Evernight

Book 1: Evernight
Book 2: Stargazer
Book 3: Hourglass
Book 4: Afterlife

HarperCollins (2009)
ISBN: 9780732289676
$19.99
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Reviewed by Tehani Wessely, Oct 2009


This is the first book in a new young adult paranormal series. Released in the US last year, with Australian release in 2009, book two, Stargazer, is already available, with two more books, Hourglass and Afterlife already in production. And deservedly so. Of all the teenage vampire books deluging our bookstore and library shelves these days, Evernight is one of the best I’ve read. Strong writing, solid worldbuilding and plot, and likeable, interesting characters make this book a page turner that doesn’t fall into the same traps as many of the Twilight wannabes.

Bianca finds herself ensconced in a strange boarding school, Evernight Academy, in the middle of nowhere, populated by super smart, sleek and sexy students. She feels like she doesn’t fit in, and except for Lucas, believes there’s no one who understands her. But there’s something strange about Evernight Academy, and even Lucas has his secrets. Bianca eventually finds out that fitting in is not really something she has a choice about, and she’s not sure she can handle the consequences.

While the boarding school for supernaturals is a common theme in the YA paranormals, the methodology Gray uses for her vampires is unusual and intriguing. I was kept guessing as to the nature of the supernatural elements Gray uses, which is a surprise in itself, and I like the premise she has used, which has the potential for an interesting series. There was little not to like about Evernight, and a great deal to enjoy. I highly recommend this book to readers looking to follow up on (and get a better reading experience than!) the Twilight books, and other similar fare. Sink your teeth into Evernight – you won’t regret it.