My review of After Eden

After Eden (After Eden #1) by Helen Douglas
Release Date: July 4, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


Eden Anfield loves puzzles, so when mysterious new boy Ryan Westland shows up at her school she's hooked. On the face of it, he's a typical American teenager. So why doesn't he recognise pizza? And how come he hasn't heard of Hitler? What puzzles Eden the most, however, is the interest he's taking in her. 

As Eden starts to fall in love with Ryan, she begins to unravel his secret. Her breakthrough comes one rainy afternoon when she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written over fifty years in the future. Confronting Ryan, she discovers that he is there with one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success.

After Eden is an interesting sci-fi novel that I loved endlessly and could not put down until I was finished. 

After Eden is set in the modern day following a girl named Eden who is just... ordinary. Until Ryan Westland rolls into school and sits next to her in art class; everything changes. He might look like a normal schoolboy on the outside, but why does he lack the general knowledge that a teenager, living in this century, should know? For instance, how could someone not recognise pizza, or heard of one of the most famous historical figures? But Ryan has taken an interest in her and she's not about to complain since she just might slowly be falling for him. Everything is perfect. Then Eden finds a book in Ryan's house; a biography written by her best friend, Connor. And she discovers that Ryan is from the future and he has a mission to complete. A mission that Eden just might be able to help him with...

I haven't read many sci-fi books and the bar was set pretty high by Jennifer L. Armentrout's Obsidian, but After Eden manages to hold up with it's own unique and engaging plot. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the gripping story. You might think, ah, the cliche: boring girl with a boring life until a mysterious boy turns up at school and then they fall in love because of some weird reason. But it's not! I promise. There is so much more to it than that. 

Ryan is no typical boy. He is a boy from fifty years in the future with a mission to complete. A tough one that may affect everything that happens in the future. When Ryan shares his task with Eden, she is prepared to help him, no matter what. Not only that, but the two grow closer in an unimaginable way and a question is raised: When - and if - Ryan completes his task, will  he be strong enough to leave Eden and go back to his usual life?

I adored Ryan! He was entertaining and really kept the story fresh and exciting. He was likable and absolutely adorable when we first meet him. Come on, who doesn't know what pizza is? And Eden! She was determined and prepared for anything. I loved her character, but most of all, I loved the romance! Their relationship was super cute and they tried to spend the time they had together as well as possible. Ryan was just...

After Eden is a very enjoyable sci-fi book that is perfect for those in need of a YA sci-fi with plenty of mystery and romance. There is a sequel being released next year titled Chasing Stars, and I am nothing but excited for it! 

Rating

A review copy was provided by Bloomsbury