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thespacejamber's review against another edition
1.0
I don't usually write reviews here on Goodreads, but this book was just so exceptional that I felt an utter compulsion to do so. Before you stop me, I do not mean exceptional in the sense that this book was good; I mean exceptionally bad. I often found myself wondering if the manuscript had even gone through the hands of an editor before making it to print. However, I'm not one to pick up a book to never finish it, so I trudged through to the end.
Let's be real, anyone would be hard-pressed to string together a plot from these 407 pages. If I were to outline one for the sake of this review, it would be very simple: our phantom protagonist, Amelia, saves mortal Joshua from drowning in the very river that claimed her life. Very soon after meeting, they fall madly in love, despite Joshua's status as a Seer -- a mortal who can see, touch and communicate with the dearly departed. Meanwhile, an evil ghost has his own nefarious plot for Amelia's afterlife.
There's no real action or driving force for any of the character's decisions beyond "I want thing x, so I'm gonna get thing x." Amelia and Joshua accomplish very little apart from when and how she died. Everything just feels so extraneous, as if it was written by a teenager from Gaia Online writing just to fill space so they can be considered an "Elite" role player. Also, I have a really hard time believing that these two have fallen absolutely head-over-heels in love with each other in the span of literally three days after meeting.
Characterization, as expected, is also lacking. Amelia doesn't really have a personality at all; she really just lets things happen to her. Furthermore, how does she just magically know advanced Calculus for one scene, then not have that knowledge made useful -- or even acknowledged -- for the rest of the book? Or how about the fact that apparently Amelia's been wandering around her town for the past ten years or so and not once did something interesting happen to her in that entire time? Joshua's characterization, too, is just as infuriating. He's described as being a school athlete at least once, maybe twice, but, again, it's never brought up again after that. All Joshua seems to do is grin at Amelia. As a side-bar, if I never read an author describing someone's eyes as midnight blue again, it'll be too soon; I lost count after the eleventh or so mention of his eye color.
Finally, our dear author can't seem to adhere to certain crucial elements of ghost lore throughout the entirety of the book. Amelia, despite being dead and a non-corporeal being, is often described as having a pulse, having breath, and even shedding physical tears a few times. Oh, but there are a few choice times where she remembers that she doesn't need to breathe, due to her state of being. Amelia, literally, can't do anything. She can't open doors, she can't move things, she can't turn pages of a book. I get that, according to ghost lore, the dead can't touch things, but for some reason, Hudson has made the conscious decision to not allow her ghosts to pass through objects. This leaves a lot of room for awkward scenes where Joshua has no choice but to hold the door open for her, but if he had any self-awareness at all, he'd know that he must look completely ridiculous holding the door open for someone who isn't there by those who can't see ghosts. I really just do not understand the choices made in this novel.
All in all, I definitely will not be visiting the second book in this series. I unfortunately fell victim to the beautiful cover and intriguing blurb, but I've definitely learned my lesson: always look at the Goodreads reviews before checking a book out from my local library.
Let's be real, anyone would be hard-pressed to string together a plot from these 407 pages. If I were to outline one for the sake of this review, it would be very simple: our phantom protagonist, Amelia, saves mortal Joshua from drowning in the very river that claimed her life. Very soon after meeting, they fall madly in love, despite Joshua's status as a Seer -- a mortal who can see, touch and communicate with the dearly departed. Meanwhile, an evil ghost has his own nefarious plot for Amelia's afterlife.
There's no real action or driving force for any of the character's decisions beyond "I want thing x, so I'm gonna get thing x." Amelia and Joshua accomplish very little apart from when and how she died.
Spoiler
Let's not forget Amelia's new "barrier" power that's vaguely reminiscent of Bella Swan's vampire power at the end of Breaking Dawn.Characterization, as expected, is also lacking. Amelia doesn't really have a personality at all; she really just lets things happen to her. Furthermore, how does she just magically know advanced Calculus for one scene, then not have that knowledge made useful -- or even acknowledged -- for the rest of the book? Or how about the fact that apparently Amelia's been wandering around her town for the past ten years or so and not once did something interesting happen to her in that entire time? Joshua's characterization, too, is just as infuriating. He's described as being a school athlete at least once, maybe twice, but, again, it's never brought up again after that. All Joshua seems to do is grin at Amelia. As a side-bar, if I never read an author describing someone's eyes as midnight blue again, it'll be too soon; I lost count after the eleventh or so mention of his eye color.
Finally, our dear author can't seem to adhere to certain crucial elements of ghost lore throughout the entirety of the book. Amelia, despite being dead and a non-corporeal being, is often described as having a pulse, having breath, and even shedding physical tears a few times. Oh, but there are a few choice times where she remembers that she doesn't need to breathe, due to her state of being. Amelia, literally, can't do anything. She can't open doors, she can't move things, she can't turn pages of a book. I get that, according to ghost lore, the dead can't touch things, but for some reason, Hudson has made the conscious decision to not allow her ghosts to pass through objects. This leaves a lot of room for awkward scenes where Joshua has no choice but to hold the door open for her, but if he had any self-awareness at all, he'd know that he must look completely ridiculous holding the door open for someone who isn't there by those who can't see ghosts. I really just do not understand the choices made in this novel.
