John, Avery, Jason, James, Jake... She was very wicked and wise woman and she had a plan...
This selfless women with a heart of gold will bring the peace in this little society with sex. Loads and loads of sex. I know how this sounds. Like a first class porn. But belive me, it's not. She has a high purpuse and it works psychologically by using the sexual therapy. At the end, which is not happy at all, she finds love, happiness and forgiveness in this harsh new world.
23 years after Eva we will meet Eva's children,
This second part of book, two decades after the "dying" from deadly virus, the rest of the survived world is fallen apart.
"It's like societies just menage to check the brutality of human nature, but as soon as there's a tear in the fabric, fear, hate, horrible violence come spilling out"
Nix is a second heroine we meet in this book. She is a fighter in the man's world. With only few survivors where men outnumber women ten-to-one, where woman is property and is nothing better than a object which gives a birth, she is trying to save as many females from this harsh world as possible. After all abusing and killing in her life, she doesn't belive in love, and then she meets Gareth, bad boy with golden heart in this cruel world . They are finding the road from victim to freedom and hope of healing from sexual abuse (she as a victim, and he as a abuser), and at the end, they found all this in love.
This futuristic horror is like nothing i've ever read! Its dark and disturbing, sad and hot as hell, horrible and beautiful. It shows us fear of worst kind and monsters, but it shows us and the other side- humanity, sacrifice and kindness. There is no happily ever after in this book and don't expect it. Overall, great writing, a wonderful plot, hot scenes, deep and twisty character psychology.
I highly recommend it to everyone! This book is one that will stay with you forever.
February 3, 2017
**3.5 darkest dark stars**
December 27, 2015
Wow. What a hauntingly beautiful story.
I was first intrigued by this book because it was banned from Amazon. What kind of book would be banned from Amazon? I've read some crazy stuff by R Lee Smith, and those aren't banned on Amazon. I was curious to say the least.
The book has 2 parts. It's a post apocalyptic-type book. There was this giant plague that essentially took out most of the people in the world - like a mutated version of Ebola. After "the dying" society was left with mostly men, and very few women. In Part I of the book we meet Eva. She had been wandering around on her own for two years after "the dying" when she's basically forced into this military camp. There's only 18 people there and she's the only woman.
This part of the story was difficult to read, for sure, but it had light notes. There were tough times but they were offset by beautiful and loving moments between the characters. This would not cause the book to be banned by Amazon. I can't say the same for Part II.
Part II is 18 years later, or 20 years after "the dying". We see a different setting. Before there were only few survivors of the dying, but everything was taken to the extreme. The ratio equated 1 woman to every 10 men. We see society at it's worse. Krylov didn't sugar coat any of this, and in the second chapter of Part II, during a pretty gnarly rape scene, I can finally understand why this book was banned on Amazon.
I personally loved this book, and I definitely believe it deserves 5 stars. I definitely do not recommend it for everyone. It's hard, there's a lot of graphic and brutal scenes, but it was worth it to me. Excellent book.
I was first intrigued by this book because it was banned from Amazon. What kind of book would be banned from Amazon? I've read some crazy stuff by R Lee Smith, and those aren't banned on Amazon. I was curious to say the least.
The book has 2 parts. It's a post apocalyptic-type book. There was this giant plague that essentially took out most of the people in the world - like a mutated version of Ebola. After "the dying" society was left with mostly men, and very few women. In Part I of the book we meet Eva. She had been wandering around on her own for two years after "the dying" when she's basically forced into this military camp. There's only 18 people there and she's the only woman.
This part of the story was difficult to read, for sure, but it had light notes. There were tough times but they were offset by beautiful and loving moments between the characters. This would not cause the book to be banned by Amazon. I can't say the same for Part II.
Part II is 18 years later, or 20 years after "the dying". We see a different setting. Before there were only few survivors of the dying, but everything was taken to the extreme. The ratio equated 1 woman to every 10 men. We see society at it's worse. Krylov didn't sugar coat any of this, and in the second chapter of Part II, during a pretty gnarly rape scene, I can finally understand why this book was banned on Amazon.
