Everbound

4.5/5 stars!

Holy crap, guys. If you thought that the feels couldn't get any more intense than in book one, you're in for a rude awakening. Ashton, quit playin' games with my heart. There's a lot of pain in this book, but it's crafted into something incredible, just like book one, and I feel like Ashton as a writer grew in nearly every technical area with this book. The words feel stronger, and the twists are twistier, and generally, it's just a rollercoaster ride of a book. If you liked "Everneath", you're going to love "Everbound".

In "Neverfall", we get to see things from Cole's POV as the Everneath itself has changed over the years, especially with Persephone's descendents (no pun intended). However, because we're seeing so much show more history, it's a great link to this second book (the best way to use a novella!). With "Everbound", we pick up more or less right after book one, and if you've read "Neverfall", you have a lot more information (and a lot of foreboding foreshadowing) to work with that will help you kind of unlock some of the secrets of the main arc/plot for this book, as well as the Big Reveals. Which is useful, especially when we're on a journey to save Jack from the almost unfindable Tunnels in Everneath. While it isn't essential to have read "Neverfall", it certainly helps as you get continually punched in the feels with this book.

That being said, this book is really intense. To the point were at some areas, I had to put the book down and walk away to process the either emotional input or the sensory input and not feel overwhelmed. But you know what? That's a good thing. If Ashton is overloading me with feels and sensory input, it means she's doing her job as a writer. She definitely tortures/kills her darlings a lot more in this book, to the point where it feels she's made a huge leap in not being afraid to do that anymore. Any hesitation you might have felt when it came to putting Nikki and Jack through the ringer (okay, yeah, Cole too) in "Everneath" - you won't see that here. At all. The sensory input is almost brutal (just wait until you get to the first real sensory language-filled scene with the Queen in Ouros Square - won't spoil any further than that), but it's a glorious thing. Ashton's really coming into her own as a writer and that's always a wonderful thing to witness as a reader/fan of the books.

There's also a lot of hybridism going on with this book in terms of which Greek myths Ashton is retelling within this series as a whole - for the first book, we get the sense of a retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth. In this one, it's Ariadne and the Minotaur all the way - with only mentions of Persephone herself (and by name) near the end of the book. It makes me wonder if she's trying to take a different relatable/compatible myth and tackle it with each new book. Which isn't an issue as long as things are compatible - if anything, it's exciting. I don't think I've seen anything done like this before in either YA or adult lit, aside from Marissa Meyer's rewriting of fairy tales with the "Lunar Chronicles" series (which is also amazing, fyi). It's a very risky thing to do - to link two myths that are compatible but that also possibly conflict even in the smallest way when you're not only incorporating them into the base of your arc/plot/worldbuilding, but also just as a retelling by itself. So I really have to give a fistbump to Ashton for being brave enough to even attempt to do this. I tip my hat to the fact that she's pulled it off gorgeously.

Also, fyi - if you're a Christopher Nolan fan, watch for the "Inception" tributes scattered throughout the book. I don't know if Ashton actually meant to pay homage to one of my favorite directors/screenwriters out there, but she succeeded. And the noises of glee I made whenever a tribute came up? Not even close to human.

Perhaps what's developed the most in this book aside from Ashton's loss of fear of completely tearing apart her darlings for emotional payoff success is the way she's filled out the rest of her world along with introducing new characters (which is a great way to help finish building a world, or at least firmly establishing it). In book one Everneath isn't quite given equal screentime because Nikki's on the Surface, we get more of the Surface in terms of worldbuilding and details. Things are more or less reversed in this book - because Nikki needs to find Jack, we get more worldbuilding and detailing of Everneath itself - and the complexity that's been put into it is nothing less than awesome. It's simple, but it works. There's also heavy mentions of Dante's "Inferno", so look out for those, because they're really quite relevant. There's way more sensory input this time around when it comes to talking about the Everneath - and in some areas, so detailed, it made me nauseous or dizzy. You know when you get a visceral reaction from a reader that you've done your job as an author.

