Afterworlds

by Scott Westerfeld

[Kelly]

2.5 Stars
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/08/afterworlds-by-scott-westerfeld.html
I have no idea how to review Afterworlds. It was certainly unique, where Darcy is a soon to be published author and Lizzie is living out her words. The two girls have never met, and Lizzie doesn't see her life as being that of an alternate reality. But what isn't clear, is Lizzie real? Told in dual points of view, I found Lizzie's story much more engaging, where Darcy's writing, relationship and life woes tended to drag on. She's only eighteen, but incredibly insecure, highly strung and often seemed to snap, unable to cope with the pressure of life. Darcy is a Hindu meat eater who doesn't follow her culture's religious beliefs, she's also gay. I'm all for diversity and applaud authors for experimenting, but it seems to a bit too much for a culture rich in tradition. That's the miracle of young adult novels.

Like the publisher reaction to Darcy's novel, Lizzie's opening chapters are as equally terrifying and incredible. But although there are moments of brilliance throughout, the inclusion of Hindu mythology, the remaining are few and far between. Considering his other works, I've convinced myself that this was more so a tongue in cheek dig at how many tropes are squeezed into young adult novels, as Lizzie's storyline didn't seem to amount to very much at all. Even though Darcy's love life may have taken a battering, everything else seemed to fall into place for the teen wonder. The perfect apartment, the exorbitant payment for her first novel written within thirty days, the parties with other fabulous young adult writers, tagging along with a accomplished author's book tour. It was too easy, and being an avid reader of author blogs, this seemingly contradicts what most authors experience. Was it simply a case of satire at the young and inexperienced author also being the flavour of the month? I think there may be far more behind the meaning of Afterworlds than taking this one at face value.

In true Scott Westerfeld style, the writing is impeccable, but sadly it's his characters and storyline that let me down. I was eagerly anticipating Afterworlds, but was just left feeling disappointed.