In 1930s England, eighteen-year-old Betty Talbin is a servant to wealthy relatives. Trapped in dismal circumstances, she relies on her love of reading to escape the drudgery of real life. Books become magical portals into other worlds where she befriends the characters from her favorite stories. She soon learns that others share her gift, a secret society called the Inter-Story Intercessors, who, along with the fictional characters she has met, join her quest to save her cousin from the clutches of an evil vampire and the universe from greedy, titanic dragons. Will her cousin’s soul be lost forever in the dragon underworld? Will Betty discover a new life path through the eternal world of books? Will she discover her greatest power of all—belief in herself?
Betty is an intercessor and conjures up fictional characters to help her succeed.
With notes of Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes, and a few others she is able to “save” Edmond
One quote that sticks with me is “ when I read, I feel like I’m entering into their world. I can imagine myself right there with them, as if I too, were a character in the story.”
That quote set the guide for the book.
This was a journey of fate, love, desire, and pain.
I truly enjoyed being immersed in this fantasy retelling.
This was such a magical book! I really enjoyed it! I felt like I was with Betty and the characters in this wonderful adventure. I love how it takes place in the 1930’s since I love old vintage things, so this book was so up my alley. I thought it was so amazing that the author included Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes, fairies, mermaids, and dragons etc. I love fairies and mermaids they are my favorite type of fantasy characters and I loved seeing that in this book. My favorite character is the main character which is Betty Talbin and she’s on a mission to save her werewolf cousin Edmond. She travels into magical portals and meets characters like Peter Pan and Sherlock Holmes. I highly recommend this book if you love fantasy, dragons, and all of the classic stuff! This book was a five star book for me! You won’t want to miss this magical adventure! I am definitely an Inter Story Intersessor!
With Forever is Eternity, Kathleen Cuyler introduces us to Beatrice “Betty” Talbin. Betty is a teenager living in England in the 1930s. In many ways, Betty’s life is unremarkable. She has a menial job working as a housemaid at Perlgate Manor, the home of her adoptive aunt and uncle. Cousin Edmond is there as well. Betty’s mind is too active and too sharp to be satisfied by the day-to-day work of a maid, so she finds refuge in books. She’s a voracious reader who falls in love with the stories and characters in worlds crafted by her favorite writers. When we first meet her, she is unaware of just how connected she is to these stories and what role she herself has to play. Things change quickly when Betty learns she is an Inter-story Intercessor, able to travel from story to story, interacting with beloved protagonists and nefarious antagonists alike.
Forever is Eternity represents a brilliant concept for a fictional universe. The possibilities for stories to emerge from this fount are limited only by the collective written works of humankind. Cuyler makes the most of it in this first installment in the series. Her background as a professor of English shines from the very first page until the closing paragraph. Visuals leap into the reader’s mind as Cuyler’s words paint vivid pictures of the story’s progression. There are arcs and threads everywhere, twisting and turning and grabbing the reader’s attention. Fairies, pixies, werewolves, vampires, dragons, mermaids, and a genius detective populate the pages, along with myriad other characters. The pace is quick, and the plot is complex, but in the end, nothing is lost. No loose ends remain, except those that point deftly to the next volume in the series. Grab this book and immerse yourself in the labyrinthine universe of the Blackwick series. It promises to be a great ride.
This book was an absolute delight. I was completely swept away by the story's blend of literary fantasy, historical fiction, and heartfelt coming-of-age. Betty is a heroine you can’t help but root for, and the way she escapes her difficult life through books is something every reader will instantly connect with. What made this story truly magical for me was the way the author wove beloved characters and writers from classic literature into the plot. Seeing Jules Verne, Peter Pan, and others appear not just as references but as living, breathing allies in Betty’s journey made my heart soar.
The world of the Inter-Story Intercessors was such a fun and creative concept, and the balance of whimsical adventure with deeper themes like self-worth, courage, and chosen family made this book both entertaining and moving. The writing was elegant and immersive, and the stakes, both personal and fantastical, kept me turning pages well into the night. If you love stories that celebrate the magic of books themselves, this one is a must-read.
This isn't just a book. It's a journey. From the first few pages, you enter familiar worlds, and the characters are well-written. This is a fascinating read and a must-have if you love fiction and fantasy!
At last, there's a name for what I am—an Interstory Intercessor. But seriously, I love me some metafiction. I love retellings. I love books about books. This novel—and the series to follow—take those two elements and blend them into a third that makes the boundary of a tattered cover more permeable. It answers the question, "What if I could know and be with my favorite characters? What if the story doesn't end at 'THE END?'" Even if you're not familiar with all the classics—speaking of myself here—you will be drawn in and not left behind. There are endearing characters and loathsome ones. There are lessons and questions, losses and wins. I first read this book in beta during Spooky Season and felt it couldn't be more timely with its blend of literary fiction and dark fantasy. Check it out and see if you're an Intercessor yourself.
I'm not an avid reader, but I found myself having a hard time putting this book down. The world created by Kathleen Cuyler is captivating and unlike anything I've experienced prior.
I’m not a huge fantasy reader, but this one was really interesting! Set in the 1930’s, Betty is a servant than uses books to escape. What she didn’t know is that she would be able to travel through books as portals. We visited Sherlock Holmes, Neverland, and a few other places to help her cousin Edward. If you like dragons, vampires, and werewolves, this is for you!
"Forever is Eternity" delivers a captivating and adventurous narrative with an impressive array of literature references, showcasing the author's skill in crafting top-notch dialogue. That, and the many adventures and delightful narrative craft, was what I enjoyed the most. This debut novel successfully weaves the protagonist through various classic stories, adding a unique and entertaining element. The idea is fresh and so enjoyable that many a bookworm would love finding popular characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Peter Pan, which happen to be two of my favorite classic characters. The narrative is expertly executed, as mentioned, though feels somewhat distant, like classic stories (which could have been the author’s intent) which makes this reader miss the emotional depth that I’m used to in contemporary stories. The multitude of characters and numerous classic references may overwhelm, but the inclusion of a guide at the end helps navigate through unfamiliar territory. Despite these challenges, the book is recommended for enthusiasts of old classic-style adventures, acknowledging the author's commendable effort in delivering a diverse and engaging debut.
If you've ever wanted to escape into a book, you *need* to read this.
It’s jam-packed with characters from classic tales like Sherlock Holmes and Peter Pan. The way these stories intertwine creates a fantastical world that feels both familiar and entirely new!
It’s a captivating adventure, perfect for those who love imaginative storytelling. Truly a must-read!
I am an Inter-Story Intercessor for sure! I love how you get sucked into this story while also getting sucked into the classics. This was the best of both worlds. Truly wonderful!!!!
A Timeless Adventure With Familiar Faces and New Twists
Imagine, if you will, a story that weaves together beloved literary and fairytale characters, like Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes, a certain famous vampire, and many others into one rich, imaginative adventure. That’s exactly what Kathleen R. Cuyler accomplishes in Forever is Eternity.
I’ll be honest, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but once I did, I found myself completely absorbed. Cuyler’s writing is elegant and perfectly suited to the time period, and her characters are richly developed, each adding depth to this world of high fantasy.
While there isn’t any spice, there are hints of affection that add a gentle emotional layer to the story.
I highly recommend Forever is Eternity to anyone who loves seeing classic characters from our childhood tales reimagined in a fresh, intelligent, and beautifully written adventure.
Coming from someone who rarely partakes in fantasy or historical fiction, this was a great read. The author did an amazing job of making you feel like you were right there in the pages with these characters, and her wit to tie everything together at the end is inspiring. I loved the suspense and action packed moments. And pretty much all of the male characters are so dreamy! I adore Betty for her bravery and strong will. She stands up for what is right, especially when it’s hard. And that’s something I love to see in a character (and person). She’s smart and determined but kindhearted and feeling oriented. The entire premise of the story is wildly imaginative and I applaud the author for her extraordinary vision! Great read!!
