Title:

The Everlasting

Author:

Alix E. Harrow

Category:

Fantasy / Science Fiction

Rating:

Date Reviewed:

April 8, 2026

read Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January and really enjoyed it. But then I tried her Once and Future Witches and found myself disinterested; so I skipped Starling House. Yet The Everlasting sounded intriguing, so I gave Harrow another try, and I am certainly glad that I did, because it was a great read. Like The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Everlasting features a magic book and different timelines.

The Everlasting is told by Owen Mallory, a historian who is struggling to get by in the nation of Dominion. Owen once was soldier, in fact, he was an inexplicably accurate rifleman in the Dominion army as it battled the Hinterlands for world domination. Discharged from the army, he is now a struggling scholar at the university. Owen is researching the story of Una the Everlasting. Una is the patron saint of Dominion. The tales of her dedication, loyalty and incredible prowess form the core of Dominion's national identity. Una is an inspiration for the country; it is the spirit of Una that allows Dominion to overcome any obstacle. Una lived a thousand years ago, back when the Dominion was a paltry kingdom of knights and castles.

Owen has come into possession what might be the earliest written account of Una's legend. The Minister of Defense calls Owen into her office. She explains to Owen how vital the myths of Una are to Dominion's success. The book that Owen holds must be interpreted correctly for the good of the nation; it is vital for the war effort. Before Owen knows what is happening, he is sent back in time; and finds himself at the base of a giant yew tree. And there stands a tall, powerful knight - can it truly be the invincible Una the Everlasting, destined to become a legend for Dominion?

Naturally, Owen discovers that Una is quite different than the heroine depicted in the legends. Of course, Una is still invincible in combat, but she is human as well. Owen is stunned to discover that Una is thinking of abandoning knighthood, forgoing quests, and retiring to a quiet life. But this cannot be allowed to happen! If Una does not slay the dragon and recover the Grail, then good Queen Yvanne will not be magically healed and Dominion will not exist in Owen's time. Owen must persuade Una to continue on.

Owen is a historian. He knows the ultimate fate of Una, and it isn't a good one. But if Una doesn't fulfill her destiny, then Dominion will perish. Unfortunately, the more time Owen spends with Una, the more he recognizes that there is much more to her than is depicted in the heroic tales. Una is a good woman. Owen finds himself in a quandary - should he really cajole Una into completing the Quest for the Grail, knowing what it will cost her? But what will happen to the kingdom of Dominion if he does not?

This a story with alternate timelines, but Harrow handles the different threads well. It never becomes confusing. The interaction between Una and Owen are excellent. I liked the plot; Una's legend is necessary for Dominion to be a successful nation. But can Owen change history, so that Una can have a different fate? It turns out that the magic book that tells the legend of Una the Everlasting is crucial to the outcome. This one was worth a read.