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Everly
Madison Rosewood on her 18th birthday is about to graduate and head off toward a big, bright future that any kid would kill for: a full ride on a track scholarship, the world's greatest best friend, and an aunt that has always provided for her. The problem? Madison just wants to find her birth parents, even if it costs her all of the above.
When her Aunt Ruth is kidnapped and taken to a hidden world called Everly, all of Madison's plans are put on hold. Guided by a mysterious stranger, Madison and her best friend follow Aunt Ruth's kidnappers through a portal into Everly. Traveling through fairy lit caverns and towering oak tree forests Madison quickly realizes that behind Everly's beauty is a world of magic, violence, and shocking truths about her family.
There, armed only with an enchanted sword and a sharp tongue, she battles her way past deceptive witches and bounty hunters to attempt a dangerous rescue that changes both her and Everly's future forever.
When her Aunt Ruth is kidnapped and taken to a hidden world called Everly, all of Madison's plans are put on hold. Guided by a mysterious stranger, Madison and her best friend follow Aunt Ruth's kidnappers through a portal into Everly. Traveling through fairy lit caverns and towering oak tree forests Madison quickly realizes that behind Everly's beauty is a world of magic, violence, and shocking truths about her family.
There, armed only with an enchanted sword and a sharp tongue, she battles her way past deceptive witches and bounty hunters to attempt a dangerous rescue that changes both her and Everly's future forever.
- GenresFantasy
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 6, 2017
Great First Book
This is a YA novel that I couldn't but get sucked into. The characters are fleshed out and far from boring. Maddy and her best friend Jason are taken into another world by the mysterious and moody Ren. She's on a quest to save her aunt and other magics but finds out about herself and her parentage along the way. With the help of the empress of the Fae and a troll she's on her way to rescue those with magic. I cannot say it enough - the characters are wonderful! Jason is hilarious, Maddy is relatable, and Ren is mystery waiting to be unraveled!
This is a YA novel that I couldn't but get sucked into. The characters are fleshed out and far from boring. Maddy and her best friend Jason are taken into another world by the mysterious and moody Ren. She's on a quest to save her aunt and other magics but finds out about herself and her parentage along the way. With the help of the empress of the Fae and a troll she's on her way to rescue those with magic. I cannot say it enough - the characters are wonderful! Jason is hilarious, Maddy is relatable, and Ren is mystery waiting to be unraveled!
December 19, 2017
I enjoyed the read, and if you like fantasy novels with strong female protagonists, then this is a book for you.
Madison “Mad Dash” Rosewood can’t wait to get out of high school. She may have broken records in track and field, but she doesn’t have any interest left in the sport. Something strange happens to Madison at the end of her senior year, and she finds out there’s a lot more to her past than she had known. She’s anxious to find her birth parents, but then she’s told they’ve passed away. That’s not quite the truth, though, either. In another world, one may be a powerful king and another a strong witch. There’s another dimension Madison discovers called Everly, where Magics as they’re called (people with special powers) have been imprisoned and are going to be executed by . . . well, you’ll see! It’s up to Madison with her new companion Ren and her best friend from our world Jason to stop them.
Madison is a humorous character, full of wit. Even with battle approaching, she can fire off fun one-liners and see the irony and humor in her life. There are twists and turns throughout the tale—are her friends and family truly on her side or has someone betrayed her? Not everything is at seems. Themes of loyalty, friendship, family, and betrayal are strong throughout the book.
In each chapter, you’ll feel right by Madison’s side. The writing has a strong pace and good description. It turns out, without spoiling the end of the story, that there’s more to Madison’s destiny, of course. She prepares to deal with significantly stronger responsibilities—and tragedies, too.
If I had to make comparisons, I’d say the story starts out a bit like a teenage Bridge to Terabithia or Stranger Things—young, conflicted characters find another world, an alternate dimension. From there, it takes a Star Wars kind of motif, where the reader experiences not just a physical journey but a journey of self-discovery, too. Who is Madison (and the other characters), really? Who are her parents? What is her destiny?
Those questions keep the reader engaged throughout Bonney’s debut novel and what is sure to be a strong fantasy series. I look forward to the next installment, and I encourage you fantasy-lovers to give this one a chance!
Madison “Mad Dash” Rosewood can’t wait to get out of high school. She may have broken records in track and field, but she doesn’t have any interest left in the sport. Something strange happens to Madison at the end of her senior year, and she finds out there’s a lot more to her past than she had known. She’s anxious to find her birth parents, but then she’s told they’ve passed away. That’s not quite the truth, though, either. In another world, one may be a powerful king and another a strong witch. There’s another dimension Madison discovers called Everly, where Magics as they’re called (people with special powers) have been imprisoned and are going to be executed by . . . well, you’ll see! It’s up to Madison with her new companion Ren and her best friend from our world Jason to stop them.
