Everlasting Review

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release date: June 1, 2010

Source: Bought

Other books in this series: The Eternal Sea (2011)

Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

Review:

Everlasting was a beautifully written and intriguing debut novel that left me anxious for the sequel!

For starters, Camille was a fantastic main character. Her bravery, determination, and independence shown from the pages and I loved how she always stood up for what she believed in. Considering she lived in the 1800s life wasn't always easy for women, but she managed to keep her life exciting by traveling with her father as he navigates the world on his trade ship. I would have loved to read about more of their adventures- it sounded like they visited some fascinating places! Unfortunately, on their final voyage before Camille is set to marry Randall (a man she doesn't love) a terrible storm appears and Camille's beloved father is lost.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Angie managed to combine magic and mystery to make it that much more interesting. After being rescued from the storm Camille and two other sailors from the sea arrive in Australia and from there her adventures truly begin. Camille has uncovered some long buried secrets about her family and Camille is determined to unravel them. With the help of fellow survivor Oscar, Camille sets out on a quest to find a magical stone with amazing powers. I loved reading about the Australian wilderness and the different people Camille and Oscar meet on their journey and the places they see.

Watching Camille and Oscar's relationship grow was one of my favorite aspects of the story. Oscar was a great character and I loved him from the start.

I have been dying to read Everlasting since I first picked it up earlier this year and I can say it did not disappoint. Magic, adventure, romance, and history combine and make this a fabulous start to what I'm sure will be a great series.

In addition to having great characters and an engaging plot, Angie Frazier is a fantastic writer, which only made me love the book that much more. This is one 2010 debut you don't want to miss!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars