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Everything Under the Sun
Thais Fenwick was eleven-years-old when civilization fell, devastated by a virus that killed off the majority of the world’s population. For seven years, Thais and her family lived in a community of survivors deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. But when her town is attacked by raiders, she and her blind sister are taken away to the East-Central Territory where she is destined to live the cruel and unjust kind of life her late mother warned her about.
Atticus Hunt is a troubled soldier in Lexington City who has spent the past seven years trying to conform to the vicious nature of men in a post-apocalyptic society. He knows that in order to survive, he must abandon his morals and his conscience and become like those he is surrounded by. But when he meets Thais, morals and conscience win out over conformity, and he risks his rank and his life to help her. They escape the city and set out together on a long and perilous journey to find safety in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Struggling to survive in a world without electricity, food, shelter, and clean water, Atticus and Thais shed their fear of growing too close, and they fall hopelessly in love. But can love survive in such dark times, or is it fated to die with them?
Atticus Hunt is a troubled soldier in Lexington City who has spent the past seven years trying to conform to the vicious nature of men in a post-apocalyptic society. He knows that in order to survive, he must abandon his morals and his conscience and become like those he is surrounded by. But when he meets Thais, morals and conscience win out over conformity, and he risks his rank and his life to help her. They escape the city and set out together on a long and perilous journey to find safety in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Struggling to survive in a world without electricity, food, shelter, and clean water, Atticus and Thais shed their fear of growing too close, and they fall hopelessly in love. But can love survive in such dark times, or is it fated to die with them?
594 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2017
132 people are currently reading
2871 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Redmerski
25 books13.2k followersJ.A. (Jessica) Redmerski is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and #1 Amazon best-selling author. She is also an international bestseller and award winner. Jessica is a hybrid author who began self-publishing in 2012 and later signed several titles with a traditional publisher. Her works have been translated into over twenty languages and have been optioned for film and television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
September 14, 2018
5 Stars
Book Review
Release Date-28/8/17
Thais, I would stain the rivers red with blood of a thousand men for you—I would do anything for you.
Holy Batman this book was good.
Where has this author been all my life, "Everything Under The Sun" has knocked me shocked on my derriere with just how amazing it actually was.
Despite being such an extensive read this kept my attention fully; quite a remarkable feat considering the sheer length of this epic saga.
I was so enthralled and enmeshed in this addictive story that I managed to lose parcels of time, this was and is one of my most enjoyed reads of this year, quite an accomplishment in itself when you consider the sheer amount of books I do get through annually.
Not going to do a big rehash of the plot as I do think you really just need to read and envelop yourself in the richly imagined dystopian post-apocalyptic landscape.
This story centres around Thais and Atticus and the events leading up to and then beyond there pathways crossing.
Maybe fate or even just random chance but from the very beginning of there initial connection a bond that will last and endure the tough brutal times ahead is formed.
And the road that Atticus and Thais are now traversing is one paved in tears, heartache and steadfast endurance.
A journey not only across country pitted against the harsh elements but also exposed to the darkness of the human psyche and how low mankind has plummeted back into the dark ages of the distant past.
Where woman are chattel to be bartered and everyone is out for themselves, the ugliness of human nature exposed in all true and hideous form.
Peel back the disguise of civility and the bitter truth buried beneath the surface is finally revealed, just waiting for its chance to shine.
"Everything Under The Sun" does a fantastic job of portraying the breakdown of society in all its unapologetic glory.
This was not an easy read emotionally and my heart broke and shattered several times throughout.
This was harrowing and heartbreaking whilst at the same time also uplifting and inspirational.
Just when I thought human nature had all gone to the dark side and all hope in peoples inert goodness was lost.
Someone or something would surprise me reeling me back from the brink, just one simple act of human kindness was enough to pull forth from me that tangible hope.
So this was fantastic reading, it made me feel so much emotionally.
By the time the curtain temporarily closed I was crying like a baby; overwhelmed and so immersed in this epic love story that I had been temporarily transported to another world.
A landscape that the author here has done such an incredible job of creating; the world-building here is one of the best I have ever envisioned, a real accomplishment for this author, one that has suitably impressed me.
So where this left us, well let's just say I need part two like now, Talk about a cliffhanger I really need to continue this chaotic journey wherever it is heading.
This was a fantastic book that everyone needs to give a chance to.
Do not be put off by its length that is a plus, not a minus, I honestly myself didn't want this to end.
So come aboard and embark on this fraught perilous journey with both Atticus and Thais.
Follow in their footsteps as Atticus attempts with all his heart to hang onto his fading humanity. keeping Thais safe when everything else around him has withered and died a bleak death; She is the new sole purpose to his very existence.
You may be the only good thing left in this world, and I'll be goddamned if I let your light fade.
In saving Thais; somehow Atticus manages to save himself right back.
So do yourself a favour, just add this to your TBR list I really don't think you'll have any regrets.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a Review copy of "Everything Under The Sun" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 13, 2017
4 Hardships, Heroes, Hearts and Love Stars
I love JA Redmerski. I’m not sure why she’s going as Jessica Redmerski under this book, maybe because this one isn’t like her other books?
I read her books blindly. When I started Everything Under the Sun I soon realized this wasn’t your typical JA Redmerski book. Okay, In the company of killers series isn’t fluffy stuff either, but who knew this would be a dystopian read?
I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I was disappointed in how many spoilers I read. I will not do that to you. I wouldn’t say it hindered my experience, but I knew what to expect and I kind of wanted the unexpected.
When I opened the book I was shocked to see that the average read time for the book would be 12 hours. I did a double take and I even asked my friends, but it was right. This is a long book. A lot of the reviewers will say the book was too long, too repetitive and needed editing. I’m not sure if I agree with that. The Bronze Horseman was a long book and it was just like Everything Under the Sun, an EPIC love story.
Let me say it again, Everything under the Sun is an EPIC Love story. It’s about hardships, perseverance and love. It’s the I-can’t-live-without-you kind of love and that’s the stuff I crave for in books.
The book is about two people, Thais (Heroine) and Atticus (Hero). It’s set up in a dystopian society where only a small percentage of the population has survived. I really jived with this storyline. Maybe because I love dramatic books and I love reading zombie books. This is not a zombie book, but it mirrors a lot of stuff that happens in zombie books.
Thais and Atticus don’t know each other, but they soon are thrown into each other’s lives and everything becomes, dramatic, emotional and a little crazy.
The thing I really loved about this story was that it was kind of like Thais and Atticus against the world. I love that kind of storyline. I like them working out problems and trying to simply survive. A lot gets thrown their way.
They are not perfect adults. Atticus struggles a lot with his past and inner guilt and Thais struggles being a female in a male dominated world. There will be a lot of highs and lows in the book. I felt like Jessica Redmerski had the perfect balance of high and low. The highs keep me reading the book and the lows kept the book interesting and flowing.
Yes, the book is over the top and dramatic, but it kind of has to be. This is the kind of book you need to take a chance on. It might not be a book you finish in one sitting, but it’s the kind of book you don’t want to put down.
Overall, I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I was happy, I screamed and I swooned.
I love JA Redmerski. I’m not sure why she’s going as Jessica Redmerski under this book, maybe because this one isn’t like her other books?
I read her books blindly. When I started Everything Under the Sun I soon realized this wasn’t your typical JA Redmerski book. Okay, In the company of killers series isn’t fluffy stuff either, but who knew this would be a dystopian read?
I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I was disappointed in how many spoilers I read. I will not do that to you. I wouldn’t say it hindered my experience, but I knew what to expect and I kind of wanted the unexpected.
When I opened the book I was shocked to see that the average read time for the book would be 12 hours. I did a double take and I even asked my friends, but it was right. This is a long book. A lot of the reviewers will say the book was too long, too repetitive and needed editing. I’m not sure if I agree with that. The Bronze Horseman was a long book and it was just like Everything Under the Sun, an EPIC love story.
Let me say it again, Everything under the Sun is an EPIC Love story. It’s about hardships, perseverance and love. It’s the I-can’t-live-without-you kind of love and that’s the stuff I crave for in books.
The book is about two people, Thais (Heroine) and Atticus (Hero). It’s set up in a dystopian society where only a small percentage of the population has survived. I really jived with this storyline. Maybe because I love dramatic books and I love reading zombie books. This is not a zombie book, but it mirrors a lot of stuff that happens in zombie books.
Thais and Atticus don’t know each other, but they soon are thrown into each other’s lives and everything becomes, dramatic, emotional and a little crazy.
The thing I really loved about this story was that it was kind of like Thais and Atticus against the world. I love that kind of storyline. I like them working out problems and trying to simply survive. A lot gets thrown their way.
They are not perfect adults. Atticus struggles a lot with his past and inner guilt and Thais struggles being a female in a male dominated world. There will be a lot of highs and lows in the book. I felt like Jessica Redmerski had the perfect balance of high and low. The highs keep me reading the book and the lows kept the book interesting and flowing.
Yes, the book is over the top and dramatic, but it kind of has to be. This is the kind of book you need to take a chance on. It might not be a book you finish in one sitting, but it’s the kind of book you don’t want to put down.
Overall, I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I was happy, I screamed and I swooned.
September 5, 2017
"You may be the only good thing left in this world, and I'll be goddamned if I let your light fade."
First of all I want to say that I absolutely LOVE Post-Apocalyptic Romances. There aren't that many in that particular genre, so I was out of my mind excited when I heard that one of my favorite authors was writing a book in that genre. My expectations were high because I know Jessica's writing is amazing. However, she surprised me with this book (in a very good way). This book shows again that the author is very talented, and can write in different genres and hit it out of the park. I have a hate/love relationship with LONG books, I either absolutely love them and rate them 5 stars or I can't finish them because I got bored with them. I loved that Everything Under the Sun was long. I don't think it would've had the same impact on me and other readers if it was shorter. Everything in this book was necessary for the two main characters, Atticus and Thais to grow as individuals and as a couple.
"I've chosen you every step of the way, in every breath, with every bit of my broken heart and broken soul, and I choose you now, and tomorrow, and every day after it!"
The amount of shit these two go through was so heartbreaking and horrific. It broke my heart multiple times throughout the book. I am a crier, so I did my share of crying in this book. I was on such a long emotional roller coaster from start until finish. I never knew what would happen to Atticus and Thais, and how they would get themselves out of the most difficult situations. The author did such a phenomenal job in creating such an intriguing world and interesting characters. There were many side characters who played important roles in this book, both in a positive and negative way. What I loved most was how well Atticus and Thais worked together and took care of each other. Thais wasn't a damsel in distress, she grew so much in this book, and found her inner-strength. The ending was unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat and screaming. I was shocked and all I can say is that I NEED part 2: Winds of the Iron Feather ASAP! Love this book so much. I really hope Jessica will continue writing in this genre, because I can't get enough of it.
Read
September 10, 2017Not rating this one because I'm putting it down for now. =/ I loved the beginning but for whatever reason I lost interest towards the middle. I had to put this down for a few days but I haven't had the urge to pick it back up. In all fairness I've been in one hell of a book funk so maybe I'll pick it back up soon ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
February 28, 2023
4½⭐
…the bullet points
- Atticus & Thais
- a romantic post-apocalyptic story
- a virus kills off most of the population
- the rest are just trying to survive…
- brutal, intense, and even heartwarming at times
After waiting years for the author to finish this series since originally this ended on a cliffhanger. She has finally rewritten the ending instead of opting for a sequel as she originally planned…which I’m fine with but since I forgot most of it I needed to reread it from the beginning…
from my original review...
I love Atticus. I love Thais. And I LOVE Atticus and Thais together. That ending gutted me. This story terrified me… it seems like something that could happen…all of it. It's so f-ed up…and so amazing, especially between Atticus and Thais. My only qualm, other than that hella cliffhanger ending is the length. It's so freaking long, there are places where it could have been shortened up a tad and still felt completely epic.
Overall, I’m really satisfied with this new ending other than it getting a little too preachy for me. I also still believe it could’ve been shorter…cause wow, this one is chunkster.
...the score
➨ 8.96/10 | Opening-9 | Characters-10 | Plot-9 | Atmosphere-9.5 | Writing Style-8.5 | Ending-8 | Overall Enjoyment- 8.7
…the bullet points
- Atticus & Thais
- a romantic post-apocalyptic story
- a virus kills off most of the population
- the rest are just trying to survive…
- brutal, intense, and even heartwarming at times
After waiting years for the author to finish this series since originally this ended on a cliffhanger. She has finally rewritten the ending instead of opting for a sequel as she originally planned…which I’m fine with but since I forgot most of it I needed to reread it from the beginning…
from my original review...
I love Atticus. I love Thais. And I LOVE Atticus and Thais together. That ending gutted me. This story terrified me… it seems like something that could happen…all of it. It's so f-ed up…and so amazing, especially between Atticus and Thais. My only qualm, other than that hella cliffhanger ending is the length. It's so freaking long, there are places where it could have been shortened up a tad and still felt completely epic.
Overall, I’m really satisfied with this new ending other than it getting a little too preachy for me. I also still believe it could’ve been shorter…cause wow, this one is chunkster.
...the score
➨ 8.96/10 | Opening-9 | Characters-10 | Plot-9 | Atmosphere-9.5 | Writing Style-8.5 | Ending-8 | Overall Enjoyment- 8.7
January 6, 2018
4.5 stars
What a ride this book was from first page to the end (I want to string someone up right now). EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN delivered on a gripping story set in post-apocalyptic US with all the things you might imagine, vigilantes, savages, dictators, starvation and the ugliness of human beings. However, there is a slow growing romance that underpins the story that is genuine, beautiful and doesn’t detract from the story as a whole.
Thais is a good strong heroine, a fierce protector and survivor. Atticus is a strong, quiet but self-deprecating hero. He had a utopian integrity in a dystopian world, which was both unrealistic and admirable. We see these characters go from freedom, to captor and captive, escapees and hunted.
This is a long book that feels like it has so many phases. As a reader, you get to walk the days with these characters in detail that is transfixing. I had so many emotions in this read, mainly hope but also fear, trepidation and sadness. The end has left me emotionally spent and pretty desperate to read the next book. I do hope it is in the pipeline for my own sanity.
Jessica Redmerski’s writing was addictive, she created solid direction and didn’t skirt the tough detail of post-apocalypse life. I’m a new fan.
What a ride this book was from first page to the end (I want to string someone up right now). EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN delivered on a gripping story set in post-apocalyptic US with all the things you might imagine, vigilantes, savages, dictators, starvation and the ugliness of human beings. However, there is a slow growing romance that underpins the story that is genuine, beautiful and doesn’t detract from the story as a whole.
Thais is a good strong heroine, a fierce protector and survivor. Atticus is a strong, quiet but self-deprecating hero. He had a utopian integrity in a dystopian world, which was both unrealistic and admirable. We see these characters go from freedom, to captor and captive, escapees and hunted.
This is a long book that feels like it has so many phases. As a reader, you get to walk the days with these characters in detail that is transfixing. I had so many emotions in this read, mainly hope but also fear, trepidation and sadness. The end has left me emotionally spent and pretty desperate to read the next book. I do hope it is in the pipeline for my own sanity.
Jessica Redmerski’s writing was addictive, she created solid direction and didn’t skirt the tough detail of post-apocalypse life. I’m a new fan.
January 19, 2022
4.5 stars!
I loved this story. The ending though, I am still processing… might come back to review later.
I loved this story. The ending though, I am still processing… might come back to review later.
February 11, 2020
3.5 stars
From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat dying to know what was going to happen. There were so many parts I loved but I also thought there were a lot of slow parts. Overall, I enjoyed it.
From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat dying to know what was going to happen. There were so many parts I loved but I also thought there were a lot of slow parts. Overall, I enjoyed it.
September 24, 2019
A bit of a departure....stepping out of my box to read this Post Apocalyptic journey - and I loved it SO MUCH!!!!! J.A. Redmerski is no stranger to a good love story and this one was Revolution, little house on the prairie, Lost, and Gladiator all rolled up in to one!! I was absolutely glued to my kindle these last few days. I savored Thais and Atticus and everything they went through. What a journey, what a story!!!!
Does anyone remember the TV show Revolution? It was only on a few seasons but it followed the good and bad people trying to survive after the world shut down and everything we relied on in technology went off the grid. This plot was very similar. Atticus and Thais...2 very strong characters who are trying to survive together. Oh be still my heart - I literally clutched my chest over and over. So much danger, so much turmoil, and feels - the wonderful parts of humanity and the terrible. The highs of life, and the lows and what remains - the simple things in life!
This book was longer than average - but I really was hooked on every page and every piece of the journey! I look at some of the prior reviews that say that it drags a bit or gets slow at parts - but wow!! How could it??? How can this story of survival ever be boring. This author did an unbelievable job of drawing you in and immersing you inside this world - SO GOOD!!! I literally felt like I was inside the hearts and souls of these characters!!!
Does anyone remember the TV show Revolution? It was only on a few seasons but it followed the good and bad people trying to survive after the world shut down and everything we relied on in technology went off the grid. This plot was very similar. Atticus and Thais...2 very strong characters who are trying to survive together. Oh be still my heart - I literally clutched my chest over and over. So much danger, so much turmoil, and feels - the wonderful parts of humanity and the terrible. The highs of life, and the lows and what remains - the simple things in life!
This book was longer than average - but I really was hooked on every page and every piece of the journey! I look at some of the prior reviews that say that it drags a bit or gets slow at parts - but wow!! How could it??? How can this story of survival ever be boring. This author did an unbelievable job of drawing you in and immersing you inside this world - SO GOOD!!! I literally felt like I was inside the hearts and souls of these characters!!!
