Immortal
Written by Gillian Shields
Narrated by Emily Durante
3/5
()
About this audiobook
Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.
Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.
Gillian Shields's electrifying tale will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and romance.
Gillian Shields
Gillian Shields is the author of Immortal, Betrayal, and Eternal, the first books about the sisterhood of the Mystic Way, as well as many other books for young readers. She spent her childhood roaming over the Yorkshire moors and dreaming of the Brontë sisters. After studying in Cambridge, London, and Paris, she became a teacher. She has taught in a girls' boarding school and also in a drama school where it was rumored that the ghost of a young girl could be heard crying in the night. Gillian was inspired to write this series in celebration of the power of first love, the strength of female friendship, and the haunting mystery of the past.
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Reviews for Immortal
157 ratings21 reviews
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Finished the book but it was a struggle. Very predictable and I didn't enjoy it.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This was interesting until I was thinking about the Fallen series [which I read first]...which this felt a lot like - teen girl at a school she doesn't want to be with, mystery boy, a ghost that looks suspiciously like the girl, secrets, rando shit happening...I got bored with this and stopped reading.**All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/53.5 starsEvie is sent away to a girls' boarding school and has some trouble fitting in. She meets a boy she is drawn to, but there's something a little different about him. In fact, there's something going on at the entire school. I enjoyed this, but probably would have liked it better in print. I listened to the audio, and my mind tended to wander so I did miss a few things. The book does go back and forth in perspective between Evie and Agnes (through Agnes's journal), who lived at the school in the late 1800s. That's partly why I lost where I was a few times. In a print book, I could have flipped back to see whose perspective we were looking at at various times, but with the audio, that's trickier. It is a series, but I'm not convinced that I'll keep going.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The basic story line of the book is typical of a book in this genre but I decided to read it anyway.
The Good
I liked how the author added a twist with the magic in this book and didnt just make the standard witch stuff. I loved how she included the journal entries throughout the book. I think it made the story that much more interesting to the reader and it also aided in figuring out a lot of the story. I also liked how I thought the ending was going to be predictable, but it wasn't. I was both happy with the way it ended and relieved that I didn't always know what would happen.
The Bad
The romance was the only part of the story that was predictable. I knew that they were gonna fall in love. The guy would say sweet things, tell her how he can't live without her then out of nowhere say that they can't be together. I hated when the book took that turn. Way to typical of a male lead these days.
Overall
Overall I didn't hate the book, but it wasn't a book where I absolutely had to know what happened. It was a book that I could set down and go a day without reading it. That is the exact reason why it got 3 stars, it wasn't horrible, but it wasn't amazing either. But I would recommend that you read the book, it just didn't exactly suit my taste. - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5I can honestly say this book holds absolutely no entertainment to me. It sounds a bit like the Gemma Doyle Triology but to not make it too similar to that story, the author plops in stuff about ghosts and the like. I just don't know why - maybe it was the 'light' writing style- but this just wasn't a captivating read in any aspect. I feel bad for hating on a book, so I suppose one thing that perked my interest was the communication between the horses caretaker Josh (I think that's his name) and Sarah. But that only happened like twice in the story for a good 3-4 sentences. I won't even mention much about the main couple; like the book, I was not emotionally attached to either of them. Anyways, give it a shot for sure but I didn't enjoy my experience with this book. I checked out the sequel and I'm definitely going to delay reading that.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5It was ok book. If there is a 2nd book to follow it I would read it just to see how the story develops.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wyldcliffe Abbey School for young ladies is a gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors. It is an exclusive, expensive, and unwelcoming school. Evie Johnson’s mother was killed when Evie was just a little girl. Her father is in the marines so she was living with her grandma. Her grandma became very sick so she got sent to Wyldcliffe Abbey School. Her ancestors also used to live in Wyldcliffe. But while she was there she met a mysterious guy named Sebastian who comes out only at night and is surprised when Evie can see him. He is mocking, rebellious, and dangerously attractive young man. Every night she sneaks out to meet with him, each night her feelings for him grew. Later she finds out one of her Ancestors, Agnes, lived in the house when it was still a house. But there is no record of Agnes having children. Even later she finds out that Agnes and a childhood friend found a book called The Mysticke Way and Agnes was chosen and the friend was jealous. Evie also sees Agnes and she helps out Evie but she does not know thatYes I liked the book. I liked it because it is interesting. It is very original and mysterious. It recived the rating it did because i has everything i like in books. It had romance and eeryness. It has friendship and betrayal. It even has that supernatural thing going on. Plus there are some major suprises. It also has things you wouldn't expect.