Before
A prequel to the After series, told from multiple points of view — Hardin as a child, Landon, Zed, and several of the girls Hardin was involved with before Tessa, among others. The first part traces Hardin's upbringing with an alcoholic, neglectful father and the anger that grew out of it.
The middle section revisits the events of After from Hardin's point of view, and the final part moves past the four main books to fill in what became of the people around Tessa and Hardin. Fifth in Anna Todd's After series, Before is a backstory book more than a new chapter in the central romance.
Reading the four preceding novels is recommended before starting this book, as it contains perspectives and revelations that disclose events occurring throughout the entire series [1.1.8].
The narrative structure is divided into three distinct parts that encompass backstories from Hardin's childhood, his perspective during key encounters in the first book, and additional scenes that take place after the conclusion of the main series.
The narrative incorporates multiple viewpoints from supporting characters including Landon, Zed, Smith, Christian Vance, and several of the women Hardin encountered before meeting Tessa.
