Aftermath

Based on the aftermath of a fictional event similar to ones that are far too common in the news lately, this book takes a different direction, focusing not on the events but on the ripples sent into the futures of those left behind.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

With all the recent school shootings, I was put off from reading this book, but eventually I was able to get to it. I should say up front that the main character doesn't go through the shooting, but does have to see the results and videos and things in real time. It can get real. Please keep this in mind, before reading.

This is a hard book to read because of the grief, guilt, and bullying. It is hard, because we see where the main character started and then where she ends up after being beaten down by all her classmates and comments online. I still liked her character though. She's so strong to put up with it all, and with friends she actually does act like her old self. Jesse is also a good character, although it took me a while to warm up to him. I will say this about the characters - they are so mature! Yes, they have some immature moments (who doesn't), but the way they tried to stay calm and talk things out... WOW, like, I always want characters to do this and they finally did!! I loved those moments. Probably my favorite moments of the book, if I'm honest. I was just blown away.

Now, about the story. It is quite thrilling and I never really knew which way it was going to go, until closer to the end. It is frustrating because the adults mostly just don't listen and don't care, but I also wanted to know what would happen to the characters. Oh, the mystery is around the original school shooting? No, what happened there is obvious, I wasn't surprised by the revelation at all, except for the one thing. The thing is, the catalyst for the shooting didn't completely make sense to me, especially the parts with the bad person... I didn't get it and I'm wondering if it is because I just don't think that way. Also, the reasoning for everything that happens in the current book does seem a bit weak, but I suppose I see how people could justify it.

So, not a bad book and one I will recommend to people who like thrillers, but I would definitely still be careful about handing it out. It is pretty intense.