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is about a girl named Evie Johnson who lost her mom when she was young and her grandma is in the hospital, ill. Evie's dad is in the middle of the war so he sent Evie to a place called Wyldecliffe. Wyldecliffe is an all girls school that has some mystery. A girl drowned in the lake, and the old owner Lady Agnes got murdered. People say they see Lady Agnes walk the grounds of the school, and she looks just like Evie. On the way to Wyldecliffe Evie got hit by a horse carage, A guy stepped off and helped her up. Evie had been cut by a glass picture frame. The next day the cut was healed, and it all leads back to the guy from the carrage. I like this book because it is mysterious and i couldnt stop turning the pages. There was alot of magic, Murders and ghosts, but those are my favorite kind of books to read. I think anyone who loves to be surprised at what happens next should read this book. They should also read it if they like mysteries. This book has a sequal and i cant wait to read it! Thats why i like this book.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This book is ok for me but it realy didnt keep my attetion for long . I would recomaned to people who like hear about bordering schools.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sadly,I had to rewrite this review since blogger somehow deleted everything when I posted it. I happened to find this book when I was writing down a list of books I wanted to read at my school's book fair. I didn't buy it, though. So when I walked into the library one day, I found Immortal and immediately grabbed it. A day after, I also found Betrayal, also by Gillian Shields, the sequel to this book. Immortal is a story about Evie Johnson, a girl whose grandmother just recently died. Evie starts meeting a mysterious boy named Sebastian at night and finds out secrets about him and herself. Stories about her ancestors, her true identity and who she is encircles her. Evie meets Sarah and Helen, and together, they call the elemental powers and interweave them to form one powerful force. Soon, Evie finds out the truth about the amulet she wears that was given to her from her grandmother. Either Sebastian will kill her to get the amulet that will make him immortal, or he will spare Evie from a horrible fate that will end her life forever. It's up to Sebastian to save Evie-or doom her.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Reminded me a lot of Hallowmere. I love the genre and though this wasn't the best of it, I did really enjoy it.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5not so bad if u like old romance (which i do) good plot but the author really mess it up in the end sadly i hope it was going to be super cool not just good hope that next time ther are 2 boy not only one boring one
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll be honest. When I first saw this book, I figured it would be another blah YA novel dealing with paranormal romance. Then I read the back and had to admit that okay, it had kind of an intriguing plot, so I'd give it a chance.I'm glad I did.The early parts of the book wasn't particularly grabbing, and annoyed me more than anything else. The pacing seemed badly done, giving the backstory as a first-person exposition. But it was done in such a way that I couldn't really get a feel for the character. It came across as, "Things such but I'll stay strong, and I have to go to this boarding school to please my family even though I don't want to, and I'll miss my grandmother, and HOLY CRAP THERE'S ACTION ALL OF A SUDDDEN!"I realize that the backstory was put in there to avoid the reader having to sit through an entire chapter of it, but it felt so rushed and removed that I actually think I would have been less bored if the first chapter had consisted of nothing but Evie's discussion with her father about her grandmother's health and going away to Wyldcliffe.But once I got past that messy introduction, Immortal quickly turned into one of those books that has me looking up every once in a while and wondering just where the time went. The plot that unfolds is interesting, the premise decently original, and the hints that are dropped are enough to make the reader suspect and theorize but not quite know how it all fits together fully until much later. Not quite a Rowling-style adept at making literary puzzles, Shields certainly still manages to do a good job with her plot and its mystery.I was quite happy to see that the love story in this wasn't as contrived as some I've read this past year. Stories in which two characters fall head-over-heels in love and ignore all sense and reason are in vogue these days, and aside from an initial "tugging behind the ribs" sensation when Evie first meets Sebastian, their relationship actually developped quite well, starting with some forbidden midnight outings and eventually progressing to admissions of love, with some misunderstandings and spats in between. It felt real, not rushed; complete, not contrived. I also enjoyed seeing Evie's struggle with learning to use her newfound magical abilities. So often in books you have a character who can use magic and everything comes as naturally as breathing. There were such characters in Immortal, yes, but Evie wasn't one of them, and it was due to the kind of emotional blockage that makes sense to block something like magic (at least by my way of thinking).Ultimately, Gillian Shields seems to have a real talent for visuals and for interesting turns of phrase, as well as for weaving a YA storyline that I can really sink my teeth into. I look forward to seeing more of her work!