Madison is a humorous character, full of wit. Even with battle approaching, she can fire off fun one-liners and see the irony and humor in her life. There are twists and turns throughout the tale—are her friends and family truly on her side or has someone betrayed her? Not everything is at seems. Themes of loyalty, friendship, family, and betrayal are strong throughout the book.
In each chapter, you’ll feel right by Madison’s side. The writing has a strong pace and good description. It turns out, without spoiling the end of the story, that there’s more to Madison’s destiny, of course. She prepares to deal with significantly stronger responsibilities—and tragedies, too.
If I had to make comparisons, I’d say the story starts out a bit like a teenage Bridge to Terabithia or Stranger Things—young, conflicted characters find another world, an alternate dimension. From there, it takes a Star Wars kind of motif, where the reader experiences not just a physical journey but a journey of self-discovery, too. Who is Madison (and the other characters), really? Who are her parents? What is her destiny?
Those questions keep the reader engaged throughout Bonney’s debut novel and what is sure to be a strong fantasy series. I look forward to the next installment, and I encourage you fantasy-lovers to give this one a chance!
December 19, 2017
What a fantastic beginning to a new YA Fantasy series! Meg Bonney does a wonderful job at creating complex characters. Even though some of the characters only have a brief part in the book, they are still very well fleshed out. The banter and pop culture references between Madison and her best friend, Jason, were some of my favorite parts of this book.
The themes in this book; not really knowing who you are, knowing who you can trust, and realizing the power you have, are problems that teens (and adults) will be able to easily relate to.
The fantasy world the Bonney created was also done very well. Her descriptions of other species and the surrounding lands, are easily visualized. Sometimes authors can be overly descriptive, and I find myself skimming, but Bonney had just the right amount of description.
If you enjoy fantasy with a strong female lead, a bit of romance, and lots of adventure, then you will definitely want to read this one. And I’m really looking forward to, Rosewood Burning, the next book in this series.
The themes in this book; not really knowing who you are, knowing who you can trust, and realizing the power you have, are problems that teens (and adults) will be able to easily relate to.
The fantasy world the Bonney created was also done very well. Her descriptions of other species and the surrounding lands, are easily visualized. Sometimes authors can be overly descriptive, and I find myself skimming, but Bonney had just the right amount of description.
If you enjoy fantasy with a strong female lead, a bit of romance, and lots of adventure, then you will definitely want to read this one. And I’m really looking forward to, Rosewood Burning, the next book in this series.
November 28, 2016
For quite some time now, I have loved Meg Bonney's writing for the website purefandom.com. That coupled with the fact that I, myself, am a bit of a TV and pop culture junkie means I was not surprised by how much I enjoyed the pop culture references and the banter between Madison (MC) and Jason (MC's BFF). But I was pleasantly surprised by just how exciting this book is. I hate to use a cliche, but in this case, it applies: it is a thrill-a-minute. There are plenty of YA threads woven through of facing/overcoming your past, finding out who you "really are," etc. The usual suspects of YA themes are here. However, as with the best YA, Bonney takes the typical and makes it anything but. These seemingly ordinary themes are explored in unexpected ways and with the excitement and wit of someone who understands effective storytelling. It's a fantastic kick off to a series that I will be anxiously awaiting to continue reading.
December 19, 2017
This is an incredibly fresh YA Fantasy series. Not only has the author, Meg Bonney, created a strong female lead (Madison), but she's built an entire world filled with its own mythology, creatures, and magic. It's very hard to do, and to do well, and Meg nails it. What's great about the female lead is that her character isn't defined by a love interest (although there is still some romance to get excited about!), but rather the relationships with her best friend, family members, and the characters she encounters on her journey. They each provide a new perspective to the story, making Madison's journey unpredictable. Her struggles are relatable, making it even more enjoyable for the reader to root for her, get frustrated with her, and love her all over again. I can't wait for the second installment!
December 19, 2017
Get ready to fall in love with Mad Dash and the world of Everly! Bonney's novel takes you from our world into the alternate realty of Everly, where Maddie (i.e., Mad Dash) must seek out her future by confronting her family's violent history, while also examining her own strengths and weaknesses in the process. Maddie is a complex and admirable heroine, full of agency and intelligence. There are no damsels in distress in this series--instead we find fully rendered characters who represent diversity at its best. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, powerful female characters, and an action-packed plot. This book is appropriate for children middle-school age and higher, but certainly has all of the qualities for captivating adult readers as well.
December 19, 2017
Meg Bonney has a great way with words. In Everly we seamlessly enter a world of fantasy, adventure, and ComicCon culture references that is definitely addictive. I don't read a lot of YA books, but this one pulled me in right away.
I love the dynamic between Madison and Jason; their friendship pops off the page. I was soon captivated by the other characters, as well, whose personalities play off of Maddy very nicely.
The story held elements of mystery that kept me glued to the pages, eager to find out what happened next. I seriously can't wait until Book 2! Kudos to the author!
Not only did I receive a copy of Everly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but I also purchased a paperback copy.
I love the dynamic between Madison and Jason; their friendship pops off the page. I was soon captivated by the other characters, as well, whose personalities play off of Maddy very nicely.
The story held elements of mystery that kept me glued to the pages, eager to find out what happened next. I seriously can't wait until Book 2! Kudos to the author!
Not only did I receive a copy of Everly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but I also purchased a paperback copy.
December 19, 2017
Meg Bonney delivers a great dark YA fantasy read. Madison a.k.a. Mad Dash has been raised by her aunt her whole life when on her eighteenth birthday a series of coincidences sends her on a quest to find the truth about her biological parents. Along the way, Madison is aided by Jason, her best friend and confidant. Madison is a balance of steel will and vulnerability. A great and relatable magic sword-wielding hero who is fantastic to follow on her adventure of self-discovery. First book in a series I can't wait to read the next!
Review based on publisher-supplied ARC in exchange for an honest assessment.
Review based on publisher-supplied ARC in exchange for an honest assessment.
December 19, 2017
I really liked this book from the start with the action and adventure non-stop. Before I could catch my breath I was transported into a word of fantasy and adventure. The elements of diversity as well as themes of loyalty and friendship were balanced out by betrayal and dark fantasy. I appreciated the fact that not every story line in the book led to a happy ending. Madison kicks it with her physical prowess and as her magic gets stronger she emerges as a strong heroine that both teens and adults will appreciate.
December 19, 2017
A fun YA read filled with magic and imagination...look forward to reading the next in the series when it is released!
December 19, 2017
** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
First Impression: Nerdery, sign me up!
Characters: Maddy and Jason are snarky and brave for their age, while Ren throws a brooding yet loveable shadow on the group. Fae and other creatures of Everly have unique personalities and dialogue. There is a scene with witches reminiscent of Hocus Pocus.
World Building: I could easily imagine the world on the other side of the tree, but I would have liked more description expected in a fantasy series.
Writing Style: Bonney uses nerd references and sarcastic conversations to drive the plot along, which makes this series suitable for teen readers.
What I Enjoyed: References are always appreciated, much like finding Easter eggs. I enjoyed some of the fantasy creatures like trolls that the trio encounter on their journey.
Deal Benders: I struggled to connect with the narrative and dialogue. It's quite possibly a case of growing older. This story would be most relatable to young teens.
Overall Rating: 3 stars for an enjoyable frolick through a fantasy realm.
For Fans Of: The Guild by Felicia Day
First Impression: Nerdery, sign me up!
Characters: Maddy and Jason are snarky and brave for their age, while Ren throws a brooding yet loveable shadow on the group. Fae and other creatures of Everly have unique personalities and dialogue. There is a scene with witches reminiscent of Hocus Pocus.
World Building: I could easily imagine the world on the other side of the tree, but I would have liked more description expected in a fantasy series.
Writing Style: Bonney uses nerd references and sarcastic conversations to drive the plot along, which makes this series suitable for teen readers.
What I Enjoyed: References are always appreciated, much like finding Easter eggs. I enjoyed some of the fantasy creatures like trolls that the trio encounter on their journey.
Deal Benders: I struggled to connect with the narrative and dialogue. It's quite possibly a case of growing older. This story would be most relatable to young teens.
Overall Rating: 3 stars for an enjoyable frolick through a fantasy realm.
For Fans Of: The Guild by Felicia Day
March 19, 2023
So you think your life is hard? From an aunt who raises her as a foster child (to use the trite term - 'red haired step child') to her teenage angst and burning need to run, it is hard to imagine someone disdaining the track scholarship she has earned.
Life gets even more complicated when she slips away into an even more difficult world. To avoid being the spoiler, but help you out, she does discover her own inner qualities. Some of them not pertinent in our lives.
Hard to put down, the tale had me doing that 'reading late at night' thing. I can't wait to read the next in the series to see if she (Madison - the main character) keeps up her attitude and if the author keeps up the great writing!
Life gets even more complicated when she slips away into an even more difficult world. To avoid being the spoiler, but help you out, she does discover her own inner qualities. Some of them not pertinent in our lives.
Hard to put down, the tale had me doing that 'reading late at night' thing. I can't wait to read the next in the series to see if she (Madison - the main character) keeps up her attitude and if the author keeps up the great writing!
December 19, 2017
I loved the characters in this book. The relationships are established early and set an awesome foundation that is carried throughout the book. The story is fun, intense and engaging. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I'm truly looking forward to the next installment.
On another note, I'd love to find a portal to Everly so I can adopt my own Gullway. It would be really nice to have someone to cook for me!
On another note, I'd love to find a portal to Everly so I can adopt my own Gullway. It would be really nice to have someone to cook for me!
August 3, 2017
The story was okay. I didn't like the swearing and rude gestures throughout the book. Also one of the main supporting characters was gay, which really bothered me. The story would have been much better had that character been set as a girl or if the author kept Jacob as a boy, but made it a complex love triangle. It is a quick read but I didn't like reading about Jacob's longing for his boyfriend. It just really bothered me. I don't think I'll be reading any more of this series.
March 11, 2019
I couldn't set down the book! I loved the main character's emotional complexity and the humor that would pop out in various conversations. The heroine is strong, loyal, complex, and her supporting cast of characters were equally complex. It was not predictable, and I cannot wait for book #2! Meg Bonney is an author to watch and the infusion of humorous pop culture, and fantasy storyline in the YA world is a true pleasure to read.
December 19, 2017
I enjoyed the story and characters and look forward to the next book.
December 19, 2017
Madison Rosewood's 18th birthday is eventful, to say the least. Nine days before the end of school and a few days before the State high school track meet where she is favored to defend her 100-meter Sprint championship title (also the reason for her nickname Mad Dash, which she hates) her world is turned upside down. It all begins when she nearly drowns in the school pool and is saved by a mysterious stranger. Then she punches her cousin's boyfriend in the nose, breaking it for a second time. He deserved it because he's the one who pushed her into the pool. As a result she is suspended from school. But that's not even the half of it. She and her best friend, Jason, are pulled - pretty-much literally - into an enchanted other world and dragged into its conflicts. But she's up to the task, for the most part. She's badass, raised by an aunt who teaches self-defense. Her aunt challenged Maddy to be at least as good as her. So, she can take care of herself, albeit with some occasional help from her friends and a magic sword that is sort of one of her birthday gifts - the other being a pair of silver lightning bolt earrings.
Everly is an edgy, well-told story about overcoming nearly impossible odds, adjusting and adapting to extraordinary situations and learning how to assess others' intentions while determining who to trust. It's the debut novel in a fantasy series and, after reading it, the first word that comes to mind in describing it is WOW! There is so much to like about this Young Adult adventure. There are witches, fairies, trolls and an Empress who is half mermaid. The characters are well-developed and the descriptions of places transport and immerse the reader in a land of wonders accessible from our world only through well-concealed portals, provided you have a guide, or a copy of this book, of course.
I highly recommend this exciting read.
Review based on Publisher supplied ARC in exchange for an honest assessment.
Everly is an edgy, well-told story about overcoming nearly impossible odds, adjusting and adapting to extraordinary situations and learning how to assess others' intentions while determining who to trust. It's the debut novel in a fantasy series and, after reading it, the first word that comes to mind in describing it is WOW! There is so much to like about this Young Adult adventure. There are witches, fairies, trolls and an Empress who is half mermaid. The characters are well-developed and the descriptions of places transport and immerse the reader in a land of wonders accessible from our world only through well-concealed portals, provided you have a guide, or a copy of this book, of course.
I highly recommend this exciting read.
Review based on Publisher supplied ARC in exchange for an honest assessment.
December 19, 2017
Everly is a great start on a new YA fantasy series. The main character exhibits all the emotional turmoil you'd expect in a rebellious 18 year old young woman. All the characters are well developed and the pace of the plot will pull you along.
YA readers will like the story, especially the references to shows and music from our daily lives. The humor between Maddy and Jason is genuine and shows the comforting banter people have with someone they trust, even in the most dire of situations.
I look forward to the next installment.
YA readers will like the story, especially the references to shows and music from our daily lives. The humor between Maddy and Jason is genuine and shows the comforting banter people have with someone they trust, even in the most dire of situations.
I look forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews