Everard (Book 2 of The Not So Fairy Tales)

 

:My random thoughts:

When a book starts off with, "Once upon a long long time ago, in a land impossibly far away". It's hard to read that, and not cozy down, knowing you are in for an incredible read.

Everard is one of the strangest, Wittiest, Most unique (Unique doesn't have it's own -est?), and whimsical fantasy novels I've ever read. From Sassy's sweetly sour sarcasm, to the Author's quirky narrating, I was kept in stitches. While reading, it wasn't uncommon for me to snort with laughter, or to huff with Sassy when Everard really was being SUCH a man (if I was a fire breathing reptile, I'd blast smoke through my nostrils too. But I'm not, so I can't).

When my siblings would come up, and ask what I was reading, the best explanation my preoccupied brain could think to say, was, "An awkward prince". Which isn't very bright, but when your mind is in a land impossibly far away, you can say such things like that.

Everard is, indeed, an awkward Prince. He might not be tripping all over his feet, and he might not be spilling mugs each time he turns around, he bumbles all the same. However, while he might be a plain out awkward goose in the beginning, at the end, he is more, adorably awkward. Oh, yeah, without a doubt, Everard turns out simply adorable. 

 

:Publisher's Description:

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: Any age

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 284

Characters:
Everard was interesting. Rarely in the literary world do you meet a bloke like him. I admired him for his strong sense of duty, it was refreshing, but overwhelming too. At some points, I'll admit, I just wondered why he even tried, but, in the end, everything had turned out for the best. He had learned lessons, and faced his fears. Proved himself, if you will.
Roana I think is a wonderful example for girls and woman of all ages. The way she calmly faced the future, how she tried her best to please everyone, and dealt sweetly with her Father. Yet, wasn't too timid to stand against him when he did wrongs, and was willing to not accept the Prince's offer. That takes some amazing bravery people, to say "No" to a Prince's offer of marriage.
 

Plot:

The plot was...quick, but also slow at times. There were instances when I just wanted Everard's tasks to end, it seemed a bit monotonous while he was searching for the 'Giant'. But after Bernar's plot was uncovered, it picked back up again.

Writing Style:

  I adore Mrs. Havig's writing style, but this book's in particular, is one of my favorites. It was quirky, and hilarious. Each time the Narrator would break off to explain things, I had to smile at the witty way those normal (or not so normal) things were explained.

Ending: 

The ending summed things up nicely. It finished well. From Everard becoming 100% adorable and loosing some of that stifling shyness of his, Roana living pretty much happily ever after (her father was convicted of treason, we can't say her life was always happy. Plus, that's a sugary Disney lie. I'm sure even Cinderella had to deal with her Step Mother and sisters again) and even a happy ending for Gilander.

 

World Building: 

The world building demands a "Bravo Brava". World building is certainly a fine point for Mrs. Havig.

  Language: None.

 

Drugs and Drink:  Ale and mead was drunk, but it's the Middle Ages. Everyone drank the stuff. There was no drunks, however. So, you can rest easy on that.

 

Romance and sexual content:  

The fact that the hero and heroine of 'Everard' didn't meet, fall head over heels in love, and decide to marry on the spot is a wonderful sight. I'm sure you can understand when I say that the Disney style romance can get annoying. It was a fantasy romance, without any romance. It wasn't about the head over heels love, but the slow and steady love that endures.

Violence: 

Violence? Everard goes to slay a dragon, a giant, gets attacked twice (the first time only resulting in a minor head injury, and the second leaving Everard more then half dead) and then Everard had to duel an untrustworthy, to say the least, Knight. Which resulted in having to kill him.  But it was never gory. And, I liked how Everard was sensitive enough to One) Make sure Roana didn't see Martel be killed, and Two) he mourned Martel's death.  How rare is that? Very rare. But, I've over used the word in this post, refreshing.

 

 

Ratings

 I loved this read. It was refreshing, fun, and just all around clean.   It was simple enough that even a 5 year old would like to hear it read out loud, but entertaining enough to keep this 16 year old engrossed.  Also, so few fantasies include Christ. From 'Great Spirits' to Aslan, there is normally a look alike, but never the true thing. 'Everard' did. And I loved it. I never realized how more a Fantasy can be when you include God. 

 

Without a shadow of a doubt, or a shadow of decision, or a shadow of remorse, or a shadow of anything, I give this book a whole, hearty, and applauded  

 

I want to thank Mrs. Chautona Havig for letting me review 'Everard'.  I also wish to thank her for writing such a worthwhile book...or, should I be congratulating? Either way, thank you, Mrs. Havig, and bravo, brava!