The Afterward
E.K. Johnston’s The Afterward starts where most stories end. The mysterious godsgem has cured Cadrium’s king, and the heroes who brought it home are renowned in story and song. But for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity don’t come easily. Olsa Rhetsdaughter is a thief and beggar who was never meant to be a hero. Her position in the quest for the godsgem has made her recognizable, making her life as a thief even more challenging.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart also wasn’t meant for heroism, but her fame doesn’t pay her bills. Forced to choose between her heart and a stable future, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound freedom and find a way back to each other.
I loved how Johnston created a company of female knights to go on this quest. Often with fantasy stories, we mainly see male knights. Diversity is becoming the norm, especially in the Young Adult genre, and it was so refreshing to read about a company of female knights (and Olsa the thief and a male mage) determined to save their kingdom.
I also enjoyed how Johnston intertwined the knights’ journey to find the godsgem with their present lives, showing how it changed after they finished their quest. For Olsa, her life actually got much harder. She felt abandoned by the company, especially Kalanthe, who she started a relationship with on their journey. Kalanthe is so honour-bound, she knew she would have to marry in order to get out of debt, and she didn’t want to hurt Olsa anymore than she already had.
My heart broke for Olsa during a particular scene in the story. She was traveling with the mage and another knight and she admitted how abandoned she felt by everyone. She was still living hand to mouth and she was constantly being put in dangerous situations. I liked how the other knight admitted Olsa had been neglected and offered to help. I was even happier that Olsa accepted the help, as she had turned down what she viewed as “charity” from others in the company before.
The Afterward is a sweepingly epic and intensely personal story about life after victory. A real treat for fantasy lovers.
The Afterward Rating: ★★★★
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart also wasn’t meant for heroism, but her fame doesn’t pay her bills. Forced to choose between her heart and a stable future, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound freedom and find a way back to each other.
I loved how Johnston created a company of female knights to go on this quest. Often with fantasy stories, we mainly see male knights. Diversity is becoming the norm, especially in the Young Adult genre, and it was so refreshing to read about a company of female knights (and Olsa the thief and a male mage) determined to save their kingdom.
I also enjoyed how Johnston intertwined the knights’ journey to find the godsgem with their present lives, showing how it changed after they finished their quest. For Olsa, her life actually got much harder. She felt abandoned by the company, especially Kalanthe, who she started a relationship with on their journey. Kalanthe is so honour-bound, she knew she would have to marry in order to get out of debt, and she didn’t want to hurt Olsa anymore than she already had.
My heart broke for Olsa during a particular scene in the story. She was traveling with the mage and another knight and she admitted how abandoned she felt by everyone. She was still living hand to mouth and she was constantly being put in dangerous situations. I liked how the other knight admitted Olsa had been neglected and offered to help. I was even happier that Olsa accepted the help, as she had turned down what she viewed as “charity” from others in the company before.
The Afterward is a sweepingly epic and intensely personal story about life after victory. A real treat for fantasy lovers.
The Afterward Rating: ★★★★