I personally loved this book, and I definitely believe it deserves 5 stars. I definitely do not recommend it for everyone. It's hard, there's a lot of graphic and brutal scenes, but it was worth it to me. Excellent book.
October 29, 2014
This book took me completely out of my comfort zone. I am not usually one for post-apocalyptic stories, although the ones I have read, I've loved. But this author, Varian Krylov, wow, there is just nothing like her writing. I have never FELT so much with the flow of a story, with all the right wording, and all the right timing, the connections.....it was absolutely flawless! I just cannot say enough about her, and this is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by her. Without a doubt, I will be going back to read all of her books! Her writing sucks you into the book....you are there with the characters....it's just amazing! Eva was such a strong character with a determination to make things so much better for all who survived. She had a way of showing the men, who had basically evolved into barbarians, a way to love and be loved, and a way to build a "new" structured family, so they could live in peace and happiness. It was all very thought provoking.
Mind you, this was a very dark read. There were many disturbing scenes, so this may not be for everyone. There are 2 parts to this book and it seriously felt like I went from Book 1 to Book 2......effortlessly. It was nice that the author didn't split these up like she could have and left us hanging after Part 1!! Refreshing that both parts were packaged into one great book!
This was a 10 star read for me just for the writing alone....but the storyline.....I will never forget this book, NEVER!
Mind you, this was a very dark read. There were many disturbing scenes, so this may not be for everyone. There are 2 parts to this book and it seriously felt like I went from Book 1 to Book 2......effortlessly. It was nice that the author didn't split these up like she could have and left us hanging after Part 1!! Refreshing that both parts were packaged into one great book!
This was a 10 star read for me just for the writing alone....but the storyline.....I will never forget this book, NEVER!
August 9, 2011
This was a really long book but very good.
This story was really hard to read in some places. Stuff I didn't want to happen did happen, some stuff came out of left field and made me really sad. This story doesn't have a happily ever after for everyone - not even really for anyone - some very sad things take place. This is more a story about the characters coming to terms with the cards they've been dealt; you will wish things had gone a different way for some of these characters but will respect them for not giving up when things get difficult (more than normal). It's been a day since finishing the book and I'm still thinking about this story, I still feel sad things couldn't have gone differently for some of these characters - but HEA's aren't very realistic are they??? This book does finish with a positive outlook on the future so hang in there while reading.
This story was really hard to read in some places. Stuff I didn't want to happen did happen, some stuff came out of left field and made me really sad. This story doesn't have a happily ever after for everyone - not even really for anyone - some very sad things take place. This is more a story about the characters coming to terms with the cards they've been dealt; you will wish things had gone a different way for some of these characters but will respect them for not giving up when things get difficult (more than normal). It's been a day since finishing the book and I'm still thinking about this story, I still feel sad things couldn't have gone differently for some of these characters - but HEA's aren't very realistic are they??? This book does finish with a positive outlook on the future so hang in there while reading.
September 29, 2013
Update: I've come back to this review to give it 5 stars instead of 4. I still think about this book from to time. It's still an incredible and disturbing read.
This is the second book I've read by Krylov. I found this book to be much better than Abduction, and seemed to avoid some of what I considered weaknesses when I read Abduction. There are still some typos that occasionally annoy me, and her writing style is rather austere (not that I'm complaining). So, did I like this book? Yes! Gave me some weird dreams. It's a brutal book but laid against the post-apocalyptic America, you want to know what happens to these characters. By the end it's a satisfying read. Perhaps difficult to read (lots of described and implied rape, both). It has an intense realism to it.
This is the second book I've read by Krylov. I found this book to be much better than Abduction, and seemed to avoid some of what I considered weaknesses when I read Abduction. There are still some typos that occasionally annoy me, and her writing style is rather austere (not that I'm complaining). So, did I like this book? Yes! Gave me some weird dreams. It's a brutal book but laid against the post-apocalyptic America, you want to know what happens to these characters. By the end it's a satisfying read. Perhaps difficult to read (lots of described and implied rape, both). It has an intense realism to it.
