Review: Unrivalled - Alyson Noel

Unrivalled by Alyson Noel, published by Mira Ink on 10th May 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
Everyone wants to be someone. Layla Harrison wants to be a reporter. Aster Amirpour wants to be an actress. Tommy Phillips wants to be a guitar hero. But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her own a long time ago. She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and are lured into a competition. The prize, or rather the target? Madison Brooks.
Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.

Review:
This was quite a different change of pace to Alyson Noel's previous books that were much more on the spiritual/paranormal side of things.  'Unrivalled' is a contemporary YA about a group of young adults vying for the same huge cash prize by promoting a series of nightclubs.  Each have their own reasons for taking part and wanting to win.  They get points based on how successful their night club is and each of them tries to get Hollywood IT girl, Madison Brooks, to grace their club.  That is the sure fire way to score some big points. 

The story actually starts one month prior to the rest of the plot. Madison Brooks goes missing but who the mystery surrounds who is responsible for her disappearance.  The rest of the book unfolds with the three main characters Tommy, Aster and Layla, each becoming untangled with the seemingly glamorous but ultimately seedy, Hollywood night club scene.  I have to say that I wasn't particularly a fan of any of the characters.  They all seemed pretty shallow and certainly not that likable.  I didn't care an awful lot about who won the competition and the Madison Brooks element of the plot was intriguing but not enough to keep me engrossed in the story.

I'm sad to say that I just don't think this title was very good.  Although it was compared to Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl it was a poor imitation of both of those series and isn't one that I'm invested in enough to want to continue reading.    

Review: Echo - Alyson Noel

Echo by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 22nd November 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Daire Santos has already saved her grandmother's life and her soul. But at a cost: the Richter family has been let loose in the Lowerworld. Daire and her boyfriend Dace Richter must work together to find them before chaos ensues and the balance between good and evil is destroyed. As their relationship deepens, Dace's evil brother Cade grows stronger than ever, building his power and forcing Daire and Dace to confront the horrifying prophecy that has brought them all together. It will leave Daire no choice but to claim her true destiny as Seeker, but only by making an unthinkable sacrifice.

Review:
'Echo' is the second book in Alyson Noel's Soul Seekers series.  After being sucked in by the gorgeous cover, I loved catching up with Daire and Dace and their lives in the small town of Enchantment.  Although I enjoyed 'Fated' which was the first instalment, I did think it suffered quite a lot because it had to set up so much of the story, as well as the spiritual aspects that I got bogged down in so much detail without really learning as much about the characters as I would have liked.  This time around the plot is infinitely better and the pace really picks up.  The characters' world has now been established so Noel can concentrate on placing her protagonists in difficult and often dangerous situations and seeing how they fare.

The story focuses on Daire and Dace's determination to rid the Lowerworld of the Richters. They will do almost anything to protect the other but Cade stands between them and Daire learns a shocking truth about him which will shake the foundations of their relationship.  Daire's role as Seeker is explored in more depth and I loved all the spiritual details that Noel manages to combine into the story.  I found all the bits about animal spirit guides really interesting.      

I felt like I grew to understand a lot more about Daire, her destiny and her relationship with Dace.  In the first book I thought Dace was very underdeveloped and I didn't completely buy into their connection.  This time around with the narrative being shared between them, I began to see the spark they share and the chemistry that's always bubbling away whenever they are anywhere near each other.  There's a wonderful scene in the latter half of the book which speaks volumes about their love and which gave me a definite warm melting feeling inside!

Along with all the characters from 'Fated', a new face is introduced, Phyre.  She seems to be hiding a lot of secrets and I'm looking forward to finding out more about how she fits into everything and the role she will play. 

If you love romance, mysticism and adventure then this is definitely the book for you.  A brilliant read, the ending was incredible and I can't believe I've now got to wait until July 2013 for the next in the series 'Mystic'. 

Review: Whisper - Alyson Noel

Whisper by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 2nd August 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Twelve-year-old Riley Bloom - ace Soul Catcher - faces her toughest challenge yet. She must travel to ancient Rome and convince dead gladiator Theocoles to accept his fate and move on. Then she meets the charming Messalina, who gives Riley a dramatic makeover, transforming her into a beautiful teenager. Finally Riley experiences her first kiss... In a world this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

Review:
Riley Bloom is growing up in this fourth book in the popular series by Alyson Noel.  She faces yet another challenge as a soul catcher when she is sent to the Colosseum in Ancient Rome to convince Theocoles, a dead gladiator, to move on.

