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

TBR #9: January 2014

2013 is slipping away fast and 2014 is coming! The first month is always the best and the worst. Best, because this is the first, after all, and anticipation is growing fast. Worst, because this is also the month of school tests, which is the sole reason why I'm reading fewer and fewer books these days. Some of the books above are sequels in series which I haven't even read the first book. So yeah, my situation is pretty grim.

Here am I, presenting my TBR list in January 2014.

1. Enders (Starters #2) by Lissa Price

Synopsis:

With the Prime Destinations body bank destroyed, Callie no longer has to rent herself out to creepy Enders. But Enders can still get inside her mind and make her do things she doesn't want to do. Like hurt someone she loves. Having the chip removed could save Callie's life - but it could also silence the voice in her head that might belong to her father. Callie has flashes of her ex-renter Helena's memories, too ...and the Old Man is back, filling her with fear. Who is real and who is masquerading in a teen body? This is the thrilling sequel to "Starters".

Expected Publication: January 7, 2014

2. Erased (Altered #2) by Jennifer Rush

Synopsis:

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.

Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?

Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last age is turned.

Expected Publication: January 7, 2014

3. Vitro (Origin) by Jessica Khoury

Synopsis:

A death-defying tropical adventure delivers a frightening message about dabbling with creation from the talented author of Origin.

On a remote island in the Pacific, Corpus scientists have taken test tube embryos and given them life. These beings—the Vitros—have knowledge and abilities most humans can only dream of. But they also have one enormous flaw.

Sophie Crue is determined to get to Skin Island and find her mother, a scientist who left Sophie behind years ago. She enlists hunky charter pilot Jim Julien to take her there. But once on the island, Sophie and Jim encounter more than they bargained for, including a charming, brilliant Vitro named Nicholas and an innocent, newly awoken one named Lux.

In a race for their lives, Sophie and Jim are about to discover what happens when science stretches too far beyond its reach.

Expected Publication: January 14, 2014

4. Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton

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.

Expected Publication: January 21, 2014

5. The Course of True Love [And First Dates] by Cassandra Clare

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

Expected Publication: January 21, 2014

6. Avalon (Avalon #1) by Mindee Arnett

Synopsis:

A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett.

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Avalon is the perfect fit for teens new to sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers looking for more books in the YA space-and a great match for fans of Joss Whedon's cult hit show Firefly.

Expected Publication: January 21, 2014

Check out my review of Avalon here: http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/12/avalon-review.html

7. Into The Still Blue (Under The Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

Synopsis:

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Expected Publication: January 28, 2014

Check out my review of Into The Still Blue here: http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/12/into-still-blue-arc-review.html

8. Uninvited (Uninvited #1) by Sophie Jordan

Synopsis:

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

Expected Publication: January 28, 2014

9. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Synopsis:

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Expected Publication: January 28, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday #6: Top Ten 2014 Releases I'm Dying to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's question is my top ten choices of 2014 new releases that I'm dying to read.

1. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare -- well who wouldn't be dying to read this?

2. Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout -- apocalypse is ready to throw up in our world. As well as alien hotness.

3. Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer -- Cress! And Cinder! And Captain Thorne! 

4. The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa -- the ending of The Eternity Cure kills me! I need this right now!!!

5. Untitled (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas -- Yep, another killer ending

6. Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi -- I'm curious about how it will end. Everything seems so uncertain.

7. White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout -- I'm curious about how this series will turn out!

8. Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards -- I want Ash and Natalie together is it too much to ask?

9. Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton -- I really, really want to see the Everneath brought down by Nikki and Jack together

10. Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6) by Jennifer Estep -- I like Gwen. That's all.

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!