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Everlasting (Everlasting #1)

by Angie Frazier (Goodreads Author)

3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 · rating details · 1,227 ratings · 259 reviews

Sailing aboard her father's ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a lady in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn't love in order to preseve her social standing. On her last voyage before the wedding, Camille learns the mother she has always believed dead is in fact alive and in Australia. When their Sydney-bound ship g...more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published June 1st 2010 by Scholastic Press

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Aug 16, 2009 Angie marked it as to-read · (Review from the author)

I really don't need to read this book again...considering I have it practically memorized at this point :-) Just wanted to celebrate it's appearance on Goodreads!

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May 24, 2010 JG (The Introverted Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4_stars, arc, author_american, covers_i_like, fantasy, fiction, historical_fantasy, just_plain_fun, read_in_2010, reviewed, setting_australia, young_adult

Camille Rowen is engaged to Randall Jackson, the most eligible bachelor in San Francisco. So why doesn't she feel anything when he kisses her? And why is she so excited to go on one last voyage with her sea captain father? Could it have anything to do with handsome, inappropriate Oscar Kildare? And why does her father announce that they'll be sailing into a different port halfway through their trip?

I enjoyed myself so much reading this fun YA novel! Camille is a feisty, likable heroine; Oscar is...more

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Sep 04, 2010 BOOK BUTTERFLY rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wish-list

BOOK OPENING:

Camille clicked the latches down on her trunk and glanced out her bedroom window.

White haze choked the small seaport, and the fog bells sounding across the bay echoed in her chest. Fitting weather to mark the death of her freedom.

NOTABLE SCENE:

Oscar flinched and stared at her. "What did you say?"

Camille set the glass down. "Uman-"

"No!" He held his finger up to his mouth to shush her. "Don't say it."

"Why not?" she asked. "Have you heard of it?"

The wind picked up, and tree br...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

In 1865, 17-year-old Camille Rowen is going on one last sea voyage before her arranged marriage. En route to Australia, Camille discovers a mysterious letter and an enchanted map left by her mother.

Shortly after, a storm causes her to become shipwrecked and her father to drown. Stranded in Melbourne with the ship's first mate, her real love, the two set out for Port Adelaide to find her mother, whom she had believed to be dead.

Camille soon finds herself on...more

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May 13, 2010 Lena ♫ ♪ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

I was really looking forward to reading this. I wanted to love it, but in the end, only liked it. I guess historical YA isn't my cup of tea. I don't know. It's beautifully written, but I couldn't really get into it. The whole 1800s genre was difficult for me to comprehend and the pacing was a little slow for my taste.

While I did enjoy it, I just felt like there are better reads out there. Don't get me wrong, some people will love Everlasting. It'll appeal to some and not others. I'm somewhere in...more

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Jan 28, 2010 Cialina (Muggle-Born) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-at-internship, owned, favorites, signed

Everlasting was addicting. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I thought it would turn out as the stereotypical historical romance but it turned out much more than that much to my pleasure. It was a whirlwind of adventure and mystery. I love how Angie Frazier tells the story, taking me through twists and turns as the secrets were uncovered. In addition, Frazier creates beautiful chemistry between Oscar and Camille and spins a wonderful dynamic between the two of them. After reading t...more

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May 14, 2012 Chloe Grace rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an AMAZING book. I love it so much. It is beautifully written, very well put together, and the plot is just magnificent. Everlasting is my all-time favorite book, and I recommend it to my friends all the time.
Angie Frazier did a positively marvelous job. She has unbelievable writing skills, an extreme talent, that pulls you in, not allowing you put the book down. The pages continue to turn. And every time it turns, you love the book even more.
As you read about Camille's adventures, you...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Everlasting by Angie Frazier is the story of Camille, a 17-year-old girl living with her father in San Francisco. She is engaged to Randall whom she does not love, but has the funds to save her father’s shipping company.

On her final sea voyage with her father before the wedding, Camille finds a letter in his possession that reveals a secret that he had been keeping from her. Soon after reading the letter Camille begins hearing voices and the word “Umandu” and seeing a vision of a skeletal face,...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Whatchyareading added it

Shelves: caitlin, historical, young-adult, series

I’ve heard a lot of comparisons between this book and Indiana Jones. And I must say, I totally agree.

Indiana Jones1 was never going to win Best Picture from the Academy but they were always super fun, and the type of movies you could watch over and over again. So, too, was this book.

