Enchanting and Chilling: A Review of Everless by Sara Holland
When I first picked up Everless by Sara Holland, the concept of time being intertwined with blood as a currency intrigued me immensely. What a captivating premise! This unique narrative twist not only sent shivers down my spine but also sparked my imagination in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Holland, a talented newcomer, brings to life a world where the affluent hoard time while the less fortunate sacrifice their vitality just to survive — a metaphor that resonates deeply in today’s society.
At the story’s heart is Jules Ember, a tenacious protagonist who returns to the lavish and dangerous estate of Everless, determined to save her dying father. Her journey unfolds against a backdrop rich in vivid world-building and haunting secrets. The kingdom of Sempera feels palpably oppressive, and Jules’s experiences highlight the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, abundance and scarcity. Holland expertly captures the desperation of Jules’s situation, inviting us to feel the weight of her choices and the impact of time — or the lack thereof — on every aspect of her life.
Holland’s writing shines in her ability to create tension and intrigue. The narrative pacing kept me on my toes, even as I found myself guessing at plot twists that kept unraveling. I appreciated how the story peeled back layers of secrets that Jules herself was unaware of, revealing pieces of a puzzle that turned out to be stunningly intricate. One memorable passage captures this wonderfully: “An older couple, two women with backs curved with too much work and too few years, hunch over a small table in the corner, taking turns cutting each other’s palms and letting the blood flow into empty vials. I wonder if they’re putting time away for their children.” It’s this blend of the fantastical and the achingly real that makes the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking.
Yet, amid the captivating world-building and rich character arcs, I felt that some of the romantic elements were a bit too formulaic. Jules finds herself entangled in a love triangle that, while entertaining, sometimes overshadowed the greater themes of empowerment and self-discovery. However, it’s a small quibble against the backdrop of an otherwise engrossing story.
In the end, Everless is a tantalizing blend of action, romance, and brutal reality that will appeal to fans of fantasy and young adult literature alike. It’s a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the quest to reclaim one’s own life from the clutches of power. If you enjoy books that push boundaries and challenge societal norms, or if you’re just looking for a thrilling read that will keep you up past your bedtime, then I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Holland’s world.
For me, the experience of reading Everless was both chilling and exhilarating. It prompted me to reflect not just on the characters within the pages, but also on the very nature of time and sacrifice in our own lives. I can’t wait to see what journey awaits in the sequel, Evermore. Happy reading!