Series: Everless #1
Release Date: January 2nd 2018
Publisher: Orchard Books
Pages: 362
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: I received an ARC of this at YALC
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

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.

Review

This has got to be one of the most unique YA fantasy books that I’ve ever read. I picked it up on a whim from my YALC pile and absolutely couldn’t put it down. I devoured this book in one breathless sitting, and it definitely left me hungry for more. The concept was probably what intrigued me most about Everless, the idea that time is a currency and if you don’t have enough money to pay for something you can bleed your years to pay for it.

The setting is really lushly described, the stunning Everless estate, which despite its beauty is fraught with danger for Jules. The latter half of the book certainly ramps up the tension, and there’s more than a few twists and turns along the way. I loved the characters, particularly our main protagonist Jules. The characters feel very life like and complex, and that’s something I really enjoyed about Everless. I also loved the mystery aspects of the story – what’s really going on at the Gerling Estate? So many of the characters have secret motives and more going on beneath the surface. The mix of mystery, fantasy and romance is just perfect.

The writing in this book is really beautiful, and the world building is exquisitely detailed. I must admit I had a bit of a book hangover after finishing this gorgeous book. My proof has a plain white cover but I’m so excited to also have a beautiful hardback copy because that cover is just stunning. If you’re looking for a new addictive YA fantasy read that feels truly unique, then you definitely need to pick up Everless.