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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars
This had such a slow start but really picked up by the end! Neal's writing is always so fantastic, and I will definitely finish the rest of the series.
This had such a slow start but really picked up by the end! Neal's writing is always so fantastic, and I will definitely finish the rest of the series.
Overall rating 5 stars.
Everlost is a paranormal middle-grade novel that follows the new souls of Nick and Allie through their afterlife or rather as Nick coins their interlife. They navigate a purgatory type world full of solid dead spots and the sinking quicksand of the living world. Allie and Nick meet a handful of other characters that together make this a very charming story. The entertainment factor is a magical world that genuinely felt as though it were created by kids, as only kids are in this world. However, the author made sure to include some clever, nostalgia moments for older readers too.
"There were two kids here who had the supreme misfortune of crossing on Halloween: this kid [boy in skeleton costume], and another with green face-paint and fake peeling skin. Everyone called them Skully and Molder."
This novel explores the human nature of being dragged down into ruts and how peace can be found when we find a purpose in life, or in this case our second life. As expected in a middle-grade novel the pacing is fast and coincidently is a great read to get out of a reading rut. The characters are well developed for the most part. Some characters have unexpected transformations early in the story whereas others merely show a hint at transformation near the end. This may very well be an intentional set up for the next novel in the trilogy. I identified with Allie for being goal-oriented but admired Nick for his ability to see beyond attaining a goal. The writing was very witty and had a good dose of foreshadowing without being too heavy. Symbolism was successfully used by way of gravity and quicksand but also in the physical manifestations of the characters' personality and emotions.
I would recommend this to readers who are looking for a fun and quick read, and to anyone who has ever felt stagnant in life. This could be compared to The Lord of the Flies since the world is one absent of adults, but in contrast, is a much lighter and hopeful read.
Everlost is a paranormal middle-grade novel that follows the new souls of Nick and Allie through their afterlife or rather as Nick coins their interlife. They navigate a purgatory type world full of solid dead spots and the sinking quicksand of the living world. Allie and Nick meet a handful of other characters that together make this a very charming story. The entertainment factor is a magical world that genuinely felt as though it were created by kids, as only kids are in this world. However, the author made sure to include some clever, nostalgia moments for older readers too.
"There were two kids here who had the supreme misfortune of crossing on Halloween: this kid [boy in skeleton costume], and another with green face-paint and fake peeling skin. Everyone called them Skully and Molder."
This novel explores the human nature of being dragged down into ruts and how peace can be found when we find a purpose in life, or in this case our second life. As expected in a middle-grade novel the pacing is fast and coincidently is a great read to get out of a reading rut. The characters are well developed for the most part. Some characters have unexpected transformations early in the story whereas others merely show a hint at transformation near the end. This may very well be an intentional set up for the next novel in the trilogy. I identified with Allie for being goal-oriented but admired Nick for his ability to see beyond attaining a goal. The writing was very witty and had a good dose of foreshadowing without being too heavy. Symbolism was successfully used by way of gravity and quicksand but also in the physical manifestations of the characters' personality and emotions.
I would recommend this to readers who are looking for a fun and quick read, and to anyone who has ever felt stagnant in life. This could be compared to The Lord of the Flies since the world is one absent of adults, but in contrast, is a much lighter and hopeful read.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
I loved this book and all the characters in it. That is the beauty of all Shusterman's books. He makes you love all the characters even the bad guys and the horrible people. They all have their tragic stories and their motivations, so there is never a character that you can really totally hate.
I saw the plot twist coming, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read so many of his books now that I kinda know how they are structured so I know that everything has significance. Though the coin thing did throw me off guard. I am excited to read the next ones and honestly any other goods from this author because everything I read from him continues to be amazing.
I saw the plot twist coming, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read so many of his books now that I kinda know how they are structured so I know that everything has significance. Though the coin thing did throw me off guard. I am excited to read the next ones and honestly any other goods from this author because everything I read from him continues to be amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Car accident
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting premise, bit of a let down in execution. The story just didn't spark for me although it was interesting at points.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When I went to the bookshop, it was if it has emptied that day. There were only self-help books or biographies and some fantasy books, but only the second, third, fourth, even up to the fifth book in the saga/trilogy/chronicle etc, but I couldn't find any with the first book.
However, stacked behind an autobiography, I found “Everlost” it was the first book I bought after months, it should be worthy and *spoiler* it was.
I honestly didn't expect this book to surprise me as much as it did.
From the very first chapter, I loved the way the story told. I have no idea how the author found the exact words to describe the crash, the accuracy of the scene is simply wonderful. At the time I read it was as if I was in my front row observing the accident.
The way he created the new world was simply exquisite. So as can be seen, I am a fangirl because of the way he described all the scenes.
I didn't like Allie at first, I found her a little harsh against Mary, but then I quite understood her attitude. She believed she knew enough to face the living world, but in Everlost things were different and complicated, she was ignorant of this new setting. The character development between Nick and Lief is *tries to catch breath* IMPECCABLE.
The clues in each chapter were symbolic for the continuation of the story.
I liked the introduction of new characters. We see different points of view, from Allie and Nick to McGill and Vari, which was genius. Because most of the time it's great to build a relationship with the characters, experiment what they have been through. There was not even a SINGLE character who lacked attitude, personality, and intrigue. ALL of them had a story, a goal, and a weakness. And that was just GOLD.
The way they unravel the tangle of secrets was just *chef kiss*
I like it when the characters think things through, but sometimes it turns out to be filler. Neal Shusterman found a splendid way of overthinking things, but reaching a point where each option is debatable, each with its own pros and cons. A decision that will mark the destiny not only of the story, but also of the opinion of the audience. A decision that must be made prudently. And the delivery of each was JUST *speechless.*
I have read various opinions and what upset them the most was the way they “tortured” but actually, I completely understand. Several children disapprove the idea of sleeping in the afternoon, it is unnecessary in their judgments, they could read, play and even do homework. However... not sleeping because it is BORING.
If they were attacked they would not feel anything, we can see that from the beginning, when Lief pushes Allie from the top of the trees and when she hits the ground doesn't get hurted or even feel a bit of pain, then it made no sense to hit.
However, emotionally controlling someone and showing them how boring it will be not only the next few minutes or hours of her life, but also the next few years. The feeling of helplessness in each of the children that the McGill captured grows every second. So, excuse me, but actually, it's a clever idea and not at all silly or dumb.
In conclusion, I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the trilogy and other books of the author. And there is a 99.9% chance that this is one of my favourite books.
However, stacked behind an autobiography, I found “Everlost” it was the first book I bought after months, it should be worthy and *spoiler* it was.
I honestly didn't expect this book to surprise me as much as it did.
From the very first chapter, I loved the way the story told. I have no idea how the author found the exact words to describe the crash, the accuracy of the scene is simply wonderful. At the time I read it was as if I was in my front row observing the accident.
The way he created the new world was simply exquisite. So as can be seen, I am a fangirl because of the way he described all the scenes.
I didn't like Allie at first, I found her a little harsh against Mary, but then I quite understood her attitude. She believed she knew enough to face the living world, but in Everlost things were different and complicated, she was ignorant of this new setting. The character development between Nick and Lief is *tries to catch breath* IMPECCABLE.
The clues in each chapter were symbolic for the continuation of the story.
I liked the introduction of new characters. We see different points of view, from Allie and Nick to McGill and Vari, which was genius. Because most of the time it's great to build a relationship with the characters, experiment what they have been through. There was not even a SINGLE character who lacked attitude, personality, and intrigue. ALL of them had a story, a goal, and a weakness. And that was just GOLD.
The way they unravel the tangle of secrets was just *chef kiss*
I like it when the characters think things through, but sometimes it turns out to be filler. Neal Shusterman found a splendid way of overthinking things, but reaching a point where each option is debatable, each with its own pros and cons. A decision that will mark the destiny not only of the story, but also of the opinion of the audience. A decision that must be made prudently. And the delivery of each was JUST *speechless.*
I have read various opinions and what upset them the most was the way they “tortured” but actually, I completely understand. Several children disapprove the idea of sleeping in the afternoon, it is unnecessary in their judgments, they could read, play and even do homework. However... not sleeping because it is BORING.
If they were attacked they would not feel anything, we can see that from the beginning, when Lief pushes Allie from the top of the trees and when she hits the ground doesn't get hurted or even feel a bit of pain, then it made no sense to hit.
However, emotionally controlling someone and showing them how boring it will be not only the next few minutes or hours of her life, but also the next few years. The feeling of helplessness in each of the children that the McGill captured grows every second. So, excuse me, but actually, it's a clever idea and not at all silly or dumb.
In conclusion, I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the trilogy and other books of the author. And there is a 99.9% chance that this is one of my favourite books.
This was 3 stars until the last 20 pages and then I upped it to 3.75. The 2 plot twists, I was able to figure out one, but the last one is what made me all of a sudden enjoy the book much more. It reads like middle grade to me but the writing by this author was such an easy read. This first one seems like an ice breaker but I feel the second drop be much better