Ever

"I loved how short this book was, honestly forgot how short it was too. This was yet another childhood fave that I’m rereading because I wanted to write a full review for it. Basically Gail Carson Levine just dominated my entire childhood. It was completely hers and I’m so blessed to have been able to get some of my faves (sadly not including this one) signed last year by her. <br/><br/>Anyway, I will <i> never </i> get over this book. I forgot that the world and mythology of this story was all completely original, as are the majority of her books. But my goodness, I forgot just how well done and well established and explored the religion and mythology was in this book!<br/><br/>I also loved how while we had one pantheon securely proven in the book, Kezi and her families beliefs were questioned the entire novel, and for this to not even be 300 pages - that is so well done. I think this is certainly a book all young girls should read (again - most of Levine’s books should be) and I remember why this book so easily became a favorite when I was like eight years old. <br/><br/>I love the creepy and unsettling trials that Kezi and Olus had to go through, and though it had been over a decade since I even looked at this beautiful book, I remembered there was something frightening about it. For it to still be unsettling today is a feat. And I stand by what I’ve said for my other recent reviews of Gail Carson Levine’s books, they stand the test of time. You can be just learning to read, in your teen years, in your twenties (like I am), fifty, even 100 years old, and find something you enjoy in her books. <br/><br/>I also realize as I’m typing this in my notes app on my phone, that a large part of my love for this novel is likely due to also being terrified of small spaces like Olus is for a majority of the book, and constantly questioning religion as an agnostic Jewish raised woman. So I thank Gail Carson Levine for her imagination, without which I don’t know where I’d be today."

"The book’s premise combined with its author was solely what drew me in, in addition to the mythology appeal.<br/>But Gail Carson Levine didn’t deliver on this one- or maybe she did and it just wasn’t my thing.<br/>First, the love at first sight was so unrealistic and cheesy, I hated it, and normally I enjoy so-called cheesy things. But this was one brand of Kraft Mac’n’Cheese I did not enjoy.<br/>I felt like everything was just thrown together and happened too quickly. The whole human sacrifice thing didn’t set well with me. <br/>If she would have extended the story to maybe 400 pages, just adding extra detail and stuff it would have been pretty nice.<br/>It also reminded me of the one story in the Bible where that mighty judge had to sacrifice his daughter in the end."

"It was ok. It wasn't amazing but it wasn't horrible either. I really liked Olus and Kezi. I wasn't a huge fan of her journey to Wadir. It was kind of a waste of time and energy to write that part. I liked the ending but the plot and how Mrs. Levine got to the conclusion didn't flow and some of it didn't make any sense at all in a fantastical sense or otherwise. I was kind of disappointed by this book. It sounded like a neat concept and I really liked the characterization at the beginning but I was not happy about the body of the story which should have been some of the best parts. Read Mrs. Levine's other books and you won't be disappointed, just skip this one."

"This book had pretty good potential. It was well set up. The rest of the book left me wanting, especially the challenges for becoming champion/heroine. It was originally a good idea, but not quite done justice. I didn't like the poetic way it was written or the present tense, but these are matters of personal opinion."

"Gail Carson Levine, as usual, doesn't dissapoint. A take on the regular quest, the story is sweet and, best of all, has a happy ending<br/>"