All in all, I definitely will not be visiting the second book in this series. I unfortunately fell victim to the beautiful cover and intriguing blurb, but I've definitely learned my lesson: always look at the Goodreads reviews before checking a book out from my local library.
booksbri's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
storyflowsolutions's review against another edition
5.0
Hereafter is an AMAZING book It was a warm and spectacular story about true love and the power of family. Amelia and Joshua were meant to be together forever and I hope that can be true in the next book Arise. Amelia and Joshua go through an incredible journey to be together, by challenging his family and defeating Eli and hopefully his evil masters. I can't wait for the next book!
arcanewolf's review against another edition
2.0
This book was just....ugh, so amazing.
The writing was just so beautiful and chilling in a way, it's like Hudson pulled you in and you could feel the ghostly element of the story as your reading it, which makes for a great experience for reading it.
I love the idea of the ghosts, I love the idea of the netherworld and I love the idea about good and bad spirits. Hudson incorporates mystical elements that just fits the story just right. The love between Amelia and Joshua is so beautiful, the idea of fighting against all the odds to be together is just so romantic and powerful as well.
Awesome book, really love it.
The writing was just so beautiful and chilling in a way, it's like Hudson pulled you in and you could feel the ghostly element of the story as your reading it, which makes for a great experience for reading it.
I love the idea of the ghosts, I love the idea of the netherworld and I love the idea about good and bad spirits. Hudson incorporates mystical elements that just fits the story just right. The love between Amelia and Joshua is so beautiful, the idea of fighting against all the odds to be together is just so romantic and powerful as well.
Awesome book, really love it.
mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
A dead girl and a living boy, can they be together… or not?
So I finally had a chance to read this one, I believe I have had it on my shelves for a couple of years, and maybe I tried it as the first part of the book seemed familiar. Yesterday (October 3rd) I decided to start it, and then I couldn’t sleep so I decided to finish it. 4 hours after I started I was done and it was a ride. I am just sad that I am not going to know how it will end. I mean, the book was good given that I flew through it, but I had plenty of issues as well and I cannot rate it higher than a 3.5 star. Which means.. the book is good, but also that this book is going on the bye bye stack and that I am not that interested in buying the next books for the full price. My libraries don’t have any Tara Hudson books, so unless I find it elsewhere in physical form, I guess for now I will just have to think they reached their happy ending.
I am going to do a good/not so good review, as I am just completely tired because even after I finished I just couldn’t sleep well.
Good:
-I loved Amelia and I loved walking along with her as she discovered who she was, who her family was, and what happened to her on that fatal night. She is quite a strong character and I loved how she stood her ground with Eli and all the horror that surrounds him.
-While I am not a fan of the instant love, I did grow to love Amelia and Joshua together. While I still wish that things were better written in regards to their love, they still made a cute couple and I loved seeing them explore things. Find out how things worked for each other.
-Joshua. He was just such a good guy. I loved how much he tried to do for Amelia, listening to her, holding her hand, being there for her.
-The way the story was written, while I had issues, this book also read fast and I couldn’t stop. I had to know more and more about what was going on.
-I like the idea of Seekers, though I don’t agree with what they are doing.
-The cover is just gorgeous, though given the description of the dress I wonder why they choose what you can see on the cover. Oh well, still a pretty dress.
-The ending was even faster paced and there were lots of creepy things happening. That dang bridge should just stay destroyed. I do hope no one rebuilds it.
-I had such a laugh when Amelia went to school with Joshua and helped him out with math/calculus. Oh man, I would have loved a ghost to help me out with that as well. Maths are just not my strongest suit and I am glad I am done with high school.
-The revelations were well done and well paced. Not all in one go as some books do, but as the story went on we found out more and more about what is going on at the bridge, how long it has been going on, but also all the details about Amelia, about Eli.
-I loved seeing Joshua react during that first date they had together in the park. Poor guy finds a cute girl… and finds out she is quite dead. Oh boy.
So I finally had a chance to read this one, I believe I have had it on my shelves for a couple of years, and maybe I tried it as the first part of the book seemed familiar. Yesterday (October 3rd) I decided to start it, and then I couldn’t sleep so I decided to finish it. 4 hours after I started I was done and it was a ride. I am just sad that I am not going to know how it will end. I mean, the book was good given that I flew through it, but I had plenty of issues as well and I cannot rate it higher than a 3.5 star. Which means.. the book is good, but also that this book is going on the bye bye stack and that I am not that interested in buying the next books for the full price. My libraries don’t have any Tara Hudson books, so unless I find it elsewhere in physical form, I guess for now I will just have to think they reached their happy ending.
I am going to do a good/not so good review, as I am just completely tired because even after I finished I just couldn’t sleep well.
Good:
-I loved Amelia and I loved walking along with her as she discovered who she was, who her family was, and what happened to her on that fatal night. She is quite a strong character and I loved how she stood her ground with Eli and all the horror that surrounds him.
