Hereafter by Kate Brian

October 7th, 2013 Kimberly Review 97 Comments

7th Oct
Hereafter by Kate Brian
Hereafter
by Kate Brian
Series: Shadowlands #2
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads

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

After the cliffhanger ending of Shadowlands, I was anxious to step back into Kate Brian’s world with Hereafter. Once again I got swept up with Juniper Landing and its inhabitants. Brain fleshes out the world and characters, as she weaves mystery and suspense into her tale. Three word review: captivating, mysterious and ends in a major cliffy!

The tale begins right where Shadowlands ended so it is essential that you read book one as Hereafter hits the ground running. Rory Miller, her sister and Dad are hiding from a serial killer on Juniper Landing Island. Rory is learning things aren’t what they seem, and the beautiful locals become her friend and reveal their secrets. As she learns about the island, she feels someone watching her and things seem to be going wrong all around the island. Rory is determined to set things right and the tale that unfolds was steeped in mystery with a side dish of romance.

Rory Miller can be fearless and a total kick-ass. She questions everything and isn’t afraid to tackle issues. She has a lot on her plate, and I was impressed by how she handles things. Apart of her wants to let loose and enjoy but she struggles with her need for answers. Tristan is the leader of the local clique, and we learned more about this smexy, blue-eyed golden boy. Brian continues to flesh-out the rest of the locals and I appreciated their unique voices. Throughout the tale we are privy to the point of view of an unknown resident who is up to no good. This voice created suspense leaving the reader unsettled. However and maybe it was the formatting of my arc, but the transition took me by surprise. Each time it occurred I would need to back track to get my bearings. Thankfully this voice only appears a few times and added to the tale.

For a middle book Hereafter was an intense and solid follow-up to Shadowlands. Brian kept up the suspense, and intensity of the first novel, while continuing to flesh out the world as she added new threads to keep the reader engaged. We see character development and get a stronger sense of Juniper Landing and what is occurring there. Beautifully paced, with moments of discovery, a little romance and danger I was completely captivated. Like Rory I questioned everything and everyone and enjoyed feeling on edge. While this didn’t blow my mind with its reveals in the way Shadowlands did, I still found myself completely engaged, and quickly consumed this in just two sittings. As with Shadowlands, Hereafter, ended with a huge cliffhanger that left me screaming for more.

Filled with mystery, and excellent world-building, Hereafter was a worthy addition to the Shadowlands trilogy. Kate Brian creates a tale that keeps you on edge, unable to trust what you are reading and driving you too search of answers. Even the most seasoned reader will be caught by surprise.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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97 Responses to “Hereafter by Kate Brian”

  1. Jayne

    Thanks for the giveaway! I absolutely loved Shadowlands and these book covers are gorgeous and haunting.

  2. Holly Letson

    I really like the covers of the books in this series. Simplistic but beautiful.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks, I am enjoying this series and hope you get to read them soon 🙂

  4. Jennifer

    I have the first one just haven’t read it yet but am really looking forward to this series. The covers are gorgeous for both! Your review just bumped these up on my TBR shelf! 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I adore these covers, and hope you enjoy them as much as I did. I cannot wait for book three!

  5. Danielle

    Thanks for the giveaway! I just met Kate at NYCC and she is so sweet. I’m excited to read the next book in the series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are welcome Danielle, and I am jelly you met her! Hope you had a blast 🙂

  6. Joy

    Wonderful review! I really need to get started on this series. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! 🙂

  7. Shy

    I really like this review Kim. I loved reading this one and really need to go back to read the first in the series.

  8. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I am curious about this series and the covers are beautiful but I think the cliffhangers would drive me crazy so I might wait for book 3’s release before I start on them.

    A lovely review Kimba! 🙂

  10. Michelle

    I really want to try this series. I love the sound of the world-building and the mystery. I remember the reviews for the first one so I’m glad to see this one followed up with a solid rating.

