Review: Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian

Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian
Published: October 1, 2013
Format: ARC provided by publisher
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

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.

My Thoughts

I must admit I was disappointed in this sequel to Shadowlands. This book left me wanting way more. I honestly felt it was a filler novel. It didn’t tell me that much more than I didn’t know from the previous novel.

In this novel it picked up where Shadowlands left off. We learned that not everything is what it seems in Juniper Landing. Rory found out she was indeed dead and so was her family. She learned she is a “lifer” someone who will stay there and help usher in those who aren’t ready to move on. 

However some strange things start to happen and those who were supposed to go to heaven were indeed ushered to the “shadowlands.” Not to mention things that never had happen before suddenly do. Many wonder if it’s Rory that has brought this odd behavior with her. While I liked certain parts of this book, I just felt there were things missing. I just didn’t feel there was enough of a story for my taste. I didn’t feel a connection with this one as I did with the first.

I’m hoping that in the final installment we get more of a story and hopefully get more questions answered. All in all I thought this book was simply… alright. Not bad but clearly not as good as the previous book.

WoW [31]

Waiting on Wednesday [WoW] is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s WoW feature is:

Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian

Expected Publication: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Summary via Goodreads...

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.

Why I Can’t Wait....

I’m actually so excited since I don’t have to wait. I received my ARC yesterday! I love this series. If you haven’t read Shadowlands please do, it’s a really great read and will have you gripped until the surprise ending. Can’t wait to dive in and sees how it all plays out.

That’s what I’m waiting for…please share yours.

Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian

Shadowlands by Kate Brian
Expected Publication: January 8, 2013
Format: ARC from publisher
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 5/5
　
[Goodreads]: Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye.
Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?

My Thoughts

I wasnt sure if I was going to enjoy this I'll admit that. Boy was I wrong! I was sucked in from page one. I LOVE this book!
It's a fast paced book that will have you questioning everything and everyone in it. There was times when I didnt want to stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen next. Is Rory going crazy or is everyone around her? There were times when I didnt know if what I was reading was real or not. I'm all up for an author who can take me on a ride with all kinds of twist and turns. This book had me guessing and thinking until the very end and man was I suprised in the end. I read that this is the first book in a series. I hope so because I cant wait to see what happens next.