Gail Carson Levine has yet another story to add to her already-charming collection of tales. Ever tells the story of Olus, the god of the winds in Akka; and Kezi, a mortal from nearby Hyte who loves dancing and weaving rugs, and must become a human sacrifice to fulfill her father's oath. Despite Kezi's looming death the two fall in love and must undergo a series of quests so that Kezi can become immortal. Questions about the religion and faith are raised throughout the narrative and no answers are given, leaving the reader to explore these issues for themselves.Ever is a bit different from Ella Enchanted and Fairest - while the story has the same feel as these other fractured fairy tales, this is a tale from Levine's own imagination. Ever also contains unique narration as Kezi and Olus take turns telling the story.
Overall Grade: A-
I do have a question for other Gail Carson Levine fans: What do you think of her books' cover art? Personally, I think that it is aesthetically beautiful. However, I usually have a very hard time picturing the girls modeling as the books' heroines as the characters they are supposed to present. For example, I think that "Ella" looks about four years younger on the cover of Ella Enchanted than the 16 that she is for most of the book. I also think that "Kezi" looks a bit too solid and sure of herself on Ever's cover - not fluid like a dancer, or with the uncertainty of someone going through a religious crisis. What do you think? Do you like the covers? Why or why not? Do they affect the way you read the books?
Do you judge books by their covers?
