After the Fall by Ellen Parent is a gripping, post-apocalyptic YA novel that blends adventure with deep emotional resonance. In a world devastated by environmental collapse, where powerful drugs like LoTabs rule and books have nearly disappeared, June’s life has been one of survival. For six years, she’s been haunted by fragmented memories of a barn fire that scarred her, marking the last time she saw her mother. Now living with a couple in the Hollow, a rundown part of the world, June’s life revolves around labor and the only light in her life—her bond with Thomas, an orphan who has become like a brother to her.
When June encounters Jacob, a grizzled town deputy who once saved her from the fire, her forgotten memories begin to resurface. A traveling circus arrives, and June and Thomas set out to track it down, hoping to find clues about her mother. Their journey is fraught with danger—dead girls in the woods, destroyed solar panels, and a series of strange events. As June gets closer to the truth about her mother, the more secrets are uncovered, some that could alter everything she thought she knew about the world.
Parent crafts a world both bleak and beautiful, where hope flickers amid despair. The vivid characters, from the odd circus performers to the unsavory lawmen and troubled good Samaritans, bring the story to life. June is a fierce, loyal protagonist, and Jacob, though burdened by his own regrets, complements her strength. As the story unfolds, the emotional stakes grow higher, with June’s relentless pursuit of the truth driving her through a dark and dangerous world.
With relatable characters and an action-packed plot, After the Fall is a compelling read that will resonate with both YA and adult audiences alike. Parent’s debut novel is a heart-pounding, emotionally rich adventure that leaves a lasting impact.