June 23, 2018
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Civilization fell, devastated by a virus that killed the majority of the world’s population. For 7 years, Thais and her family lived in a community of survivors deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains until they’re attacked by raiders and her and her blind sister are taken away. Atticus Hunt is a troubled soldier in Lexington City who has spent the same 7 years trying to conform to the vicious nature of men in a post-apocalyptic society. When he meets Thais, morals and conscience win out over conformity, and he risks his rank and his life to help her.
The short review...
Dystopia stories need a lot of suspension of disbelief. If some of these disasters could really cause the fall of all society as we know it they probably would have happened by now. This one kept the fall quite simple... loss of population (which is quite realistic as most countries population is falling and its a crisis in some areas of the world!) When people die a lot of the riffraff is left behind and they do whatever they need to in order to get what they want. While I did struggle a little with the way people divided so neatly into good, grey and evil, it wasn't nearly a jump that I've had to make for some dystopia. This allowed me to settle in and experience the world through Thais and Atticus!
And I really liked Atticus right off. He was realistic, not too good but obviously a good soul that has gone through just as much if not more than Thais. And we got his POV too which really made their journey that much more believable! Due to the extreme 650+ length of the book its a good thing I liked this couple. Thais was rather ridiculous at times and was overly trusting of strangers but she also made a great foil for Atticus who knew the world was more likely to screw you than to help you. I really rooted for these too and wanted them to find a way to be decent people.
Cover & Title grade -> A+
This is totally not a dystopian cover... but I think that sells it more than it hurts it... because this is ultimately a romance. A slow burn, hate to love romance and this cover sells that idea. The people feel real and by putting them on their heads you aren't seeing their faces so much as feeling their togetherness. Also the green hints that this is set in the forests of a fallen world... and the title tells you there is hope. Really a well sold story... the BEST self-published book cover I've ever seen.
Why is the 650+ pages worth the read?
-Dystopia done well.
Many times a world is rather unrealistic because enough pages aren't devoted to allowing each situation to arise naturally with all the development needed for the reader to feel a part of the world. This book devotes those pages. You really feel you are experiencing a dystopian world and not a thin wannabe one.
-Romance to root for.
I enjoy hate to love romances and when you add in slow burn it really makes their relationship all deliciousness! They both have their own struggles mentally in such a horrible world but they give each other hope. It is a wonderful give and take relationship, where the length allows us to see that growth happening as time passes.
-A reading experience.
Pages when used well = development. Development allows a reader to immerse themselves into the story. That means characters, emotions, plot, action and the world all come together to give the reader an experience they aren't able to have in real life. If you enjoy dystopia and romance coming together, Everything Under the Sun has the experience for you!
As a Writer...
The pacing on this story is quite horrid. It's something that bugged me as a writer... The book felt like it's literally 3 books smashed together. Don't get me wrong... I enjoyed all three arcs... but at the same time they each used pages to develop a beginning, middle and end. Because I was supposed to be reading one book the pacing was all off and there were lulls where you don't want lulls in a single story.
Also it made the story somewhat predictable as you could feel "the end" coming and knew bad stuff was going down. And incidentally I could have lost some of the sheer number of pages with some tightening. I know of one scene that made little sense that could be cut as they discuss the same stuff later in a more superior way.
As a writer I understood the ending. Setting up for another book... not allowing these characters to be laid to rest is hard when you've just spent 650+ pages with them! As a reader I say end this book at a happy moment... then if you want to write another then do so and start us off with the cliffhanger. We just spent what amounts to 2 books with these characters... we love them and we deserve an ending that isn't just more dragging out of the situation.
Everything Under the Sun is a new adult romance with some of the best tropes... hate to love and slow burn! It sets this couple in a world that is difficult to traverse alone but is worth every effort with the right person at their side! A little violence, a little sex, a lot of love makes this a dystopia romance that will take you on a reader's journey...
⋆⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing Style
⋆⋆⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⋆⭐⭐⭐⭐ World Building
Thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
August 3, 2018
As someone who powers through books at an alarming rate (most alarming to my bank balance, that is), I love a good long book, a book where I can get lost for a few hours – even days. Therefore, I was more than willing to dive into Jessica Redmerski’s Everything Under The Sun. The book sounded like something I would love, and the promise of a lengthy book to keep me interested for a decent amount of time ensured I was more than willing to dive into the story.
From the very start of this one, I was sucked deep into the story and found it hard to put down. I usually prefer to take my time with longer books, making an exception to my speedy devouring of books, but sometimes it is not possible – such was the case with Everything Under The Sun. Once I started this one, I found I was lost to all the events that were going on. There was so much to this story, so many things I wished to see come together. Even in those moments where I did manage to put the book down, moments that were few and far between, I found myself thinking about what was going on, curious as to what comes next. There is no other way to describe this book other than it consumes you: Everything Under The Sun consumes you in the best way possible, ensuring you’re addicted from the first to the last page.
With such a long book, there was plenty that occurred throughout. In fact, this book had a crazy amount to it. It is also one of those books where it is difficult to give examples without offering up spoilers. With so many elements being beautifully interwoven in this one, I’m scared of pointing out any of the elements I liked for fear of spoiling the surprises that are to come. Therefore, I will not give specifics. Just know, this book deals with numerous topics. It may be a dystopian romance novel, but it deals with more than just the end of the world and finding love. There are plenty of other heavy aspects dealt with throughout, and everything sucks you in deep. There is so much to love with this one, so much to experience, and everything will leave you desperately turning the pages to see how they will connect and what will come next.
I will admit there were some parts of the story that seemed to drag a bit, some parts where things did not seem to be moving forward much. However, these parts were not enough to ruin the story. If anything, they only made me enjoy the heavier parts of the story all the more. With so much going on, with so many stories occurring within the one big story, things could have moved a lot slower, meaning I was more than capable of dealing with those moments where the pacing did seem to drop.
I think the only thing that really disappointed me was the ending. That is not to say it is a bad ending – far from it. I’m simply upset that I was unaware of this being the first book in a series. I thought this was one self-contained story, but it isn’t. We end on a serious cliff-hanger, and I wish I’d known that in advance. I’m no stranger to cliff-hangers, I have no issues with them, I simply prefer to read cliff-hanger endings when I have information of when the next book is out. As it stands, there is to be a book two in this story, and I have no idea when it will be released. That is what disappoints me – the not knowing when book two will be out, so I can get lost in the world once again.
Of course, by the time book two comes out I will be over my disappointment. I’ll simply be happy with the knowledge I can dive into the second book and will do so without a thought. I need to see what comes next, and I’m more than a little bit eager to do so – in fact, I’m rather desperate to dive into the second book.
Without a doubt, Everything Under The Sun was a book that sucked me in deep and refused to let go. It’s a story that will stick with me for quite some time, and I’m more than willing to grab the second book as soon as the chance arrives.
From the very start of this one, I was sucked deep into the story and found it hard to put down. I usually prefer to take my time with longer books, making an exception to my speedy devouring of books, but sometimes it is not possible – such was the case with Everything Under The Sun. Once I started this one, I found I was lost to all the events that were going on. There was so much to this story, so many things I wished to see come together. Even in those moments where I did manage to put the book down, moments that were few and far between, I found myself thinking about what was going on, curious as to what comes next. There is no other way to describe this book other than it consumes you: Everything Under The Sun consumes you in the best way possible, ensuring you’re addicted from the first to the last page.
With such a long book, there was plenty that occurred throughout. In fact, this book had a crazy amount to it. It is also one of those books where it is difficult to give examples without offering up spoilers. With so many elements being beautifully interwoven in this one, I’m scared of pointing out any of the elements I liked for fear of spoiling the surprises that are to come. Therefore, I will not give specifics. Just know, this book deals with numerous topics. It may be a dystopian romance novel, but it deals with more than just the end of the world and finding love. There are plenty of other heavy aspects dealt with throughout, and everything sucks you in deep. There is so much to love with this one, so much to experience, and everything will leave you desperately turning the pages to see how they will connect and what will come next.
I will admit there were some parts of the story that seemed to drag a bit, some parts where things did not seem to be moving forward much. However, these parts were not enough to ruin the story. If anything, they only made me enjoy the heavier parts of the story all the more. With so much going on, with so many stories occurring within the one big story, things could have moved a lot slower, meaning I was more than capable of dealing with those moments where the pacing did seem to drop.
I think the only thing that really disappointed me was the ending. That is not to say it is a bad ending – far from it. I’m simply upset that I was unaware of this being the first book in a series. I thought this was one self-contained story, but it isn’t. We end on a serious cliff-hanger, and I wish I’d known that in advance. I’m no stranger to cliff-hangers, I have no issues with them, I simply prefer to read cliff-hanger endings when I have information of when the next book is out. As it stands, there is to be a book two in this story, and I have no idea when it will be released. That is what disappoints me – the not knowing when book two will be out, so I can get lost in the world once again.
Of course, by the time book two comes out I will be over my disappointment. I’ll simply be happy with the knowledge I can dive into the second book and will do so without a thought. I need to see what comes next, and I’m more than a little bit eager to do so – in fact, I’m rather desperate to dive into the second book.
