Evertrue: Review

Synopsis:

Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love

***

Unlike the first two books, I really enjoy every single part of Evertrue. It's not that the first two books are not good, but they're just not as appealing as Evertrue. On the other hand, Evertrue might not be perfect, but it certainly is good enough to be an excellent last installment of a trilogy. It's full of intimate moments, twists, actions, and heartbreak. And it brings a closure that every character would want for themselves at the end.

Nikki is in danger of losing everything she just got back. She's turning to an Everliving herself and if she doesn't find a way to undo the action, she will either turn into a full-fledged Everliving -- or die. Jack is with her the whole time she's completing her journey to achieve her goal. And Cole... well, let's just say Cole is a really special case that you have to find out yourself.

There are so many twists and turns in Evertrue. Among them there's one so big and unexpected it's almost funny. I have no idea how Brodi Ashton can pull off anything like that. The book might be personal, because Nikki's attempt to destroy the Everneath is for herself after all, but it certainly is epic. The only thing that I don't like about the plot is that the vibes of clues for the conclusion at the start of the book are not enough. It's more of a wild goose chase than everything else at the start of the book. I don't know if Brodi Ashton is trying to create a practically hopeless situation first before getting our hopes up, but I think the clues are not visible enough for readers to see it at first. 

Nikki also shares various intimate moments with both Jack and Cole in Evertrue. Let's talk about Jack first. I think Jack is the guy best for Nikki and I like him more in some ways. He doesn't leave Nikki behind even when she demands it. He stands by her side when she's facing danger. Danger that he might or might not understand. And he's surprisingly calm for someone who's witnessed his girlfriend kissing someone he hates with his guts multiple times because she has to or she dies. There's nothing not to like about him. But then, well, he's kinda too perfect to be true. So I totally understand that's part of the reason people might not like him as much as they do with Cole.

And speaking of Cole... well, he's a pretty complex character. And he kinda stays that way throughout the book, although in some times less than he usually was. I like Cole too, just because of his complex character. But his insistence kinda drives me crazy and annoys me a lot, so throughout Everneath and Everbound I like Jack much more. But after a series of --um-- accidents (or incidents, depends on how you see it. To me it's both), I grow to like him more and more. And I really miss him now. Truth to be told, that guy knows how to bring heartbreak and angst (and a nice closure as well). No spoiler intended.

Evertrue is a peaceful one comparing to other series conclusions I've read, despite all the twists and heartbreaks. But it brings a nice ending of the story that the characters want. And I think that's good enough. Although Everneath trilogy might not be the brightest series of all, I think I might actually miss it.

Rating: 8.5/10