Cool Concept, Predictable Story

The magic system in this story was so cool, and it was expertly executed. The writing was lovely with some truly gorgeous scenes. That's why I gave it 3 stars and not 1. From about halfway through chapter 2, I could predict everything that was going to happen. If you read any YA at all, you know these characters. I wish the author had put a twist on the usual tropes, but no. She did not. So if you want to read about a really interesting world with a creative and clever magic system, go for it, but don't expect the plot or characters to excite you.
That said, I'll probably read book 2 just to see what she does with the magic system...I feel like I already know what's coming for most of the characters.

10 people found this helpful

Absolutely the best YA fantasy book of the year!!!!!

I have literally looked for a book to red or listen to and I've started so many and couldn't continue. Books like Hunger Games, Diligent,Twilight and some of the other wonderful books that draw you in on the first page have almost ruined reading for me intel this book!!!! It had me right away and I couldn't put it down. I read this as an audiobook and generally I reserve them for long car trips but I seriously had headphones in my ears until I was done.

This book is beautifully written with wonderful characters you can relate to. You feel as if your in the story. The narrator speaks in such a voice that also draws you in. I can't say enough about it!!!

I can't wait for the 2nd book.

5 people found this helpful

Decent story idea

I really like the potential of the plot more than I actually liked the execution. it was an interesting concept and could have made a great book. I struggled with it though, and several parts literally made me say "oh gag". she tries to force a romance between two characters that have hated each other for years, then all of a sudden one day she realizes she was mistaken and she's swooning. give me a break! I also thought that the author took a few interesting turns in the plot, but only gave these Revelations a small paragraphs or so while spending pages talking about how much she loved someone she hardly knew. don't get me wrong, I have nothing against romance, but this was very artificial and forced.

4 people found this helpful

Really solid YA

I thought this book was great once it got going! There was overmuch exposition and info dumping in the beginning, but once it picked up speed I really enjoyed. The central mystery was interesting and unpredictable, the foreshadowing throughout the book was excellent and the writing was quite good! I also liked that some of the stereotypical YA tropes were subverted, and not everything was as it seemed on the surface. I’m always more thankful than I should have to be for YA without cardboard characters. Overall, quite enjoyable, I will be on the lookout for the next in the series!

13 people found this helpful

Great mystery, cheesy plot

I loved how time is literally money and the magic in this book! The mystery aspect was very well done and interesting. Despite this, I could not stand Jules! She was so foolish and winey! I felt bad for her, but she was annoying! Everything was Rowan that, Rowan this!! Ugh!! The loving triangle was annoying and see through. In the end, I will be picking up the next book. Yet, this was not a book I loved.

8 people found this helpful

Potential

This is a slow paced book, filled with mystery yet slightly predictable despite the twists and turns. If this book lays the foundation for a stellar series, then there is hope for future installments. The main character although young is very naive. One thing authors fail to do with impoverished young heroines is to add wisdom as a part of their character. Experience is the best teacher and poverty tends to make the young wiser then their privileged counterparts.

1 person found this helpful

Could have been great

I could not stand Jules by the end if the book. So many impulsive bad choices. It started out great then the middle was forever nothing really moving the story forward. And Jules was really the only character she fleshed out. I usually hate cliffhangers but I just was happy it was over and did not care. kind of sad because it started out so strong with good world building and she picked up the pace at the end. But I have no interest in all about Jules saving everyone part 2. The endless mental guilt trips , love for a boy she knew as a kid, her refusal to see anything that did not support what she wanted to believe... I just did not like her at all by the end.

3 people found this helpful

Not good.

I couldn’t finish this one it was to slow and it just wasn’t a good story line.
It was written well but I would not suggest this to anyone.

1 person found this helpful

Such a Promising Premise

I had high hopes for this book! Unfortunately, for me, it fell flat. The beginning and the premise are SO GOOD! But after the first few chapters the writing and the main characters become flighty and underdeveloped. The heroine becomes weaker instead of stronger and the book kind of plods along into a hastily thrown together ending. The end does make you want to get the next book - but doesn’t leave you satisfied enough with the first one to make it a valuable investment of your time. I really wanted to like this one it started out with a strong almost Katniss like protagonist with a fresh fantasy twist; I just wish it had the follow through to deliver on its premise.

1 person found this helpful

Decent, needs a better heroine

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not really. The concept behind the story is excellent but the protagonist ignores opportunities to grow and has very weak character development. She starts uninformed and is driven only by her emotions leading to terrible decision making. This failure on Jules' part to advance the story leaves the plot relying on luck and happenstance to advance while she is unknowingly along for the ride. The result is a story that jerks the reader from event to event following a character they can only pity.

If you’ve listened to books by Sara Holland before, how does this one compare?

I have not though I am interested in reading more. The story is very creative and shows a lot of concept development so I think she is a promising writer. However, Everless itself aims only to entertain an immature pre-teen, not to be good literature. Just because the reader can relate to the character doesn't make them like, respect, or learn from them. The best hero's are always a half-step braver/smarter/stronger than real life, that is why they are hero's.

Have you listened to any of Eileen Stevens’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

She has a beautiful voice and conveys emotion very well. Even if I did not particularly like the main character, Ms. Stevens' voice brought her to life and made a mediocre girl worth listening too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no; I really wanted to know what happened next but the main characters failure to advance the plot was extremely frustrating.

1 person found this helpful