Review: The Girl From Everywhere (The Girl from Everywhere #1) by Heidi Heilig

The Girl from Everywhere
(The Girl from Everywhere #1)

by Heidi Heilig

February 16, 2015

464 pages
 

Goodreads  Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

Heidi Heilig’s debut teen fantasy sweeps from modern-day New York City to nineteenth-century Hawaii to places of myth and legend. Sixteen-year-old Nix has sailed across the globe and through centuries aboard her time-traveling father’s ship. But when he gambles with her very existence, it all may be about to end. The Girl from Everywhere, the first of two books, will dazzle readers of Sabaa Tahir, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman.

Nix’s life began in Honolulu in 1868. Since then she has traveled to mythic Scandinavia, a land from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, modern-day New York City, and many more places both real and imagined. As long as he has a map, Nix’s father can sail his ship, The Temptation, to any place, any time. But now he’s uncovered the one map he’s always sought—1868 Honolulu, before Nix’s mother died in childbirth. Nix’s life—her entire existence—is at stake. No one knows what will happen if her father changes the past. It could erase Nix’s future, her dreams, her adventures . . . her connection with the charming Persian thief, Kash, who’s been part of their crew for two years. If Nix helps her father reunite with the love of his life, it will cost her her own.

In The Girl from Everywhere, Heidi Heilig blends fantasy, history, and a modern sensibility with witty, fast-paced dialogue, breathless adventure, and enchanting romance.
 

 

Review

The Girl From Everywhere is an amazing adventure story that takes you to places. Places where myths and legends come alive. Well-written and rich in history and emotions, Heidi Heilig does a fabulous job of bringing out the story.

The idea of seeing the world is one that would appeal to anybody. What if you got to see it repeatedly but in a different time period each time? That's exactly what Heidi gives us. I felt drawn into each period that was visited- they were easy to take in and breathless to be in. Some are fantastical while others are plain chill-in-your-bones creepy. I love the fact that each myth and legend introduced had basis. They have significant meaning to different cultures and were passed down in time. Heidi seamlessly mixes them into the story.

For some reason though, it took me some time to read this book. The Girl From Everywhere was filled with dialogues- some humorous others more serious- that I felt carried the story well yet at the same time, the slower pacing made me feel like the plot wasn't going anywhere. I was curious having no idea where the story was headed but that unknown also lessened my desire to know more. Sorry if that doesn't make sense but just know that I did enjoy the book even if it took longer than usual for me to finish it.

Nix, having grown up aboard a time-traveling ship, is knowledgeable beyond her years. She's sailed into time periods worlds apart and in just her sixteen years, experienced more events than one person could have in a lifetime. But she is after all, just a girl. She fears for what will become of her should Slate (aka her father, her Captain) finds her dead mother again. Despite her precarious unknown future, she fiercely and fearlessly aids her father in his relentless search. She even impresses upon him some cold hard truths. "Sometimes a person has to let go of something to make room for something more important. You have to choose." (ARC, p. 294). Nix is kind and courageous and Slate is lucky to have her.

I'm pretty certain that for all who have read The Girl From Everywhere, Kash has stolen their hearts. I'm no different. How fitting since he is a thief~ "What's mine is yours, amira." (ARC, p. 29). How does one not melt to that line? Kash is so patient with Nix. He guides her and opens her eyes to things her overworked and hesitant mind misses. "There's only now, and tomorrow nothing will be the same, whether we like it or not." (ARC, p. 389). He is such a catch! That is, if you can catch him ;)

 

The romantic aspect of the story was honestly very subtle. In truth, I expected a lot more. However I didn't so much mind the lack thereof as opposed to what formed. Yes, a dreadful love triangle. One boy was righteous and gentle, the other was rogue and charming. I'm sure you can guess which one's Kash. It was Nix's reluctance though, that had me most frustrated. I just wanted her to pick one and get on with it. This kind of proves to be impossible. *pulls hair out*

While the romance aspect left some things to be desired, the story tied up neatly. It didn't leave me dying for the sequel but I am still certainly looking forward to board The Temptation again. At any time. To anywhere.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way. All quotes were taken from the Advance Review Copy I received.