Series Recap: Everneath Trilogy by Brodi Ashton

Reading Order (sort by release date):

Everneath (Book 1, Published on January 24, 2012)
Neverfall (Book 1.5, Published on December 26, 2012)
Everbound (Book 2, Published on January 22, 2013)
Evertrue (Book 3, Published on January 21, 2014)

Click the titles to check out my reviews.

***

Synopsis Recap:

Eveneath starts with Nikki Beckett returning to the Surface after six months (or one hundred years, depending on how you see it) of disappearance into the Everneath. She's trying to spend her six months on the Surface saying one final goodbye to those she loves before the Everneath claims her again. The problem is that Cole, the Everliving who brings her to the Everneath in the first place, is following her everywhere and trying to take the throne of the Everneath. He needs Nikki in order to do so. But Nikki and Jack, her boyfriend, will do anything to stop him, if Nikki can cheat death.

Nikki is devastated in Everbound. Jack makes the sacrifice and he's now trapped in the Everneath. She will do anything to bring him back... even if that means allying with the one who will be anything but happy to help her. As she travels through the Everneath, solving one obstacle after one another, she realizes who (and what) she's tackling is dangerous. Nothing will ever be the same after the journey.

Evertrue picks up right after Everbound. After saving Jack from the Everneath, Nikki is in grave danger -- she's turning into an Everliving herself. She has to depend on a guy she despises or die. Destroying the Everneath seems almost impossible. But after a rather unexpected and astonishing twist, they're storming into the Everneath to find a way to bring down it. But it will be no easy job because their enemy is someone dangerous -- the queen of Everneath. She will have to do anything in order to take down Everneath -- including making sacrifices.

***

Thoughts Recap:

Three words to describe the series: Fresh, Intriguing, Innocent

(I'm not going to talk about Neverfall here)

Everneath introduces a world which is like something out of a Greek myth about Persephone. I love how Brodi Ashton resets the original story and add new elements to the book. It's pretty unique. Nikki and Jack are totally a perfect couple. Throughout the trilogy they're there for each other. They'll just about do anything for each other (that is, if they're given that situation, and it's sad to say there's not many in the trilogy). Cole is an incredibly complex character. He might appear as a heartless Everliving, but there are times where he seems more human. While that guy often annoys the hell out of me, I admit that he's quite a great character.

Everbound is a nice journey. I enjoy most of it. But while the book is good enough on its own, other than the part where it actually contributes to the plot of Evertrue, it's not actually necessary to stay in the series. I really hate to say that, because I do like Everbound. But other than some small yet significant parts that sets up the stage for Evertrue, the rest is actually not that important. (Oh and Jack is missing for the most parts of the book, which is a sad thing, because I like that guy, even though he seems too perfect to be true)

Evertrue is the best out of the three of them. It doesn't bullshit around. Every single part of the book is exciting in its own way. There are also scenes where emotions from characters are strong. Either they're happiness, relief, sorrow, anger or heartbreak. They're nothing short of amazing. Evertrue has a really nice closure. It might not be the perfect one for some readers, but I think it's definitely good enough for me.

Overall: 7.5/10

Do I recommend this series?: I don't guarantee that you'll definitely like it. But it's worth a try.

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

Summary Reveal: Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

Finally! 7 months of waiting and we have a blurb from Evertrue, the final book of the Everneath trilogy! I can totally see Evertrue starring in "The End Is Here" as well as Dark Days Winter 2014 (musings)

Anyway, here's the synopsis:

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.

***

Aww. Jack. I love you. (Yeah, I'm Team Jack in case you are wondering. I like Cole too, but what Jack feels about Nikki is totally true)

Evertrue will be released on Januray 21, 2014

Teaser and Cover Reveal

Yep, more news!

1. Teaser from Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

In Obsession (Arum #1), there's a scene where "a guy with fierce green eyes" shows up with Luc in the club and that's Daemon! It's the teaser of that parallel scene in Daemon's PoV which occurs in both Obsession and Origin!

I took a step forward, rage swirling inside me.
“You broke into Mount Weather?” Hunter choked out a laugh. “Are you insane?”
“Shut up,” I said, keeping my eyes on Luc.
Hunter made a deep noise. “Our little mutual white flag of friendship is going to come to a halt if you tell me to shut up again.”
I spared him a brief glance. “Shut. Up.”
Dark shadows drifted over the Arum’s shoulder, and I faced him fully. “What?” I said, throwing my hands up in a universal come get some. “I have a lot of pent-up violence I’d love to take out on someone.”
“Guys.” Luc sighed, sliding off the bar. “Seriously? Can’t you two bro-mance it out?”

Wow, I didn't realize they want to go all bro-mance on each other that soon XD. Seriously if they aren't enemies they are going to out snark each other more and that will be whole lots of fun. Aww I'm so going to love Origin. I can't wait!

***

2. Cover Reveal: Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

Everbound, the sequel of Everneath is one of the featurettes in Dark Days Winter 2013! And it's time for some more! Evertrue is the last book of Everneath trilogy and will be released in January 21, 2014! Will Evertrue make an appearance in Dark Days 2014 or The End is Here 2014? I hope so!

Okay here's the cover:

Beautiful! And we can actually get a better look at Nikki's face (if that's actually her). The swirling around her is even more torrential than Everbound. I can't wait to see how Nikki and Jack bust the whole Everneath down!

Everbound: Review

Synopsis:

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.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

***

(This review might contain spoilers of Everneath, Neverfall and Everbound)

Ever since I finished reading Everneath, I've wanted to read the sequel. But I just don't have time for this because of a lot of things... until now. And I'm telling you, it's one of those cases where the sequel is way better than the first book.

Everbound takes thrill into a new level. The synopsis mentions that there will be a journey to the Everneath. And this journey contains obstacles that you can't possibly imagine. I mean, Everneath is dangerous for humans. That's a common knowledge. What is not common is the emotional battle that they have to come against because they are... very intense.

The plot is surprisingly smooth, despite the excitement in the book. It is not very appealing at first, because the first part is all about Nikki getting accused and trying to find Cole in order to travel to the Everneath. But when they actually get to the Everneath, things get way more interesting. The threads are entwined nicely, and the plot is quite clear (but not too clear that you won't definitely know whether Jack will come back until you read that part). 

The ending is infuriating. Yep, you read it right. Why? Because Cole PISSES ME OFF SO MUCH! I mean, in Everneath and Neverfall (Especially Neverfall), his affection for Nikki is so obvious. It's kinda like the supernatural version of Warner and Juliette, only "Juliette" isn't that much of a emotional wreck in Everneath trilogy. But if you read the last part, you will totally get why I am so pissed. He. Freaking. Trick. Nikki! (How? Not gonna tell ya ;])

Everbound is stunning. Not because of the words, because I have to say... the words are average in level. Not JUST because of the thrill and excitement and interest that brings me. Not JUST because of Nikki's vow at the end of Everbound. But also because there's no smoother plot than this (And I'm telling you, even the best YA novels have rocky plots sometimes).

I'm so going to read the finale of the Everneath trilogy. How about you?

Rating: 8/10

Neverfall: Review

Synopsis:

A thrilling new novella from the author of the Everneath series!

Jack is trapped for eternity in the Tunnels while Nikki has managed to evade Cole's grasp . . . for now. But Cole is more desperate than ever to find answers about Nikki, his best chance for taking over the throne of the underworld. How did she survive the Feed? Can Cole find another Forfeit like her who can survive it too?