Riley is such a great character.  She's bright and intelligent, funny and endearing.  Although she may not always make the right choices and decisions, which is realistic considering she is only twelve, she has a habit of learning valuable lessons along the way which help her to do the right thing in the end.

In 'Whisper' she comes up against her toughest challenge yet when she has to achieve something that no other soul catcher has managed to do, get through to the pretty tough and scary Theocoles.  But she also has so much more to experience, including a first kiss and the very real possibility of finally becoming a teenager at long last.

Alyson Noel manages to convey so many important messages in her books about embracing what matters most and never forgetting to believe in yourself.  Riley learns from the mistakes she makes and in the process is becoming a much more rounded and grown-up character.

This is one of my favourite series as Riley Bloom books never disappoint.  Although a quick read, I spent a very enjoyable afternoon curled up with this title and honestly didn't want it to end.  

Review: Fated - Alyson Noel

Fated by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 24th May 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Review:
I'm a huge fan of Alyson Noel.  I loved her series The Immortals and I'm currently also enjoying her Riley Bloom spin-off.  Her books are captivating and wonderfully entertaining, with imaginative storylines which really draw you in.  I've been waiting and waiting for the first book in her new Soul Seekers series and praying, with all my fingers crossed, that I would love it just as much.  While I think it was a promising beginning and I'm eager to read the next book 'Echo' which is out 27th September 2012, there were some things about it which left me with a distinctly mixed reaction to this new title.

The first thing is the plot.  While it was sufficiently different to The Immortals plotline, there still seemed to be some major similarities and it again dealt with the spiritual and paranormal.  I thought that the main part of the story took quite a while to get to and the initial beginning of the book seemed a rather long prelude to the crux of the plot.  It may just be me but I also found some of ideas at the start quite complex and so on a couple of occasions I had to go back to reread pages again, to make sure that I fully understood the whole concept of soul seekers.  Even now, I feel that Noel may have only just scratched the surface and there's still a lot more to learn.  Her evocative descriptions of animal spirits however and the role they play in the characters' lives was very interesting

I liked the main character Daire and she grew on me a lot as the story progressed but I can't say the same about all the other characters.  I'd love to know more about Xotichl (although why give her such an unusual name) and her adorable boyfriend Auden and I liked Chay who seems a strong support in Daire's life.  I wanted to see more of Dace, the hoy guy in town and 'good' twin who Daire dreams about long before they first meet.  I just couldn't picture him clearly enough in my head when I was reading and while I was hoping for some genuine romance between the two of them, it overall seemed a bit lacking in that department.

I thought the setting for the story was perfect.  The small town of Enchantment in New Mexico was suitably isolated and remote, so that it felt like it was in the middle of nowhere, far removed from the outside world and consisting of it's own small community.

As 'Fated' concentrated mainly on plot building, I'm hoping that the second book in the series will focus more on building a connection with all the characters and developing the romance between Daire and Dace which I'm eager to see more of.

Review: Shimmer - Alyson Noel

Shimmer by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 5th August 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a little time-off. But then Riley encounters a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca's sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she's not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, Rebecca is furious about being murdered during the slave revolt of 1733. Her uncontrollable anger is keeping other ghosts, who also died in the revolt, trapped in a shimmering bubble. And when Bodhi and Buttercup inadvertently fall into Rebecca's trap, Riley is the only one who can save them.

Review:
This is the second book in Alyson Noel's series based around a periphery character from her bestselling Immortals books.  I loved 'Radiance' so I couldn't wait to get started on this one as soon as it arrived.  I think the cover is gorgeous too!  The pink and purple colours are really pretty and I adore the fact that Buttercup, Riley's dog, gets to feature on the cover as well.  He's really sweet!