Without a doubt, Everything Under The Sun was a book that sucked me in deep and refused to let go. It’s a story that will stick with me for quite some time, and I’m more than willing to grab the second book as soon as the chance arrives.
August 28, 2017
No no no no! That fucking ending!!
This story constantly had my heart in my throat because what was left of the world surrounding Thais & Atticus was dangerous at every little step. All I just wanted was them to find the world they deserve and their HEA, however it turns out it's not a standalone.
There'll be a part 2 releasing, In a way, I'm glad because I refused to believe "the bitter truth" is the actual end... I was crying and screaming in denial. And now I will be slowly dying in the agony of wait... Ms. Redmerski, I'll be stalking you from now.
This story constantly had my heart in my throat because what was left of the world surrounding Thais & Atticus was dangerous at every little step. All I just wanted was them to find the world they deserve and their HEA, however it turns out it's not a standalone.
There'll be a part 2 releasing, In a way, I'm glad because I refused to believe "the bitter truth" is the actual end... I was crying and screaming in denial. And now I will be slowly dying in the agony of wait... Ms. Redmerski, I'll be stalking you from now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2018
LMAO WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ
April 25, 2018
“When you die,” I whispered, “you won’t need the soil to hold you, Thais, because I’ll be right there to hold you myself.”
***
For the past 2 days I have let all things EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN consume me. Even so much as to stalk all things Redmerski in hopes of catching a peek as to when book 2, WINDS OF THE IRON FEATHER, may be coming out. I am obsessed.
I put a lot of my heart and soul into these amazing characters and their story. I need a the next story as soon as possible. Honestly, I may have waited had I know it was going to be a series. But I am glad I read it. It was phenomenal and such a stunning story.
***
She was my charge. She was my last chance at redemption. She was...mine, I decided. My what exactly I didn’t know. My responsibility? My friend? My something else entirely? It didn’t matter what-she was mine.
***
This book was real, raw, and it ripped and clawed at me at nearly every turn of the page. I enjoyed this story so much, but is it any wonder? Redmerski’s THE EDGE OF NEVER was beyond beautiful and had me in tears with it’s brutal honesty and heart searing romance. Much like this book.
As I said, this story is phenomenal and definitely a must read. I look forward to what is to come and having my heart torn open numerous times in the next read. 5 Stars!
***
For the past 2 days I have let all things EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN consume me. Even so much as to stalk all things Redmerski in hopes of catching a peek as to when book 2, WINDS OF THE IRON FEATHER, may be coming out. I am obsessed.
I put a lot of my heart and soul into these amazing characters and their story. I need a the next story as soon as possible. Honestly, I may have waited had I know it was going to be a series. But I am glad I read it. It was phenomenal and such a stunning story.
***
She was my charge. She was my last chance at redemption. She was...mine, I decided. My what exactly I didn’t know. My responsibility? My friend? My something else entirely? It didn’t matter what-she was mine.
***
This book was real, raw, and it ripped and clawed at me at nearly every turn of the page. I enjoyed this story so much, but is it any wonder? Redmerski’s THE EDGE OF NEVER was beyond beautiful and had me in tears with it’s brutal honesty and heart searing romance. Much like this book.
As I said, this story is phenomenal and definitely a must read. I look forward to what is to come and having my heart torn open numerous times in the next read. 5 Stars!
May 25, 2018
Where do you go when you can no longer go home? What do you do when all you knew no longer exist for you? What do you do when the danger you see becomes a comfort from even more danger? What do you do . . .?
Everything Under the Sun gives a dystopic world after a devastating event kills the majority of humanity and leaves behind a world that every scraps requires a fight. This new world was the one that Thais and Atticus had to live in and adjust too or die. This was not happy bed of roses. Now you are living in a time where the lawless reign. Rape, death, violence, abuse, murder are part of everyday life. Taking place right out in the open. This was dark, deep, and intriguing.
Thais and Sosie were sisters living with the father and the remains of a town deep in the mountains. That was until things got turned upside down. They find themselves in the hands of slave traders and no home to go back to. Life choice have become almost zero.
Atticus was a young soldier in this new world. A world where respect, morals, and the such are no longer value, praised or even accepted by most. His life was hard. He was no the man he wanted to be but to survive he had to conform to the dictates of the current power.
You will find in this one dark actions, events, and slow growing romance, a simmering intensity, and a post-apocalyptic world that draws you imagination deep in to the web weaved with words. This was indeed a deep long read that had you working for every thing you received. You delve a little deeper with each new part introduced. This was a three part read and it was something new to focus on in each one. I took my time getting every drop of vivid visualization that I could from each page. The plot here was held together and supported by the imagery created. The characters stole your heart either with the innocence of their being or the darkness that swallowed them whole and spit them out to make something different of them. Having the dual POV allowed for you to get to know them both on a deeper level.
I highly recommend this read. I also recommend that you take your time reading and enjoying the world created. This one is a long read no matter how you look at it.
Everything Under the Sun gives a dystopic world after a devastating event kills the majority of humanity and leaves behind a world that every scraps requires a fight. This new world was the one that Thais and Atticus had to live in and adjust too or die. This was not happy bed of roses. Now you are living in a time where the lawless reign. Rape, death, violence, abuse, murder are part of everyday life. Taking place right out in the open. This was dark, deep, and intriguing.
Thais and Sosie were sisters living with the father and the remains of a town deep in the mountains. That was until things got turned upside down. They find themselves in the hands of slave traders and no home to go back to. Life choice have become almost zero.
Atticus was a young soldier in this new world. A world where respect, morals, and the such are no longer value, praised or even accepted by most. His life was hard. He was no the man he wanted to be but to survive he had to conform to the dictates of the current power.
You will find in this one dark actions, events, and slow growing romance, a simmering intensity, and a post-apocalyptic world that draws you imagination deep in to the web weaved with words. This was indeed a deep long read that had you working for every thing you received. You delve a little deeper with each new part introduced. This was a three part read and it was something new to focus on in each one. I took my time getting every drop of vivid visualization that I could from each page. The plot here was held together and supported by the imagery created. The characters stole your heart either with the innocence of their being or the darkness that swallowed them whole and spit them out to make something different of them. Having the dual POV allowed for you to get to know them both on a deeper level.
I highly recommend this read. I also recommend that you take your time reading and enjoying the world created. This one is a long read no matter how you look at it.
September 3, 2017
4 * sun *estrelas
uauuu que livro mais intenso, parecia que a cada instante algo iria acontecer, fiquei o tempo todo insegura e com medo pelos personagens. E que personagens maravilhosos, adorei tudo neles, tudo. Porém COMO SE TERMINA UM LIVRO ASSIM???????? *surtando , gritando* NÃO SE FAZ ISSO COM O LEITOR NÃO AMIGA, SE TU NÃO ESCREVER UM SEGUNDO LIVRO, JURO QUE VOU ATÉ A TUA CASA *brincadeira,ou não* PRA FICAR PERGUNTANDO QUANDO ELE VAI SAIR, PQ ELE TEM QUE SAIR, TIPO AGORA.
obs.:sim, to morrendo por causa desse final, preciso de um segundo livro pra ser feliz.
obs.:livro é gigantesco, mas flui tranquilamente.
obs.:eu realmente to chateada com esse final.
obs.:muito chateada com esse final.
...
espero continuação.
uauuu que livro mais intenso, parecia que a cada instante algo iria acontecer, fiquei o tempo todo insegura e com medo pelos personagens. E que personagens maravilhosos, adorei tudo neles, tudo. Porém COMO SE TERMINA UM LIVRO ASSIM???????? *surtando , gritando* NÃO SE FAZ ISSO COM O LEITOR NÃO AMIGA, SE TU NÃO ESCREVER UM SEGUNDO LIVRO, JURO QUE VOU ATÉ A TUA CASA *brincadeira,ou não* PRA FICAR PERGUNTANDO QUANDO ELE VAI SAIR, PQ ELE TEM QUE SAIR, TIPO AGORA.
obs.:sim, to morrendo por causa desse final, preciso de um segundo livro pra ser feliz.
obs.:livro é gigantesco, mas flui tranquilamente.
obs.:eu realmente to chateada com esse final.
obs.:muito chateada com esse final.
...
espero continuação.
September 14, 2017
Holy cliffhangers, Batman!
COME ON!
I know it looks like I was struggling or not liking the book because it took me forever to read it. I mean, it IS over 800 pages. But that wasn't the case at all. On the contrary, I was loving it. It FINALLY got me out of my book funk! I thought my reading mojo had left the building, never to come back. But alas, he has returned! Thank goodness it came back when this book was released. What a story.
COME ON!
I know it looks like I was struggling or not liking the book because it took me forever to read it. I mean, it IS over 800 pages. But that wasn't the case at all. On the contrary, I was loving it. It FINALLY got me out of my book funk! I thought my reading mojo had left the building, never to come back. But alas, he has returned! Thank goodness it came back when this book was released. What a story.
