Hereafterby Tara Hudson416 pages, HarperTeen, (2011-06-07)$10.58 (Amazon.com)

Procurement

Received an eARC from HarperTeen via NetGalley.

My Grade

Plot: 4

Setting: 4

Writing: 5

Originality: 5

Characters: 5

Romance: 4

Overall: 27/30 = 90% A

Title/Cover Bonus: 5

Overall

An interesting, at times dark, look at life beyond death and the possibilities that be for a couple of teenagers.

Summary (Goodreads)

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she’s dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she’s trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won’t want to miss.

First Line

It was the same as always, but different from the first time.

Most Memorable Scene

Amelia saving Joshua. Loved it.

Plot

I enjoyed that this had an underlying mystery element throughout. What really happened to Amelia? Who was Amelia? Why can Joshua see her? The dark elements made it even more interesting with a lingering question of will all be well in the end?

Setting

Nothing to awesome about this one. A small town with a spooky bridge. I loved the description of Joshua’s house. Sounded like somewhere I’d love to live.

Writing

Written in first person point of view by Amelia. I’m a fan of alternating POVs and thought this would have been a good book to use that format on. I’m always interested in what’s going on in the mind of the male characters, especially when there’s romance involved.

Originality

I’ve only read a handful of books with the main character being a ghost. I find myself enjoying books with ghosts but I always end up thinking at some point of how unrealistic it is to have a relationship with a ghost, especially a romantic one. However, I always end up telling myself to shut up and just enjoy what it is: a great story about falling in love and an escape from reality.

Characters

I really enjoyed finding out who Amelia was. I think Joshua’s character was a great supporting role and I loved how he stepped up to help Amelia. Eli was wicked freaky and annoying but I also enjoyed learning more about him and how he came to be. Joshua’s grandmother was a hoot. Even though she was kinda mean to Amelia I really enjoyed having her character there.

Romance

As I mentioned above I do find it a bit weird to be reading about ghostly love. They’re dead! Anyway, the romance is super sweet and I enjoyed them as a couple.

Title/Cover Bonus

Beautiful cover. The title is fine.

Ending

I remember not loving this ending but I can’t remember why! I’m looking forward to reading more about Amelia and Joshua.

Series

Arise (Hereafter, #2) will publish in 2012.