
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is starting to question the motives of authority figures or struggling with the idea that good people can sometimes make harmful choices. This sequel to Skinjacker continues the story of Nick and Allie as they navigate Everlost, a shadow world for children who did not make it to their final destination. The story dives deep into the seductive nature of power and the complex reality that true justice is rarely black and white. It is a sophisticated supernatural thriller that treats young readers with intellectual respect. While the premise involves ghosts and the afterlife, the emotional core is about the burden of leadership and the importance of staying true to one's conscience even when it is difficult. Parents will appreciate how Shusterman uses a fantasy setting to mirror real-world social hierarchies and peer pressure. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up due to its philosophical weight and some darker imagery, making it a perfect choice for kids who enjoy high-stakes adventure but are ready for more nuanced character development.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewConstant threat of 'fading' or being trapped in the earth permanently.
Some eerie descriptions of the shadow world and the physical sensations of being a ghost.
Themes of being forgotten by the living world and the permanence of death.
The book deals with death and the afterlife through a strictly secular, metaphysical lens. Death is treated as a transition, but the focus is on the 'unfinished' nature of the characters. The approach is metaphorical, using the 'shadow' world to explore identity and permanence. The resolution is realistic and often bittersweet rather than purely hopeful.
A thoughtful 13-year-old who enjoys 'world-building' but is also beginning to notice the flaws in social systems. This is for the reader who liked the action of Percy Jackson but is now looking for something grittier and more psychologically complex.
Parents should be aware of the concept of 'skinjacking,' which involves the possession of living bodies. It is a central plot point that raises questions about consent and bodily autonomy which may require a brief conversation. A parent might notice their child becoming cynical about school leadership or questioning why 'good' characters in movies are allowed to do bad things. This book provides a safe space to explore that disillusionment.
Younger teens will focus on the 'cool' ghostly powers and the adventure. Older teens will pick up on the political allegories, the cult-like behavior of Mary Hightower, and the ethical dilemmas of influence.
Unlike many YA paranormal novels, Everwild avoids the 'star-crossed lovers' trope in favor of a deep exploration of power dynamics and the corrupting nature of influence.
Picking up after the events of Skinjacker, Nick (the Chocolate Ogre) and Allie find themselves on opposite sides of a spectral war. Allie travels with Mikey to find her parents, while Mary Hightower continues her cult-like rule over the 'Afterlights.' The introduction of Milos, a Russian teen with the ability to 'skinjack' or possess the living, adds a layer of moral complexity as the characters grapple with the ethics of manipulating the living world for their own ends.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.