Everneath
By Brodi Ashton
Hardcover, 370 pagesBalzer + Bray, January 24, 2012
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.
This is the fifth book in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by the Story Siren.
If you've been to the Underworld, then you already know there's no easy way out. Most likely, it's the end of all happy endings. And if you survive, the journey back is a painful one. But somehow Nikki manages it.
Beneath the surface of the Greek Persephone myth, lies a story of pain and redemption. Told in alternating time periods between the past and the present, Ashton delivers a heartbreaking tale of Nikki's path to make things right.
In many ways, because of that, it was painful to read: Nikki's mistakes, her lack of self-worth, her emotions numb. I wanted to scream: "Snap out of it! Get a spine. Go fix it." Because most of the time, she behaved like...well, a zombie, actually.
But maybe that was the whole point: Take away the pain, we become numb. Like a drug addict, it takes time and courage to recover. And sometimes it takes someone else to give us the strength to pull out of it.
My emotions went a bit schizophrenic on this one: from annoyance to empathy, sadness to anger, confusion to understanding. The theme of pain and redemption was well played and the modern Greek mythology intriguing. But I never found out why Nikki was allowed to return to the surface, in the first place. And I don't particularly like spoiler (sad endings). And it didn't compel me to turn the pages like other stories I've read. But I'm curious to see where this story goes and if you like modern-day Greek, I think you'll like this one.
Rated 3.5 Bites
3 comments:
I have heard a lot of really good things about this book, almost every review I have seen has been a good one. I really need to check it out! Great review!
your newest follower,
Kristin
youngadultbookhaven.blogspot.com
I really tried to get into the book. But I didn't connect with Nikki, and when I put it down to go to sleep- I was five chapters from the end- I had zero desire to finish it. It was totally bleh for me. Maybe one day I'll finish it....
@Kristin-Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy it!
@Perla-I know what you mean. I had a hard time connecting with Nikki too. The thing I did like about the book was its message of pain, addiction, and remorse. But like I said, it wasn't a "page-turner" for me and I rated it as a middle of the road book so I totally understand what you mean about not finishing yet. :)
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