Banished is the first installment of the YA series Tales of Ever. The MC, Misha, and her mother live alone in a rundown house. Misha struggles with herself and her situation, wanting a better life for herself and her mother. She's shy, doesn't have many friends, but her lack of money and quietness isn't what sets her apart from the wealthy kids at school, it's the fire she sees dancing in front of her vision. When her mother tells her she's basically a firestarter, Misha then understands why she's been having strange dreams and seeing fire. Her mother guides her, giving her lessons about her unusual gift, until the day she becomes ill, leaving Misha alone in the world. Misha's character is amazingly strong. I fell in love with this girl right from the start. She's already been through so much growing up, and now faces all new obstacles. When she meets a long lost relative who takes her into his care, she's cautious, not knowing if she can really trust him. Her uncle knows things, and he's keeping secrets about her family from her. Misha sets off to discover the truth, and during her mission becomes banished to another realm called Ever. As I'm trying not to give spoilers, I'll tell you this much. Ever is a scary place. You don't get sent away on vacation here, you're sent because the people who sent you here don't want you to come back. Wylie's description of Ever is haunting. I love the world the author created, and I felt for Misha as she struggled to survive her first day there. Misha's only chance of survival is a strange and gorgeous guy she runs into named Jadus. He's been there for a long time and knows about the plants, monsters, and other magical creatures living there. Banished left me hanging big time, but that's okay, because I know there's going to be a new story each month for six months! I don't have to wait a year to get my hands on the next chapter of Misha's story. I love that about this series. Banished is a fun and fast read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its wonderfully crafted characters, original plotline, and action-packed scenes, I think Ever is a fantastic addition to the YA market!
