Need To Know Info:
Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January 24th, 2012
ARC received from HarperCollins for Review
Carrie's Review: Everneath is an enjoyable romp into the world of mythology. Brodi Ashton takes an old myth and breathes new life into it.
Everneath is the story of Nikki Beckett, who after making a deal with an attractive Everliving, soon finds herself trapped in the Everneath. However, Nikki holds on to an image that eventually helps her escape her prison and returns to the surface. Unfortunately for Nikki you can't escape hell forever. There is always a price for making a deal with an Everliving.
I have always found Greek mythology so intriguing. When I heard about this book I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Brodi uses the myth of Hades and Persephone as a fabulous backdrop for this modern story. I was of course familiar with Hades; the god of the Underworld; but I wasn't quite as familiar with Persephone's story. Brodi does a good job of weaving the basics of the myth into the story but it was fun to do some additional research on my own.
The mythology was definitely a big selling point for me but I have to say the characters are what sold me on this book. Nikki; the main character; is strong, loyal, loves deeply and fights for what matters most to her. She knows love but she also knows sorrow and loss. It is easy to see how the dark and seductive Cole can tempt her with an offer that seems too good to be true. Cole definitely has a dark side and selfish intentions, but there is something that lies beneath the surface that intrigued me. Then there is Jack, ah Jack. How can you not love Jack? Jack is the guy that all the girls would kill to be with but he only has eyes for Nikki. Even after they are separated, he won’t give up on their love. I have to say his vulnerability just added to his sex appeal. As you can tell, there is a bit of a love triangle happening in this book but it is done really well. There is a definite pull toward two of the characters while some outside feelings from other characters add an extra bit of tension and drama to the story. This love triangle worked and kept me flipping the pages.
Speaking of flipping pages, I really enjoyed the way the story was set up. We start the book in the present not really knowing what has happened and then Nikki slowly takes us back and forth unveiling the story in pieces. By the end, we have all the heartbreaking pieces and we are fully committed and invested in the characters outcomes. Oh and what an outcome it is. I had a feeling about something before it happened but I was still left with my mouth hanging open. Brodi, Brodi, Brodi…how can you do that to my heart? I am now breathlessly waiting for the next installment in the Everneath series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Everneath. From the mythology, the characters, the setting (I am a sucker for books set in Utah), the pacing to the powerful ending, Brodi Ashton creates an original story that will hook you and pull you under into the Everneath.
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