  11. Chantelle

    I was attracted to the first in the series by the cover, and I must say, the cover of Here After again, is stunning. I’m most looking forward to it because of the MASSIVE revelation right at the end of Shadowlands though, can’t wait to read it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Chantelle, but be warned we get another cliffhanger 🙂

  12. Lauren

    I have a feeling when I finally get caught up on this series, I’m just going to have my jaw drop. I remember everyone was freaking out about the ending of the first one, and it sounds like this one has surprises in store too, even if they’re not as intense as book one. I’m SO glad to hear you really liked the sequel and that you’re ready for more in book three, that’s a great sign! Lovely review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I did with all the sub-par second books this was solid and I am anxious to see what happens next.

  13. Lark of the Bookwyrm's Hoard

    The series sounds good and I’m glad to hear it doesn’t succumb to second-book syndrome. I’ll keep an eye out for these. Thanks for making it clear I need to read them in order; I hate when I pick up the middle book in a series without realizing it.

  14. Michelle

    Ive been interested in shadowlands for a while now but now that you said you really need to read the first one to get the second, I’m kind of glad that I have waited. Now I can read the two books back to back.

    Thanks for the great review!

    Michelle @ Book Briefs

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes these are definitely not standalone and yes it will make the cliffhanger from book one easier if you have book two in hand!

  15. Tia

    I have been wanting to read Shadowlands. I am glad that you enjoyed Hereafter because so many second books are just not that good. I am excited to read this series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, I was pleased this didn’t follow the norm, thanks Tia and good luck!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, this has a element of mystery that is quite good!

  17. Montana

    I loved Hereafter even more than the first book! I also think Rory’s a great main character. Amazing review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad to hear you enjoyed this too Montana 🙂

  18. Belle Read

    I have heard good things about this series. I still have to read the first book. Hope to get to it soon.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Belle, that is why I am giving away book one, so peeps can try it.

  20. Naomi

    This sounds like an interesting series. But cliffhangers… really?? Rory and Tristan sound like great characters too. Awesome review!

  21. Berls

    I see a pattern developing with this series – two books, two cliff-hanger endings. I love cliff-hangers, but not when I have to wait a long time to read the next book. I’m very interested in this series, but I think I’m going to wait until I the next one comes out and someone reviews it saying there’s no cliff hanger! LOL. Great review 🙂

  22. Diamond

    Sounds like an awesome series. I have the first book on my TBR but lately I haven’t really been in the mood for many dystopian books. *shrug* Probably bc I’m all about reading those creepy horror books for Halloween! Lol.
    Glad you liked it though 😀 Great review, Kim

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I go through phases too, and have books I bought that sit there till one day the mood strikes and then I kick myself for not reading it sooner…LOL

  23. Giselle

    Yay! I really enjoyed the first one and I’ve been worried that this one would be disappointing like so many sequels for me lately. It sounds like it’s not a middle book syndrome read which is awesome, and the story seems to be as compelling as the first one! So happy you enjoyed it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think she held her own especially after the intense mystery and reveal of book one. Thanks Giselle 🙂

  24. Ellen

    Wonderful review. I hope to get to this series sooner rather than later. Maybe all three books will be out by the time I do and I won’t have to wait :)/

  25. Ellen

    Wonderful review. This is a series I’ve heard a lot about, but haven’t yet started. I keep telling myself one day, I will have time to read all the books I want to. Too many books and too little time to read them. Maybe all three books will be out by then and I won’t have to wait for the sequel 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Cheater 🙂 LOL not that I blame you the cliffhangers can kill ya 🙂

  26. Pamela D

    This book sounds really intriguing. I have been a thriller book mood recently, and this sounds perfect.

  27. Heidi

    As a seasoned reader I love when books totally catch me by surprise. I want to read this series!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have been quite happy with it, good luck maybe you will win book one 🙂

  29. Braine Talk Supe

    I’m rediscovering YA and I am liking the sound of this series not to mention the awesome cover arts. I’m very intrigued by that mystery voice you mentioned, I like suspense elements like that.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I tend to read the darker YA books, the dystopian, mystery, and post-apocalyptic. 🙂

  30. Tamara

    I can’t wait to read Hereafter. I usually figure out the ending to books before I finish them but Shadowlands was one of the few books that actually surprised me. I can’t wait to see what the cliffhanger is for this one.

  31. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I didn’t pick up the first one due to the cliffie… and this one has it too??? I would be screaming at that. LOL

    Still, you make this second book sound perfect for the follow up to the first. Must start, but might wait until they are all out. Take that cliffie! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Maybe you will win book one and then you can sit on them till closer to the release date..so the cliffie’s don’t kill you 🙂

  32. Michele

    I think I need to add this series to my TBR! I love the intriguing cover, and I love a little romance mixed in with some danger! Thank you for the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have been pleased with this series, and hope you enjoy it!

  34. Candace

    I have the first one but haven’t read it yet. With all these great reviews of this second one I can’t wait to pick it up!

  36. Hillary R.

    Cover and series. I still have the first book in my TBR pile, but I’ll get to it soon. And that cover is gorgeous. The first one was too but this one is even better! 😀 Thanks for an awesome giveaway!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree I like book two’s cover better but they are both lovely.

  38. Evie

    I think I enjoyed this one a little bit less than you, but I still loved it quite a lot! 🙂 I loved Shadowlands, it was so creepy, eerie and mysterious! Hereafter, while still captivating and intense, was missing the awesome creep factor in my opinion. It wasn’t quite as dark and twisted as the first book. I am definitely looking forward to finding out how this story ends! Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree it wasn’t quite as dark, but I think she maintained the tale and kept me captivated. Thanks Evie I am anxious to see how this tale ends 🙂

  39. erinf1

    this book looks and sounds so interesting. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

  40. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I usually turn away from books in a series unless it’s one I’ve already started. Too intimidating…lol.

    And this one is not my usual genre, but there is something about the characters and the setting that grabbed me. Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It has elements of suspense and mystery that just draw you in, maybe you will win book one 🙂

  41. Andrea

    What a gorgeous cover! I’ve heard nice things about this series. I’m glad to see you enjoyed Hereafter.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree the covers for this series are wonderful, thanks Andrea 🙂

  42. Nick

    I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed this, Kim! It sounds like it lives up to the first book.
    I liked the first one, so I’m definitely going to be checking this one out. Plus, I love that the author maintained the suspense and the action.
    I have to say though, I’m disappointed to hear that this one ends in a cliffhanger as well. The first one itself drove me nuts, so I wonder how I’m going to feel about this one. Maybe, I’ll just wait for the whole series to come out because I’m just very impatient!
    Lovely review, Kim!

    P.S Sorry for not visiting much last week. I’ve been busy with homework and mid-terms! 🙁

  43. kindlemom1

    You don’t even know how close I came to downloading this one so it would motivate me to read the first. Now I am kind of glad I waited since there is another cliffhanger but, even with that, I am excited to start this series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hahaha, you need to read them they are perfect for fall!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She is a cool character, not perfect but I love that we see growth and confidence emerge.

  45. Kristin

    I said the same exact thing in my review!!! I totally skimmed your review down to the rating b/c I’m not done writing it but mine started just like yours: Read the first one!!! I almost had my post up already but I was falling asleep on the computer so I gave up 🙂

    I am totally loving this series and I’m almost sorry I read Hereafter so early b/c we have to wait that much longer to find out WTH is going on!!!! Grrrrrr!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Too funny, well great minds do think alike..LOL and yes those last minute reveals are killing me! 🙂

  46. Jeann

    Thanks for the international giveaway, I was surprised when I scrolled down and it appeared. I haven’t read the rest of the series yet but it sounds like a solid one, except for the cliffhangers – argh! Glad you enjoyed it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The giveaway is for book one, so you will be all set, and you are welcome 🙂 Yeah I have a love/hate relationship with cliffies!

  48. Tanja

    That cliffhanger is the main reason I still haven’t read the first book but now I think I should get to it. 🙂 I’m so glad that this book has such a good world-building it’s always a great thing. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah she likes to reveal something huge right at the end!

  50. Naomi

    Great review, I didn’t know that series but I’m really intrigued now! Thank you for the INT giveaway 😀

  51. Haley

    Ohh I have heard mixed things about this series, but your review makes me want to pick it up for sure! I love when book 2 is good, since they say that usually the second book in a trilogy will be the ‘weak’ book out of the trilogy. So it’s nice to hear this one was a solid sequel (: Thanks for the review and giveaway hun! (:

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have enjoyed it, and love the mystery of it all, thanks Haley I hope you try them 🙂