Into the Hourglass (The Evermore Chronicles #2)

Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen

Rating: really liked it
****4.5 Evermore Stars****

It was a relief to travel back to another realm of the 7 with Everly, Killian and the rest of the adventurers.

I fell into this series to the point where nothing else matters except what is going to happen to Evie and what adventure Father Time is going to send her on next.

Shelley

Rating: really liked it
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Into the Hourglass, by author Emily R. King, is the second installment in the authors The Evermore Chronicles. The story begins about 2 months after the ending of Before the Broken Star. Everley Donovan continues her revenge tour de force against Prince Killian. Killian was swallowed by the beast known as the Terrible Dorcha as well as the ancient sword of Avelyn which is supposed to be Everley's to protect. Without it, she has been told that the 7 other-worlds and the fate of the world hang in the balance.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

Michele

Rating: really liked it
4 1/2 "Adventurous" Stars

Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore series and it was absolutely wonderful. I think that sometimes I enjoy the sequels in a fantasy series more because the majority of the "world building" has already taken place in the first book. I don't know if that is why I enjoyed this one more, but I definitely fell into the storyline very easily and it kept my attention the entire time.

Everley is continuing to chase after Prince Killian in order to exact revenge as well as to retrieve the sword of Avelyn. This time she will journey to different lands and uncover even more secrets. Along the way, Everley's relationship with Jamison continues to develop - - even if she is in denial about her growing feelings most of the time. She continues to tell herself that a girl with a clock heart cannot love. My own heart may have skipped a beat or two when Jamison said “Everley is a person, not a trinket..." I loved that part! Then I equally melted when Everley thought to herself..."If I had a heart of flesh and blood, it would swell." Gah! I just love the two of them so much....admit your love already and let's move along!!!

Seriously, there is just so much I enjoyed about this book: Radella (the sassy little pixie), pirates, giants, mermaids (even though they are called merrows), a giant whale, elves, a sea hag, magical portals, magical spells and so much more. Of course, now I'm waiting for the next book which is due out in December. Notice that I did not say I was "patiently waiting" because I am definitely not patient.... I just can't wait to see what happens next to Everley and her friends.

Thank you to Netgalley and Skyscape Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Erika O'Brien

Rating: really liked it
I am annoyed by how short these books are. Each needs at least 100 more pages to help with the description of the surrounding and pace the action a bit. Especially since there are so many great characters.

I truly love how the relationships between the characters are growing but more pages would only help make them even better.

I am still impressed with the mythology. I truly love this world King created. I can’t wait to see how it ends! These books are made to be devoured by the reader!

LJ

Rating: really liked it
More deception, more discoveries, intriguing and beguiling characters, a strong book two in this engaging series.

This is a well written second book in an emotionally charged trilogy. The world building continues in a creative, meticulous manner as does the story. The cast increases, the action is volatile, explosive and charged, the discoveries and deceptions endless. Smartly paced, a satisfying read, onto book three asap. Well done Emily R King, well done.

Clara

Rating: really liked it
[She finally allows herself to show emotions and feelings towards other people, and don't consider herself a machine anymore. I hated all her thoughts that because she has a machine he

Marta Cox

Rating: really liked it
This is the sequel to Before the Broken Star and sees Everley chasing the sword that was stolen by Prince Killian. Everley is determined to fulfil her promise to Father Time but to do so means she needs to convince those around her that it’s possible to travel to a world under the seas.
As with the previous story it seems that Killian is always one step in front and poor Everley and her friends do seem to be forever playing catch up. I very much enjoyed that we were introduced to new characters particularly Osric and foresee that at some point this journey will see Everley learning a lot more about the world of the Elves . As Everley travels we meet Giants and even Mermaids but it’s the inclusion of those we’ve previously got to know Cat and the Fox that gave this warmth and feeling. Plus a certain Pixie and her attitude just kept me smiling. Alas I cannot divulge what happens but I can say there’s a shocking revelation involving Everleys family and if you thought Killian had a simple plan then you clearly underestimate both him and indeed this author.
My only real issue with this book is that Father Time seems to leave Everley to struggle alone. Although I hasten to add I did truly enjoy this and look forward to traveling again with Everley as her battles with Killian are far from over. This is a vibrant, fascinating world that takes the reader on a journey with characters to cheer for and what more could I want ?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Samantha Hastings

Rating: really liked it
I received an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

Another amazing adventure in the Evermore Chronicles that will keep you guessing until the last page!

What I loved 🖤⚓️🐳:
1. The prologue explains that the sword is really a broken star and Everley thinks she is a broken girl because of her clock heart. Everley’s character development is truly beautiful as she realizes that just because bad things have happened to her—she’s not broken. Her potential is still endless.
2. The fantasy world expands to seven worlds and the reader learns Killian Markham’s true ancestry and villainy. The reader also learns more about Father Time and the different races.
3. Jamison continues to be everything honorable and good. Their romance blooms like a daisy.
4. Laverick and Claret get more page time and they’re both delightful.
5. I loved the theme that time is love and love is time.

I’m SO ready to sail into the final book, Everafter Song!

Melissa

Rating: really liked it
Time and life are gifts we should all treasure

Sometimes I have trouble with what to say about the middle book of a trilogy. I'm usually deep enough into the story by now that I just want to continue to book 3! But I'll mention a few things here first.

This one was quite the whirlwind adventure in a different world! The Land Under the Wave is a harsh world for humans to survive in, and most do not survive for long, between not much land and resources and the merrows trying to lure them to their deaths every night, it's a wonder that any of them survive. And when you add all the dangers with the dangerous mission Everley and her friends have come to this world for, it's almost a shock that any of them makes it to book 3!

Throughout this book, they are trying to retrieve the sword of Avelyn and return home, always running or escaping from something: slavery, elves, giants, pirates, merrows, finpeople, and scariest and most unpredictable of all, Markham. And though we thought we knew who he was and what he was after, that still wasn't the whole story, and he has so much more to his schemes than anyone realized.

Meanwhile, something is wrong with Everley's heart, something that can't be fixed, and she feels now more than ever like something that is broken and fragile and undeserving of love. But she won't give up on her mission from Father Time to retrieve his sword and return home before her broken clock heart gives out. She shows her fortitude and determination (and stubbornness) even more in this book, but she still believes that a person with a clock heart can never truly love or be loved. Even as her feelings for Jamison take shape and their relationship grows, she won't allow herself to hope that they could someday be together, even if they do make it home.

This book gives the reader more insight into what the other world's inhabitants think of humans and of The Land of the Living. It seems that all the other creatures believe that The Land of the Living is wasted on weak and short-lived humans, that their own people should rightfully possess that land, and that humans should be destroyed or at least enslaved. Giants tried to take the world once and were punished for it by the deities, who locked their world, The Silver-Clouded Plain, and trapped them there, never to interact with the other worlds again, and they can't return home if they ever leave or are banished. Elves tried to protect the land against the giants, and so were made stewards of The Land of the Living, though they weren't permitted to live there. They live in The Land of Promise, but consider The Land of the Living as their territory. The finpeople and merrows apparently want to expand their reaches into the oceans of our world as well, and also think that humans don't deserve it.

It's funny to see how everyone despises and envies humans so much for being given the first created world, but they don't appreciate their own worlds that were created uniquely for them. Why does everyone hate the humans so much? Why can't they appreciate their own worlds and be content? And why doesn't anyone understand why humans were given The Land of the Living? Father Time explained it so simply: humans have the shortest lifespan, and so appreciate time and life more than the other original races of elf or giant, and therefore appreciate The Land of the Living more than they would. I think that's a nice reminder to all of us to appreciate the time we are given and live our fullest lives in gratitude for this precious gift. With that, I'll leave you to ponder your life as I return to The Land of the Living in book 3...

Alicia (Alicia Reads It)

Rating: really liked it
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 STARS

After reading the second book in King’s new series, I have come to understand her writing style a bit more. I enjoyed the first book, but I had stated that it started off slow for me. This second book was no exception to that. It started off SO SLOW moving for me. In fact, it didn't really pick up for me until halfway through. That being said, I still enjoyed it.

A few things I really loved in this book...

I still really enjoy the characters, and I loved the world-building. It is very complex. The only thing I don't enjoy as much about the world is how sometimes things 'just happen' and then it's hurriedly explained and we move on. I mean, I understand... magic is magic, but it felt like there weren't many rules to the magic if that makes sense?

I also loved that there was much more action (once the plot ACTUALLY started moving along) in this one than in the first. This meant that it was a more exciting plot, more action-packed scenes, and the plot I feel was more cleverly done with rich descriptions which bring the setting and atmosphere of the book to life. It was a very entertaining read.

So why, you ask did I only give it 3 stars? When I gave the first book 4 stars?

I truly did this because of the info-dumping in the first half. This is a series, so I'm unsure who would truly read the second without reading the first book first? We got repeat information and info of things that happened previously in the first book, so it just didn't feel like it flowed very well from book 1 to book 2. I am of the opinion that info-dumping is a necessary evil in first books, as you need a clear understanding of the world and background. But I feel that this was completely unnecessary for this second book. In fact, this info-dumping is my biggest dislike of this book.

Overall, still a great read, with a wonderful plot. I just wish we could have been pulled into the action earlier on in the book.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Skyscape and Emily R. King for generously providing an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book)

Rating: really liked it



This book has it all: Mermaids, Elves, Giants, Fairies and many more. This is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles and it is as exciting as the first one. Everley Donovan must cross worlds to find the Sword of Avelyn before Prince Killian uses it to destroy another world. She is however facing another challenge. Her clock heart is ticking its last ticks and she must return to her uncle before it beats its last tick.

This series is fantastic. I love the characters and the adventures. It is such an exciting story, full of surprises. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what is next in this saga.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, Brilliance Publishing and Amazon Publishing for sending me a final copy of this exciting book. Into The Hourglass by Emily R. King has just arrived at your favourite bookstore. Go get a copy!

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Amy

Rating: really liked it
My blog: A Magical World of Words

Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

I love King’s writing. I enjoyed it in the first book of this series, and I still do. The only disappointing factor is the dialogue: it’s on-the-nose and dry, pointing out what the story needs to propel it forward, but not delivering entertainment, subtext, or character. I think it’s a pity.
Otherwise, though, King’s prose is lyrical, her descriptions are rich, and the whole book sparkles with a tangible atmosphere.

The world building is good, to an extent. Many details are vague. It’s very complicated, magic is everywhere and anywhere, and bizarre things “just happen”. It’s the way of the world, I suppose - magic is a given - but from what I could see there aren’t many specific parameters. Or if they are, they’re skimped over. In a nutshell: you have to suspend disbelief if you want to be swept away. And don’t ask too many questions.

Two things I loved about this second book is A) the increased action, and B) the complexities of the plot. There are more exciting, action-packed scenes, and the plot has intricate, clever details which pop out in all the right places. This makes the story entertaining and intriguing.

I explained my opinions on the characters in my review of Before The Broken Star, and I won’t repeat them here because I haven’t changed my mind. Basically, the characters are underwhelming. They could be stronger.

Brooke

Rating: really liked it
*Spoilers if you’ve not read the first book*

In this sequel, Everley Donovan plunges into a strange new world to hunt a wicked prince who cheated time. Should she fail, the seven worlds will come to an end, as could time itself. In the Land Under the Wave, Everley’s tragic past resurfaces unsolved questions. She must take back her sword before her time runs out…

I rated the first book in this series 3 stars... and rated this one 4 stars. I think my main issue with the first book was the inconsistent pace and the disconnected feeling between the first part of the book and the second. This sequel definitely felt more cohesive, and the action was overall more prevalent and evenly paced.

Most of the book took place in the Land Under the Wave, which I thought was a very interesting and unique world. I loved the addition of giants, mermaids, sea witches, and elves into the story as well as the magical elements such as the portals. While the plot mostly consisted of Everley and her crew pursuing Killian and always being just one step behind, the twists and informational surprises kept the story exciting and intriguing.

Everley wasn’t my favorite character in the first book, and while I still don’t quite love her, I did appreciate her character development, especially regarding her relationship with Jamison. So far Jamison only feels like a supporting character to me, and I’d love to see some more depth and growth behind his character.

One thing I love about King’s writing is she is immersive with her descriptions, but not overly so. I don’t feel like there’s any info dumping or overly extended explanations, but an adequate picture that builds the world around Everley and her friends. I really enjoyed the ending, and look forward to seeing how the story wraps up with Father Time, Killian, Jamison, etc. in the final book.

Mrs. Kenyon

Rating: really liked it
Everley is on a quest into the otherworlds. Their task … to find the sword of Avelyn that was stolen by Prince Killian. Yes, the same Prince Killian who killed her entire family and left her for dead. If they don’t find the sword in time … the seven worlds will collapse. Like all quests, the path before them is not safe and with her heart clock beginning to fail, Everley wonders if she will even survive this experience. Will Everley be able to retrieve the sword in time? What secrets will she discover along the way?

Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles. King has taken the fantasy world she created in the first book and has expanded it even more. The adventure is high and drama is rampant as Everley sails the high seas and enters forbidden landscapes. The characters learn about the truths behind some myths and everyone must face the unknown head-on. I recommend Into the Hourglass to everyone who has already read Before the Broken Stars. PLEASE … don’t jump into the second book without it.

Iza

Rating: really liked it
This one picks up right where book one ends, so don't read it without having read Before the Broken Star because you won't understand much - and you will miss out on some pretty awesome things.

So without spoiling Into the Hourglass I'll say this: it has The Little Mermaid feels to it, along with some Peter Pan - which I kind of got toward the end of book one.

Are you humming Under the Sea yet?

Jokes aside, it really is another adventure; one against time because of you-know-what regarding Everley - and they have to fight the bad guys and come to terms with many things, including that falling in love is possible.

I want to say that I loved the message this book was sending out. Everley has always felt broken; different from others and knew she would be rejected because of this difference. I'm pretty sure many of us have experienced this - or are still experiencing this - at one point in our lives. I managed to connect with Everley more in this book because of this.

Now, where is a Jamison when you need one? Because really, he's pretty darn perfect. I could write an ode but I won't. I really loved the ending of this book and how things were left. Am really looking forward to reading the final one.

I definitely recommend this author's books. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley and my rating is 4.5 - 5 stars.