Everlost

The premise of this novel completely redefines the boundaries of young adult fantasy. Told from the perspective of individuals stuck in a 'limbo' between life and death, Shusterman's work is set in the strange new world of Everlost. When two teens find themselves in Everlost after a car crash, they are forced to confront the fact that they are not dead and or alive. Everlast is an epic reimagining of the afterlife and Shusterman has pulled out all the stops. The protagonists, Allie and Nick, are immediately thrust into the terrifying world of Everlost, meeting other bands of lost children and learning the dangerous art of 'haunting'. Everlost cleverly, and somewhat surprisingly, contains a wide array of well-developed and intriguingly distinctive characters. The magical world that Shusterman creates is melancholic and alive, introducing a new set of rules for the fantasy genre while presenting a seemingly untold take on the afterlife. Boasting at least two villains, this novel is certainly not short on action and danger. Furthermore, Shusterman has ensured that this novel, while seemingly for younger teens, holds a number of emotional themes, addressing the idea of life after death and stressing the importance overcoming adversity. This novel is most definitely a must read for young adults looking for a refreshing yet rewarding fantasy tale.