Everless Review

**Thank you to Hachette Children's Books (Australia) and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review. 5 spectacular stars!!!! Okay, how do I even start this review? Well from the blurb, I was pretty keen on reading this book as it was right up my alley in terms of YA fantasy and I wanted to start this year with a good read. What I got surpassed all of my expectations, to say the least. This has got to be one of my favorite books and let me break it down for you all as to why. Firstly, the worlbuidling is phenomenal. No jokes about this at all. The idea that blood is time and a world based on the elite using blood money to keep themselves immortal while the poorer classes slave away in dusty villages was just brilliant. I also love the magic system in place. The backstories of the alchemist and the sorceress were neatly interwoven throughout the storyline. There was no info-dumping, unnecessary details or side plots. Everything that was mentioned was key to the storyline and its progression. I loved the richness of the world from the imagery to the descriptions. The book is very immersive without being too overwhelming or flowery. Secondly, I adored the MC Jules. Her narration was raw, authentic and very emotive. I loved her relationship with her father and the ones she loved. I liked how steadfast and level headed she was throughout the story. I enjoyed reading about her struggles with poverty and how she tries to overcome her circumstances in life. She is very likeable and relatable. Even the minor characters were fleshed out really well. Each and every one of them plays a pivotal role in the story and add to the depth of the storyline. Thirdly, the romance aspect is very realistic. It is a bit of a love triangle. There's also a kind of love-hate relationship between Liam and Jules which was fascinating to read. I loved his broodiness and the kind of nonchalant attitude that he has towards her. But I did enjoy reading their interactions. Roan, on the other hand, is the total opposite. He is like the preferred favorite and we get to see a bit of sibling rivalry going on as well. Lastly, the writing style was flawless. The twists and turns that the book takes keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was sucked into the plot from the first couple of chapters. The story progression was seamless and the pace was brisk. Although some chapters were larger, I never once found it cumbersome to read. Sara Holland has a definite way with words. I liked the overall atmosphere of the novel - the juxtaposition of opulence to the decrepit state of the villages outside of Everless. Regardless of the splendor of the palace, there's an undercurrent of foreboding. The book deals with betrayal, secrets and lies. The heart of novel focuses on magic, family, love, justice and finding where you fit. I liked how the author depicts and contrasts the way the servants live with those of the upper classes. In a world where your blood is the most precious of commodities, how does one actually overcome lifelong servitude? All in all, I was completely enchanted with the book and I can't wait for the sequel. I would recommend giving this book a try if you love YA fantasy.

#youngadult #fantasy #darkatmosphere #time #magic #SaraHolland