May 26, 2013
There is no possible way for me to give a review worthy of the writing in this book. I could never do it justice. After is compelling, deep, dark, seriously twisted. The story is so descriptive. The characters truly come to life. You feel every joy, every gut wrenching, depraving act. All the sadness, hopelessness. Every sorrowful moment. Varian Krylov is an unbelievably gifted writer. And aside from Lost, she never disappoints.
April 10, 2013
GoodReads is asking me what I think about this book...I have no way to put it into words.
It's beautiful and brutal, incredibly sad yet hopeful.
I can't think of how to explain it, what it made me feel.
I'm simply at a loss for words.
It's beautiful and brutal, incredibly sad yet hopeful.
I can't think of how to explain it, what it made me feel.
I'm simply at a loss for words.
February 15, 2013
Best book I've read this year...can't say I enjoyed it, it's too raw an experience. It's horrifying and beautiful and gut wrenchingly satisfying. This is not for the faint of heart, it's full on non-con and actual rape. Read it and weep.
dnf
November 28, 2014I wanted to love this book. It had a lot of things I adore in a story, but I couldn't get into the authors writing style. I tried, I really did, twice.
DNF - no rating.
DNF - no rating.
August 8, 2019
It gets star number 2 for the concept. Lost the other 3 stars for the execution.
There’s a common phrase in the writing community; “show don’t tell.”
Unfortunately, it seems that quote has somehow missed this author.
“She looks at him like she's unsettled by him. When he gives her a quizzical look, she looks away. He leaves it alone. His hands slip away as she shifts to rise. His eyes follow her over to the side of the bed. She turns to face him, and then he rises, too, and moves toward her.”
This was one of the last paragraphs I read before really calling it quits. There’s no way for me, as the reader, to actually indulge into this story. There’s not enough fluidity, it comes off clipped. Kind of like if a caveman was speaking; “She go here. She look at man. Man say hi. She say hi back, too.”
But yeah, I was into the concept. Bummed out it didn’t work for me.
There’s a common phrase in the writing community; “show don’t tell.”
Unfortunately, it seems that quote has somehow missed this author.
“She looks at him like she's unsettled by him. When he gives her a quizzical look, she looks away. He leaves it alone. His hands slip away as she shifts to rise. His eyes follow her over to the side of the bed. She turns to face him, and then he rises, too, and moves toward her.”
This was one of the last paragraphs I read before really calling it quits. There’s no way for me, as the reader, to actually indulge into this story. There’s not enough fluidity, it comes off clipped. Kind of like if a caveman was speaking; “She go here. She look at man. Man say hi. She say hi back, too.”
But yeah, I was into the concept. Bummed out it didn’t work for me.
August 31, 2018
The first part of this book was amazing. 5 fat stars from me. It’s honestly, wonderful. Exciting, sad, dark as hell but I was on the edge of my seat with the sheer need for these characters to have a happy ending. They don’t get it!
The second part wasn’t as good for me, just three stars. Therefore a review of 4 stars altogether.
The first part of the book is definitely worth a read thought such an interesting concept.
The second part wasn’t as good for me, just three stars. Therefore a review of 4 stars altogether.
The first part of the book is definitely worth a read thought such an interesting concept.
July 26, 2017
Wow what a ride. Massive book, 1000 pages long. Difficult reading in places but I loved it!
January 17, 2018
#relevant #explicit #notforeveryone #mustread #postapocalyptic #consent #sex #survival #depressing #inspiring #heartbreaking #strongwomen #badasswomen #m/f #m/m #m/m/f #feminism #horror #thriller #eroticfiction #newworld #TRIGGERwarning #sleeponit #fivestars #allthestars
I first read this book five years ago and I re-read it about once or twice a year. Why? Because there has been some event that reminds me how relevant this book is. It is, to date, one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. It is explicit. Krylov makes no apologies when it comes to writing Erotica and she shouldn't because her works are stunning. I feel like I should begin by defending Erotic Fiction as I know a few people who don't care for explicit books. Let's skip the sex is normal spiel (because this is obvious) and talk about using sex in literature. I find that explicit scenes can further a plot and unveil more about a character than anything else. A persons sexuality sets its roots deep, shaped by history and experience. We guard sexuality, a nuanced secret only told to few. How someone reacts to touch and intimacy is telling. What someone finds attractive is telling. Sexual preferences and fetishes, the way they're hidden or advertised says a lot about a character. I know there are many, many books out there that use sex as a marketing tool, meaningless scenes that do nothing but sell because as the saying goes-sex sells; however, there are authors out there like Krylov that wield these scenes like a weapon with purpose and strength. So yes, this book is explicit and there is f/m scenes, m/m scenes, and f/m/m scenes but I promise if you're not put off by any of that, you will enjoy this book because it is so much more than sex.
After follows a post apocalyptic society where men outnumber women ten-to-one. The novel spans two generations of women and their sacrifices to change this oppressive and decrepit new world. In the first part of the story, 18-year-old Eva stumbles upon a military base that belongs to a group of surviving soldiers who haven't seen a woman in years. What follows are two men trying to control and protect Eva while simultaneously trying to further and better the human race-just in vastly different ways. In the second part of the story, she introduces Nix, a bad ass female protagonist and warrior for the Resistance. Men capture, torture, and rape her but she escapes with the help of a man she's forced to survive with. As she tries to head back to the Resistance to further their cause, she finds a connection to Eva that has survived even the worst circumstances of their new world.
When I first finished this book, I was absolutely filled to the brim with heartbreak, anger, and yet hope. This was the first book of Krylov's I read and I was in awe of her talent. I will add that this book kick started my journey in identifying what Feminism means to me. Reading Historical fiction and non-fiction, solidified them. Does history tend to repeat itself? Would it in this situation? Yes and no. I'm sure you can guess that all does not bode well for women in this post apocalyptic hell. The difference between the oppression in Krylov's novel and that of history is that women and men remember the freedom of women where women and men in history were generally complacent because they didn't know any better and because men kept it that way.
Krylov uses her experience in writing Erotica to delve deeply into touch, intimacy, but mostly consent. She explores survival. Just as she doesn't shy away from the explicit, she highlights the men that do terrible things. She then brings them to their proverbial knees in scenes where you're forced to see beneath their terrifying masks to the scared and desperate boys underneath shaped by their survival. Post apocalyptic worlds tend to elevate the worst of humankind, the kind that can charm and manipulate. They know what people want to hear in the midst of desperation and fear. They know people need a leader, that sheep need a wolf. They prey on the weak and enforce others to do the same. The result is a world where young girls are sold to men, their very survival resting on a shaky foundation of their uteri's and virginities. The rest of the girls and women are slaves, their own survival paid for by forced sexual acts and rape. Where Eva is written as Goddess-like, Nix is the warrior, but both make sacrifices in efforts to kill the wolf.
I still to this day think of this novel often and its characters. It doesn't help that its more relevant now than it ever has been. This is not a book for everyone but I stand firm in my opinion that everyone should read it. You will ask yourself what touch means to you. You will ask yourself how would survival change you? You will wonder how important your body and consent is above all else? You will actively remember the scenes from this novel, the ones that made you cry and broke your heart and know that every little thing matters in the war on women; today and in the future.
I first read this book five years ago and I re-read it about once or twice a year. Why? Because there has been some event that reminds me how relevant this book is. It is, to date, one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. It is explicit. Krylov makes no apologies when it comes to writing Erotica and she shouldn't because her works are stunning. I feel like I should begin by defending Erotic Fiction as I know a few people who don't care for explicit books. Let's skip the sex is normal spiel (because this is obvious) and talk about using sex in literature. I find that explicit scenes can further a plot and unveil more about a character than anything else. A persons sexuality sets its roots deep, shaped by history and experience. We guard sexuality, a nuanced secret only told to few. How someone reacts to touch and intimacy is telling. What someone finds attractive is telling. Sexual preferences and fetishes, the way they're hidden or advertised says a lot about a character. I know there are many, many books out there that use sex as a marketing tool, meaningless scenes that do nothing but sell because as the saying goes-sex sells; however, there are authors out there like Krylov that wield these scenes like a weapon with purpose and strength. So yes, this book is explicit and there is f/m scenes, m/m scenes, and f/m/m scenes but I promise if you're not put off by any of that, you will enjoy this book because it is so much more than sex.