As for characters, Ashton kind of makes use of the relationship web school of worldbuilding by extending her main cast to more firmly include Max, Will, and Mrs. Jenkins (and to a lesser extent, Jules), but also introduces the Queen of the Everneath and Ashe, one of Cole's friends who still lives within Everneath. Through these new or more filled out minor characters from the first book, the Everneath world is built easily, and along with the plot arc of trying to find Jack, it's pretty smooth settling. Not once did I feel there was a character out of place, or giving information where it wasn't needed or appropriate. Though the Everneath world itself gets the most work done on it, the Surface world gets enough love to the point where both worlds feel incredibly polished, and thus, very real.

One last thing: that ending. I didn't see it coming, though with the hints from "Neverfall" and with a certain character, I probably should have. Get ready to have the rug pulled out from under you once again, though this time we don't quite end on a cliffhanger. Which was a relief because I feel like I need to apply ice to all of the areas where my feels got punched.

Final verdict? If you've already started the descent into the "Everneath" universe, you simply must continue the journey in "Everbound". I really hope we get another in-between novella between now and book three, because honestly? I don't think I can wait that long without wanting more. Gorgeously crafted, I think you'll find yourself quite surprised with how much Ashton has grown, and that's one of the many reasons why this book has made my best of 2013 so far list. "Everbound" is out now in North America from HarperTeen, so be sure to check it out when you get the chance!

(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com) show less

Goodness gracious, great balls of awesomeness! I really liked Everneath, but I had some reservations. With Everbound, Ashton really delivers, solidifying the elements that made Everneath so compelling and ramping up the action. Everything gets ten times better in Everbound. Pardon me while I applaud Brodi Ashton for defying second book syndrome utterly.

Take note that I'm assuming you intrepid review readers have already read Everneath or have no fear of spoilers for that book. As you know, at the end of book one, Jack went to the Tunnels instead of Nikki. This leaves her on the surface miserable and hated by the town for being the last person to have seen the missing golden boy. Given Jack and Nikki's incredibly strong connection and show more her guilt over his sacrifice, she will literally stop at nothing to get him back.

The first few chapters are a bit slow, but everything speeds up with the arrival of Cole back in town. Basically, Everneath alternated between awesome Everneath bits and flashbacks. In this installment, the flashbacks are greatly reduced and the plot has sustained forward momentum. While I did enjoy the flashbacks in the last book, they work to much greater effect here, and keep the reader from being thrown out of the present moment. The more linear storytelling fits this story perfectly.

Going into Everbound, I hoped to learn more about the Everneath and that is precisely what Ashton delivers. Her world building continues to be entirely excellent. Her fantasy world references so many different classic stories, mostly mythological in origin, though I felt some distinct shades of Alice in Wonderland in places, but still manages to be something entirely new and magical. I have some theories that I cannot wait to find out the correctness of in the next installment, particularly about Shades.

If you dread love triangles, have no fear because this one is awesome, and Ashton really doesn't rub it in your face. The feelings involved are complex, but Nikki knows what she's doing. She never questions herself or her actions, even though the reader does sometimes; her goals are set, and I love her dedication. Though I've never personally had a connection to Jack, I admire Nikki for not being the sort to be easily swayed, especially since it makes their love so much more believable.

Two things made Everbound absolutely incredible. The first is that, as they journey through the Everneath in an attempt to rescue Jack from the Tunnels, Ashton really digs in and develops Cole's character. He spends much of his time on the periphery of Everneath, remaining largely a mysterious figure, but here we get a much closer look at the real Cole. Getting to learn some of his past and try to parse his precise feelings for Nikki will keep you intrigued and unsure all the way through.

The second thing is the ending. As soon as I finished reading, I immediately had to message a friend to discuss what happened, because shit gets real. The ending totally caught me off guard and fits the story completely perfectly. I didn't see it coming, but as soon as it happened, I knew that it was precisely what needed to happen. Ashton brings various plot threads together to weave a gorgeous tapestry and to deftly set up the next book in the series.

