jellybeanie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shadowofadoubt89's review against another edition
3.0
My wife read this one for me since I had too many other books to read and review at the time when this one finally got to us.
She was excited to give it a read after reading the back cover, but as she got farther and farther into the book she realized that it wasn't quite what she thought it would be. She said that the characters were alright, but - despite the fact that they just went and saved the world - they came back and were acting like children rather than the heroes they should have been at that point. She also wasn't super happy that the story kept jumping back and forth between the present and the action of the quest they went on instead of putting all of it in one part. She would have liked to have read more about the quest and how they saved the world rather than reading about them whining about their life now.
She liked the writing and thought the world was good, but it just didn't really connect with what she thought it would be.
She was excited to give it a read after reading the back cover, but as she got farther and farther into the book she realized that it wasn't quite what she thought it would be. She said that the characters were alright, but - despite the fact that they just went and saved the world - they came back and were acting like children rather than the heroes they should have been at that point. She also wasn't super happy that the story kept jumping back and forth between the present and the action of the quest they went on instead of putting all of it in one part. She would have liked to have read more about the quest and how they saved the world rather than reading about them whining about their life now.
She liked the writing and thought the world was good, but it just didn't really connect with what she thought it would be.
typedtruths's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kristie5's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I really enjoyed The Afterward by E.K. Johnston, this was a great epic fantasy debut. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Kalanthe and the writing style and world building was amazing. Synopsis** It has been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium’s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought the gem home are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity do not come easily.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn't meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.
Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe's orbit. And now she's quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all.
Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn't quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn't meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.
Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe's orbit. And now she's quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all.
Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn't quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.
bonnygreen98's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
midnight91princess's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ams316's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
megreads11's review against another edition
4.0
Too short, but lovely. Wonderful that books like this exist. And once again, I am such a sucker for high fantasy.
chimichannika's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved reading this book, the Afterward was cozy fantasy, and I loved these two!