Scan barcode
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
I never would have discovered Sophie Cameron and her books if I hadn't gotten the bookboxclub with Out of the Blue some time ago. So, when I saw this book on the internet, claiming to be Narnia meets Neverland, I knew I had to have it. I was stupid enough to put it on a wishlist for a swap though, but luckily when the swap package arrived the book was indeed in there!
From the very first page I was sucked into the story of Brody, the Everland world he discovers, the friends he makes and the hard times he's going through. Sophie Cameron really manages to sketch his life and personality within the first few pages and it's almost impossible not to love him right away. Although, that might partly be because he is so relatable and likeable.
Which is a good thing, because this story is truly character driven. It's Brody's story. It's about the choices he makes and why he makes them. It's about him coping with all the lemons life is throwing at him, but also with his own doubts and worries, with his solitude and with the feeling he doesn't really belong and no one is gonna miss him.
And all those choices, they somehow involve Everland. Even though Sophie Cameron doesn't explicitly show us everything Brody discovers in Everland, it's easy to form an image of the world. A lot of questions are not answered, just like in her first book, but I like it that way. It feels like she's partly giving Everland to me. I can come up with my own rules and explanations. I can decide for myself what my Everland would look like and if I'd choose it above the world I'm living in.
But, there's also room to see Everland symbolically, especially because it's a place where nothing can harm you and you don't grow up. I won't go into too much detail when it comes to this, because I don't want to influence your view on this world too much.
I would say: Pick up the book and discover for yourself why Brody's journey touched me, made me cry and what Everland could be to you.
From the very first page I was sucked into the story of Brody, the Everland world he discovers, the friends he makes and the hard times he's going through. Sophie Cameron really manages to sketch his life and personality within the first few pages and it's almost impossible not to love him right away. Although, that might partly be because he is so relatable and likeable.
Which is a good thing, because this story is truly character driven. It's Brody's story. It's about the choices he makes and why he makes them. It's about him coping with all the lemons life is throwing at him, but also with his own doubts and worries, with his solitude and with the feeling he doesn't really belong and no one is gonna miss him.
And all those choices, they somehow involve Everland. Even though Sophie Cameron doesn't explicitly show us everything Brody discovers in Everland, it's easy to form an image of the world. A lot of questions are not answered, just like in her first book, but I like it that way. It feels like she's partly giving Everland to me. I can come up with my own rules and explanations. I can decide for myself what my Everland would look like and if I'd choose it above the world I'm living in.
But, there's also room to see Everland symbolically, especially because it's a place where nothing can harm you and you don't grow up. I won't go into too much detail when it comes to this, because I don't want to influence your view on this world too much.
I would say: Pick up the book and discover for yourself why Brody's journey touched me, made me cry and what Everland could be to you.
manondragon's review against another edition
4.0
Un livre très mignon, qui se lit rapidement.
C'est un peu comme un petit cupcake a la rose, doux, nostalgique, teinté d'une envie de retourner en enfance mais aussi de grandir
C'est un peu comme un petit cupcake a la rose, doux, nostalgique, teinté d'une envie de retourner en enfance mais aussi de grandir
feldy's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mslater116's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ipetrine's review
5.0
I went into this completely blind. And it turned out to be one of those rare occasions where a book just perfectly fits your mood and needs. I might have rated this differently at a different time, but right now Last Bus to Everland was everything I didn't know I needed. Loved it.
polkadotgirl's review
4.0
4/5 stars:
I was hoping Last Bus to Everland would be a fast, easy-to-read but a-little-hard-hitting book and the story completely delivered on all fronts!
This book has helped me realize that I enjoy contemporary stories so much more when they’ve got a bit of a fantasy/magical element in them. Don’t expect any kind of explanation about the magic in this story, it’s there and nor you nor the characters really understand it. But I actually think that makes the story better in this case.
My favorite thing about this story was Brody’s -our main character- family dynamics and struggles. The story deals with issues such as mental health, academic struggles, financial difficulties, uncertainty about the future, etc. I really liked the exploration of Brody's character through his interaction with his family. I liked how mature he seemed when dealing with a lot of family issues and yet how he also felt like a teenager with some of his -a little stupid and dramatic- thoughts and worries. I especially found myself really liking all of Brody’s interactions with his brother Jake as well as his conversations with his dad, who suffers from agoraphobia.
The romance in this book isn't the main focus of it but I think it had the right amount of importance. It felt very teenager-y and a little non-sensical how quickly Brody grew to love Nico and how much he was willing to do to keep him but it felt like a deliberate aspect of the writing. Like I said before, I think it was another way to show just how young Brody really is.
I'm so glad I liked this book and I thank it for helping me understand what I like better in other contemporary YA books.
I was hoping Last Bus to Everland would be a fast, easy-to-read but a-little-hard-hitting book and the story completely delivered on all fronts!
This book has helped me realize that I enjoy contemporary stories so much more when they’ve got a bit of a fantasy/magical element in them. Don’t expect any kind of explanation about the magic in this story, it’s there and nor you nor the characters really understand it. But I actually think that makes the story better in this case.
My favorite thing about this story was Brody’s -our main character- family dynamics and struggles. The story deals with issues such as mental health, academic struggles, financial difficulties, uncertainty about the future, etc. I really liked the exploration of Brody's character through his interaction with his family. I liked how mature he seemed when dealing with a lot of family issues and yet how he also felt like a teenager with some of his -a little stupid and dramatic- thoughts and worries. I especially found myself really liking all of Brody’s interactions with his brother Jake as well as his conversations with his dad, who suffers from agoraphobia.
The romance in this book isn't the main focus of it but I think it had the right amount of importance. It felt very teenager-y and a little non-sensical how quickly Brody grew to love Nico and how much he was willing to do to keep him but it felt like a deliberate aspect of the writing. Like I said before, I think it was another way to show just how young Brody really is.
I'm so glad I liked this book and I thank it for helping me understand what I like better in other contemporary YA books.
fischer_drake's review against another edition
5.0
Prepare yourself, because the pages at the end of this book will be wet when you finish with it.
Out of all the books I have read, this is still the only book to ever make me cry. And it has done so twice now, once in 2020 & now in 2024.
After all this time I was afraid it wouldn't be as good as I remember partly because of the main subject of the book but also because I mis remembered this being YA. I'm really glad it's not though (I was worried it wouldn't be as good as it was when I was younger) and even though I know everything that happens I still felt the same strength of emotion as last time. For me, that is what makes it a five star book.
Being able to just step into another world that can calm you and provide you with your needs+/wants for as long as you want without affecting the real world was definitely a very appealing idea during the pandemic. Despite many things in the world and in my own life being greatly improved, the concept of that other dimension still holds up and does so very well. This is definitely one of those books that works incredibly well as escapism.
I think there are probably two types of books: (1) books that are interesting through a specific plot & (2) books that are interesting because of the characters. Usually I am not the type of person to read books for the characters, however, everyone in this book (specifically Nico) has me in a chokehold. Despite this book being primarily centered around their characters and lives, I still find it an incredible work of fiction.
Building on that, I think this book somehow addresses certain topics without discussing them at all or directly bringing up any of the hidden motifs. In addition to that, Last Bus To Everland also directly addresses some inequalities people with invisible disabilities face and how that can affect a family.
If you're straight and cis this book may not be meant for you, but its still possible to enjoy it if you have a certain mindset.
At a solid 7/5 stars I will probably never stop recommending this.
Out of all the books I have read, this is still the only book to ever make me cry. And it has done so twice now, once in 2020 & now in 2024.
After all this time I was afraid it wouldn't be as good as I remember partly because of the main subject of the book but also because I mis remembered this being YA. I'm really glad it's not though (I was worried it wouldn't be as good as it was when I was younger) and even though I know everything that happens I still felt the same strength of emotion as last time. For me, that is what makes it a five star book.
Being able to just step into another world that can calm you and provide you with your needs+/wants for as long as you want without affecting the real world was definitely a very appealing idea during the pandemic. Despite many things in the world and in my own life being greatly improved, the concept of that other dimension still holds up and does so very well. This is definitely one of those books that works incredibly well as escapism.
I think there are probably two types of books: (1) books that are interesting through a specific plot & (2) books that are interesting because of the characters. Usually I am not the type of person to read books for the characters, however, everyone in this book (specifically Nico) has me in a chokehold. Despite this book being primarily centered around their characters and lives, I still find it an incredible work of fiction.
Building on that, I think this book somehow addresses certain topics without discussing them at all or directly bringing up any of the hidden motifs. In addition to that, Last Bus To Everland also directly addresses some inequalities people with invisible disabilities face and how that can affect a family.
If you're straight and cis this book may not be meant for you, but its still possible to enjoy it if you have a certain mindset.
At a solid 7/5 stars I will probably never stop recommending this.
mel_j's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Minor: Ableism, Alcohol, and Blood
emmanovella's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I adored this book.
I love Sophie Cameron's writing, I love her characters and stories and the fact her books are set in Edinburgh and practically mention my doorstep!
This filled me with so many emotions and maybe I'm just depressed af but this made me want to cry so many times and JUST UGH I LOVE BRODY AND TINK AND NICO AND KASIA AND JETT AND EVERYONE ELSE OK
I adored this book.
I love Sophie Cameron's writing, I love her characters and stories and the fact her books are set in Edinburgh and practically mention my doorstep!
