Book Review: Afterthoughts: A YA Science Fiction Mystery (Afterthoughts Series Book 1) by Alexi Harrison
An intriguing cover and a thought-provoking premise—who could resist diving into Afterthoughts? When I stumbled upon Alexi Harrison’s debut in the Afterthoughts series, I felt an immediate connection to its central theme: grappling with guilt and the search for redemption. As someone who has always been fascinated by how life choices ripple through our narratives, this book promised to be an exploration of just that. And, oh, did it deliver!
At the center of this gripping tale is Kanara Jensen, a complex protagonist grappling with the weight of a tragic decision. Convicted of killing her mother, she finds herself sentenced to a decade at Zylen Mental Hospital—a setting that blended a stark array of emotions, from despair to hope. As Kanara navigates this new environment, I found myself rooting for her as she grappled with not only her past but also the mysterious happenings within the hospital walls.
The book touches on several key themes, most notably the intricacies of mental health and the line between sanity and insanity. Kanara’s journeys are punctuated by strange encounters—a mysterious voice predicting the future, eerie whispers from the doctors, and cryptic messages only she can decipher. This creates an atmosphere of suspense, ensuring readers are glued to the pages, hungry to uncover the truth alongside her.
Harrison’s writing style is both engaging and taut, striking the right balance between descriptive prose and fast-paced action. I particularly appreciated how the characters were developed, especially Kanara’s fellow patients like Isabella and Myles, who were not just background figures but fleshed-out personalities that added depth to the narrative. The emotional stakes felt real—Harrison captures the fragility of human existence beautifully. I couldn’t help but feel for Kanara as she struggled with her identity while navigating trust issues with the people around her.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was the moments of introspection that featured Kanara’s emotional turmoil intertwined with suspenseful plot turns. I found myself reflecting on how our past decisions shape our present selves, a sentiment echoed in many of the testimonials from readers, who described the book as both “intriguing” and “hard to put down.” The ending, which left me breathless with its shocking revelations, had me wishing I could dive straight into the next installment.
Afterthoughts has the potential to resonate with a wide audience—from young adults grappling with their own identities to seasoned readers of psychological thrillers. If you enjoy a blend of mystery and sci-fi that speaks to the complexities of family, guilt, and the fight for understanding, this book is undoubtedly for you.
In closing, Afterthoughts not only captivated my imagination but also encouraged deeper reflection on the essence of our choices and the inevitability of consequences. I can’t wait to see where Harrison takes us next in this thrilling journey. If you’re looking for a read that combines elements of suspense, relatable characters, and a behind-the-curtain look at mental health, grab this one. You won’t be disappointed!
You can find Afterthoughts: A YA science fiction mystery (Afterthoughts series Book 1) here >>