"Afterworlds" is a young adult novel written by Scott Westerfeld. It was published in 2014 and is notable for its unique narrative structure, as it weaves together two distinct storylines.

The novel follows the story of two young women:

1. Darcy Patel: Darcy is an 18-year-old aspiring writer who has just graduated from high school. She decides to put college on hold and moves to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a successful author. The novel traces her journey as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of the publishing world while working on her debut novel, "Afterworlds."

2. Lizzie Scofield: Lizzie is the protagonist of Darcy's novel-within-a-novel, also titled "Afterworlds." Lizzie is a teenager who survives a terrorist attack at an airport and gains the ability to cross into the "Afterworld," a realm inhabited by spirits and ghosts. In the Afterworld, she meets a charming and enigmatic ghost named Yamaraj, and their adventures unfold as she tries to understand her new abilities and the mysteries of the Afterworld.

The novel alternates between Darcy's real-life experiences in the publishing industry and the chapters from her novel, "Afterworlds." It explores themes such as identity, creativity, love, and the blurring of fiction and reality.

Scott Westerfeld's "Afterworlds" has received both praise and criticism. Some readers appreciate its innovative structure and the way it explores the creative process and the world of publishing. Others find it a bit challenging to follow the dual narrative. However, the novel's exploration of themes related to freedom of expression, storytelling, and the importance of diverse voices in literature aligns with the objections that many people have against banning books.