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The Evermore Chronicles #2
Into the Hourglass
In the second book in The Evermore Chronicles by Emily R. King, Everley Donovan plunges into the roiling waves of a strange new world to hunt a wicked prince who cheated time.
Everley Donovan’s mission: retrieve the hallowed sword of Avelyn stolen by the wicked Prince Killian, who slayed her family and left her for dead. Should she fail, the seven worlds will come to an end, as could time itself. And no one treasures time more than Everley, whose lifesaving clock heart cannot beat forever. She has set sail with a rogue crew for the otherworlds, where the key to dethroning the prince lies deep within the Land Under the Wave.
But passage through these unknown seas—where horrors lurk and pirates rove—proves a treacherous gamble. The Land Under the Wave was not made for humans, particularly one with a fragile clock heart. Here, Everley’s tragic past resurfaces unsolved questions. Here, too, the prince has hidden secrets more precious than pearls, secrets that could fracture the future forevermore. Everley must take back her sword and break free from this watery world before her time runs out…or so will everyone else’s.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2019
1276 people are currently reading
2716 people want to read
About the author
Emily R. King
15 books1,223 followersEmily R. King is a reader of everything and a writer of fantasy. Born in Canada and raised in the USA, she has perfected the use of “eh” and “y’all” and uses both interchangeably. Shark advocate, consumer of gummy bears, and islander at heart, Emily’s greatest interests are her four children. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and an active participant in her local writers’ community. She lives in Northern Utah with her family and their cantankerous cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 22, 2021
****4.5 Evermore Stars****
It was a relief to travel back to another realm of the 7 with Everly, Killian and the rest of the adventurers.
I fell into this series to the point where nothing else matters except what is going to happen to Evie and what adventure Father Time is going to send her on next.
It was a relief to travel back to another realm of the 7 with Everly, Killian and the rest of the adventurers.
I fell into this series to the point where nothing else matters except what is going to happen to Evie and what adventure Father Time is going to send her on next.
August 14, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Into the Hourglass, by author Emily R. King, is the second installment in the authors The Evermore Chronicles. The story begins about 2 months after the ending of Before the Broken Star. Everley Donovan continues her revenge tour de force against Prince Killian. Killian was swallowed by the beast known as the Terrible Dorcha as well as the ancient sword of Avelyn which is supposed to be Everley's to protect. Without it, she has been told that the 7 other-worlds and the fate of the world hang in the balance.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Into the Hourglass, by author Emily R. King, is the second installment in the authors The Evermore Chronicles. The story begins about 2 months after the ending of Before the Broken Star. Everley Donovan continues her revenge tour de force against Prince Killian. Killian was swallowed by the beast known as the Terrible Dorcha as well as the ancient sword of Avelyn which is supposed to be Everley's to protect. Without it, she has been told that the 7 other-worlds and the fate of the world hang in the balance.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 23, 2019
4 1/2 "Adventurous" Stars
Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore series and it was absolutely wonderful. I think that sometimes I enjoy the sequels in a fantasy series more because the majority of the "world building" has already taken place in the first book. I don't know if that is why I enjoyed this one more, but I definitely fell into the storyline very easily and it kept my attention the entire time.
Everley is continuing to chase after Prince Killian in order to exact revenge as well as to retrieve the sword of Avelyn. This time she will journey to different lands and uncover even more secrets. Along the way, Everley's relationship with Jamison continues to develop - - even if she is in denial about her growing feelings most of the time. She continues to tell herself that a girl with a clock heart cannot love. My own heart may have skipped a beat or two when Jamison said “Everley is a person, not a trinket..." I loved that part! Then I equally melted when Everley thought to herself..."If I had a heart of flesh and blood, it would swell." Gah! I just love the two of them so much....admit your love already and let's move along!!!
Seriously, there is just so much I enjoyed about this book: Radella (the sassy little pixie), pirates, giants, mermaids (even though they are called merrows), a giant whale, elves, a sea hag, magical portals, magical spells and so much more. Of course, now I'm waiting for the next book which is due out in December. Notice that I did not say I was "patiently waiting" because I am definitely not patient.... I just can't wait to see what happens next to Everley and her friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Skyscape Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore series and it was absolutely wonderful. I think that sometimes I enjoy the sequels in a fantasy series more because the majority of the "world building" has already taken place in the first book. I don't know if that is why I enjoyed this one more, but I definitely fell into the storyline very easily and it kept my attention the entire time.
Everley is continuing to chase after Prince Killian in order to exact revenge as well as to retrieve the sword of Avelyn. This time she will journey to different lands and uncover even more secrets. Along the way, Everley's relationship with Jamison continues to develop - - even if she is in denial about her growing feelings most of the time. She continues to tell herself that a girl with a clock heart cannot love. My own heart may have skipped a beat or two when Jamison said “Everley is a person, not a trinket..." I loved that part! Then I equally melted when Everley thought to herself..."If I had a heart of flesh and blood, it would swell." Gah! I just love the two of them so much....admit your love already and let's move along!!!
Seriously, there is just so much I enjoyed about this book: Radella (the sassy little pixie), pirates, giants, mermaids (even though they are called merrows), a giant whale, elves, a sea hag, magical portals, magical spells and so much more. Of course, now I'm waiting for the next book which is due out in December. Notice that I did not say I was "patiently waiting" because I am definitely not patient.... I just can't wait to see what happens next to Everley and her friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Skyscape Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
I am annoyed by how short these books are. Each needs at least 100 more pages to help with the description of the surrounding and pace the action a bit. Especially since there are so many great characters.
I truly love how the relationships between the characters are growing but more pages would only help make them even better.
I am still impressed with the mythology. I truly love this world King created. I can’t wait to see how it ends! These books are made to be devoured by the reader!
I truly love how the relationships between the characters are growing but more pages would only help make them even better.
I am still impressed with the mythology. I truly love this world King created. I can’t wait to see how it ends! These books are made to be devoured by the reader!
February 28, 2020
Escuché este libro por Audible y a diferencia del primer libro no me gustó casi nada :(
Creo que mi problema principal fue la persona que narró la historia ya que cuando hacía de Everley, siento que era demasiado sufrimiento en extremo y me llegaba a hartar mucho... Everley me desesperaba un montón al punto de que varios capítulos los tuve que repetir y el final, siento que no entendí que fue lo que pasó como para que exista una tercera parte y por eso mismo no creo que la escuche porque de verdad no me interesa.
Creo que mi problema principal fue la persona que narró la historia ya que cuando hacía de Everley, siento que era demasiado sufrimiento en extremo y me llegaba a hartar mucho... Everley me desesperaba un montón al punto de que varios capítulos los tuve que repetir y el final, siento que no entendí que fue lo que pasó como para que exista una tercera parte y por eso mismo no creo que la escuche porque de verdad no me interesa.
October 27, 2019
More deception, more discoveries, intriguing and beguiling characters, a strong book two in this engaging series.
This is a well written second book in an emotionally charged trilogy. The world building continues in a creative, meticulous manner as does the story. The cast increases, the action is volatile, explosive and charged, the discoveries and deceptions endless. Smartly paced, a satisfying read, onto book three asap. Well done Emily R King, well done.
This is a well written second book in an emotionally charged trilogy. The world building continues in a creative, meticulous manner as does the story. The cast increases, the action is volatile, explosive and charged, the discoveries and deceptions endless. Smartly paced, a satisfying read, onto book three asap. Well done Emily R King, well done.
March 22, 2020
Another 2.5 stars for me.
I liked this instalment a bit better than the previous one. Although I do still have problems with it. The pacing was the same, very slow for around 60/70% of the book, then extremely fast-paced until the end of the novel.
Parts that I liked:
- The slight evolution of Everley.
- The writing style. I still feel the same way as during the previous instalment: it is beautiful, well written, with poetic sentences that really resonate with me... but overall it was a bit bland, I wish the voice was stronger. Especially in a first person POV where the thoughts and emotions of the character can really be explored in much more interesting ways.
- The mythology of the world. There's nothing to elaborate on, the world building is amazing, the magic is great, the mythology is amazing and, at least to me, quite new. I love the parts that elaborate on it.
Parts that I disliked:
- Everley Donovan. I'm sorry, I still don't see her as a strong or powerful character. She is as passive as you can be, she never really takes any initiative, and waits for the others to find solutions to her problems. She follows Markham who leads her out of Skull Reef (or something like this), she's not the one to come with a plan to escape the giants, Osric leads her to Muriel, she only gets the sword cause the merrow King gives it to her, only escapes to her world because her friends save her, only survives the stake because her friends save her... only goes in this adventure because Father Time told her to. Not to mention that at the end of the book she failed at the one thing she had to do alone to save the other 6 worlds!
- Markham. The guy's immortal for fuck sake! We already established he only thinks about himself, doesn't love, know how to love, is fine with destroying a whole world! But for some reason... he doesn't have a hold against other characters. He is 600 something years old, should be great with a sword, but somehow a girl with a clock-heart (and weakened by it), a cripple, and two prostitutes are a big threat to him. He is not believable, not scary, but quite mellow. And how does he have the patience to deal with Everley? If I were him, I'd just kill her friends, punch her in the face, bind her, and force her to do as I wish. And probably find someone to serve as leverage. Like her uncle, for example...
- The love story. I don't see any chemistry between the two characters, and everytime they get closer together, it feels forced. And the end... wtf Everley? In her place, I would have been thrilled to discover that I'm no longer forced into a marriage I didn't want from the beginning. If she wants to be married to him now, then it's the perfect occasion to tell him 'let's get married with my consent, cause, you know, this time I want it!' but no, she moans about the cancellation of something she was moaning about from the beginning.
All in all, this book represents why I don't read YA anymore. I don't have patience for it. As to this story, I hate how the ending is almost exactly the same as the previous one: Markham escapes with what he wanted, is going to destroy worlds unless dear old Everley stops him (which I guess she won't but her friends will do for her), nobody is really injured, nobody died. Urgh. At least there's only one more book to go through until I know the end. Please, Everley, you got one job, become the captain of your life and stop relying so much on your friends.
I liked this instalment a bit better than the previous one. Although I do still have problems with it. The pacing was the same, very slow for around 60/70% of the book, then extremely fast-paced until the end of the novel.
Parts that I liked:
- The slight evolution of Everley.
- The writing style. I still feel the same way as during the previous instalment: it is beautiful, well written, with poetic sentences that really resonate with me... but overall it was a bit bland, I wish the voice was stronger. Especially in a first person POV where the thoughts and emotions of the character can really be explored in much more interesting ways.
- The mythology of the world. There's nothing to elaborate on, the world building is amazing, the magic is great, the mythology is amazing and, at least to me, quite new. I love the parts that elaborate on it.
Parts that I disliked:
- Everley Donovan. I'm sorry, I still don't see her as a strong or powerful character. She is as passive as you can be, she never really takes any initiative, and waits for the others to find solutions to her problems. She follows Markham who leads her out of Skull Reef (or something like this), she's not the one to come with a plan to escape the giants, Osric leads her to Muriel, she only gets the sword cause the merrow King gives it to her, only escapes to her world because her friends save her, only survives the stake because her friends save her... only goes in this adventure because Father Time told her to. Not to mention that at the end of the book she failed at the one thing she had to do alone to save the other 6 worlds!
- Markham. The guy's immortal for fuck sake! We already established he only thinks about himself, doesn't love, know how to love, is fine with destroying a whole world! But for some reason... he doesn't have a hold against other characters. He is 600 something years old, should be great with a sword, but somehow a girl with a clock-heart (and weakened by it), a cripple, and two prostitutes are a big threat to him. He is not believable, not scary, but quite mellow. And how does he have the patience to deal with Everley? If I were him, I'd just kill her friends, punch her in the face, bind her, and force her to do as I wish. And probably find someone to serve as leverage. Like her uncle, for example...
- The love story. I don't see any chemistry between the two characters, and everytime they get closer together, it feels forced. And the end... wtf Everley? In her place, I would have been thrilled to discover that I'm no longer forced into a marriage I didn't want from the beginning. If she wants to be married to him now, then it's the perfect occasion to tell him 'let's get married with my consent, cause, you know, this time I want it!' but no, she moans about the cancellation of something she was moaning about from the beginning.
All in all, this book represents why I don't read YA anymore. I don't have patience for it. As to this story, I hate how the ending is almost exactly the same as the previous one: Markham escapes with what he wanted, is going to destroy worlds unless dear old Everley stops him (which I guess she won't but her friends will do for her), nobody is really injured, nobody died. Urgh. At least there's only one more book to go through until I know the end. Please, Everley, you got one job, become the captain of your life and stop relying so much on your friends.
July 17, 2019
This is the sequel to Before the Broken Star and sees Everley chasing the sword that was stolen by Prince Killian. Everley is determined to fulfil her promise to Father Time but to do so means she needs to convince those around her that it’s possible to travel to a world under the seas.
