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!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
January 2022
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Corporate Coach Approach: A Systematic Guide to Career Development by Nicole Fronek

    Book Details: Author: Nicole FronekRelease Date: 28 June 2025Series: Genre: Continuing EducationFormat: E-book Pages: 158 pagesPublisher: Painted Gate PublishingBlurb:In the modern corporate environment, career advancement does not typically occur by chance, but rather through intentional action. Corporate Coach Approach…

  • Book Spotlight: Time’s New Dawn: A Dark Time Novel by D Gordon

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring D Gordon for their latest release, Time’s New Dawn. Book: Time’s New DawnAuthor: D GordonSeries: Dark Time (Book #1)Publication Date: 12 August 2026Publisher: Pages: 320Genre: Science-Fiction, ThrillerAvailable in:…

  • Book Review: When Squirrels Fly by D. E. Carr

    Book Details: Author: D. E. CarrRelease Date: 28 July 2026Series: Genre: Format: E-book Pages: 347 pagesPublisher: She Writes PressBlurb:For fans of Connie Willis, Lucy Lyons, and Janet Evanovich, a debut cozy mystery with a speculative bent, set in…

  • Book Review: Constants by E.B. Miller

    Book Details: Author: E.B. Miller Release Date: 6 July 2026Series: Genre: Science-Fiction, Speculative FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 286 pagesPublisher: Evil Eye PublishingBlurb:Mark Robson is trapped in flux.Every 18 minutes and 32 seconds he wakes up in a new reality, then…

  • Book Review: Throwing Shade (Magic After Midlife Book 1) by Deborah Wilde

    Book Details: Author: Deborah WildeRelease Date: 15 March 2021Series: Magic After Midlife (Book 1 of 7)Genre: Women’s Fantasy, Paranormal Urban Fantasy, Humour, Jewish FolkloreFormat: E-book Pages: 342 pagesPublisher: Te Da Media Inc.Blurb:Middle-aged. Divorced. Hormonally imbalanced. Then she got…