After follows a post apocalyptic society where men outnumber women ten-to-one. The novel spans two generations of women and their sacrifices to change this oppressive and decrepit new world. In the first part of the story, 18-year-old Eva stumbles upon a military base that belongs to a group of surviving soldiers who haven't seen a woman in years. What follows are two men trying to control and protect Eva while simultaneously trying to further and better the human race-just in vastly different ways. In the second part of the story, she introduces Nix, a bad ass female protagonist and warrior for the Resistance. Men capture, torture, and rape her but she escapes with the help of a man she's forced to survive with. As she tries to head back to the Resistance to further their cause, she finds a connection to Eva that has survived even the worst circumstances of their new world.
When I first finished this book, I was absolutely filled to the brim with heartbreak, anger, and yet hope. This was the first book of Krylov's I read and I was in awe of her talent. I will add that this book kick started my journey in identifying what Feminism means to me. Reading Historical fiction and non-fiction, solidified them. Does history tend to repeat itself? Would it in this situation? Yes and no. I'm sure you can guess that all does not bode well for women in this post apocalyptic hell. The difference between the oppression in Krylov's novel and that of history is that women and men remember the freedom of women where women and men in history were generally complacent because they didn't know any better and because men kept it that way.
Krylov uses her experience in writing Erotica to delve deeply into touch, intimacy, but mostly consent. She explores survival. Just as she doesn't shy away from the explicit, she highlights the men that do terrible things. She then brings them to their proverbial knees in scenes where you're forced to see beneath their terrifying masks to the scared and desperate boys underneath shaped by their survival. Post apocalyptic worlds tend to elevate the worst of humankind, the kind that can charm and manipulate. They know what people want to hear in the midst of desperation and fear. They know people need a leader, that sheep need a wolf. They prey on the weak and enforce others to do the same. The result is a world where young girls are sold to men, their very survival resting on a shaky foundation of their uteri's and virginities. The rest of the girls and women are slaves, their own survival paid for by forced sexual acts and rape. Where Eva is written as Goddess-like, Nix is the warrior, but both make sacrifices in efforts to kill the wolf.
I still to this day think of this novel often and its characters. It doesn't help that its more relevant now than it ever has been. This is not a book for everyone but I stand firm in my opinion that everyone should read it. You will ask yourself what touch means to you. You will ask yourself how would survival change you? You will wonder how important your body and consent is above all else? You will actively remember the scenes from this novel, the ones that made you cry and broke your heart and know that every little thing matters in the war on women; today and in the future.
June 3, 2014
'After' is a brutal, dystopian tale with graphic violence and sex. This is definitely a unique look at the future and is not for the faint hearted. While I overall enjoyed the book, I have conflicting feelings about our heroines Eva and Nix.
Part 1 - Eva
What I liked: the world building was very interesting and I could visually imagine this desolate world.
What I didn't like: The main characters in the first section (Eva, John and Major Smith) never felt like real people to me. More backstory was dedicated to minor characters than these three. Eva, especially, was very unbelievable once she was in the compound. She's wandering around for two years, malnourished and somehow still has her period? Okay, let's assume that's true. She experiences some difficult situations (I'll avoid spoilers) and then decides she is going to comfort the soldiers. Whenever I hear the song Fixer Upper line (yes, I'm referencing Frozen in this review) "People make bad choices if they're mad or scared or stressed. Throw a little love their way..." I think of her-that should be her theme song. I just can't believe a young girl who went through such trauma would be able to do the things she did so quickly. Also-there was a lot of graphic sex in the book. It is not erotic and I'm by no means a prude (I love smut) but I don't think the graphic sex added anything to the story.
Part 2 - Nix
I really enjoyed the second part of this book. The revolution aspect was fascinating, as well as Nix. She's a survivor who is trying to make the world a better place and she was someone I could route for. Her journey across the states was harrowing and I couldn't wait to see how she would end up.
Overall-I enjoyed this.
Grade: 3/5
Part 1 - Eva
What I liked: the world building was very interesting and I could visually imagine this desolate world.
