Neverworld Wake

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Beatrice and her friends die in a car accident, except they seem to be alive living the same day over again. They are stuck in the Neverworld Wake. One of them will be allowed to return to the living, but only if the whole group can decide on who “the one” should be. As the group attempts to grasp the fantastical Neverworld Wake, they wonder if the mysterious death of their friend, Jim, is the key. This is Pessl's first foray into YA and like her adult novels, Pessl builds suspense and atmosphere masterfully; readers will forget the rest of the world exists and fall into the realm of the Neverworld Wake. Unfortunately, the characters feel like archetypes and it is hard to invest in them, but this will not keep fans of Oliver's Before I Fall, and Lockhart's We Were Liars from devouring this book.

Overall Book Score: very good