Everlost

Book One of the Skinjacker Trilogy, Everlost illustrates the values of life and how violently you can be pulled from the hands of existence.

Previous to the accident, Nick and Allie had never seen the likes of one another. Nothing but pure coincidence seemed to have pulled them together as their families had chosen to drive along the same road on the very same day. But their fates are immediately intertwined as both of their cars face a brutal head-on collision that throws the two of them out of the living world’s control and into the realm of Everlost that resides as a plane in between life and death.

They’re quick to realize that Everlost is no magical place. Despite the mystical appearance, it still has rules and limitations just like the living world – the strongest limitation being a restoration to the land of the living. Nick and Allie, however, refuse to believe that there isn’t a way back to their lives. In their perspective, they’re a coin standing on its edge, and they have the ability to determine which side it will fall on. It’s up to them to shake things up in order to land right-side-up.

Desperate to find answers, they partake in a long journey through the labyrinth of Everlost, making many discoveries along the way. Rumors spread fast throughout the realm, and the two children are soon to learn of the one true monster of Everlost: the McGill. No one’s positive of its existence, but most assume it’s because those who have firsthand encounters with the monster are never seen again.

They also come across a one Mary Hightower. Though young in age, she has a deceptively intelligent mind that draws all of the children of Everlost to her seeking shelter and comfort. Allie is immediately wary of her while Nick is smitten. Allie is convinced that the McGill may not be the only monster residing in Everlost after all and she’s determined to make everyone else realize that.

Follow along as Nick and Allie make allies and foes, and reveal the horrifying truths of this supernatural land where one of their most important lessons has been this: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

This book always managed to keep me interested. I never wanted to put it down. The summary alone of the book left me very eager to read it, and I found that once I finished the book, I was utterly satisfied. I was also pleasantly surprised that Everlost was part of a trilogy and that the second book, Everwild, was already out.

Neal Shusterman is a very talented writer whose detail, as well as originality, is outstanding. He skillfully places in clever morals along the story while also adding real-life situations mixed with the supernatural. If you're looking for a good read, I would highly recommend this book!