As with the previous story it seems that Killian is always one step in front and poor Everley and her friends do seem to be forever playing catch up. I very much enjoyed that we were introduced to new characters particularly Osric and foresee that at some point this journey will see Everley learning a lot more about the world of the Elves . As Everley travels we meet Giants and even Mermaids but it’s the inclusion of those we’ve previously got to know Cat and the Fox that gave this warmth and feeling. Plus a certain Pixie and her attitude just kept me smiling. Alas I cannot divulge what happens but I can say there’s a shocking revelation involving Everleys family and if you thought Killian had a simple plan then you clearly underestimate both him and indeed this author.
My only real issue with this book is that Father Time seems to leave Everley to struggle alone. Although I hasten to add I did truly enjoy this and look forward to traveling again with Everley as her battles with Killian are far from over. This is a vibrant, fascinating world that takes the reader on a journey with characters to cheer for and what more could I want ?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
As with the previous story it seems that Killian is always one step in front and poor Everley and her friends do seem to be forever playing catch up. I very much enjoyed that we were introduced to new characters particularly Osric and foresee that at some point this journey will see Everley learning a lot more about the world of the Elves . As Everley travels we meet Giants and even Mermaids but it’s the inclusion of those we’ve previously got to know Cat and the Fox that gave this warmth and feeling. Plus a certain Pixie and her attitude just kept me smiling. Alas I cannot divulge what happens but I can say there’s a shocking revelation involving Everleys family and if you thought Killian had a simple plan then you clearly underestimate both him and indeed this author.
My only real issue with this book is that Father Time seems to leave Everley to struggle alone. Although I hasten to add I did truly enjoy this and look forward to traveling again with Everley as her battles with Killian are far from over. This is a vibrant, fascinating world that takes the reader on a journey with characters to cheer for and what more could I want ?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 20, 2019
I received an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
Another amazing adventure in the Evermore Chronicles that will keep you guessing until the last page!
What I loved 🖤⚓️🐳:
1. The prologue explains that the sword is really a broken star and Everley thinks she is a broken girl because of her clock heart. Everley’s character development is truly beautiful as she realizes that just because bad things have happened to her—she’s not broken. Her potential is still endless.
2. The fantasy world expands to seven worlds and the reader learns Killian Markham’s true ancestry and villainy. The reader also learns more about Father Time and the different races.
3. Jamison continues to be everything honorable and good. Their romance blooms like a daisy.
4. Laverick and Claret get more page time and they’re both delightful.
5. I loved the theme that time is love and love is time.
I’m SO ready to sail into the final book, Everafter Song!
Another amazing adventure in the Evermore Chronicles that will keep you guessing until the last page!
What I loved 🖤⚓️🐳:
1. The prologue explains that the sword is really a broken star and Everley thinks she is a broken girl because of her clock heart. Everley’s character development is truly beautiful as she realizes that just because bad things have happened to her—she’s not broken. Her potential is still endless.
2. The fantasy world expands to seven worlds and the reader learns Killian Markham’s true ancestry and villainy. The reader also learns more about Father Time and the different races.
3. Jamison continues to be everything honorable and good. Their romance blooms like a daisy.
4. Laverick and Claret get more page time and they’re both delightful.
5. I loved the theme that time is love and love is time.
I’m SO ready to sail into the final book, Everafter Song!
September 22, 2020
Time and life are gifts we should all treasure
Sometimes I have trouble with what to say about the middle book of a trilogy. I'm usually deep enough into the story by now that I just want to continue to book 3! But I'll mention a few things here first.
This one was quite the whirlwind adventure in a different world! The Land Under the Wave is a harsh world for humans to survive in, and most do not survive for long, between not much land and resources and the merrows trying to lure them to their deaths every night, it's a wonder that any of them survive. And when you add all the dangers with the dangerous mission Everley and her friends have come to this world for, it's almost a shock that any of them makes it to book 3!
Throughout this book, they are trying to retrieve the sword of Avelyn and return home, always running or escaping from something: slavery, elves, giants, pirates, merrows, finpeople, and scariest and most unpredictable of all, Markham. And though we thought we knew who he was and what he was after, that still wasn't the whole story, and he has so much more to his schemes than anyone realized.
Meanwhile, something is wrong with Everley's heart, something that can't be fixed, and she feels now more than ever like something that is broken and fragile and undeserving of love. But she won't give up on her mission from Father Time to retrieve his sword and return home before her broken clock heart gives out. She shows her fortitude and determination (and stubbornness) even more in this book, but she still believes that a person with a clock heart can never truly love or be loved. Even as her feelings for Jamison take shape and their relationship grows, she won't allow herself to hope that they could someday be together, even if they do make it home.
This book gives the reader more insight into what the other world's inhabitants think of humans and of The Land of the Living. It seems that all the other creatures believe that The Land of the Living is wasted on weak and short-lived humans, that their own people should rightfully possess that land, and that humans should be destroyed or at least enslaved. Giants tried to take the world once and were punished for it by the deities, who locked their world, The Silver-Clouded Plain, and trapped them there, never to interact with the other worlds again, and they can't return home if they ever leave or are banished. Elves tried to protect the land against the giants, and so were made stewards of The Land of the Living, though they weren't permitted to live there. They live in The Land of Promise, but consider The Land of the Living as their territory. The finpeople and merrows apparently want to expand their reaches into the oceans of our world as well, and also think that humans don't deserve it.
It's funny to see how everyone despises and envies humans so much for being given the first created world, but they don't appreciate their own worlds that were created uniquely for them. Why does everyone hate the humans so much? Why can't they appreciate their own worlds and be content? And why doesn't anyone understand why humans were given The Land of the Living? Father Time explained it so simply: humans have the shortest lifespan, and so appreciate time and life more than the other original races of elf or giant, and therefore appreciate The Land of the Living more than they would. I think that's a nice reminder to all of us to appreciate the time we are given and live our fullest lives in gratitude for this precious gift. With that, I'll leave you to ponder your life as I return to The Land of the Living in book 3...
Sometimes I have trouble with what to say about the middle book of a trilogy. I'm usually deep enough into the story by now that I just want to continue to book 3! But I'll mention a few things here first.
This one was quite the whirlwind adventure in a different world! The Land Under the Wave is a harsh world for humans to survive in, and most do not survive for long, between not much land and resources and the merrows trying to lure them to their deaths every night, it's a wonder that any of them survive. And when you add all the dangers with the dangerous mission Everley and her friends have come to this world for, it's almost a shock that any of them makes it to book 3!
