Step into the electrifying world of After, where passion, drama, and first love collide in a whirlwind of emotions! Anna Todd’s After series, a global sensation born on Wattpad, follows the fiery relationship between college freshman Tessa Young and brooding bad boy Hardin Scott. This young adult romance saga has captivated millions with its raw intensity and relatable themes, making it a cornerstone of modern romantic literature.
From its humble digital origins to blockbuster film adaptations, After is more than just a love story—it’s a cultural phenomenon that explores the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery. Ready to dive into Tessa and Hardin’s rollercoaster romance? Let’s explore the heart and soul of this addictive series!
How After Began
Anna Todd, a passionate reader and One Direction fan, started writing After as fanfiction on Wattpad in 2013, inspired by the band’s music and Harry Styles’ persona. Posting chapters almost daily, Todd’s story exploded, amassing over two billion reads. Its viral success caught the eye of Gallery Books, who published the first novel in 2014, transforming Wattpad’s most-read series into a New York Times bestseller translated into 35 languages.
The Heart of After
The After series spans five main books: After (2014), After We Collided (2014), After We Fell (2014), After Ever Happy (2015), and Before (2015). In After, Tessa, a driven freshman at Washington State University, meets Hardin, a tattooed rebel who challenges her sheltered life and sparks an all-consuming romance. After We Collided deepens their turbulent relationship, while After We Fell and After Ever Happy navigate heartbreak, betrayal, and growth. Before offers Hardin’s perspective, giving fans a fresh lens on their love story.
At its core, After explores themes of love, self-discovery, and forgiveness. The series’ college setting and Tessa’s journey from a “good girl” to a confident woman resonate with young adults navigating their own transitions. Todd’s raw, emotional style and the enemies-to-lovers trope create a gripping narrative, though the toxic dynamics have sparked debate about romanticizing unhealthy relationships. Despite criticism, the series’ authenticity and emotional depth keep fans hooked.
Why After Resonates
After’s impact is undeniable. With over 12 million copies sold worldwide, it redefined young adult romance, proving digital platforms like Wattpad could launch literary stars. The series’ film adaptations, starting with the 2019 movie starring Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, brought Tessa and Hardin to life, expanding the fandom. Fans, affectionately called the “Hessa posse,” cherish the series’ ability to mirror the highs and lows of young love, cementing its place in pop culture.
After’s legacy lies in its fearless exploration of flawed characters and real emotions. It’s a testament to the power of fan-driven storytelling and the universal appeal of love’s complexities, inspiring readers to embrace their own journeys of growth.
- Publication Years: 2014–2015
- Number of Books: 5 main novels, plus spin-offs
- Film Adaptations: 5 movies (2019–2023)
- Global Sales: Over 12 million copies
Grab After and dive into Tessa and Hardin’s unforgettable romance! Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a drama enthusiast, this series will keep you turning pages late into the night.