Forever Is Eternity by Kathleen Cuyler is the first installment in The Blackwick Series. It is the enthralling fantasy tale of eighteen-year-old Betty Talbin, travelling through books and realms, full of dragons and other mythical creatures, which transcend time and space, capturing the reader's soul. Listening to the audiobook made the odyssey even more magical.
It has been an unforgettable journey filled with emotions and remarkable storytelling. I’m struck by a blend of satisfaction and nostalgia. Betty's remarkable growth, along with the dynamic relationships she shares with the other characters, has made the action-packed narrative utterly delightful and captivating. The narrator's skill in shifting her voice to reflect each character, despite the challenges, added depth to the experience. Kathleen Cuyler's exceptional writing talent shines through, with every voice, plot twist, and thrilling adventure contributing to an exceptional, memorable experience.
With a world so vividly crafted and characters so deeply felt, readers will find themselves lost in a labyrinth of wonder and intrigue, eager to uncover every secret and savor every moment of this extraordinary tale. The bittersweet yet utterly befitting and satisfying ending leaves me yearning for the next installment, urging every reader to dive into this gem.
Authors like Kathleen R. Cuyler pour years into crafting stories that bleed heart, myth, and magic. Forever is Eternity isn’t just a book; it’s a literary portal. Think Peter Pan meets Sherlock Holmes in a gothic, time-bending tale that honors the power of storytelling.
If you’ve ever longed for a book that respects its readers, builds worlds with care, and weaves myth and classic lit into something unforgettable, this is it.
Cuyler has created an intriguing world that is a bibliophile’s dream. We follow the main character as she travels, quite literally, in and out of different classic pieces of literature. With the help of famous literary characters, Betty must stop the forces of evil and choose her own story.
Cuyler surpassed my expectations of perfectly balancing the tone of classic literature with the simplicity of modern language. The style of prose was very reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia. Like through the wardrobe, Forever is Eternity serves as a magical gateway straight to my childhood.
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this book! If only we could actually portal into books! This book had a little bit of everything: dragons, werewolves, vampires, pirates, and more! It also had some great action! It was such a good read!
I really enjoyed reading this story. There are tons of characters from classic novels that I grew up reading. I liked that it wasn’t a retelling or reimagined classic. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
This fantasy drew me into a world I didn’t want to leave. Fairies, dragons, vampires, and werewolves along with the classics I love! The author does a beautiful job of bringing to life characters like Peter Pan and Sherlock Holmes into a fantasy world of magic where Betty Talbin overcomes her self doubt. This novel has all the elements of a bestseller!
Loved diving into this book! So many wonderful characters and world building. Great descriptions and imagery! Books certainly open worlds and I can’t wait to see what happens next with Betty and her friends.
This brought me back to my childhood and my early love of reading the adventures of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. This also speaks to the adult in me who enjoys dragons and fairies that are small and mighty! I got to share this wonderful adventure with my daughter who is now learning to joys of reading. You never have to leave to comfort of your bed to go on magical adventures or to be a dashing swashbuckling pirate on the high seas!!
"Books open portals, doorways to other dimensions."
Forever is Eternity introduces Betty Talbin, an 18 year old servant to wealthy relatives. She relies on her love of books, and her cousin Edmond, to escape from her mundane life. When Edmond finds himself in danger, Betty sets out on a journey to save him. She quickly learns that she has a gift and is part of a secret society, the inter-story intercessors. She has the ability to use stories to help her along her way.
This book takes you on a journey and brings along some of your favorite literary heroes. It was so well written and such an interesting concept. I loved every minute of it!
I was amazed by this story! If you've ever wanted to travel through different stories and interact with characters you love and admire, this is definitely a book you'll want to check out. I absolutely loved how the author crafted this world- it was so much fun to read. The audiobook was fantastic too; the narration really brought everything to life. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Forever Is Eternity is pure bookish magic! Betty’s journey from an overlooked servant to a brave Inter-Story Intercessor pulled me in from page one. The mix of adventure, beloved literary figures, and heartfelt themes of courage and self-discovery made this an unforgettable read. Kathleen Cuyler captures the joy of reading and turns it into a breathtaking fantasy adventure. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wished they could step inside their favorite story!
