Will Charlotte and Anna be able to save both their country and themselves?
THE INVASION
(Book 3 of The After Series)
Available for order at over 50,000 booksellers worldwide
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With 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. Signed copies of The Invasion available at Tattletales in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia |
THE INVASION
The After Series Book Three
You can order your copy from most major retailers online.
Hardcover & Paperback
Ebook
Follow J. Taylor on social media below for updates, or reach out through her Contact page!
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Specifications:
198 pages 5x8 inches B&W interior |
ISBNs:
Hardcover: 978-1-03-834427-4 Paperback: 978-1-03-834426-7 eBook: 978-1-03-834428-1 |
Book Reviews
Reviews sent to J. Taylor, through her "CONTACT" page, will be displayed below.
"It’s such great fun when you find a series and it keeps getting better book by book. How does that happen? Maybe it’s your attachment to the characters. Maybe it’s what events are focused on. Or, perhaps it because you begin to grasp the author’s vision. Begin to see where she’s taking you. Or, maybe something else entirely. Regardless, The After series is one of those that gets better and better.
The After, the first book, was the introduction to a dystopian way of life. Then the characters start to take hold of you. That’s where the anxiety sets in. Will things get worse? They do. How will two young teenage girls manage to survive? Can’t tell you that. The spoiler thing. But you’ll be wanting to reach the end and find out. Then you’ll be wanting more. Relax. The second book, Survival continues the series.
And then theirs the third book, Invasion. I think it’s the most intense in the series. Things get harder, darker, more serious. But the characters shine light through all that. Sometimes hope builds. Faith in humanity rises. I love character driven stories and these characters will stay with me."
5 STARS
-FUONLYKNEW
The After, the first book, was the introduction to a dystopian way of life. Then the characters start to take hold of you. That’s where the anxiety sets in. Will things get worse? They do. How will two young teenage girls manage to survive? Can’t tell you that. The spoiler thing. But you’ll be wanting to reach the end and find out. Then you’ll be wanting more. Relax. The second book, Survival continues the series.
And then theirs the third book, Invasion. I think it’s the most intense in the series. Things get harder, darker, more serious. But the characters shine light through all that. Sometimes hope builds. Faith in humanity rises. I love character driven stories and these characters will stay with me."
5 STARS
-FUONLYKNEW
"Book three, was the best in the series and that says something since I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all of them. The characters continue to develop and even though this is YA, the characters are very adult due to their new life. The author did a great job of keeping the adventure going and having some lighthearted moments along the way. The writing, pacing, descriptions, and characters continue to be on point. I would highly recommend this series!"
-bearyintobooks
-bearyintobooks
"The Invasion Takes Readers on the Next Step of this Dystopian Adventure. The author has created a fantastic character team that has grown along with the growing challenges and adventures faced in the series. The book is fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end. The pace keeps the story moving, preventing younger readers from getting bored, but it is well developed and interesting enough that the scenes are not too abrupt to engage older teens and adult readers. I love the author's writing style. She can develop scenes clearly and quickly without taking anything away from the story or its characters.
Expect a Clean Read. This series takes on some serious dystopian challenges--but the author offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The characters certainly face challenges and situations that tug the heartstrings. Still, they are also handled well and in a G/PG writing style that makes the story more heartpounding and heartwarming than the shock-value content of some teen dystopian pieces.
Would I Recommend The Invasion by J. Taylor? I loved this series, but this book was my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and find their paths. I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters' situations and the background of their growing bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes that are perfect for younger teen readers, but still detailed enough to hold the interest of older readers. If you enjoy middle-grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series is an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages. This book doesn't tie up all the loose ends, so you can be sure that I will be watching for more books in the series!"
-Book Corner News and Reviews
Expect a Clean Read. This series takes on some serious dystopian challenges--but the author offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The characters certainly face challenges and situations that tug the heartstrings. Still, they are also handled well and in a G/PG writing style that makes the story more heartpounding and heartwarming than the shock-value content of some teen dystopian pieces.
Would I Recommend The Invasion by J. Taylor? I loved this series, but this book was my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and find their paths. I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters' situations and the background of their growing bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes that are perfect for younger teen readers, but still detailed enough to hold the interest of older readers. If you enjoy middle-grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series is an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages. This book doesn't tie up all the loose ends, so you can be sure that I will be watching for more books in the series!"
-Book Corner News and Reviews
My Review
"I enjoyed reading the first two books from J Taylor's The After series, The After and Survival. I wanted to find out what could happen next with Charlotte and Ann. I was honored to have the chance to read the third installment, The Invasion. Since this is part of a series, it would be best to read the series in order. I was excited to jump right in with Charlotte and Anna doing all they can to protect their homeland. I find that they are good role models for young girls. I admired their strength, courage, and bravery. I felt like I was part of their journey as they are faced with danger, adventure, suspense, and action. I wanted to see what would become of the two and thought they made a great team. I found this tale to be full of hope, friendship, entertainment, and determination. A fabulous way to get away from the chaos of current events.
