Guest Review: Everbound (Everneath #2) by Brodi Aston

Everbound by Brodi Ashton
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Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication:
January 22nd 2013
By Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins

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.

          Review:

     Nikki desperately needs to get her best friend and soulmate, Jack, back from Everneath where he functions as a "battery" to supply the Everlivings with energy. Jack gave up his chance at normal life for her, but Nikki can't enjoy her freedom until she is reunited with him. In her attempts to retrieve Jack, she must talk to Cole, the Everliving who started this entire problem. Cole isn't exactly happy to see her and doesn't want to help her get Jack back. He doesn't factor in Nikki's determination and "everliving" love for Jack, however, and they pair soon find themselves on an adventure to access the "tunnels" of the Everneath.

     Nikki returns with a spark in the sequel to Everneath. Vivacious and brave, she will stop at nothing to get Jack back. Sometimes, she acts without thinking and the reader will want to shake her. Cole remains arrogant and confident. He still holds out hope that Nikki will become an Everliving like him and forget about Jack. Jack, an important portion of the plot, is only accessible through Nikki's dreams for much of the book. The author makes up for the sad lack of Jack by writing in memories of Jack and Nikki to accompany the dreams. More likely than not, the reader will be torn between Jack and Cole. Although Nikki loved Jack for years and he was her high school sweetheart, Cole has a certain feel to him that makes him impossible to forget. The love triangle that causes so many readers to put down books is not a turn-off in Everbound. The author places a heavy emphasis on Jack's plight, rather than the decision Nikki will eventually have to make.

     The plot is fast-paced and fun to read about. Nikki guides the reader through the unusual world of the Everneath. The reader will be able to picture this strange world in his/her mind. It is impossible not to worry about Nikki as she deals with walls of water that will affect her thought process and huge columns of fire that pose a risk to her survival. There are several unexpected twists in this story, making it even more enjoyable than expected. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers. 4 Stars!

Guest Review by: Krystal 

www.livetoread-krystal.blogspot.com