Jack is trapped for eternity in the Tunnels while Nikki has managed to evade Cole’s grasp . . . for now. But Cole is more desperate than ever to find answers about Nikki, his best chance for taking over the throne of the underworld. How did she survive the Feed? Can Cole find another Forfeit like her who can survive it too? Cole’s quest leads him to the other side of the world, to a mysterious, dangerous society known as the Delphinians, whose price for information might be higher than Cole can pay—a price that could destroy Nikki. But when Cole attempts to steal the answers instead, his mission ends in disaster. Faced with centuries in a Delphinian dungeon, Cole is confronted with questions he’s been too scared to ask himself: Is he really obsessed with the throne—or is he obsessed with Nikki? And can she really give him a new beginning as the Everneath’s king . . . or will she instead bring about his tragic end? (Goodreads summary)
Ok, so it’s unfair to start this review without first establishing the fact that I am strongly TEAM COLE. I haven’t read Everbound or Evertrue yet, so that may change but I just really love a redeemable character and Cole feels that way to me.
While Jack is good and sweet and has that whole “I’ve loved you since we were kids” thing going for him, he comes across as very blah to me. Cole is more complex, and frankly more confusing. He’s an Everliving. He supposedly doesn’t have any emotions left except what he syphons off of other people. Yet, he has moments of selflessness and genuine tenderness that make me sympathize with him and what I see as his effort to regain some humanity. Sure, he makes selfish decisions and definitely has major flaws of character, but I can’t get over the thought that he can be redeemed.
This particular story takes place between the first two books and centers around Cole’s struggle as wrestles with the question, “Is it the crown he wants or just Nikki?” throughout the story. It’s almost heartbreaking to watch as he tries and fails to nail down his true nature. Sweet Cole…so conflicted he can’t even decide for himself what he feels. It adds a depth to his character and actions that I think truly adds to his complexity and likeability.
Overall, Neverfall was an awesome opportunity to get to know Cole better from inside his head. I liked Cole better than Jack in Everneath, but now I’m thoroughly cheering for him as I go on to Everbound. I hope he doesn’t let me down!
– Necessary? In my opinion, it gives a lot of insight into Cole’s character…so yes!
– POV? Cole
-Where does it fit? Between books 1 and 2
-Prior Knowledge needed? Yes
Title: Neverfall
Series: Everneath (Book #1.5)
Published: Dec. 26, 2012 by Balzer + Bray
Format: 96 pages; ebook
Website: brodiashton.blogspot.com
Source: Library
My rating: 
