Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

Olus, god of winds, youngest god in the kingdom of Akka, is lonely. He finds himself often watching the mortals and wishing to find a friend. This desire brings him to the far-away city of Hyte, where he is employed as a goatherd in the palace official Senats land. However, he finds himself using his winds to watch the sheep, instead spending most of his time observing Senats family, especially his teenage daughter, the weaver and dancer Kezi.

For Kezi, things are looking down. First her mati is deathly sick, then her padu offers a human sacrifice to the almight god, Admat (whom Olus has never heard of). To everyones horror, Kezi is that sacrifice. In thirty days, she must submit herself to Admats temple to be sacrificed to the god, or else he will avenge her family and her descendants forever.

Olus is desperately determined to save the life of the girl he has grown to love. He whisks her off to his home country of Akka, where they declare their love for each other and undergo challenges to prove themselves, he as a champion, and she as a heroine. For only if they pass their tests may Kezi have a chance to be immortal and thus save her life. The stakes are high, and the chances of success slim, but Olus and Kezis love for one another will hopefully churn out a happy ending.

While far from being her strongest book, EVER is nevertheless an enjoyable light fantasy read. Elementary school or middle school kids in particular may be attracted to Kezi and Olus story as one of the power of love to triumph over fate itself.