Brodi Ashton

Six months ago, Nikki Beckett vanished into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned to her old life for another six months before the Everneath comes to claim her ... this time for ever -- cover.

Everneath

Monicap

REVIEW as of January 12th, 2015
You know, sometimes when I reread a book my opinions change. After all, my tastes as a reader grow and mature and and I realized what I liked two years ago isn't as well written as whatevre I read last week.

Notable examples of this include Darkness Becomes Her and Vampire Academy

But not with this one, no. If anything, I love it more.

The writing.
I don’t think I paid very much attention to writing two years ago, but now, writing can be a very big lynch pin in whether or not I like a book. And the writing in this book is so unique, and so perfect and so fitting. I think of it the way I think of Kiersten White’s writing: though immature, it communicates her story better than if, say, it had been written like the Book Thief.
That’s the way I feel about the writing in this book. The writing wasn’t beautiful in the way that the Book Thief would be. Nor was it immature in the way the of Kiersten White’s. But it fit the story and it was unique and it was honest. The rawness of it was amazing, more amazing than anything.

The characters. 
I stand by what I said two years ago. Passive yet proactive. I’m actually surprised that I had the presence of mind to state that so elegantly. But I didn’t properly explain it. Passive characters generally aren’t interesting (to me). They are so sucked into their internal conflicts that externals conflicts fall to the wayside or fail to show up completely, making for some pretty boring story stuff, but when you get a character who is TOTALLY sucked up with intenal conflict AND has to deal with external conflict and seem strong and weak while doing it, you have a beautiful combination there. Only a few characters of similar caliber come to mind (see Fia of Mind Games and Dru of Strange Angels)

The plot.
I’m going to use words I didn’t know two years ago. Internal conflict and external conflict. This book was definitely more focused on internal conflict: Nikki’s own personal struggle in coming to terms with her choices and relationships. But that’s not to say that there wasn’t external conflict, based upon that same choice that she made, and most importantly, the mythology.

The mythology.
Two years ago, I talked about how this was a loose retelling of the Persephone myth. Which, you know, I no longer even agree with. This isn’t a retelling of the Persephone myth. If anything, it’s a very, very loose interpretation of the Persephone myth. Now that I’m older and have studied mythology, I think this book/series has more to do with the Egyptian mythology than the Greek. Not that Egyptians had a ‘mythology’ in the same the Greeks did. The Egyptians were around for a LOT longer and myth tend to change, sprouting different versions for different regions and time periods. Also, we can’t really read a lot of Egyptian, so we’re not to clear on their mythology—at least not the way we are with the Greeks. Yet, we do have some solid ideas on their views on the afterlife, and this book takes a lot of that to use for the mythology.
Point is, I love the mythology, it is well thought-out and creepy and magical and wondrous and perfect for the story.

I love this book always. Until next time, ever yours. 




REVIEW as of August 29th, 2012
Okay, so, what can I say about this book? 
Well, I love Nikki. Somehow, she manages to be passive yet proactive in her situation in a way that works. 
Jack… ooh, Jack. I love ya so much. I was never confused. Even while, throughout the book, there were hints dropped about him cheating, I never once doubted him.
Which brings me too: *in a talking-to-dog voice* bad Nikki. Bad.
I love how many different plot points figured into this book and had meaning, and yet didn’t seem scattered. Mary/Meredith, Jules, her mom, her dad, Will, Tommy… it was amazing, how that was done.
And the mythology was AMAZING. You may hear that this book is a retelling of the Persephone myth. It is. But it’s a very, very, very loose retelling. Like, if you’re thinking the Goddess Test when you hear that, you’re waaay off-base. The Goddess Test is not what we get here. Not even close.
Especially because it’s not just Persephone. Isis and Osiris from Egyptian mythology have their (smaller) place here, too, and Christianity gets it’s word in, too, with the whole hell-comparison-thing.
Very interesting book. And I mean interesting in a good way.
I loved it.
If you are solely into books like Percy Jackson and the Goddess Test, I will tell you, this book is not near as myth-oriented as those books are. I still think it’s good, but you’d have to be a paranormal fan as well to truly enjoy this. 
(meaning my brother, who reads almost nothing if it’s not by Rick Riordan, this book is not for you. Not that he’d ever ask, but still…)
Yeah. Loved this book, can’t wait for the next one, but it didn’t register as Amazing-O-So-Astounding, so only four stars.

Michal Stone

I was a little disappointed with this book, though I’ll admit I had some expectations that were just not what the book was intended for. 
It was about a girl in high school (which is always draining for me, since I’ve graduated high school the book feels too youthful), but mainly I didn’t really think it was a retelling of Persephone. It had some similarities, but I would NOT have called it a retelling. More like inspired by. (Which was disappointing)
I thought the main character, Nikki, was pretty bland. She didn’t seem particularly strong or thoughtful, and she pretty much just did whatever the boy she currently is dating wanted. Every time something important in the book happens, it’s because she was at home moping and the guy was spending time trying to help her. 
Pretty basic romance—childhood friends is a hard one to make romantic, I think, since so few people actually have that relationship it’s not very relatable. 
The entire premise, however (though not very similar to Persephone), is very interesting and well thought-out. I think the whole idea of the Everliving vs Forfeits and then not being dead is a REALLY good plot. That part is definitely 10/10. 
I would love for Brodi to rewrite this with the same background and some more interesting/thoughtful characters. I am interested enough to read the second one, so I’m very hopeful!!!

Danielle H.

I had first picked up this book from the library, but didn't get around to reading it until about a month later. I was super busy at the time, and my roommate wanted to read it so I let her borrow it. While she read it, my roommate kept telling me how great it was and how I was "just going to LOVE it!" So, by the time I finally got aroud to reading Everneath, I had higher expectations than I had orignally had. Now, did the book live up to my sky-high expectations? ABSOLUTELY!

I loved this book from start to finish. I am so glad I read it, and think Ashton did an amazing job with this book. It had an extremely addicting storyline and went by at a fast pace. This book is espcially great for all those out there who love a new, modern take on Greek mythology because it was basically a retelling of the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

The timing and pacing of the events in the book were just right; not too fast, or snail paced. The reader gets to know and love Nikki more as the story unravels. Each character involved in Nikki's life has a deep connection with her; one that will affect her in a way that will move the reader. The story isn't just a love story; it also shows thse importance of family and friends. 

The world building was also quite excellent. The Everneath sounded dark, and mysterious; a place no one would ever want to be trapped in. Ashton also did a great job with research in the original myth. Nikki Beckett was a strong heroine and definitely likeable. She wasn't one of those annoying, whinny protagonists you so often come across in YA novels. She was never selfish and always thought about others, especially here family and friends. 

Now, let's talk about the perfectly wonderful Jack Caputo.
“Stay with me, Becks. Dream of me. I am ever yours.” 
Before they became romantically involved, Nikki and Jack were firends. He was the kind of guy who knows he is attractive but doesn't really seem to care, or use it to act like a jerk. He had the perfect blend of good looks, personality, and charisma. He never gave up on Nikki, and always had the hope that she would come back and everything would be alright again. He was willing to risk everything for her when she finally came back. He was loyal, and wiling to fight for her because, he loved her; that's all there is to it. 

The ending was good as well. It was SO SAD and HEARTBREAKING, but leaves us with so many questions and dying to get our greddy little hands on the next book. All in all, everyone should read this book. It was amazing, and has a bit of everything for everyone's individual tastes.

Jessica Nottingham

How do I explain what made me love Everneath so very much? It wasn't just the characters, who are so realistic that you can feel their emotions emanating from the page. In fact it wasn't just even the amazing story line that had me reading voraciously. It was the two of these things blended together, my ability to get lost inside Nikki's story, that left me breathless at the end. Everneath is beautiful, plain and simple.

Every story has a heroine, and this one is no different. I fell in love with Nikki from the very beginning. Her emotions were so palpable and real. Even when she made decisions I didn't quite agree with, I saw her motivations behind. Everything about her was so selfless. Flanking her on either side are two very different boys with two very different motivations. I loved Jack. Can I say that again? I loved him. He is the epitome of what we all want in a relationship. Sweet, giving, unshakable in his loyalty. His story with Nikki blew me away. Then there is Cole who, even though he is technically the "villian", I just couldn't help but love. There is so much wrapped up in his character that despite how he acts sometimes he is just too broken to dislike.

These stunning characters are placed in an even more gorgeous story line, as Brodi Ashton whisks us away into the story of the Everneath. I'm not going to share any details that might be spoilers. I believe that this is the type of book you'll just have to experience for yourself. Still, I could not believe how perfectly Ashton blended myth with reality. Nikki's story mirrors a myth almost perfectly and, even when you know what's going to ultimately happen, she provides enough hope to keep you hanging on. Love plays a big part in this story. The link between two people who love each other so much that time, nor space, can separate them. It broke my heart with its beauty.

Reading Everneath was effortless, if that makes any sense. It was such a pleasure to turn every page that it was almost like I wasn't reading at all. What Brodi Ashton has created within this pages is absolutely wonderful. There is no way I can explain to you why this book touched me so much, only that it did. I ended the story with tears in my eyes and something beyond a need to find out what happens next. More of an ache.

I haven't been as in love as I am with these characters in a long, long time. That alone makes Everneath one of my top reads, not just of the year but of all time. If you are a hopeless romantic, if you are a fan of mythology, or if you just enjoy rooting for the good in the world, this is a book you'll enjoy. I recommend Everneath with all my heart.

Jess Houston

More like 4.8. It was nearly perfect! I absolutely adored this and cannot wait to read Everbound hopefully soon!!

Bridget Howard

I loved this book I like the way it was written how you go would go back an forth from the past to the future it was an interesting way of writing and I loved it. The story was great and very captivating. I am very excited for the next book, to bad it doesnt come out for another year.

A captivating story of love, loss, and immortality Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals feed on the emotions of despairing humans. 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 months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance—and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

madie anne 

GOD FUCKING DAMMIT JACK CAPUTO WHY DID I HATE YOU SO MUCH TILL THE END?

Giulia 

Recensione su Giulia's World

Sono sincera, non riponevo nessuna fiducia in questo libro. L'ho letto perchè ormai era nel Kindle e mi sembrava uno spreco non leggerlo. Ora sono contenta di averlo fatto!
Pensavo che sarebbe sarebbe stata una storia banale, invece l'ho trovato molto interessante! Ho imparato un sacco di cose sui miti greci, un argomento che mi ha sempre affascinata ma che non ho mai approfondito davvero. Inoltre per una volta non c'è stato nessuno a starmi davvero sulle scatole, okay forse ogni tanto la protagonista ma più che altro perchè mi sono leggermente schierata dalla parte di Cole quindi... xD
Sono molto curiosa di leggere il secondo libro in questa trilogia *-*.

Caitlin Berger

Wow! I wasn't expecting much from this book, considering how low I think of teen fantasy novels nowadays. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! The book isn't perfect and there is room for improvement but in general I really enjoyed it. Especially the last 1/3 of it, it was exhilarating and suspense filled. I really want to continue reading this series, it's really different from other teen books right now, the premise is great. I really, truly enjoyed this novel! I recommend it!

Everneath

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