Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound
by Brodi Ashton
Series: Everneath #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: January 22, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
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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.

Everbound delivered everything I wanted and was an amazing middle book in the Everneath series.  After the climatic ending of Everneath, I had a strong sense of where this story was heading and I wasn't disappointed. Ashton effortlessly transported me into her world and from the very first page I found myself enthralled by Ashton’s take on mythology and Everneath. Brilliant middle book and Ashton has earned herself a place on my auto-buy list.

Nikki Beckett is trying to deal with life without Jack. He sacrificed himself to save her and she refused to accept it. She studies every mythological story looking for answers to save him. She’s also tracking Cole and his band waiting for an opportunity to seek his help.  Every night Jack appears in her dreams and she works to make him remember but every night gets a little harder and she is running out of time. Prepared to enter Everneath to save Jack she is going with or without Cole and the tale that unfolds held me captive and sent my emotions traveling from hopefulness to full-fledged anger!

One of the things I appreciate most about this series is the depth of the characters. I fully understand what drives them. Their emotions and actions feel genuine and surreal. When an author is able to make me feel fully connected the world comes alive for me. I am not, nor will I ever be a fan of love triangles but every once in a while an author tells a story that can handle one. The triangle is completely valid and the events could not have occurred realistically without it. Ashton takes it to another level by providing two love interests that I can fully appreciate and respect. Cole is exactly who he claims  and his emotions for Nikki are genuine. At times I loathe his actions but I get him. Jack’s dedication and love for Nikki touch me. They are soul mates in the truest sense, their love is pure and faithful. While we do not get a lot of face time with Jack, what we do see felt fresh and believable. This allows Cole and Nikki to interact more and understand each other. It also allows the author to add depth to Cole’s character and we see a softer side of him, a vulnerable side.

I actually think Ashton has changed the way I will rate middle books because baby she set the bar high. World building is so important to me and a gripe I often have is that we do not get enough details. In Everneath the underworld or labyrinth unfolded giving me a panoramic view. Ashton provided vivid details of the creatures and challenges that dwelt there. Using mythology she gives Nikki the tools she needs to navigate and I loved the use of Mrs. Jenkins. Nikki sees growth as she slowly develops into a formidable opponent. The entire tale was tighter than its predecessor from the flashbacks to the pacing. I consumed this and found myself completely immersed with nothing jarring me back to reality. I had a strong sense of foreboding as I read and whether or not the author placed them there or not is unclear. All I can say is that the ending felt right and I cannot wait for book three.

Everbound will delight fans of Everneath. If you have been on the fence about starting the series lay your fears to rest this is one series you will be proud to display on your bookshelf.

Four and half iced frappes out of five