Evertrue by Brodi Ashton [Joint Review!]

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Evertrue by Brodi Ashton
Series: Everneath #3
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release: January 21, 2014
Hardcover: 336 Pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

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.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

 

How did Evertrue make you feel in one sentence? 

Shannon: Sometimes frustrated, sometimes bored, sometimes infatuated, but ultimately, I think satisfied. 

 

Julia: Evertrue made me feel these emotions, in this order: Excited, aggravated, giddy, bored, frustrated and then sad and content.

 

 

2. Who was the most agitating character? Which character could you relate to?

Shannon: Nikki was the most agitating character for me.  She just dives headfirst into things without thinking and makes selfish decisions along the way.  I mean, I don't hate her or anything, but she definitely frustrates me.  I'm not sure I can relate to any one particular character.  I did like that Jack was loyal and, often times, the voice of reason.  I mean, he is bland as all get out, but I appreciated his steadiness.  Cole, however, is my favorite and really is the reason I read these books.  He injects some much needed excitement and unpredictability. 

 

Julia: Nikki is definitely one of the most agitating characters that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. She is a major whiner and is selfish to the max. That being said, I still enjoy the story because her agitation sometimes propels the plot and is entertaining to say the least. I can not relate to any characters in this story per say, but I understand the actions of Cole more than any of the others. He makes sense to me and is so much fun - without Cole these stories wouldn't work for me.   

 

 

3. Ending - shocking or predictable? Love it or leave it?

Shannon: Ummm, a little predictable.  Or at least, I felt there weren't many options left and it kind of had to end that way.  I was pretty satisfied with the ending and felt it was in keeping with the series as a whole.

 

Julia: The ending isn't shocking at all and you kind of see it coming. Though I can't stand that Nikki is just relieved at the end (and somewhat sad) her actions affected a lot of people, both good and bad, and that is never mentioned or touched on. I can't say much more without spoiling the ending. There are parts of the ending that I love and hate, but I'm glad it ended the way it did.
 

 

4. What was your favorite part?

Shannon: Any scene with Cole in it. 

Julia: I love every scene, from each of the books, where Nikki realizes she has played right into Cole's plans and she is unhappy about it. They made me laugh out loud, like how does she not see this coming? haha

 

 

5. Overall, how did this book fit into the series? Could you feel any of the characters evolve?

Shannon: I think it was on par with the rest of the series.  I don't know that any of the characters truly evolved.  I think they stayed pretty true to their motivations. 

Julia: Evertrue felt just like the previous installments- if you liked the first two, you will like this one. The characters all felt and behaved like the did in the previous books too. Cole's attitude in the very last of the book did surprise me somewhat, I thought that he'd fight more or have more issues with the way the book ended, but he is okay with it.  

 

 

6. How did you feel about the love triangle?

Shannon: It really wasn't much a love triangle, even though Brodi Ashton really wanted us to think it was.  Nikki and Jack are a very solid couple and Cole really ruined any chance he had at the end of the second book.  Now...do I wish Cole had more a chance?  Sure...only because it would be more interesting!

Julia: Merp... no surprise here. I wanted a little twist, a little surprise. But ya know, whatever- I like loyalty and characters that aren't fickle too. And I agree with Shannon, though Cole's love for Nikki is obvious- Nikki's love for Jack is obvious too and never falters.  

 

 

7. Close this review out- parting thoughts!?

Shannon: I liked this series and I liked this book.  It wasn't something that wowed me, but I thought the writing was good - very wistful and sometimes melancholy.  It had a great atmospheric quality to it.  I wasn't in love with Nikki...or Jack.  I wish the final showdown was more climatic.  I was pretty satisfied right after I read it, but now that I have had a little time to mull it over, there are some things that bother me (like Nikki's decision to destroy the Everneath...what about all those Everlivings?  She didn't care if they died?).  So overall, a solid, decent read.  Your mileage may vary based on how much you like Jikki (Jack and Nikki, natch). 

 

Julia: This isn't a series I want to own or reread, but I really enjoyed myself and I'm glad I read the entire trilogy. The writing is vivid and the characters are always true to themselves and their story. Though I am not in love with the main character, I loved some of the supporting characters and that was enough for me. Definitely recommend this series for anyone that is in the mood for a light young adult read.

Other books in this series in the order that they should be read:
1. Everneath
1.5 Neverfall
2. Everbound
3. Evertrue