-While I am not a fan of the instant love, I did grow to love Amelia and Joshua together. While I still wish that things were better written in regards to their love, they still made a cute couple and I loved seeing them explore things. Find out how things worked for each other.
-Joshua. He was just such a good guy. I loved how much he tried to do for Amelia, listening to her, holding her hand, being there for her.
-The way the story was written, while I had issues, this book also read fast and I couldn’t stop. I had to know more and more about what was going on.
-I like the idea of Seekers, though I don’t agree with what they are doing.
-The cover is just gorgeous, though given the description of the dress I wonder why they choose what you can see on the cover. Oh well, still a pretty dress.
-The ending was even faster paced and there were lots of creepy things happening. That dang bridge should just stay destroyed. I do hope no one rebuilds it.
-I had such a laugh when Amelia went to school with Joshua and helped him out with math/calculus. Oh man, I would have loved a ghost to help me out with that as well. Maths are just not my strongest suit and I am glad I am done with high school.
-The revelations were well done and well paced. Not all in one go as some books do, but as the story went on we found out more and more about what is going on at the bridge, how long it has been going on, but also all the details about Amelia, about Eli.
-I loved seeing Joshua react during that first date they had together in the park. Poor guy finds a cute girl… and finds out she is quite dead. Oh boy.
hdbblog's review against another edition
5.0
Amelia is a spirit, lost in the mortal world. Destined to relive the night of her death over and over. Not exactly the most pleasant existence. That is, until the night that she happens to rescue Joshua.
I know that there are plenty of paranormal romance stories out there, but I'd be lying if I said that this one doesn't stand out. Amelia's character is so perfect. She's sweet and lost, but downright fierce when she needs to be. I loved watching her wake up from the fog and become more aware of herself as the story progressed. Amelia's story has the perfect balance between being utterly heartbreaking, and yet full of hope at the same time. It will tug at your heartstrings, that's for sure!
Then there is Joshua. Wonderful and persistent Joshua. Want a guy who manages to be adorable without even trying? Here's your man. Dead set on being a part of Amelia's afterlife, apparently whether she wants it or not, he holds his own. The banter between these two and the stolen moments of closeness were too sweet for words. There were times when it was just so honest. Sure, they may be from two different planes of existence, but that doesn't stop them from being a perfect match for one another. Be warned, swoon worthy moments ensue.
Lest you think that Hereafter is just a book filled with romance though, let me sate your need for action! As Amelia remembers more about her past, the book really picks up pace. Ghosts who are "unclaimed" are apparently a no-no in Tara Hudson's ghostly afterlife. This allows her to weave a wonderful romance that pits two very different worlds against one another. Amelia's life becomes a tug of war between the living, and the dead. I cannot say enough how much this added to the overall story! Love is great, but love that is fated to fail? Even more delicious.
Let's be honest, I could go on about Hereafter for hours. However I'll wrap it up with the fact that while this may not be a new concept, Tara Hudson takes a story that has been done before and still manages to put her own gorgeous twist on it. Amelia and Joshua will make your heart soar, and then have you rooting for their continued existence together. Couple that with some all out action, and you have a book that is well worth your time.
I know that there are plenty of paranormal romance stories out there, but I'd be lying if I said that this one doesn't stand out. Amelia's character is so perfect. She's sweet and lost, but downright fierce when she needs to be. I loved watching her wake up from the fog and become more aware of herself as the story progressed. Amelia's story has the perfect balance between being utterly heartbreaking, and yet full of hope at the same time. It will tug at your heartstrings, that's for sure!
Then there is Joshua. Wonderful and persistent Joshua. Want a guy who manages to be adorable without even trying? Here's your man. Dead set on being a part of Amelia's afterlife, apparently whether she wants it or not, he holds his own. The banter between these two and the stolen moments of closeness were too sweet for words. There were times when it was just so honest. Sure, they may be from two different planes of existence, but that doesn't stop them from being a perfect match for one another. Be warned, swoon worthy moments ensue.
Lest you think that Hereafter is just a book filled with romance though, let me sate your need for action! As Amelia remembers more about her past, the book really picks up pace. Ghosts who are "unclaimed" are apparently a no-no in Tara Hudson's ghostly afterlife. This allows her to weave a wonderful romance that pits two very different worlds against one another. Amelia's life becomes a tug of war between the living, and the dead. I cannot say enough how much this added to the overall story! Love is great, but love that is fated to fail? Even more delicious.
Let's be honest, I could go on about Hereafter for hours. However I'll wrap it up with the fact that while this may not be a new concept, Tara Hudson takes a story that has been done before and still manages to put her own gorgeous twist on it. Amelia and Joshua will make your heart soar, and then have you rooting for their continued existence together. Couple that with some all out action, and you have a book that is well worth your time.
arojo1's review against another edition
2.0
I kept waiting for this book to get really good, and I thought it finally became captivating....in the last 30 pages. I love YA books but man am I tired of the juvenile writing and the insta-falling in love that they have. This one was no different. It was a struggle to finish and I will not be reading any others by the author.
kmparsons's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very well written book with interesting characters. The plot idea was original and well planned. I really enjoyed this book