ARC Review - Far Shore by Traci L. Slatton (The After Trilogy, #3)

Far Shore 
by Traci L. Slatton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The After Trilogy, Book 3
Expected Publication Date: October 10, 2013
Publisher: Parvati Press
ISBN: 0989023273
Page Count: 240
Genre: Sci-fi/Romance-Adults
Connect with the Author: http://www.tracilslatton.com

Overview:
An old enemy wreaks new havoc at the end of the world…

After the mists’ lethal apocalypse, mankind’s only hope for survival lies broken and battered, the prisoner of a ruthless sociopath who will stop at nothing to hurt him. Emma sets out to rescue him. She faces an ultimatum and must relinquish everything she holds dear. As Arthur teeters on the brink of life and death, Emma’s healing ability fails. Her own despair tests her, and she must grow stronger than she ever dreamt possible as she confronts the truth of her own heart.

In a time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test…

A mystical odyssey, a haunting love..

My Review:

The world has collapsed and the nightmare is never ending for Emma as she makes an impossible decision, and must live with its consequences. Arthur is found, but what is left is hardly identifiable as human, whether he will live or not is in question, but Emma’s sense of responsibility, loyalty and love leave her no choice but to try to save what is left of him. Is it the right choice? Has she given up too much? Does she place too much stock in her own invincibility, her own self-importance? Does she have the right to gamble with the lives of others, to use who she needs to in order to survive? Are her powers evolving again or are they fading away? What of Arthur? Her family she left behind?

Far Shore by Traci L. Slatton, the third book of the After Trilogy raises just as many uncomfortable questions as in previous books as we come to the end of this series, but the beginning of a new world for those who survive the unrelenting mist. Ms. Slatton is making a bold statement by not painting her heroes or heroines as anything more than what they are, flawed, traumatized and yet brave enough to take a stand and live with the consequences. Emma is practical, very strong and willing to take more than her share of risks. Arthur is not the strong, mysterious character we knew and the change is shocking. Alexei, with his own demons avenged and soothed, impossibly has done an about face, as he witnesses Arthur’s condition, but can he be trusted?

Do NOT expect to be comfortable with all of the decisions made or the actions taken, this world is still bleak, filled with deceit and treachery, but there is still hope, there is still love. In the end, it may have been one uncomfortable decision that ultimately may save the world and someone had to be strong enough to make it.

The author generously provided me with this Arc edition in exchange for my honest review. If you’re looking for something to scrape a little on the smooth edges of your comfort zone, this series will do it, but be prepared to be haunted by “what ifs.”