What I didn't like: The main characters in the first section (Eva, John and Major Smith) never felt like real people to me. More backstory was dedicated to minor characters than these three. Eva, especially, was very unbelievable once she was in the compound. She's wandering around for two years, malnourished and somehow still has her period? Okay, let's assume that's true. She experiences some difficult situations (I'll avoid spoilers) and then decides she is going to comfort the soldiers. Whenever I hear the song Fixer Upper line (yes, I'm referencing Frozen in this review) "People make bad choices if they're mad or scared or stressed. Throw a little love their way..." I think of her-that should be her theme song. I just can't believe a young girl who went through such trauma would be able to do the things she did so quickly. Also-there was a lot of graphic sex in the book. It is not erotic and I'm by no means a prude (I love smut) but I don't think the graphic sex added anything to the story.
Part 2 - Nix
I really enjoyed the second part of this book. The revolution aspect was fascinating, as well as Nix. She's a survivor who is trying to make the world a better place and she was someone I could route for. Her journey across the states was harrowing and I couldn't wait to see how she would end up.
Overall-I enjoyed this.
Grade: 3/5
November 5, 2012
This is the story of the future, after the "dying" when most of the world is wiped out. Only a few survivors (which are mostly males) have come out of the dying to start anew.
In this book you first follow Eva and then Nix. You see both sides of the line that has divided "America".
Eva's side is all about making it work. Where women have a say who their partners are and how they can still be themselves. A sort of form of pre-dying. You follow her through her tale. Where she finds love, happiness and gives forgiveness in this harsh new world. A selfless women with a heart of gold.
Nix's side is making her way through the mans world. On this side a woman is property and is nothing better than a lay and giving birth - if they can give birth. Nix knows what it's like and is trying to save as many females from this harsh world as possible. She doesn't believe in love and she doesn't think she is capable of doing anything else in her life- until Gareth.
Eva's and Nix's story overlaps and you see what this new world is capable of on many fronts. There is no HEA in this book, but Varian Krylov tells a great story of sacrifice and kindness.
I know most people will want to put this book down because it's somewhat repetitive until about 50% in but it truly is a good book. Great writing and a wonderful plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
In this book you first follow Eva and then Nix. You see both sides of the line that has divided "America".
Eva's side is all about making it work. Where women have a say who their partners are and how they can still be themselves. A sort of form of pre-dying. You follow her through her tale. Where she finds love, happiness and gives forgiveness in this harsh new world. A selfless women with a heart of gold.
Nix's side is making her way through the mans world. On this side a woman is property and is nothing better than a lay and giving birth - if they can give birth. Nix knows what it's like and is trying to save as many females from this harsh world as possible. She doesn't believe in love and she doesn't think she is capable of doing anything else in her life- until Gareth.
Eva's and Nix's story overlaps and you see what this new world is capable of on many fronts. There is no HEA in this book, but Varian Krylov tells a great story of sacrifice and kindness.
I know most people will want to put this book down because it's somewhat repetitive until about 50% in but it truly is a good book. Great writing and a wonderful plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
June 9, 2019
This book was really dark with a lot of non consensual sex, I guess that’s why it was banned on Amazon. The story itself was very good and it made sense in the context of the story the reason the sex scenes were written the way they were. Initially I didn’t like the perspective, the story was not written in the first person. I usually find when a book is not written in the first person it’s more difficult to connect to the story but considering the subject matter in this case some distance between the characters and reader was probably a good thing. In the end no one can tell anyone else if they will or will not like a book. Again, the story was sound and well written and I purchased this book because I don’t like the ideal of banning books and since Amazon has such a hold of publication of books, banning books is a problem. At times when I read this book, I did question why was I putting myself through this as it was disturbing and I can’t say I enjoyed this book. I was also not happy when I read some of the online reviews gave away too much of the story without posting spoiler alerts, no sure why people ruin stories for others.
February 3, 2013
I am so conflicted about this book. In a strange way I can understand what is happening in that post apocalyptic way, but... all that raping, violence... it's awful. And the center of this book is sex. I think the author gave too much attention on sex slavery. It's hard to imagine that all men left on the earth without much women would be so violent.
Eva was a great character but she was getting on my nerves sometimes. All that sacrificing type, oh I will give myself to all of the men so I can keep peace here, and all that threesome with John and Major... hmm - not.
