I requested this book from NetGalley for the cover alone. I am really into airplanes and more specifically their crashes. While that plays a factor in this book, this is more centered around a man's journey to find out more about the person he loved. I was a bit wishy washy on this book for a lot of it, just because I felt Coen was a bit unbelievable with his interactions with others, but when they went looking for Elias' family is when I couldn't put the book down.

While I don't think I will remember this book a few months from now, it was an enjoyable read

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

Coen Caraway was all set to marry Elias Santos on an beautiful island in Mexico, only to have his world come crashing down when Elias dies in a plane crash. A plane he was piloting. What comes next is a journey of healing, learning more about Elias, and learning how to forgive those around him.

The story was heartbreaking and lovely. This is one of those stories that hits you in the feels and doesn’t let go. It is definitely a story that I’ll read over again and again. The characters are wonderful and very relatable. It’s hard NOT to feel the pain they are experiencing.

Most authors, especially debuts, go to great lengths to fully describe the physical characteristics of their characters and the location where the story takes place. Yet, Eddy Boudel Tan seems to sidestep these descriptions but never leaves the reader guessing. He gives you everything you need to know with the emotion his words instill.

Tan's characters are fully formed and flawed, and you will (at least I did) alternate between loving and hating them. This story is beautiful and sad, and you will laugh and cry, and really, who can ask for more?

Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for this early peek at what is bound to be a hit.

This a debut book that drips with melancholy and dread. Intentionally so I might say. Though, to Tan's credit there is also some levity, and love flickering within the darkness. Hope and healing are just beneath the surface, and for much of the novel they are out of Coen Caraway's reach. You see, he's just lost the love of his life, his life line, in a deadly plane crash. Mere days before their wedding. And for many of the days after he is adrift in a sea of sorrows and self-loathing. We see him through all of this. We see him come to reconcile who he was to Elias, who Elias was to him, and who he will be after Elias. It's a suffocating thing, being with Coen has he goes through such a profound grief, but as the novel concluded I was glad to have gone on the journey Tan mapped out for me. It ended up being incredibly cathartic and left me feeling hopeful in a way I can't quite put into words.

Many thanks to Dundurn Press for an advanced reader copy, and much luck to Tan on the upcoming release!

This is a very thoughtful book- parts of it are inestimably sad and parts hold out hope.

The ideal wedding in the ideal location will be perfection, until the groom plunges into the sea with a planeload of passengers. Not only is the grief of such a loss at the pinnacle of hopes of a new beginning, the suspicion that the groom was somehow responsible for the crash, changes the tragedy into crime.
But what is true, what was true?

When the other groom asks the guests to come anyway, layers of relationships and truths begin to unfold. Some are expected, others turn out to be very surprising. At the end, some explanations are provided, others are left as questions.

What made this an excellent book was the clarity of the author about how feelings can so easily become twisted into truths that are not true at all. Drinking the Kool Aid becomes easier, going along to get along. Until it can't continue that way and something explodes.
What I envy was the chance some of the characters have to really be honest with one another and to forge a more true relationship.

There is tremendous sadness here, but also compassion and some resolution for them at the end.

At once both touching and suspenseful, After Elias tells the story of a man left at the altar in the worst possible way. Coen's fiance, Elias Santos, is killed when the plane he was piloting crashes only days before their wedding. And to add horror to the grief, there are those who believe Elias may have purposely flown himself and the 300+ passengers on board to .their deaths.
Despite the sorrowful context, the prose in this novel is vivid and sensuous, taking full advantage of the setting on a small idyllic island off Mexico, where Coen and Elias were meant to be wed. Eddy Boudel Tan's writing is so evocative, he had me not just seeing every magnolia flower as it blossomed, but catching the scent of them too,
Maybe this is what distracted me from anticipating the many cleverly crafted reveals. I didn't see even one of them coming..
Many thanks to Dundurn and Netgalley for providing me with this advance copy in return for an unbiased review.

