The Invasion (The After Series, Book Three) by J. Taylor
“The world has changed—but what comes next will challenge everything Charlotte and Anna thought they knew about survival, loyalty, and home.”
💖Welcome
Welcome back to my stop on the iRead Book Tour for J. Taylor’s middle-grade dystopian The After Series! Last week, I shared my review of Survival (Book Two), which followed Charlotte and Anna as they learned to rebuild after the world fell apart in The After (Book One).
This week, I’m diving into The Invasion (Book Three), a powerful continuation that raises the stakes and expands the world far beyond Nova Scotia. As the girls face new challenges—both human and environmental—they must decide what kind of world they’re willing to fight for. Friendship and courage collide with loss and change in this heartfelt conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy.
📝 All About the Book
The Invasion
By J. Taylor
Series: The After Series #3
Published by FriesenPress on July 2025
Genres: Suspense, Dystopian, Friendship, Middle-Grade
Formats: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 198
Source: iRead Book ToursWith no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.
Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits.
Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.
📚 Where to Find The Invasion
Available on Amazon
[amazon fields =”1038344263″ value=”thumb”]
🛒 KINDLE | PAPERBACK | HARDCOVER
If the above links don’t direct you to your country’s Amazon page, please feel free to contact me—I’m happy to provide the correct link.
Using my Amazon affiliate links doesn’t change the price you pay. Amazon shares a small commission with me, which helps keep this blog running—thank you!
Also available at:
📘 Friesen Press | Indigo | B&N
✨ My Thoughts on The Invasion ✨
With The Invasion, J. Taylor delivers a poignant, emotionally layered finale to The After Series. While Survival focused on rebuilding and resilience, this final installment broadens the lens—forcing Charlotte and Anna to confront not just the struggle to live, but the question of why life is worth rebuilding. The tone is slightly older, more introspective, yet still perfectly accessible for its middle-grade audience.
J. Taylor’s writing shines brightest in the moments of tension between hope and fear. The girls’ journey beyond the safety of their small world introduces new faces and new dangers, but also glimmers of community and renewal. The pacing remains brisk, with emotional pauses that land beautifully. Readers will feel the weight of every decision as the girls grapple with loyalty, forgiveness, and the meaning of home in a fractured world.
What makes Book Three stand out is its heart. Taylor balances suspense and empathy in equal measure, never losing sight of her characters’ humanity. The closing chapters are both satisfying and bittersweet—a fitting conclusion to a trilogy that celebrates courage, friendship, and the quiet bravery of ordinary people rebuilding their lives.
Review at a Glance
- Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Perfect for: Readers aged 10–15 who loved The City of Ember or Hatchet and want a character-driven post-collapse adventure.
- Vibe: Hopeful dystopia with heart—emotional, atmospheric, and quietly heroic.
- Content Notes: PG; mild peril and emotional tension but no graphic scenes or language.
- Themes: Courage, forgiveness, community rebuilding, the cost of leadership, and holding onto kindness in chaos.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review represents my honest and unbiased opinion.
Check out the full series!
🖋️ Guest Post from J. Taylor
Here’s the link to the guest post from J. Taylor that was featured in last week’s post
Read J. Taylor’s guest post below: “The Appointment.”
✍️Meet the Author
J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories.
Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.
Connect with the author:
website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads ~ amazon
✍️ Closing Notes
Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of my two-week feature celebrating J. Taylor’s The After Series!
This week’s post for The Invasion (Book Three) brings the trilogy full circle—with hope, heart, and the reminder that even after the darkest times, rebuilding is possible.
You can catch up on my earlier reviews of The After (Book One) and Survival (Book Two) to experience how Charlotte and Anna’s friendship and resilience first took shape before the events of this concluding book.
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to J. Taylor, Friesen Press, and iRead Book Tours for providing review copies and materials for this event.
It’s been a joy to feature the series and share this touching, age-appropriate dystopian adventure with my readers.
Official iRead Tour Page → Click here for the full schedule
🌅 The Invasion (Book Three – The After Series)
- Oct 15 – @michellegodardricher
- Oct 20 – Liese’s Blog
- Oct 20 – @jilljemmett
- Oct 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews
- Oct 21 – @ablueboxfullofbooks
- Oct 23 – Gina Rae Mitchell
- Oct 24 – Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Ahas
- Oct 27 – @reader_ceygo
- Oct 30 – @bookishlife.line
- Oct 31 – @leannebookstagram
- Nov 4 – Locks, Hooks and Books
- Nov 4 – Sarandipity’s
- Nov 4 – @emwigstersbookshelf
- Nov 5 – FUONLYKNEW
- Nov 6 – @nissa_the.bookworm
- Nov 7 – @respecka
- Nov 7 – @acourtofspinesnpages
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Civil, respectful conversation is always welcome—let’s chat about books, food, or whatever brings you joy.
📚 Why Join iRead as a Tour Host?
Free books in your mailbox? Yes, please!
As an iRead tour host, you’ll not only get advance copies of great reads, but your blog will also get extra exposure through tour-wide promotion and backlinks. Authors and publishers often share the tour on their own platforms, too, so it’s a win-win for visibility.
You’ll get the chance to connect with authors through interviews and guest posts, and maybe even discover a new favorite genre along the way.
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