AfterLife Review

AfterLife 

By S.P. Cloward

Published September 13th, 2012

268 pages

4 stars - Very Interesting!

*I got this book for free on Amazon and was asked to review it as well.*

What if This is the Way it Really Happened?

If you think you’ve read every possible “undead” scenario there is, you’re in for a surprise. AfterLife transcends the typical zombie or vampire genre and audience to present a plausible explanation of where such stories come from in an unsettling but believable way. Even those who shy away from this type of science fiction are falling prey to the “what if” question that makes this book so unique – and so compelling. What if the undead live among us but we don’t recognize them? 

At the time of his premature death, Wesley Lohmann not only learns about this unique race of humans, but due to a small genetic marker in his DNA, discovers he is one of them. He is now a Mortui, and must leave behind everyone he knows and loves. Through death Wes learns to live, learns the meaning of love, and learns to put others before himself. Ultimately, dying was the best thing that ever happened to him.

AfterLife is a richly woven tale of the struggle between good and evil, of allegiances, loyalties, and betrayals. The undead are surprisingly human and deeply motivated in their struggle for survival. Readers of all ages have been captured by the compelling story of Wes and AfterLife. Once you start reading you won’t be able to stop. And you’ll never look at a stranger the same way again.

AfterLife is definitely a different take on the living dead. And while it may be different it is also very interesting. Wes Lohmann used to be completely normal and completely alive until one day Wes dies. Instead of dying fully Wes changes into one of the undead or Mortui. And while Wes isn't alive being a Mortui isn't exactly like being a zombie. 

Wes looks normal and alive and fresh. He can speak coherently and he can form coherent thoughts, as can the rest of the Mortui. But Wes can't physically feel, smell or taste anything. Becoming a Mortui really changes the outlook Wes has on life and I liked how he was able to grow and learn. He has to decide if he want's to how he wants to spend this second chance at living, be good or be evil. The AfterLife group is based on good while the Atumra is based on evil and selfish wants. There are so many interesting ideas in this book from the different groups to how the Mortui feed and gain nourishment. The whole concept of being undead in this book was just really interesting and thought provoking. I know it wouldn't have ever come to my mind. Again AfterLife is definitely a different type of "undead" book and it really does give readers a plausible explanation. It makes you wonder if something like this could actually happen. 

The characters are great and some of them you will want to hate. There were times when I wondered if I knew which characters would want to join evil and found out that I was completely wrong. AfterLife is seen through Wes's and a couple other characters perspectives and I enjoyed this as well. There aren't too many books that I have read where the main character is male but it was enjoyable. The ending is great and it leaves you wondering what will happen next. There is a second book so I can't wait to see what's in store for the characters. If you are someone that likes this type of sci-fi and undead concept then this is the book for you. Regardless you should check it out because I did and I was pleased. 

Vanessa