Tuesday, September 4, 2012

October 2012 Book: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

 
View below for your teacher's comments about this book!

14 comments:

Mrs. Schatz said...

My biggest complaint about the book was the cover. I know you are not suppose to judge a book by the cover, but that is what every one else is doing as I walked around with the book. I don't think you will get many guys to start reading it because it looks so girlie.

The book was a fast read and had a good story. It was not to lovie dovie for me, but the author did a great job of getting the emotions across.

One area I thought could have been a little better was the actual point when she decided to go to the feeding. I didn't think she appropriately conveyed the despair of the cheating and the court decision.

Good book, fun quick read.

Benjamin Wiese
Head Track Coach
Liberty High School

Nikaya Smith said...

This was a very engaging book! I was completely sucked in to the story, and after I finished I found myself still thinking about the characters. I really liked how the story was a new twist on a very old story but the author made no attempts to hide it and actually gives the reader all the information necessary to look up the ancient text.

There were some surprising moments, and the depth of the relationships in the book felt very real. I prefer for my "bad guys" to be a little more two dimensional, but that is very hard to accomplish with such a limited point of view. I'm definitely looking forward to book two.

Nikaya Smith
English Teacher
Liberty High School

Mrs. Schatz said...

Mr. Seckman said:
Reading Everneath brought a whole new meaning to the phrase "you can't judge a book by the cover." After looking at the girl in a satin, or whatever type of red dress it was, I was not overly enthused about this book. I had deemed this a chick's book and had formed my opinions. Once finished, I had to admit my faults and own up. Even if this was a chick book, I enjoyed it. Although fairly simple, the story was suspenseful and deep enough to keep my attention. It was more than a sappy love story; it was a tale of heroes. Not the supernatural kind, but everyday humans. This excerpt from the book was one of my favorites; "It's the decision human characters make, in impossible situations, that still have us talking about them centuries later. Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with." And who doesn't like reading about heroes? An entertaining and fun read, I recommend this book.
Eric Seckman
Teacher--Special Education

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mfriedewald said...

I felt like I was about half way through this book before I actually became interested in it,especially in the beginning when I couldn't figure out what was going on, but once I did I was hooked! I see now that making the beginning confusing was a technique to help the reader relate to Nikki, who was also very confused. I like that the reader learned more about the situation as the main character did the same. Even though I am familiar with the mythological story it is based upon I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen. I am generally not a fan of romances, but I enjoyed this because it was such a deep relationship without a lot of the mushy-gooshy crap. I was so involved in it that I rarely remembered that the main characters were teenagers and, therefore, didn't throw up in my mouth too much. There were times that it was predictable, but not so much that I was willing to risk not reading on to find out if I was right. I can't wait for the sequel!

Mrs. Schatz said...

Mrs. Northrup writes...
What would you do if you were only given six months to say goodbye to your family and friends before the Everneath comes back to claim you?
This is a Paranormal book that sucks you in from the 1st page, I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what was going to happen to Nikki “Beck”, Jack, and even Cole. This book has romance, loss, and even a modern day spin on Mythology. I highly recommend it.
Veronica Northrup

Crystal DeLong said...

I really enjoyed this book. It did take a few chapters to get into the story because it was rather confusing at the beginning, but like Ms. Friedewald, I was hooked. I enjoy young adult fiction and have read stories similar to Everneath. I did like the story was a little more unique even if the characters could be predictable at times. There is a fun twist at the end and I am already ready for the sequel. While it may seem like a "chick book" I think this is one that young men and young ladies would both enjoy. The inclusion of mythology and the supernatural would appeal to science fiction fans.

What was sometimes frustrating for me was the weakness of Nikki's character. Her self-confidence is so low, that she does not recognize what an amazing person she is. I do think that is a relatable aspect as many teenage girls (and sometimes as adults!) we wrestle with self-confidence and our self-image. How does Nikki deal with these issues? Well you'll have to read the book to find out!

Miss DeLong

Anonymous said...

In the beginning, I had a hard time getting into the reading of the book. However, after a while rising action consumed me, and I could not put it down. I finished at 1:20 a.m. I thought about what I would do if I knew a distinct time that I would no longer be on Earth. Only a teenager would return to school and follow a normal routine. In the end I did like the fact that one character does exemplify the very essence of mankind-sacrifice.

Mrs. Schatz said...

Mrs. Hunziker wrote:
Overall, I did enjoy the book and I think students will as well. There was no inappropriate content. I am a big fan of fantasy fiction, so I think that may be why I liked this book better than others may have. The story was simple enough to follow and not get lost in, but still complex enough to hold the interest of a high schooler. I think it was the classic story of good vs. evil, but the lines become fuzzy as to whether or not there is some good in everyone...kind of makes you think about that one.

I did not like at all the way the book ended. Too many aspects of the story are left just hanging, probably most likely leaving the door open for a sequel. But I think a sequel would be too much like the original to possibly hold one's attention as this one did.

I think the book would appeal to high schoolers because it does deal with a number of issues that are real in their everyday lives such as death of a loved one, jealousy of a significant other, relationships with peers, and gossip. But it also has that aspect of fantasy intertwined with the reality which makes it more interesting to read (for me, at least!) Plus, I can't think of one teenage boy who would be so selfless that he would sacrifice himself for his true love...most don't even know what true love is...maybe that adds to fantasy aspect!

Anyway, I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to students.

Thanks,
Mary Ann Hunziker

Mrs. Schatz said...

I was made to read this book and was not looking forward to it. After several people told me that it started off slow but eventually picked up, I still dreaded it. And they were right—the beginning was not good, was slow and confusing. I did not care for Nikki at all and wished she would just go onto the Tunnels instead of staying for the rest of book. Halfway through the pace began to pick up and some of the story began to make sense. It was predictable. I was hoping that Will would sacrifice himself to the Tunnels for the Shades, that would leave Jack and Nikki to love one another and the story would END!!! But no!!! It’s a trilogy. I’ll wait and let everyone else tell me how it goes. So yes, a lot of young adults would like this and hopefully my less than enthusiastic review will not hamper their decision to read it.

Anonymous said...

I didn't dislike the book, but I didn't necessarily enjoy it either. The main character was too whiney and I didn't feel like the other characters were developed enough. I was never truly "hooked".

I did like the cover. I want the dress. WANT IT!

Mrs. Schatz said...

Mrs. Wilson said...
Loved it! This story does not have the typical love triangle. If you love the “Edward” type, you may feel differently after reading this novel. This book was a fast read and kept me hooked! The end of the story is not the happy ending you may be looking for, but don’t let that stop you from finding out what happens!

Mrs. Rachel Wilson

Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Hasan said...

I wasn't sure I would enjoy this novel. Just isn't my typical read. BUT, I actually enjoyed it! Some slow parts. It seemed too long at some points, but that just built the suspense. I was hooked. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and I loved the ending! Ready for book #2!

Mrs. Hasan said...

Very interesting subject matter! I kept reading because I had to know what was going to happen next! Can't wait to read the sequel which is sitting in my Kindle waiting for me!