August 8, 2018
Thais Fenwick and her family has been living in a small community tucked into the mountains of Kentucky ever since civilization ended with The Sickness. After The Fall, there were no more hospitals, police, or stores where you could shop. Electricity along with clean water was gone. The new world they were living in was harsh with barely enough food to feed their community. Their community was safe for the past few years from the harsh realities of the big cities, but there time being free became short lived when they were found by raiders. Thais escaped with her sister, only to be captured later by a scouting party and brought to the Capital East-Central Territory where her fate rests solely in the hands of Atticus Hunt.
Atticus is a soldier filling in as Overseer for the Capital East-Central Territory. His life too has been altered by The Fall. He has done things he is not proud of to survive in the new world. He was once a good and caring man with honor and integrity, but that all changed with the loss of his family and his new role as a soldier to an Overlord with a cruel streak intent with ruling over the territories with an iron fist. Atticus does what he has to do to survive, dying a little inside the longer he stays in the Capital East-Central Territory. When Thais arrives along with other bound women, he can’t help the protective streak he feels for her.
With nothing to live for, can Atticus be the man he once was and help Thais escape a life of servitude?
I must admit, I was a bit shocked when I first looked at this book and realized it was over 600 pages long. Thinking it would take me days to read, I buckled down intent on at least starting with the first quarter of the book. After reading the first few pages, I was completely hooked and that quarter of the way reading I slotted in slowly started turning into reading half the book and before I realized it hours had passed and I could not even put it down. Nothing and I do mean nothing was going to pull me away! Everything Under the Sun is absolutely phenomenal. It is everything I envision a Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic book to be. Throw in a romance between the two main characters and now I think I am in love…..with the author! Like seriously, this book is game changing. Jessica Redmerski just completely dominated the Dystopian genre.
I don’t even know where to start with what I liked about the story. So, let’s start with the characters first. Thais is such a sweet innocent girl. She is kind, loves her family, would do anything to protect them, but you get glimpses of the fierceness that she doesn't even know she possesses. She has a lot of heart and forgiveness in her heart as well especially when it comes to Atticus. She should hate him, but she doesn’t. Atticus makes decisions in the beginning when they first meet that completely shatter Thais’ world. But, yet she is drawn to him and shows him compassion. Atticus deep down is a good guy who has done bad things in order to survive. He hates himself. Atticus feels as if all of the goodness in him has been destroyed and buried so far deep that there is no way he could ever be the man he once was. Yet, Thais does something to him and he fights for her survival and safety. In a way, fate through tragedy brought them together as no one else has the power to heal Atticus like Thais. Their romance was realistically done and was a slow buildup throughout the story which I felt added more believability through their long journey.
The plot follows along smoothly through the transitions and it is filled with not only action, but a road romance weaved in. I enjoyed Thais and Atticus getting to know each other while he is doing his best to get her to safety. Their trip is filled with a lot of ups and downs with people they come across along the way. I never felt like the story lulled at all for me. I found myself just as engrossed the entire way through and to be honest I think anything less than the 600 plus pages would not have been as satisfying or would have allowed for the character growth of both Thais and Atticus. You can see how they both change along the way, both for the better. However, the story does end on a major cliffhanger.
Everything Under the Sun is a complex and exhilarating Dystopian/Romance with heartwarming and flawed characters and a story with intricate layers that simply moved me. This story is by far my top Dystopian read of the year! I am highly anticipating the second installment and pray that it comes out soon. I am just that hooked! I do admit this is my first read by Jessica Redmerski and I am kicking myself for not finding this author sooner. Redmerski writes with such passion and feeling. Her words completely melt me. I am in complete awe of her writing and the way she weaves a story. Do not let the page count scare you away. Every single page is well worth the read and deserving of way more than 5 stars.
Atticus is a soldier filling in as Overseer for the Capital East-Central Territory. His life too has been altered by The Fall. He has done things he is not proud of to survive in the new world. He was once a good and caring man with honor and integrity, but that all changed with the loss of his family and his new role as a soldier to an Overlord with a cruel streak intent with ruling over the territories with an iron fist. Atticus does what he has to do to survive, dying a little inside the longer he stays in the Capital East-Central Territory. When Thais arrives along with other bound women, he can’t help the protective streak he feels for her.
With nothing to live for, can Atticus be the man he once was and help Thais escape a life of servitude?
I must admit, I was a bit shocked when I first looked at this book and realized it was over 600 pages long. Thinking it would take me days to read, I buckled down intent on at least starting with the first quarter of the book. After reading the first few pages, I was completely hooked and that quarter of the way reading I slotted in slowly started turning into reading half the book and before I realized it hours had passed and I could not even put it down. Nothing and I do mean nothing was going to pull me away! Everything Under the Sun is absolutely phenomenal. It is everything I envision a Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic book to be. Throw in a romance between the two main characters and now I think I am in love…..with the author! Like seriously, this book is game changing. Jessica Redmerski just completely dominated the Dystopian genre.
I don’t even know where to start with what I liked about the story. So, let’s start with the characters first. Thais is such a sweet innocent girl. She is kind, loves her family, would do anything to protect them, but you get glimpses of the fierceness that she doesn't even know she possesses. She has a lot of heart and forgiveness in her heart as well especially when it comes to Atticus. She should hate him, but she doesn’t. Atticus makes decisions in the beginning when they first meet that completely shatter Thais’ world. But, yet she is drawn to him and shows him compassion. Atticus deep down is a good guy who has done bad things in order to survive. He hates himself. Atticus feels as if all of the goodness in him has been destroyed and buried so far deep that there is no way he could ever be the man he once was. Yet, Thais does something to him and he fights for her survival and safety. In a way, fate through tragedy brought them together as no one else has the power to heal Atticus like Thais. Their romance was realistically done and was a slow buildup throughout the story which I felt added more believability through their long journey.
The plot follows along smoothly through the transitions and it is filled with not only action, but a road romance weaved in. I enjoyed Thais and Atticus getting to know each other while he is doing his best to get her to safety. Their trip is filled with a lot of ups and downs with people they come across along the way. I never felt like the story lulled at all for me. I found myself just as engrossed the entire way through and to be honest I think anything less than the 600 plus pages would not have been as satisfying or would have allowed for the character growth of both Thais and Atticus. You can see how they both change along the way, both for the better. However, the story does end on a major cliffhanger.
Everything Under the Sun is a complex and exhilarating Dystopian/Romance with heartwarming and flawed characters and a story with intricate layers that simply moved me. This story is by far my top Dystopian read of the year! I am highly anticipating the second installment and pray that it comes out soon. I am just that hooked! I do admit this is my first read by Jessica Redmerski and I am kicking myself for not finding this author sooner. Redmerski writes with such passion and feeling. Her words completely melt me. I am in complete awe of her writing and the way she weaves a story. Do not let the page count scare you away. Every single page is well worth the read and deserving of way more than 5 stars.
August 25, 2018
***5 STAR READ***
This book…
Oh my goodness, this book!
I would say I’ve been left speechless but that’s not really true. It’s more like I have So Many Feelings that I just don’t know where to start. It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything so completely engrossing, so heart wrenching, so dark and yet so hopeful. Everything Under the Sun is a post-apocalyptic dystopian tale but it’s also so much more. It’s an epic story of good vs evil. It’s a story of survival. It’s an action-adventure. And it’s a love story. It’s all that and more.
Everything Under the Sun starts off with a bang. Redmerski throws us into a world of utter lawlessness, filled with violence and danger. Years after the world’s population has been devastated by a virus, society is stripped not only of life’s luxuries but of basic human needs like food, shelter and clean water. Living quietly and remotely with her father and sister, Thais’s circumstances change in an instant and so begins a journey that will see her through enormous loss, terrifying challenges, and seemingly insurmountable odds as she struggles to find safety and freedom. Her meeting with Atticus is under the direst of circumstances and is the catalyst that changes the course of her life yet again.
I adored these characters. Thais was kind and sweet and vulnerable but also strong and fierce as hell. She rose to challenges instead of being defeated by them and she clung to her belief in the goodness of people and her hope for a better future. And then there was Atticus. Carrying a mantle of self-recrimination and guilt, Atticus was a like an onion whose layers were peeled back one at a time. I appreciated the complexities of his character and the changes in him over the course of the story were subtle yet powerful.
Told in dual POV’s (sometimes within the same chapter which took some getting used but I ended up loving it), Everything Under the Sun is filled with ups and downs that made it almost uputdownable from start to finish. Redmerski deftly added a subtle undercurrent of faith and belief in something greater than what can be seen. I usually find elements of religion or spirituality in novels to be heavy-handed (and, frankly, a turn-off), but it is so seamlessly woven into the story that it feels like a natural balance to the themes of good vs evil and lightness overcoming the dark.
With main characters that captured my heart, a cast of secondary characters that I rooted for and railed against, world building that was so immersive I could practically smell the fires burning and hear the chants and jeers of the crowds, Everything Under the Sun was everything I wanted and didn’t even know it. The ending was equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful and has me desperate for the continuation of this incredible story. Yes, I may have had a few quibbles with the pacing of the plot and the pacing of Atticus and Thais’s relationship, but those issues are so minor compared to my love for the overall story. Redmerski has created a beautiful love story set in a brutal world – a story that warmed my heart, hurt my heart, made me cringe, and made me think. This is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Note: Everything Under the Sun contains scenes that are sensitive in nature and may be troubling to some readers: violence, allusion to rape/sexual assault (off the page), and suicide.
