Ever by: Gail Carson Levine

Published: 2008

# of pages: 244


Ever is another unique fantasy written by Levine, who also wrote Ella Enchanted. I have to say though, I was disappointed in this book. I enjoyed Ella Enchanted and Fairest, but Ever felt rushed and incomplete. However, this book is placed in the juvenile section at the library and I believe the other books by her that I've read have been in the young adult section. So this book may have felt so sparse because it was written for children.

It is very basic. The sentences are brief and the dialogue is simple so it is easy for children to keep up with the story. However, it wasn't enough for an adult reader to really enjoy. The story is interesting, so I wish it had been written for young adults or adults! So although I was frustrated at the dialogue and blunt writing style, I think it is great for children to read.

Levine's other books are based off of fairy tales, but Ever is based off of myths. Olus is the god of the winds in Akka. He is only 17 years old, but he will live forever. Kezi is the daughter of a couple in Hyte who loves to dance and make rugs. Olus discovers Kezi as he travels the world looking for happiness. He encourages her to change her fate and she follows him to another land where she begins her adventure to become a heroine so she can ascend to the top of the rock where the gods reside.

I enjoyed the fact that the story revolves around mythology and recommend it for children (although there is some kissing in the book, but it is fairytale-like kissing if you know what I mean, not detailed or inappropriate) and even young adults. I also recommend it to adults if you enjoy Levine's other books and don't mind reading children's/young adult books.