Also here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3416934654

While waiting for Elias to come to Mexico for their wedding, Coen hears a newscast that the plane Elias is captaining has crashed into the Arctic Ocean. Coen decides to hold the gathering anyway, as a celebration of Elias’ life.

As he sorts through and confronts his memories, Coen’s friends and family are by his side. They help Coen confront his own demons, as well.

The writing was beautiful, breathtaking at times. Descriptions of people and settings were stunning. The storyline was nicely done, too. Character development was well done, and mental illness was explored with tact and honesty. Coen was a well drawn character, but he was a little too selfish and whiny by the end of the book. It was also tied up a little too neatly, after such a messy, complex story.

This was a tough one to rate. I didn't really like the main character, Coen, but the story was interesting. Elias was mysterious and his story was enough to pull the book along. I do love an unreliable narrator, but just couldn't quite get there with Coen.

Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for my honest review. After Elias releases October 6th.

Both heartbreaking and beautiful, this story lets us into the life of Coen who travels to Mexico ahead of his partner Elias. They are to be married when tragedy occurs. The plane that Elias is piloting crashes killing everyone on board. He has one final message that leaves everyone, including Coen confused and looking for answers. Coen must confront his past, as well as Elias' to move forward.

For the most part I enjoyed this story. It took me longer to read it than normal but I did love all the characters and the detail of the Mexican landscape and buildings were vivid in my mind. I felt as if I was there within the story looking at the same trees and flowers. I felt so much heartache as Coen moved though his grief and leaned on his friends and family for support. I loved how the author took the time to develop each character and relationships between these characters as well. Lastly, I love how this author ended this story and I feel like this story touched on so many difficult topics that can be hard to write about. I look forward to more novels by this author.

http://ramblinhamlin.com/after-elias-review/

I really enjoyed this debut novel. It’s a story of flaws, secrets, mental health, heartache, loss and love.
“See, he says. Everyone is damaged in one way or another. We are all hopelessly and spectacularly flawed”
“Amen, brother”
The characters felt very real and the writing really descriptive so you could picture the scenes. Definitely worth the read!
Thanks to Netgalley for an honest review of this book

I really wanted to like this book, but I found myself just not connecting with any of the characters. I could not find it in me to relate to Coen. The writing was beautiful, it just fell short for me.

Coen is in Mexico preparing for his wedding to Elias. Elias' plane crashes before arriving. Coen copes with grief and guilt. A recording was made of Elias' voice just before the crash. What did Elias mean?
Lots of flashbacks in this book.

After Elias is fantastic. I know “I couldn’t put it down” is cliche, but I carried the book around with me instead of my cell phone and snuck in stray minutes of reading whenever I could.

Coen Caraway’s wedding to handsome and accomplished pilot Elias Santos was supposed to mark the beginning of the rest of their lives. Seven days before the wedding, the plane Elias is flying crashes into the sea, which is suspected to be an intentional act. Through the aftermath, as well as within narratives of Coen and Elias’ past, we learn about trials and traumas that shape each character and their search for answers amid the chaos.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how much care Tan took in shaping each character. I found myself so frustrated, heartbroken, and joyful with his characters as if they were real people, and every time I felt like I had them figured out the author provided another unexpected piece of the puzzle. I am absolutely looking forward to his future work and would recommend After Elias widely.

Note: I received a free eBook copy of After Elias from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was heartbreaking.

I can't say much because I feel like anything I'd say would be a spoiler. Readers need to experience the story and be happy, angry, sad and heartbroken.

I loved every single feeling I had reading this, and I enjoyed the doubt I felt: did Elias crash the plane? Was it an accident? Were his last words a suicidal last message? And the note he left behind?

The characters' doubts were my own, and the writing regarding this was on point. I really enjoyed the author's debut and would definitely read his next book!

