Everneath

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.

If you suffered the pain that made you feel like you wanted to die, what would you do? Would you risk everything and let it be drained away? Would you hide for a 100 years and forget it? or would you fight like hell to feel human again? Nikki Beckett tries to figure out if any of this is her answer beyond the, Everneath.

Brodi Ashton had written for her leading lady to live and breathe on those very pages in such a way that I too could feel what Nikki was going through from beginning to end. No other such character in a long time has shaken me literally in reaction to emotions as this character has done.

Beck, a nickname her friends have given her, is such a fighter, but also scared too. A conflict most heroes/heroines go through. Being that it is also based on greek mythology retelling this story, you can now maybe guess there is going to be some true fights of fancy courage, but of the good kind.

Oh there were moments when I actually spoke out loud saying things I would post here, but one in particular is such a huge spoiler and it's just one thing haha... but this book is so amazing I can't spill it! Damned if i do, damned if I don't...

Anyway... Jack Caputo... I'll be honest, I had the hardest time trying to figure out to properly pronounce his name haha. I think I came up with three different versions by the end of the novel. But luckily he had an easy first name, so phew!. But I defiantly LOVE Jack! I haven't seen a male character so strong in his conviction about what he felt and so deeply intense about everything. But he also had a soft and humorous side too which made him well rounded and developed in layers. And boy did he have some layers! He is what Shriek calls an “onion” lol but besides that, Jack in the beginning is very different by the time you get towards the middle of the book, because of Nikki.

And speaking of which, backstories upon backstories is filled through out the entire book, so don't worry if you are confused up front because everything gets explained, even moments that go further back to understanding our characters, Nikki and Jack. Things that make sense once you read it. It gives insight into how they are as people in this world.

Oh and the world they live in! That Cole... he is one_____ yeah fill in the blank, because he is such a pain! I'll say this though, if you haven't read the book yet, you'll want to smack Cole throughout the book, maybe even dropkick him, do a little chuck norris roundhouse kick... just saying.

But overall, I was pulled in by the love story. One that was so intoxicatingly real in some ways that you couldn't help but fall in love yourself with each moment. There was something hollowing and heartbreaking at the same time it was beauty too. A constant influx of confusion in the beginning, like Nikki... then it because apparent in how strongly it feels, the emotions of love. Something so tender that you want to hug it and never let it go; protect it from the Everneath too.

Now the hard part happens: waiting. Waiting for the sequel. Waiting to know what happens to Nikki. Waiting to know the answers to such questions that make me feel like it's real situations with real possibilities. I do however have seen Ashton's post updated and last year she posted about bacon being in the sequel... ahhh yes, the ever yummy breakfast food of most Americans... or at least those of young teenage boys lol side-note: why do teenage boys eat so much bacon!?

In the end, this book should get 10 stars/hearts/awards, whatever would deem fitting for this book, because not only was is beyond breath-taking in so many ways, it'll be forever in my heart as a book that truly touched me. Books don't do that often, it takes a lot to move me in literature. So when it happens, I know I've struck gold with the story, the characters, and their world that it's being told from.

(Oh side bar: the retelling greek mythology story is based on Hades/Persephone. If you haven't a clue, a good idea is to read a little about it below! Enjoy!)