Review: Everblue

Everblue by Brenda Pandos

Summary: Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana’s twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn’s life forever.

My Thoughts: Another masterpiece from Brenda Pandos! I really liked The Emerald Talisman, but I think I like this even more. I knew going into this that I’d probably like it, as Pandos has shown that she’s got the ability to craft a really good story. And this one, wow. Even better than I’d expected. I cannot wait for the next book! (Please don’t take too long, Brenda!)

First, I love that we get to see things from both perspectives – both Ash and Fin. The human side and the mer side. They flow nicely, and it’s pretty easy to tell who’s talking. And not just because one’s under water and the other isn’t! Even when they’re together, it’s easy to tell who’s who. I love Fin. You see his anguish from the very beginning. He’s drawn to Ash, the human he’s trying his hardest to avoid. Then something happens, and once it does, he’s clearly torn as to the best way to proceed – how best to face their future. Poor Ash is largely in the dark. She’s kind of like the innocent victim in all of this, although she’s had a crush on Fin for years. It’s hard to be annoyed by the fact that she’s pretty powerless and at the mercy of Fin (and his family) in regards to learning about the mer people. It’s hard to blame Fin for not wanting to bombard her with information, as it would be a lot to take in. The small tidbits he gives her are hard enough for her.

The world – both around Lake Tahoe and Natatoria – is very well described to the reader, and I found it easy to picture everything as the story unfolded. The only one I can’t get in my head very well is Jack’s dad – I keep getting Triton from Disney’s The Little Mermaid in my head. And I know that’s not right! LOL

The emotional side is not overbearing, but definitely conveyed to the reader. Especially toward the end, as the sense of urgency builds. And I think the reason behind much of the issues presented is well-explained. The only one I don’t fully get is Fin’s uncle’s animosity. It it merely jealousy that’s motivating him? I’m guessing so, but who knows?

Once again, Brenda Pandos has surpassed my expectations and given me a story I love, and that I’m so excited to share with others! Everblue is now one of my favorite mer-tales (haha!). I cannot wait for the next book!

Source: Received for review as part of a blog tour promotion by La Femme Readers. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Powell’s link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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