Everlost by Neal Shusterman

Overview

Genre: Fantasy
Language: English
Series: First book in the Skinjacker Trilogy
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 492
ISBN: 1-84738-504-4
Awards: Multiple literary awards including 2009 ALA Popular Paperback List and 2008 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year.

Everlost: A liminal space between life and death.
- Inhabited by children known as "Afterlights."
- Afterlights are invisible to the living and are like ghosts.
- They can interact with objects and places that are loved and crossed over when broken or destroyed.
- Adults are absent as they know their final destination.

Main Characters:
- Nick: 14-year-old, stuck with chocolate on his face forever.
- Allie: 14-year-old, can "skinjack" or possess living humans.
- Mary "Hightower" McGill: 15-year-old, guides Afterlights to accept Everlost, discourages leaving.
- Michael "Mikey" McGill: Formerly "The McGill," a monster who seeks souls to return to life.
- Travis/Lief: 11-year-old, eventually finds peace and leaves Everlost.
Storyline:
- Nick and Allie wake in Everlost and meet Lief.
- They learn about the dangers of The McGill and Johnnie-O.
- They encounter Mary Hightower in New York City at the World Trade Center.
- Allie uncovers her "skinjacking" ability.
- Nick and Allie explore their powers with The Haunter.
- Allie is captured by The McGill, learns of his true identity.
- Mary steals coins that allow Afterlights to leave Everlost.
- Allie exposes The McGill, helping him revert to Mikey.

Afterlife Exploration: The concept of an intermediary space between life and death.
Identity and Transformation: Characters evolve through experiences in Everlost.
Power and Manipulation: Control and influence over others, seen in Mary and The McGill.
Acceptance vs. Change: Conflict between accepting Everlost and seeking a way out.

Recognized widely across multiple young adult and literary circles.
2009 Garden State Teen Book Award List, 2007 PEN USA Literary Award - Finalist, etc.