In NEVER THIRTEEN, sequel to FOREVER TWELVE, Ivy has returned to West Archer Academy, but now she’s an Ever. She wants to find a way to become mortal again—but without risking the loss of her precious memories, especially of her late mother. Complicating things are her new roommate who doesn’t know her secret and her friendship with classmate Ronan, whose family’s psychic abilities threaten the existence of the Evers. Will she be able to survive the threat from the psychic Enders and return to being a mortal?

The sequel continues to develop the rich fantasy world introduced in FOREVER TWELVE as the characters continue to grapple with issues around immortality and as a pressing threat to the Evers comes into play. Having chapters told from alternating points of view helps readers better understand perspectives of the multiple characters who play an important role in the action. With its suspenseful storytelling, the book provides a satisfying conclusion to the cliffhanger ending in the first book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.

Never Thirteen is a fast-paced, intriguing follow-up to Forever Twelve. Sequels generally have a lot to live up to, and this one didn’t disappoint. It brings the same characters and intrigue from the first one and continues on the lore and mystery. Although not everything is as good in this one as in the first, I thought the expanded world and interesting conclusion made it a worthy follow-up.

The character relationships in this series continue to evolve, and we learn more about the mysterious characters we started to get to know in the first book. I liked the slow romance development that’s age-appropriate for the characters, and how we learn more about the other character’s backstories was done well. Even though it’s a larger cast of main characters than some, all the characters had their own personality and had reasons for being in the book.

The world-building expands in this book. It takes the rules that we’ve established in the first book and expands what we know about the Evers, how they’re made, and what kinds of enemies they have in the world. Not everything about the enemies of the Evers made complete sense (like why would the Enders be so determined to hunt the Evers? That isn’t clear.), but overall, it added some interesting color to the established world. The way the world works also brings up intriguing questions for the audience, including how a balance of power should work and what kind of sacrifices are worth being alive. Some of the questions it brings up are reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting.

Overall, this continues a fun middle-grade series with an intriguing premise and interesting, well-rounded characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving a copy.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, and Stacy McAnulty for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

Book #2 in The Evers series is back!

Ivy has some pretty big things in store for her at West Archer Academy. For starters, she's an Ever now (immortal!). Plus, there's her growing feelings for her friend Ronan and the fact that she wants to figure out how to go back to being mortal.

The Evers and Ronan's family of psychics are sworn enemies and Ronan has to figure out who he should trust - his friends or his family.

The plot was engaging and moved quickly. Parts of the ending seemed out of place and forced, but overall, I feel like it left off on a good cliffhanger for Book #3!

It took me a minute to get back in the groove of the Evers at West Archer Academy, but there was a handy reference sheet in the beginning with a list of characters and a brief run-down of who they were.

Never Thirteen is definitely on my list of must-read books. I loved the first in The Evers series, Forever Twelve, and this middle grade follow up matches the suspense and creativity of the first. Author Stacy McAnulty uses multiple points of view throughout the story, and the different voices are amplified through their varying perspectives and personalities. Loved it!

Attending a prestigious boarding school was Ivy’s golden ticket to a successful future, until she unexpectedly suffered the same fate as the Evers, a group of kids who are cursed with forever being twelve years old. But for Ivy to revert back to her old self, she will lose all of her memories and forget everyone she’s ever known. With Ivy’s entire future threatened, can the Evers find a way to help Ivy avoid the same horrible fate?

Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I was a fan of the first book in this duology, Forever Twelve, and the sequel didn’t disappoint. The strong cast of characters, unusual magic system, and tight writing propel this story forward to a satisfying conclusion. The entire cast—but especially Ronan, Ivy, Abigail, and Este—feel authentic and multifaceted, and the character relationships are also excellent, providing the perfect balance of genuine caring and antagonism to become completely real. I particularly loved the increasingly detailed understanding of the Evers and psychics, and how these worldbuilding aspects that were only broadly painted in the first book were given more attention and unraveling.
That said, I struggled a little with the ending, and though I truly can't think of a better resolution, I would've loved a more satisfying conclusion.
I recommend Never Thirteen to middle-grade lovers looking for a quirky, character-driven fantasy series.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and Stacy McAnulty

Stacy McAnulty is a wonderful author. This was a great continuation of the series. She will be an auto buy author for middle grade reads.

