Welcome to your next chance.
Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into their ...
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Jan 05, 2011
Crystal ♥ RBtWBC
rated it: 
Destefano's debut is a darkly wonderful novel, fast paced and compelling, chuck full of suspense & mystery, murder & deceit, with the ever present struggle of good vs evil, and just a dash of romance.
The story takes place in New Orleans in a type of futuristic world, totally different from our own and makes you appreciate the fact that your world is not like this. At least for me it did. It's done in several different character POV's, including a dog. Yes, I said dog, but Omega is no More...
The story takes place in New Orleans in a type of futuristic world, totally different from our own and makes you appreciate the fact that your world is not like this. At least for me it did. It's done in several different character POV's, including a dog. Yes, I said dog, but Omega is no More...
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Oct 21, 2010
Natasha
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One of the most original Urban Fantasy books of the year! I'm on a hell of an awesome reading streak. The last 10 books I've read were A+. I love it. Afterlife is the first novel in The Resurrection Chronicles by Merrie Destefano. That's a mouth full!
Starting off, you get a 101 on Babysitting, and no I don't mean taking care of children. Babysitting in Afterlife takes a whole new meaning to looking after someone. I'll break it down for you. Resurrection is a way of life in this world. Nine More...
Starting off, you get a 101 on Babysitting, and no I don't mean taking care of children. Babysitting in Afterlife takes a whole new meaning to looking after someone. I'll break it down for you. Resurrection is a way of life in this world. Nine More...
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Oct 13, 2010
I hate to say it, while Afterlife may be a great novel, and I’ve been seeing some great reviews, I just can’t read it. The whole premise of the story is that people get a second chance at life. Not just a second, but up to nine lives total. Once you die, you get to go back and do it over again as someone else. The premise still sounds fantastic and I am still intrigued to see how it is, I’m just going to have to wait. Honestly, the idea that the characters maintain some of their memories is a
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Oct 04, 2010
Jessica
rated it: 
I managed to do a one day read! Really surprising since my little niece was home today, being her usual loud self! Love her to death, but she hasn't learned the meaning behind inside voice yet.
Anyway, I read Merrie Destefano's debut Afterlife and it wasn't too bad. It was another different read for me. Other then the idea of resurrection there wasn't too much supernatural involved. But the cover was wicked awesome so I couldn't pass reading this.
The book was told in multi More...
Anyway, I read Merrie Destefano's debut Afterlife and it wasn't too bad. It was another different read for me. Other then the idea of resurrection there wasn't too much supernatural involved. But the cover was wicked awesome so I couldn't pass reading this.
The book was told in multi More...
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Feb 02, 2011
Michelle
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The Resurrection Chronicles: Afterlife is a novel of Fiction by Merrie Destefano from EOS.
Book Blurb:
Welcome to your next chance.
Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into their new and improved lives. Though Fresh Start has always been the only game in town, resurrection isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nine lives are all a person can get - and a powerful group of desperate, high-level Nine-Time More...
Book Blurb:
Welcome to your next chance.
Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into their new and improved lives. Though Fresh Start has always been the only game in town, resurrection isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nine lives are all a person can get - and a powerful group of desperate, high-level Nine-Time More...
Aug 19, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
I received an ARC of this book and I am totally floored by it. It went beyond anything I could even imagine. It was urban fantasy based in a place I love to read about, New Orleans. But, this New Orleans is a futuristic one where life and death are completely turned on their ears. Where cats are not the only ones with nine lives, if you choose that path. (Not a spoiler because it is in the description on the back of the book. If fictionally questioning God's plan is offensive to the reader then
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Oct 10, 2010
Rex Robot Reviews
rated it:
Wow. What a brilliant debut novel! Afterlife by Merrie Destefano is intriguing, dark and mysterious. Merrie had me hooked from the very beginning, throwing me head first into the action. She did a wonderful job creating a scary world where humans recreate resurrection over and over. This book was very different from most of the novels I've read, which made it extremely refreshing.
The story is told in multiple points of view, we even get a run down of a very lovable doggy's play by pla More...
