Everlasting by Angie Frazier Publisher: Scholastic Press (June 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 336 pages Series: Everlasting, book #1 Source: Won Rating 5 of 5 stars
Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.
On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.
The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.
Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.
Review: I will be the first to admit that I am typically not a big historical YA fan, however, Everlasting blew me away! This was so far from the normal stories where the girl is soft spoken and afraid to take chances. I loved this book from the first page!
Everlasting is from the perspective of Camille, a young girl who is engaged to be married in 1855. Before her marriage she decides to take one last voyage on her father's ship. She has always been close to her father and knows she will miss this special time with him. Once they get started she learns of a change in course but she has the utmost trust in her father. One of the crew members on board is Oscar, the young sailor who stole my heart… uhh, I mean Camille's heart.
I enjoyed the playful back and forth banter and slight flirtations between the two. But Camille knows that any respectable young lady must marry more than a sailor and she has just who is best suited for her in Randall, the guy she is set to marry. Angie had this ability of making just the slightest eye contact or touch electrifying between Camille and Oscar. That, along with their journey at sea, helped make this one magical story.
Once the storm comes and Camille loses her father she gains some insight into what he may have been keeping from her and exactly where he had planned to go on their final trip. Determined to finish his wishes Camille goes to places unknown to unlock the secrets.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing, characters, setting, and plot were all exquisitely presented in Everlasting. The chemistry between Camille and Oscar, the love she had for her father, and the world of a sailor were all written with such clarity and warmth that you can't help but get sucked into the story and feel as if you are with them on their journey.
Camille's strength throughout is something to be envied and she is a character I will never forget. The kindness and bravery of Oscar is something I think most girls can't help but swoon over. Even the hilarious moments brought on by a lovely character they meet along the way, adds up to be probably the best historical story I have read and one of the best written stories I have read this year.
Everlasting brings readers on an adventure they will never forget. Passion, determination, and bravery are just a few of the aspects of this story that come through the most. I am sure that The Eternal Sea will not be a disappointing continuation of Camille's quest to discover true happiness.
The Eternal Sea, book #2, will be released June 1st, 2011. Cover art has not been released yet.
Find Angie Frazier Angie Frazier / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads
Purchase Everlasting Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Book Trailer
