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I am thrilled to be a part of The After Book Tour event. Although this book isn’t typically within my usual reading preferences, my husband’s passion for sci-fi has piqued my interest. His enthusiasm for the genre inspired me to delve into this story, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on it through my review.

Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

About The After Book

THE AFTER by J. Taylor Book Tour Giveaway

Author Interview

What made you write a book about a deadly virus?

I was living on a small acreage in Chester, Nova Scotia, when things began to shut down due to the pandemic (Covid). In Nova Scotia, we were told to stay in our communities, borders into our province closed, certain imported foods became scarce,
we could only visit with people in our “bubble,” and bubbles had to be less than ten people . . . this experience got me thinking, “What if . . .”

There are many books out there about viruses, pandemics, and world-altering diseases. What makes yours different?

Mine don’t have everyone turning into zombies—haha!
All fun aside, I tried to think about what might happen if governments, money, electricity, schools, stores, etc.—basically the comforts we rely on daily—ceased to exist. I didn’t want to create a world with unnecessary violence but one where
people tried to co-exist through trade and neighborly support (the Nova Scotia way).
Yes, Mr. Steveston is an exception, but I wanted to show those who lived on the South Shore during this period in time as good, honest, hardworking, caring people. Due to the circumstances, though, their lives were also lonely and very isolating.

What advice would you give budding writers?

As a teacher, I’ve spent many years teaching writing. I would always tell my students, “Write what you know!” Bring yourself or your experiences into your writing. Of course, many authors spend years researching the novels they are writing; however, for young writers still in grade school, writing about what they know
will come easily to them, and, as a result, their writing will be engaging and convincing.

Your book is set in Nova Scotia. Have you ever been there?

I was fortunate to grow up in Nova Scotia and spend the first twenty-two years of my life there. I still have family and many friends there, and I go back whenever I get the opportunity. It is my “Happy Place!” My heart will always reside in Nova Scotia!

Who would you be if you could put yourself as a character in your book?

I would definitely be Charlotte. Anna is brave, a risk-taker, and knowledgeable about surviving in a world that has lost the daily comforts we have come to rely on . . . I am none of those things!

Do you have another profession besides writing?

Yes, I’m a teacher and mom of five! I have taught in Nunavut; Kelowna, British Columbia; Dartmouth/South Shore, Nova
Scotia and Calgary, Alberta—all based in Canada.
I began my teaching career in the elementary grades but taught grades 11/12 English and Debate & Speech for the last ten years of my career. I retired early from teaching because my daughter, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, requires full-time support, and it
is difficult to find consistent care.

What is your next project?

Book Two of The After Series (Survival) will be released in the spring of 2025. I’m I have almost finished writing Book Three of The After Series (The Invasion)—I’m hoping it will be released in the fall of 2025.

During a recent classroom visit to promote my novel, a student suggested I write a “The Before” novel—as a prequel to The After. I’m seriously considering this suggestion and think I would write it from Glen’s (Charlotte’s dad’s) perspective.

My Review of The After

I’m so glad I took the chance to read The After by J. Taylor. This book captivated my attention from beginning to end. I’m eager to read more of the series when it comes out.

Given all the sicknesses we face, I often wonder what our world will be like in the future. I can easily imagine us being isolated and having limited human interactions. Gosh, my husband has watched enough sci-fi movies to make my imagination run wild.

In The After, the author captures the essence of what Charlotte and Anna must contend with at such a young age. My youngest daughter just turned 13, so it was easy for me to imagine her as Charlotte. Reading about the things these girls had to do on their own made me cringe, but I was also impressed with their abilities and the relationships they had built.

The After is a WHOLESOME read. It has enough drama and adventure to keep the reader captivated. There is a strong enough cliffhanger to make you eager to read future books. This book leaves the reader with tons of things to ponder and consider. I highly recommend it for any middle schooler and/or adults looking for wholesome sci-fi reading.

Talk to us in the comments:

Does this sound like a book you or your middle schooler would like to read?

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