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A review by guardianofthebookshelf
Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu
2.0
Grade: D
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: After loving Jennifer Mathieu's sophomore novel, I had high hopes for Afterward. Unfortunately, these hopes were not met.
I spent most of the book pissed off at Caroline and her parents, and I didn't connect with Ethan, so I didn't enjoy his chapters either. The character relationships were tremulously built. Mathieu wrote Rachel and Lauren's friendship so well in Devoted that I expected more from the developing friendship between Caroline and Ethan. I wasn't impressed by the narration or plot. The ending came about so quickly, and it didn't feel complete. I felt like so much of the plot was unresolved and like none of it really mattered.
I appreciated what Mathieu tried to do with the grayness of kidnappings. I liked Ethan's therapist; he was probably the best character out of the handful that held importance to the narrative.
There was a lot of foul language, and drug use and underage drinking were treated very casually.
The Verdict: Honestly, this is probably a book you should leave off your TBR list.
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: After loving Jennifer Mathieu's sophomore novel, I had high hopes for Afterward. Unfortunately, these hopes were not met.
I spent most of the book pissed off at Caroline and her parents, and I didn't connect with Ethan, so I didn't enjoy his chapters either. The character relationships were tremulously built. Mathieu wrote Rachel and Lauren's friendship so well in Devoted that I expected more from the developing friendship between Caroline and Ethan. I wasn't impressed by the narration or plot. The ending came about so quickly, and it didn't feel complete. I felt like so much of the plot was unresolved and like none of it really mattered.
I appreciated what Mathieu tried to do with the grayness of kidnappings. I liked Ethan's therapist; he was probably the best character out of the handful that held importance to the narrative.
There was a lot of foul language, and drug use and underage drinking were treated very casually.
The Verdict: Honestly, this is probably a book you should leave off your TBR list.