Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier

EVERLASTING by Angie Frazier

Pub. Date: June 01, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Hardcover, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult

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.

Camille Rowen‘s different from other proper ladies in her time period. Exploring foreign lands with her father has deepened her love for sea voyages. Her travels have brought her joy and she’s more intrigued in her voyages than being a proper lady. Back in Camille’s time period, voyages like this were highly unlikely for a woman of her stature. She’s also to be married upon her return from sea. Camille finds herself torn between keeping her promise to her father: marry a man that she does not love or follow her heart. I found myself reveling in Camille’s adventure to seek out answers to the mysteries surrounding her father’s past. Why sit around and drink tea, when you can travel the world and experience firsthand the power of magic.

Frazier captivated me with the setting and imagery in EVERLASTING. I’m a big paranormal fan and I’ve been reading more Historical Fiction as of late and EVERLASTING only proves why I’m falling in love with this genre.

Frazier drew me into her novel with the enticements of romance, mystery, danger, and adventure. The writing was well-paced and Camille’s dangerous adventure of the unknown kept me turning the pages. Camille’s connection with Oscar was delightful. These two were meant to be together. It was the way they looked at each other. The way a touch or an embrace sent shock waves through them. Maybe this was why they kept tip toeing around each other. To sum it up, they had perfect chemistry. Frazier's portrayals of these characters made me want to live in their world even longer.

If you’re looking for a well crafted adventure surrounded by danger, romance, and a magical setting, EVERLASTING will not disappoint. Frazier’s gift for imagery had me feeling like was living in the book right alongside the characters. Frazier won me over with her debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what adventures she takes her readers on next.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars