Everlasting

Night Watchmen #1

by Candace Knoebel

What if your destiny lay on the other side of death?

The annual Culling ceremony is a day every coming-of-age novice looks forward to within the Primeval Coven. It’s the start to being initiated into the Night Watchmen, humankind’s protectors, and it’s the long-awaited day when novices discover if they’re a Hunter or a Witch.

But this day is not a happy one for Faye Middleton. Not when she’s known her whole life that she’s a Defect and is about to face banishment in front of her fellow novices. She’s forced to attend the Culling with little hope for her future, but what she discovers about herself is far worse than she could’ve imagined. And far more dangerous.

Thrown into training and separated from her friends, Faye must learn to adjust. She struggles to find her place within the Coven, and with Jaxen Gramm, the darkly handsome and extremely unnerving man assigned to watch and protect her. Emotions run high, and when she discovers a deadly secret about him, her struggles deepen. As corruption within the Coven begins to unravel, Faye pieces together her role in saving the future of her people, and within Jaxen’s life...but will the truth save her, or be her undoing?

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Vampires

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2014

About the author

Candace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs. She's a self-proclaimed Lost Girl. Words are her mirror.

With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance.

Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.

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Reviews

[Booknut 101 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'"I have to say, Middleton, I didn't think you'd have it in you."

He's looking me over, and I know what he meant was that I don't look the part. I'm too frail. Too small.

"Maybe you shouldn't think then," I retort.'

Kick-ass action, magic and romance combine to form an addictive tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Although life has its inconsistencies, every coming-of-age novice within the Primeval Coven knows one factor will remain constant: the annual Culling ceremony. The day when they're revealed to be either a Hunter or a Witch.

The day when their purpose in life - and their place within the Coven - are secured.

But for Faye Middleton, no other factor in her life could be more uncertain.

Whilst other novices prepare for their future as either a Hunter or a Witch, Faye prepares for a life as a Defect.

It's a fact she's had to deal with her whole life - one that ultimately means banishment and a life amongst humans, away from those she loves. And as the Culling looms closer, Faye's fear becomes stronger.

Yet even though her clairvoyant mother saw her future a long time ago, Faye can't help but cling to a tiny sliver of hope. Destinies aren't set in stone - there has to be a way to change her own destiny. There just has to be.

All she needs is a miracle.

Going from a Defect to an Everlasting could be considered an upgrade. Or...not.

When the Culling doesn't go to plan (i.e. stuff explodes, plus screaming and general panic ensues), Faye is faced with the startling revelation that she isn't a Defect. Far from it. She's an Everlasting - neither Witch, nor Hunter, but a mixture of both.

And although being an Everlasting may come with a lot of perks and power, it also comes with a great amount of danger - danger not only for her, but for the people around her.

All sides need her. All sides want her. And all sides fear what she will become.

Faye is pushed to her limits as she's trained to be both a Hunter and a Witch. Isolated from the others, she finds solace in the company of trainer and protector Jaxen - a handsome guy, with a deadly secret dictating his actions and his heart.

But Jaxen's not the only one keeping secrets. The Coven isn't as honourable as it would like its people to believe, and Faye finds herself stuck in its web, trapped between her duty and what is right. With Faye being the most sought-after chess piece on the board, the question remains: is she the one fighting? Or is someone else calling the shots?

Is she a player...or a pawn?

Be prepared for a heroine who isn't afraid to face up to her own flaws.

Unlike many female protagonists, Faye Middleton acknowledges her shortcomings - and the shortcoming of most YA/NA females - and she strives to be her own woman and make things right. One of the most potent scenes is the one where she realises that she shouldn't try to be someone else to get a guy's attention:

'"You're being absurd," I tell myself, shaking my head. But even with admitting this, I still manage to brush my hair out and braid it from one side of my head to the other, giving it some form of cuteness.

I could be a stereotype. I could fall into the trap of trying too hard. I could be someone other than myself for him.

And I don't like it.

I undo my braid and run my fingers through my hair, straightening it back out. I want to look as plain as possible. I need to.'

This is an important message - a message that tells its female audience that the person the guy should get to know/date/fall in love with, should be you - the natural you. The you without the constant primping. The you whose voice doesn't go several octaves higher when you talk to him.

It doesn't condemn looking good - far from it. But what it does reinforce is that it's very, very easy to be a stereotype and to hide behind that facade. But it takes strength to be yourself - to allow someone to see the real you.

Be prepared for a heroine who isn't afraid to talk back, or blurt stuff out.

A cross between Rose from Vampire Academy and Anna from Frozen, Faye is a complex character who lets slip trivia when she's nervous...and on the can other hand call someone out on their behaviour with all the fierceness of a mama bear.

And it's refreshing to also meet a guy character who gets nervous around girls like a normal guy would!

Jaxen is hot (there's no denying it). He can kick ass like a pro. But he still gets nervous when he's faced with a situation involving:
i.) Talking
ii.) A pretty girl

And it's not the kind of nervous where you stutter/freak out/sweat. But it's the sweet kind of nervous - a nervousness they both share as they start to discover and explore the bond that grows stronger between them with each day.

And it's nice that Faye isn't afraid to stick up for herself, or tell Jaxen he's being stupid. Right here is the kind of female protagonist we need more of!

So if you like pointy weapons, sizzling kisses and plenty of angry demons, pick up Everlasting today :)

[Sabina Bundgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in the middle of beta reading for Sonya Loveday when she poked me and asked if I would be interested in beta reading Candace’s new book; Everlasting. I knew Candace from her other series; Born in Flames Trilogy, so I immediately jumped at the chance (and did a happy dance at the same time – it’s the internet, people. Who would notice?)

Anyways, I started reading and after only a few pages in, I knew that Everlasting was going to be great. I fell for the different characters, I was tossed inside a world far from my own and truly didn’t want to leave it.

Let’s start with some of the characters, shall we?

Faye Middleton is a girl who knew all her life she wouldn’t be a part of the Coven. Her own mother told her as a child that she had seen in a vision that Faye was going to be a Defect. So, this is what Faye has believed her entire life. She applies for colleges because the rules in the Coven are strict; you’re a Defect, you’re out. Not just, you can’t be a part of the cool kids click, but abandoned out. No contact, not even with your loved ones.

Even better; the Culling Ceremony isn’t just to define your magic; Witch or Hunter, but to find your soulmate; your Affinity partner.

I’m straying from the subject; Faye turned from being timid, little girl, to being a kick ass woman, who fights for what she believes in, and will do anything to protect her friends and family. When realizing she isn’t a Defect, but something unique, Faye has to figure out not only what she is, but who she is as well.

Jaxen Gramm is… well, he’s a Hunter, he’s a guy and he’s… complicated. *aren’t they always?!*His task is to protect and train Faith alongside with his witch and his brother and his witch. Jaxen has a secret, actually all the Gramm’s men have, but each of them chose to act on it in their own way. He is trying to be sooo though, not letting anything or anyone in, and yet there are cracks.

There’s also Maddock, Gavin, Jezibel and Cassie. Each play a vital part in Everlasting, some more annoying than others. Sorry, but if I tell too much about them, I will spoil some of the book.

Everlasting had me in stiches from laughter, had me in anger (to the point where I wanted to reach into the book and slap some of the characters). The building tension between Jaxen and Faye is… it’s delicious. Don’t get me wrong; it’s frustrating beyond explanation, but it was soooo good. So close every time, and yet never ever getting there. I think I scolded Candace once or twice for this. *Smiles*

Everlasting was everything I hoped for, and then some. Adventure, magic, bad/good, supernatural creatures, love, frustration, dark secrets, haunting dreams and hope for the future. Then add twists and turns in the plot that leaves you heartbroken and scattered, trying to pick up the pieces.

Candace has created a wonderful and amazing new world, Everlasting being the first book in the Night Watchmen Series, and I am certainly looking forward to exploring more of this world, especially since I still have unanswered questions from reading Everlasting. Great work Candace!! Now, go back to writing, I want to know what happens!! <3

[Danielle Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

So usually when I do reviews I like to give you a little recap of the book, but this time I've decided to give you the Top Ten reasons I loved this book and you will too!

1. Jaxen *drool* *Swoon* *sigh* Yea he deserves all that and way way more!

2. Faye. The main character in which this story is about. At first she is all sweet, innocent and down on herself, but by the time this book is over she is freaking kick butt and can stand with the best of them.

3. Magic... magic... and more freaking awesome magic!

4. Action. This book is chock full of great action... fight scenes with weapons + fight scenes with magic= the best action around! (You know because I get everything I love in one, action and magic. It really is the perfect combination. Trust me, K.)

5. The characters. Seriously, all the characters in Everlasting are amazing and will completely blow you away. And I mean every character. You can tell that Candace Knoebel takes the time to thoroughly develop each and every one of her characters, taking great care in building them into people that we can all love.... or hate. Or love to hate!

6. The story. I love this story. No it is not a completely original idea, it has elements from multiple great books. But it's how Candace Knoebel takes those elements and twists them and warps them that makes this story seem original. She is what breathes life into it and it works. It's beautiful. I loved this story so much I didn't want to put it down, seriously, I had to pry the kindle out of my hands at 1:30 in the morning because I had to be awake in less than 4 hours.

7. Pacing. This sort of goes along with #6, the pacing of this story is perfect. From the minute you start this book things just flow. The story is constantly moving forward and has a perfect mix of action and story. This is just one of the reasons I couldn't put this book down.

8. Jaxen... yes he deserves to be on this list twice! Hell you are lucky this entire list isn't just Jaxen. Read this book and you will understand my fixation.

9. Did I mention that Jaxen has an equally awesome brother named Gavin?? I didn't. Well shame on me. Yes there are two freaking amazing guys in this book. Ok so there are more than two, but these are the two that really count.

And.....

10. Balance. (you thought I was going to say Jaxen again didn't you? Yea I was.) Everlasting has perfect balance. With all the action going on in this story Candace Knoebel does an amazing job of keeping the story balanced. There is never too much of one thing. This book is the perfect harmony of action, magic, humor, mystery, and of course love!

Bottom line.... you need to read this book, if not for the amazing characters, deep story, incredible heart pounding pacing and perfect balance... then you have to read it for Jaxen! Yup I said it.

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Denial is as brittle as glass. It’s solid until a force you never saw coming crashes into it and shatters the thin wall you’ve constructed to protect yourself from the truth."

Oh, God. Have you ever reading the first few pages of a book and immediately thought you were going to like it? Have you ever read about 10% of any book, highly positive with great impressions and expectations so damn high like "This is gonna be a good one!" or "Wow, this is gonna be epic, for sure." Well, I had. And it didn't turn out so well.

This turned into such a big, tragic disappoinment. I enjoyed the first few chapters of this book. I really did. They were written with such genuine emotions that I could almost relate to the characters. I liked Faye's personality at first. She was so resilient in accepting her fate as a defect beforehand even though it just about broke her heart to do so. She also had such a close and strong bond with her parents and her best friend. It was really touching and heartbreaking to read those scenes at the beginning of the story.

Unfortunately, things went downhill after probably a fifth of this book. The cliches started coming, and it didn't take long before the story was surrounded by one big pile of cliche and recycled plot elements.

The main character started to be unreasonably stubborn and whiny. An insta-love relationship developed between her and her mentor. It turns out that dark creatures were going after her in pursue for something she didn't even know she had in possesion.

I also felt like some parts of the story were simply copied from other more popular YA books and were just slightly changed. It bothered me so much how some parts that I've previously read from other books were so similar to some events that took place in the story.

Overall, Everlasting had so much premise and had such an interesting concept to it. Unfortunately, I had such a hard time reading this book that it took me a whole week to finish it. It's pretty sad, but this book just missed the mark and didn't turn out well.

[BookLoversLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been on my list for a long time and I jumped at the chance of listening to it. While I mostly enjoyed the story, I found the narration to be really bad! Now, the narrator had plenty of different tones for different characters, but her cadence was weird! It felt like each sentence ended in a question, or an almost sing song kind of end. It was really off putting and at times annoying. I had to unplug a lot just to take a rest. She had a tone for one character that was almost nasal and whiny, and it grated. I felt like I was listening to a bad 90's mean girl movie!

Now the story itself was OK. I found it to be very cliche at times, ....girl finds out she is special but not only is she special, she's extra special. Girl meets hot guy whom is standoffish with every other girls but ends up falling for special girl..... I was rolling my eyes a lot at this! It's been done to death.

