I have been sucked into series of books before and have to admit it is a scary feeling for me. The anticipation of waiting for the next book to drop is not a feeling that I enjoy in the least. Thankfully I did not have to wait too long to get book two in this young adult series called The After Series. After was book one’s title and it was infuriating, intoxicating, and an addiction all roll into one. I was pleased when book two landed at my doorstep for my review.
After We Collided by Anna Todd
Series: The After Series
ISBN-10: 1476792496
ISBN-13: 978-1476792491
Synopsis: Book Two of the After series—now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!
Tessa has everything to lose. Hardin has nothing to lose…except her. AFTER WE COLLIDED…Life will never be the same. #HESSA
After a tumultuous beginning to their relationship, Tessa and Hardin were on the path to making things work. Tessa knew Hardin could be cruel, but when a bombshell revelation is dropped about the origins of their relationship—and Hardin’s mysterious past—Tessa is beside herself.
Hardin will always be…Hardin. But is he really the deep, thoughtful guy Tessa fell madly in love with despite his angry exterior—or has he been a stranger all along? She wishes she could walk away. It’s just not that easy. Not with the memory of passionate nights spent in his arms. His electric touch. His hungry kisses.
Still, Tessa’s not sure she can endure one more broken promise. She put so much on hold for Hardin—school, friends, her mom, a relationship with a guy who really loved her, and now possibly even a promising new career. She needs to move forward with her life.
Hardin knows he made a mistake, possibly the biggest one of his life. He’s not going down without a fight. But can he change? Will he change…for love?
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My Thoughts: Just like in book one, I have many different feelings about this book. It is like a train wreck. You cannot help but look, and this story, I cannot help but continue to read it even though most of the story makes me crazy.
These books are not just ones you can get through in a day or so. This one is 688 pages so it took me 3 nights to get through it. I have a lot invested in this story so to find that the kids are up to their same old back and forth arguing and then making up stuff is a bit frustrating.
I love the author’s amazing storytelling ability but I think a lot of this storyline could have been condensed so you can easily move on to the next book. Knowing there is 2 other books yet to come is a big investment so we have to trust the author is going to keep us entertained and give us what we are looking for in the long run – closure and a happy ending. Unfortunately, this book does not offer that.
After We Collided does offer a lot of twists and turns and you can see that the male character, Hardin, is really trying, for the most part, but the reader is reminded over and over that this is a YA – young adult genre- storyline. So we are left to deal with immature reactions and feelings to jealousy, trust and dealing with others. Tessa, I wanted to reach out and smack a few times and I just shook my head when she started doing stupid stuff and then was left to help clean up the pieces.
Again, this book closed on a cliffhanger, although not as big of one as the last installment. Like I said, I have a lot invested in this series and while I am not pleased about the constant make up/break up scenarios as it makes for an exhausting read, that train keeps moving on, sucking me deeper into the storyline. For that can only be done by an author with great talent and a lot of patience.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Although I am not familiar with the After Series I can understand why it has captivated you. however, I hate cliff hangers and I don;t think I want to start until the series is completed and that way I can read them all at once!
Interesting! I hadn’t heard of this series and while I like emotion and real life drama; I’m not sure I want a train wreck in a book. You have definitely been put through the emotional wringer, but you do have a lot invested. It’s like watching a movie, not really enjoying it, but having to watch it to know what happens. Good luck on your wait and hope book three is great for you!
I have not read book 1 and not sure if I want to make that kind of an investment in time. I definitely like books with lots of twists and turns though so it is something to keep in mind.
I am not familiar with The After Series, but judging from what you have written here, this is definitely something I would not read. It sounds like a soap opera and I do not like soap operas, too much drama. Thank you for sharing this post.