Thanks to NetGalley who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Ugh. UGH. THIS BOOK. I have not been this wrecked by a novel, let alone a debut novel, in a very long time. This book is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming...which doesn’t sound like it should make sense but it SO does. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I cried some more, I smiled while I cried. After I finished this, I literally put my kindle down on my chest and then stared at the ceiling for a solid 20 minutes.

On the surface, Coen Carroway has the perfect life. That is, until his life as he knew it comes completely apart. Just days before he is set to marry the love his life on an idyllic island in Mexico, Coen learns that his pilot fiancé Elias Santos is killed in an airplane crash. Instead of cancelling the wedding and returning home to Canada (much to his family/friends dismay), Coen chooses to remain on the island and hold a celebration of Elias’ life instead. As more details began to emerge surrounding the accident, Coen is left with more questions than answers. Transmitted just moments before the plane crashed, Coen hears Elias’ haunting last words - “Pronto dios”. What follows is a moving tale of love, grief, regret, mental illness, doubt, and self-discovery.

***

I absolutely adored this book. I normally don’t love shifting timelines/perspectives, but felt that it served a necessary purpose for the development of this story. Coen was so beautifully and tragically flawed, like so many of us are. While I’ve obviously had very different life experiences than him, I felt like I could completely relate to Coen at some many points throughout his journey.

Speaking of characters, I usually find myself glossing over side characters or just simply placing them in the back of my mind in a lot of books I read. Side characters are hard, to not only to make them feel whole but to make them feel just as worthy/important as the main characters. But this book blew me away. Every single character felt fully developed regardless of air time, and every one felt so important and needed. I think I pretty much highlighted every word that came out of Gabriel’s mouth. I felt like I was actually friends with Vivi and Dexter. I could feel the years of tension and hurt that developed between Coen and Clark. Every character was fully faceted and contributed something essential to the plot and Coen's growth.

I also felt that the topics of mental health and grief were handled in such a careful and honest way. Having worked in the mental health field for almost 5 years now, I’ve witnessed firsthand how people grieve so differently even when faced with the same trigger/loss. This book showcased that there isn’t a right or wrong way to cope with grief.

All in all, what an impressive debut from Eddy Boudel Tan. Can’t wait to read more in the future! .

Can I give this book ten stars? To say this story---inspired by the Germanwings flight 9525 plane crash in March 2015---was jam-packed with intensity and suspense is an understatement---but not the type of suspense you'd find in a thriller or action scene. Grief itself can be intense and suspenseful, and After Elias captures that raw human emotion effortlessly with the reminder that there is no right or wrong way to grieve those we love.

When I tried to describe the plot to a friend, their response was, "Well, that sounds depressing. Isn't it sad?" Incredibly, and there were scenes that were so gut-wrenching that, for the first time in my reading experience, I was brought to tears. Was it the fact that the writing was so fantastic (because it was); or because I've simply experienced the death of a loved one, tried to find answers to their passing, and struggled to find new ways to hold onto their memory? The fear of forgetting their voice, their scent; imagining what they would say in any given moment while watching you come to terms with your new normal without them; and then finally finding just enough peace to move on, maybe not all the way, but just enough. Coen's loss has been my loss and the next person's loss; and while few of us have and most of us will never have to grieve someone in a plane crash, readers will understand the cyclical motion of racing thoughts, numbness, isolation, denial, and eventual breakdown.

From a literary perspective, the shifting narration between the present (Coen's loss of Elias) and the past (where we get a glimpse at their relationship and their individual struggles) was captivating. Eddy Boudel Tan has a writing voice to be reckoned with and I can't wait to read more from him.

Also, A+ for stunning cover art.

After Elias is an impressive story with an important message. This Eddy Boudel Tan novel is an interesting one for sure.

It truly reminds you that we don't fully know anyone other than ourselves. We often forget this, think we know people, and when you really think about it, we don't.

This story starts with Elias' death. What follows is Coen's story, as he deals with, or doesn't deal with his fiancee's death. The mystery is well done, definitely keeping the reader intrigued throughout.

