This beautiful novel combines two coming of age stories, history and a bit of magic. What if someone had a weapon that could heal, as long as it was never used in anger? When the author's son asked this question, it sparked the premise of this novel. In the forward the author mentions this conversation and states also states that what started as a story about what it means to become a man, also became a story that show respect for the Monacan people. The dual timeline novel begins in 1766 with the story of the friendship of a white settler and his Monacan friend and alternates with a tale of their modern day descendants. I both stories, the youngsters face problems within the family and the larger world. The characters are fully realized and the stories are well paced. although this is a middle grade novel, I found the story compelling and couldn't put it down. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher, but I can honestly recommend this book to any youngster who loves adventure stories, historical fiction, or magical realism.

What worked:
This historical fiction opens with a message to readers and a prologue. These pages share the author’s purpose for the book and the results of background research. Surprisingly, she chose not to include most Monacan words because she felt she didn’t have the right to speak or write their language. She gives characters English names because their native names hold special meaning to the people. The same holds true for native burial rites and traditions. I’m sure many authors are respectful to the Native Americans they write about but it’s refreshing to see this author share her conscious consideration of the values and feelings of the Monacan people.
The synopsis addresses some of the main topics included in the story. In one subplot set in 1766, Nathan is forced to face his conflicted thoughts when he meets a Monacan boy his own age. Nathan’s father sees the Native Americans as savages and heathens and assumes all of them are threats to his family’s safety. This attitude goes directly against Nathan’s experiences and observations so he’s forced to forge a secret friendship without his father’s knowledge. However, it’s inevitable that his father will find out and Nathan is forced to choose a side. In a modern-day setting, Zack encounters neighborhood bullies but his biggest challenge is trying to understand why his older brother hates him.
Readers will know the plot has something to do with a powerful knife but it’s not a major factor except for two scenes. Zack has visions and dreams of a deer, mountain lion, and old woman that he later learns are in the Aftertime. He doesn’t understand what he’s going through or how he might connect the mental images to what he’s experiencing in real life. It’s clear that Zack and his best friend Jack are linked to the past timeline but readers must wait to discover the details.
What didn’t work as well:
The beginning of the story doesn’t have a great hook to grab readers’ attention and impel them to keep going. It begins in the modern-day setting with Zack and his friends enjoying life near the woods and it shares some of the history in the area. Chapter two is more compelling as it travels back to 1766 and tells the story of how Nathan and Corwin become friends despite the persecution of the Monacan people.
The final verdict:
This historical fiction persuades readers to honor the memory, traditions, and cultures of natives living on these lands before the United States of America was born. The emotional story also finds Zack and Nathan connected across centuries, each struggling to cope with family and social expectations. I recommend you give this book a shot.

This book was a pleasant surprise, the author's writing is very fluid, he got into the story very quickly. The pewrmissa is very good, and the plot was very well constructed.

I'm going to be honest (always am): I picked this book for review for the cover, because it's a pretty close design to one I nearly went with for mine. And what a lovely treat!

Despite it being written with middle graders in mind, this is a book any adult can also read and enjoy. The language flows easily but brings forth with lots of beauty images of both present and past, of town and forest, river and home.

As one would expect from this kind of book, it is full of feeling, and it does a great job helping the characters (and the readers) work through the fear, insecurities, and wonders of late childhood.

It starts slow, with lots of description, getting us into both worlds (times?) it is set in, but halfway through the story kicks in and it hooks your, making you hold your breath and gasp more than once.

My heartfelt thanks to the author, editor and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC before publication.

A historically intriguing, two time line story, with a mystery to solve and a brother to save. A real page turner.

Picture this: a knife that can heal, but only if you never use it out of anger. And it's been passed down in your family for ages. Now, imagine you're just twelve years old, and somehow, you're the reason it's gone missing. That's the setup for “The Aftertime.” Starting in colonial Virginia and hopping to the present day, it's all about friendship, justice, and figuring out what's worth fighting for. Through the eyes of two kids—one English, one Monacan—the story dives deep into moral dilemmas and standing up for what's right. It's a real rollercoaster of a read, with heart and history all mixed in. Middle Age readers and more will enjoy this heart-warming and educational story.

I had expectations for this story, but they were well-exceeded. It will definitely be a new addition to our middle grades library. It's getting increasingly difficult to find good new literature for boys that focuses on character, decision making, and growing up while still being interesting and action-oriented. This book does all of those things (and girls will like it, too), plus it features some history lessons, including a lesser known Revolutionary War battle and a Native American tribe that isn't usually talked about in school. For kids living in the coastal NC area or Virginia, there will be more personal connections that make the story even more relatable. Overall, excellent!