Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I loved this little gem of a story that follows a girl who finds her confidence in the most unlikely of places under the sea. It was a great way to introduce us to the world of Everdark which Abi will be writing more of and I am so excited to dive into more. Abi has this way fo creating the most imaginative and insane places to explore which I can never get enough of speaking of Abi where is the sequel to Sky Song I need to know what happens next another of magical but no tropical but snowy lands where things get very dangerous due to someone’s heart.

I love Smudge as I can really resonate with her as my confidence is just hard to come by and I think it will speak to a lot of young girls that is always important to believe in yourself no matter what people say which core message she puts in this story. I love the dynamic between her and Bartholomew it is like a mother and daughter situation where they are constantly bickering about what to do but somehow manage to get places through that. I adore Bartholomew he is the perfect companion and so hilarious because he has the best dialogue and is so witty. Both of them together work perfectly as a team to create a fun and tense atmosphere.

The plot to this little story was thrilling and had tense scary moments in it especially where you realise Bartholomew is while Smudge somewhere else you that is the moment you become really attached to these characters and need to know they are okay. There is something about the mixture of sea creatures and crazy pirates and harpies that just make you hooked to the story plus I liked that she gave a lot of backstory to land.

Basically if your child is a fan of strange and magical places this book is for them and then go onto her next in the series Rumblestar where there are more adventures to go on. I can’t wait to read it. I would recommend this to ages seven/eight upwards and to anyone who is a fan of land of stories and the spiderwick chronicles. It is a hilarious and magical read that leave you wanting to stay.

5 stars

This was a splendid introduction into a magical world full of imagination and creativity. Everdark is a gripping adventure where one girl saves everything all by being herself. A fantastic message for kids and a great start to a series no doubt full of epic adventures.

Quick-paced and exciting, with lots of fantasy flung in, too! I love the varied vocabulary used in all Abi Elphinstone novels, and this one doesn’t disappoint. A lovely message of believing in yourself and friendship underlies the story where Smudge, an unlikely heroine, helps to save the day after the Phoenix fails to rise. I will definitely be recommending it to my class.

The only thing that lets the novel down, as I have found in other novels by the same author, is that sometimes the sentences can be too long-winded with not quite enough punctuation. Nit-picking, but my opinion, nonetheless.

I found this to be a magical book, I mean it has a talking monkey and a self aware ship….and quite a complex plot,

Great characters too like, Bartholemew and Smudge with a great fantasy story with an underlying message of ‘just believe in yourself’......and of self esteem.

Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review.

Sometimes I dabble in books aimed at a younger audience to keep things interesting. This particular book is small, action-packed at aimed at an audience of young kids with stars of adventure in their eyes and a fondness for quirky people and a few big words.

The status quo has been disturbed and an unknown enemy has been released into an approaching night. The plot is simple, the characters minimal and world building enough to keep the interest of children. The 'moral' of the story is simple but profound. Older teens might roll their eyes at the underlying message but I liked the basic simplicity in it.

This was a light, refreshing read which I picked up at an appropriate time. 

P.S: There is magic, associated magical creatures and a crucial quest in this book.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.

LOVED this book - small and perfectly formed. A rip roaring adventure that's full of laughs and danger and overflowing with charm and courage - can't wait to dive into the full length adventure in Rumblestar!

Well written and action-packed. This story is full of magic and it moves along at a fast, cinematic pace. Some kids might find it a little too breathless, rattling along at roller-coaster speed. Others will LOVE it.

Abi Elpinstone's imagination is breathtaking. I got swept up in the magic and devoured Everdark in one sitting!

A magical buzz surges across each page and Elphinstone effortlessly draws the reader into her enchanting world. Adventure packed and fast-paced, even the most reluctant of readers will get sucked into Smudge's journey! With inspiring messages about self-belief, unlikely friendships and the power of never giving up, Everdark is the perfect book to get lost in and fall in love with.

Everdark is the first, short adventure to the promising new series, The Unmapped Chronicle, which will start with Rumplestar, out May 2019. Perfect for fans of Sarah Driver's The Huntress trilogy, Michelle Harrison and Kiran Millwood Hargrave!

An enjoyable short story introducing a new world to readers and a pair of unlikely heroes. It’s a story about persevering against the odds and believing in yourself. Magic charges across the pages and draws the reader into the world. I’m very much looking forward to reading more adventures in the Unmapped Chronicles and to finding out what ‘Onward’ will involve for Smudge and Bartholomew. Abi Elphinstone offers the promise for an exciting new series for middle grade readers!
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e copy this book (I will be adding a physical copy to my collection)

I've read Abi's other middle grade books and loved them and this one did not disappoint! It was action packed all the way through and I really enjoyed it!