Scan barcode
A review by booksamongstfriends
The Afterdark by E. Latimer
4.0
The Afterdark is an immersive and captivating queer gothic horror that blends mystery, romance, and a simmering sense of unease. From the moment I started, I was pulled into the story and wouldn’t put it down. With its gothic academia setting, the constant eerie presence of the woods, and the layered secrets of Northcroft School, this book perfectly captures the tension of something lurking just beneath the surface.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Evie Laurent, a twin whose sister Ada has just drowned, and Holland Morgan, a fellow student with a mysterious pull toward Evie. The chapters are mostly brisk effortlessly transitioning paces. Latimer’s writing ensures there are no wasted moments—every scene, no matter how quiet or chaotic, serves to drive the story forward. From the start, Evie is shrouded in darkness—there’s a brewing sense that something is waiting to consume her, and as a reader, you’re never sure how far she’ll go or what she might unleash. Holland’s perspective adds another layer, as their instant connection with Evie is both magnetic and foreboding. Their relationship is raw, obsessive, and protective, as they navigate both their desire for each other and the dangers surrounding them.
Northcroft is filled with a cast of characters, all carrying secrets that heighten the book’s intrigue. I loved the tangible, almost unsettling energy of the supporting characters. They felt real, flawed, and essential to the story. I also appreciated that the story gradually peeled back layers, keeping me constantly learning something new about them.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its balance of genres. It’s not overwhelmingly horrifying, which makes it approachable for readers who shy away from traditional horror, and the romance is woven into the plot without overshadowing the narrative. It’s a good blend that explores themes of obsession, betrayal, sacrifice, first love, and self-discovery.
If you enjoy young adult books that blend obsession, horror, romance, and gothic mystery, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a thrilling and haunting exploration of desire, secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect or destroy what they love.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Evie Laurent, a twin whose sister Ada has just drowned, and Holland Morgan, a fellow student with a mysterious pull toward Evie. The chapters are mostly brisk effortlessly transitioning paces. Latimer’s writing ensures there are no wasted moments—every scene, no matter how quiet or chaotic, serves to drive the story forward. From the start, Evie is shrouded in darkness—there’s a brewing sense that something is waiting to consume her, and as a reader, you’re never sure how far she’ll go or what she might unleash. Holland’s perspective adds another layer, as their instant connection with Evie is both magnetic and foreboding. Their relationship is raw, obsessive, and protective, as they navigate both their desire for each other and the dangers surrounding them.
Northcroft is filled with a cast of characters, all carrying secrets that heighten the book’s intrigue. I loved the tangible, almost unsettling energy of the supporting characters. They felt real, flawed, and essential to the story. I also appreciated that the story gradually peeled back layers, keeping me constantly learning something new about them.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its balance of genres. It’s not overwhelmingly horrifying, which makes it approachable for readers who shy away from traditional horror, and the romance is woven into the plot without overshadowing the narrative. It’s a good blend that explores themes of obsession, betrayal, sacrifice, first love, and self-discovery.
If you enjoy young adult books that blend obsession, horror, romance, and gothic mystery, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a thrilling and haunting exploration of desire, secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect or destroy what they love.