Ever the Brave

September 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-The second volume in the series, this fantasy quest delivers both in character development and world-building. After saving the king's life at the conclusion of Ever the Hunted, Britta finds herself linked to the king, aware of his presence and his well-being even as her relationship with Cohen grows. Meanwhile, young Channelers are being kidnapped in Shaerdan, and Cohen fears for Britta's safety, knowing nothing of her special connection with the king. This sequel continues the character development and measured pace of the first installment, and is interspersed with tense action sequences throughout. Additional exposition rounds out the universe described in the first book, while dialogue adds dimension to each of the characters. Three distinct narrators keep readers wondering what will happen next. Intense action scenes create a compelling pace at times, balanced with the slower speed in sections of the narrative. This book is one that is easy to pick up and difficult to put down. Give to fans of Kristin Cashore's "Graceling" trilogy and E.K. Johnston's A Thousand Nights. VERDICT A must-purchase where the first volume is popular.-Jenni Frencham, Columbus Public Library, WI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Britta deals with secrets and fallout from the events of Ever the Hunted (2016).While romantic lead Cohen and his younger brother track the villainous Spiriter Phelia, they run into Lirra, who asks for help solving the abduction of Shaerdanian Channeler girls by Malamian men, possibly to create a magical army. Meanwhile, Britta is coping with the attentions of King Aodren, newly freed from enchantment. When she used her own Spiriter abilities to heal him, she broke her magical bond with Cohen and built a new one with Aodren so strong that even he can feel it--and her. These three narrators allow readers to see their obligatory love triangle's cliches from every possible angle. When Phelia finally shows her face, it's to Britta--Phelia has secrets to share, namely that she's Britta's mother, and she wants Britta to join her. Nearly the first half of the book is slow-paced, a bloated slog to a genuinely surprising chain of betrayals that kicks off the plot in earnest. From the frequently unfocused first act even through the action-heavy back end, it frequently struggles with creating enough tension, especially through unclear motivations. While most characters are white, dark-skinned individuals are occasionally--Lirra is one--mentioned, and race appears to have no significance in the fantasy world. A forgettable sequel. (Fantasy. 12-18)

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