Nevernever

Borderland #5

by Will Shetterly

Growing up is hard to do . . . especially if, like Ron, you've been cursed (blessed?) and changed into a half wolf/half human. But though he may look strange, there is nothing weird about his loyalty to his newfound friends, or in his attempts to stay true to himself in the deadly, shifting world of Bordertown.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fae, Fairies

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA punk fantasy from the early 1990s, is set in Bordertown, which is on the border between our world and Faerie. It's populated by elves, humans, and halfies. Ron, the human teenage protagonist in the previous book, Elsewhere, has been cursed by an annoyed elf and turned into Wolfboy, half wolf and half human. As if that's not enough, he also has to deal with a murder and a kidnapping.

Be sure to read Elsewhere before you start this book, or you will be lost. I had read this before, but I had forgotten the ending, which is rather complicated. Now I see I'll have to reread Emma Bull's Finder, which is about two of the supporting characters in this book, Tick-Tick and Orient.

[Mir]

This was a pretty fast read up to around page 90. Then there was this descriptive aside about the setting and what the pov character, Wolfboy, is doing during an extended lull in the main action. And I just... totally lost momentum. No impetus to pick the book up again. When I eventually opened it once more, I realized I didn't care what happened and had no interest in the characters. They're nice enough (although I'm disappointed by Shetterly's take on Orient's character) but they don't feel real. Maybe I've outgrown Bordertown. I don't remember, reading other installments as a kid, feeling that they were particularly YA despite having mostly teen characters, but this one definitely felt aimed at teens and their emotional concerns.

If you're interested in the series don't start here.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that I need to mention is that it is a necessity that you read 'Elsewhere' by Will Shetterly before you read this book. This book is the direct continuation of the story of Ron/Wolfboy that begins in Elsewhere. That being said, I can say that I absolutely loved this book. I am now a true fan of the Borderland series and will be actively searching out the earlier books in the series.

The 'twist' in this book totally took me by surprise. I did not see it coming although it was the perfect wrap up of the story, imo.

Great read and highly recommend that you find as many of the Borderland books edited by Terri Windling as you can to read.

[Adele]

I'm actually not sure if I read this or not. I read the Borderlands anthologies when they first came out and I think I read Elsewhere . . . did I read this one too? Will have to look into it.

[Freya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come :)

[Amanda Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you, I was so excited about reading this book again! I discovered Elsewhere and Nevernever by Will Shetterly, about 10 years ago, during my 8th grade year at Gentry Junior High and I never forgot it! It took me the ten years since to once again figure out the title and locate the books and I promise you, I was not disappointed when I finally found it! I loved every second of this story, from the way Wolfboy, the narrator, tells you you can go ahead and skip through the parenthesis to the shocking twist ending! You can't go wrong with this punk faerie tale! I guarantee that I'll still love it just as much when I read it in another ten years too!!

[Victoria Law · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elsewhere and his story in Welcome to Bordertown are so much better. In this book, the narrator digresses in long parentheses (sometimes even chapters).

and then there's the ending. I won't give it away, but I really really disliked it. It seemed as if he really just wanted it to be a happy ending no matter how farfetched it might be.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt very different from the previous book. Ron (Wolfboy) felt like a completely different character (I know he's changed but he's almost unrecognizable). And I never really felt like I got into the book. There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but I also don't think that I "believe" in the twist. It didn't really seem to fit together very smoothly. Or maybe it was just all wrapped up too quickly.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-read April 16, 2006

[noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nevernever, the sequel to Elsewhere, is not nearly as good as it's predecessor. There are still interesting moments and an engaging plot, but I don't feel like it lived up to its reputation.

[Faith Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book never never by Will Shetterly is fast paced and occasionally confusing. This book is kind of a punk fantasy mixed with magic, and also with the real world that has been now changed. I am really interested in this book because it keeps you on your toes, and always keeps you guessing the plot. This book is about the life perspective of a guy who has been turned into a wolf because of a curse. It shows how there is a huge difference between elves, wolves, and humans. These magical creatures come from this place called elsewhere, where no human tends to reside. This magical “wolf boy” is trying to adjust to his new look and find love but has some challenges along the way. But even love takes a back seat to the nonstop kidnappings, false accusations of murder, motorcycle gangs, and to the deadly search for the true heir of to the Faerie, who has the disconcerting habit of being two ages at once, in the same time and place. This whole story gives a theme of trying to find peace and hope of being different even if it has a hard time telling so throughout the story. But even though he may look strange there is nothing weird about his loyalty to his new profound friends, or in his attempts to stay true to himself in the deadly shifting world of bordertown. This book is most definitely a good read if you are into magic and also a fantasy kind of genre of a book.

