rebekah

My immortal is, without a doubt, the magnum opus of Tara Gilesbie. It is indeed an enduring classic and it has transformed me as a person. It pushes the limits of literature as an art form. The story is masterfully crafted and not afraid to take risks. Never have I been so thoroughly immersed in a book. At times I feel as if I’m right there next to our vampire protagonist Ebony Darkness Demencia Raven Way, as she slits her wrists to Good Charlotte and My Chemical Romance. This has mostly to do with the incredible detail Gilesbie puts into her character descriptions. The world-building, the highly realistic and relatable characters, and the plot are far better than the source material, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. Ms. Tara Gilesbie outdid herself astronomically. She is not afraid to handle sensitive and complex topics and deals with themes of depression, drug use, self-harm, trauma, and suicide in ways I never thought possible. The pop-culture references, such as the call-outs to many 2000s era emo rock bands and Hot Topic, never feel out of place or forced. The time travel aspect of the story is handled perfectly and without any plot holes whatsoever. The author takes already existing characters and expands upon them, giving them fresh new backstories and motivations. The drama between Draco, Ebony, and Vampire constantly had me on the edge of my seat, but it never got melodramatic or overdone. The story is convoluted yet never feels confusing. The sheer sense of terror generated from Voldemort’s scene where he flies into the great hall and threatens to kill Ebony honestly creates one of the most compelling villains of all time. In no movie, video game, book, or otherwise have I gotten the pure sense of evil that emanates from Voldemort. But, the best part by far is the protagonist. Ebony herself is an intense character having many many flaws and difficulties she must overcome, but in spite of this she is still very likable, down to earth, and relatable. She suffers from depression and self-harm issues which are portrayed in a gritty, realistic way devoid of stereotypes. I admire her greatly because she never lets the negative criticism and hate she gets from the preppies discourage her, showing on multiple occasions how she, frankly, doesn’t give a damn what they think (a trait she shares with the author herself). Her arc throughout the story is incredibly dynamic, and we are left with a very broken and scarred but simultaneously compelling hero. The storylines all have a deeper meaning and are all incredibly nuanced, and they forced me to question my morals and lifestyle. No piece of media can even come close to the amount of emotion this book brings me. It has helped me cope with my own depression and suicidal thoughts in a way nothing ever has. Whether you are a casual reader, more hardcore in the media you consume, or just a regular human being with a decent sense of taste in literature, everyone, and anyone can appreciate the beauty of My Immortal.