As much as I want to avoid clichés on my first review, it has never been more true that I could not put this book down and completed it within a day!
Young Adult Supernatural Romances are my all time favourite guilty pleasure and Everson somehow manages to capture all the essential angsty elements of the cringey genre and creates a gripping plot with realistic characters that I'm delighted to read in public instead of my usual bashful hiding of the cover.
Everson's character development is phenomenal and catches my attention from the offset by using various and effective literary techniques to make me feel fully invested in the evolution of the different relationships, their secrets and ultimately the couple's survival. Emma's character is portrayed as a rational and mature woman who makes cautious and thoughtful decisions which is unique to the genre filled with impetuous, naïve and downright frustrating stereotypical female protagonists. I completely relate to Emma's witty sarcasm and dry humour that she seems to use a defence mechanism against any and all danger and evil she faces. She had me hooked and constantly laughing even throughout the pandemonium that seems to consume her life ever since she found Connor convulsing in the hallway that fateful morning.
Everson's stunning use of subtle foreshadows throughout the story can only be appreciated once the mystery (that is Connor Harman) has been explained. Looking back at my notes, I had jotted down certain motifs that I found interesting earlier in the plot which in fact became important themes at the climax of the story. I personally find that this use of foreshadows is, again, rare for this genre as Everson manages to create subtle notions that sit idly at the back of the subconscious as you're reading as apposed the to usual blatant and obvious 'foreshadowing' that is frequently used in Young Adult fiction.
The use of vivid language and imagery transported me into the juxtaposition of Emma and Connor's seeming incompatible yet harmonious relationship. The symbolism and emotive language furthered my imagination as I experienced each and every compelling and engrossing emotion that Emma felt as well as the second hand emotion of what Emma witnesses from Connor.
In a genre filled with cringe and clichés, Everson produces an alluring, mature and gripping romance that provides well thoughtout and intriguing characters. I have already downloaded the next book in the series onto my kindle because I just haven't had my fill of Emma and Connor's story.