The story is told in multiple points of view, we even get a run down of a very lovable doggy's play by pla More...
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Sep 28, 2010
Teri
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I received and ARC of this book and it was amazing!
In the first few chapters, that hanging chapters based in separate character's POV was a bit disorientating for me in the beginning. As the story developed it engulfed me into this work of a future time where people can "jump" their consciousness to a new body up to 9 times. In a car wreak and you have the expensive chip.... swoosh =new body.
It is a really interesting concept and it made an amazing story. Once you get used More...
In the first few chapters, that hanging chapters based in separate character's POV was a bit disorientating for me in the beginning. As the story developed it engulfed me into this work of a future time where people can "jump" their consciousness to a new body up to 9 times. In a car wreak and you have the expensive chip.... swoosh =new body.
It is a really interesting concept and it made an amazing story. Once you get used More...
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Feb 25, 2011
CoffeeTimeRomance
rated it:
Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles is an intense science fiction adventure that keeps you tied in knots although at times I did not quite grasp the storyline and found myself lost. But as the plot thickened and the characters’ agendas started to become clearer, I found myself understanding more of this tale. Ms. Destefano’s talent introduces us to a world where death does not mean the end of life as we know it. The concept is fresh and unique and leaves me a little terrified of the possibili
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Jul 09, 2010
Tez
rated it:
Nine lives aren't enough for those seeking immortality.
Fresh Start employee Chaz Domingue assists his newly resurrected charges for their first week, and this one's proving a real challenge. Angelique Baptiste's previous identity had ties with Chaz's brother, and was highly involved in some revolutionary research - the results for which some people will kill. With resurrection, that's not much of a threat, but Chaz is a One-Timer who never signed up for future lives.
Merri More...
Fresh Start employee Chaz Domingue assists his newly resurrected charges for their first week, and this one's proving a real challenge. Angelique Baptiste's previous identity had ties with Chaz's brother, and was highly involved in some revolutionary research - the results for which some people will kill. With resurrection, that's not much of a threat, but Chaz is a One-Timer who never signed up for future lives.
Merri More...
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Jun 14, 2011
Sapphyria
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Synopsis from the back cover:
Welcome To Your Next Chance.
Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into the new and improved lives. Though Fresh Start has always been the only game in town, resurrection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Nine lives are all a person can get-and a powerful group of desperate, high-level Nine-Timers will stop at nothing to possess the keys to true immortality.
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Welcome To Your Next Chance.
Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into the new and improved lives. Though Fresh Start has always been the only game in town, resurrection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Nine lives are all a person can get-and a powerful group of desperate, high-level Nine-Timers will stop at nothing to possess the keys to true immortality.
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Jan 10, 2011
Sharon
rated it: 
This sci-fiction suspense type mystery, frustratingly left me unsatisfied, I didn't mind the numerous point of views angle or the plot/concept, I thought that was an awesome idea for a novel & the writing angle refreshing & new, which is why I picked it up in the first place. I just couldn't get on with the characters I found them lacking. I hate not fininshing a book - so read on, yes it picks up about chapter 7-8 but still left me uninspired, I just didn't like it & I really wanted to...
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Jan 01, 2011
Carien
rated it:
A very original story in a well thought-out setting. The world building is very good: it paints a future that's dark, sinister and gritty. Destefano doesn't leave it at that though, she really thought about how the world would be affected by an invention like resurrection and integrates this in the story seamlessly. The story is written from multiple viewpoints, but all are very interesting and each has it's own voice. (My favourite was Neville's viewpoint as he's got an almost poetic way to des
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Oct 28, 2010
Tina
rated it:
This was definitely original, but the world didn't hold my interest.
Plot 3 stars - Not to bad. There is a lot of potential with the series. Action was not bad.
Cover 2 stars - Is it just me or does the cover model look like she's on crack? She is really freaky looking. Angelique is supposed to resemble a model. What happened?
Writing 1 star - Confusing. Their was not enough information to keep the reader informed. Most of the book kept me confused. All new para More...
Plot 3 stars - Not to bad. There is a lot of potential with the series. Action was not bad.
