Monday, July 22, 2013

Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

From Goodreads: Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity - a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away. Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen - and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself. Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated - and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack - even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own. 

My Rating: 4 hearts (although I'm tempted to add half a heart for the twist at the end) 

Thoughts on the Novel: One of the books I loved last year was Everneath by Brodi Ashton. I kind of forgot all about the sequel, Everbound, though until I saw it on my Kindle one day and decided I should probably go ahead and read it.

While Everneath delved into the relationship of Jack and Nikki, Everbound explores the relationship between Cole and Nikki. There is also more of a focus on Cole in general as a character, which allows the reader to learn his backstory and how he became an Everliving.

Although Jack is hardly present in Everbound, he does appear in flashbacks and in Nikki’s dreams throughout the novel. I was a bit surprised and disappointed that Ashton chose to use the same memories involving Jack that appeared in Everneath. I still think Jack and Nikki make a cute couple, but wish that Ashton could have come up with some new stories about the two.

Overall, Everbound is a great follow-up to Everneath. It recaps the events of Everneath nicely, continues using mythology and integrating flashbacks well, has plenty of action, and ends with a shocking twist that will have you wanting Evertrue right away. I can’t wait to see how Ashton will conclude this trilogy!

Everbound was released in January 2013 by Balzer + Bray. 

Comments About the Cover: I love the dress the model is wearing; but logically, it makes no sense for Nikki to be wearing a dress when going to the Everneath.

7 comments:

  1. Loved this one too! The ending through me for a loop and I remember having mouth opened in amazement. It took me a few min like Nikki to recount her steps. *Hate* Cole! January is too far away! :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. I kind of forget about this series, too. Not that I have read the first one, but it's not often that this series reaches my radar. Which is too bad because I do quite like mythology! And this sounds like a more than decent effort. Though it's too bad this Jack character isn't in the sequel hardly. I know I would be disappointed if the only flashbacks you saw of him were from the first book. Lots of second books seem to do that, where you hardly get to see one of the main characters, and it annoys me. But anyways, thanks for bringing the series back onto my radar, at least for a bit. I'm curious how the third book will fare in reviews - looking forward to reading your thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. YEAH! I adore this series Z, I'm so glad you're a fan of it as well. While I of course wish there was more Jack in this second one, I did love the time we got with Cole, he's just so...layered. I never quite knew what to think of him. And that ending? Didn't see it coming. LOVED:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I noticed that most people were thrilled with this one and it helps that my bestie Lisa absolutely adored the firts one. i really should get a move on and read them already, but I just can't seem to do it. I even own the audio.

    I guess it bothers me a bit that there are two guys, you know? Ah, well.
    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yay! I'm thrilled to see this worked for you overall. I did NOT see the twist at the end coming! It completely caught me off-guard, but I love that it has me eager to get my hands on the next book. I enjoyed this a lot too (probably more than I thought I would) and can't wait to see what happens next. Brilliant review, Z!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't actually got past the first book in this series. Yikes. I know...this is why I tend to avoid series now! I just don't have time! But, that said, I'm glad you enjoyed this book and that Brodi keeps you coming back for more! Wonderful review, Z :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love when sequels recap the previous installment nicely, because when the second book finally comes out, I always forget what happened in the first. But anyway! I wasn't a huge fan of Everneath--it was only so-so for me. But I'm glad you love this series! I'm happy to hear this sequel worked out well for you, Zahida! :) I hope the conclusion is even better. :)

    ReplyDelete

I love comments and will reply back via either email or stopping by your blog. Please note that this is an award-free zone.