I am going to give The Invasion a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe that fans and lovers of clean Middle Grade / Young Adult / Dystopian Fiction will not want to miss out on reading this one. I would love to read more from J Taylor in the future to see what else she has in store for her fans and readers.
I received a digital copy of J Taylor’s The Invasion from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion."
-Locks, Hooks and Books
"I enjoyed reading the first two books from J Taylor's The After series, The After and Survival. I wanted to find out what could happen next with Charlotte and Ann. I was honored to have the chance to read the third installment, The Invasion. Since this is part of a series, it would be best to read the series in order. I was excited to jump right in with Charlotte and Anna doing all they can to protect their homeland. I find that they are good role models for young girls. I admired their strength, courage, and bravery. I felt like I was part of their journey as they are faced with danger, adventure, suspense, and action. I wanted to see what would become of the two and thought they made a great team. I found this tale to be full of hope, friendship, entertainment, and determination. A fabulous way to get away from the chaos of current events.
I am going to give The Invasion a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe that fans and lovers of clean Middle Grade / Young Adult / Dystopian Fiction will not want to miss out on reading this one. I would love to read more from J Taylor in the future to see what else she has in store for her fans and readers.
I received a digital copy of J Taylor’s The Invasion from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion."
-Locks, Hooks and Books
"My thoughts: Charlotte and Anna’s perilous adventure in this dystopian, post-apocalyptic version of Nova Scotia continues, taking them on a new and even more dangerous quest to survive. They get pulled into the Resistance, whose mission is to stabilize the government and protect Canada from invasion. These two girls are such vivacious and unique characters, drawing readers into the story. Although this series is targeted at middle-grade readers, it could definitely be enjoyed by the YA crowd and adults alike."
-Michelle Godard-Richer
-Michelle Godard-Richer
"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.
-Gina Rae Mitchell
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.
-Gina Rae Mitchell
"This has been my favourite of the series so far. The story is action filled , Charlotte and Anna continue to make a great team, and we meet some great new characters.. The book does end with a cliffhanger so I guess I will be reading book 4 to see how these two get back home ! "
reader_ceygo
reader_ceygo
"My Review 🖍️ This book we get to see Charlotte and Anna's bond solidify and I loved each and every minute. The effects of the virus are definitely lingering and the girls are smart and strong finding ways to survive. They need to seek out food and shelter but a encounter with a stranger may threaten what they have built. I was so happy to be able to read this book and I was not disappointed. It has everything I remember from the first book survivalist instincts, danger and friendships and of course a couple of cute animals. The story is solid and beautifully written with heart. I felt excited while reading and I could also feel dread from the unknown."
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
-leannebookstagram
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
-leannebookstagram
"The Invasion raises the stakes dramatically. With Canada’s government in ruins and invaders threatening their homeland, the girls join the Resistance. Their journey becomes one of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice as they fight to protect what remains of their world.
Both books in The After Series deliver fast-paced adventure and emotional depth, perfect for young readers who love survival stories with strong heroines and meaningful themes."
the_endless_pages
Both books in The After Series deliver fast-paced adventure and emotional depth, perfect for young readers who love survival stories with strong heroines and meaningful themes."
the_endless_pages
"I absolutely loved book one in this series, so I had to read the next two! We are once again back with Anna and Charlotte as they are trying to find a new home in this apocalyptic world that they find themselves completely alone in. I loved getting to know the new characters in each book, and I was constantly rooting for them. These are two very strong young women who have to do literally everything on their own! I couldn’t even imagine having the type of discipline they have. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction, I highly recommend this series!"
nissa_the.bookworm
nissa_the.bookworm
"Book 3 is more focused on government, territory, and protection. They join the resistance, bringing all their positive skills. Still keeps the fast pace and exciting high stakes. This volume feels a little more YA than middle grade when the characters are tested.
Goes from two characters to high stakes countries war."
-There Are No Bad Books
Goes from two characters to high stakes countries war."
-There Are No Bad Books
The Story: War, Resistance, and Two Brave Girls
In this third chapter, Charlotte and Anna are no longer just trying to survive—they're trying to protect what's left of their home. With Canada’s government in ruins and invaders pushing in, the girls are swept into the heart of the Resistance, forced to make decisions that go far beyond foraging or building shelter.
The threat of capture is constant. They're always on the move, navigating unfamiliar land, trying to stay ahead of a relentless enemy. And while they’re still just teens, the courage they show is massive.
💬 What I Loved
Charlotte continues to shine as the strong, smart, relatable protagonist we’ve grown to admire. I love how her survival skills evolve and how she keeps pushing forward, no matter how tired or afraid she is. That sense of "what would I do in this situation?" is still strong in this book—and it's part of what makes this series so fun and immersive.
The tension stays high throughout. Whether it’s a narrow escape or a quiet moment where doubt creeps in, you’re always turning the page wondering what’s next.
And Anna? She’s growing too. Their bond remains a core strength of the series, and it’s refreshing to see it tested and deepened rather than falling into clichés.
⚠️ What Didn’t Work for Me
While the survival and emotional elements stayed strong, I personally didn’t connect as much with the government/resistance storyline. The broader political angle pulled the story away from what I loved most in the first two books—raw survival and close-knit personal stakes. That said, this could totally be a matter of personal taste. Readers who enjoy dystopian military or resistance-style stories might find this arc exciting and well-paced.
🏞️ Setting the Stage for War
One thing that still holds strong in Taylor’s writing is her setting. The unfamiliar terrain, the looming threat of war, the atmosphere of tension—it’s all vividly drawn. You can feel the cold uncertainty, and the way danger seems to be hiding around every tree or behind every decision.
Themes: Growth, Grit, and the Cost of Freedom
What continues to shine in The After Series is its emotional core. This isn’t just a war story. It’s a story about young people pushed beyond what’s fair or reasonable, and how they hold onto hope anyway. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and that human instinct to keep going, even when it’s hard.
The theme of sacrifice starts to take a stronger role here too—what you're willing to give up for a cause, a friend, or a country.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Invasion is a tense, action-filled continuation of Charlotte and Anna’s journey. While the political plotlines didn’t fully land for me, the heart of the series—two brave girls trying to survive and do the right thing—remains compelling and powerful.
If you've read the first two books, you'll want to see where this chapter leads. And if you're new to The After Series, this is a great reason to start from book one and take the ride all the way through."
_Kims Book Reviews and Writing Ahas
In this third chapter, Charlotte and Anna are no longer just trying to survive—they're trying to protect what's left of their home. With Canada’s government in ruins and invaders pushing in, the girls are swept into the heart of the Resistance, forced to make decisions that go far beyond foraging or building shelter.
The threat of capture is constant. They're always on the move, navigating unfamiliar land, trying to stay ahead of a relentless enemy. And while they’re still just teens, the courage they show is massive.
💬 What I Loved
Charlotte continues to shine as the strong, smart, relatable protagonist we’ve grown to admire. I love how her survival skills evolve and how she keeps pushing forward, no matter how tired or afraid she is. That sense of "what would I do in this situation?" is still strong in this book—and it's part of what makes this series so fun and immersive.
The tension stays high throughout. Whether it’s a narrow escape or a quiet moment where doubt creeps in, you’re always turning the page wondering what’s next.
And Anna? She’s growing too. Their bond remains a core strength of the series, and it’s refreshing to see it tested and deepened rather than falling into clichés.
⚠️ What Didn’t Work for Me
While the survival and emotional elements stayed strong, I personally didn’t connect as much with the government/resistance storyline. The broader political angle pulled the story away from what I loved most in the first two books—raw survival and close-knit personal stakes. That said, this could totally be a matter of personal taste. Readers who enjoy dystopian military or resistance-style stories might find this arc exciting and well-paced.
🏞️ Setting the Stage for War
One thing that still holds strong in Taylor’s writing is her setting. The unfamiliar terrain, the looming threat of war, the atmosphere of tension—it’s all vividly drawn. You can feel the cold uncertainty, and the way danger seems to be hiding around every tree or behind every decision.
Themes: Growth, Grit, and the Cost of Freedom
What continues to shine in The After Series is its emotional core. This isn’t just a war story. It’s a story about young people pushed beyond what’s fair or reasonable, and how they hold onto hope anyway. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and that human instinct to keep going, even when it’s hard.
The theme of sacrifice starts to take a stronger role here too—what you're willing to give up for a cause, a friend, or a country.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Invasion is a tense, action-filled continuation of Charlotte and Anna’s journey. While the political plotlines didn’t fully land for me, the heart of the series—two brave girls trying to survive and do the right thing—remains compelling and powerful.
If you've read the first two books, you'll want to see where this chapter leads. And if you're new to The After Series, this is a great reason to start from book one and take the ride all the way through."
_Kims Book Reviews and Writing Ahas
"This was an intense and fast paced third story in The After series. Anna and Charlotte’s world grew bigger as they got involved in the Resistance group. I wasn’t sure how they would finish everything that needed to be wrapped up in this story but there will be another book in the series. This story was more heartwarming than the first two.
The Invasion is a great middle grade story!"
-jilljemmett
The Invasion is a great middle grade story!"
-jilljemmett
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