Everless

I was lucky enough to receive ‘Everless’ by Sara Holland in my December Shelflove box. I’d heard soooo much about it so I was super excited to actually crack it open and read it!So for those who want a bit more info on what the books about:

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.

Now I had never read a book or seen a movie that involved using time as a currency, even though I know they exist. So this was a great new read for me. I loved the way that they minted time in the book – actually forging a tangible currency from it! For me, that made it easier to comprehend because I guess I need a physical thing to picture? I don’t know, strange mind workings I guess. But I loved the way Holland made it easy to know the calculations in this magical world. Points for world-building! I also really enjoyed the mix of history and mythology that was created! Learning about the history of Sempera and the beliefs of its people made the mythology they believed in come to life! The story of the Sorceress and the Alchemist was captivating.

Now for characters. Without giving spoilers, I particularly loved the character journey of one person in particular. I can’t say much more than that, but I love the development that is happening there and that’s one of the main reasons I’m excited for the next book! As for Jules, our main character, she is a good character. Not my favourite of all time heroine, but definitely a good solid write! Her thoughts and feelings very much drove her character and she did what she thought was right in basically all cases. This often leads her in to trouble, but where would our story be without it 😉 I also really liked the villain in this story. Again, that’s an interesting development and I’m curious how it will continue from here.

With all the character development that I’m so fond of, there are naturally quite a few twists in the story. Some of them did shock me, and I was very happy about not guessing them all! But there were a few I did guess. Which is again, not a terrible thing, just a fact 🙂

Overall I really did enjoy the book and the story. I’m definitely going to be waiting for the next book – excitedly! I want to find out what happens to those characters I mentioned! I possibly have a new book boyfriend 😉😝 that’s as much of a spoiler as I’ll give! I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5.

Have you read Everless? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Happy readings friends!

-Bec