Hereafter (Shadowlands #2) by Kate Brian

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Source: BEA 2013
Edition: ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy)
Pages: 320
Rating: B+

Summary and review of Hereafter may contain spoilers from the series' first novel, Shadowlands.

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.

YES! Hereafter was a whopping improvement from the first book in the series, Shadowlands. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Shadowlands, but I expected it to blow me away and it unfortunately didn't. Hereafter, however, was much better!

I didn't expect Hereafter to creep me out as much as Shadowlands did. After the mystery within Shadowlands was revealed, I thought all of the spookiness would disappear, and I. Was. Wrong. The creep factor absolutely remained in Hereafter, which I was so excited by since I rarely read anything of this nature. It's such a fun change of pace for me!

Kate Brian has a special quality to her writing that just sucks you in and doesn't let you go. Just like with Shadowlands, I had a difficult time putting Hereafter down. I can't be sure if it's just because the writing flows so well or if the storyline is just that gripping. Actually, it's probably a combination of both.

Even though I really enjoyed Hereafter, it was a little predictable at times. I wish there were a few more plot twists that shocked me, but that's okay. I have a feeling the next installment will have me guessing and then BAM! Totally (and hopefully) shock me.

Overall, Hereafter was a pretty satisfying read that left me craving more. Even though there are some predictable parts within, I would recommend it for anyone wanting a quick and spooky read, especially since Halloween is right around the corner!

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly feature that lets us share what titles we're waiting on!

What I Thought was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

As some of you may know, I adored My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. I read and reviewed it during the summer and thought it was just fantastic. I'm so excited to get my hands on What I Thought was True and hopefully it'll be just as great as MLND.