Camille is the daughter of a well-off man who owns a shipping company in San Fransisco in the late 1800s. She’s been raised on ships, she loves sailing, and all things to do with the sea. She is quite put out by the...more I’ve heard a lot of comparisons between this book and Indiana Jones. And I must say, I totally agree.

Indiana Jones1 was never going to win Best Picture from the Academy but they were always super fun, and the type of movies you could watch over and over again. So, too, was this book.

Camille is the daughter of a well-off man who owns a shipping company in San Fransisco in the late 1800s. She’s been raised on ships, she loves sailing, and all things to do with the sea. She is quite put out by the prospect of her upcoming marriage and that she will no longer be able to sail.

Camille is such a great lead. Fun, spirited, determined. But not perfect. She makes mistakes and messes things up and keeps things interesting. And she wishes so hard to be the girl her father wants her to be and at the same time wishes that her father, and society, could just accept her the way she is. She was also a girl of action, which I really liked. When her father dies at the beginning she doesn’t wallow or bemoan her fate, she sets a course of action and sticks to it. Even when common sense says she should turn back.

Camille’s two travelling campanions, Oscar and Ira, were fun and while Ira was probably my favourite character, I really enjoyed Oscar as a love interest. As Camille’s father had rescued him from a life of poverty you could tell that he wanted to respect the old man’s wishes and standby while Camille married someone rich and respectable. But you could also tell that Oscar loved Camille and probably had for years. His struggle and devotion to Camille was sweet and endearing without making him a pansy, as it were.

I liked Ira because he was simple and fun.

This was one of those books where the characters were so well constructed that I could see scenes that weren’t in the book. Does that make sense? Their motivations, personalities, and actions all fit together so well that I could readily imagine events leading up to the book that put all the characters in the places they were.

My favourite thing about the plot was how it wasn’t really a fantasy. There was a fantastical element but it didn’t change the way everyone viewed the world. And I had the feeling that after everything was over all of the characters went back to a normal life without thinking of the existence of magical things. If I had to classify it as anything, I would call it a quest novel. As it is the journey that is important, not the magic or the action, although those two things are there as well.

Throughout the book Camille is trying to make a choice between two individuals and, I have to be rather vague about this as I don’t want to give anything away, I liked how the end revealed to her that she had been thinking about the two choices in the wrong way. It wasn’t a choice between marrying this man or marrying this other man. It was a choice about who she was and how she was going to live her life.

Also, as a warning, there is a scene in this book with giant spiders. Like…the stuff of nightmares. That scene was very disturbing for me. *shudder*

Reviewed on WhatchYAreading on September 20, 2010.(less)

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Feb 02, 2011 J.Elle rated it 2 of 5 stars

This had so much promise, but then ended up erring a little too far on the side of strange. Camille is betrothed to Randall who is a great catch but totally boring. She spends all the time they have together trying to drum up any feelings for him. Before their wedding, she leaves for one last sea adventure with her captain father. Enter the required real love interest in Oscar, one of the sailors on her father’s ship who Camille has grown up with. Unfortunately, not long after setting sail, they...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

Set in 1855, Everlasting is a wonderful historical fiction, with a sweet love story at the heart of it. Filled with an adventure that starts in San Francisco, continues on the high seas and ends in Australia, Everlasting has the perfect blends of romance, beautiful historical settings and a wonderful mythology that will leave you wanting more.

I really liked our main character, 17 year old Camille. She's grown up sailing on her father's ship and is preparing to go on her last sailing with her fa...more Set in 1855, Everlasting is a wonderful historical fiction, with a sweet love story at the heart of it. Filled with an adventure that starts in San Francisco, continues on the high seas and ends in Australia, Everlasting has the perfect blends of romance, beautiful historical settings and a wonderful mythology that will leave you wanting more.

I really liked our main character, 17 year old Camille. She's grown up sailing on her father's ship and is preparing to go on her last sailing with her father. As Camille is looking forward to this last trip with her father, she's also contemplating her engagement to Randall Jackson. While she loves him, she's not in love with him. That fire she wants to feel when she's with him isn't there, but it's there with Oscar. Oscar has been apart of her father's crew for the past couple years. There's an undeniable connection between Camille and Oscar, but by society standards, they'll never be together. Camille is torn between honoring her father's wishes, which is honoring her family's name, and following her own path, which is following her heart.

After tragedy strikes their ship at sea, Camille is left with trying to make sense of the secrets her father kept from her and soon finds her self on an adventure of a life time. With Oscar by her side, she sets off to find what her father was coming to Australia for. Their adventure is full of danger and with the help of Ira, their loyal and hilarious side kick they meet in Australia, they may be able to find what they're looking for before it's too late. Camille seems to have an ancient curse on her that keeps getting them in trouble and in near death circumstances. Is it really a curse, or a warning of horrible things to come?

