Everless (Everless, #1)
by Sara Holland
Pages: 362
Published on January 2, 2018
by HarperTeen
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
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In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.
No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.
But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.
I’ve been getting snakebitten by YA fantasy late. I appreciate the offerings of unique ideas and worlds. The executions though have not worked for me. I think the commonly used tropes are starting to wear thin.
Everless has a world where time literally is money. Blood can be molded into currency, and time can literally be given and taken away. Some people squander time; others crave more of it. We see both of these viewpoints and the way it shapes the people. It made me re-evaluate how I spend my time. I actually appreciated that.
When Jules goes back to Everless, the estate run by the powerful Gerling family, the novel loses its footing. Characters are introduced who are only there to help Jules and then disappear from the story. Two people help Jules on her quest for answers and then, halfway through the book, are never mentioned again. Jules has a childhood crush on Roan, the son of the lord and lady of Everless. Her emotions are based on what she remembers as a child; as a young woman and man though, there’s nothing there besides little flirtations. We never get to know Roan, just that he’s a flirt. Roan’s brother Liam is also introduced as the “misunderstood brooding boy” who’s of course not at all bad. He was…okay.
There’s the makings of a wonderful girl friendship here. Jules and the Queen’s ward Ina develop a delicate yet moving bond after Jules becomes her lady-in-waiting. At first, Jules distrusts and even (unfairly) hates Ina, but as she gets to know her, Jules sees that Ina is a caring, gentle soul with secrets of her own. I’d like to see where this goes in the next book.
As much as the magic system and friendship was great, the rest of the novel is a little predictable and underwhelming. There’s a subplot involving the reasons behind blood irons and two figures from history who’ve had a hand it in, and this was cool. However, it was obvious to me what it had to do with everyone in the book.
Everless is not a bad book, but if you’re familiar with tropes, you’ll probably call things quickly. I am curious to see what happens to Ina in the second book. I just hope the snakebite doesn’t happen again.
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Twitter: genni_eccleshotmail.com
This is the first review I’ve seen for Everless that is not glowing and full of praise. I still want to read the book, but I’ll lower my expectations a bit so I’m not disappointed. It is refreshing to hear that a friendship is prevalent. It’s always annoying when the MC doesn’t have any friendships or family to speak of, and only a love interest.
Twitter: Jeann Wong
Oh man, that’s pretty disappointing to hear that the plot is quite predictable, but I’m glad to hear that you found some sort of enjoyment out of it! Glad to hear there was a positive female friendship.
The female friendship is excellent and I will definitely check out the sequel for that. As far as fantasy goes though, it’s very by the book.
Twitter: Faith Young
I’m sorry YA fantasy hasn’t been you’re best friend lately 🙁
It sucks when there are really good aspects to a book but they’re just not good enough to compensate for the bad parts. I’m really hoping that book two works out for you!
Lovely review =D
It’s alright–I’m switching genres for a bit to break things up. It helps a lot.
Thank you!
Twitter: tracyrussell
Oh nooo! I read this one earlier this year and really enjoyed it, but I do agree that it was a bit underwhelming. Although I liked it when I read it, I’m already struggling to remember what happened! Great review!
I was so shocked by how underwhelming it was considering the mystery.
Thank you!
I hope the next book is better fit for you.
Thanks, Nathan!