Can we talk about “Let’s Flail” for a second? Great. This is the first one! Which makes it special. Also special, The Girl From Everywhere (which will henceforth be referred to as TGFE) was my first book read in 2016. And my first 5 star of the year. And my first new favorite of the year. You see how this is working out?
For these reviews- which will likely be sporadic, because I am only saving them for books I am adding to my favorites list- though I warned you already, there are quite a few of those this year already, somehow!) I seriously don’t want to do anything but talk about how much I loved the book. These are the kind of reviews that are all heart for me. I will let you know if there are certain things that may not work for everyone, of course, but I loved these books, so expect many flails, all the stars, and their addition to my all-time favorite list! Enough of that, onto TGFE!
The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig Series: The Girl from Everywhere #1
Published by Greenwillow Books on February 16th 2016
Pages: 464
It was the kind of August day that hinted at monsoons, and the year was 1774, though not for very much longer.
Sixteen-year-old Nix Song is a time-traveller. She, her father and their crew of time refugees travel the world aboard The Temptation, a glorious pirate ship stuffed with treasures both typical and mythical. Old maps allow Nix and her father to navigate not just to distant lands, but distant times - although a map will only take you somewhere once. And Nix's father is only interested in one time, and one place: Honolulu 1868. A time before Nix was born, and her mother was alive. Something that puts Nix's existence rather dangerously in question...
Nix has grown used to her father's obsession, but only because she's convinced it can't work. But then a map falls into her father's lap that changes everything. And when Nix refuses to help, her father threatens to maroon Kashmir, her only friend (and perhaps, only love) in a time where Nix will never be able to find him. And if Nix has learned one thing, it's that losing the person you love is a torment that no one can withstand. Nix must work out what she wants, who she is, and where she really belongs before time runs out on her forever.
Oh, where to begin? This book was everything I loved all mushed into one glorious debut. Time travel is usually fun for me, because I like the idea, as a rule. But sometimes it can confuse me. And then I don’t like it. But in this case? It was perfect! It was explained well, without being info-dumpy (totally a word, yes?) and worked quite well- save for one tiny instance toward the end that I was a bit lost on, but that’s okay. One thing out of a whole 464 page book, yes, I can live with it.
Nix, our main character, is fabulous. I mean, she’s smart, and she’s strong, but she’s also so confused and vulnerable- because yes, you can be all those things. Like, she is awesome at figuring things out. But that also means that she knows that she could very well cease to exist if her father succeeds in going back in time. She’d played along because she didn’t think it would ever be possible, but when there’s a chance that it could happen? Well, can you even imagine? Especially when your father is barking about how the only thing he wants in the world is his true love. Harsh.
Speaking of Dear Old Dad, he was a real ass for a large majority of the time, and I wanted to basically punch him. He had this amazing, loving daughter, good friends, and he was willing to sacrifice it all. That said, he was still very well developed. It was clear what his motivations were, and why he was making certain choices. The other characters were pretty amazing too. Kashmir… I adore. We will be needing more Kash, please and thank you. He’s just that charming type of character that you can’t help but love. It was almost like he wanted to be seen as a “bad boy”, but in his heart, he so wasn’t. The other characters we meet along the way are really great too, but I certainly don’t want to spoil anything, so we’ll leave it at that.
Now. There is one character I could have lived without. Blake. He needed to go away so that Nix and Kash could just start falling in love. I was really over him. Leave, Blake.
So yeah, there is kind of a love triangle. Although not a lot of one because there isn’t a ton of romance at all anyway. Just like, little pockets here and there, but nothing serious. Which is good, because I don’t want any romance between Nix and Blake. Zero. See, there are two reasons: First, I love Kash and I think he and Nix are a good pair. Second, I don’t like Blake. In fact, I thought he was boring and dull and boring. So that’s where I stand.
Let’s talk about other great things!
- Hawaii! Yes, people, there is Hawaii involved, as you’d likely have figured out. And any book that even mentions Hawaii has to be a win, right?
- All the history. It’s very clear that the author did a huge amount of research for this book. The history is amazing. There are politics, myths, legends, maps, and all kinds of fun things involved. I kind of live for this stuff, so I loved every minute. I do see how some people who aren’t as excited about that type of thing would perhaps feel less enthusiastic. But I am not those people.
- Dragons. SMALL dragons. See, I would not want a dragon. Because they’re big and scary. But. A little dragon and I could absolutely be best friends.
- I know I already touched on this, but I loooooved everyone aboard the ship. Except when Slate (Nix’s father) made me want to throw him overboard. But yeah, like, if I had to live on a ship? This would be the one.