Throughout this book, they are trying to retrieve the sword of Avelyn and return home, always running or escaping from something: slavery, elves, giants, pirates, merrows, finpeople, and scariest and most unpredictable of all, Markham. And though we thought we knew who he was and what he was after, that still wasn't the whole story, and he has so much more to his schemes than anyone realized.
Meanwhile, something is wrong with Everley's heart, something that can't be fixed, and she feels now more than ever like something that is broken and fragile and undeserving of love. But she won't give up on her mission from Father Time to retrieve his sword and return home before her broken clock heart gives out. She shows her fortitude and determination (and stubbornness) even more in this book, but she still believes that a person with a clock heart can never truly love or be loved. Even as her feelings for Jamison take shape and their relationship grows, she won't allow herself to hope that they could someday be together, even if they do make it home.
This book gives the reader more insight into what the other world's inhabitants think of humans and of The Land of the Living. It seems that all the other creatures believe that The Land of the Living is wasted on weak and short-lived humans, that their own people should rightfully possess that land, and that humans should be destroyed or at least enslaved. Giants tried to take the world once and were punished for it by the deities, who locked their world, The Silver-Clouded Plain, and trapped them there, never to interact with the other worlds again, and they can't return home if they ever leave or are banished. Elves tried to protect the land against the giants, and so were made stewards of The Land of the Living, though they weren't permitted to live there. They live in The Land of Promise, but consider The Land of the Living as their territory. The finpeople and merrows apparently want to expand their reaches into the oceans of our world as well, and also think that humans don't deserve it.
It's funny to see how everyone despises and envies humans so much for being given the first created world, but they don't appreciate their own worlds that were created uniquely for them. Why does everyone hate the humans so much? Why can't they appreciate their own worlds and be content? And why doesn't anyone understand why humans were given The Land of the Living? Father Time explained it so simply: humans have the shortest lifespan, and so appreciate time and life more than the other original races of elf or giant, and therefore appreciate The Land of the Living more than they would. I think that's a nice reminder to all of us to appreciate the time we are given and live our fullest lives in gratitude for this precious gift. With that, I'll leave you to ponder your life as I return to The Land of the Living in book 3...
August 19, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 STARS
After reading the second book in King’s new series, I have come to understand her writing style a bit more. I enjoyed the first book, but I had stated that it started off slow for me. This second book was no exception to that. It started off SO SLOW moving for me. In fact, it didn't really pick up for me until halfway through. That being said, I still enjoyed it.
A few things I really loved in this book...
I still really enjoy the characters, and I loved the world-building. It is very complex. The only thing I don't enjoy as much about the world is how sometimes things 'just happen' and then it's hurriedly explained and we move on. I mean, I understand... magic is magic, but it felt like there weren't many rules to the magic if that makes sense?
I also loved that there was much more action (once the plot ACTUALLY started moving along) in this one than in the first. This meant that it was a more exciting plot, more action-packed scenes, and the plot I feel was more cleverly done with rich descriptions which bring the setting and atmosphere of the book to life. It was a very entertaining read.
So why, you ask did I only give it 3 stars? When I gave the first book 4 stars?
I truly did this because of the info-dumping in the first half. This is a series, so I'm unsure who would truly read the second without reading the first book first? We got repeat information and info of things that happened previously in the first book, so it just didn't feel like it flowed very well from book 1 to book 2. I am of the opinion that info-dumping is a necessary evil in first books, as you need a clear understanding of the world and background. But I feel that this was completely unnecessary for this second book. In fact, this info-dumping is my biggest dislike of this book.
Overall, still a great read, with a wonderful plot. I just wish we could have been pulled into the action earlier on in the book.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Skyscape and Emily R. King for generously providing an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
3 STARS
After reading the second book in King’s new series, I have come to understand her writing style a bit more. I enjoyed the first book, but I had stated that it started off slow for me. This second book was no exception to that. It started off SO SLOW moving for me. In fact, it didn't really pick up for me until halfway through. That being said, I still enjoyed it.
A few things I really loved in this book...
I still really enjoy the characters, and I loved the world-building. It is very complex. The only thing I don't enjoy as much about the world is how sometimes things 'just happen' and then it's hurriedly explained and we move on. I mean, I understand... magic is magic, but it felt like there weren't many rules to the magic if that makes sense?
I also loved that there was much more action (once the plot ACTUALLY started moving along) in this one than in the first. This meant that it was a more exciting plot, more action-packed scenes, and the plot I feel was more cleverly done with rich descriptions which bring the setting and atmosphere of the book to life. It was a very entertaining read.
So why, you ask did I only give it 3 stars? When I gave the first book 4 stars?
I truly did this because of the info-dumping in the first half. This is a series, so I'm unsure who would truly read the second without reading the first book first? We got repeat information and info of things that happened previously in the first book, so it just didn't feel like it flowed very well from book 1 to book 2. I am of the opinion that info-dumping is a necessary evil in first books, as you need a clear understanding of the world and background. But I feel that this was completely unnecessary for this second book. In fact, this info-dumping is my biggest dislike of this book.
Overall, still a great read, with a wonderful plot. I just wish we could have been pulled into the action earlier on in the book.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Skyscape and Emily R. King for generously providing an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
August 23, 2019
This book has it all: Mermaids, Elves, Giants, Fairies and many more. This is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles and it is as exciting as the first one. Everley Donovan must cross worlds to find the Sword of Avelyn before Prince Killian uses it to destroy another world. She is however facing another challenge. Her clock heart is ticking its last ticks and she must return to her uncle before it beats its last tick.
This series is fantastic. I love the characters and the adventures. It is such an exciting story, full of surprises. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what is next in this saga.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, Brilliance Publishing and Amazon Publishing for sending me a final copy of this exciting book. Into The Hourglass by Emily R. King has just arrived at your favourite bookstore. Go get a copy!
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July 10, 2019
My blog: A Magical World of Words
Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.
I love King’s writing. I enjoyed it in the first book of this series, and I still do. The only disappointing factor is the dialogue: it’s on-the-nose and dry, pointing out what the story needs to propel it forward, but not delivering entertainment, subtext, or character. I think it’s a pity.
Otherwise, though, King’s prose is lyrical, her descriptions are rich, and the whole book sparkles with a tangible atmosphere.