Now I did like Faye at the start, she was resigned to the fact that she had no powers and would be made to live with the humans. She was devastated but knew she had no choice. Then the day of her test, her parents go missing and while Faye is upset, I found it extremely weird that she never really makes an effort to find out what happened them!! She goes weeks without doing anything to find out and she is supposed to love them!! It was really odd. Also, when she is chosen, it seems that she never makes any progress with her training. She spends weeks training with (of course) the moody standoffish hot guy but never gets better.

Overall, I enjoyed the story enough to finish it despite the narration. I loved the world the author created and I loved the idea behind a lot of what was going on, I just didn't like the insta love, nor the fact that she is super special. For once can't the MCs know they are super special since birth!! I'd consider listening to book 2 because I am interested to see where the story goes, I think it would need a new narrator though.

*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*

[Macie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

This is the kind of book I probably would have loved when I was 13 years old. In present times, it seems so...generic. It could be replaced with many other books and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. There was insta-love, girl cattiness, and a stubborn MC who had little personality besides that character trait. Of course, this girl is the chosen one, but seems helpless without her love interest to come save her.

I wouldn't be able to end this review without inserting this quote from the book.

"The homeless, I think with a shudder. Poor people."

The horror of it all!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2020)! 🎁

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been desperate to read this book when I first heard about it, so when the author asked me if I would like to beta read it, I almost fell out my chair! I was so excited and honoured to be asked because I love this author's Born in Flames series and this book and series looked and sounded absolutely amazing! This book was freaking amazing and it definitely exceeded my high expectations! I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading it! I was drawn right into the plot and I connected straight away with the characters! It was absolutely amazing! The plot of Everlasting was so unique and fresh! There was also a lot in it, but there wasn't too much to overload you, which was cool because I get confused easily sometimes lol! The plot also had different paranormal creatures in it like the occasional vampire and demon! I just haven't read anything like the plot before! It was absolutely amazing and a brand new concept in the paranormal world! It had action, romance, suspense, which are three essential things that I love in the plot of any book! Things also happened that I didn't see coming, which I loved and I do have to admit that my mouth did drop open quite a few times lol! The characters were amazing! Faye was the main character and this book was told from her point of view! I loved Faye! She was amazing right from the first page and as the book progressed, she kicked major ass! I loved her determination and how far she was willing to go to protect the people she loved! She was such a likable character as well! Faye went through so much in his book as she learned more about her life and she found out about secrets that had been kept from her, but i think she handled it all brilliantly! Jaxen was the love interest of Faye and he was super hot! I couldn't believe how protective he was of Faye and I could see that he had really strong feelings for her! I seriously want a guy like Jaxen! He was everything I love in a male character! I did feel sorry for Jaxen in this book as well, as he thought that he was cursed and that the person he loved was going to die because of him, and I loved that Jaxen tried to not start anything with Faye incase his curse caused her to die! There were also quite a few secondary characters in this book that added so much to the plot! I'm really excited to see how these characters are going to develop in the next book! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! This book left it at an ending that leaves you desperate to find out what's going to happen next, but it isn't a massive cliff-hanger! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning! It suits the book and the characters amazingly as well! Big thank you to Candace for asking me to beta read Everlasting and also for having me on her Blog Tour!

[Kimber Wheaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Everlasting is filled with intrigue, suspense, romance, and paranormal fun galore. This is one of those books that boasts a great supporting cast in addition to the main characters. It begins in a stereotypical manner, with a teen girl knowing she's a failure, dreading banishment, only to find out she's super special. The first part of the book drags due to this internal struggle, but fortunately for the reader, the pace picks up as the story progresses.

I liked main character Faye-- most of the time, that is. She's strong with a stubborn streak that I enjoy in a heroine. Her internal weakness was annoying at times, but frankly with the cards she's been dealt it's completely understandable. Jaxen is the typical closed-off male lead present in lots of paranormal books. I know these guys usually have a reason for this behavior but it still bugs me.

I really liked the cast of secondary characters, including the villains. These secondary characters make the story shine. There is enough suspense to keep the pages turning, even though it starts slower than I'd like. I'm not sure how I feel about the love triangle of sorts. Jaxen and Faye's budding relationship is like a rollercoaster and not the fun kind.

