Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009, MacMillan

384 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

YA, paranormal

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 1

Paperclips: 3.5

Smiles: 5

Tears: 3

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from MacMillan

Seventeen-year-old Ever is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her entire family. Living with her aunt in Southern California, she's plagued by the ability to hear the thoughts of those around her, and haunted by the ghost of her little sister. She tries to tune everyone out, shunning her old lifestyle as the pretty, popular cheerleader, but somehow she can't hide from Damen, the new guy at school. Stunningly handsome, clever and not a little bit intimidating, there's something about him that doesn't quite add up. Ever realises he's hiding something, but nothing could prepare her for the truth - especially when the truth involves past lives, murderous enemies, everlasting love and the secret of eternal youth . . .

This is yet another book which is making the rounds on review blogs, so in the basket it went. I wasn't disappointed.

As per usual with books, I wasn't interested in the romance element. Yes there is some, worthy of paperclips (infrequent but strong language and a few adult situations), but I was more interested in Ever's power. The key of what colours meant at the beginning was a nice touch, I did go back and read it at a few points in the book to clarify what characters could have been feeling. Seeing emotions as auras, in addition to hearing people's thoughts is a lot for a teenager to handle. I think Ever does an okay job - her life certainly improves as Damon hangs around, blocking out everyone's thoughts and feelings.

I think if it hadn't been for Riley, Ever would have found it a lot harder to cope with her new life. Losing her family in such a tragic accident changed her life forever, in more ways than one. Riley is my favourite character, alongside ever. She's such a pesky younger sister (well, a ghost), but its clear she loves Ever dearly. Having her pop up wherever Ever went was funny. (I'm delighted that there's going to be a Riley series!). I liked how she wasn't able to tell Ever much about her family, and that she had her own agenda in the story to pursue. One which I believe is linked to Ever - some of it is revealed at the end, but not all.

I don't condone drinking, but the way Ever turned to drink as a coping mechanism against her powers was realistic. I believe it showed how easy it can be for people who are having a down slump in life can turn into addicts. I was equally glad when she got over that. I think it could be something that might appear in later books, but I'll have to wait and see. All her relationships change over the course of the novel - not always in a good way. The most touching scene for me was when she finally let her aunt into her life. I nearly cried buckets. There's a great deal of humour in Evermore, I was smiling away as the story unfolded. This is definitely one that will stay on my bookshelf.

For more information on Alyson's books check out her website.

Book 2 in the Immortals series: Blue Moon is out March 2010 (UK).

Liked this? Try Book 1 of the Dark Visions trilogy: The Strange Power by L J Smith