Title: Everlasting
Author: Angie Frazier
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub. Date: 6.1.10
Genre: Historical YA
Keywords: Love, Loss, Adventure, Quest, Magic
Pages: 336
Description (from GoodReads):
Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.
On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.
The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.
Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.
When I first heard about Angie Frazier's debut novel, it didn't even have a cover. All that I knew about the novel was from the short description listing on GoodReads, but I was drawn to the story. To be honest, the description strongly reminded me of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, which left me intrigued. I'm happy to report that EVERLASTING lived up to my expectations... and actually was a bit like the movie..
I'm usually not a fan of historical YA. Generally, the pace moves too slowly and fails to hold my attention, but EVERLASTING triumped where so many others failed. I'll admit to my attention wavering in a couple spots, but I was quickly pulled back in. Most of the time, once I've lost interest, I can't bring myself to return to the novel, so it's impressive that Frazier could recapture my attention. I think the adventure - and Frazier's inclusion of magic and romance - added excitement and remedied the issues I usually experience with this type of novel.
Oscar and Camille's relationship was definitely the aspect I found most memorable. I'm always drawn to forbidden relationships, especially if they're filled with tension and longing looks. I loved their scenes together!
Frazier has succeeded in writing a tale of epic adventure and romance! It pains me that after waiting months to read EVERLASTING, I'm now waiting (again!) to read its sequel.
Grade: A-
Cover Notes:
Since Oscar and Camille's romance was my favorite aspect of the novel, I like that they are the focal point of the cover. I think the font used for the title is gorgeous as well!
Buy It!
