In her signature style, Ann Redisch Stampler does it again! She writes with such honesty, beauty and conviction, it is practically impossible to put this book down. Is it as good as her debut, Where It Began? Yes! Perhaps even a little better! Even more captivating, suspenseful and filled with so many feelings, you'll be mesmerized and addicted, and turning the pages like a Stampler junkie. 
 Emma's mother was a drug addict and she died from overdose. Her death affected Emma's life in more than just one way. Now, Em's overprotective dad won't let his precious daughter out of his sight. His borderline obsessive protectiveness is too much for Emma to take. She doesn't want to be the good Emma anymore. She doesn't want to be the perfect daughter and flawless student. She wants something different and more exciting for herself, and she is determined to get it. When Emma meets Siobhan - a dangerous, rebellious, unstoppable free spirit - their friendship seems fated. They make a pact that Emma will, over the course of her junior year, do all the things she never did before, including sneaking out of the house, attending hot parties, having sex, drinking alcohol and more. But what starts off as an exciting and intoxicating new friendship, quickly spirals out of control when Siobhan shows her other, much more sinister side... 
 In 2012, I gobbled down Where It Began. I instantly fell in love with Ann Stampler's vivid, powerful and emotionally loaded writing style. Afterparty sports a similar kind of liveliness and the same type of addicting narrative. Perhaps Emma is even more expressive and wordy than Gabby (Gabby's narrative tone was more sarcastic and biting, whereas Emma's is more poetic and contemplative), but I still had no trouble connecting with her (even if some of her musings were mind-blowingly abstract). If wordy prose isn't your cup of tea, you will probably shy away from this book, but if, like me, you enjoy getting to know your characters well and finding out how and what they think, you will have plenty of fun reading it. 
 Emma was a very interesting, complex character. Seeing her break out of her protective shell and run wild was fascinating, even though from the sinister opening line of the book you are kind of expecting the worst to happen. I admired Emma for trying hard to stay in control of her own life. Both her father and her new best friend tried to mold her into someone she was not, but for the most part Emma stayed true to herself. She had a strong personality and she only grew stronger toward the end of the story. 
 Afterparty is a compulsively readable contemporary fiction that blends high-intensity drama with romance and elements of thriller, creating an explosive, addictive and thoroughly captivating story. It's not perfect, it has its shortcomings, and not everyone will find the writing style to their liking for sure, but if you enjoyed Where It Began, I am sure you will love Afterparty just as much, if not more. Personally, I am a huge fan of Stampler's writing style. I can't get enough of it. And I really can't wait for her next book!