The world building is good, to an extent. Many details are vague. It’s very complicated, magic is everywhere and anywhere, and bizarre things “just happen”. It’s the way of the world, I suppose - magic is a given - but from what I could see there aren’t many specific parameters. Or if they are, they’re skimped over. In a nutshell: you have to suspend disbelief if you want to be swept away. And don’t ask too many questions.
Two things I loved about this second book is A) the increased action, and B) the complexities of the plot. There are more exciting, action-packed scenes, and the plot has intricate, clever details which pop out in all the right places. This makes the story entertaining and intriguing.
I explained my opinions on the characters in my review of Before The Broken Star, and I won’t repeat them here because I haven’t changed my mind. Basically, the characters are underwhelming. They could be stronger.
Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.
I love King’s writing. I enjoyed it in the first book of this series, and I still do. The only disappointing factor is the dialogue: it’s on-the-nose and dry, pointing out what the story needs to propel it forward, but not delivering entertainment, subtext, or character. I think it’s a pity.
Otherwise, though, King’s prose is lyrical, her descriptions are rich, and the whole book sparkles with a tangible atmosphere.
The world building is good, to an extent. Many details are vague. It’s very complicated, magic is everywhere and anywhere, and bizarre things “just happen”. It’s the way of the world, I suppose - magic is a given - but from what I could see there aren’t many specific parameters. Or if they are, they’re skimped over. In a nutshell: you have to suspend disbelief if you want to be swept away. And don’t ask too many questions.
Two things I loved about this second book is A) the increased action, and B) the complexities of the plot. There are more exciting, action-packed scenes, and the plot has intricate, clever details which pop out in all the right places. This makes the story entertaining and intriguing.
I explained my opinions on the characters in my review of Before The Broken Star, and I won’t repeat them here because I haven’t changed my mind. Basically, the characters are underwhelming. They could be stronger.
February 12, 2020
*Spoilers if you’ve not read the first book*
In this sequel, Everley Donovan plunges into a strange new world to hunt a wicked prince who cheated time. Should she fail, the seven worlds will come to an end, as could time itself. In the Land Under the Wave, Everley’s tragic past resurfaces unsolved questions. She must take back her sword before her time runs out…
I rated the first book in this series 3 stars... and rated this one 4 stars. I think my main issue with the first book was the inconsistent pace and the disconnected feeling between the first part of the book and the second. This sequel definitely felt more cohesive, and the action was overall more prevalent and evenly paced.
Most of the book took place in the Land Under the Wave, which I thought was a very interesting and unique world. I loved the addition of giants, mermaids, sea witches, and elves into the story as well as the magical elements such as the portals. While the plot mostly consisted of Everley and her crew pursuing Killian and always being just one step behind, the twists and informational surprises kept the story exciting and intriguing.
Everley wasn’t my favorite character in the first book, and while I still don’t quite love her, I did appreciate her character development, especially regarding her relationship with Jamison. So far Jamison only feels like a supporting character to me, and I’d love to see some more depth and growth behind his character.
One thing I love about King’s writing is she is immersive with her descriptions, but not overly so. I don’t feel like there’s any info dumping or overly extended explanations, but an adequate picture that builds the world around Everley and her friends. I really enjoyed the ending, and look forward to seeing how the story wraps up with Father Time, Killian, Jamison, etc. in the final book.
In this sequel, Everley Donovan plunges into a strange new world to hunt a wicked prince who cheated time. Should she fail, the seven worlds will come to an end, as could time itself. In the Land Under the Wave, Everley’s tragic past resurfaces unsolved questions. She must take back her sword before her time runs out…
I rated the first book in this series 3 stars... and rated this one 4 stars. I think my main issue with the first book was the inconsistent pace and the disconnected feeling between the first part of the book and the second. This sequel definitely felt more cohesive, and the action was overall more prevalent and evenly paced.
Most of the book took place in the Land Under the Wave, which I thought was a very interesting and unique world. I loved the addition of giants, mermaids, sea witches, and elves into the story as well as the magical elements such as the portals. While the plot mostly consisted of Everley and her crew pursuing Killian and always being just one step behind, the twists and informational surprises kept the story exciting and intriguing.
Everley wasn’t my favorite character in the first book, and while I still don’t quite love her, I did appreciate her character development, especially regarding her relationship with Jamison. So far Jamison only feels like a supporting character to me, and I’d love to see some more depth and growth behind his character.
One thing I love about King’s writing is she is immersive with her descriptions, but not overly so. I don’t feel like there’s any info dumping or overly extended explanations, but an adequate picture that builds the world around Everley and her friends. I really enjoyed the ending, and look forward to seeing how the story wraps up with Father Time, Killian, Jamison, etc. in the final book.
August 1, 2019
Everley is on a quest into the otherworlds. Their task … to find the sword of Avelyn that was stolen by Prince Killian. Yes, the same Prince Killian who killed her entire family and left her for dead. If they don’t find the sword in time … the seven worlds will collapse. Like all quests, the path before them is not safe and with her heart clock beginning to fail, Everley wonders if she will even survive this experience. Will Everley be able to retrieve the sword in time? What secrets will she discover along the way?
Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles. King has taken the fantasy world she created in the first book and has expanded it even more. The adventure is high and drama is rampant as Everley sails the high seas and enters forbidden landscapes. The characters learn about the truths behind some myths and everyone must face the unknown head-on. I recommend Into the Hourglass to everyone who has already read Before the Broken Stars. PLEASE … don’t jump into the second book without it.
Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles. King has taken the fantasy world she created in the first book and has expanded it even more. The adventure is high and drama is rampant as Everley sails the high seas and enters forbidden landscapes. The characters learn about the truths behind some myths and everyone must face the unknown head-on. I recommend Into the Hourglass to everyone who has already read Before the Broken Stars. PLEASE … don’t jump into the second book without it.
August 27, 2019
This one picks up right where book one ends, so don't read it without having read Before the Broken Star because you won't understand much - and you will miss out on some pretty awesome things.
So without spoiling Into the Hourglass I'll say this: it has The Little Mermaid feels to it, along with some Peter Pan - which I kind of got toward the end of book one.
Are you humming Under the Sea yet?
Jokes aside, it really is another adventure; one against time because of you-know-what regarding Everley - and they have to fight the bad guys and come to terms with many things, including that falling in love is possible.
I want to say that I loved the message this book was sending out. Everley has always felt broken; different from others and knew she would be rejected because of this difference. I'm pretty sure many of us have experienced this - or are still experiencing this - at one point in our lives. I managed to connect with Everley more in this book because of this.
Now, where is a Jamison when you need one? Because really, he's pretty darn perfect. I could write an ode but I won't. I really loved the ending of this book and how things were left. Am really looking forward to reading the final one.
I definitely recommend this author's books. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley and my rating is 4.5 - 5 stars.
So without spoiling Into the Hourglass I'll say this: it has The Little Mermaid feels to it, along with some Peter Pan - which I kind of got toward the end of book one.
Are you humming Under the Sea yet?
Jokes aside, it really is another adventure; one against time because of you-know-what regarding Everley - and they have to fight the bad guys and come to terms with many things, including that falling in love is possible.
I want to say that I loved the message this book was sending out. Everley has always felt broken; different from others and knew she would be rejected because of this difference. I'm pretty sure many of us have experienced this - or are still experiencing this - at one point in our lives. I managed to connect with Everley more in this book because of this.
Now, where is a Jamison when you need one? Because really, he's pretty darn perfect. I could write an ode but I won't. I really loved the ending of this book and how things were left. Am really looking forward to reading the final one.
I definitely recommend this author's books. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley and my rating is 4.5 - 5 stars.
September 1, 2019
Ahhh! I really love Emily R. King’s mind. She has the most creative ideas for world-building. I was so excited to read this follow-up, because I LOVED LOVED LOVED Before the Broken Star.
I felt like this sequel had so much going on. The adventure and action started IMMEDIATELY, giving me no time to process the start of events. You will not be bored with this book, as there is something always going on.
Going back to world building, I do feel like the mystic creatures were flushed out enough—I had many questions that didn’t really get answered. I would have liked there to have been more descriptives and explanations about all the mystical creatures—i.e. we were told how to transport to different worlds, but we weren’t told why (prime ex.: when people had to switch bodies to go underwater).
Overall, I wanted so much more clarification and conciseness from this sequel. But I did enjoy it and I can’t read the final in the series.
We were given a copy for free, from Skyscape, in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like this sequel had so much going on. The adventure and action started IMMEDIATELY, giving me no time to process the start of events. You will not be bored with this book, as there is something always going on.
Going back to world building, I do feel like the mystic creatures were flushed out enough—I had many questions that didn’t really get answered. I would have liked there to have been more descriptives and explanations about all the mystical creatures—i.e. we were told how to transport to different worlds, but we weren’t told why (prime ex.: when people had to switch bodies to go underwater).
Overall, I wanted so much more clarification and conciseness from this sequel. But I did enjoy it and I can’t read the final in the series.
We were given a copy for free, from Skyscape, in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 7, 2020Emily R. King is a wonderful storyteller.
She's done it again with great battles, pirates and charming dialogue and a fairy with noting but attitude and courage. The characters drove this book. Emily R. King wrote magic when she wove together a band of misfits with only mutiny, gold and the bonds of a gang that fends for its own. Into the Hourglass is a book that balances on the edge of a great sea wave. Each character drives the story of dear Everley down paths she wasn’t expecting and as a reader, I wasn’t expecting either after such a great first instalment.
Everley is such a read character. Her fears and her strengths and her dislike/like of her husband feels so human even when the characters and the giant sea whale may not be. But don't let any of that fool you into thinking she's anything other than truly remarkable. The delicacy of the clock shop, the nurturing uncle, the plot for revenge and the fear that this young girl was holding so tightly.
4/5 is my final review and it's a great book to read before a fire with a large cup of tea.
She's done it again with great battles, pirates and charming dialogue and a fairy with noting but attitude and courage. The characters drove this book. Emily R. King wrote magic when she wove together a band of misfits with only mutiny, gold and the bonds of a gang that fends for its own. Into the Hourglass is a book that balances on the edge of a great sea wave. Each character drives the story of dear Everley down paths she wasn’t expecting and as a reader, I wasn’t expecting either after such a great first instalment.
Everley is such a read character. Her fears and her strengths and her dislike/like of her husband feels so human even when the characters and the giant sea whale may not be. But don't let any of that fool you into thinking she's anything other than truly remarkable. The delicacy of the clock shop, the nurturing uncle, the plot for revenge and the fear that this young girl was holding so tightly.
4/5 is my final review and it's a great book to read before a fire with a large cup of tea.
July 26, 2019
With every page, this series gets more and more thrilling. Emily King sure knows how to twist your hearts with heart-pounding action and mind-blowing plot twists. I think my favorite part of Hourglass was the clear character development of the MC, Everley Donovan, as well as the relationship between her and Jamison evolves. Throughout her mission to retrieve the sword of Avenel and to stop her nemesis, Prince Killian Markham, Everley learns that the heart is much more than just an organ, and that just because a machine works in place of a physical heart doesn't mean she's incapable of love after all.. I also love the hero-villain dynamic between Markham and Everley. It kept me interested and on my towns. Now I can't wait for Everafter song!
August 23, 2019
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Into the Hourglass - the land under the sea was a fun one to venture to and removed some of the characters who were lagging a bit in the first book.
I did feel that in places things slot in too easily (one problem at a time etc) but honestly it’s good fun to read so it’s hard to begrudge that too much.
I really liked Everley coming a bit more into her own here, even if Markham (and Harlow) became more frustrating and a little two dimensional. And Laverick and Claret are just wonderful.
Overall, this easily gets 3.5 stars and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
I really liked Into the Hourglass - the land under the sea was a fun one to venture to and removed some of the characters who were lagging a bit in the first book.
I did feel that in places things slot in too easily (one problem at a time etc) but honestly it’s good fun to read so it’s hard to begrudge that too much.
I really liked Everley coming a bit more into her own here, even if Markham (and Harlow) became more frustrating and a little two dimensional. And Laverick and Claret are just wonderful.
Overall, this easily gets 3.5 stars and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
November 13, 2024
2024 Reads #612/250
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
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Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
🎧 Audible $/Credit
📖🎧 Everand Subscription - Audiobook
June 5, 2019
Actual 4.5/5 stars.
Read
June 21, 2019Review to come closer to release date.
Thank you Netgalley <3
Thank you Netgalley <3
September 25, 2019
This book was amazing! Characters are well written and very appealing. Many twists and turns. I highly recommend it!
August 24, 2020
Harder to stick with this one than #1, it kept taking turn after turn and I found myself losing interest towards the end. Which is not what I want because I was really enjoying the series thus far. I think I'll need to take a break though before finishing the series.
June 26, 2023
The last few chapters of this book are so SAD😭😭
Overall, SCREAMING, CRYING, throwing up <\3
Overall, SCREAMING, CRYING, throwing up <\3
May 19, 2020
I'm ready to read the next and final book!!
August 25, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley and Skyscape in exchange for my honest review. I thought this was a solid book 2. I really hope Everley and Callahan can make it work in this next book. The magical aspects are pretty cool and I love how everyone is coming together. I am hoping to see Markham defeated
August 19, 2019
Into the Hourglass follows Everley’s quest to stop Prince Killian and obtain the Sword of Avelyn, even if that means travelling to the mysterious Land Under the Wave. She was greeted by a ship graveyard (and yes it’s as eerie as it sounds!), met some siren singing merrows and discovered a sea hag’s grotto filled to the brim with yup you guessed it, house cats. This book was quirky, hilarious and the perfect sequel to Emily R. King’s Evermore Chronicles Trilogy. It continued to have heart and charm mixed with adventure and sweet, sweet romance. King has an ability to get you emotionally invested in her characters as if you’re part of her story and it made for some strong storytelling!! This is one of the best examples I’ve ever had the chance to read and you know what the worst part is? I had no idea that these books even existed and that can’t continue. These have a heart and soul that I think many people would love to read. I’m thankful for Netgalley and Skyscape for giving me the opportunity to review such a great piece of writing. I look forward to the next book, Everafter Song especially with how things ended!
This book introduced quite a few new characters and I loved them all. The grumpy elf with the unhealthy obsession with apples much like Captain Barbosa from Pirates of the Caribbean was hilarious and a great addition which helped expand the world. Did I forget to mention that he also knows Markham from a past life? It shed light on Markham’s more human life from the past before his immortality kick and backstory is always an excellent addition to a story! That was a very interesting plot development and it gave some great comedic relief between him and Markham. Their relationship was kind of like Thor and Loki’s, Markham being the trickster. And boy did he get on Everley’s nerves! Their dynamic was strangely humorous.
Remember Radella? The spunky, cat-like pixie? She really got to shine in this book and there are so many awesome scenes with her that really showcased her heart on her sleeve personality. Her ever-changing mood was a different sort of humour, almost reminiscent of an indecisive child but her thirst to help never wavered from the morally just.
“Although we have established a friendship, my clock heart is metal and wood, a machine incapable of falling in love.”
This was one thing that got me a little angry. Everley kept saying over and over again how her clock heart makes it impossible for her to love Jamison and the first book proved that that was not the case. Yet here she keeps bringing it up, almost like it’s an excuse and Jamison didn’t deserve that. He was left in a cell after
Vevina took control of the ship at the end of book one and yet he still loves Everley despite her leaving him there. He loves you and clearly you feel the same! This made it a little annoying at times because it was an obvious thing to spot so it left me more frustrated. It’s just when you’re watching a tv show and you know they like one another (and everyone else knows it!) but you have to wait entire seasons before you get one simple display of affection (usually a kiss) before anything happens. By the end of this book I didn’t feel so annoyed by this as some of it was repaired but this just serves as a precaution. It’s another slow burn romance but let’s face it we all want a Jamison in our lives!
“Everley is a person, not a trinket,’ Jamison counters. His anger may be outmatched by Radella’s, whose fury has changed her normal bright-azure colour to the same purplish shade as a bruise.”
This man loves her and when he said this I swear he stole my heart too! Such a gentleman. It’s clear how much he cares for her and seeing him fight for her respect was so dashing!
I swear I’m almost done, bear with me. There was one scene that’s definitely worth mentioning and it was the palm reading with Everley and Jamison. They compliment and flirt with one another and they even develop these cute and sarcastic pet names. Watch out for this scene because it will definitely leave you swooning. Their chemistry seems to be so natural and their witty banter never comes off forced.
“He laughs, and I am certain there isn’t any better sound.”
This is coming from a girl who is clearly head over heels in love. Even if she won’t admit it.
Something that drew me into King’s books was her writing. I was extremely impressed by it in Before the broken star and her use of humour only strengthened this fun series.
“Nothing about this world should surprise me anymore, but a cat-eating merrow princess who has a fascination with blades sounds utterly dreadful.”
Her sarcasm matches very well with both her characters and her world she’s built. It allowed for an easy flow to her story and the over-arching plot for this trilogy. I devoured every word of it with efficiency, trust me. It was very easy to read and had minimal description. Both are plus’s in my book!
I seem to have a knack for appreciating well-written phrases in books and I found quite a bit to envy here.
“Gooseflesh flocks up my arms. We are in the Otherworld.”
Can we just sit here in awe for a second? Like I mean, we’ve all seen and felt goosebumps before but here King uses its physical look with the word gooseflesh and then draws the connection with birds when she chose the word ‘flocks’. Ugh, I just thought it was so smart. Bravo!
“The immortal prince has not changed; his face is still unfittingly handsome for his rotten heart.”
I liked the dynamic here between something deemed good (handsome) with another good quality (to have ‘heart’) and how she used ‘rotten’ to show his true personality. It must be my nerdiness showing. But King’s writing is brilliant and should be recognized!
I got one more great example. Because this was near the end I will not spoil the nature of the situation but I must highlight this excellent example of description with incredible use of adjectives. It paints a very vivid picture and conveys this person to perfection.
“The queen is not a woman of substantial stature or enviable beauty. Her power comes from the graceful control of her movements, her elegant mask of aloofness, and the iron influence of her carefully constructed words. Her calculating eyes do not seek the truth. She crafts lies as adornments and conceals them behind her grandeur. Her thin gold crown entitles her to interpret principles and enforce them with cruelty and bloodshed. I fear her, but I fear her propensity for distorting the truth more. Her condemnation would have pulverized the girl in the courtroom, but I understand that every word she says is deliberately chosen to fortify the decision she made before she walked into my cell.”
Every single word needs to be there and it all works so well. I hope to write that strong. It drips with personality and is full of keen observations that again leave me in awe! I can’t wait to see more scenes with the Queen because she seems like a real treat (sarcasm intended!)
Last but not least, being a history buff I’ve come to appreciate when an author goes out of their way to give secondary characters a backstory. They don’t need to per se but it adds to the story, at least for me it does. You get to know more about the character that way and in turn their motives, and that is definitely important in this series. King gave some background to our favourite duo, The Fox and The Cat. It was emotional and it added depth to their characters which seemed to elevate their status in importance. It was nice. it just made me love even more of her characters so well done! There is no doubt in my mind when I tell you that King is a master manipulator of a reader’s emotions. Using Everley’s clock heart malfunction (common throughout this one) was so clever. What are you going to do in her position if you feel like you’re living with limited time? Try and fix it? That’s exactly what she does and using that to transport her into the past to discover the origins of her new, faulty heart was ingenious! I loved how the twists all made so much sense and worked perfectly with the plot. I honestly don’t know how King does it.
