Eternal by Gillian Shields

Release Date: 2nd August, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

This third book about the Mystical Sisterhood at Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies is another romantic thriller with paranormal elements and deep mystery. This time our heroine is Sarah Fitzalan, the dependable, faithful friend of Evie and Helen, her sisters in the Mystic Way. But this term Sarah finds that friendship is tested to the limits.

Evie is turning her back on the Mystic Way after the sisterhood laid her beloved Sebastian's soul to rest; Helen is distracted; and the new girl, wild child Velvet Romaine, seems set on stirring up more trouble at Wyldcliffe. Sarah struggles to keep the sisterhood together as the threat of attack from the dark coven looms.

All Sarah has to keep her going is her connection with her earth powers and a promise she cannot break. Must she sacrifice herself for the sake of her friends and sisters? Will her sisters join her, or will help come from unexpected sources, like her Romany ancestors, and a love she'd only just dared hope for?

The Review

I was a big fan of Gillian Shields's Immortal, the first book in this magical young adult series, but I was very, very disappointed in her last installment of Betrayal, which to me proved to be nothing special and slightly repetitive with the same problems produced in the first book. But when I heard the author was to be writing a third book - surprisingly not in Evie's point of view but in her friend Sarah's perspective - I thought I should give this series another chance, to not only fall back in love with the book series but to actually love something new. And to my own surprise, I actually loved this installment.

ETERNAL was a very insightful book and it was one with lot's twists and turns, and I was quite glad to see Evie in a different light. That being through Sarah's eyes. Though I admit, I liked Sarah much better as a main protagonist and I respect her leading the story than how Evie lead us in the first two books. It was a nice change and this time round I was thankful that this book focussed more on the magic side rather than on the romance element, which from the previous books, were a little woeful for my taste. You know with the whole how-am-I-going-to-live-without Sebastian thing? Yeah . . . that. For those who've read the previous two books, you will know what I mean when it comes to the Sebastian situation.

Now, unlike the book's predecessors Immortal and Betrayal, ETERNAL offered a hell of a lot more action, suspense and even elements of great loss and love, and I enjoyed how Shields managed to write deeper into the character's lives, while introducing a few new faces to readers. While the baddies in this book were kind of obvious and a few characters got on my nerves regularly, but it was nonetheless a thrilling tale and a great addition to the Immortal series. And thankfully it happened to be my favourite in the series so far. So judging by the ending, I take it that there's another book coming our way and I'll be looking forward to reading what's up next for Sarah and her friends at the boarding school of Wyldcliffe. I recommend this book to anyone who has already read the first two installments or anyone who loves some magic in their books. Oh by the way, while this book didn't have as much romance as the other two, but do not fear . . . there's a hottie in our mists and for those who've read this book . . . you'll know who I'm talking about! *winks*

The Rating

4/5 stars

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 1st July, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment 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 fear-all in hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united - or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion.

The Review

A big thanks to Lauren from Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

It's the end . . . hallelujah it's the end! I've never been so happy in my life and I'm so very, very glad this book series has ended. Now where is the confetti when I need it? Okay, so, if you haven't read the first 5 books in the Immortals series, then please go back and read them or else you won't - at all - truly understand this book. Sometimes it will get a tad bit confusing. Even if you have read all of the series, then this one I'm afraid is going to be a little I-know-this-already kind of plot. But not to worry readers, you'll be glad to have the series conclusion sealed and delivered. What we know from the previous books (slight spoiler here) is that all the baddies are gone and now it's up to Ever and Damen to decide how to stop Shadowland from eating up the glorious heaven of Summerland. Oh and the fact that Ever is allergic to Damen, a real kicker for their sexual hormones, well that too needs to be solved as well. The antidote thing that is.

It comes no surprise that Ever and Damen's relationship and love for one another was doomed from the beginning. The book quickly goes into their first life together, one before the elixir juice happened, and while it was interesting how it all turned out . . . it lacked the drama I craved for. Like the other books in the series. So, some of you maybe thinking, "What's the difference in this life then the rest?" Well, that my dears . . . in the first lives of Ever and Damen they were NOT immortal. *insert gasp here* From then on you'll connect the dots which will lead you to the conclusion of the series.

One thing let me down: Damen. I always admired him. Maybe not for his choice of girls, but for his way of hoping for the future. This time round he was a complete pansy. The kind to run off when things get too tough for him to deal with. *sigh* Not good my man. As for Ever, while she was . . . let's say a pretty little daisy in a field of anything-is-possible . . . I admit, I was suprised that she took the lead in this novel and made decisions that were good for once in her life. Or should I say "lives." Anyway, when the drama is all over and the pages come to an end, I'm left with a smiley face and completely overjoyed that this is the TRUE END. *finds confetti and sprinkles it on everyone* The end. The end. The end. *sighs and smiles*

The Rating

3/5 stars