Shadowlands #2 Hereafter

Following the brilliant beginning with Shadowlands..... Presenting Shadowlands #2 Hereafter by Kate Brian.

Here is the summary of the book:

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. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends.

Kate Brian wove a marvelous YA suspense/thriller piece with Shadowlands. Now continuing onto Hereafter. And following the first book, shocking truths are revealed, new powers realized, new bonds formed, a new mysterious adversary and that damned cliffhanger again.... I enjoyed it alright..... suffered a lot because of the second book syndrome..... it was a fast read like Shadowlands but that abrupt ending and shocking reveal just had me a bit dissatisfied with this one. But enjoyable none the less.

Continuing just where Shadowlands ends, Hereafter follows and Rory is finally digesting the news that her family may not have escaped Steven Nell on the highway as she thought. Also Juniper Landing is not a vacation island but a way station form where souls are ushered to the Shadowlands or the Heaven (the light). And Rory is special...... a Lifer helping a soul cross. But another adversary working from the shadows has reared its head and disrupting the way Juniper Landing works. Rory is blamed but the final reveal while exonerates her, may mean somebody close to the Lifers is at fault..... And I'm still hoping it is not who it is revealed to be.....

I liked the development in Rory. She felt stronger here, much more confident and stands up for what is right. I liked the way Kate Brian employed the 'Lifer' part of the mythos. And the rogue Lifer, making things difficult for the group, hidden within a deep shroud of mystery. Much like Shadowlands, Hereafter also has the mystifying twists & turns. But this time i'm not happy with the cliffhanger ending..... no sir definitely not. I hope the final book will clear everything up soon......

"A fast & exciting sequel but an unsatisfying cliffhanger ending"

Genre :      Young Adult, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: 1st October, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Books in Series (review links):
         #1 Shadowlands

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