Kathleen Cuyler’s ingenuity created a magical adventure that takes you into a world with vampires, werewolves, fairies, and more.
Edmond was invited to Count Tepov’s home where he could utilize his distinguished library for research but quickly discovers he was mislead.
Betty is Edmond’s cousin and an avid reader who tries to escape her mundane life through the stories she reads. She fears that Edmond is headed towards danger and travels through portals where she meets classical characters such as Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Sherlock Holmes. She and her friends visit many lands and subject themselves to risk as they search for the magical scales to save her cousin Edmond.
Kathleen has an amazing skill that allows the reader to become one with the book as you rediscover many literary classics. Looking forward to reading additional books to see where her extraordinary imagination takes us.
This is now one of my favorite ya fantasies, ever mainly, because it puts my neurodivergent brain in happy mode. I don't know about some people, when I am listening to a book, I see the different things that happen in my brain. Sometimes I can't tell if it is isn't a movie because my brain makes it a movie. This book the characters get sucked into the books that they're reading. Just like I do, but they actually get to go and meet the different characters and have adventures with them and the big bad guy, oh goodness, this is a really good book. I would highly suggest it to kids well older kids. In fact, I'm going to suggest it too. My son's A 6 grade teacher when he has to do a book assignment. this is way more age appropriate than some of the books that they've suggested, and I would like it better. Because this is going to be good. I really cannot wait until the next book comes out on audio and everything else. I am waiting on pens and noodles
Forever is Eternity was exciting and action-packed from beginning to end. There were no boring sections at all! The worldbuilding in this text was so vivid and imaginative as Cuyler constructed a completely new world while pulling from classic works of literature to make something new and magical. Loved it!
I started this book not being sure what to think, but quickly found myself drawn into the characters. I enjoyed following between books worlds and just loved the storyline and the premise of the book. I can't wait to read the next one!
A Spellbinding Adventure Through Classic Literature Rereading Forever Is Eternity, the first book in The Blackwick Series, was an absolute delight—if anything, I loved it even more the second time around. Kathleen R. Cuyler has crafted an extraordinary tale that is both a thrilling adventure and a heartfelt homage to classic literature, seamlessly blending the magic of storytelling with the excitement of discovery.
At the heart of this novel is Betty Talbin, an Inter-Story Intercessor, gifted with the power to step inside the worlds of books, interact with their characters, and experience their stories firsthand. Who wouldn’t dream of such an ability? The premise alone is enchanting, but Cuyler takes it even further with a brilliantly original plot, beautifully written prose, and incredibly vivid imagery that makes every page come alive.
This first installment is a literary treasure trove, taking readers on a journey through beloved classics, from the foggy streets of London and the eerie halls of Baskerville in Sherlock Holmes to the enchanting world of Neverland in Peter Pan. Along the way, we meet an unforgettable cast of characters—not just Betty herself, but also literary figures like Sherlock Holmes, Peter Pan, Jules Verne, Foulata, and many others. Cuyler breathes new life into these familiar names, making them feel both true to their origins and freshly engaging.
Adding even more depth and wonder to the story are the utterly mesmerizing dragon characters—both benevolent and malevolent—manifesting as forces of nature and power, seamlessly woven into the literary landscapes Betty explores. Their presence brings an extra layer of awe and intrigue, making the novel even more immersive.
What struck me most was the sheer brilliance of the plot solutions—clever, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. Cuyler’s storytelling is masterful, weaving together suspense, whimsy, and heart in equal measure. The climax had me racing through the pages, completely enthralled, and the ending left me with that perfect mix of warmth and eager anticipation for the next book in the series.
For lovers of literature, adventure, and stories that transport you in every sense of the word, Forever Is Eternity is an absolute must-read. And for those who want to delve deeper into the classic tales referenced throughout, the book includes a helpful literature reference section—a wonderful touch for any book lover.
I finished this book with a full heart and an irresistible urge to dive straight into the next installment of The Blackwick Series. If you haven’t yet stepped into the pages of Forever Is Eternity, you’re in for an enchanting literary adventure that will stay with you long after the final page.