Official Review: Virtually Afterlove by Igor Waver

[HalcyonFlower]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Virtually Afterlove" by Igor Waver.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Igor Waver’s Virtually Afterlove: Leo’s Coffenscape incorporates virtual reality with reality through the adaption of the frame story technique. The novel opens with Protomorph, an elderly member of an RPG forum who wants to share the inspirational journey of an anguished forum user, named Leo, from 30 years ago (2005). As soon as Leo begins role-playing on this particular site, his character commits suicide. The reason for the sudden decision is unrequited love for an RP named Elle, a woman Leo has been in love with for five years. As Protomorph retrieves old posts in order to archive Leo’s journey, other users are attracted to the thread, all who contribute to an improved version of the story since some of the original posts by other users are missing. Leo’s choice leads him to Afterlife, where he undergoes a mandatory journey with two other characters, named Sherwood and Ingvar, in order to be reincarnated into Earth.

As this fantasy/sci-fi plot develops, another equally important one progresses in reality. Leo’s story has the other users intrigued and they want to find the user himself. Unfortunately, one of the users is a cybercriminal and creates more drama than necessary. Soon, Elle returns to the boards and this appearance triggers a domino effect in which a 30 year reunion takes place. She is married, has two kids and has an abrasive attitude, which upsets the users since they want a satisfying ending for Leo. The reunion doesn’t go as planned and the users’ idealistic expectations are broken quickly. Slowly, the plot unfolds in a shocking manner since Leo has become the opposite of who he once was. The journey illuminates the reasons he becomes an unfeeling individual.

My favourite aspect of the novel was the authentic feel of forum culture. The behaviour and slang is so typical of many forums, especially the rudeness of a certain type of user and group think characteristics. Each forum post had the username and avatar next to it and after a line break would be the contribution the user makes to Leo’s story. The grammar is, at times, terrible in the posts but when the users engage in narrative, the grammar is smooth and error-free. Initially, it was a difficult adjustment but Waver kept the formatting concise. He also alerts the reader to the change to blog posts after the cybercriminal creates mischief in the forums so there is minimal confusion. There are jumps between 2005 & 2035 as many of the initial posts took place in 2005 but Waver marks them so the reader is aware of the original posts and the innovated ones.

Plot-wise, the novel blew my mind. There’s another word I’d like to use but it’d be inappropriate. It seems rather simple in the beginning but with the addition of characters as well as their relation to one another and their motives - especially the cybercriminal’s - developed multiple layers. I was shocked by the entry of Elle early on but realized for the progression of the novel, it is necessary. It’s hard to pinpoint character development since we see so little when they write on the boards but their eloquence – or lack of – and personality can be read through their writing style of their perception of Afterlife. Between the virtual reality and reality plots, the latter kept me entertained because of the drama and twists. At particular parts, I exclaimed. This normally doesn’t happen with me. Of all the characters, I admired Protomorph since he retains his naivety and innocence despite being the oldest of the group. This was a sharp contrast to most of the main characters. The other sharp contrast was between the mystical virtual world and the chaotic real world. We only see the conversations between the users and hear about the face-to-face interactions some of them have. We don’t have the privilege to read the actual conversations and author’s narrative surrounding these interactions so it becomes frustrating to rely on a character’s report.

Another reason I preferred the reality plot is that the world building of Afterlife isn’t very concise. I had to keep attention to every detail because there are many original terms used. Waver incorporates many Eastern philosophies/religions in the Afterlife portion yet maintains concepts from the Abrahamic religions. It’s important to keep an open mind because some of the character’s opinions or thoughts can be a tad offensive. Whether or not it’s the narrator’s opinion is unclear. The effort to bring these philosophies together isn’t smooth but in consideration of the conclusion, the unsuccessful amalgamation made complete sense.

I give the novel 4 out of 4 stars. Because of the absence of concise fantasy world building, I wanted to give it a 3. But as mentioned before, the conclusion made everything clear in retrospect. Waver’s writing style is deliberate and he provides a snapshot of a possibility of a certain kind of afterlife, complete with politics and governing bodies. For those who don’t mind different spiritual beliefs than their own or those who admire RPG, this would be the book for you. Reading this after watching a show like Sword Art Online, a show the novel mirrors in regards to questioning the difference between virtual reality and reality, will make the reading experience that much richer. There is so much more I’d like to write about but I feel I would spoil the story. If there is a second novel written in the near future, I will definitely indulge!

