Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by librarienby
After the Fall by E.C. Myers
5.0
I know I'm biased because I love RWBY already, but I cannot bring myself to rate it less than 5 stars. It seems to have enough unobtrusive explanation of the world of Remnant that someone unfamiliar with the show can easily follow along, while not only being just generally the sweet, sweet content fans crave on any hiatus, but also full of lots of fun easter eggs, like settling the fan debate of whether Ozpin's omnipresent mug was always filled with coffee or hot chocolate.
For those who wish to watch RWBY (Volumes 1-5 on YouTube, all volumes including Vol. 6 on roosterteeth.com), I highly recommend watching at least Volumes 1-3 before reading, because this book does contain spoilers for Volume 3. If you haven't watched the most recent volumes, that's okay. While it is set after Volume 6, this book's heroes, Team CFVY (Coffee), are on an entirely different continent than the heroes of the show and only interact with them in flashbacks.
As for the book itself...it's not amazing - I don't think it changed my life or any other cliché about awesome things - but it is certainly very, very far from terrible. One of the four main characters is gay and one is blind, so points for diversity. Another is part of the group that has been RWBY's allegorical stand-in for POC and racism in Remnant. The novel is very character-driven and this is where it really excels; we get to see each of the members of Team CFVY at some of their lowest points in flashbacks, as well as at high points as they battle monsters and save lives. Through the highs and the lows we get a clear picture of who they are and why we should believe in them even when the situation is bleakest.
If you are a fan of RWBY already, you probably don't need me to tell you to read this book. If you're not a fan (yet), I can't give you an unbiased recommendation, but I believe there's something of value in this story for you as well. If nothing else, it can serve as a reminder that even in dark times, even when we've lost a battle, it is worth it to fight for each other.
For those who wish to watch RWBY (Volumes 1-5 on YouTube, all volumes including Vol. 6 on roosterteeth.com), I highly recommend watching at least Volumes 1-3 before reading, because this book does contain spoilers for Volume 3. If you haven't watched the most recent volumes, that's okay. While it is set after Volume 6, this book's heroes, Team CFVY (Coffee), are on an entirely different continent than the heroes of the show and only interact with them in flashbacks.
As for the book itself...it's not amazing - I don't think it changed my life or any other cliché about awesome things - but it is certainly very, very far from terrible. One of the four main characters is gay and one is blind, so points for diversity. Another is part of the group that has been RWBY's allegorical stand-in for POC and racism in Remnant. The novel is very character-driven and this is where it really excels; we get to see each of the members of Team CFVY at some of their lowest points in flashbacks, as well as at high points as they battle monsters and save lives. Through the highs and the lows we get a clear picture of who they are and why we should believe in them even when the situation is bleakest.
If you are a fan of RWBY already, you probably don't need me to tell you to read this book. If you're not a fan (yet), I can't give you an unbiased recommendation, but I believe there's something of value in this story for you as well. If nothing else, it can serve as a reminder that even in dark times, even when we've lost a battle, it is worth it to fight for each other.