Since Everlasting is book one of a series, the cliffhanger ending is really no surprise. If you're looking for a YA paranormal with lots of twists and turns, I think you'll enjoy this book. BTW, I love the colors on this cover.

[Beth]

I received this copy of Everlasting from Candace Knoebel in exchange for a honest review.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I received the book from Paranormal Romance and Authors that rock, for a fair and honest review.

what the blur says.....The annual Culling ceremony is a day every coming-of-age novice looks forward to within the Primeval Coven. It’s the start to being initiated into the Night Watchmen, humankind’s protectors, and it’s the long-awaited day when novices discover if they’re a Hunter or a Witch.

But this day is not a happy one for Faye Middleton. Not when she’s known her whole life that she’s a Defect and is about to face banishment in front of her fellow novices. She’s forced to attend the Culling with little hope for her future, but what she discovers about herself is far worse than she could’ve imagined. And far more dangerous.

Thrown into training and separated from her friends, Faye must learn to adjust. She struggles to find her place within the Coven, and with Jaxen Gramm, the darkly handsome and extremely unnerving man assigned to watch and protect her. Emotions run high, and when she discovers a deadly secret about him, her struggles deepen. As corruption within the Coven begins to unravel, Faye pieces together her role in saving the future of her people, and within Jaxen’s life...but will the truth save her, or be her undoing??

what I say .....this book, is quite simply, MAGIC at its very best. it grabs you, right from the very beginning, and does not let you go. we join Faye as she approaches the Culling, which SHOULD determine whether she is a Hunter or his Witch. But thanks to her mother's power of visions, Faye has no idea WHICH she will be, as her mother saw her as neither. What Faye is though, is much, much more. I'll not go into the plot line, as it may spoil it for you, but its good, really good! I liked Faye and Jax, who seems to have taken a shine to her, and Jax's brother, Gavin, and his Witch, Cassie. the plot moves along at great speed, with twists and turns, and good guys fighting bad guys and then all of a sudden, you aren't quite sure who is who, and who is good and who is bad. this book keeps you on your toes!!

what I didn't like, and why I gave it 4.5 stars are two things. 1: first person, present tense. does my nut it. sorry. BUT that said, it didn't put me off. i just don't like it. and 2: now, I am being honest here, this reason is petty and some might think I shouldn't rate a book so, but I gotta. Jax's Witch is called Jezi, short for Jezibel. she is not a nice person through almost all of this book (and with pretty good reason) reason enough to take a bit of a star off?? not normally. BUT I have a cat called Jezziebelle. and as I was reading this book, I could see MY Jezziebelle, in the character Jezi! I know, I know, I told you it was petty, but I'm sorry!!

This is the first I have read of this author, and I will look for other books of this author and add them to my wish list. I shall also keep an eye out for the next in this series.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Everlasting in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by the author. Faye is nervous about the upcoming Culling for the covens only because when she was a child her mother had a vision that she would be a Defect neither a witch or hunter. In Faye’s world after you turn 18 it’s determined which role you will fill either the magic using witch or the hunter who does the fighting. When her Culling goes wrong and instead of being a Defect like she was expecting the truth comes out that Faye is not bound like the others to another but she is her own balance.

Faye isn’t your typical novice she’s one of a kind that the elder decides to keep a secret for fear of what will happen if the others learn that she isn’t bound like they are. Faye has enough on her plate with being different her parents are also missing without a trace and no one knows where they are. As Faye is trained to be a hunter by Jaxen and Gavin both Hunter’s in the Night Watchmen it’s their witches that teach her the way to be a witch. While Faye is trying the truth a secret she confides in her best friend who isn’t have the best time with her new partner. Will Faye be able to save the coven as things start to go wrong? What secret is he hiding? Will she find her parents?

I really like Faye as a character she’s unique and not afraid to fight for what she believes in even if it risks herself. I've got a soft spot for the kick-ass-heroines but still have their humanity which Faye has and I like. I wasn't sure about Jaxen at first but as the book progressed he grew on me. I even found myself feeling sorry for Jezi even though she’s not a nice person but she has her reasons.

