When a book combines a post-apocalyptic setting with deeply personal stakes, the result can be electric. Ellen Parent’s After the Fall, published by Fitzroy Books on December 3, 2024, does exactly that. With themes of memory, resilience, and truth, this visceral story of a girl’s search for identity and belonging amid climate chaos is equal parts adventure and heartache.
Thank you to Fitzray Books and Ellen Parent for including me on their book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours. Be sure to enter the $25 Amazon giveaway below before time runs out!
As Kirkus Reviews aptly noted, this book grips you from the start. But does it deliver all the way through? Let’s dive in.
My Review
The Premise
In a world where the art of reading and the rhythm of the seasons are distant memories, After the Fall centers on fifteen-year-old June. Her life in the Republic is steeped in forgetting—not only does the society she lives in erase the past, but a mysterious accident has robbed her of her own memories and her mother.
When a strange circus with a connection to her family arrives, June’s curiosity leads her to follow them beyond the boundaries of her sheltered existence. What she finds is a harsh landscape battered by climate change and a society teetering on the brink. As June uncovers secrets that could unravel the Republic, she must grapple with loyalty, trust, and what it truly means to belong.
What Worked
Compelling Protagonist: June’s grit and determination are standout traits that make her journey a compelling one. She’s resourceful yet vulnerable, which makes her relatable to readers of all ages.
Atmospheric World-Building: Parent’s depiction of a world scarred by climate disaster is evocative and haunting. From the remnants of forgotten technology to the eerie allure of the circus, the settings feel richly imagined and layered.
Thematic Depth: The exploration of memory, identity, and familial bonds gives the narrative emotional weight, grounding the adventure in something deeply human.
Where It Fell Short
Pacing Issues: While the character development was enjoyable, the story takes its time getting to the action. Readers might find themselves wishing for the plot to kick into gear sooner.
Dialogue Challenges: The heavy use of contractions and fragmented speech patterns for certain characters, while adding realism, occasionally made conversations difficult to follow. This stylistic choice might be polarizing—it adds to the atmosphere but can be jarring at times.
Overall Impressions
After the Fall is a journey worth taking, even if it asks for patience in the beginning. Ellen Parent’s writing shines in her ability to blend vivid imagery with emotional depth. While there are moments that feel slow or overly intricate, the payoff is satisfying, with revelations that linger long after the final page.
If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic tales with heart and a touch of mystery, this book will find a special place on your shelf.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2 (3.5/5)
After the Fall earns its stars with a gripping story and memorable characters, though minor pacing and stylistic issues hold it back from perfection.
This looks outstanding. Thanks for sharing.