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Virtually Afterlove
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Like HalcyonFlower's review? Post a comment saying so!

[igorwave]

Thank you so much for the review. I will absolutely take everything you have suggested into consideration for the sequel.

[rssllue]

Excellent review! What you described definitely sounds like a very interesting concept that was pulled off quite well in the book. It looks like it would truly be a good read!

[anonanemone]

Great review! This seems like a very original, though morbid, work. Sounds like the plot is riveting. Thank you for this interesting review.

[katiesquilts]

Sounds like a very interesting novel! Not too many books that I know of focus on forum communities, despite how long they've been around. I might just have to check it out!

[WilliamsQ]

Thanks for the review, I will take a look at it. Btw here is the amazon link in case anyone is too lazy to search for it: http://www.amazon.com/Virtually-Afterlo ... +afterlove

[HalcyonFlower]

@igorwave - I look forward to reading the sequel! Thank you for considering my suggestions as well, much appreciated

Excellent review! What you described definitely sounds like a very interesting concept that was pulled off quite well in the book. It looks like it would truly be a good read!

Definitely, especially when it was unexpected. You won't regret it!

Great review! This seems like a very original, though morbid, work. Sounds like the plot is riveting. Thank you for this interesting review.

Manipulation is the key word, that's for sure. Eloquently morbid, haha.

Sounds like a very interesting novel! Not too many books that I know of focus on forum communities, despite how long they've been around. I might just have to check it out!

Please do! It goes by quite quickly with the twists and turns.

Thanks for the review, I will take a look at it. Btw here is the amazon link in case anyone is too lazy to search for it: http://www.amazon.com/Virtually-Afterlo ... +afterlove

I hope so! And thank you for the link =)

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I'm glad my review has peaked interest in the work.

[igorwave]

I look forward to reading the sequel! Thank you for considering my suggestions as well, much appreciated

The sequel is about one third done. I've had a question, though, now that you've read Leo's Coffenscape. It's a bit embarrassing on my part, but I've had trouble classifying my own work. Do you think Science Fiction is an appropriate genre for it? Could it be fantasy/romance, or something else entirely? It's a rather experimental novel, since it is mostly set in character's imaginations, rather than a proper fantasy world.

[Tanaya]

Sounds like an amazing book. What a difficult concept to be able to pull off successfully. Congrats to the author on a job well done. I really enjoyed reading this review.

[HalcyonFlower]

Sounds like an amazing book. What a difficult concept to be able to pull off successfully. Congrats to the author on a job well done. I really enjoyed reading this review.

Thank you for the comment, Tanaya! Much appreciated~

@igorwave

No need to be embarrassed, it definitely matches a lot of genres so I can understand the confusion =) I would suggest the following:

Science Fiction-Fantasy (because it takes place in a very probable future & fantasy because of the mystical figures involved & make-believe world)
Realistic Fiction (since it's an accurate snapshot of the RPG world & players)
Suspense (with the search for Leo & subplot of gotroot)
Drama & Romance (with all the relationships that pop up between users and their intense reactions)

For the afterlife bit, you could classify it as philosophical, or it could be placed under fantasy or sci-fi, depending on values & beliefs. There were some hints of an epic as well since there were parts that mimicked the concept of Inferno. I hope this helps!

[tularula789]

Nice review! It was enjoyable to read, and the book seems very interesting as well. Congrats to both the author and the reviewer.

[zaynab_m]

The review is written really well, you certainly have a talent for writing! The plot of the book seems unique, and the story an enticing read. I'll definitely give it a try

[HalcyonFlower]

Nice review! It was enjoyable to read, and the book seems very interesting as well. Congrats to both the author and the reviewer.

Thank you for the comment!

The review is written really well, you certainly have a talent for writing! The plot of the book seems unique, and the story an enticing read. I'll definitely give it a try

I'm very happy you took the time to drop that compliment Thank you!