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Book: Afterlove by Tanya Byrne
Read From: 22nd July - 27th July 2021
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Car headlights. The last thing Ash hears is the snap of breaking glass as the windscreen hits her and breaks into a million pieces. But she made it, she’s still here. Or is she? This New Years Eve, Ash gets an RSVP from the Afterlife he can’t decline: to join a fearless clan of girl reapers who take the souls of the city’s dead to await their fate. But Ash can’t forget her first love, Poppy, and she will do anything to see her again… not even death can tear them apart.
I’m not usually a massive fan of the insta-love trope but oh myyyy, this book is definitely a worthy exception! This is a brilliant lesbian love story where you can’t help but fall in love with everything about the characters. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster - from the heart-warming moments to heart-breaking ones, from joy, to love, to grief alongside friendship, family and everything in between.
This is such a readable novel and it’s so easy to get lost in the pages. Even though it’s on the chunkier side at around 400 pages it could easily be read in a single day simply because of how immersive it is. Byrne’s writing style is easy to read, yet doesn’t fall into a stereotypical ‘YA’ style - it’s beautiful and lyrical throughout. Not to mention the incredible and unique concept that keeps you absolutely hooked. Think Scythe meets They Both Die at the End, and then make it sapphic.😍
There is a special place in my heart reserved for books that I come away from having learned a lesson. Afterlove will make you realise that life is too short and to appreciate everything you have, whilst you still have it because you never know what could happen. “If you love someone, tell them. If you already have, tell them again”, is a quote that will stick with me for a very long time.
OBVIOUSLY I recommend. This book is truly gorgeous and I can definitely see it becoming a popular novel within the book community - which would totally be deserved! If you haven’t already, read this!