A girl with a clock heart that doesn’t do well with water venturing into a place called, the Land Under the Wave is as thrilling as it sounds! So many obstacles were to be had and so many unknowns to discover in this sequel. You will feel elated, happy, sad even angry at points as you read but I guarantee that it’s all worth it! Another fantastic novel by Emily R. King!
This book introduced quite a few new characters and I loved them all. The grumpy elf with the unhealthy obsession with apples much like Captain Barbosa from Pirates of the Caribbean was hilarious and a great addition which helped expand the world. Did I forget to mention that he also knows Markham from a past life? It shed light on Markham’s more human life from the past before his immortality kick and backstory is always an excellent addition to a story! That was a very interesting plot development and it gave some great comedic relief between him and Markham. Their relationship was kind of like Thor and Loki’s, Markham being the trickster. And boy did he get on Everley’s nerves! Their dynamic was strangely humorous.
Remember Radella? The spunky, cat-like pixie? She really got to shine in this book and there are so many awesome scenes with her that really showcased her heart on her sleeve personality. Her ever-changing mood was a different sort of humour, almost reminiscent of an indecisive child but her thirst to help never wavered from the morally just.
“Although we have established a friendship, my clock heart is metal and wood, a machine incapable of falling in love.”
This was one thing that got me a little angry. Everley kept saying over and over again how her clock heart makes it impossible for her to love Jamison and the first book proved that that was not the case. Yet here she keeps bringing it up, almost like it’s an excuse and Jamison didn’t deserve that. He was left in a cell after
Vevina took control of the ship at the end of book one and yet he still loves Everley despite her leaving him there. He loves you and clearly you feel the same! This made it a little annoying at times because it was an obvious thing to spot so it left me more frustrated. It’s just when you’re watching a tv show and you know they like one another (and everyone else knows it!) but you have to wait entire seasons before you get one simple display of affection (usually a kiss) before anything happens. By the end of this book I didn’t feel so annoyed by this as some of it was repaired but this just serves as a precaution. It’s another slow burn romance but let’s face it we all want a Jamison in our lives!
“Everley is a person, not a trinket,’ Jamison counters. His anger may be outmatched by Radella’s, whose fury has changed her normal bright-azure colour to the same purplish shade as a bruise.”
This man loves her and when he said this I swear he stole my heart too! Such a gentleman. It’s clear how much he cares for her and seeing him fight for her respect was so dashing!
I swear I’m almost done, bear with me. There was one scene that’s definitely worth mentioning and it was the palm reading with Everley and Jamison. They compliment and flirt with one another and they even develop these cute and sarcastic pet names. Watch out for this scene because it will definitely leave you swooning. Their chemistry seems to be so natural and their witty banter never comes off forced.
“He laughs, and I am certain there isn’t any better sound.”
This is coming from a girl who is clearly head over heels in love. Even if she won’t admit it.
Something that drew me into King’s books was her writing. I was extremely impressed by it in Before the broken star and her use of humour only strengthened this fun series.
“Nothing about this world should surprise me anymore, but a cat-eating merrow princess who has a fascination with blades sounds utterly dreadful.”
Her sarcasm matches very well with both her characters and her world she’s built. It allowed for an easy flow to her story and the over-arching plot for this trilogy. I devoured every word of it with efficiency, trust me. It was very easy to read and had minimal description. Both are plus’s in my book!
I seem to have a knack for appreciating well-written phrases in books and I found quite a bit to envy here.
“Gooseflesh flocks up my arms. We are in the Otherworld.”
Can we just sit here in awe for a second? Like I mean, we’ve all seen and felt goosebumps before but here King uses its physical look with the word gooseflesh and then draws the connection with birds when she chose the word ‘flocks’. Ugh, I just thought it was so smart. Bravo!
“The immortal prince has not changed; his face is still unfittingly handsome for his rotten heart.”
I liked the dynamic here between something deemed good (handsome) with another good quality (to have ‘heart’) and how she used ‘rotten’ to show his true personality. It must be my nerdiness showing. But King’s writing is brilliant and should be recognized!
I got one more great example. Because this was near the end I will not spoil the nature of the situation but I must highlight this excellent example of description with incredible use of adjectives. It paints a very vivid picture and conveys this person to perfection.
“The queen is not a woman of substantial stature or enviable beauty. Her power comes from the graceful control of her movements, her elegant mask of aloofness, and the iron influence of her carefully constructed words. Her calculating eyes do not seek the truth. She crafts lies as adornments and conceals them behind her grandeur. Her thin gold crown entitles her to interpret principles and enforce them with cruelty and bloodshed. I fear her, but I fear her propensity for distorting the truth more. Her condemnation would have pulverized the girl in the courtroom, but I understand that every word she says is deliberately chosen to fortify the decision she made before she walked into my cell.”
Every single word needs to be there and it all works so well. I hope to write that strong. It drips with personality and is full of keen observations that again leave me in awe! I can’t wait to see more scenes with the Queen because she seems like a real treat (sarcasm intended!)
Last but not least, being a history buff I’ve come to appreciate when an author goes out of their way to give secondary characters a backstory. They don’t need to per se but it adds to the story, at least for me it does. You get to know more about the character that way and in turn their motives, and that is definitely important in this series. King gave some background to our favourite duo, The Fox and The Cat. It was emotional and it added depth to their characters which seemed to elevate their status in importance. It was nice. it just made me love even more of her characters so well done! There is no doubt in my mind when I tell you that King is a master manipulator of a reader’s emotions. Using Everley’s clock heart malfunction (common throughout this one) was so clever. What are you going to do in her position if you feel like you’re living with limited time? Try and fix it? That’s exactly what she does and using that to transport her into the past to discover the origins of her new, faulty heart was ingenious! I loved how the twists all made so much sense and worked perfectly with the plot. I honestly don’t know how King does it.
A girl with a clock heart that doesn’t do well with water venturing into a place called, the Land Under the Wave is as thrilling as it sounds! So many obstacles were to be had and so many unknowns to discover in this sequel. You will feel elated, happy, sad even angry at points as you read but I guarantee that it’s all worth it! Another fantastic novel by Emily R. King!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews