The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: After Today by Jacqueline Hayley

Book Details:

Author: Jacqueline Hayley
Release Date: 
28th December 2021
Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction, Dystopia
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 258 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Can love survive an apocalypse?
After a deadly virus ravages Chicago and destroys Mackenzie Lyons’ carefully curated world, Mac escapes the devastation and horror to her childhood hometown with the help of her best-friend’s little brother, Jake. But the small-minded community of Sanford isn’t exactly welcoming, and the virus isn’t the only battle brewing.
Jake Brent has secretly loved Mac forever, and while this isn’t the way he’d dreamed of their relationship beginning, with the uncertainty of the outbreak he’ll take every opportunity with Mac he can and hope—pray—for a better future.

But when Sanford’s misogynistic council torment the survivors with horrifying demands and a lawless motorcycle gang threatens their fragile sanctuary, somehow Jake and Mackenzie must form new alliances and face down dangerous enemies in a struggle far worse than the outbreak.
Surviving the virus was one thing, surviving humanity after is another.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

After Today by Jacqueline Hayley is a dystopian post-apocalyptic book with a great concept, amazing characters and a well-written plot.

I was sucked into the immersive world of this book right from the first page and was left wanting more after turning the last one. This book is full of ups and downs and that kept the tension so tight that it was impossible to put it down even for a minute. The writing is simple yet very effective and had a great flow. The execution of the plot and the world-building were spot-on and the characterisation felt realistic and relatable.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot and would highly recommend it to all dystopian and apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic genre fans. This book has a lot to offer to all its readers and I am sure that anyone who has the slightest interest in post-apocalyptic worlds would definitely enjoy it tremendously.


You can also read this review on:

Goodreads


Amazon


I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

January 2022
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Spotlight: The Orichalcum Crown by  J. J. N. Whitley

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author  J. J. N. Whitley for his latest release, The Orichalcum Crown. Book: The Orichalcum CrownAuthor: J. J. N. WhitleyPublication Date: November 1, 2025Genres: High Fantasy, Dark…

  • Book Review: Whisper: Book One by Alison Bellringer

    Book Details: Author: Alison BellringerRelease Date: 26 April 2024Series: Genre: Middle Grade FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 75 pagesPublisher: Austin Macauley PublishersBlurb:Britney is a young, extremely malnourished child, who comes from a poor family with an abusive father. Her mother…

  • Book Review: AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours by S.A. Sterling

    Book Details: Author: S.A. Sterling Release Date: 26 October 2025Series: Genre: MemoirFormat: E-book Pages: 70 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:2:47 a.m. Again.For two years, she woke in the quiet hours—when the house slept, when the world felt suspended between night and…

  • Author Interview: Alison Bellringer

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome Alison Bellringer, author of Whisper: Book One, for an author interview with The Reading Bud. About The Author Alison Bellringer Alison has been writing short stories to share with…

  • Book Review: The Emotion Collector: Awakening by Richard French

    Book Details: Author: Richard FrenchRelease Date: 17 November 2025Series: Convergence SeriesGenre: Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Cyberpunk, Metaphysical Sci-FiFormat: E-book Pages: 393 pagesPublisher: Indie Pen PressBlurb:In a world where emotions are harvested as hazardous waste, an elite Collector absorbs a…