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cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
I liked slow burn romance between Tansy and Vaughn but rest is meh.
heyitsmeg777's review against another edition
4.0
I admit this book was quite surprising. I was pretty hyped for this book and was quite glad to find out that it did not disappoint! I love Vaughn and Tansy's chemistry since the beginning and I absolutely enjoyed the plot, the dark vampires and the crazy twists that made for an entertaining ride!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this book!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this book!
mayaharp's review against another edition
3.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"The Afterlife of the Party" follows Tansy and Vaughn as they race to save their best friend Skylar from the grasps of a vampire band called 'The Drainers' who are set out to drink blood from as many girls and women as they possibly can; of course, they do not care how many bodies they leave in their wake.
During Tansy and Vaughn's rescue mission they meet multiple people who all have their own agenda as to why they are following 'The Drainers' as well; Some help them and others just get in their way.
With multiple twists and turns, this book hooked me from the first sentence.
"The Afterlife of the Party" had a promising plot and interesting premise which promised a road trip, aspects of the occult, romance and friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tansy and Vaugh being on the road and also how their friendship developed into something more. Another thing that I enjoyed was the conflict between witches and vampires and how it ultimately played out between them and inside of Tansy herself. I also enjoyed how the topic of consent was a major part of this story.
However, there were a few things that I didn't really enjoy. In my opinion the characters were very one dimensional and the relationships between the characters seemed poorly portrayed and developed. Not only that but several characters were introduced and tended to disappear without any impact on the characters or the plot. Which begs the question: Why were they involved in the first place? My only hope is that these characters play a more significant role in the upcoming novels as I did tend to like them.
Another thing that irked me was that certain things were over-explained multiple times throughout the book and others, which I found far more baffling and explanation worthy, were not explained at all but rather glossed over and forgotten about.
There were also some continuity errors that at times confused me a lot but I have to take into consideration that I read an unedited version of the book and many things could still change.
All in all, "The Afterlife of the Party" is an entertaining story with vampires and the emphasis of friendship and loyalty at the forefront. Anyone who enjoyed the "Vampire Academy" and similar books and movies should definitely check this book out.
"The Afterlife of the Party" follows Tansy and Vaughn as they race to save their best friend Skylar from the grasps of a vampire band called 'The Drainers' who are set out to drink blood from as many girls and women as they possibly can; of course, they do not care how many bodies they leave in their wake.
During Tansy and Vaughn's rescue mission they meet multiple people who all have their own agenda as to why they are following 'The Drainers' as well; Some help them and others just get in their way.
With multiple twists and turns, this book hooked me from the first sentence.
"The Afterlife of the Party" had a promising plot and interesting premise which promised a road trip, aspects of the occult, romance and friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tansy and Vaugh being on the road and also how their friendship developed into something more. Another thing that I enjoyed was the conflict between witches and vampires and how it ultimately played out between them and inside of Tansy herself. I also enjoyed how the topic of consent was a major part of this story.
However, there were a few things that I didn't really enjoy. In my opinion the characters were very one dimensional and the relationships between the characters seemed poorly portrayed and developed. Not only that but several characters were introduced and tended to disappear without any impact on the characters or the plot. Which begs the question: Why were they involved in the first place? My only hope is that these characters play a more significant role in the upcoming novels as I did tend to like them.
Another thing that irked me was that certain things were over-explained multiple times throughout the book and others, which I found far more baffling and explanation worthy, were not explained at all but rather glossed over and forgotten about.
There were also some continuity errors that at times confused me a lot but I have to take into consideration that I read an unedited version of the book and many things could still change.
All in all, "The Afterlife of the Party" is an entertaining story with vampires and the emphasis of friendship and loyalty at the forefront. Anyone who enjoyed the "Vampire Academy" and similar books and movies should definitely check this book out.
bookishghoul_96's review against another edition
4.0
Finished in a day if you don't add the brief intermissions! Omg, this book had me cackling and interested till the end. Vampires, witches, striga vie, oh my! I absolutely loved the banter and Dracula references. Meet Tansy, the girl that isn't drawn to your outdated wardrobe and glittery face, She's on a mission to save her bestie and she's not into musicians. She's got her eyes on a certain gray-eyed lover boy, sorry T. Girls stick together even if you're in denial. After this wild ride I'm carrying drum sticks for protection. Just because he's a vampire doesn't mean he's your Edward!
friends to lovers
one bed trope
Consent always!!
fake dating
Girl POWER
friends to lovers
one bed trope
Consent always!!
fake dating
Girl POWER
amym84's review against another edition
3.0
When Skylar disappears with the band, Tansy and her would-be crush and best friend Vaughn will embark on a roadtrip to follow the band to their next concert venues in hopes of finding Skylar. While Skylar’s presence seems to continuously elude the pair, Tansy and Vaughn discover all the other young women who need their help too. What started out as a quest to save her friend, has now turned into a quest to save the world.
With the publication of another book in that other popular vampire series recently, I was drawn into Afterlife of the Party because I was really feeling the YA vampire vibe.
