Nov
20
2013

ARC REVIEW: HEREAFTER (Shadowlands #2) by Kate Brian

Title: Hereafter
Series: Shadowlands #2
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Pages: 320, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained through trading

Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan. 

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends.



  • EVERYTHING! Hereafter was such a fantastic sequel that really improved upon the first book. The story really starts to come together and Kate Brian seriously upped the thrill factor, making for one hell of a ride.

  • FINALLY GETTING ANSWERS. I was thoroughly confused after reading Shadowlands. So much so, that I needed help understanding the ending. But Brian finally gives us the answers that were withheld from us in the first book. We learn more about the island and the way it works and Rory's role in it all. It was really interesting. 

  • The Chapter's from the POV of the bad guy. Someone is stirring up trouble on Jar Island and we get a little glimpse of that person's thoughts throughout the book, leading up to the big reveal. I always love this in a book. 

  • The ending. It killed me. 

  • Due to a lot of the Q&A going on in the beginning, i'd say the book got off to a slightly slow start, but once the ball got rolling, it didn't stop. Maybe there was a bit of info-dumping at first, but then the details started coming more steadily. 

  • I can't really think of anything else.... Like I said, I loved it. 


In my opinion, Hereafter is a stronger book than Shadowlands. The world and the characters really start to take on more depth and meaning. The plot is more suspenseful and thrilling. Kate Brian takes more risks this time around with the characters and events. All around, this book was gripping and kick-ass.  Just a whole lot of more, more, more. I certainly can't wait for the third installment.

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Comments (5)

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Pam@YA Escape's avatar

Pam@YA Escape · 593 weeks ago

I did enjoy the book, I couldn't put it down, but it felt a bit like a filler book, if you ask me. I did like that we get more answers, but I still have so many questions. And that ending...what do you think? I don't think the bad person is who we are led to believe it is. I just think it was too obvious and the evidence too easy to find. I actually hope I'm right. I'll definitely be reading the next book, but I was a little disappointed in this book, but I think it's more because the ending of the first book blew me away and nothing could top that. Great review...glad you loved it!
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1 reply · active 592 weeks ago
I DIDN'T EVEN THINK OF THAT! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT! I hope you are right too because I liked that person. The ending to the first book was great, but I spent the majority of the book because confused whereas in Hereafter things finally start making sense and I think the suspense was just off the charts. I think that's why I liked it better.
I agree! Maybe a taaad slow to start, but I was SOOOO glad we got so many answers in this book! I was really missing a lot in the first book. Not missing, but waiting. Yay, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
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1 reply · active 592 weeks ago
I was missing and waiting hahaha so this book got major bonus points for being more straightforward. I really enjoyed it.
PLEASEEEEEE BE BEING FRAMED TRISTAN!!!!!!!!!!

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