This review originally appeared at Girl Plus Books.
This book…
Oh my goodness, this book!
I would say I’ve been left speechless but that’s not really true. It’s more like I have So Many Feelings that I just don’t know where to start. It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything so completely engrossing, so heart wrenching, so dark and yet so hopeful. Everything Under the Sun is a post-apocalyptic dystopian tale but it’s also so much more. It’s an epic story of good vs evil. It’s a story of survival. It’s an action-adventure. And it’s a love story. It’s all that and more.
When you die, you won’t need the soil to hold you, Thais, because I’ll be right there next to you holding you myself.
Everything Under the Sun starts off with a bang. Redmerski throws us into a world of utter lawlessness, filled with violence and danger. Years after the world’s population has been devastated by a virus, society is stripped not only of life’s luxuries but of basic human needs like food, shelter and clean water. Living quietly and remotely with her father and sister, Thais’s circumstances change in an instant and so begins a journey that will see her through enormous loss, terrifying challenges, and seemingly insurmountable odds as she struggles to find safety and freedom. Her meeting with Atticus is under the direst of circumstances and is the catalyst that changes the course of her life yet again.
Everything under the sun… it’s all going to be yours someday. It will, Thais, because you’re so good and pure. And you can change the world.
I adored these characters. Thais was kind and sweet and vulnerable but also strong and fierce as hell. She rose to challenges instead of being defeated by them and she clung to her belief in the goodness of people and her hope for a better future. And then there was Atticus. Carrying a mantle of self-recrimination and guilt, Atticus was a like an onion whose layers were peeled back one at a time. I appreciated the complexities of his character and the changes in him over the course of the story were subtle yet powerful.
I knew I could never leave her here, or anywhere, without me. She was my charge. She was my last chance at redemption.
Told in dual POV’s (sometimes within the same chapter which took some getting used but I ended up loving it), Everything Under the Sun is filled with ups and downs that made it almost uputdownable from start to finish. Redmerski deftly added a subtle undercurrent of faith and belief in something greater than what can be seen. I usually find elements of religion or spirituality in novels to be heavy-handed (and, frankly, a turn-off), but it is so seamlessly woven into the story that it feels like a natural balance to the themes of good vs evil and lightness overcoming the dark.
I want to teach people not to be afraid. I want them to understand that the world needs goodness now more than ever. That's all I want: for people to understand, and not be afraid of doing what is right.
With main characters that captured my heart, a cast of secondary characters that I rooted for and railed against, world building that was so immersive I could practically smell the fires burning and hear the chants and jeers of the crowds, Everything Under the Sun was everything I wanted and didn’t even know it. The ending was equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful and has me desperate for the continuation of this incredible story. Yes, I may have had a few quibbles with the pacing of the plot and the pacing of Atticus and Thais’s relationship, but those issues are so minor compared to my love for the overall story. Redmerski has created a beautiful love story set in a brutal world – a story that warmed my heart, hurt my heart, made me cringe, and made me think. This is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Note: Everything Under the Sun contains scenes that are sensitive in nature and may be troubling to some readers: violence, allusion to rape/sexual assault (off the page), and suicide.
This review originally appeared at Girl Plus Books.
December 7, 2017
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions
"I've chosen you every step of the way, in every breath, with every bit of my broken heart and broken soul, and I choose you now, and tomorrow, and every day after it!"
I loved Jessica Redmerski aka J.A. Redmerski's Killing Sarai from In The company of Killers series, and also The Edge of Never. So I really hoped this would be a great read. Everything Under The Sun is a heartfelt love story! I totally fell for this book when I first saw its beautiful cover and its premise just made it even more irresistible for me. I'm so glad that I finally finished this wonderful book. Although it was a pretty long book, I enjoyed every minute of it. The story was much darker than I thought it would be. It really has great main characters and I just loved Atticus. If you like love stories set in a post apocalyptic world then this book is just for you but I must warn you it's a 600+ pages long. There is some action and adventure but it mostly focuses on the love story between Thias and Atticus and how they struggle to survive in this dark times where no one can be trusted. Trigger Warning: Rape, Abuse, death, and Violence.
Eighteen year old Thais Fenwick and her family lives in Appalachian Mountains after a virus attacked the world killing millions of people. She was only eleven years old when the whole world fell apart. She currently lives with her father and her blind older sister Sosie. For seven years, they lived a peaceful life with other survivors in the deep mountains but Thais whole world turns pretty much upside down when her town gets attacked by the raiders who later burns everything down. Thais and her sister Sosie luckily escapes from the raiders but unfortunately, they soon get caught by slave traders. They're taken to the Lexington City where woman are either forced to become prostitutes or someone's wife.
Atticus Hunt is a troubled Soldier who works for the tyrant leader of Lexington City. He doesn't like the life he was living but to survive, he needs to abandon his morals and be cruel like his peers. When Atticus gets appointed as a temporary Overseer, he wants to bring some change to the society without making him seem weak but everything changes when he meets Thais Fenwick. She pleads for his help but Atticus knows that showing mercy will not only get him into trouble, he will also lose his position and his life. But the guilt totally kills him inside so he finally decides to risk his life to help her escape from the city and together they embark on a long journey to a safe haven at Shreveport, Louisiana. Atticus feels that Thais is his last redemption for all the wrongs he has done but he never thought that he would fall in love with her. With enemies on their tail and dangers surrounding everywhere, With no food and no clean water, Atticus and Thias has to reach their final safe destination which is not an easy task it's pretty much impossible.
Thais is a very sweet, naive and innocent character who doesn't have a violent bone in her body. She's also a very compassionate person who trusts people way too easily. I really liked her character but sometimes I was very much annoyed with her. She was way too naive and does some stupid things which made me pretty mad at her and I think Atticus would totally agree with me. The best thing I liked about her was that she never gave up hope and keep on fighting. Thais and her sister Sosie has a great sibling relationship and I admired how they cared for each other. I loved Atticus! He's definitely my favorite in this book. He is very complex and total opposite of Thais. I felt very sad with his dark past and how he lost his hope in humanity and god. He was totally broken but I'm glad he still got some humanity left in him. I absolutely enjoyed the relationship between Atticus and Thais and how it slowly grew into something more. The first time they meet there's no sparks or any attraction between them and I'm so glad for that because I'm not looking for an insta romance. It's a very slow burn romance. I enjoyed how they slowly bonded with each other and how their feelings slowly developed into love. Some scenes felt a bit over dramatic but I didn't mind it much. The romance between them was pretty hot and I loved all the angst and the sexual tension. The secondary characters are good but they didn't held my interest as much as the main characters.
The plot was totally amazing! The story has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout but I need to be honest that there are some slow parts that felt dragged maybe it's because it's a pretty long book. The plot was unpredictable and it's hard to guess what's gonna happen next. I loved the arena part where Thais finally shows her strong and brave side. The writing style of the author was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the dual POV and also the joined POV. The world building was superb! Jessica created a world that is quite dark, brutal, violent and totally f**ked up. I really don't want to imagine myself in this world. It's like going back to the dark ages where woman have no rights and anyone can claim them. They're treated as objects used for sex and breeding. Innocent people are killed by tyrant leaders to gain authority over the lands and also not to forget the threat of the cannibals who silently lingers around the woods.
Overall, I loved this book! It is not only a romance novel, It also deals with love, redemption, humanity and faith. I expected this to be a stand-alone but it's really not. There's going to be a part II and I'm so dying to know what happens next. That cliffhanger is totally killing me. I really hope the author releases the sequel as soon as possible.
"I've chosen you every step of the way, in every breath, with every bit of my broken heart and broken soul, and I choose you now, and tomorrow, and every day after it!"
I loved Jessica Redmerski aka J.A. Redmerski's Killing Sarai from In The company of Killers series, and also The Edge of Never. So I really hoped this would be a great read. Everything Under The Sun is a heartfelt love story! I totally fell for this book when I first saw its beautiful cover and its premise just made it even more irresistible for me. I'm so glad that I finally finished this wonderful book. Although it was a pretty long book, I enjoyed every minute of it. The story was much darker than I thought it would be. It really has great main characters and I just loved Atticus. If you like love stories set in a post apocalyptic world then this book is just for you but I must warn you it's a 600+ pages long. There is some action and adventure but it mostly focuses on the love story between Thias and Atticus and how they struggle to survive in this dark times where no one can be trusted. Trigger Warning: Rape, Abuse, death, and Violence.
