Louie, his mother, father and eight brothers and sisters live in a little old house perched atop a craggy hill. A nearby volcano collapses into the ocean, causing a tidal wave to wipe out the entire village in the valley below. They are the only survivors around, surrounded by the raging sea. The sea level continues to rise and the parents know they must leave soon to seek higher ground before their supplies run out. Unfortunately, there is only room for eight passengers in their boat. The parents are faced with the hardest decision of their lives—which of their children do they leave behind?

The story is told from both perspectives of the parents and the children who were left behind. The parents set off on their tumultuous journey, seeking refuge and fighting to keep the remainder of their family alive. The sea and weather are entirely unpredictable, lightning storms and monstrous waves are imminent. They are riddled with guilt and shame from abandoning their children and know they probably cannot return to them in time. The abandoned children are confused, heartbroken and despondent. They stick together, using the few skills and resources they have to get by for as long as possible, wondering if their parents will save them before they drown.

This was one of the most suspenseful, anxiety-inducing novels I have ever read. It literally pained me when I had to put it down because I NEEDED to know the fate of these characters. I was so angry with the parents and felt so sorry for the children but Collette adeptly places you inside their heads, forcing you to empathize with both parties. I think this story is so terrifying because the plot is almost conceivable with global warming and our glaciers melting at such high speeds. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic novels, you must read this. JUST AFTER THE WAVE is a haunting, unputdownable novel about the bonds of family and the relentless power of nature.