Afterlife of the Party has the most wonderful campiness about it. I do not mean that as a bad thing whatsoever. While reading, it brought back memories of watching like part seventeen in a horror movie franchise. Not quite as good as the original, and reaching to some far-fetched heights, but still mighty entertaining all the same.
I liked the play on the romanticizing of the vampire. Yes, Skylar is drawn to the band, as are many others, but it’s through compulsion. If she were able to think clearly she would be running in the opposite direction from these predators. Tansy, who by virtue of her witchy roots, is able to ward off the compulsion and see their true natures which she describes as everything from rotting to putrid to greasy to dirty, is not the, dare I say, sparkly, ethereal visage we are often given.
While I can take all these aspects and enjoy the story, I do have to review it and in focusing a more critical eye, things pop out that may not have bothered me otherwise. Such as the abruptness to some of the character’s movements. On one page you have a character who is critically wounded (a page before they were almost dying) and then turning to the next page they’re up and walking around like nothing happened. This is just one instance, but it is something that happens constantly throughout in varying situations. Enough that I had to keep going back and making sure I didn’t skip the moment where we hear about so-and-so’s miraculous recovery. It felt like the book was written in small snippets and then pieces together to make a whole but without the important parts that make it cohesive.
Plus, the story doesn’t seem to know, yet, how to utilize Tansy possibly becoming a vampire while also having magic in her family, specifically witches. She seesaws too much between owning her inherent powers, and not believing they’re real. It comes across a little messy. I don’t think it helps Tansy deal with who she’s becoming if she doesn’t believe in who she was before.
If you are able to get past some of the inconsistencies within the story, I think Afterlife of the Party is enjoyable. It definitely sets the mood for the fall season. As the first book in an apparent series, I’m hopeful it will get stronger with each book.
With the publication of another book in that other popular vampire series recently, I was drawn into Afterlife of the Party because I was really feeling the YA vampire vibe.
Afterlife of the Party has the most wonderful campiness about it. I do not mean that as a bad thing whatsoever. While reading, it brought back memories of watching like part seventeen in a horror movie franchise. Not quite as good as the original, and reaching to some far-fetched heights, but still mighty entertaining all the same.
I liked the play on the romanticizing of the vampire. Yes, Skylar is drawn to the band, as are many others, but it’s through compulsion. If she were able to think clearly she would be running in the opposite direction from these predators. Tansy, who by virtue of her witchy roots, is able to ward off the compulsion and see their true natures which she describes as everything from rotting to putrid to greasy to dirty, is not the, dare I say, sparkly, ethereal visage we are often given.
While I can take all these aspects and enjoy the story, I do have to review it and in focusing a more critical eye, things pop out that may not have bothered me otherwise. Such as the abruptness to some of the character’s movements. On one page you have a character who is critically wounded (a page before they were almost dying) and then turning to the next page they’re up and walking around like nothing happened. This is just one instance, but it is something that happens constantly throughout in varying situations. Enough that I had to keep going back and making sure I didn’t skip the moment where we hear about so-and-so’s miraculous recovery. It felt like the book was written in small snippets and then pieces together to make a whole but without the important parts that make it cohesive.
Plus, the story doesn’t seem to know, yet, how to utilize Tansy possibly becoming a vampire while also having magic in her family, specifically witches. She seesaws too much between owning her inherent powers, and not believing they’re real. It comes across a little messy. I don’t think it helps Tansy deal with who she’s becoming if she doesn’t believe in who she was before.
If you are able to get past some of the inconsistencies within the story, I think Afterlife of the Party is enjoyable. It definitely sets the mood for the fall season. As the first book in an apparent series, I’m hopeful it will get stronger with each book.
gingerbread_void's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me right back to my high school days in the best way possible! The vampire theme, the emo music, and the slightly emo/scene feeling of the main character. Even the friend to lovers romance reminded me so much of the book I read back in high school and I loved it!
The romance worked really well. It was obvious their feelings weren't new or forced on them. They felt so natural and I was honestly rooting for them the whole time. They were cute and the way they stuck together and would do anything for their friend was amazing.
I also really loved the sort of darker and deeper ton this book took neaf the end. I don't want to spoil anything but this definitely took a great turn. It was a really great way to separate this story from so many of the other teenage vampire media out there.
This book was quite honestly the feminist vampire book I needed in high school. I am so glad it exist now and that girls are going to get to read it. I loved every minute of this book and I can not wait until I get to read the other two in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy.
The romance worked really well. It was obvious their feelings weren't new or forced on them. They felt so natural and I was honestly rooting for them the whole time. They were cute and the way they stuck together and would do anything for their friend was amazing.
I also really loved the sort of darker and deeper ton this book took neaf the end. I don't want to spoil anything but this definitely took a great turn. It was a really great way to separate this story from so many of the other teenage vampire media out there.
