Everbound

Gr 7 Up—The second entry in the trilogy, a modern interpretation of the Persephone myth, picks up two months after the heartbreaking ending of Everneath (HarperCollins, 2012). Nikki Beckett is determined to save her true love, who selflessly gave himself to the life-sucking Tunnels of the Everneath in her place. Unfortunately, rescuing Jack requires the assistance of Cole, the Everliving being who originally lured Nikki into the Everneath, fed on her emotional pain, and now wants to use her to usurp its queen. As wary allies, Nikki and Cole agree to face the perils of the labyrinthine landscape guarding the entrance to the Tunnels where Jack is slowly wasting away. While the complexities of this frightening realm are richly explored and the murky intentions of Cole create tension, it's the memories of first love blossoming between Nikki and Jack that act as a compass in the dangerous underworld that give the novel its emotional core. The breakneck plotting never falters and perfectly sets up the cliff-hanger ending and final twist. Expect readers to be panting for the final installment.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA