Last Bus to Everland

Starred review from June 10, 2019
In this absorbing contemporary fantasy, a gay Scottish teen finds a refuge from his everyday life in Everland, a magical realm that draws visitors from all over the world, opening at 11:21 p.m. each Thursday. Here, Brody can escape tormenting bullies, his father’s agoraphobia, and his family’s financial issues, and follow his dreams to be a musician. But strange developments in Everland threaten both his happiness and his increasing connection to a new friend, handsome and artistic Nico. Caught between the real world and the fantasy, Brody may lose everything he cares for. Cameron (Out of the Blue) paints a compelling picture of a fantasy world that acts as both playground and haven. The true strength of the story, though, lies in the diverse cast of relatable characters, including Kasia, an acerbic lesbian; hijabi Zahra, an avid cosplayer; and Jett and Jett, a music-savvy, pansexual guitarist who uses a wheelchair. Brody’s need to escape the mounting pressures of the real world contrasts nicely with Everland’s myriad temptations, such as a stage where he can perform with a band, setting the scene for tough choices and emotional breakthroughs. Portal fantasies have a long and rich history, and this is a worthy addition to the genre. Ages 14–up. Agent: Hellie Ogden, Janklow & Nesbit UK.

Narrator Joshua Manning transports listeners from Edinburgh, Scotland, through a green door with a unicorn knocker. On the other side is a parallel dimension called Everland, described as "a knockoff Narnia," where time does not exist. This audiobook is told in the first person, so Manning does the majority of his work in the main character's Scottish accent. But because characters arrive in Everland from all over the world, Manning must speak in Polish, Spanish, Japanese, Australian, and South African accents as well. Listeners will lose themselves in his performance as he transports them to a magical place in this touching YA fantasy novel. A.R.F. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine