Rebecca Lim, Afterlight, Text Publishing, 24 June 2015, 240pp., $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781925240498
Sophie (Storkie) lives at The Star Hotel with her Gran. Shortly after her parents die, she changes schools ‘to mark a clean start’, finding herself amongst bullies but also in the gorgeous company of the tattooed and aloof Jordan Haigh. Then the ghostly Eve starts visiting, urging Sophie, through visions, to go on rescue missions that seem to Sophie like Eve is tying up the loose ends of a life gone. The media might think Sophie’s an amazing psychic but the school bullies think she’s a freak. Only Jordan seems to understand – but when Eve/Monica visits him as well, causing chaos at school, he is also outcast. The action intensifies as Eve’s demands lead Sophie and Jordan into trouble with a bikie gang with murderous intent. Eve finally gets someone to realise what happened to her, but is it too late for Sophie?
Rebecca Lim writes exciting urban fantasy set in the streets of Melbourne. In this novel the pace is fast, the action spooky but the romance element seems forced. Sophie’s description of herself as snotty, skinny and bushy-haired seems at odds with Jordan’s sudden and intense attraction to her. It may have been more empowering for Sophie (and engaging for the reader) to get more of a grip on her ‘gift’ before Jordan swooped. The ending leaves the reader ready for a series – if (spoiler alert!) Sophie lives – although this book is billed as a stand-alone. For YA readers who like supernatural romantic thrillers.
Teaching Notes are available on the Text Publishing website.
Reviewed by Pam Harvey