The second part of the book was okay, with Nix and Gareth (he is really great) but there was something missing in this book. The characters were shallow sometimes, I couldn't really understand them, dialogues were poorly written and I have have feeling the author was sometimes lost in her own way of seeing that post apocalyptic world. I am not really impressed.
Eva was a great character but she was getting on my nerves sometimes. All that sacrificing type, oh I will give myself to all of the men so I can keep peace here, and all that threesome with John and Major... hmm - not.
The second part of the book was okay, with Nix and Gareth (he is really great) but there was something missing in this book. The characters were shallow sometimes, I couldn't really understand them, dialogues were poorly written and I have have feeling the author was sometimes lost in her own way of seeing that post apocalyptic world. I am not really impressed.
December 3, 2014
This was so so scary and sad to read. Like another reviewer
Said...I hope this future never comes to pass.
Maybe it's naive of me but I don't think that males would truly be
this way if most of the female population was wiped out by some sickness(I hope
they wouldn't be). I mean yes some ppl are inherently evil but aren't most ppl good?
And Eva? I thought she was strong and brave and really really likable. I loved most of the first half of
the book but the second half I only liked some of it. It just got too depressing and hard to imagine and
reconcile that type of behavior.
Overall this book kept me glued to my device and the writing was beautiful and expressive.
I mean you really get sucked into the world that's being described without it being boring and repetitive.
It makes you really think about how ppl would be in desperate situations and the story stays with you
Long after you're done with the book.
Said...I hope this future never comes to pass.
Maybe it's naive of me but I don't think that males would truly be
this way if most of the female population was wiped out by some sickness(I hope
they wouldn't be). I mean yes some ppl are inherently evil but aren't most ppl good?
And Eva? I thought she was strong and brave and really really likable. I loved most of the first half of
the book but the second half I only liked some of it. It just got too depressing and hard to imagine and
reconcile that type of behavior.
Overall this book kept me glued to my device and the writing was beautiful and expressive.
I mean you really get sucked into the world that's being described without it being boring and repetitive.
It makes you really think about how ppl would be in desperate situations and the story stays with you
Long after you're done with the book.
January 18, 2013
After reading all of the 4 & 5 star reviews, I was expecting to be pulled on a tormented & emotional ride.
I'll admit it's a great concept, and why I give it 2 stars.
However, this story was void of any kind of emotion. It was simply told. If this book were an art work, I would say: I like the picture, but it lacks, colour, depth and texture. I couldn't connect emotionally to the characters at all, because the story telling didn't go there.
There were a lot of action words and sentences, but no poignant moments. As a result, I didn't feel close to Eva, John, or their experiences.
Annoying because it could have been really good.
I'll admit it's a great concept, and why I give it 2 stars.
However, this story was void of any kind of emotion. It was simply told. If this book were an art work, I would say: I like the picture, but it lacks, colour, depth and texture. I couldn't connect emotionally to the characters at all, because the story telling didn't go there.
There were a lot of action words and sentences, but no poignant moments. As a result, I didn't feel close to Eva, John, or their experiences.
Annoying because it could have been really good.
June 11, 2016
This EPIC tale just blew me away.
Very well written post-apocalyptic gem with understated beauty and numerous twists that had my jaw dropping and tears welling.
Eva is an amazing character. With her quiet and genius way of understanding the new world, she's able to adapt and mould her situation to create something wonderful that eventually impacts the whole society.
I loved John right away and Avery grew on me slowly. Diego and Ethan were great together.
It was a little harder for me to understand Nix. Her POV starts in the second half of the book and her struggle is immense. I loved the way the author brings the story back full circle with Gareth.
Highly recommended!
Very well written post-apocalyptic gem with understated beauty and numerous twists that had my jaw dropping and tears welling.
Eva is an amazing character. With her quiet and genius way of understanding the new world, she's able to adapt and mould her situation to create something wonderful that eventually impacts the whole society.
I loved John right away and Avery grew on me slowly. Diego and Ethan were great together.
It was a little harder for me to understand Nix. Her POV starts in the second half of the book and her struggle is immense. I loved the way the author brings the story back full circle with Gareth.
Highly recommended!
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