This book was quite honestly the feminist vampire book I needed in high school. I am so glad it exist now and that girls are going to get to read it. I loved every minute of this book and I can not wait until I get to read the other two in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy.
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
The Afterlife of the Party was interesting. I didn't really hate it, but I also didn't love it. In the beginning, it was pretty obvious that the band was filled with vampires. I thought it was hilarious that our main girl, Tansy, kept saying that they sounded horrible on the radio. Then they magically sounded better live.
Of course, one would think autotune, but that would mean they would sound horrible live and better on the radio? Push comes to shove, and she soon realizes that they are vampires and she's in trouble. Well, not just her but her friends too. Enter Vaughn and Skylar.
Now we know that Tansy has a huge crush on Vaughn and Skylar is her best friend forever. It just so happens that Skylar is in love with the lead singer of the band. Also, Vaughn magically has a crush on Tansy too? Which, yes, kind of surprised me but I think it only really came out when she was dating her ex.
On top of all that, Tansy is a witch. On other word, it means her blood smells freaking delicious to these vampires. The romance, drama, and little reveals were kind of interesting too. Even if things got cheesy at times.
In the end, I feel like things are heading in to trouble town. She's the Queen and Vaughn is heading off to Texas. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Of course, one would think autotune, but that would mean they would sound horrible live and better on the radio? Push comes to shove, and she soon realizes that they are vampires and she's in trouble. Well, not just her but her friends too. Enter Vaughn and Skylar.
Now we know that Tansy has a huge crush on Vaughn and Skylar is her best friend forever. It just so happens that Skylar is in love with the lead singer of the band. Also, Vaughn magically has a crush on Tansy too? Which, yes, kind of surprised me but I think it only really came out when she was dating her ex.
On top of all that, Tansy is a witch. On other word, it means her blood smells freaking delicious to these vampires. The romance, drama, and little reveals were kind of interesting too. Even if things got cheesy at times.
In the end, I feel like things are heading in to trouble town. She's the Queen and Vaughn is heading off to Texas. Hopefully I'm wrong.
jaydavies's review against another edition
2.0
I really disliked how the author didn’t follow typical vampire lore. Now it’s common knowledge that Twilight decided to go it’s own way and make Vampires sparkle but have them react badly to pop? God that’s so pathetic. It’s just not original no science behind it. At least there was a decent reason behind Stephanie Meyer’s making her vampire sparkle.
The character’s are flat. The main character Tansy well she does nothing. Besides get herself stuck in stupid situations because she doesn’t follow her own gut instincts. There’s no history on her. They make her sound like a witch but a witch that does one spell? There’s no background on her, no redeeming qualities to make a reader want care about her. I mean yes the entire book is her trying to save her friend but in the end she rudely blames her for everything regardless. And honestly the friend is such a shifty character. The only character of interest is vaughn. Because he actual kills vampire because he is a good at it. Not because luck like Tansy.
This entire story has too many holes. Why do rose and thorn have a file folder on Tansy and her family? They make it sound like her family Mariotte Are well known, yet as a reader I didn’t really get that vibe.
I think this book would’ve been better if there had been more history on Tansy and her abilities as a witch. Since that seems to be a huge underlining plot line of the story. It’s hard to reconcile that when apparently she knows nothing and yet she considers herself a witch who can find parking spaces and make little charms a.k.a. boring witch with no skills.
Will not be reading the second book. There’s nothing to draw me in and keep me interested enough to care.
The character’s are flat. The main character Tansy well she does nothing. Besides get herself stuck in stupid situations because she doesn’t follow her own gut instincts. There’s no history on her. They make her sound like a witch but a witch that does one spell? There’s no background on her, no redeeming qualities to make a reader want care about her. I mean yes the entire book is her trying to save her friend but in the end she rudely blames her for everything regardless. And honestly the friend is such a shifty character. The only character of interest is vaughn. Because he actual kills vampire because he is a good at it. Not because luck like Tansy.
This entire story has too many holes. Why do rose and thorn have a file folder on Tansy and her family? They make it sound like her family Mariotte Are well known, yet as a reader I didn’t really get that vibe.
I think this book would’ve been better if there had been more history on Tansy and her abilities as a witch. Since that seems to be a huge underlining plot line of the story. It’s hard to reconcile that when apparently she knows nothing and yet she considers herself a witch who can find parking spaces and make little charms a.k.a. boring witch with no skills.
Will not be reading the second book. There’s nothing to draw me in and keep me interested enough to care.
authoramandasin's review against another edition
2.0
I had high hopes, but I realized that not all YA is meant to be consumed for me at 29. And that's okay. Not all New Adult is fantastic, either. However, this felt like a 12-year-old wrote it, and at one point, the scenes jumped so quickly that I thought my version was missing a few pages. I felt the writing was lazy and as if the author couldn't elaborate enough, rather cut corners in the description. Tansy is annoying, Vaughn is a moron, and the big battle was two seconds of bull. I rarely DNF, and I refused because I always stuck it out to see if it could be turned around, but no, it was a letdown.
kristenhwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0