Whether you loved Everneath or were on the fence, I urge you to give Everbound a try, because Ashton's work is just getting better. I have a lot of faith that the next book will be even more astounding, and I only wish I did not have to wait another year to read it. show less

Coming from a place of not having particularly loved Everneath, I have to say that Everbound is in many ways a stronger, more nuanced book. The character development is amazing, the plotting is tight, and the action is riveting. I really liked it, and can't wait for more.

Nikki's single-minded pursuit of Jack could have easily annoyed me throughout this novel, and at times came very close, but I was surprised at how much I sympathised with her. She feels guilty that Jack sacrificed himself for her, and is determined to do anything to get him back. But I think she made some weird decisions at the beginning, especially going to graduation and not turning to her friends for help. Nikki's always had a unique way of dealing with things, but I show more didn't really get her until she embarked into the Everneath with Cole.

Which is where things got very interesting! I always thought Cole just got in the way of the sweet romance between Jack and Nikki, but Everbound reveals that he is sweet and thoughtful and definitely worthy of love. It's hard to read about Nikki constantly dismissing his feelings for her, because they're so obvious to everyone else. The author has somehow made me believe in this love triangle, and suddenly I'm rooting for Cole - even going as far as dismissing Nikki's feelings for Jack as an attempt to hold on to her unattainable past! I think this is a hallmark of good writing, and I am genuinely conflicted in my hopes for the next book.

Although Jack is basically absent throughout this book, I love that Ashton kept him alive through the dreams he shared with Nikki. I also liked the flashback sequences in the later parts of the book, which allowed Nikki to explore the beginnings of their relationship. I think it was all very well done, but like I said, this is definitely Cole's book, and Cole's time to shine.

I still think Nikki spends a lot less time with her family than is appropriate - especially in the context of her desperation to come back to the Surface in the first place. Instead of making the most of her time with her father and brother, and perhaps appreciating them more now that Jack is gone, Nikki jumps on every opportunity to abandon them, and doesn't really talk to them in the rare moments when she is at home. It's very disappointing, and I can't help but question how she can possibly love a boy, any boy, more than her father and brother.

The best aspect of this book, for me, is the expansion of the mythology. Readers are introduced to the complex layout of the Everneath and its denizens, and are given glimpses into the lives of the immortals that transverse the two worlds. I think it's really cool how well-known Greek mythology ties into the story, and I liked picking out all the references. I liked the mechanisms the author uses to expand the world, such as when Cole impatiently explains things to Nikki, or when Mrs. Jenkins reveals an interesting nugget, but I sometimes felt these scenes bordered on info-dumping.

I've come a long way from Everneath, where I hated Cole and didn't understand Nikki! Everbound is an amazing sequel - complex, engaging and heart-wrenching - that builds on the foundation of the first book and sets us up for a thrilling conclusion. Be warned, however, Everbound, like is predecessor, ends with a heart-breaking cliffhanger that will have you desperate for more.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic. show less

In the stunning second book of the Everneath Trilogy, Everbound, Brodi Ashton takes her twist on Greek mythology to new levels while keeping the tension and excitement that made Everneath the incredible debut that it was. It's time for a closer look at the world of the Everneath in Everbound.

What I Loved

A Dangerous World: Author Brodi Ashton promised readers that she would explore the realm of the Everneath in more depth in this second installment, and she kept her promise. Nikki takes several trips into the underworld in her search for Jack, with Cole and his friend Max along for the ride. Each trip takes them deeper into the Everneath with new dangers around every turn as they work their way closer to the Queen's High Court and the show more Tunnels that hold Jack. I loved the way Ashton set the underworld up in a series of rings similar to those envisioned by Dante in his description of Hell, but based on the four elements (Earth, Water, Air, and Fire) instead. Each ring holds different dangers and challenges based on their element, and Ashton put some very inventive twists into each of them. Everything is well thought-out, interesting, and vividly described. This is NOT a place you want to be!

Nikki Steps Up: While she has moments of doubt, despair and guilt, Nikki is a lot less fragile in Everbound and really steps up to the plate as she works to retrieve Jack from the Tunnels of the Everneath. I really like her narrative voice, and found it very easy to slip back into her head when the story started. I admired her determination to rescue Jack, and her willingness to throw herself into the dangers of the Everneath to get to him. She faces multiple obstacles on the Surface and below in this installment, as she desperately searches for answers while trying to keep her father and therapist from declaring her insane. Quite the juggling act! And her final words in the book? Priceless.

The Terrible Twist: There is very little I can say about the nasty twist that comes into play at the end of Everbound without giving too much away, except that it involved a heartbreaking betrayal that I didn't see coming. I was left stunned by the outcome, but also excited; it sets things up for an incredible showdown in the final book and guarantees I will be grabbing a copy the minute it is released. Nikki is going to be doing MAJOR damage to the world of the Everneath in 2014, and I want a front row seat to the fireworks.

What I Liked

A Singular Style: Continuing with the non-linear format that served her well in Everneath, Brodi Ashton jumps the narrative around - this time between the Surface and the Everneath instead of between time periods - but keeps everything clear with chapter headings displaying the location. It's a nice change of pace from the normal A to B to C most narratives follow, and works well for this trilogy. Since everything is so clearly marked, I never felt lost or had a problem following Nikki on her quest.

The Danger of Cole: One of the most intriguing characters of this trilogy is Cole, the cause of all of Nikki's trials and tribulations. I have never been a fan of his (though I know several readers who love him), but I can't dispute that he is extremely well-written, multi-faceted, and dangerous. Ashton has created a memorable character with all kinds of shades of gray, and she has really upped her game with him in Everbound. I never knew what to expect from him, yet was somehow never truly surprised by his actions. I've always seen him as a character who will go to any lengths to achieve his goals and who calculates every move he makes to fit those goals. Everbound cemented those beliefs and left me wondering what Nikki will have to do to break his hold on her.

What I Didn't Like

Some Pacing Issues: While a great deal of Everbound is riveting and I truly do enjoy the author's jumping bean format, I did find some pacing issues in the middle of the narrative as Nikki moved between the Surface and the Everneath. Brodi Ashton is very careful to explain why Nikki must return to the Surface each night of her quest, however, it did sometimes cause the pacing to lag. Nikki, Cole and Max would overcome some dangerous creature or situation down below, then suddenly she would be booted topside (literally) and the tension that had just been built up would stall. It was a minor annoyance, mainly because there was a lot more action going on in the Everneath than on the Surface and I was anxious for Nikki to get to Jack. Speaking of...

Not Enough Jack: I know he's trapped, and this installment is all about getting to him - but I really missed Jack. The dream sequences just weren't enough to keep me satisfied; I always wanted more of his character. Couldn't the dreams last longer?

Conclusion

Brodi Ashton has turned in an impressive second installment of her Everneath Trilogy with Everbound, as Nikki ventures to the depths of the underworld to rescue Jack from the sacrifice he made at the end of Everneath. With well-written characters, an extensive look at a dangerous world, and a unique style, Everbound offers plenty of excitement and action while throwing in a twist that will leave you shocked and begging for more. show less

Note: This review contains spoilers for Book One of this series, Everneath, but none for this sequel.

This is the second book in the series that is a modified retelling of the Persephone and Orpheus myths. This time the author throws in yet more myths and classics: Sisyphus, the Minotaur, Dante, Scheherazade, and no doubt others I missed. Our heroine, Nikki Beckett, carries around a D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths as her vademecum so this enables her to explain many myth references to the other characters and we, the readers, when they arise.

In Book One, Nikki, caught at a low moment when she thinks her boyfriend Jack has cheated on her, allows a cute guitar player, Cole Stockton, to convince her to try his method of choice for show more escaping pain. No, it’s not drugs! Rather, Cole is an "Everliving,"a being who attains eternal life by feeding off of humans’ emotions. He takes Nikki to the Underworld to feed on hers, thus ridding her of bad feelings (but good ones as well) for a hundred years.

At the end of one hundred years in Underworld time (six months back on "the Surface"), most humans grow old and die. But Nikki survived fairly intact. The reason she did is that she was “tethered” to the upper world by the love of Jack. Cole, however, is convinced that Nikki survived so that she could be his queen in the Underworld.

Nevertheless, and in spite of Nikki's professed love for Jack, Cole agreed to let Nikki return to the surface for six months- because, after all, we are mirroring the Persephone myth here. When the six months are over, she was told that scary shade-like things would come and pull her back down to the Everneath. But at the end of Book One, just when these shades were coming for Nikki, Jack leapt into her place and went instead.

Now, in Everbound, it’s two months later. And now it is Nikki's turn to tether Jack. But she knows time is running out, because his image is weakening. She is convinced that her only chance to rescue him is to get back, somehow, to the Everneath. And all roads lead to Cole…..

Discussion: Once again, the character of Nikki is obsessive, self-centered, and impulsive. She is mean to Cole, blaming him for her own choices (even though she occasionally gives lip service to recognizing her own responsibility). And most unfortunately, Nikki is in many ways Too Dumb to Live. For example, in spite of her obsessive studies of mythology, when she sees her little brother working on mazes for school, she thinks to herself:

"Where had I read about a maze before? Or a labyrinth?”

C’mon! Similarly, she consistently conflates the ability to love with the physical presence of a heart. Yeah, I know we need to take a leap of faith when we read paranormals, but this just seems beyond reasonable.

And finally, in spite of having spent a hundred years in what is basically Hell, she is still clueless about its risks.

As for Jack and Cole, I have the same criticisms I had in Book One. Jack is too perfect to be convincing, and Cole is by far more interesting and attractive. But in this book, the character of Cole does something at the end that just didn’t make sense to me in view of his behavior throughout the rest of the book. Even Nikki says “It didn’t make sense. None of it made any sense.” Nope, not to me either, Nikki. Not because it was a surprise, but because it wasn’t consistent. However, this was nothing compared to Nikki's decision on the last page. Totally ridiculous thinking by Nikki. Then again, that’s Nikki…..

Evaluation: Despite it’s flaws, I do like the premise, and I like Cole. I will probably stick around for the third volume in this trilogy. show less

Ashton does not disappoint with the second book in the Everneath trilogy. Everbound hooked me on the first page and did not let me go until the very last word. I read it entirely in one sitting. Every time I tried to put the book down to do something, within a couple of minutes, I'd pick it up and start reading again. I just had to see what would happen next. This novel is full of surprises, adventure, and romance. Somehow, it's even better than Everneath. This is one sequel that can't be missed!

There wasn't a ton of character growth in this book, but I felt as if I got to know all of the characters much better. I think Nikki grew some just because she was no longer running from things. She faced everything head on and was braver than show more any person her age (male or female) should be. I really respected her for that. She fought for what she wanted and what she believed in. Sometimes her thoughts were a bit immature, but she is a teenager, after all. More often than not, though, she was strong and mature beyond her years.

I also enjoyed getting to know Cole better. Some of his actions surprised me, and some of them were typical Cole. I wish I'd gotten to know Max more because he was there a lot, but he wasn't really "active" in the plot. I would have liked to have known more about him, especially after reading the novella. A few new characters were introduced as well, including the queen and another of Cole's friends named Ashe. I'm looking forward to learning more about them in the next book.

The plot was well-written and held a lot of surprises. I liked that Nikki's dad was present, but she just didn't care. She did what she wanted, consequences be damned. Because of that, the novel had a more realistic feel to it than a book with the typical missing parents does. The ending really shocked me, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Most of the story took place in the Everneath, and Ashton did an excellent job of describing that world. It seems like a scary place, and the fact that Nikki was willing to brave all of that in the hopes of finding Jack (she wasn't even sure if she could find him) showed how much she loved him. Some horrific things happened in that world, and by going through it with Nikki, I felt that I came to understand the Everliving a bit better. One would almost have to become numb to survive such horrible things constantly. Also, after seeing how awful humanity was for hundreds of years, I can understand one losing empathy.

Overall, I'd recommend this book (and series) to anyone. If you love Greek mythology, paranormal YA, or paranormal romance, then this series is for you! show less

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: An epic adventure with a cunningly broken boy and a steadfast heroine.

Opening Sentence: I see Jack every night. In my dreams.

The Review:

This book = blew my heart away. So many hidden agendas and secrets are revealed and twisted into the story. Second book slump? No way! Everbound a great (dare I say better) edition to the series!

Everbound takes place a month after the ending of Everneath. Nikki is desperately trying to find a way to get back to Jack, who took her place in the Everneath. Now the only thing keeping Jack alive is Nikki’s dreams every night. But each night he keeps forgetting more and more about his life on the surface, or why he’s appearing at night at all. Nikki, show more still trying to recover lost relationships from her last journey to the Everneath, is desperate enough to try to enlist Cole to help her — but first, she has to find where he is. This is a journey unlike any other. Nikki will have to be tested on mental strength if she has any hope of making it through the Everneath.

Writing, suspense AND COLE are the best highlights of the book. I was unsure how/or even if Ashton was going to bring back the flashbacks that were so prevalent in the first book. It took a while, but eventually they came back, and they were as interesting as the actual plot. And believe me, the plot had me yelling at the characters and reading through the night (I actually finished this book in one day. It was that good.) Ashton creates a suspense like no other–through the tense situations with Cole to the magnificent trials inside the Everneath.

BUT COLE! My sweet, heart-breaking, conniving little beggar, who literally threw me off my feet (I was standing when I was reading parts of the book — don’t ask me why.) This book has 10x more Cole and 10x less Jack. Now don’t get me wrong, Jack’s a nice guy and all, but Cole is so smolderingly broken and desperate to make Nikki his. I fell hard for this guy, despite what I knew from the first book. He can seem so innocent, wanting the best for Nikki and actually helping her along the way. *Sighs* If only it wasn’t with a hidden agenda in mind.

The ending… MAJOR CLIFFHANGER ALERT! I’m pretty sure I had to read the ending at least three times to accept that it was the end. When I finished it, it was almost 2 in the morning, so I couldn’t complain to anyone, but eventually just settled on Twitter ranting about how the ENDING IS PURE TORTURE. Now I have to wait another distressing year for the final outcome…

Notable Scene:

My cheeks grew hot. “You can’t still be trying.”

“I’ll never stop.”

“But… all this.” I gestured around, even though I knew he couldn’t see me. “You’re doing all this when you know it’s to save Jack.”

“I know. And won’t you owe me so bad when we succeed.” There was a smile in his voice, but also something dead serious. I thought about what Ashe had said about his tether to me.

I shook my head. “Just what do you think I’ll owe you?”

He leaned closer to me. “For saving the love of your life? Everything.”

There was this incredibly tense moment, and I wished I could see Cole’s face. But then I felt him relax against me. “And then you’ll just run away again, and I’ll have to find another way to impress you; and that, Nikki Beckett, is the eternal loop.”

I released a breath and at the same time tried to release the panic his words had brought on. He acted as if it were a joke, but did some part of him really believe it?

“I told you what I was afraid of, Nik. Now tell me what you’re afraid of.”

I answered as honestly as I could. “I’m afraid of how much I don’t know about this world, and how I have to rely on everything you tell me.”

“That is scary.”

I couldn’t hear a smile behind his voice.

FTC Advisory: HarperCollins provided me with a copy of Everbound. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. show less