A review by awesomeeallyson
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
On a very superficial level, this was a pretty good book. I read it quickly and I was quickly invested in the plot and the dual storylines of both novels in this book. I think the premise was original and there was some interesting dialog and themes regarding the publishing industry and cultural appropriation.
That being said, while the dual storylines within this book are interesting, it's also what made this book not work when you really dive into it. You have two characters that are captivating on a surface level and two storylines with separate plots and side characters. But you never get enough time within each story to get to know the characters and the rest of the cast. This overall leaves the book lacking anyone for the reader to connect with. Jamie and the FBI agent both lack any real depth and the main romance in both stories lack any spark. I'm not going to even get into how the fact that the main character is Indian but they family rejects their culture to pass as American. Why even make their culture a plot element and character trait at that point? That whole aspect felt tacked on to add diversity at the last minute. The plots are both interesting in concept, but the pacing is very up and down. Some sections are really slow moving and boring while the other sections speed by.
I almost wish Scott Westerfield picked one story to really focus on and fully develop rather than squishing together two half finished books and making it one, which is what this book ends up feeling like.
That being said, while the dual storylines within this book are interesting, it's also what made this book not work when you really dive into it. You have two characters that are captivating on a surface level and two storylines with separate plots and side characters. But you never get enough time within each story to get to know the characters and the rest of the cast. This overall leaves the book lacking anyone for the reader to connect with. Jamie and the FBI agent both lack any real depth and the main romance in both stories lack any spark. I'm not going to even get into how the fact that the main character is Indian but they family rejects their culture to pass as American. Why even make their culture a plot element and character trait at that point? That whole aspect felt tacked on to add diversity at the last minute. The plots are both interesting in concept, but the pacing is very up and down. Some sections are really slow moving and boring while the other sections speed by.
I almost wish Scott Westerfield picked one story to really focus on and fully develop rather than squishing together two half finished books and making it one, which is what this book ends up feeling like.