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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT JACK CAPUTO WHY DID I HATE YOU SO MUCH TILL THE END?
I really like this story. It's not my usual fair but enjoyable all the same.
I don't know what to think. Its not good enough to read, but a distracting audiobook. Nothing earth shattering past the description. I did look into the sequal though.
When I read a book, I want to swept away and absorbed in someone else’s reality. Everneath by Brodi Ashton is the latest form of book crack to do this to me. While Everneath started a bit slowly, I was quickly caught up in Nikki Beckett’s story as she lives out her last six months on earth.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
Just like what two stars stand for, the book is ok.
Quite a haunting and heartbreaking concenpt of KNOWING when you should say goodbye, it compelled me to pick up this book. while it is not an OMG moment, there is still some points that are worth applauding.
The Everneath concept while not exactly original, is still a little different and what I find specal about it is that the athour combines touch of Egyptian myth and also takes a spin on the widely known Euridyice and Opeus story.
What I find
Quite a haunting and heartbreaking concenpt of KNOWING when you should say goodbye, it compelled me to pick up this book. while it is not an OMG moment, there is still some points that are worth applauding.
The Everneath concept while not exactly original, is still a little different and what I find specal about it is that the athour combines touch of Egyptian myth and also takes a spin on the widely known Euridyice and Opeus story.
What I find
The only thing this has going for it is the mythology, which unfortunately was only present in the last 20%. Nikki annoyed me. Jack was idk, but not feeling him, and Cole...might be better? Jury is still out on him. I really didn't like Nikki and Jack's relationship, it's way too dramatic and dysfunctional and Nikki is a damn idiot.
But! I was told that Everbound was better so I'm pushing through. Navs, this is on you! :P
But! I was told that Everbound was better so I'm pushing through. Navs, this is on you! :P
This was so not for me, and for that I almost feel guilty for giving it one star, because this was very obviously not geared at my demographic. Then again, I’ve read plenty of books that supposedly aren’t either, and they’re brilliant. This isn’t a terrible book, but it isn’t really much of anything. The prose is bland, the characters are blah, the story is just kind of there. I don’t think I’ve ever read such a nondescript book in my life.
The story is heavily steeped in teenagedom. Nikki Beckwith is not necessarily described as a popular girl, but she was dating the high school quarterback, has to fend off his other cheerleading suitors, and her father’s the mayor. It’s a universe that is totally alien to me outside of 90's teen dramas. And it’s in this rather milquetoast setting that Nikki and Jack’s undying love is born, the love that allows her to survive the Feed that should have drained her of her youth and vitality, and brings her back from the Everneath.
I can’t claim to know the hearts of young people, cold-hearted android that I am. But as I am reading a book from their point of view, I probably should. And I can’t. I don’t know what makes Jack special, I don’t know what makes Nikki special. While she has glimmers of a personality – she picks up knitting in order to improve her dexterity and taught her brother how to fish – for the most part, she resembles the many self-sacrificing female protagonists in YA that make Stephenie Meyer proud. She claims she came back for her family, but we see very little of her father and brother. Her mind revolves around Jack, as his does around her. At least they’re on the same page, even if Nikki takes forever to realize it.
Being away from one’s family and life for a hundred years is a big deal. Being taken by an immortal and asked if you want to be queen of the underworld is a big deal. You’d think Nikki would have some perspective at this point. But all the conflicts seem so trivial. Her dad gets mad at her for giving him bad press, Jack doesn’t give a shit about her even though he clearly does, also his stupid ex-girlfriend who he might’ve but probably didn’t cheat on Nikki with still exists and breathes air and stuff. Really? Am I supposed to care? These all felt like manufactured conflicts that are supposed to - what? Make Nikki feel guilty about coming back? Ground us more in the real world? Pretend that there's a reason Nikki shouldn't be with Jack for every damn second of her six months before damnation? For a girl with a deadline, she spent a lot of wasted time on stuff that really didn't matter.
The plot twists you could see coming miles and miles away, particularly the ending (ok, I might’ve read the synopsis to the second book in the series a while back before I planned on reading this, but if the book’s good, spoilers shouldn’t ruin it). It all felt very by the numbers, and the only eagerness I felt was simply to get it over with. I imagine this book is good for someone, based on the amount of positive reviews this has, it must be. But there are far more sophisticated and compelling YA reads out there.
The story is heavily steeped in teenagedom. Nikki Beckwith is not necessarily described as a popular girl, but she was dating the high school quarterback, has to fend off his other cheerleading suitors, and her father’s the mayor. It’s a universe that is totally alien to me outside of 90's teen dramas. And it’s in this rather milquetoast setting that Nikki and Jack’s undying love is born, the love that allows her to survive the Feed that should have drained her of her youth and vitality, and brings her back from the Everneath.
I can’t claim to know the hearts of young people, cold-hearted android that I am. But as I am reading a book from their point of view, I probably should. And I can’t. I don’t know what makes Jack special, I don’t know what makes Nikki special. While she has glimmers of a personality – she picks up knitting in order to improve her dexterity and taught her brother how to fish – for the most part, she resembles the many self-sacrificing female protagonists in YA that make Stephenie Meyer proud. She claims she came back for her family, but we see very little of her father and brother. Her mind revolves around Jack, as his does around her. At least they’re on the same page, even if Nikki takes forever to realize it.
Being away from one’s family and life for a hundred years is a big deal. Being taken by an immortal and asked if you want to be queen of the underworld is a big deal. You’d think Nikki would have some perspective at this point. But all the conflicts seem so trivial. Her dad gets mad at her for giving him bad press, Jack doesn’t give a shit about her even though he clearly does, also his stupid ex-girlfriend who he might’ve but probably didn’t cheat on Nikki with still exists and breathes air and stuff. Really? Am I supposed to care? These all felt like manufactured conflicts that are supposed to - what? Make Nikki feel guilty about coming back? Ground us more in the real world? Pretend that there's a reason Nikki shouldn't be with Jack for every damn second of her six months before damnation? For a girl with a deadline, she spent a lot of wasted time on stuff that really didn't matter.
The plot twists you could see coming miles and miles away, particularly the ending (ok, I might’ve read the synopsis to the second book in the series a while back before I planned on reading this, but if the book’s good, spoilers shouldn’t ruin it). It all felt very by the numbers, and the only eagerness I felt was simply to get it over with. I imagine this book is good for someone, based on the amount of positive reviews this has, it must be. But there are far more sophisticated and compelling YA reads out there.
Graded By: Poshdeluxe
Cover Story: Double Whammy
BFF Charm: Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Talky Talk: Candy
Bonus Factors: Sexy Evil Dude, Persephone
Relationship Status: I'll See You In Hell
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Double Whammy
BFF Charm: Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Talky Talk: Candy
Bonus Factors: Sexy Evil Dude, Persephone
Relationship Status: I'll See You In Hell
Read the full book report here.
I liked this book but I had some quarrels with it. Mostly that it was all so confusing until about 3/4ths of the way through the book. I am not familiar with Greek mythology (or any other mythology, really) and I didn't get the whole "Feed" thing. What? So I'm old and dumb. That's okay. I like things explained to me early on so I don't spend the whole book going "what IS THIS?"
I thought it was funny that the characters all went to coffee shops all the time. I went to 4 different high schools in Utah and not once did anyone ever say "hey, let's go get some coffee and Fluffy Bean" or whatever.
I liked the ending a lot. There was a twist I didn't see coming. It was good. Um, yep. I will probably read the next book. If I can't find anything else to read.
I did think the main character was really ridiculously mopey and blah, but maybe that's part of her symptoms of being in the Feed? Ugh.
I thought it was funny that the characters all went to coffee shops all the time. I went to 4 different high schools in Utah and not once did anyone ever say "hey, let's go get some coffee and Fluffy Bean" or whatever.
I liked the ending a lot. There was a twist I didn't see coming. It was good. Um, yep. I will probably read the next book. If I can't find anything else to read.
I did think the main character was really ridiculously mopey and blah, but maybe that's part of her symptoms of being in the Feed? Ugh.
You can find this review and many more at Mermaid Vision Books!
Release Date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: ARC received from Jen (Library Gal Reads)
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
Discovery: I've always been fascinated with the darker side of mythology, and the Hades/Persephone myth is one of my favourites. When I heard about Everneath, I immediately put it on my wishlist--modern retellings are always interesting to consider.
+ Creepy factor. The story opens with a chilling description of the Everneath, and Nikki's captivity is uncomfortable to witness. Cole is a smarmy, almost perverted presence, and it's easy to imagine him wrapped around her mind, warping it with his own selfishness. I loved Brodi Ashton's theatrical writing style and attention to detail in these scenes, both of which link Everneath to its mythological roots. I definitely wish there had been more fantasy and less contemporary scenes, because this is where Ashton's story shines.
- Characterization. Despite the strong start, I quickly grew disappointed with Nikki. For a girl who presents herself as untouchable and distant (which necessitates confidence), she's not as strong as she thinks she is. I've noticed a pattern in stories like these: the main character often feels that they can't tell anyone their secret for some important reason. That's all well and good, but in this particular case, I didn't really see why Nikki had to allow her family to believe that she was doing drugs or just running away. As much as this is a paranormal fantasy, the events are still based on reality. Sixteen-year-olds aren't allowed to just disappear and then come back for no reason. I never got thought that her family hated her, but I do think that Nikki treats them and her friends unfairly and it doesn't make sense. Martyrdom for the sake of martyrdom is tedious to read about.
- Pacing. Six months, four months, two weeks after, three weeks before--I was extremely frustrated with the pacing and structure of this novel. By the time I got halfway through the story, I was experiencing whiplash from the fast switches between time periods. Nikki's indecisive nature and constant backtracking made it difficult to keep track of the story. I often had to reread previous pages to remember if I was supposed to like Jack or hate Jack. As much as I would have wanted to suspend my disbelief regarding certain events and attitudes in the story, the structure was just too unwieldy to follow. The last 15 pages were slightly easier to understand, and I will consider reading the second book if it's more straightforward.
The final say: While I don't believe that Everneath will become a classic retelling of the Persephone myth, its fantasy and romantic elements are sure to please teen readers.
Rating: Good.
Release Date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: ARC received from Jen (Library Gal Reads)
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
Discovery: I've always been fascinated with the darker side of mythology, and the Hades/Persephone myth is one of my favourites. When I heard about Everneath, I immediately put it on my wishlist--modern retellings are always interesting to consider.
+ Creepy factor. The story opens with a chilling description of the Everneath, and Nikki's captivity is uncomfortable to witness. Cole is a smarmy, almost perverted presence, and it's easy to imagine him wrapped around her mind, warping it with his own selfishness. I loved Brodi Ashton's theatrical writing style and attention to detail in these scenes, both of which link Everneath to its mythological roots. I definitely wish there had been more fantasy and less contemporary scenes, because this is where Ashton's story shines.
- Characterization. Despite the strong start, I quickly grew disappointed with Nikki. For a girl who presents herself as untouchable and distant (which necessitates confidence), she's not as strong as she thinks she is. I've noticed a pattern in stories like these: the main character often feels that they can't tell anyone their secret for some important reason. That's all well and good, but in this particular case, I didn't really see why Nikki had to allow her family to believe that she was doing drugs or just running away. As much as this is a paranormal fantasy, the events are still based on reality. Sixteen-year-olds aren't allowed to just disappear and then come back for no reason. I never got thought that her family hated her, but I do think that Nikki treats them and her friends unfairly and it doesn't make sense. Martyrdom for the sake of martyrdom is tedious to read about.
- Pacing. Six months, four months, two weeks after, three weeks before--I was extremely frustrated with the pacing and structure of this novel. By the time I got halfway through the story, I was experiencing whiplash from the fast switches between time periods. Nikki's indecisive nature and constant backtracking made it difficult to keep track of the story. I often had to reread previous pages to remember if I was supposed to like Jack or hate Jack. As much as I would have wanted to suspend my disbelief regarding certain events and attitudes in the story, the structure was just too unwieldy to follow. The last 15 pages were slightly easier to understand, and I will consider reading the second book if it's more straightforward.
The final say: While I don't believe that Everneath will become a classic retelling of the Persephone myth, its fantasy and romantic elements are sure to please teen readers.
Rating: Good.