A review by nerfherder86
The Afterward by E.K. Johnston
5.0
This is a great high fantasy adventure novel with a diverse cast, and an interesting format. We follow two timelines, alternating between first- and third-person narration: the "Before" story of a knightly quest to stop an evil Old God from wreaking havoc, and the "After" of what happens to the seven questers after they return from their journey as famous heroes. Four knights, all women, travel with a Mage (male), an apprentice knight, and a thief in order to accomplish their mission, and during the journey the 6 women all form close bonds of friendship that will serve them well later, especially Kalanthe the apprentice and Olsa the thief, who become more than friends. But their romance is tested by differences in class and financial circumstance, and especially the looming certainty that Kalanthe will have to marry a wealthy man in order to pay off her debts from knight training. They're going to need all their skills and courage when a new mission is called for.
I was a little put off by the back-and-forthing of the two timelines (I personally tend to prefer straight linear narratives), because I kept forgetting which of the two narrators we were getting at any given point, until I had read far enough along to be sure. (Each of the two characters was used in both first and third person, so it wasn't like all the "I"s were one girl and the "She"s were the other.) It was definitely a sophisticated way to write a story, and I admire that. But I really enjoyed immersing myself in this world of magic and honor, full of strong accomplished women dedicated to their calling as knights. Even the palace and city guards and other authority figures, typically roles held by men, were female in this story, which was quite refreshing. A terrific book to give to fans of Cinda Williams Chima, Tamora Pierce, and Kristin Cashore fantasy novels, or anyone looking for a good lesbian romance in a fantasy setting.
I read an advance reader copy of this book via the YALSA Teens Top Ten program.
I was a little put off by the back-and-forthing of the two timelines (I personally tend to prefer straight linear narratives), because I kept forgetting which of the two narrators we were getting at any given point, until I had read far enough along to be sure. (Each of the two characters was used in both first and third person, so it wasn't like all the "I"s were one girl and the "She"s were the other.) It was definitely a sophisticated way to write a story, and I admire that. But I really enjoyed immersing myself in this world of magic and honor, full of strong accomplished women dedicated to their calling as knights. Even the palace and city guards and other authority figures, typically roles held by men, were female in this story, which was quite refreshing. A terrific book to give to fans of Cinda Williams Chima, Tamora Pierce, and Kristin Cashore fantasy novels, or anyone looking for a good lesbian romance in a fantasy setting.
I read an advance reader copy of this book via the YALSA Teens Top Ten program.