School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up-The second volume in the series, this fantasy quest delivers both in character development and world-building. After saving the king's life at the conclusion of Ever the Hunted, Britta finds herself linked to the king, aware of his presence and his well-being even as her relationship with Cohen grows. Meanwhile, young Channelers are being kidnapped in Shaerdan, and Cohen fears for Britta's safety, knowing nothing of her special connection with the king. This sequel continues the character development and measured pace of the first installment, and is interspersed with tense action sequences throughout. Additional exposition rounds out the universe described in the first book, while dialogue adds dimension to each of the characters. Three distinct narrators keep readers wondering what will happen next. Intense action scenes create a compelling pace at times, balanced with the slower speed in sections of the narrative. This book is one that is easy to pick up and difficult to put down. Give to fans of Kristin Cashore's "Graceling" trilogy and E.K. Johnston's A Thousand Nights. VERDICT A must-purchase where the first volume is popular.-Jenni Frencham, Columbus Public Library, WI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This sequel to Ever the Hunted finds Britta learning more about her newfound magical powers while navigating her now-uneasy relationship with the king. Although both the characters and the fantasy world they inhabit continue to be well drawn, this series installment suffers from a ponderous opening section as well as a lack of consistent drama and tension throughout. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Britta rescued King Aodren from the clutches of an infamous spiriter at the end of Ever the Hunted (2016), but using her own spiriting powers on the young king left behind an uncomfortable link between them, a link that makes her question her devotion to Cohen. Meanwhile, Aodren is trying to dismantle the damaging policies of his own father's rule, unaware that foes lie waiting in the shadows, which are linked to a string of missing girls in the neighboring kingdom, which Cohen has been investigating. Much of the beginning of the novel is spent developing the relationship drama between Britta and Cohen, which drags down the pace, and Britta's struggle with the source of her magic is disappointingly undeveloped. But Summerill introduces some lively new characters, and the pace picks up considerably when Britta, Cohen, and Aodren are finally in the same place. Though readers hoping for more political intrigue might be disappointed, those thrilled by the simmering (yet fairly chaste) romance between Britta and Cohen will be immensely satisfied by the cliff hanger-free ending.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2018 Booklist
