Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Pages: 599
Intended Audience: Teens and up
Genre: Supernatural thriller/romance
Notes for Parents: Coarse language, scenes of violence, some mature themes

The Inside Cover

Darcy Patel is afraid to believe all the hype. But it’s really happening—her teen novel is getting published. Instead of heading to college, she’s living in New York City, where she’s welcomed into the dazzling world of YA publishing. That means book tours, parties with her favorite authors, and finding a place to live that won’t leave her penniless. It means sleepless nights rewriting her first draft and struggling to find the perfect ending…all while dealing with the intoxicating, terrifying experience of falling in love—with another writer.
Told in alternating chapters is Darcy’s novel, the thrilling story of Lizzie, who wills her way into the afterworld to survive a deadly terrorist attack. With survival comes the responsibility to guide the restless spirits that walk our world, including one ghost with whom she shares a surprising personal connection. But Lizzie’s not alone in her new calling—she has counsel from a fellow spirit guide, a very desirable one, who is torn between wanting Lizzie and warning her that…believing is dangerous.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is literally a novel within a novel, written by the award-winning author of The Uglies series.

What’s good?

One story is a dark and tense paranormal romance-thriller, while the other story is a somewhat satirical look at young adult writing and the publishing world. In Lizzie’s world, the plot is strong, with intense – even scary – moments intertwined with some mystery and romance. The world-building is wonderful and the characters are interesting. In Darcy’s world, the pace is steady and the plot is more subdued with subtle humor that explores the complexities of New York’s young adult writing scene.
While Lizzie’s tale could have stood alone, Darcy’s story is finely woven into the “novel within a novel,” creating a comfortable ebb and flow as Darcy tackles rewrites, romance, finance, and maturity. Best of all, Darcy’s story makes fun of typical YA devices while employing them at the same time.
Best Part: The answers each author gives to the question, “Which of the five elements of a story do you think is the most important? Plot, setting, character, conflict, or theme?” (Page 370)

What isn’t good?

It’s difficult to say what isn’t good because the bad parts may have been intentional. The instant love that occurs between Darcy and Imogen, and Lizzie and Yamaraj, is typical in YA romances and referred to as such in Darcy’s story. [However, I like how in the second half of the book, each relationship changes and becomes less typical, strengthened by themes of trust and integrity.] I was disappointed that the “death cult” wasn’t explored more, and yet that was even mentioned by a fan at Darcy’s signing. Ironically (intentionally?), the parts of Lizzie’s story I didn’t like were all pointed out in Darcy’s story.
Worst part: Imogen’s novel. (Again, this may have been intentional!)

Recommendation þþþþo

I dreaded reading this 600 page mammoth of a novel until I read chapter one. It was outstanding! Which ironically we learn to be the reason why Darcy’s novel sold to a publisher so quickly. This was a clever parody of the publishing business, young adult novels, and coming-of-age stories. I fear, however, that only those with an interest in writing and publishing will get any real joy from it. Recommended, but especially for those who would appreciate the satire.

 

Westerfeld, Scott. Afterworlds. New York: Simon Pulse, 2014. (Hardcover)