This was most definitely a "hard-hitting and heart-warming" story. Elisa Dane is a heavy-weight when it comes to emotions. I felt everything while reading this book. Hate, anger, frustration, fear, love and heartbreak. I may not have been acquainted with Ms, Dane prior to In the After, but now I am very interested in seeing what else she has to offer. 
 In the After is one of those books that you just need to read. The details, the descriptions, the relationships, how everything plays out, it is all part of a journey and I don't want to ruin it for you. So instead of facts about the story, I will just stick to feelings about this story and it's players. 
 The AE rule the school, and they are good at it. In the worst way. These were truly terrible people. They are where my anger was directed, for the most part. The way Ian was treated just made me so angry. And while I know I should have been angry with Sadie, and at first I truly was, as the story progressed I started to understand. My heart hurt for her. I could imagine the fear she felt, as a teenager who is surrounded by these types of people. Hayden, thank goodness for Hayden. He was precious. He was a light in the darkness.... 
 And there was a lot of darkness. When I was in high school, almost fifteen years ago now, we didn't think about shooters coming in to our school. That wasn't something that happened, at least not like it does now. But now, I can only imagine that this is a real fear that students face. For this to actually play out, man. I was thoroughly absorbed in the story while at the same time my mind was revolting against what was happening. 
 I love the fact that YA authors today aren't shying away from writing about tough subjects, because the world that we live in today is full of these things. They happen, regularly. Teenagers need a way to think about them, a platform that gives voice to the fears that they face, and books are a great platform. They make way for discussions, they bring issues to life. I admire authors, like Elisa Dane, who are willing to write about things that for so long just weren't talked about. 
 In the After is a great story. In the end, the book may not be perfect, but the story is so good and that is what matters. To this day, I am not sure what made me request to be a part of this tour. But I am so glad that I did. Thanks Elisa Dane, for a wonderful story!