Author: Sara Holland
Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy
Source: HarperTeen via Edelweiss
Goodreads
In the land of Sempera, time is extracted from blood and used as payment. Jules Ember and her father were once servants at Everless, the wealthy Gerling family’s estate, but were cast out after of a fateful accident a decade ago. Now, Jules’s father is reaching his last hour, and she will do anything to save him. Desperate to earn time, she arrives at the palace as it prepares for a royal wedding, ready to begin her search into childhood secrets that she once believed to be no more than myths. As she uncovers lost truths, Jules spirals deeper into a past she hardly recognizes, and faces an ancient and dangerous foe who threatens her future and the future of time itself.Review by Nara
The most interesting aspect of Everless (and certainly one aspect of what made me want to pick it up, along with the lovely cover) was the magic system concept. The concept of blood being magic and time and life is so intriguing, and while I feel like I have perhaps seen it in other books, Holland puts an interesting spin on it where the blood is pressed into coins and used as currency.
The main character of the book was kind of frustrating at times- there were certainly moments in which I had to question how someone so idiotic could get so far with her schemes, when there were definitely some small measures she could have used to try and stop herself, for example, from being recognised as easily. Otherwise though, I thought she was a pretty good protagonist with lots to be developed in terms of her character in future installments. I was also actually pleasantly surprised as to how minor the romance plot line was. It didn't really distract from the main plot, but there were hints of things to come, leaving it open to be developed properly in the sequel.
I have to admit, most of the novel did tend to fall within the realm of generic fantasy tropes, but there were definitely some less expected reveals which I'm sure (or at least I hope) will make the follow up books even more interesting.
Really liked it
RatingsOverall: 7/10
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 4/5