That said, I am sure some readers will struggle with Coen's reaction to everything. But it's a good read when you're looking for a mystery, that although heavy, is not very heavy in it's telling.

The author does a wonderful job exploring the power one's past has over someone; how easily one remains burdened by their pain and guilt. This is a story that includes mental health issues, family issues, and guilt. It is a story with doubts and struggles with the unknown.

This multi-layered read is full of twists and turns throughout. Overall, it's a memorable tale of learning about the past and learning to put one's past behind them.

After Elias is an accomplished tale. This Eddy Boudel Tan book is amazing for a debut novel. The author will take you along on a remarkable journey that tests the main character's resolves throughout. Be sure to check it out when you're looking for a serious and thought-provoking novel.

I will add my blog link when it's released.

This book was heavy but so emotionally powerful. It's a tough read, especially with all the craziness going on in the world, but well worth the read.

First off, a special thanks to Stephanie Ellis and Dundurn Press for an advanced reader copy on NetGalley!

“After Elias” is the story of Coen Caraway as he deals with the loss of his fiance who he was set to marry in just a couple of days in Mexico. Instead of canceling the destination wedding he and his fiance had planned, Coen decides to turn the event into a celebration of life for Elias, but while he’s working through the shock and grief of Elias’s death, news stations start speculating that the flight Elias was on crashed because of him.

Although this is author Eddy Boudel Tan’s debut novel, you wouldn’t be able to tell as “After Elias” is not just the story of a confused and grieving fiance, it’s a story about death, family love and learning how to move on with your life after somebody you love has been taken.

Coen is a beautifully written character that captures and shows how mental illness and your past have major effects on how you handle certain topics. His shock and response to both Elias’s death, as well as the news stories that speculate about his role in the plane crash, feel real and genuine which make the book that much more encompassing.

Whatsmore, this book explores the further effects of Elias’s death in Coen’s life including what I found to be one of the best parts of the book, Coen’s relationship with his brother.

In the end, Elias ends up playing an even bigger role than I anticipated, but it makes sense and is done perfectly. I found myself going through this book fairly quickly and I loved every minute of it. I teared up at spots and found myself shocked at others.

This could end up being one of my favorite books of 2020 and I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a well written and emotional story.

I received a copy of “After Elias” by debut author Eddy Bouldel Tan. I had some issues with the plot and the structure of the book, but I enjoyed the read.

Seven days before his wedding, Coen’s fiancé, Elian, crashes a commercial jet into the Arctic Ocean. Coen is stuck at the resort in Mexico and decides to proceed with the wedding as a celebration of life. Rumors emerge that the crash may not have been accidental. Coen’s life starts to unravel as his parents, brother, and best friend travel to the island.

The book is divided in three sections. In the first section, we jump back and forth in time from the resort and Coen’s point of view, to scenes from the past in Coen and Elian’s relationship in reverse chronological order. The second and third parts are chronological and more straightforward. I had a hard time defining this book. It feels like a mystery, but I don’t think it works as a mystery. The book is not a romance either. At times I thought this might be a psychological thriller, but it never reached that level. The last quarter of the book was my favorite and it kept me hooked. I liked where the novel eventually ended up, a story about brothers and family, but it took a very circuitous route to get there. Some threads we left unresolved or unsatisfied for me. The tone was uneven and I was never really sure where it was going. The ending had some of the best scenes, but it was a little too tidy, yet unresolved. I dare not say more. I feel like the book had a great premise and a great ending, but the path between the two was rocky.

I believe a lot of people will really enjoy this. The writing is good, and the setting is marvelous. The author does a really nice job discussing some difficult topics. A warning that this might not be appropriate if you’re sensitive to suicide, abuse, or sexual assault. If you like thrillers and mysteries, I think you should give it a shot.
◊ ebook ◊ Fiction ◊ provided by @NetGalley ◊ forthcoming from Dundurn in September 2020.◾︎