Book Details:
THE AFTER by Joanne Taylor
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction & YA Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old), 183 pages
Genre: Fictional Dystopian
Publisher: FriesenPress
Release date: October 2024
Content Rating: G. No swearing, drug use, sex scenes, violence (minimal)
“Taylor’s debut is a taut tale of survival in a post-pandemic world that’s buoyed by an amiable protagonist and a well- developed setting. … A riveting beginning to a promising new series.” – Kirkus Reviews
“The After introduces an intrepid teenage heroine as she explores a changed world… this first series title lays ample groundwork for the coming volumes.” – Foreword Clarion Review
Book Description:
Despite the deadly virus that caused borders to close and governments to fall ten years earlier, fourteen-year-old Charlotte and her family have lived a challenging yet relatively peaceful life, isolated on their acreage in rural Nova Scotia. However, when Charlotte discovers that an interloper has infiltrated their property, she must decide between keeping the potential threat a secret or embracing the potential for companionship that the intrusion represents. As the chaotic world that lurks outside the fence surrounding her farm disrupts Charlotte’s life even further, she must reach deep within herself and find the courage to become the mature young woman she claims to be—or risk losing everything that she and her family have worked so hard to build.
FriesenPress
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MY REVIEW
Being a fan of the dystopian genre I was excited to read one written for middle age readers. I was curious if the character dynamics would be as intriguing, and they were.
Charlotte is 14 years old and lives with her family on their farm in Nova Scotia. The virus that collapsed society ten years ago and caused her isolation from others is all she remembers. Her quiet existence changes when she meets a stranger, another girl around her age named Anna. A friendship is forged.
These two girls were so genuine. I walked in their shoes. Understood their decisions. Felt their insecurity and fear. And applauded there bravery. A world such as theirs was a difficult one to navigate and they persevered, despite the odds against them. I was really caught up in their story and was anxious to read where the author took the young girls. What obstacles and dangers she put in their paths. The closer I got to the end the more curious I became.
The ending was good, but it was also a cliff hanger. I didn’t mind as I enjoyed the story and knew I would continue with the series. I recommend this to all readers who enjoy the dystopian genre and character driven adventures.
4 STARS
What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
For those of you who’ve been to Canada, how could you ever choose?
I mean, we are the second largest country, by area, in the world. We have the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans cradling our coasts (which make up the world’s longest coastline) and the Great Lakes in the middle of our country (the largest freshwater system in the world). We have many mountain ranges including the Rocky, St. Elias and Laurentian Mountains and the flat—yet majestic—prairie provinces.
Basically, Canada has something for everyone!
What really makes Canada special, however, is its people—especially those on the east coast where the novel, The After, takes place—in Nova Scotia. In my travels throughout my country, I’ve never met more generous, kind, fun, happy, big-hearted people than those in Nova Scotia.
If you ever get the chance, visit the four Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia). It will be the trip of a lifetime!
Meet Author J. Taylor:
J. Taylor is a mother of five and a classroom teacher who revels in the magic of storytelling. Like the protagonist of her novel, she grew up in Nova Scotia. However, she has since lived in Resolute Bay and Hall Beach, Nunavut, as well as Kelowna, BC, before settling in Calgary, AB. Her love of writing was inspired by her love of reading, which she has made a priority in her home and in her classroom. When she’s not reading, writing, or teaching, J. Taylor enjoys sports of all kinds, visiting her grown children, and getting out into nature.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
THE AFTER by J. Taylor Book Tour Giveaway
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