In the After

By: Demitria Lunetta

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Attack.

Not isolated.

Fate of Americans: unknown.

Amy is watching TV when the world is attacked by Them. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to survive - and even rescue "Baby" - a toddler she finds in an abandoned supermarket.

Then, after years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream, with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she'll lose Baby - and much more.

You'll tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta.

©2013 Demitria Lunetta (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Pulls you in and grabs your heart

If you could sum up In the After in three words, what would they be?

Addictive, dystopian, apocalyptic

What other book might you compare In the After to and why?

Until The End of The World by Sarah Lyons Fleming

Any additional comments?

At first I was worried that there wouldn't be a lot of character development in this book because there was only one character! But it progressed and I couldn't stop listening. The people in this story were so real, so human and their struggles, decisions and mistakes were beautifully portrayed. I bonded to these characters as they bonded to each other.

It reminds me of Until The End of The World by Sarah Lyons Fleming which I thought was slightly better because it details a more believable and relatable life. Both books are filled with human emotion, struggle, hope and a little romance.

Julia Whelan is the perfect narrator for both books.

Riveting New Series

This is a thoroughly enjoyable science fiction/post apocalypse story of survival and morality. I stayed up late a couple of nights glued to the headphones needing to know what happens next. There are lots of plot twists, some you might see coming and some you don’t. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Don’t miss this.

From fantastic to done before

3.5

I was riveted the entire way through. The books is kind of in 3 parts. The first part with the aliens arriving and Amy learning to survive by being quiet, not talking for years, the alien attacks and behavior. It was brilliant.

When they are rescued and brought to New Hope, I was so angry at the people in charged, at Amy's treatment there. My blood was on fire the entire time. I felt like Amy should have been a little more stealthy as she discovered what was really going on, as to not get caught. The ultimate reveals of the why behind everything (aliens, New Hope) left me disappointed. It's all been done before. Although this is done really well. Amy is a solid character, smart and strong and I definitely rooted for her. But I was so enraged at certain characters, at her treatment, that I don't know if I'll read the next one. It was a little over the top or I just don't like the way I felt so angry.

Julia Whelan is always a great narrator choice.

A different direction

As far as apocalypse fiction goes, I really enjoyed this! It goes in a different direction from the other zombie novels I've listened to, and of course Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. I will definitely be getting the sequel. There are no boring sections of this novel. I definitely recommend it.

Disappointing and cheesy

I read so many great reviews on this book which is what made me get it but unfortunately it’s been very disappointing. The reader doesn’t really have that many variations of voices for different characters which makes it hard to follow conversations. As for the story itself.. it seems like the author wanted to come up with a unique concept and put a new spin on an apocalypse. while parts of it haven’t necessarily been done before, it just came off as awkward and weird. (Which is probably why it hasn’t been done before) . They didn’t make the story better but rather made it seem like the author was trying too hard to not be a typical apocalypse story by adding odd details about the invaders.
There’s some weird forced conversations that happen too and I can’t stand when the author isn’t able to articulate something without making the characters just straight up say it. This always ends up making for weird conversation that doesn’t seem realistic.
For example “wow I think it is so strange that I did not see that alien right in front of me”

I liked the layout of the story, how it switches from past to present but wish it differentiated the change a bit better. It took me a few lines to know where we were in the story.
If you’re under the age of 15 you might love this story. I’m 22 and it just felt cheesy. It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read but I had high hopes.
If you want a good dystopian, romantic book, I’d recommend the delirium trilogy.

A good start

I love reading about zombies, this was a great book and I can't wait to start the next part.

great book

If you could sum up In the After in three words, what would they be?

awesome new series

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

i thought she did a good job. She put emotion into it, and thats has a lot to do with how much you are going to enjoy the book. I don't care how great a book is; if you have a bad narrater, you can't enjoy the book.

OK not just another "end of times" story

Would you listen to In the After again? Why?

I don't listen to books after I have heard them. Not yet, anyway.

Would you be willing to try another book from Demitria Lunetta? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Literate, lively, she brings the characters to live, although the current trend to making the proantagonist is stories "niave" and "unable to see the forrest for the trees" tends to be irksome.
This story is no exception, but hey, it comes with the territory.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the truth of where and what the real issue was. Compelling listening to be sure.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Sometimes abit gruesome, and some funny dialogue.

Any additional comments?

The highlight of this presentation is the performance by Julia Whelan. Stunning. Full of emotion, authenticity, creativity and flexibility. I recommend her work highly, and notably in this environment.
For an end of times presentation, recommended, esp. the reading.

Not Bad! Strange and Unique....refreshing!

Hard to find a interesting post apocalyptic story with "monsters" (e.g., zombies, humans, or other). In the After is a unique surprisingly interesting tale of survival and fear. The monsters or whatever they are are frightening. I cannot say too much as the book will be ruined for those who are interested in listening to it. I will say this book was hard to put down. Worth the credit!

The narration is very good. The character development is superb. The tone and dialogue is spot on.

Look out! They are everywhere...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you are looking for a fun, easy read (listen) and enjoy post apocalyptic type stories then "In the After" is a great choice.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

As a stand alone book, I found the ending disappointing. I wanted more. I'm hoping that this book planned to be or turns into a series. I would love to know what is in store for Amy next. It didn't feel complete to me...

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

I actually purchased this audiobook because Julia Whelan was the narrator. I have listened to other audiobooks that she has performed and she is an amazing storyteller. I wanted to listen to more of her work and that is how I found this book. If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to Julia Whelan you should. She is awesome!!

Did In the After inspire you to do anything?

Stock up on candy bars, canned ravioli and instant coffee! You never know;)

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. Its a fun, easy read (listen) and an interesting story. I think it is an excellent debut novel.

Gripping book

Narrator was superb! Really enjoyed it.
Would recommend and look forward to next book. Interesting story line, makes u care.

loved it!

very different plot to a lot of other stuff out there with characters you can really feel for!

Not my cup of tea

I love a zombie book but after listening to five chapters I really couldn't see myself liking it. Maybe it's more of a teenagers book.

Exciting and original

Really interesting, exciting, and original narrative, I liked the main character and was genuinely interested in what would happen to her and Baby. It ends on a cliffhanger and there is a second book which is just as good.