Spencer's Reviews > Everlost

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Nick and Allie die together... And then wake up together in Everlost, a place between life and death. Together (and with their new friend, Lief) they travel the Everlost world.

Nick and Allie may not be the most likable characters at first, but they do start to grow on you. Especially when you realize how loyal they are to each other. Even though they were strangers before their deaths, they treat each other like long time friends. I suppose when you die with someone a certain bond must be shared. Nick does his fair share of complaining. And Allie does her fair share of arguing. Plus, she's fairly stubborn. But both have their redeeming characteristics, too. Nick is noble (especially towards the end, you'll see what I mean). And Allie is willing to give everyone a chance (including the McGill - the scariest monster in all the land). And they are both very clever (the fortune cookie thing and the chime escape).

Shusterman really thought out the world of Everlost, too. And he described it without being overbearing about it. I loved the "death spots" (even though if you think about it, it's more than a little sad). And the whole water is air thing is actually incredibly clever. I know there is more to come about everyone's special talents, too (like skinjacking) and I'm really excited to learn more about that in the future books.

Mary is also a pretty decent villain/do-gooder (you'll see what I mean). She just wants everyone to view her as a benevolent mother figure. Which I totally get, but when the big ending is revealed (coins!) I couldn't find any sort of way to side with her. I completely understood where Allie was coming from with her instant dislike of Mary. Allie is a pretty good judge of people, if you ask me.

2016