This filled me with so many emotions and maybe I'm just depressed af but this made me want to cry so many times and JUST UGH I LOVE BRODY AND TINK AND NICO AND KASIA AND JETT AND EVERYONE ELSE OK
powisamy's review
Having loved Out Of The Blue by Sophie Cameron, I was super excited to read her book. Even though it took me a little longer than anticipated, I had a lovely time in the world of Everland and will continue to Sophie Cameron's work in the future.
Even though the book does have moments that are touching and you can get the warm feeling from many scenes from the book, these are often contrasted with Body's home life. I think that the balance is well done and that both times are given their time to develop. That being said, Sophie Cameron touches on the reality for so many teenagers in the book.
The stress of zero-hour contracts, feeling inadequate compared to a sibling, the feeling of being lost altogether and mental illness, agoraphobia is tackled in the book. While I cannot speak to my own experiences of the book, I do think that their inclusion was important and will help a lot of people.
The book was also really diverse, Brody is gay and so is his brother as well as Everland being a point for a lot of different people globally. All these characters add to the story and give it more weight.
I really did like Everland and while at the beginning, I did think that they were going to stay at Everland for good, I liked the idea that they could come and go more powerful as a story device. I also liked the world that was created and how it could act as this safe space for the characters. I'm sure there are a lot of people who want an Everland.
The characters were really great and I think that Sophie Cameron does a great job making them feel real. I loved Brody as the centre protagonist and seeing his progress throughout the novel was great. I also really liked Nico and saw him as an equal for Brody but also for opposing what he wants. The book also gives us parents who do their best but are trying for there children.
One of the main reasons why I picked this up now was because last year if the pandemic had not happened I wanted to go to Scotland. I loved reading about it, especially Edinburgh and hopefully, I will get to visit when the pandemic is over.
Even though the last twenty per cent does offer a scary turn in the story, I think that this adds to the pacing of the story and adds more weight to the situation and Brody. I don't know how to explain it but I still felt safe in the book and that nothing too bad was going to happen. This is a credit to Sophie Cameron's writing obviously. I also found it really fast-paced as I really wanted to know what happened to my faves.
I really loved the ending as it was so emotional and adds so much to the overall arc of the story. I also was just solely attached to the characters and I feel like all of them got the ending they deserved and needed. Brody especially, I loved that for him. The character development tho.
As you can tell, I really loved The Last Bus To Everland and highly recommend that reads this book if you feel like you just don't fit in.
The Verdict:
The Last Bus To Everland is a book that captures the magic of escape but also finding out where you truly fit in.
Even though the book does have moments that are touching and you can get the warm feeling from many scenes from the book, these are often contrasted with Body's home life. I think that the balance is well done and that both times are given their time to develop. That being said, Sophie Cameron touches on the reality for so many teenagers in the book.
The stress of zero-hour contracts, feeling inadequate compared to a sibling, the feeling of being lost altogether and mental illness, agoraphobia is tackled in the book. While I cannot speak to my own experiences of the book, I do think that their inclusion was important and will help a lot of people.
The book was also really diverse, Brody is gay and so is his brother as well as Everland being a point for a lot of different people globally. All these characters add to the story and give it more weight.
I really did like Everland and while at the beginning, I did think that they were going to stay at Everland for good, I liked the idea that they could come and go more powerful as a story device. I also liked the world that was created and how it could act as this safe space for the characters. I'm sure there are a lot of people who want an Everland.
The characters were really great and I think that Sophie Cameron does a great job making them feel real. I loved Brody as the centre protagonist and seeing his progress throughout the novel was great. I also really liked Nico and saw him as an equal for Brody but also for opposing what he wants. The book also gives us parents who do their best but are trying for there children.
One of the main reasons why I picked this up now was because last year if the pandemic had not happened I wanted to go to Scotland. I loved reading about it, especially Edinburgh and hopefully, I will get to visit when the pandemic is over.
Even though the last twenty per cent does offer a scary turn in the story, I think that this adds to the pacing of the story and adds more weight to the situation and Brody. I don't know how to explain it but I still felt safe in the book and that nothing too bad was going to happen. This is a credit to Sophie Cameron's writing obviously. I also found it really fast-paced as I really wanted to know what happened to my faves.
I really loved the ending as it was so emotional and adds so much to the overall arc of the story. I also was just solely attached to the characters and I feel like all of them got the ending they deserved and needed. Brody especially, I loved that for him. The character development tho.
As you can tell, I really loved The Last Bus To Everland and highly recommend that reads this book if you feel like you just don't fit in.
The Verdict:
The Last Bus To Everland is a book that captures the magic of escape but also finding out where you truly fit in.