Author: Sara Holland
Genre: Fantasy
Age Range: 13+
Published: By Hachette Children’s Group on December 27th, 2017
Content Warning: Dying parent, traumatic past and violence
Format I Read: Hardcover
Grade: Outstanding
In the land of Sempera, the rich control everything – even time. Ever since the age of alchemy and sorcery, hours, days and years have been extracted from blood and bound to iron coins. The rich live for centuries; the poor bleed themselves dry.
Jules and her father are behind on their rent and low on hours. To stop him from draining himself to clear their debts, Jules takes a job at Everless, the grand estate of the cruel Gerling family. There, Jules encounters danger and temptation in the guise of the Gerling heir, Roan, who is soon to be married. But the web of secrets at Everless stretches beyond her desire, and the truths Jules must uncover will change her life for ever… and possibly the future of time itself.
I had seen mixed reviews for the book but I had already bought a copy, so I went into it with low expectations just to strike it off my TBR.
I didn’t warm up to Jules immediately but she grew on me as the story progressed. She started out by making some stupid decisions but she showed extraordinary strength and courage in dealing with whatever life threw at her. The side characters were well-developed and my favourite among them was Julian. There was quite a lot of romance but I only started rooting for one of them towards the end.
The plot started off slow but it exploded at the 75% mark. I did not see the twists and turns coming, so I was pleasantly surprised. I liked how the world-building and origin myths intertwined with the plot to make the overall narrative stronger. I also really liked the idea and the execution of the unique magic system based on time as currency and magic. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m looking forward to finishing off the series by picking up the sequel soon.
I would recommend this to young adult fantasy fans looking for a unique plot and magic system. I didn’t listen to anything while reading this but any epic/high fantasy soundtrack from a video game or TV show should go well with it. As for the food, go with some comfort food and dessert, if you like it.
Book: Publisher’s Website | Book Depository | Goodreads
Author: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? What fantasy duologies do you recommend? Let’s discuss in the comments section below.
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I loved the book
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Yay, so nice to meet a fellow fan! ♥️ Have you read the sequel? Did you like it?
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I have read it but am more of the “mixed” reviews Nandini! I liked it but did not love it. Her first love interest was not really worthy and well …I did not really connect with her. But I am really happy that you enjoyed it much more than I!
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Same! I didn’t like the first love interest either. He was so bland and I was frustrated that the MC was pining over him. But I fell for the world-building and the plot that gets interesting after a while, not for the characters so much. 🙈 But I’m hoping the sequel has more of those unique elements that made me like this book! 🤞🏼
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I just added this to my TBR!
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Awesome! I hope you end up liking it! ♥️ If you read a lot of YA fantasy, this does start off with some clichés but it gets interesting in the later half.
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I’ve heard mixed things about this book too, so I might borrow it from the library to see if I like it!
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I didn’t expect a lot from it, so I was pleasantly surprised. There are a few clichés in the beginning but if you’re the kind who can look past it, the second half of the book is where things get really interesting. I hope you like it! ♥️
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Great reivew!
I really enjoyed book one, so I should ocik this one up sometime soon!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Thank you so much! ♥️ This is book one though and I haven’t read Evermore either. 🙈
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Yes haha I got confused by my own comment 🙈
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No problem! 😊♥️
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