Riley is a soul catcher; tasked with guiding those spirits who refuse to cross over to the Here and Now.  In 'Shimmer' she finds herself having to save Bodhi and Buttercup and free a number of lost and trapped souls.  Some of the incidences in the book are based around the 1733 slave revolt on the Danish Island.  I thought that the way Noel had incorporated elements of real life historical events was very clever as this added another dimension to the story. 

Throughout the book, Riley learns more about the Here and Now and discovers that she may eventually get her wish to turn thirteen.  How this will happen is something that I'm  looking forward to learning more about.  I also enjoyed discovering a little more about Riley's guide Bodhi and I hope in the future that further information surrounding his past life will be revealed.  He's quite a complex and intriguing character and whereas Riley is often an open-book, he seems to have a lot of layers to his personality. 

I'm a big fan of this series.  It's designed for slightly younger teen readers and trust me, you can't help but fall in love with Riley and her sweet and adorable Labrador, Buttercup.  One of the things I love the most about it is that the books are so mystical and magical.  I really like Alyson Noel's version of the afterlife and the fact that in her vision, death isn't the end and life really does go on and on.  I also liked the message that was conveyed in this story about forgiveness and how by forgiving those around you and letting go, you can finally move onto a better future.   

The next book in the series is called 'Dreamland' and is out later this year.  I'm going to be counting down the days!

Review: Everlasting (The Immortals #6) - Alyson Noel

Everlasting (The Immortals #6) by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 1st July 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Everlasting is the sixth and final instalment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears – all in the hope of being together forever.

Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach. Will they be united, or torn apart forever?

Review:
At last, the final book in The Immortals series!  After following the ups and downs of the romance between Ever and Damen, I was desperate for them to get their happy ever after.  I'm a sucker for an epic romance and the one between our two protagnists has spanned decades so is certainly deserving of that moniker. 

In 'Everlasting', Ever very much takes centre stage.  The book is about her story and her journey; the one that she's always been destined to make.  I enjoyed seeing Ever having to rely purely on her own wits and gut instincts and having to try and make the right decisions even when they might seem wrong to everyone else around her.  A lot has happened to her throughout the series but every step she's taken has led up to this point; the moment when she has to make the biggest decision of them all.

It was also interesting seeing the majority of the story take place in Summerland and the Shadowland, rather than the earth plane.  I've always adored the idea of Summerland being a magical place where Ever and Damen can be together and where anything is possible purely through the magic and wonder of being able to manifest the things you desire the most. 

I loved the section in the middle of the story where Ever goes back to revisit her very first past life.  One of the things I've always liked about the Immortals series is the way that Alyson Noel has explored the idea of reincarnation and past lives.  This is really fascinating and works beautifully as a device to show the endless love between Ever and Damen, no matter what lives they may be living at the time. 

Many familiar faces from earlier books are featured throughout, as they too get their final conclusion.  I enjoyed seeing how everything finally turned out for everyone and there are certainly some surprises in store for some of the characters. 

The book ties up all the plot threads and the story draws back a step to show the bigger picture - the journey of the soul and the meaning of life and true love.  The ending completely took me by surprise.  I had my suspicions about what might happen but yet again Noel threw in several curveballs to keep me guessing right up to the very end. 

I'm so sad that the Immortals series is over!  I'm really going to miss reading about Ever and Damen and all the obstacles that have stood in the way of their being together.  I'm very excited about Alyson Noel's new Soul Seekers series and if it's only half as good as the Immortals then it'll be a winner with me!     

Review: Night Star (The Immortals #5) - Alyson Noel

Night Star by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan in 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future?

Review:

Warning that there might be spoilers from previous books in the series.

I was so excited to receive the fifth book in The Immortals series.  It's turned me into a huge fan of Alyson Noel and I want to get my hands on everything else she's written now as well.  I love paranormal romances and the one between Ever and Damen is captivating and thrilling and warms my heart!  Ahhhh! 

One of my favourite things about this book was getting to find out more about Ever's past lives and the truth that Damen had been hiding from her.  I think that for them to be together properly, they need to be absolutely honest with each other and have nothing standing between them.  So far, numerous obstacles have been put in their path but 'Night Star' seems to take a definite step towards resolving this and clearing the way for their love to grow.  The love triangle angle with Jude is also resolved and Ever's indecision is finally put to rest.  I have to reiterate (from my previous reviews) that I love Jude!  I think it would be interesting if Ever would give him a proper chance but then I'm sure that there would be a lot of Ever/Damen fans who would be very unhappy if they didn't finally get to be together. 

The main storyline revolves around Ever's relationship with her former best friend, Haven who is intent on destroying Ever in revenge for the death of Roman.  I like the way in which Haven becoming an Immortal is such a complete contrast with Ever's transformation.  Haven has always been a bit of a lost soul but with her newly gifted powers she's in danger of getting out of control and ruining the lives of those around her.  This nicely illustrates the way in which people are affected and influenced by those around them.  Ever has always had Damen by her side to guide her and help her on her path but Haven was under the influence of Roman who seems to have left Haven to fend for herself.  The question is: can Haven still be saved?

I'm also intrigued about the dark side of Summerland which is depicted in the book.  Questions surround what it really is and how it came into fruition but obviously these are all going to be answered soon enough.

'Night Star' plunges into the action from the start and the pace keeps up until the very end.  There's little preamble and the story is gripping from start to finish.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader entranced and the overall message of the book is one about being positive and learning true acceptance.  Ever has struggled at times throughout the series with these particular aspects but her character has grown and matured and she finally seems to be putting into action the things she's learnt and not making the same mistakes again and again. 

This series is addictive and unputdownable.  The romance between Ever and Damen is completely engrossing and not only is there a wonderful cast of characters but also an exciting and thrilling plot.     

The last book in the series 'Everlasting' is published on 7th June 2011, so luckily not too long to wait.  The cover art is absolutely gorgeous!  I can't wait to get my hands on it and discover if Ever and Damen do end up being together for all eternity.

Review: Dark Flame (The Immortals #4) - Alyson Noel

Dark Flame by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan in 2010

Goodreads synopsis:
Ever is trying to help Haven transition into life as an immortal.  But with Haven drunk on her new powers and acting recklessly, she poses the ultimate threat—exposing their secret world to the outside.  As Ever struggles to keep the Immortals hidden, it only propels Haven closer to the enemy—Roman and his evil companions.

At the same time, Ever delves deeper into dark magick to free Damen from Roman’s power. But when her spell backfires, it binds her to the one guy who’s hell-bent on her destruction. Now there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, and no matter what she does, she can’t stop thinking about Roman—and longing for his touch.  As she struggles to resist the fiery attraction threatening to consume her, Roman is more than willing to take advantage of her weakened state…and Ever edges closer and closer to surrender.

Frantic to break the spell before its too late, Ever turns to Jude for help, risking everything she knows and loves to save herself—and her future with Damen …

Review:

Warning that there might be spoilers from previous books in the series

So far, this series has had me completely entranced but I have to say that although I enjoyed 'Dark Flame' it wasn't a stand-out installment in The Immortals series.  I felt that there was very little plot progression at all and it feels like Noel is starting to string the story out to keep it going for the final two books in the series.  Saying that however, I still enjoyed it enormously and the plot although slow, was still fascinating.  I'm really rooting for all the characters now and I will be so upset if they don't get a happy ending! 

In book four, Ever has to cope with the repercussions of turning Haven into an Immortal.  She's also dealing with the threat of dark magick and her evergrowing attraction to Roman who she has bound herself to in a spell gone awry.  In addition, the love triangle between Ever, Damen and Jude is ramped up a notch and if that wasn't enough she has family problems too.  Poor old Ever, nothing ever seems to go right for her!

I'm still enjoying reading about Ever's tangled love life.  Boy, is it getting complicated though!  Damen loves Ever and Ever loves Damen but...Jude also loves Ever and Ever's attracted to him because of their past lives, plus Roman wants Ever and she wants him but only because of the mistake she made in binding herself to him.  Did you get all that?!  I have to say that I love Jude.  He's so easy-going and simple and what you see is what you get with him.  He does quite often seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time but I think he's beautifully characterised and has such a pure soul. 

Love is a key theme throughout the book and throughout the whole series.  'Dark Flame' focuses on the many forms in which love can take: pure love; the love of a soul mate; of a friend; unconditional love; selfish love.  Ever has to learn in which direction her heart is going to take her and discover what it is she truly desires.