Cover 2 stars - Is it just me or does the cover model look like she's on crack? She is really freaky looking. Angelique is supposed to resemble a model. What happened?
Writing 1 star - Confusing. Their was not enough information to keep the reader informed. Most of the book kept me confused. All new para More...
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Jul 20, 2011
Kathryn
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Oh, what a hot mess this novel is! First, the author should refrain from all her stilted metaphors. They are overwhelming. Second, she should give some thought about developing characters. Chaz, Russell, and even Angelique are practically interchangeable. In fact, we are told that Chaz is a musician, but only Russel has musical metaphors. Third, although showing, not telling, is the best way to advance the plot, this novel's history and background remain opaque well past page 75. Even aft
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Oct 25, 2011
Paris
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Normally, I don’t like books with too many POV characters. Normally, I don’t like books that make me feel super confused, like I missed a huge chunk of the story and I can’t find it anywhere. And normally, I am not a huge fan of books where the main protag is a guy (I usually find it hard to relate to him, seeing as I’m not a dude). But normally, has nothing to do with this book. I loved every confusing page of it. I didn’t mind that there were 5 different narrators, one of which was a dog and o
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Mar 21, 2011
Ithlilian
rated it:
I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up. The cover didn't interest me and the blurb didn't grab me, but I gave it a try and I'm glad I did. This book is set in a future where humans can have up to 9 lives through something like cloning. Instead of starting out with our main character explaining how things work, we are thrown right into the midst of things. I would have liked this book considerably less if there was an info dump at the beginning. Instead, we pick up small bits of back
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Jan 03, 2011
Renee
rated it:
~4.5 stars~
I'll be the first to admit when I read the back cover copy for this book I wasn't sure if I would like this book. Don't get me wrong I read a ton of paranormal fiction but it's mostly full of teen angst and romance (yeah I read YA fiction). However when I learned that this book featured a dog as one of the main characters I thought, "Cool, a furry creature who isn't a werewolf!" I jumped at the chance to review this book and I was not disappointed in the least.
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I'll be the first to admit when I read the back cover copy for this book I wasn't sure if I would like this book. Don't get me wrong I read a ton of paranormal fiction but it's mostly full of teen angst and romance (yeah I read YA fiction). However when I learned that this book featured a dog as one of the main characters I thought, "Cool, a furry creature who isn't a werewolf!" I jumped at the chance to review this book and I was not disappointed in the least.
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Oct 22, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Set in the New Orleans of the future, Afterlife gives us a chilling look at what humanity might become if we developed the technology to transcend death. The Fresh Start company uses clones and memory “downloading” to resurrect anyone with the money to pay for the privilege, up to a total of nine lives. But as we quickly learn, there are so many things that simply weren’t thought out before the technology was unveiled.
The hero, Chaz Domingue, is a scion of the family that founded Fresh More...
The hero, Chaz Domingue, is a scion of the family that founded Fresh More...
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Sep 27, 2010
Tori [Book Faery]
rated it:
See this review in it's entirety at:
http://www.book-faery.blogspot.com
I've never read a book that's left me completely and utterly speechless by the time I finished it. Usually, I'll have something to say, even if it's a sentence as simple as 'I love it' or, 'I hate it'. A simple 'I love it,' however, won't cut it for AFTERLIFE. This novel is so rich with beautiful descriptions, reflections, and events that I fear I will be unable to give anything Merrie has incorporated More...
http://www.book-faery.blogspot.com
I've never read a book that's left me completely and utterly speechless by the time I finished it. Usually, I'll have something to say, even if it's a sentence as simple as 'I love it' or, 'I hate it'. A simple 'I love it,' however, won't cut it for AFTERLIFE. This novel is so rich with beautiful descriptions, reflections, and events that I fear I will be unable to give anything Merrie has incorporated More...
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Jan 21, 2011
Steph
rated it:
Where to start? For the first 1/2 of this book I was a ball of frustration. My hubby kept asking, "Still reading that one? Why don't you stop and move on?" The answer ... so many 4-5★ reviews had me curious what I was missing.
The book dumps you into the world with little to no explanation of, well, anything. You meet the two mains, Chaz, who is a babysitter and employee of "Fresh Start". And, Angelique, the Newbie he's babysitting.
There are m More...
The book dumps you into the world with little to no explanation of, well, anything. You meet the two mains, Chaz, who is a babysitter and employee of "Fresh Start". And, Angelique, the Newbie he's babysitting.
There are m More...
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Jul 20, 2011
Kirsten
rated it:
The concept of the book is brilliant (there are plenty of comments about it, so I won't go into it here). But the execution...? The book was not well plotted or paced and the resolution was more than a bit of a let down. Seriously...I was bored and would have abandoned the book early on if not for my stubbornness to always finish what I start. :) A rather predictable conclusion to a very formulaic plot which is a shame as the concept had such promise.
Dec 03, 2010
Jo
rated it:
I LOVE the writing style of Merrie Destefano, you feel as if you are being told the story first hand from each character, and not reading it from a book.
The book is full of intrigue from the first page, not even a quesion if it's a page-turner. Absolutely! It's easy to get drawn into the characters, the analogies are priceless. I'm looking forward to more books from thisi author!
The book is full of intrigue from the first page, not even a quesion if it's a page-turner. Absolutely! It's easy to get drawn into the characters, the analogies are priceless. I'm looking forward to more books from thisi author!
Oct 11, 2010
Donna
rated it:
If I had the time, I would have finished this book in one sitting. Terrific storytelling.
I really enjoyed how Destefano laid out this story by telling it from the different character's point of view. This helped me understand exactly what each character was thinking and feeling. I feel it was the best way for this story to be told. I wasn't confused by the multiple point of views at all.
The futuristic setting in New Orleans was perfect and felt believable. The only thing More...
I really enjoyed how Destefano laid out this story by telling it from the different character's point of view. This helped me understand exactly what each character was thinking and feeling. I feel it was the best way for this story to be told. I wasn't confused by the multiple point of views at all.
The futuristic setting in New Orleans was perfect and felt believable. The only thing More...
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Apr 03, 2011
Emily
rated it:
I don't know that I would have classified this one as paranormal - more sci-fi, or maybe futuristic medical thriller?... kind of weird and definitely not my normal genre. It wasn't what I was expecting when I went to read it, but certainly wasn't a bad book either. It was well-written and an enjoyable read, but not a re-read for me.
Jan 08, 2012
Wolfy
rated it:
A futuristic gritty UF that is well written in multiple POVs. Chaz helps integrate the recently deceased into their new lives. A thriller mystery ensues when a Newbie's past lives start to catchup with her. Don't miss this page-turning southern Gothic futuristic/Blade Runner type thriller.
Jul 24, 2011
Deanna
rated it:
I loved the premise of this book. It's not one that is over-done, totally fresh take. When I picked it up I thought it'd be about zombies (first place my mind went when I read the title), not so! I liked the characters and the way she developed them. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Dec 29, 2011
Claire
rated it:
I don't read much urban fantasy, but I really liked this one. Thanks to Fresh Start and their microchip implants, you can now live forever! (Well not exactly, but nine lifetimes is pretty close right?) Reminded me of The Last Christian by David Gregory only a lot grittier.
Nov 20, 2010
Cat Russell
rated it: 
I just couldn't get into this book... tried three times. There wasn't anything that caught my attention and I didn't like the switching between characters. Normally I don't mind that but it bothered me with this book. It just flat out was not interesting.
Dec 18, 2011
This is a dark futuristic sci-fi story about artificial re-incarnation. Tosca Lee likened it to Bladerunner. I didn't like that either. I just couldn't get any farther than pg 50. But I did like The Fifth Element which is futuristic sci-fi but it isn't dark so other than the darkness I'm not sure why I couldn't get into this. I also liked the first Dune and all of the Mad Max movies.
This is a personal preference only and shouldn't be used against the book because I don't like this ge More...
This is a personal preference only and shouldn't be used against the book because I don't like this ge More...
