Afterlife

In Afterlife Marcus Sakey delivers an unusual novel that pretty much defies genre placement. Elements of a mystery, some thriller and suspense aspects, certainly paranormal and science fiction is represented, yet no single genre easily encompasses the entire book. For some, I think this may be a problem, readers who read a single genre heavily come to expect certain genre tropes and are disappointed when their expectations are not met. For those readers who tend to read many different genres regularly, this novel will likely be far less problematic in this regard.

I found the book to be a fun read and did not mind the mash-up of genre tropes. Much of the premise is based on an idea of what the afterlife might be like, so to claim it is show more unrealistic is a pointless complaint. It is Sakey's creation and the things that take place in the "regular" world are all realistic enough (again, there is an aspect of the afterlife influencing the "real" world and/or the paranormal possibility, so questionable events fall under those guidelines). In other words, you may or may not like the actions or the story but the so-called concern of it being realistic or not is just a cover up for whatever else might bother a reader.

If descriptions of sex, brief ones at that, bother you this may also not suit you. I certainly read and recognized those few scenes but it wasn't until I saw that some readers were calling it pornographic that I went back to look. It is far from pornographic but is described in semi-detail. So are fights, deaths, and various other events in the book. If sex is pornographic to a reader while detailed violence is not, then that says more about the reader than this book. If some detail in a sex scene makes you uneasy, you can easily skim those few scenes and still enjoy the book. If a sex scene given realistic detail is pornographic to you, well, there is always Dr Seuss.

I thought the idea of what the afterlife might be, as presented here, was very interesting. I probably got as much enjoyment out of debating with myself about how it might or might not be possible. As for the story itself I really did find the presentation of what people choose to do when presented with limited options (speaking of those in the afterlife) quite telling and applicable to situations in real life.

I would recommend this to readers who are not too devoted to any particular genre but fluent across genres. For those who cannot step outside their own worldview, whether it be secular or religious, when reading a work of fiction, I have some reservations about your ability to appreciate this. For open-minded readers I think you will find plenty to like and probably some things you might think could be done better. I've yet to read the perfect novel so certainly can't condemn this one for not being perfect.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads. show less

Afterlife is a fantastic quick-reading book that is at once a re-imagining of Dante's Inferno and a novelized version of Doctor Strange. It begins as a crime thriller but quickly develops into something far different, exploring concepts of an afterlife that is far different than anyone could have imagined. Along the way the novel tackles concepts of good and evil, survival, power, addiction to power, and the connections between human beings. What makes us civilized? When do we veer off into something uncivilized? Does absolute power corrupt? How do minds deal with strange and different concepts? And carrying it through the novel is a battle against evil that takes us into worlds we never imagined- something out of Doctor Strange or Dr. show more Who. Don't know how I stumbled on this, but it is an excellent read. show less

People have been debating the idea of an afterlife for centuries. Most of us have heard and/or read stories about reincarnation or an idealistic version of a spirit world. But it's unlikely you've ever read a story anything like this one.

Afterlife is a visual reading experience. I could see the world(s) in which Marcus Sakey placed me. I felt like I was right there, with the characters, baffled and curious and terrified and hopeful.

The plot explores human nature at its very core. It's impossible to talk about this story without giving spoilers, so I'll just say that it's one of the most unique books I've ever read. The concept is one that will stick with me for a very long time.

The cast of characters is totally entertaining. Yes, Will show more and Claire are a little too perfect as heroes and lovers. They are, perhaps, the quintessential soulmates. But their perfection wasn't a flaw for me. I want to believe there are warriors like these two walking our planet.

Pacing is quick without feeling rushed. The dialogue is believable. And the 'what if' possibilities captured my imagination.

*I was provided with an advance ebook copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.* show less

Loved this book. As for the writing -- tight prose, concise description, perfect pacing, smart dialogue, spot on metaphors. As for the story -- it was like watching a well-scripted movie unfold before my eyes. Explosive, yet poignantly candid emotional impact. Humorous, yet tragic. Suspense builds effortlessly to its though-provoking yet satisfying ending. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a timeless love story mixed with a fast-paced thriller. Sakey squeezes so much into a quick, powerful read and left me wanting more. Well done.

Loved this book. As for the writing -- tight prose, concise description, perfect pacing, smart dialogue, spot on metaphors. As for the story -- it was like watching a well-scripted movie unfold before my eyes. Explosive, yet poignantly candid emotional impact. Humorous, yet tragic. Suspense builds effortlessly to its though-provoking yet satisfying ending. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a timeless love story mixed with a fast-paced thriller. Sakey squeezes so much into a quick, powerful read and left me wanting more. Well done.

It is perhaps worth the read for you. If you can get over the inconsistencies that is. After all, the story is mostly set in the “afterlife” and you may expect the author to construct a logically sound view of it in order to establish a firmly grounded setting. However, despite having conjured up an afterlife rather similar to the life we know, the author’s physics simply doesn’t work, attempts to weave in and match up the concept of entropy into this afterlife fails, sadly. (E.g it is claimed that life somehow mysteriously defies the laws of entropy when in fact it does not - life does increase order locally yet increases entropy universally -therefore conforms to the laws of entropy). Sorry, for the perhaps unwarranted physics show more lessons show less

Afterlife
By: Marcus Sakey
Narrated by: Finty Williams
This was the craziest after death book I think I have ever read. No ghosts here. Don't call Ghost Busters. This is one heck of a ride through levels of afterlife like you won't believe. It grabs you and won't let you go! I can't wait to see how Ron Howard turns this great book into a movie next year. Wow! I could picture it in my mind as it was happening, the author was so good in explaining it, the picture unfolded before me. Terrifying, suspenseful, horrors, yet at the same time it was a love story! It was full of twists and turns and WTF moments! It kept me on my toes and the narrator was just so perfect for this book! Wow, just right for all the emotions and the many voices! show more Wonderful job on author 's and narrator's parts. show less