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Immortal by Gillian ShieldsA young girl sent off to a gothic boarding school where she falls in love with an inappropriate young man seems to be a popular theme these days (Fallen by Lauren Kate and A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray are just two that come to mind.) Gillian Shields’ Immortal is about Evie Johnson a teen who lives with her grandmother, Frankie, because Dad is a deployed soldier and mom died when Evie when was younger. All is well until Frankie falls ill and Evie has nowhere to go until Dad gets her a scholarship to Wyldcliffe Abbey, a boarding school for rich stuck-up girls. Things go wrong from the beginning. Evie’s arrival at the school is delayed by an encounter with a dark and brooding young man. She engages the wrath of a fellow student simply by existing. And the head mistress seems to dislike her just on principal. Things seem hopeless until she meets once again the dark brooding young man that she encountered just before arriving at Wyldcliffe. Not surprisingly, Evie becomes obsessed with this young man, Sebastian. Also not surprisingly, Sebastian has deep dark secrets. However, he is not the only one with secrets. There are secrets in Evie’s family history and even the head mistress is keeping secrets. All these secrets are tied together and make for a brooding angst filled story. Though this story does not stand out from others like it, I did find it interesting. Shields hooked me on her story and I plan to read the next book, Betrayal, which is due out in August. Fans of Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series, Libba Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty trilogy, and Lauren Kate’s Fallen will enjoy Immortal.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I was very excited for this book when I read the summary. Girl goes to a mysterious school, mysterious guy with secrets, I was ready for a paranormal romance. I was dissapionted with what I got.I was enjoying it at first. The writing was easy to follow and discriptive. Once I got a few chapters in it got boring. I usually have no problem with a predictable story, but that is because there is usually great characters that keep me enthralled. The characters were flat. The romance was unimpressive, which was very dissipointing to me. With first love never dies on the cover, I was expecting more in that department.I enjoyed the journal entries of Lady Agnes, a character from the past, and that was what got me through the book. I was often forcing myself to finish this story, which is not what reading is all about.
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Positives: It was fast paced, a bit interesting but not original and Agne's journal entries and character development was the best part of the whole book. I mean if this book was only focused on Agne and her journal then I probably would have given this book 5 stars. She is the only character who really has any development. Sebastian has some too. Now Negatives on to the of this book. There is a lot. I really hate giving bad reviews but if it come to that I will. Where do I start? First off the dialog was unrealistic and cheesey. The book was lacking good writing. The writing basically dragged the whole plot down the drain. The plot was interesting but the writing brought down the whole book. The romance was rushed. Evie's character wasn't developed much, especially her thoughts so when it came to a emotional part in the book the emotions were lacking. I mean when Sebastian and Evie fought, instead of feeling anger and understanding Evie's character, I laughed. Stuff was added randomly. Spoiler: Like when Sarah was a friend one moment and then the next she was able to see things, like the future. Like they never hinted at it. I don't remember the author hinting at it when I read it. Another thing is theres to much plot events which make it confusing. The ending ended with not all the events wrapped up. Meaning there will be a sequel. I will read the sequel hoping that it's better. I think this book could of had so much potential if it was worked out better and had lesser plot events. Also if the writing was written better. I felt Gillian Shields didn't really understand a teenagers mind. I mean I felt she didn't write for a teenage audience. I mean when she wrote adult characters in Immortals they sounded like adults but when she wrote teen characters it just was so unrealistic and cheesey. The whole first meeting with Sebasistian was to quick and cheesy. I just didn't enjoy this book. This book would get good, then fall, get good, then fall. I don't know it just wasn't my type of thing.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A decent enough book about ghosts, secrets, magic and a girls' boarding school in the middle of nowhere. Shields' book is composed of a diary and the story of our heroine, Evie and how she must confront her past in order to survive the future. A lot hinges on two characters who come together, even though they've never met. A decent YA fantasy romance.