With a majority of the book set in Australia, I really enjoyed reading about their adventures in the outback, on the sea, and in the port side towns. Angie did a brilliant job at wrapping me up in her story of love, life and adventure in 1855. The characters are real, the love story believable and the adventure we go on with them is engaging. This story has no shortage of all the elements I enjoy in a good book. The ending was great and I really hope there will be more books to follow.(less)

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Nov 15, 2010 D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

In today's world of Young Adult novels, there's no shortage of the supernatural. Oftentimes the same basic storyline displays itself across the shelves of our local bookstores. The names have been changed, but the story remains the same: normal teenage girl falls for otherworldly beautiful boy. Vampires, werewolves and witches run rampant across every aisle (not that there's anything wrong with that). ;)

And then there's this story.

Too beautiful to give it the same normal title as "book", this t...more In today's world of Young Adult novels, there's no shortage of the supernatural. Oftentimes the same basic storyline displays itself across the shelves of our local bookstores. The names have been changed, but the story remains the same: normal teenage girl falls for otherworldly beautiful boy. Vampires, werewolves and witches run rampant across every aisle (not that there's anything wrong with that). ;)

And then there's this story.

Too beautiful to give it the same normal title as "book", this tale weaves itself into an amazing adventure, with so many twists and turns and beautiful characters, that before you've gotten to the ninth chapter, you've found that its wound its way directly into your heart.

Angie Frazier has created a tender, romantic, thrilling, fun, heart-wrenching novel.

This is the type of book that you yearn for as you search through shelves upon shelves of selections at the library. This is the type of book that began your desire to read fiction in the first place. Everlasting is a charming, overwhelmingly emotional journey through the life of, yes, a teenage girl. And that is where he similarities with all the other supernatural novels ends.

Camille has but two loves: her father and the sea. Now, at the age of seventeen, and with an impending wedding coming up, she is faced with the difficult choice of letting one of those go. With her last and final voyage with her father, Camille feels she is ready to come to terms with what her new adult life will hold. But can she truly say goodbye to the thrill of the open sea, or to her friendship with Oscar, the young man who her father rescued from the streets years before?

As it turns out, Camille learns that sometimes in life, the important decisions are made for you. And with everything else, you just have to let your heart be your guide.

Camille is a strong, brave, unselfish, headstrong heroine. Her every action revolves around how it will affect others around her. She's caring and loving - but isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in. I loved her from the first page. The supporting characters are just as complex and beautiful.

As far as plot, I will not reveal a thing - I don't want to ruin it - but trust me, this story is brilliant. And it's filled with all the supernatural goodness we've come to love. I cannot wait for the second installment.

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Oct 14, 2010 Kari rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Poignant and historically realistic, Everlasting is a great mix of love and adventure. The time period setting is made clear from the start but is portrayed in a way that reads smoothly and any reader can understand and follow. A range of characters and vivid settings help bring out the overall fantastic nature of this book.

Camille is a strong character, particularly for her time period. Having lost her mother at an early age, she is used to spending months at sea aboard her father's ship. She l...more
Poignant and historically realistic, Everlasting is a great mix of love and adventure. The time period setting is made clear from the start but is portrayed in a way that reads smoothly and any reader can understand and follow. A range of characters and vivid settings help bring out the overall fantastic nature of this book.

Camille is a strong character, particularly for her time period. Having lost her mother at an early age, she is used to spending months at sea aboard her father's ship. She loves the freedom and the water and doesn't mind helping with the grunt work. Despite this, Camille is still a relatively sheltered young woman and this aspect shows in certain areas of naivety which adds an overall realistic effect. She is passively defiant yet passionate about many things. Her rationalizations and motivations hold true to not only her age but also her time period. Though she is set to wed, it is expected of her in the time period and that engagement causes a certain amount of strife for her.

Oscar complements Camille fantastically. He is quietly controlled but quick with the quips and has plenty of sarcasm in him. His life is far different from what Camille knows but they are united in their love for both her father and the sea. The chemistry between them is clear from the start but watching it grow as they endure everything throughout this book adds another great element. Oscar has his weaknesses and flaws but overall, he reads as smoothly as Camille and both are highly likable characters.

Apart from these two characters, Frazier includes a handful of minor characters who are all very well developed despite their lesser roles. Lucius is a bit of a snot and though he is easily written off, Frazier writes him in a manner that made me question his back story and the psychology behind him. He holds enough framework to have bigger roles in the next book in this set or even his own spin off. Samuel also has a subtle complexity, and the stark contrast between the way he grew up and how Camille grew up adds another level to both characters. Ira plays a bigger role than either of these and is a huge source of humor throughout the book, as well as adds a lot to the progression of the plot. Ira just might be my favorite character from the way he talks and acts to the outrageous things he says and the way his mind seems to work.

Fantastic array of characters aside, the plot is also noteworthy. With several different elements and arcs, there is plenty to keep the reader interested throughout the book. Oscar and Camille’s romance is played out so true to the times (despite the engagement and yes, Camille does feel turmoil and guilt over that) and Frazier handles it splendidly. Though Randall, her fiance, is only present at the beginning, he holds a constant subtle presence throughout the book. The reader gets a brief glimpse at the two together at the start of the book, setting a certain tone throughout and also adds to the hintingly taboo nature of her feelings for Oscar. The search for the stone leads the pair through a variety of settings and introduces new characters and events to the book. Camille’s personality and the way she reacts to different settings is certainly portrayed, each one building on the last new reveal. With several plot twists that are hard to predict and told in an authentic voice, Everlasting is a great romantic adventure.

From housing to a street market to life on a boat, Frazier depicts every setting individually and with vivid detail. She pulls the character into the time and place and puts them right beside Camille. Believable reactions and a very beautiful prose also add to the overall nature of this book. Even for those who shy away from historical books, Everlasting is a great pick. Frazier doesn’t bog the reader with old time speak, add a certain modernized element but still keeps it in line with the time period. The ending ties up much of this book, letting it stand alone but leaves a few things lingering to lead into a second installment. Even if a second book doesn’t pan out, the reader simply has things to muse about, ensuring this book will stay with them.

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Aug 01, 2010 Gemma rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was more of a combo-pack of several other stories than its own individual stories. It was kind of like combining several of your favorite foods, only to figure out that they don't taste so good together. Not horrible, but not as good as they are individually.

We have a mix of Pirates of the Caribbean, Indianna Jones and the Last Crusade and Princess Bride. We have Camille and Oscar (a carbon copy of Elizabeth and Will, right up to the similar, faithful good-hearted personalities) of Pi...more

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Jul 21, 2010 K. Bird rated it 3 of 5 stars

***I read an Advanced Reader Copy edition of this book***

Camille is going for one, last trip with her father on one of their shipping lines before facing marriage to a wealthy and eligible man in San Francisco society.

A storm changes all her plans.

Along with Oscar, the not-so-eligible, but ever-so-much-more-attractive first mate, they will weather thugs, Australian outback, and magic to find Camille's birth mother and Umandu, a mythical stone.

I never got into this book very deeply. At first look...more

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Apr 05, 2010 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has always loved adventure. That’s why she enjoys sailing on her father’s ships so much—and dreads her upcoming marriage. To Camille, marrying a wealthy man for the sake of society means losing her freedom, even if it could save her father and herself from economic ruin. So Camille makes her choice, but on her final voyage, confronted by family secrets and betrayals, she starts to reconsider that choice. It helps that her father’s handsome first mate Oscar is alw...more Seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has always loved adventure. That’s why she enjoys sailing on her father’s ships so much—and dreads her upcoming marriage. To Camille, marrying a wealthy man for the sake of society means losing her freedom, even if it could save her father and herself from economic ruin. So Camille makes her choice, but on her final voyage, confronted by family secrets and betrayals, she starts to reconsider that choice. It helps that her father’s handsome first mate Oscar is always around, an unconscious comfort to her. When Camille’s father dies in a terrible storm at sea and she and Oscar are left among the few survivors, Camille is presented when another set of choices: return home to San Francisco and save her father’s business or run off to Australia to pursue her father’s secrets and an ancient magic that could bring her father back from his watery grave. Camille’s choice is the beginning of a perilous journey in which she’ll learn about life, love, and what truly matters most.

Everlasting has all the makings of a great pirate or perhaps Wild West tale with threats around every turn—minus the pirates and outlaws. But that’s probably what makes this novel so memorable. This story is one of adventure, both on the high seas and across rugged terrain, all set in 1855. The historical angle of this novel adds so much to the story, especially in the way of societal standards and gender roles. All this combined with some rather vivid sailors’ myths defines this wonderful story. The effect is quite incredible. Female readers in particular will be able to appreciate heroine Camille’s struggle between duty and a desire for adventure, but everyone will be swept up in this imaginative and enthralling tale of myth, magic, and romance. I have to admit that I’m quite smitten with Everlasting and definitely hope there will be more to Camille’s story.

This lovely debut should not be missed by fans of The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King, To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker, and Raiders’ Ransom by Emily Diamand. I greatly look forward to more from Frazier.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Apr 01, 2010 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Camille Rowen has always been a shipman's daughter, sailing with her father on his ships. But in 1855, a woman's place is not on a ship -- it's with a husband and Camille is engaged. Allowing his daughter one last voyage before her wedding, Camille sets off towards Australia. But what awaits Camille is not what it seems – beyond her sights there are secrets, a mysterious curse, despair, and a different life than she ever imagined.

I don’t really read a lot of historical fiction, but I was willin...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Brenda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Boy oh boy did I love this book! It had a little Pirates meets Indiana Jones with a little Romancing the Stone thrown in. Angie Frazier told an exceptional story that was character driven, full of suspense and thoroughly entertaining. I loved how strong and brave Camille is. She recognizes things within herself and is constantly wondering about the choices she is making. She doesn't take any guff from any of the sailors, yet is quite conforming to the wishes of her father and society. Enter Osca...more

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Mar 15, 2010 Meghan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010, fantasy, historical, ya

In my opinion, there are not enough historical fiction books with fantasy elements out there, and some of the ones that are out there are a bit disappointing. This book is not one of the disappointing ones. It was a quick (since it's YA) and fun read.

Everlasting's strongest point, in my opinion, was its characters, especially the heroine. Camille is a girl who wants more than the life society would offer her. Having spent the first 17 years of her life sailing on her father's ships, she's not qu...more In my opinion, there are not enough historical fiction books with fantasy elements out there, and some of the ones that are out there are a bit disappointing. This book is not one of the disappointing ones. It was a quick (since it's YA) and fun read.

Everlasting's strongest point, in my opinion, was its characters, especially the heroine. Camille is a girl who wants more than the life society would offer her. Having spent the first 17 years of her life sailing on her father's ships, she's not quite ready to settle down with a man she hasn't even gotten a chance to know. (Especially because of her attraction to Oscar, a sailor on her father's ships who is better suited to her personality, if not her station in life.) I think writing teenagers can be difficult, but Camille was both believable and sympathetic.

The romance is secondary to the characters' adventures across Australia and the Pacific Ocean, and seems like it develops organically from their situation. Oscar and Camille are two people who know each other very well, like each other, and also have strong chemistry; removed from the constraints of society and the view of a watchful father, they finally have the freedom to figure out exactly how they feel about each other. It's compelling, and there are some genuine "tug on your heartstrings" moments. They also pass my main test for whether I believe a romantic relationship deserves to survive: when there is a fight or a misunderstanding, they talk it out within a reasonable amount of time instead of stewing in their anger for chapters and chapters.

As for the actual adventure plot, it's interesting, with many moments of genuine suspense. There were a few loose ends at the end of the book, but they seemed like they were there to set up a possible sequel. Part of what made the plot interesting, to me, was the unique setting for their adventures. I don't know enough to vouch for the historical accuracy, but the author made it easy to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the Australia of that time period.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Everlasting. I would recommend it to teens and fans of YA, or just anyone looking for a fun, light read.(less)

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Jun 02, 2011 Anita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book, ya-romance, ya-fantasy-paranormal

GENRE: Young Adult – Mildly Paranormal
FORM: Book
SERIES: Everlasting – Book 1

SYNOPSIS: Camille is the daughter of a sea captain. She was raised, by her father alone, at sea and has not had to endure the “society” as other ladies her age have, and has no interest in such a boring life. However, because her father wishes her to be a proper lady and at the hope that she will eventually feel a spark of romance, Camille has agreed to marry Randall Jackson.

But before the wedding and the new life, Camil...more

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Mar 13, 2011 bjneary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, psla-2010, historical-fiction, ya

Camille is a seventeen year old girl living in San Francisco with her father in 1855. Her father is a sailor and because her mother is dead, she goes with her father on all of his excursions. But now Camille must marry a young bachelor she doesn’t love and begin her life as a “lady.” But first she is going on one last journey with her dad and his crew, including Oscar, her father’s first mate and someone Camille can’t keep her mind off of. But tragedy strikes on the sea when a storm kills her fa...more

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Feb 12, 2011 Myranda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-my-bookshelf, favorites

Read the full review here

I can not believe their isn't much hype about this book! Everlasting was a great read. Angie did and excellent job tying in just the right amount of romance, mystery, and adventure. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, and flipping pages as fast as you can!

Camille is a very likable character. She doesn't care what people think about her. She just wants to so what she loves, which is sailing the blue oceans. Oscar is just oh so dreamy! And he has a past! :0...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Sandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: can-t-stop-thinking-about, chemistry-sigh, premise-i-love, settings-i-love, read-in-2010, i-own

A hidden gem! Adventure and romance combine for an historical fiction thrill ride!

This is a hidden gem of a book. Why haven't we heard more about this one? It combines adventure, romance, and a touch of mysticism into a meticulously researched historical fiction thrill ride. I LOVED IT.

I picked up this book on a whim at the library. I was so intrigued by the jacket flap that I found myself glancing through the pages at the red light by the library's parking lot and every red light thereafter. I...more A hidden gem! Adventure and romance combine for an historical fiction thrill ride!

This is a hidden gem of a book. Why haven't we heard more about this one? It combines adventure, romance, and a touch of mysticism into a meticulously researched historical fiction thrill ride. I LOVED IT.

I picked up this book on a whim at the library. I was so intrigued by the jacket flap that I found myself glancing through the pages at the red light by the library's parking lot and every red light thereafter. I couldn't put it down! (Yes, I know--totally not safe.) I couldn't wait to get home and immerse myself in this book. This was another "I read it in one night because it was THAT good!" book. IEverlasting felt unique and refreshing. I wish it had a different title to reflect just how special this tale was. The title "Everlasting" makes it seem so generic--too much like every other teen book published this year with all of these "ever" and "never" and "forever" type titles (I can't keep them straight!). This book was anything but generic--it had a riveting plot, steal-your-breath romance, and exceptional characterization.

Angie Frazier's writing and research shine throughout this brilliant novel. Her cast of characters is delightful, from the dashing Oscar with his charm and loyalty to the loveable con-man Ira with his wit and humor. Her settings are lush and enthralling, from the high seas to the Australian Outback. Unlike so many other novels with their "I loved you for no reason the moment I saw you," Angie creates a simmering romance between Camille and Oscar that gradually intensifies throughout the novel. I was enthralled as I watched the romance unfold--the tender moments and little touches and longing looks had me hooked! I love that Angie let the love simmer--it creates so much delicious romantic tension as a companion for all of the adventure.

With equal parts adventure and romance, Everlasting is sensational! This novel is bursting with plot and adventure with just the right amount of romance to spice things up. I felt like I was reading Romancing the Stone and Pirates of the Caribbean mashed into one enrapturing historical fiction gem.(less)

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Dec 03, 2010 Kelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Everlasting was a beautifully written and intriguing debut novel that left me anxious for the sequel!

For starters, Camille was a fantastic main character. Her bravery, determination, and independence shown from the pages and I loved how she always stood up for what she believed in. Considering she lived in the 1800s life wasn't always easy for women, but she managed to keep her life exciting by traveling with her father as he navigates the world on his trade ship. I would have loved to read abou...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Rachel Hanville rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-paranormal-and-fantasy-challen, quarterly-challenge-9-march-1-20

Camille is going to be married to Randall Jackson who is a good man but who Camille also has no chemistry, even though she wishes she did. However, she knows that she must marry him. That doesn't stop her from being excited to go on one last sea voyage with her father and Oscar, one of the sailers on her father's ship. However, before they can reach their destination, Camille discovers a horrible secret that might change everything.

I liked some of the plot twists in this novel, especially the o...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Kirsten rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: g-romance, stats-rezensionsexemplar, g-young-adult, 2013-reads, stats-series, g-realistic-fiction, g-historical

Camille ist siebzehn und mit dem gutaussehenden und wohlhabenden Randall verlobt, der sich sehr zu ihrer Überraschung plötzlich für sie interessiert hat, obwohl (oder eben gerade weil) sie ganz anders ist, als die anderen Mädchen des San Francisco um 1855. Doch trotz dieser vielversprechenden Partie ist Camille nicht wirklich glücklich, denn ihr fehlt das entscheidende Kribbeln im Bauch, welches sie nur hat, wenn sie mit Oskar zusammen ist. Nur ist dessen gesellschaftlicher Rang für ihren Stand...more Camille ist siebzehn und mit dem gutaussehenden und wohlhabenden Randall verlobt, der sich sehr zu ihrer Überraschung plötzlich für sie interessiert hat, obwohl (oder eben gerade weil) sie ganz anders ist, als die anderen Mädchen des San Francisco um 1855. Doch trotz dieser vielversprechenden Partie ist Camille nicht wirklich glücklich, denn ihr fehlt das entscheidende Kribbeln im Bauch, welches sie nur hat, wenn sie mit Oskar zusammen ist. Nur ist dessen gesellschaftlicher Rang für ihren Stand nicht hoch genug, so dass ihr Vater einer Beziehung nie zustimmen würde.

Kurz vor der Hochzeit fährt Camille dann ein letztes Mal mit ihrem Vater zur See und auf dieser Reise verändert sich ihr Leben grundlegend.
Ich hatte leider wirklich einige Probleme mich mit diesem Buch anzufreunden. Dies lag wohl vor allem daran, dass ich mit einem realistischen historischen Roman gerechnet habe. Dieses Buch bietet jedoch einen ordentlichen Fantasyanteil, mit dem ich mich jedoch nur schwer anfreunden konnte. Den Kern bildet hierbei ein alter Fluch, der sich durch die gesamte Handlung zieht und so immer wieder für mystische Elemente sorgt.

Das Buch liest sich sehr flott und ist wirklich kurzweilig. Der sehr bildreiche Schreibstil schafft es dabei eine stimmige Atmosphäre zu schaffen. Man hat Camille und ihre Umgebung beim Lesen also klar vor Augen. Die Handlung selbst ist sehr geradlinig und wirklich unerwartete Wendungen oder Handlungstränge gab es nicht.
Dafür besitzt das Buch dann aber doch ein wenig Indianer Jones Charakter. Den Großteil des Buches spielt dabei gar nicht auf offener See sondern im australischen Busch. Dies war für mich zugegebener Maßen eine Überraschung und hat mir auch recht gut gefallen, auch wenn ich bis zum Ende hin etwas Probleme damit hatte, mich auf diese Art der Handlung zu gewöhnen, denn mit einer solchen Geschichte habe ich schlicht und einfach nicht gerechnet.

Die Charaktere sind sehr unterschiedlich und wirken selten stereotyp, auch wenn sie für mich keine wirklich einzigartigen Eigenschaften aufweisen. Vielmehr passen sie gut in das Buch, das mehr unterhalten, als zum Nachdenken anregen will. In diesem Sinne eine vollkommen stimmige Konstellation, die einen oft ein Schmunzeln abringt. Da es sich allerdings um recht typische Abenteuercharaktere handelt, denen man in ähnlicher Form auch schon mal irgendwann irgendwo begegnet ist, fiel es mir schwer eine wirkliche Beziehung zu ihnen aufzubauen und wirklich mitzufiebern.

Die Geschichte war für mich zwar nicht extrem spannend und an einigen Stellen sogar vorhersehbar, dennoch schafft sie es zum Ende mit gesteigertem Tempo für Neugier zu sorgen. Auch wenn sich die Ereignisse am Ende etwas überrennen und dadurch leicht gehetzt wirken bin ich nun doch neugierig auf den Zweiten Band. Wer will, könnte das Buch wohl aber auch als Einzelband mit leicht offenen Ende lesen.

Fazit:
Ein durchaus lesenswerter Jugendromen mit einer guten Mischung aus Action, Humor und Liebe. Ich hatte etwas vollkommen anderes erwartet und habe es über die gesamte Geschichte nicht geschafft eine wirkliche Verbindung zu den Charakteren aufzubauen, daher empfehle ich dieses Buch vor allem jüngeren Lesern, die eine schöne Abenteuergeschichte mit weiblicher Heldin und einigem Witz lesen wollen!

Wertung: 3 Punkte
Wahrscheinlich nicht jedermanns Geschmack, aber kurzweilig und daher lesenswert!(less)

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Oct 05, 2010 Vicki rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, historical-fiction, good-for-girls, young-adult-books

Everything about this book should have put me over the top gaga for it -- historical fiction, an ocean voyage, loving the person you shouldn't love, meeting a long-lost relative. All of the right things were in here. But for me, it all somehow fell flat. The ingredients were right, but the execution was wrong. In my view, anyway.

There are just too many things that don't really seem to ring true -- the heroine finds herself face to face with a dangerous enemy, but he just lets her skip away, tau...more

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Aug 24, 2010 Melody rated it 3 of 5 stars

This story is set during the 1850s of San Francisco. 17-year-old Camille Rowen is the daughter of a sea captain and while other ladies her age care about stepping into the glittering society, her main interest remains travelling aboard in her father's ship. However, her father wishes her to take on the role of a proper lady so she is set to marry a young man whom her father has businesses with. As much as Camille likes Randall, she doesn't feel any sparks with him and this makes her wonder if sh...more This story is set during the 1850s of San Francisco. 17-year-old Camille Rowen is the daughter of a sea captain and while other ladies her age care about stepping into the glittering society, her main interest remains travelling aboard in her father's ship. However, her father wishes her to take on the role of a proper lady so she is set to marry a young man whom her father has businesses with. As much as Camille likes Randall, she doesn't feel any sparks with him and this makes her wonder if she has any feelings for him.

During her last voyage to Australia before the wedding, she stumbled upon a letter addressed to her father. It was sent from her supposedly dead mother and Camille couldn't understand why her father had kept this secret from her all these years. Needless to say, she felt cheated and angry. However, there is a reason behind her mother's letter and her father intends to follow her wishes and that explains their route to Australia, where her mother is now residing. Camille has learned about a map in her mother's possession but what she didn't know is this will lead them to a magical stone which is believed to be able to bring a dead person to life. Unfortunately, they are not the only one who knew about the map and the stone but what most hurt Camille's heart is she has lost her father to a storm.

Saddened by this, she travels to Port Adelaide with the company of Oscar, a young sailor who's been her father's assistant all this while ever since her father had took him under his wing many years ago. Camille and Oscar have been drawn to each other way earlier, but alas their status difference stands in the way and moreover Camille's father needs Randall's financial assistance to help getting through all his financial woes. Now with Randall so far away and the adventure and mishaps set in front of them, these have further brought Camille and Oscar closer. Camille has hoped to find the magical stone first before the others so that her father could be saved, if the legend is true.

Everlasting is an interesting adventure story with a romance element to it, however I felt this story didn't captivate me as much as I had first anticipated. Let me start off by saying that I absolutely liked the plot. I found it fascinating; it reminds me of a treasure hunt story but it was to my great disappointment that the hunt didn't happen until towards the last quarter of the story and it felt rushed in my opinion. I could feel there was absolute attraction between Camille and Oscar, but it wasn't intense and most of the times they seem to have different opinions during the adventure which of course isn't a bad thing in my opinion, but at some point it had made me doubtful about his intention.

Another thing I felt disappointed is that there wasn't much explanation about her mother's disappearance and it is rather more of a telling than showing method. Also, I felt there wasn't any closure regarding her relationship with Randall towards the end although deep in my heart I knew that things weren't worked out for them with all the things that had happened. I wanted to love this story, but overall I was just disappointed due to the above reasons. That said, please don't let my opinions deter you from reading this book, after all it is a matter of personal reading preferences and opinions. (less)

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Dec 21, 2010 Katy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? I read it after reading a review on Goodreads and I am so glad I did. The love story here is nothing short of sweet and very entertaining, Frazier could very well have slipped into a Pirates of the Carribean feel but everytime it can close Frazier pulled the story in a different direction. The only thing that kept it from a five star rating was the feeling that Frazier left it open for a second book and I have to take issue with that....more

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May 19, 2011 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Oh was I ever surprised by Everlasting!! I was very skeptical of what this story would produce, I thought it would be a typical historical or fantasy but Everlasting was anything but typical to me. There is a young-girl who loves to sail the seas with her father William and his handsome and distracting first-mate Oscar. She embarks on her last voyage on the sea before she gets married to Randall and that trip changes her life forever.

Angie Frazier has completely peaked my interest in YA Fantasy...more

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About Angie Frazier

Angie Frazier is a writer and mom, a good cook, and a horrible housekeeper. Angie’s debut novel, Everlasting, published by Scholastic Press, is a mixture of everything she loves in a good book: history, mystery, adventure, romance, and fantasy. Her middle grade novel, The Midnight Tunnel: A Suzanna Snow Mystery is a Spring 2011 Kids' Indie Next Pick, and Kirkus has called it "a likely and likable...more

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Quotes from Everlasting

“Life just changes. Like a stormy headwind, Camille thought. First blowing the sails in one direction and then, without warning at all, shifting course.” — 6 people liked it

“She was brave, wasn’t she? Look what she’d done. She hadn’t run back to the safety of San Francisco, but toward something dangerous and unknown. And Oscar had gone with her. He was it, the man she wanted to be with, and not just in sporadic or imagined trysts, Camille slowed her crawling as it dawned on her. She loved him. She loved Oscar Kildare. She loved him enough to give up everything she’d ever known.” — 2 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6699443-everlasting?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1259013863l/6699443.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6699443-everlasting?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Everlasting by Angie Frazier[/url]

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