[Deserei Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's never a dull moment in this book...It takes the fantasy of Elsewhere to a fun and punk feel. Where Wolfboy half wolf..half boy already had enough to go through but life gets harder throughout the book. Wolfboy dating someone unlike his own kind is uniquely different and make certain people mad. He is trying to find a way to see if his curse can be broken. But also is Wolfboy really falling in love throughout this book. He is a very caring person to his loving elf friend who takes care of her very well. Everything seems to go right until thing’s tend to start turning south. Soon some dangerous sinister situations come into play while you have someone hiding and the other one who disappeared. There are some people that are able to help Ron find his disappearing friend. Wolfboy will stumble upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will take him on an adventure. This book has an amazing plot twist and has complicated relationships among characters in the story. Once you start reading this book it is really hard to turn your head away from this book.

[Sarah Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is okay commercialized YA fantasy. It doesn’t create the sense of awe, as you might say, of a mortal crossing into Faerie, as all the action takes place in the Bordertown between Faerie and the World among adolescent runaway gangs and musicians. The narrator has been turned from a human to a werewolf (“woof boy “) by an elf he was injudicious enough to call a bitch. This amounts to being a furry biped with a dog-like head who has to write instead of talk. Authentic werewolves are born that way, and in general only turn from human to wolf at the full moon.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a fun romp and the twist at the end is quite fun. It’s not the best prose, and it’s a little too in love with its own cleverness of style, but I enjoyed it. It’s nice to read something that is light and fun, clever and imaginative. The interaction between Faery and Human is delightful. Ron is a great protagonist. Shetterly does a good job of having our hero be more mature than he was in Elsewhere, but not so mature that he’s boring.

It was fun. I liked it.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts a little more slowly than it's prequel, Elsewhere, but boy does it pack a punch in the end. It's got a twist I never saw coming and still makes me marvel over its strangeness and cleverness on my fifth reading of this book. These two together are some of the best urban fantasy out there.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of Elsewhere, this book brings us deeper into Ron aka Wolfboy's story. It possesses the exact shiver of magic that runs through all the Bordertown/Borderland books, and I so deeply wish this world was real.

[Susan Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a shame, I like Wolfboy so much, but about halfway through I really felt that Shetterly had no idea where he was going with the plot. By the time I got to the end, I was sure he didn't, because the plot twist was so unlikely. In fact, I realized it was completely incredible when I tried to parse it. And I've got "True Believer" stenciled across my forehead.

[T Dower · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Borderlands books were a YA staple for me, and I've gone back to reread a few to see if they're as good as I remember them.

They are!

[Alorar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is totally wonderful.

[Leah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Borderlands books so much. this is fantastic. wow. The main character of Elsewhere grew on me as Wolfboy, it was cool to see how much he mellowed out and is no longer easily insulted and now cares deeply about other people. He might look scary but he's kind of sweet. Good plot too, had its ups and downs of drama but always suspense. I even liked the interlude sections of the book because it was so nice to get a slice of regular life in Bordertown. unlike many other books that I like but would never want to meet in real life, the characters in this one just make me want to sit down with them and hang out, they're just so awesome.

And the ending! oh gosh. did NOT see that coming. Awesome. perfect. I would tag this book with one of my other goodreads shelves but it would be a massive spoiler even just to add that tag.

as a reader, I admire series of books in which the sequel makes it clear that the author knew and planned out something major all along that you never suspected, just laid the groundwork in book one and didn't reveal it until book two, it's very skillful. I might have to re-read Elsewhere now, but it'll be so painful now that I know...

But then the very very end of the book! the part which was told slightly out of order... finding out what they did next I mean...it made me sad, why couldn't they stay I wanted them to end up together! So disappointed. I won't spoil, it was too good of a surprise (the twist, not the ever-after part.)

Orient and Ticktick also make an appearance, actually they play a significant role, which made me so unspeakably delighted because I love them both and wish there were more books with them besides just Finder even though I know it's impossible but if I could even find a few more short stories with them I'd be so glad.

[Иван Величков · Rating 3 out of 5]

Вторият роман завършва историята за симпатягите от Danceland и по-точно за Woolfboy. Мога да разделя романа на три части.
Първата продължава директно,където свърши предишната книга и разказва как Рон свиква с новия си външен вид на върколак, след елфическото проклятие хвърлено над него.
Втората част, около година по-късно е преразказ на Danceland - разказа на шетърли и жена му включен във втората антология за Граничните земи. Историята е леко извъртяна за съвпадне с романите, но някой части са взети директно, което създава някой нелогични моменти. Почти ме накара да зарежа книгата. Добре че не го направих.
Третата част е чудесен завършек на двата романа, който завързва всички развързани крайща в книгите и споява цялата история, правейки я единна, а не само хаотични сцени от живота на Рон в Бордертаун. Уил Шетърли успява, също така да пъхне своята част от Граничните земи в по-големия пъзел създаден от него и другите автори в предишните сборници с разкази, включвайки герои, места и моменти появяващи се из страниците им.
Като цяло се радвам, че прочетох книгите, дори и да не са върха на писателското изкуство.
Сега ми остава да прочета Finder - писана от жена му Ема Булл и свързана чрез героите и ситуациите с двата романа.

[melydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron is Wolfboy now, trying to get by in Bordertown while covered in fur and without the ability to speak. This is the sequel to Elsewhere, and is definitely the superior of the two. The story is much more cohesive and feels less dependent on the source material (that is, Terri Windling's Bordertown story collections). Unfortunately, both books employ the character-endangerment-in-lieu-of-actual-plot technique of storytelling. This only works if the reader is attached to the characters, which is why it feels more believable in the second book than the first. In short, if you liked Elsewhere, you'll like Nevernever. As for me, while I probably won't go out of my way to find the other Bordertown books, this was a lovely trip down memory lane in the form of two very quick reads. I can see these books appealing to other adolescents as much as they did to me, but I doubt most adults would get much out of them.

[Strawberry Witch · Rating 2 out of 5]

So basically the plot is that Ron’s still a wolf and he has to find Leda, the elf girl who cursed him into being a wolf boy, so she can break the curse and he can become human again. Then when he finds her she does this weird rhyming thing when she talks, like “what’s all the fuss, Gus?” Once or twice is fine but she does it after like every single sentence. It’s annoying as fuck.

Ron’s gotten together with Sparks from the book Elsewhere, the girl who he makes sure we know is not pretty but has a good personality. If he got turned back into a human he’d dump her chinless ass so fast. She could do so much better.

Anyway so somehow I didn’t quite understand, Leda turns out to be the kid Florida from the first book. Like at the same time. Which makes little to no sense but it somehow supposed to explain why Leda drank so much elf liqueur in the first book? Idk it was dumb.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually a re-read, in May 2010. The pieces actually clicked together in a way that they hadn't before, about how "Danceland" (in Bordertown:), Elsewhere, this book, and Finder are an arc. (Hey, the first one I read was Finder. It's not my fault that starting at the end without realizing it confused me. ;)

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron, a.k.a Wolfboy, rendered mute and hirsute by Leda's curse at the end of Elsewhere, continues to adventure with friends from the now defunct Castle Pup and new enemies in Bordertown proper and the Nevernever, as the woods outside are known.
This book is part coming of age novel, part short stories mashed up and part mystery with romantic interludes, folk music, and untimely deaths and disappearances. Cozy but also thoughtful, fantastical but grounded in the world of a city filled with misfits, this slip of a book kept me up late and engaged to the last page.
Now, I want to go back to the first book, Elsewhere and forward to Finder. Orient, Tick-Tick and who knows who else await.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The further adventures of Ron (Wolfboy) in Bordertown. Intended to be somewhat of a mystery, but there really isn't much of it. To be honest this book felt a little disjointed. There were also a few things thrown in which didn't seem to contribute to the story. Ultimately Elsewhere is the better of the two, I still like the characters, but I guess that's just the way with unplanned sequels.

[Kristi Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book! I have read it multiple times.
Shetterly's writing draws you in so that even if you are an adult who has never lost someone dear to you, nor felt like an outcast, you still relate to Ron as he bumbles his way around Bordertown.
I laughed out loud on more than one occasion, and one scene involving a Gingerbread man that makes me laugh and cry at the same time, every time I read it.
Touching and tough, humorous and hairy, you will enjoy Nevernever.

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool sequel, getting used to the whole wolfboy concept.

Great book, in my opinion better than the first. A story that you can't expect but look back at and think "How did I not know?" I love how this series really shows how people develop and change over time, and that there's more than one kind of knight in shining armor.

NO YOU HAVE BIG FUN! (Inside joke)

[Neill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequel to elsewhere, Ron has been changed by the elf, Leda, to Wolfboy - mute, furry, but still living in Bordertown, the boundary between the human world and Faerie. Wolfboy and his new allies must protect Florida, the future leader of the elves, from groups that want to exploit her power and groups that want to expose her power for her protection.

[Deborah Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fave quotes: Taz said, "Yes, it is. Doesn't matter what we know. Only matters what we do with what we know." (pg 32)
"But in the World, people saw Orient and thought he was like them. Then they learned he had something that they didn't, and they felt he'd betrayed them. You never learn until too late that everyone's passing for normal." (pg. 88)
There are more, and those will do for now ;)