Evergreen

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

I loved the idea of this based on the premise but it fell a little flat for me, I think due to the lack of depth to the characters. I also would have loved more world building in this magical garden environment. The ending also took a hard turn in which I found confusing based on the start of the book.

Book Review: Evergreen by Devin Greenlee

⭐⭐⭐.5/5 Stars

First off, I have to mention the stunning cover of Evergreen by Devin Greenlee. It immediately caught my attention and perfectly captures the magical essence of the story within. Now, on to my thoughts about this book.

All seventeen-year-old Quill wants is a taste of normalcy, a break from his family's generations-old garden and the responsibilities that come with being a dryad. Unlike his family members, Quill is a male dryad, the first ever, and lacks any magical abilities. With only his shock of green hair and eyes to set him apart, he yearns for an adventure beyond the confines of his home.

But Quill's desire for freedom becomes a reality when he catches the attention of Liam Watson, his new neighbor from a world devoid of magic and filled with electronics and social media. Despite finding Liam somewhat irritating (though undeniably cute), Quill can't resist the allure of the outside world and the connection he feels with Liam.

As Quill begins to explore the world beyond his garden, he discovers that danger lurks in the shadows, threatening not only his newfound freedom but also the very essence of the magical urban garden. The more Quill delves into this mysterious world, the more the danger escalates.

Overall, I found Evergreen to be an enjoyable read. The writing may not be perfect, but the author has created a unique and imaginative world where magic and technology collide, bringing together two unlikely protagonists.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the blossoming relationship between Quill and Liam. Their interactions are both heartwarming and entertaining, and I couldn't help but root for their connection to grow stronger.

That being said, there were moments when I wished for more depth and development in certain areas. The concept of plant magic and the history of dryads are fascinating, but I felt they were somewhat underexplored. Additional background information would have enhanced my understanding and appreciation of these elements.

In conclusion, Evergreen by Devin Greenlee is a delightful read that combines magic, romance, and adventure. While the writing may have its flaws and the lack of detailed exposition on certain aspects left me wanting more, the story as a whole is captivating. I recommend this book to anyone seeking an enchanting escape into a world where nature and technology collide, and love blossoms in unexpected places.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

The cover of the book first caught my eye and drew me to the summary like a moth to a flame. The book summary was just original and compelling that I had read this right away and I was not disappointed with the Greenlee's imagination or creative take on the world of classic mythic creatures meet the human world. Add to this an enduring MM romance with all the angst, questioning, and longing that is always part of young love and you have a wonderful story to build within a frame inspired by one of my favorite classics, The Secret Garden. Quill, the first male dyad, and Liam, a human, had the cutest dynamic. This was a book I will come back to and explore again and Greenlee is an author I will be watching for because as a debut novel this really stands apart!

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the arc that I read.