Cole's quest leads him to the other side of the world, to a mysterious, dangerous society known as the Delphinians, whose price for information might be higher than Cole can pay—a price that could destroy Nikki. But when Cole attempts to steal the answers instead, his mission ends in disaster. Faced with centuries in a Delphinian dungeon, Cole is confronted with questions he's been too scared to ask himself: Is he really obsessed with the throne—or is he obsessed with Nikki? And can she really give him a new beginning as the Everneath's king . . . or will she instead bring about his tragic end?

***

First is the cover. It's cool, honestly. But is that some kind of teaser cover or pre-cover or whatever that is? Because look at Everbound's cover:

Neverfall's cover is like the shadowy version of Everbound. But whatever.

(I will keep it short, 'cuz this is just a novella)

So this book is in Cole's point of view. This novella kind of reminds me of Destroy Me. You know, the villain expressing himself and finds himself fall for the main female character. Blah and blah. Not that it's a problem. Just some kind of reminder.

The novella's quite cool, actually. I mean, it's clear that Cole holds affection for Nikki in Everneath. But the depth of it still stuns me. It's like a not-so-desparate yet more-emotional Warner, except that he's immortal. This is probably the second time I read a novella in a villain's point of view, and the second time I find I don't hate the villain as much as I thought I was. 

The plot runs very smoothly, even smoother than in Everneath. But it still holds the unique part of the book: The time-jumping thing. It starts with Cole in the present day, after Jack was taken away by The Tunnels. And the story jumps back and forth between one year ago and now. And the London part is one of my favorites. God, did I love London. (Secret: London is the City of Pain not because of what Cole says, but because of The Infernal Devices. Damn all the feels.)

This is the prequel novella of Everbound, and I can't wait to see what will happen next. Especially after I discover how Cole is into Nikki. Although I can smell a love triangle brewing like in Unravel Me, I think this time the absence of Jack will change the book.


Rating: 7.5/10

Everneath: Review

Synopsis:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance--and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

Everneath is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

***

You know what, guys? Although this might not be the best book I've ever read, I'm officially in love with the book.
  
Okay, to be honest, I think Nikki's decision to go to Everneath with Cole is very stupid. But the best part of this isn't what Nikki has done. It's about the similarity between the plot and the reality. You know, the following-bad-guys-because-they-are-upset thing is very common among teens (why do I sound like an annoying grown-up?). And yeah, Brodi Ashton surely portray this part well by putting Nikki in this situation.

For some reason, this book reminds me of Shatter Me (and do I love Shatter Me.). So I guess Nikki's like Juliette, although I have to say Nikki is way stronger than Juliette in many ways, especially the emotional ones. And Jack... well I guess Jack is like a more reasonable and common version of Adam (yep, Adam is hot and awesome, but sometimes he's too emotional, especially when it comes to the excerpt in Unravel Me). I decide I like this guy. He's quite cool. And Cole... damn, he's so much like Warner. Everyone can see he's obsessed with Nikki. You know, with the dark hot look, attempting to snatch Nikki to Everneath and all those stuff. It's like a supernatural version of Warner.

I have to say the book starts out a little bit slow. But I don't care that much. When it comes to the major parts of the book, it's like watching one of the most awesome movie on Earth. Especially the ending of the book. Jack, sacrificing himself for Nikki? Who knows his feelings for Nikki run that deep? And the time-jump of this book... I won't say it's all good, but it surely provides many useful information for reading this book.

I love how Brodi Ashton is using the Hades and Persephone thing to describe Everneath. Well, according to the book, Everneath isn't exactly like the Underworld in Greek mythology. While giving a brief look about what Everneath is like by using the story of Hades and Persephone, Brodi Ashton also clarifies that it's not the same as the Underworld. And the necklace Mary gives Nikki and Jack is fascinating. I mean, who can imagine Egyptian mythology will show up in a book like Everneath? And remember the five parts of the soul? the ka, the ba, the ren. the sheut and the ib. Do you know what that reminds me of? The Reaper Diaries. 

I don't know if Everneath will be your choice of the best YA fantasy, but I think the book is worth-reading.

Rating: 7.5/10