Eighteen year old Thais Fenwick and her family lives in Appalachian Mountains after a virus attacked the world killing millions of people. She was only eleven years old when the whole world fell apart. She currently lives with her father and her blind older sister Sosie. For seven years, they lived a peaceful life with other survivors in the deep mountains but Thais whole world turns pretty much upside down when her town gets attacked by the raiders who later burns everything down. Thais and her sister Sosie luckily escapes from the raiders but unfortunately, they soon get caught by slave traders. They're taken to the Lexington City where woman are either forced to become prostitutes or someone's wife.
Atticus Hunt is a troubled Soldier who works for the tyrant leader of Lexington City. He doesn't like the life he was living but to survive, he needs to abandon his morals and be cruel like his peers. When Atticus gets appointed as a temporary Overseer, he wants to bring some change to the society without making him seem weak but everything changes when he meets Thais Fenwick. She pleads for his help but Atticus knows that showing mercy will not only get him into trouble, he will also lose his position and his life. But the guilt totally kills him inside so he finally decides to risk his life to help her escape from the city and together they embark on a long journey to a safe haven at Shreveport, Louisiana. Atticus feels that Thais is his last redemption for all the wrongs he has done but he never thought that he would fall in love with her. With enemies on their tail and dangers surrounding everywhere, With no food and no clean water, Atticus and Thias has to reach their final safe destination which is not an easy task it's pretty much impossible.
Thais is a very sweet, naive and innocent character who doesn't have a violent bone in her body. She's also a very compassionate person who trusts people way too easily. I really liked her character but sometimes I was very much annoyed with her. She was way too naive and does some stupid things which made me pretty mad at her and I think Atticus would totally agree with me. The best thing I liked about her was that she never gave up hope and keep on fighting. Thais and her sister Sosie has a great sibling relationship and I admired how they cared for each other. I loved Atticus! He's definitely my favorite in this book. He is very complex and total opposite of Thais. I felt very sad with his dark past and how he lost his hope in humanity and god. He was totally broken but I'm glad he still got some humanity left in him. I absolutely enjoyed the relationship between Atticus and Thais and how it slowly grew into something more. The first time they meet there's no sparks or any attraction between them and I'm so glad for that because I'm not looking for an insta romance. It's a very slow burn romance. I enjoyed how they slowly bonded with each other and how their feelings slowly developed into love. Some scenes felt a bit over dramatic but I didn't mind it much. The romance between them was pretty hot and I loved all the angst and the sexual tension. The secondary characters are good but they didn't held my interest as much as the main characters.
The plot was totally amazing! The story has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout but I need to be honest that there are some slow parts that felt dragged maybe it's because it's a pretty long book. The plot was unpredictable and it's hard to guess what's gonna happen next. I loved the arena part where Thais finally shows her strong and brave side. The writing style of the author was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the dual POV and also the joined POV. The world building was superb! Jessica created a world that is quite dark, brutal, violent and totally f**ked up. I really don't want to imagine myself in this world. It's like going back to the dark ages where woman have no rights and anyone can claim them. They're treated as objects used for sex and breeding. Innocent people are killed by tyrant leaders to gain authority over the lands and also not to forget the threat of the cannibals who silently lingers around the woods.
Overall, I loved this book! It is not only a romance novel, It also deals with love, redemption, humanity and faith. I expected this to be a stand-alone but it's really not. There's going to be a part II and I'm so dying to know what happens next. That cliffhanger is totally killing me. I really hope the author releases the sequel as soon as possible.
April 28, 2020
Oh. My. God!
I just finished, like a minute ago, and my heart is beating so fast.
I have know idea how J. Redmerski keeps pulling this off. I've read everything from her... some amazing and some just okay, but every story is so unique from the other. And for this reason she is one of my favorite authors.
She has truly outdone herself with Everything Under the Sun! This is a lengthy novel, about 700(ish) pages. I read a few reviews prior to starting saying that the story slowed down about halfway through, but I didn't feel that way at all. Those moments balanced the book beautifully. This world Jessica created is full of the most abhorrent people you can imagine; page after page of evil and devastation. But contrary to all that, there was this love story between our two leads, Thais and Atticus. It was pure, and honest, and hopeful, and the exact opposite of everything around them. Sometimes she ripped and other times she caressed, but in the end she got every emotion out of me.
This is my favorite book from J. Redmerski. And I cant believe I just wrote that because I never thought anything would top Killing Sarai (book 1 from the In the Company of Killers series). But alas, this story did. And it's not over yet. I have know idea how Im going to wait for the second book to release, but I do know this story, and these characters are going to stay with me every second until it does.
Thank you, Jessica Redmerski for another masterpiece!
Happy reading, everyone!
I just finished, like a minute ago, and my heart is beating so fast.
I have know idea how J. Redmerski keeps pulling this off. I've read everything from her... some amazing and some just okay, but every story is so unique from the other. And for this reason she is one of my favorite authors.
She has truly outdone herself with Everything Under the Sun! This is a lengthy novel, about 700(ish) pages. I read a few reviews prior to starting saying that the story slowed down about halfway through, but I didn't feel that way at all. Those moments balanced the book beautifully. This world Jessica created is full of the most abhorrent people you can imagine; page after page of evil and devastation. But contrary to all that, there was this love story between our two leads, Thais and Atticus. It was pure, and honest, and hopeful, and the exact opposite of everything around them. Sometimes she ripped and other times she caressed, but in the end she got every emotion out of me.
This is my favorite book from J. Redmerski. And I cant believe I just wrote that because I never thought anything would top Killing Sarai (book 1 from the In the Company of Killers series). But alas, this story did. And it's not over yet. I have know idea how Im going to wait for the second book to release, but I do know this story, and these characters are going to stay with me every second until it does.
Thank you, Jessica Redmerski for another masterpiece!
Happy reading, everyone!
September 1, 2017
Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH!!
This book was so...I can even think.
The world is a crazy place and this book brought by you up close and personal with all the good and the bad. The trials that Atticus and Thais endure are so unreal. They're trying to get across the country and it seemed like every time they took one forward, someone, or something, knocked them two steps back. My heart was in my stomach entire time. I'm not even kidding.
This was a romance but it had a whole lot more. They wanted to make a difference in the world and not settle for less than what they believed was right. So as they traveled they meet a variety of people who help them along the way, proving to them that there is good in the world, amidst all the evil.
I will not spoil this book but I will say that, by the end, my heart was in my stomach and tears were in my eyes. I need book two STAT.
This book was so...I can even think.
The world is a crazy place and this book brought by you up close and personal with all the good and the bad. The trials that Atticus and Thais endure are so unreal. They're trying to get across the country and it seemed like every time they took one forward, someone, or something, knocked them two steps back. My heart was in my stomach entire time. I'm not even kidding.
This was a romance but it had a whole lot more. They wanted to make a difference in the world and not settle for less than what they believed was right. So as they traveled they meet a variety of people who help them along the way, proving to them that there is good in the world, amidst all the evil.
I will not spoil this book but I will say that, by the end, my heart was in my stomach and tears were in my eyes. I need book two STAT.
July 26, 2018
I adore dystopian books and I’m a huge fan of Redmerski’s In the Company of Killers series, so when I heard about this book I was anxious to read it. Boy did it not disappoint me! Thais and Atticus are trying to survive in a future dystopian society that is harsh, dangerous and the perfect backdrop for an epic and intense love story.
Thais has grown up in a world gone made. Society fell when she was eleven and she and her family lived with a group of survivors deep in the Appalachian Mountains until their settlement is attacked and her and her sister are taken away. Atticus is a soldier that has spent the last seven years trying to retain his morality in a world filled with people willing to abandon everything that makes them human in order to survive. When his path crosses Thais, he risks everything to save her. Soon Thais and Atticus are setting out against the world in the hopes of finding in safety in a dangerous world without food, electricity, and clean water. Their journey is epic, a bit over the top and everything I hoped for and more. I won’t give spoilers away and this is a long, nuanced book, but if you love epic love stories and the dystopian genre, I can not recommend this one enough.
Thais has grown up in a world gone made. Society fell when she was eleven and she and her family lived with a group of survivors deep in the Appalachian Mountains until their settlement is attacked and her and her sister are taken away. Atticus is a soldier that has spent the last seven years trying to retain his morality in a world filled with people willing to abandon everything that makes them human in order to survive. When his path crosses Thais, he risks everything to save her. Soon Thais and Atticus are setting out against the world in the hopes of finding in safety in a dangerous world without food, electricity, and clean water. Their journey is epic, a bit over the top and everything I hoped for and more. I won’t give spoilers away and this is a long, nuanced book, but if you love epic love stories and the dystopian genre, I can not recommend this one enough.
February 3, 2022
This was a long book. It didn't go by fast either. But the story of this book drew me in. Post apocalyptic. Going back to no running water, heat or electricity. Women are not treated equal. So much loss in this book. The ending made me mad.
July 9, 2018
It's been over a day since I finished this book and I am still in awe of it. Everything Under the Sun is over 600 pages of brilliance. I am in awe of Jessica's talent.
I have been desperately waiting to read this book and was so honored when I was given an arc in exchange for a review. Jessica's writing is so amazing; it's impossible to not fall into her stories head first.
We all have become so used to the roughly 300 page books that authors put out anymore, so when I saw that this was over 600 pages - I was even more excited for this book. I am not going to lie and say that every page was just as exciting as the next, but the development of these characters and their lives, each page felt like a new insight into them and what they were going through - it was like watching a movie play-out before my eyes.
Everything Under the Sun is a post-apocalyptic love story of two young people who are forced to live in the new world when the Sickness practically wiped out mankind. Left behind are all sorts and kinds of people living in this new world - savages, cracks and people making up factions in large cities where they are ruled by ruthless leaders. The world is no longer civilized and the world has returned to it's earlier form of living but with a much crueler fate.
While this book is about surviving in the new world, there is a budding romance between Thais and Atticus. It is a love to hate romance, but it is one you can slowly see happening as the story moves forward day by day, week by week. And this is the part of the story that I feel that Jessica did her best in not making it feel so insta-love and shows how these feel for one another during the dark times. Some will feel that this part is too drawn out and that certain scenes can be eliminated. But if she did that, them those same people would also turn around then say that things happened too quickly between them and their love isn't as believable.
I will state that this book is very dramatic and very suspenseful but it is need in order for this story to work out best. You need the descriptions, the character development, the deep plot in order to really find yourself immersed in this story. I truly don't believe this story would work out completely if we did not see how these two lived day to day and how they came to be in the end.
And that ending - yea, after 600+ pages, I was not expecting that, at all.
Bravo, Jessica, BRAV-FUCKING-O!!!!
I have been desperately waiting to read this book and was so honored when I was given an arc in exchange for a review. Jessica's writing is so amazing; it's impossible to not fall into her stories head first.
We all have become so used to the roughly 300 page books that authors put out anymore, so when I saw that this was over 600 pages - I was even more excited for this book. I am not going to lie and say that every page was just as exciting as the next, but the development of these characters and their lives, each page felt like a new insight into them and what they were going through - it was like watching a movie play-out before my eyes.
Everything Under the Sun is a post-apocalyptic love story of two young people who are forced to live in the new world when the Sickness practically wiped out mankind. Left behind are all sorts and kinds of people living in this new world - savages, cracks and people making up factions in large cities where they are ruled by ruthless leaders. The world is no longer civilized and the world has returned to it's earlier form of living but with a much crueler fate.
While this book is about surviving in the new world, there is a budding romance between Thais and Atticus. It is a love to hate romance, but it is one you can slowly see happening as the story moves forward day by day, week by week. And this is the part of the story that I feel that Jessica did her best in not making it feel so insta-love and shows how these feel for one another during the dark times. Some will feel that this part is too drawn out and that certain scenes can be eliminated. But if she did that, them those same people would also turn around then say that things happened too quickly between them and their love isn't as believable.
I will state that this book is very dramatic and very suspenseful but it is need in order for this story to work out best. You need the descriptions, the character development, the deep plot in order to really find yourself immersed in this story. I truly don't believe this story would work out completely if we did not see how these two lived day to day and how they came to be in the end.
And that ending - yea, after 600+ pages, I was not expecting that, at all.
Bravo, Jessica, BRAV-FUCKING-O!!!!
September 2, 2017
I love Jessica Redmerski. That's a truth. But that's not enough for me to like the book, and I'm not afraid to give 1 star if I didn't like a novel. Well... with "Everything Under the Sun" there is no such a thing like 1 star. No. Because, I really... and I mean REALLY love this book. I don't feel like my opinion matters, so you don't have to read what I'm writing right now, but I don't have any other way to say to Jessica, how I feel after reading this novel, and I really want to do that, so...
Jessica Redmerski,
thank you for this great book. I can't believe it took you 2 years to complete it, but I'm glad you wrote it. Atticus and Thais -so alike yet so different. Some readers might feel bored when action slows down, but I enjoyed every single chapter, every page, that allowed me to feel all emotions, and needs - hunger, thirst, hope, sadness, pain.... and THAT is the strongest aspect of this novel. Thank you, for such an amazing journey. I can't wait for the next book. I hope you're feeling good - you're in my mind, and I can't stop thinking and wishing, that you're in good health, and all your days are filled with smiles and positive thoughts. Love you.
Jessica Redmerski,
thank you for this great book. I can't believe it took you 2 years to complete it, but I'm glad you wrote it. Atticus and Thais -so alike yet so different. Some readers might feel bored when action slows down, but I enjoyed every single chapter, every page, that allowed me to feel all emotions, and needs - hunger, thirst, hope, sadness, pain.... and THAT is the strongest aspect of this novel. Thank you, for such an amazing journey. I can't wait for the next book. I hope you're feeling good - you're in my mind, and I can't stop thinking and wishing, that you're in good health, and all your days are filled with smiles and positive thoughts. Love you.
August 30, 2017
I can not even begin to put into words how amazing this book was but omg I can NOT believe that ending I'm dying why oh why!! So this book is like nothing I have ever read but it's everything it runs a little slow but in away that is needed and so appreciated every word and of interaction has meaning more than you will know I thought this book would be a stand alone but as kept getting closer the 100% mark I was completely thrown off because there was no way at all the book could be ending and now I'm just so ugh that I can't even because the next book isn't even on here so I can least add to tbr list ugh ok rambling... Anyways this is story so unique there are so many hear pounding breath stealing moments I can't even begin to explain and it's a love story that will stick to you for some time to come it's beautiful it's raw and it's ugly but beyond that it will steal a piece of you and leave you definitely needing more completely epic and I can't wait for the next book I need it NOW!!!
May 9, 2018
Received from Bewitching Book Tours
I was intimidated at first by the size of the book, but as I kept reading, I just flew through it. The story is so horrible and heartbreaking and compelling at the same time, I didn't even notice the length, I just needed to see what happens in the end. :)
The world is broken. and two people find each other despite of that, in very unfortunate circumstances. I love the characters of Thais and Atticus, they are broken in their own way, with many faults. The more I read about them, more I was rooting for them.
The story is frightening, what makes the story extra scary is the “it could really happen” vibe. I love the pace of the story, it was slow and fast at the same time. :) Everything Under the Sun is bound to be classic-highly recommend it!
I was intimidated at first by the size of the book, but as I kept reading, I just flew through it. The story is so horrible and heartbreaking and compelling at the same time, I didn't even notice the length, I just needed to see what happens in the end. :)
The world is broken. and two people find each other despite of that, in very unfortunate circumstances. I love the characters of Thais and Atticus, they are broken in their own way, with many faults. The more I read about them, more I was rooting for them.
The story is frightening, what makes the story extra scary is the “it could really happen” vibe. I love the pace of the story, it was slow and fast at the same time. :) Everything Under the Sun is bound to be classic-highly recommend it!
July 29, 2018
I am broken..yes, yes dramatic but holy hell!
First of all, I didn't even read the blurb so I went in totally blind..and that got me everything! I still have freaking goosebumps.
Second, I didn't read the blurb cause I love this author..like stalker kind of love lol
So do me a favor, read this book and read the otgers too..you'll thank me.
But this book..I can't even..Atticus and Thais's story is brutally perfect..the world they live in is a dark and dangerous place, yet they found all they need, each other, to survive and fight.
Did I mention I still have goosebumps?!
That ending killed me..I still can't breathe..
I need strength and courage for the next book..while my tender heart tries to go back to its normal rhythm.
If I could I would give it a million stars.
First of all, I didn't even read the blurb so I went in totally blind..and that got me everything! I still have freaking goosebumps.
Second, I didn't read the blurb cause I love this author..like stalker kind of love lol
So do me a favor, read this book and read the otgers too..you'll thank me.
But this book..I can't even..Atticus and Thais's story is brutally perfect..the world they live in is a dark and dangerous place, yet they found all they need, each other, to survive and fight.
Did I mention I still have goosebumps?!
That ending killed me..I still can't breathe..
I need strength and courage for the next book..while my tender heart tries to go back to its normal rhythm.
If I could I would give it a million stars.
May 7, 2018
FANTASIC!
If I could give this book more stars I would! I was blown away with how great this book is! The best dystopian I have ever read! It tore my heart out and broke it on several occasions and made me fall in love many times over. There were times I was cursing the author thinking how dare she do that as I cried horribly and other times I was laughing and giggling with joy. Its a wild ride. I HIGHLY recommend this flawlessly written story. You wont regret it. I absolutely loved Atticus and Thais. Their characters were amazing. I can't say much more than that, or I'll give too much away and I can't do that. You just HAVE to read it! Like right now! Go! Its great!
If I could give this book more stars I would! I was blown away with how great this book is! The best dystopian I have ever read! It tore my heart out and broke it on several occasions and made me fall in love many times over. There were times I was cursing the author thinking how dare she do that as I cried horribly and other times I was laughing and giggling with joy. Its a wild ride. I HIGHLY recommend this flawlessly written story. You wont regret it. I absolutely loved Atticus and Thais. Their characters were amazing. I can't say much more than that, or I'll give too much away and I can't do that. You just HAVE to read it! Like right now! Go! Its great!
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