Step into the thrilling world of Everlife, where life is just a dress rehearsal and the real adventure begins after death! Gena Showalter’s Everlife series is a young adult fantasy trilogy that whisks readers into a universe where choices shape destinies. Centered on Tenley 'Ten' Lockwood, a fierce teen navigating a war-torn afterlife, this saga blends heart-pounding action, romance, and existential questions that keep you hooked.
With its unique premise of two rival realms—Troika and Myriad—vying for human souls, Everlife explores what it means to choose your path in a cosmos where every decision echoes into eternity. Ready to dive into a world of light, shadow, and sacrifice? Let’s explore this captivating series!
How Everlife Began
Gena Showalter, a New York Times bestselling author known for her paranormal and young adult novels, launched the Everlife series in 2016 with Firstlife. Inspired by her fascination with life-after-death concepts, Showalter crafted a universe where the afterlife isn’t a final destination but a battleground of ideologies. Her goal was to blend high-stakes fantasy with moral dilemmas, creating a story that resonates with teens and adults alike.
Drawing from her experience with series like The White Rabbit Chronicles, Showalter infused Everlife with her signature mix of witty dialogue, complex characters, and intricate world-building. The result? A trilogy that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, published by Harlequin Teen to rave reviews from fans and critics.
The Heart of Everlife
The Everlife trilogy comprises three books: Firstlife (2016), Lifeblood (2017), and Everlife (2018). In Firstlife, we meet Ten, a 17-year-old locked in Prynne Asylum for refusing to pledge her soul to either Troika (a realm of light and equality) or Myriad (a domain of power and indulgence). Her journey to choose a side unfolds amid betrayals and a budding romance with Myriad’s bad boy, Killian Flynn. Lifeblood sees Ten embracing her role as a Troikan Conduit, wielding light to sway humans, while grappling with her connection to Killian. The finale, Everlife, pits Ten against the Prince of Ravens in a quest to unite the realms, with love and sacrifice at stake.
The series shines through its themes of choice, forgiveness, and identity. Showalter’s afterlife is a vivid tapestry—Troika’s radiant equality clashes with Myriad’s shadowy ambition, while the mysterious Many Ends looms for the unpledged. Ten’s obsession with numbers and poetic musings add depth, making her a relatable yet extraordinary heroine. The blend of action, romance, and philosophical undertones creates a style that’s both accessible and profound, appealing to fans of dystopian and fantasy genres.
Showalter’s world-building, though complex, draws parallels to real-world belief systems, inviting readers to ponder free will and morality. The romance between Ten and Killian, fraught with tension and trust issues, adds emotional stakes, while supporting characters like Archer and Biscuit (a lovable guardian) bring humor and heart.
Why Everlife Resonates
Everlife’s impact lies in its bold take on the afterlife, blending fantasy with questions about purpose and redemption. Fans praise its fast-paced plot and emotional depth, with reviews on Goodreads and Amazon calling it 'riveting' and 'unforgettable.' Its exploration of forgiveness—seen in Ten’s choice to forgive a Troikan general despite betrayal—strikes a chord, offering a message of hope amid conflict.
The series has carved a niche in young adult fantasy, appealing to readers who love intricate worlds and strong heroines. While not as mainstream as Harry Potter, its cult following and Showalter’s loyal fanbase ensure its lasting appeal. Everlife’s blend of action, romance, and existential themes makes it a gem for those seeking a fresh fantasy adventure.
- Publication Years: 2016–2018
- Books: 3 (Firstlife, Lifeblood, Everlife)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Grab Firstlife and dive into Everlife’s dazzling world of choice and destiny! Whether you’re Team Troika or Team Myriad, Ten’s journey will keep you turning pages late into the night.