**Probably too many spoilers! You've been warned!**

After Ivy's adventures in Forever Twelve, she has been recuperating at home, and has been allowed to return to West Archer Academy, although not as a second year student. She has a new roommate, Aurora, and is working with Abigail to find out a way to be made mortal again, but to retain her memories. Sadly, her great-grandmother Betty (need Grace) passes away, as does her dog, Biscuit, although Ivy makes him immortal! In the aftermath of Gigi's funeral, Ivy gets her journals that she wrote when she was Grace, hoping for some clue. Also, Este is approached by the woman who turned her into an Ever, who is now going by the name of Judith. Judith claims that any time an Ever is made mortal, it breaks the chain, and there are consequences. Meanwhile, Ronan is struggling with trying to figure out how his role as a seer works in a world where there are Evers, and his aunt is adamant that Evers (whom she calls "shadow people") are evil, and want to strip seers of their powers. Dom has decided that he really wants to be made mortal, and Ivy agrees to help him. He makes videos of himself to help him remember, but when he wakes up after Ivy's ministrations, he is confused and angry. We also get flashbacks of Este's early life, and learn more about her and why she is so committed to remaining immortal. There is a delightful scene where Ronan and Ivy kiss; this is a problem! Not only are there supernatural problems to consider, but they are also a little embarrassed and avoid each other. Sadly, there's an accidental tussle with Ronan's older brother, Dean, that ends with their aunt really having it out for Evers, especially since he and Ivy had also located a mall security guard who was immortal. Ivy manages to find some good information in Gigi's journal, and gets a tip from a very old friend that changes everything. Will the Evers and the seers be able to get along, and will the Evers be able to regroup after this latest round of challenges? With Ms. Strange retiring, they also will need someone new to help them out at West Archer.
Strengths: First of all, OF COURSE Ivy makes Biscuit immortal. Wouldn't any of us do this? It also makes sense that Gigi dies, and this puts several things into motion that the Evers need to solve. The romance between Ronan and Ivy is great, and I love that someone references the horrible fate of Romeo and Juliet to them. Seeing Este's back story was interesting, and find a couple of other Evers, while a little unlikely, was intriguing. Dom's plight was heart breaking, but he did eventually regain some happiness; it was realistic that this would be a difficult process.
Weaknesses: Weirdly, I could have used a little more information about what was going on in school, not that there was really time to do this, with so much supernatural stuff going on. I could have used a small reminder about how the Evers had money, kept cycling back to West Archer, and were aided by Ms. Strange, but this wasn't strictly necessary. There was a great recap at the beginning of each character, which helped a lot.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, since the first book has been a popular choice in my library, and I'm glad that this is probably just a duology, although I think there is more to be told about Judith taking the librarian job at West Archer Academy! And what if Judith turned all of the Evers mortal, and they just forgot HER? Hmmm. It's a good book that makes you think!

A nail-biting sequel following the Evers, especially Ivy- can she be safe around Ronan? Should she become mortal? And Ronan- can he be safe around the Evers? How to protect them?
A satisfying conclusion.

Never Thirteen is the follow up to Forever Twelve]. It is pretty important that you read that book before reading this one. While I found this book enjoyable, it was not as good as Forever Twelve.

The concept of these books is that there are a group of kids going to an elite boarding school who also happen to be immortal. They call themselves "Evers" and consider each other a special kind of family. Enter Ivy Stewart who reminds them of a girl named Grace who was an Ever but was turned back to a normal person but lost her memories in the process. At the end of the previous book, Ivy died and was also turned into an Ever, but the question arises, is being 12 forever something you want? Or is losing all of your memories worth it to be fully alive again? Interesting theoretical questions and a big concept for middle grade readers to comprehend. But, similar questions are raised in Tuck Everlasting. It would actually be interesting to have kids read both books and discuss the similarities and differences.

That part of the story was the compelling part. I think the part that I struggled with was bringing in the concept of Evers vs Enders, even if the concept of balancing powers makes sense. If Evers are immortal beings, there are psychic seers who believe it is their responsibility to "end" that immortality. These seers fear Evers because the Evers are able to remove some of their psychic abilities. Of course, there is a main character in these two books who is a seer and yet does not agree with the unspoken war. Ronan's aunt being something of a huntress felt forced.

So while I enjoyed this book, it isn't one that I would rush out to purchase. If you have already read the first book and are wanting more, it is a nice follow up.

<I>I received a digital review copy from NetGalley and Random House Children's.</I>

This is the next book in the series. This one continues where the first book left off. It will be important to read the first one before reading this one. The saga with Ivy, Roan and the Evers continues. This time Ivy has a new roommate-Aurora and she wants to know where Ivy is going and what she is up to. Lots of struggles, twists, turns and will keep you on the edge of your seats in parts. A definite must read for fans of the series!

Book 2 of the "The Evers" continues right where book 1 left off: Ivy begins navigating life as an Ever. Ivy is determined to find a way to reverse the immortal curse while preserving memories.

Solid second installation of this series. My opinion from the first book still stands; this a solid new series to offer to upper elementary and middle school students. The characters are relatable and easy to track, the suspense builds to keep the reader engaged, and the moral questions quietly posed alongside the storyline can broaden the perspective.

ARC received from NetGalley.

Never Thirteen (The Evers book 2) by Stacey McAnulty immerses readers in the familiar yet ever-exciting world of West Archer alongside the beloved characters: Evers Este, Abigail, Dom, and the newcomer Ivy, alongside their seer frenemy Ronan. Returning for another year brings forth new challenges, notably the lingering question: 'What do we do about Ivy?'

McAnulty skillfully weaves together the dynamics of the Evers and Seers, introducing new classmates, extended family, and old acquaintances, adding layers of complexity to their relationships. Delving deeper into the intricacies of their 'touching' connection, the narrative takes readers on an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions and revelations.

With each chapter, McAnulty expertly builds suspense, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in the story. Never Thirteen captivates its audience, compelling them to stay engaged well past bedtime. It's a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering an immersive and thrilling journey through the world of the Evers.

This continuation of The Evers picks up right where Forever Twelve leaves off, and it is imperative that you read that first. I can't tell you much without giving away what happens in the first book, but know that Ivy and the Evers and Ronan continue to struggle with the same issues. I feel like this book was a little darker and a little edgier than Forever Twelve, but just as compelling to read if not more. Fans of the first book will need this immediately, as it ended on a cliffhanger. Recommended for grades 5 & up.

Fun continuation of the story. Book one must be read first. Would not work well as a stand alone. Fun concept. Well written characters. Makes you think making it great for book club.