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5When Evie Johnson comes to stay at a creepy boarding school called Wyldcliffe, she meets a mysterious, attractive young man named Sebastian on a black horse which almost runs her down. Soon afterwards, she meets Sebastian again, and although several signs warn against it, she finds herself promising to visit him every evening. She longs to find out the truth of his story, for she suspects there is more to his story than meets the eye. Can Evie clear up the mystery surrounding Sebastian in time to save him? Read Immortal to find out.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5My Thoughts: Part ghost story, part romance, there was no putting Immortal down. I had to know what happened next. Evie Johnson is a very "no-nonsense" character. In the very first line she says "I don't belive in ghosts. I don't believe in witchcraft either...not any of the whole mumbo jumbo of the 'other side'." It makes you stop and think 'Wait, I thought I picked this up in the paranormal section?' This isn't the type of book where our heroine is so easily swayed to believe the supernatural just because of some swoony, dark-haired mystery boy...ahem, Sebastian. Evie has to be convinced, multiple times, until there's no denying the supernatural and how deeply rooted in the "other side" she really is, even without knowing it. Immortal is almost reminiscent of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Evie Johnson: Evie is so relatable. She's been uprooted from her home, taken away from everything she's ever known, and thrown into this new world she doesn't belong in, and one she hardly enjoys. Evie embodies the idea that "sometimes we have to do things we don't want to". She has to make the best of it, there is no other choice. I applaud Ms. Shields for taking how we all feel inside and putting it on paper in the form of Evie Johnson. Sebastian: I loved Sebastian, but I have to say he seemed almost cliche. The typical YA paranormal boy. Brooding, dark-haired, and tortured inside by something he can't share till the second half of the book. Given, Sebastian's situation was unique, and we all know this is the kind of boy we love to read about. Hello, guilty pleasure.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Once you get drawn into the young adult literature (YA) spiral, it’s hard to pull yourself out, and Gillian Shields’ new release Immortal is just one reason why. For those of you that are like me (and I know you are out there) that got sucked into the world of supernatural romance and urban fantasy after you read Twilight, then you will appreciate why I had to have Immortal. The cover promises suspense, mysticism and romance, and for the most part, it delivers. Immortal has a lot going for it. It’s got a creepy boarding school, first love, dark family secrets, and of course, magic. The book starts off slow, with the protagonist, 16 year old Evie Johnson, lamenting her arrival at an unfamiliar and faraway boarding school, and quickly delves into both history of the school and its paranormal ties to her. Evie also quickly meets Sebastian, a young and mysterious boy with whom she becomes involved. The romance of the novel seems unlikely, Evie meets Sebastian, obsesses over him for awhile, then sees him again and suddenly they are undyingly and passionately in love. Sure, I can get swept up in first love and impractical romance that abounds in lots of YA novels, but their love seems rushed and their connection seems to have no real development. Apart from the romance of the story, the author weaves in excerpts from a diary, intertwining the past life of Evie’s ancestor to the present storyline, and of course, her history is tied to the school, and the discovery of magic. Through Evie’s discovery of her ancestor’s identity she starts to learn about her tie to her own magical power, and a dark secret of Sebastian’s past. As the storyline is uncovered, the plot races ahead at breakneck speed, packing a punch at the end, where Evie’s self discovery makes her an enemy of her love, and the novel ends leaving plenty of room for the author to make a sequel. Although the story is predictable at times, and the romance between Evie and her first love Sebastian seems unfounded, the book serves up a good mix of the supernatural, mystery and self-discovery and is great for any avid YA readers who want a good, albeit dark romp through a Gothic castle, discover inherent magical abilities and suffer the joy and heartbreak of a first and impossible love.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Immortals is a decent book, which starts off just okay and finishes strong. Evie is a girl from the sea who gets sent to the moors of England to a prestigious, uppity boarding school. She is a scholarship student (gasp!) and the other girls are predictably nasty. Over the course of a semester, she makes a couple of dear friends, falls in love, and discovers a family secret. Again, predictable, but enjoyable all the same. It didn't really interest me all that much until the last few chapters where the action sets up a sequel, which I think has more promise than this book. Fans of the House of Night series might enjoy the supernatural elements of Immortal since they are similar. It was a fast and easy read, but I'll withhold further judgment until I can get my hands on book two!