After Eden by Helen Douglas (review)

Sixteen-year-old Eden leads a fairly ordinary life in her seaside Cornwall village, attending school, studying for exams, and hanging out with friends. When gorgeous new guy Ryan Westland appears halfway through the school year, Eden is instantly intrigued, but a few things about him don’t add up. Eventually she uncovers a shocking truth: Ryan is from the future, on a mission to stop Eden’s best friend Connor from making a discovery that will eventually lead to the Earth’s destruction. Initially heartbroken, Eden is soon drawn into the secret conspiracy to thwart Connor’s find in an effort to save humanity. Complicating matters are Connor’s unrequited feelings for Eden, Ryan’s growing attraction to her, and Eden’s seeming inability to keep a secret. When she hints to the wrong people that she knows more about the future than she should, she endangers not just the mission but the lives of everyone around her and the future of the Earth itself. What’s on offer here is essentially a science fiction version of paranormal romance, as the story focuses on the burgeoning relationship between Eden and Ryan more than the underlying concept. Fans of the genre will recognize its conventions, including a super-average heroine, an extraordinary hero, a love triangle, and otherworldly obstacles for the couple to overcome, and they will likely delight in the time-travel take on a narrative they love. Those willing to suspend disbelief and scientific skepticism for the joy of the ride will find themselves swept up in Eden’s adventure and excited for expected sequels.