Bottom Line: I need the sequel so, so badly. Like, now. While there may have been a few small things that I didn’t completely love, the book as a whole blew me away. I am in love with the characters, the settings, the history, and I have definitely found a new favorite book! In summation?
AFJDKSLAFD I’M SO SO GLAD YOU LOVED IT TOO SHANNON!! ISN’T IT JUST THE BEST OF EVER?!?!? I honestly could handle going back and giving it all 5-stars, because I loooooved it so much. :’) (Except for the small thing of I was also a bit confused/bored in the middle? Like it was great with all that history stuff, but I could’ve lived with a little less?) Also agreed on Blake. *shoos him far away* Also can Kash narrate the next book? I AM JUST SAYIN’. I LOVE KASH.
Ahh fabulous review, Shannon! I’ve been wanting to read this ever since I heard about it but your review has me wanting to read it even more! I love the concept of time travel yet I haven’t actually read that many books on it?? I MUST CHANGE THAT.
Yes, I need a tiny dragon!! I wanted to check this one out already but NOW I’m even MORE excited. It sounds fantastic, and I’m so excited that the history was done so well and you loved most of the characters.
YESSS. This is one of my most anticipated books for February, so it makes me so excited to hear that you liked it so much! It sounds like such an amazing and diverse book and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of it. Also, who can go wrong with time travel and dragons? ? Thanks for sharing Shannon and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
I am so glad you liked this one! I got it as an ARC, too, but I still need to read it.
I love books with boats – even though I *hate* boats in real life (I get sea sick + the thought of the deep sea terrifies me). I would probably travel to Ancient Egypt if I could travel back in time, I love that culture and I’d love to read a fantasy set in that time.
It’s great that your first read of 2016 was a 5-star – I’m still waiting for mine.
I NEED THIS BOOK!!! It sounds amazing!!! And you know how I feel about love triangles, but if it’s just a small one and if romance isn’t even the biggest thing in the plot, I can live with that. There are so many time travel books out this year and all of them look awesome!
Lovely review! I NEED to read this book ASAP! SOUNDS SO AMAZING.
Ahhh!!! My first 5 stars of the year was for a time-travel book too! It was 11/22/63. Have you read it? If no, then I REALLY recommend it. 🙂 As for this book, I think I’d better try it. I’m not usually craving for time travel books, but these characters (except for one, haha) and setting sounds great. I think I’ll read it. Great review!
First, love the new feature. Finding something new to flail about… awesome. I feel like I’ve seen this cover everywhere (on GR and in new release lists) but this is the first review I’ve read of it. And what a review! I mean, it seems like this one has *everything* going for it. All the elements that make up an excellent read. Time travel, romance, the hint of a love triangle, impossible choices/decisions, history, tiny dragons… what more is there, I ask? 🙂 If I could travel in time I’d go to Imperial Russia and hang with Nicholas and Alexandra, Tatiana, Anastasia and the gang… before everything went to hell, of course.And with the dragon – duh. He might come in handy.
I ♥ AD so big props for that GIF! Lucille Bluth forever! I’ve seen mixed reviews of this one but I am so glad that the time travel was explained well but not info-dumpy (I’m going with it!) Hawaii is also a plus!!
Girl! I couldn’t agree more. I wish I’d known you were a super fan last week though–I would have asked if you wanted me to pick up a copy at her launch party. I can’t even more a more coherent comment because I enjoyed this one so damn much.
I’m really looking forward to reading this debut but wait what there’s dragons in it? How random! Looking forward to reading about the history and Hawaii, but not so sure about the characterisation. Lovely review Shannon!
I am so excited to get to this one Shannon! I love how excited you are about it! I am flailing right along with you and I haven’t even read it! Haha. I don’t like the sound of Blake either, so I hope he goes away. LOL. I agree- I want a small dragon too! I am obsessed with all things Civil War era, so my boat would take me to dock near Fort Sumter or somewhere like that!
I STILL NEED TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOU. Because yessss. I know you loved it, and I’m pretty sure I loved it, and yeah. I kind of just skimmed your review because I still need to formulate my own thoughts. But man, this book was amazing 🙂
Gah! The time travel, the history, the characters, Hawaii and TINY DRAGONS!! If I didn’t already have this on my wishlist, your review would have MADE ME ADD IT 😀 I need this in my life, I adore time travel and swashbuckling so this is a no brainer – GET IN MY HANDS TGFE!! Fantastic review Shannon^^
Harper Collins JUST sent me the audio for this book!! I cannot wait to start it soon. I wasn’t really looking forward to this one but then I read Nick’s review that sold me on it and now this review!!! I hope I start it tonight or tomorrow!
I WANT A MINI DRAGON!!
I have just started reading this and I am so excited! Everyone whose opinion I trust absolutely loved it!