Review: Everless

Title: Everless

Series: Untitled #1

Author: Sara Holland

Release Date: 1/2/18

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries. No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever. But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.

My Review: I loved this book! The main character, Jules, is strong and fearless and doesn’t fall into the YA clichés that so many other heroines do. She doesn’t waiver in her convictions and she is brave without being foolish. There is some romance but it isn’t the main part of the story and doesn’t overwhelm the plot. I also appreciated that the story wasn’t overly descriptive. Too often YA stories fall into that trap and it is one of my pet peeves. I like to imagine the characters and settings with only a little guidance from the other. Plus I get really tired of reading descriptions.

The writing style is overwhelmingly beautiful and wonderful to read. You can easily find yourself lost in the words and the world that Holland created. It is easy to feel the desperation and despair of the people trapped in this world as well as the gluttony and luxury of the wealthy. Holland drags into this world and doesn’t let you go, even beyond the last page. This book leaves you yearning for book two.

*I received this book from Booksparks in exchange for an honest review*