I'm loving the characters of Romy and Rayne and an interesting secret about them is discovered in the book.  The plot surrounding them makes a nice contrast with Ever's story.  They're fun and witty and I think are going to prove to be very key to the conclusion of the series. I also thought that the development of Roman's character was handled well.  Yet again, it's shown that everything isn't always black or white; good or bad and that there's always a reason why people do the things they do or why things happen the way they do.   

Although I didn't find this one quite as gripping as other installments, I'm still dying to know exactly how everything's going to turn out and what Alyson Noel's masterplan is for concluding Ever's journey. 

Review: Shadowland (The Immortals #3) - Alyson Noel

Shadowland by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan in 2010

Goodreads synopsis:
Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world’s darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just when their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen…one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into the Shadowland. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source…a surfer named Jude.
 
Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She’s always believed Damen to be her soulmate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them, Ever’s connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before…

Review:

Warning that there might be spoilers from previous books in the series

This series just keeps getting better and better.  I am well and truly hooked!  So much so that I don't want to leave the house now until I've finished the remaining books!

In 'Shadowland', Ever has to deal with the consequences of her actions at the end of 'Blue Moon' and is desperately searching for a way in which she and Damen can be together.  She has to find the antidote for Damen, as well as face up to the mistake she made in trusting Roman.  The plot sounds a little repetitive with yet another obstacle coming between the two of them but their relationship is central to the whole series and I'm desperately rooting for them to get their happy ending. 

As much as I like Damen, Noel introduces a new character into the mix and he certainly stole my heart.  Jude is a laid back and relaxed surfing fanatic, who also happens to be super hot with psychic abilities which interest and intrigue Ever.  She finds herself being drawn to him and it looks like Damen might finally have a proper rival for her attentions.  I absolutely loved the twist which is revealed about his character.  It works perfectly with the story but is also so unexpected that you'd never guess his secret.  I really hope we get to see lots more of Jude throughout the rest of the series.  His character also compliments Damen's nicely - one dark and twisty and complicated and the other light and simple and straightforward.  Which one will Ever choose?  This love triangle is absolutely intriguing. 

I love the fact that Ever has to deal with supernatural problems as well as everyday issues such as her Aunt dating her teacher, who incidentally, just happens to know her secret!

One of the things I particularly liked about 'Shadowland' is the idea of karma and the notion that every action has a consequence.  By the sounds of it, Damen has quite a chequered past and has done several things roughout his 600 years which he now regrets.  He tries to put right some of those those things although he doesn't always go about it in the best way.  Questions are also raised about the sanctity of the soul - Damen is determined to protect his and Ever's souls at all costs so that they don't end up alone for eternity in Shadowland.  The issue of living forever is touched upon and the downside depicted; having to face seeing everyone that you love die eventually and knowing that you can never join them, plus having to keep on the move so that people don't suspect you're not capable of ageing.  In addition, there's the issue of living through so many technological changes and advancements throughout the centuries and being witness to major historical events.   

The ending of the book yet again took me completely by surprise.  I didn't see the twist coming at all but it should mean that 'Dark Flame', the next book in the series is going to be very, very interesting.  So far, this series has entranced and amazed me and I have a feeling that there are plenty more shocks in store.  I'm enjoying sharing Ever's story and being part of her exciting journey.

Review: Blue Moon (The Immortals #2) - Alyson Noel

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan in 2010

Goodreads synopsis:
Things have changed for Ever since she met her beloved Damen - not least because she's got a whole new set of powers, courtesy of her new Immortal status. Just as she's getting stronger, though, Damen seems to be weakening. Panicked at the thought of losing him, Ever finds a path to the in-between world known as Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen's tortured past. But in searching for a cure for him, Ever accidentally discovers a way to twist time so she can save her family from the accident that killed them. It's all she's ever wanted - but so is Damen. And Ever must choose between them...

Review:
Warning that there might be spoilers from the previous book in the series.

Ever and Damen's captivating story continues in 'Blue Moon' the second book in The Immortals series by Alyson Noel.  At the end of 'Evermore' it looked like they were going to get their happy ever after but I have a feeling that there are going to be plenty more obstacles for them to overcome first.  I think that will only make it so much more satisfying when they do finally get to be together with nothing keeping them apart. 

The story begins with a stranger called Roman arriving in town.  His arrival signals the start of everyone around Ever behaving strangely and acting out of character - including Damen.  Ever has to figure out what's wrong and how to put things right before she loses Damen...forever.  The plot is quite simple and at times is secondary to character development but I liked the fact that it was easy to follow and didn't get too complicated.  I also thought that the introduction of Roman shook things up nicely and he looks like he's going to be a fitting adversary for the happy couple.

I thought that this was a fantastic sequel which really built and expanded on the first book in the series.  I was looking forward to seeing more of the relationship between Damen and Ever now that she finally knows the truth about him and I was pleased that some light was shed on how they first met and all of Ever's previous incarnations.  I enjoyed discovering more about Damen's history too and how he first became an Immortal.  Several questions are answered but several more are raised and left for the reader to puzzle over.

Ever is growing on me more now and I admire many of the qualities she has such as her single-minded determination and grit.  She comes across as being very real because even though she's immortal, she makes big mistakes at times, just like any other human.  She also has to rely on her own instincts and not her boyfriends.  The relationship between her and her Aunt Sabine is well written - but I would love her Aunt to find out her secret because I think it would be interesting to see how she'd handle the situation.     

The climax of the book was very exciting and the suspense is ramped up to an unbelievable level.  I whizzed through the last few chapters in the book, immediately reaching for the next installment so I could continue the story.  The Immortals is shaping up to be a fantastic series and exactly what fans of the paranormal romance genre are looking for.  I can't wait to see what Alyson Noel has in store for readers next!

Review: Evermore (The Immortals #1) - Alyson Noel

I was lucky enough to be sent the complete set of books in The Immortals series by Alyson Noel to review.  So get set for an Alyson Noel week on the blog.  I'm going to be reviewing books 1 to 5 all this week, including 'Night Star' which is published on Friday 4th March. 

Evermore by Alyson Noel, published by Macmillan in 2009

Goodreads synopsis:
Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Review:
 'Evermore' is the first book in the series and is about sixteen year old Ever Bloom who is living with her Aunt after a terrible car crash that killed her parents and her younger sister Riley.  After surviving the crash which robbed her of her family, Ever discovers that she has the power to hear the thoughts of the people around her and see their auras.  She tries to block this out by hiding herself under hooded sweatshirts and having her ipod on at all times but she can't block out new guy Damen Auguste who she seems inexplicably drawn towards.  He's mysterious and enigmatic, dark and handsome and her feelings for him might just end up changing her life forever.

What an amazing start to the series - I'm really excited to see where Alyson Noel's going to go next with the story and how she's going to develop all the characters.  I liked Ever and I loved her sister Riley (who has her own spin-off series).  I enjoy it when books capture the sibling relationship so well and the scenes between the two of them were among some of my favourite moments in the book.  Having the ability to still see her sister is a gift for Ever but there's still a healthy dose of realism in that they still fight and bicker like any sisters do!  She also has great friends - Haven and Miles are interesting and rounded characters and their involvement in the story was well integrated and added some fun scenes to the book. 

Damen is an intriguing figure and although some information was revealed about his past, I'm looking forward to finding out more about his history and how he and Ever first originally met.  I was drawn to him and he certainly comes across as charismatic and charming but I'm hoping that there's also going to be more depth to his character.  He's got to be more than just a pretty face.    

I thought that Noel's idea of the afterlife and the place in between which she calls Summerland was well thought out and wonderfully written.  I hope that we'll get to find out more about the latter throughout the rest of the series.

I liked the fact that this wasn't your typical vampire-fare.  Certain things in the book hinted at that (a red drink; incredible speed; never getting ill) and led the reader in that direction but the big reveal was so much more interesting and has set things up perfectly for the next book in the series.  The paranormal romance genre is big at the moment and I am a huge fan of these kinds of books but sometimes they can be a bit too similar and formulaic.  I thought that 'Evermore' felt really fresh and original and had an exciting and engaging plot which kept me hooked until the final pages.  I'm desperate now to rejoin Ever, Damen and co and find out what's going to happen to them next.