Lana used to know what was real.
That was before, when her life was small and quiet.
Her golden stepbrother, Ben, was alive.
She could only dream about bonfiring with the populars.
Their wooded island home was idyllic, she could tell the truth from lies, and Ben’s childhood stories were firmly in her imagination.
Then came after.
After has Lana boldly kissing her crush, jumping into the water from too high up, living with nerve and mischief.
But after also has horrors, deaths that only make sense in fairy tales, and terrors from a past Lana thought long forgotten: Love, blood, and murder.

My Thoughts

First things first. Alexandra Sirowy knows how to write. And write well. I absolutely fell in love with her writing style. I thought it was beautifully written. And because of her writing style I will gladly check out the rest of her books. I do have The Creeping sitting on my shelves (well in my case my boxes because my husband is in the process of making my shelves).

I liked the characters for the most part, but I did feel that they could have had more depth to them. Had they had more depth to them, I would have loved the characters for sure! But I did love the romance between Lana and Josh. I thought it was super cute. And I definitely felt that there were some pages that could be taken out and not missed at all. But that’s not always the author’s choice.

The main issue I had with this book and why it is only getting 3.5 stars from me is because it is so predictable. There were a couple instances where I was like oh that’s not what I thought. But the main mystery I had guessed very early on. Now, I’m not sure if that is just me and I got lucky with my guess. But I wanted more to the mystery. I wanted more twists or suspense.

Despite the faults that I had with this book, I still enjoyed the story and the writing and I will definitely be checking out The Creeping and also any other future books by Alexandra Sirowy!

Favorite Quotes

“Exercise your nerve and mischief.”

“Her pale form stands out against the night. She has the look of a character from one of Ben’s stories. My throat tightens. She reminds me of the lily-pad maiden who was strangled by a mad king and left in a watery grave.”

“I wish I’d gotten to know you way earlier than this summer. And I’m not going to waste any more time,” he says. “I like you, too. A lot.”

“Yesterday I was a damaged nerve. I was numb in some places and too sensitive in others. This morning I know exactly what must happen next.”

About the Author

Tour Schedule

October 1, 2016

 A Reading Nurse & The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Welcome Post

October 2, 2016