Neal Shusterman’s Everlost is the first book in the Skinjacker series. Normally, when someone dies they are given two options: Heaven and Hell. However, for kids under the age of 15, there is another option. Hidden between the world of the living and the realm of the dead lies Everlost. In this this place of halfway, the souls of children who never quite made it to the light attempt to find some solace in their eternal existence. Unsurprisingly, this world of dead children isn’t a happy one. Fraught with dangers, Everlost is dark place where only the strongest and smartest can survive. Violently thrown from the world of the living, Nick and Allie find themselves in the mysterious and dangerous world of Everlost.
Nick and Allie both take turns narrating the story.
With a strong will and curious mind, Allie is the female lead. This girl boasts a scientific and analytical mind refuses to allow her to accept things at face value. Every rumor is critiqued and questioned, every rule tested to its breaking points. Unfortunately, this attitude puts her at odds with any form authority. From chapter one, Allie proved herself to be a goal oriented person. She followed this goal single-mindedly, often dragging her friends into unwanted confrontations.
Nick is the opposite. He is easy going and willing to go with the flow. He originally latched onto Allie’s drive before finding himself content with rules and authority figures. As the determination of others drags him through Everlost, he eventually discovers his own goal.
Everlost is an interesting read. The plot remains moving at a constant rate causing it to seem dull or boring at parts. This is clearly not a plot driven read, but the characters and world make up for this. Everlost is an interesting place and takes a starring role throughout the book. Lots of time and effort was poured into the scenery in order to craft an eerie, almost ominous air. The apprehensive atmosphere is palpable as Everlost’s mysterious are slowly uncovered. The characters do an amazing job of adding to the story’s creepy atmosphere. All of the characters are children, locked at a certain developmental state for hundreds of years. Acting on immature emotions some of these children can be lead to doing heinous acts. This book also tackles some dark themes of immortality and eternity that don’t necessarily fit with the writing which is aimed at a younger audience. Pairing dark themes with young riding adds to the book’s unique voice as it is narrated by kids who are lingering for eternity. I give this 513 page book 3.5 stars.
Nick and Allie both take turns narrating the story.
With a strong will and curious mind, Allie is the female lead. This girl boasts a scientific and analytical mind refuses to allow her to accept things at face value. Every rumor is critiqued and questioned, every rule tested to its breaking points. Unfortunately, this attitude puts her at odds with any form authority. From chapter one, Allie proved herself to be a goal oriented person. She followed this goal single-mindedly, often dragging her friends into unwanted confrontations.
Nick is the opposite. He is easy going and willing to go with the flow. He originally latched onto Allie’s drive before finding himself content with rules and authority figures. As the determination of others drags him through Everlost, he eventually discovers his own goal.
Everlost is an interesting read. The plot remains moving at a constant rate causing it to seem dull or boring at parts. This is clearly not a plot driven read, but the characters and world make up for this. Everlost is an interesting place and takes a starring role throughout the book. Lots of time and effort was poured into the scenery in order to craft an eerie, almost ominous air. The apprehensive atmosphere is palpable as Everlost’s mysterious are slowly uncovered. The characters do an amazing job of adding to the story’s creepy atmosphere. All of the characters are children, locked at a certain developmental state for hundreds of years. Acting on immature emotions some of these children can be lead to doing heinous acts. This book also tackles some dark themes of immortality and eternity that don’t necessarily fit with the writing which is aimed at a younger audience. Pairing dark themes with young riding adds to the book’s unique voice as it is narrated by kids who are lingering for eternity. I give this 513 page book 3.5 stars.