I really enjoyed Everlasting it’s one of those books that draws the reader in right from the start and is hard to put down. The author has taken the witch concept putting her own unique spin creating a brilliant story. Everlasting has it all loaded with action, secrets, paranormal beings, mean girls, sexy men, and even a little romance. I found the characters engaging you can’t help getting sucked into Faye’s story, even capturing a spot in your heart. I found the whole story beautifully written it’s a perfect start to an exciting new series that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I honestly finished Everlasting in the course of an afternoon unable to put it down, and now I can’t wait to read the next installment. The author is new to me but after reading this book I plan to check out her dragon series. It’s one of those books teens as well as adults will enjoy one of my new favorite witch series.

[Roxanne Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Knoebel has done it again. Her Born in Flames Trilogy was absolutely amazing and I was so sad to see to come to an end, but I am thrilled that Knoebel has wielded those magical writing powers of hers and created another enthralling series that is sure to blow you away.

Magic and mayhem. Action and adventure. Love and desire. There is something for everyone. A plethora of emotions poured through me with each flip of the page and I was so caught up in this story that the world could have ended and I wouldn't have known about it. Knoebel has a knack from creating characters who latch onto your heart. I loved that Faye was fierce and kicked ass, and Katie has to be the best BFF ever created. I want to clone her. I loved their Thelma and Louise friendship, and even though it was tested to the max, I knew nothing would truly break that bond that saw them more as sisters than friends. Jaxen, without a doubt, is my new favorite book boyfriend. My gosh, he was gorgeous, in a mysterious, broken kinda way. He's not a bad boy, but he held his own secrets which kept his walls up; walls that I wanted to take a sledgehammer to. There's an extremely unconventional love triangle in this story, but it is complex and heart shattering. I wasn't Jezi's biggest fan but I hated seeing her pain and sorrow consuming her. The curse that cast a dark shadow over Jax and Jezi's affinity bond was tragic, but Jax's selflessness warmed my heart and made me love him even more.

This book was an exciting adventure filled with darkness and tragedy, but it also had so much hope. I am eager for this series to continue. I know it will only get better with each new book.

[Cassandra Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly LOVED this book. Everlasting is book 1 in the Night Watchmen series and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I rarely give a book a five star rating, but this is definitely a five star book.

From page one, this book moves at a fast pace, making it impossible to put down. The story is light on the romance but heavy on the action. I love the world that Candace Knoebel created for her characters and how it overlaps the real world. It was very well-constructed and creative.

In the beginning, Faye’s biggest fear is being labeled a Defect in her coven. When she discovers that her fate holds something much different, she is forced to do a lot of growing up alone. Faye is young so she still has her moments where she acts juvenile. Overall, I found her to be a likable character with potential to become a tough female heroine. I was glad that the author didn’t have her suddenly grow up when faced with her fate. It is much better to watch her grow in stages.

Jaxon is your sexy brooding hero with a tortured soul. He definitely brings the hot factor to the book. While this is light on the romance, there is always an underlying attraction between Faye and Jaxon that is easy to feel. The supporting characters in this book were also a lot of fun. I especially loved the contrast between Jaxon’s serious nature and his brother Gavin’s playful attitude. There were characters that I wasn’t quite sure I trusted which brought another element of intrigue to the story.

If you are looking for an action packed witch story, then you should definitely read Everlasting.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, the whole plot was very interesting. It follows the journey of Faye Middleton, who believes that her fate has been decided from birth. According to her mother's prophecy she is supposedly destined to become an outcast from her supernatural society, leaving behind everyone she loves. At a certain age, each individual of the Coven will partake in a ceremony that tells them whether they are a hunter or a witch, and who they have bonded with. Faye dreads this day, as she believes she will be neither, which will lead to her becoming an outcast. As expected this tale has a lot of twist and turns along the road, from finding out full blown truths about who she really is to an unexpected romance. Not only does she have to cope with this, but also the disappearance of her parents.
This was a very enjoyable story that left me at the edge of my seat. It was very well written and ran very smoothly.
I loved the characters in this book, particularly Jaxen, who I would have loved to hear more of. I couldn't help but root for him and Faye to be together,
This story also follows the story of Faye's best friend: Katie, their leader/person of wisdom: Mack, Jaxen's fun and lovable brother: Gavin, Faye's replacement Hunter/ Mack's brother: Weldon, Gavin's witch: Cassie, and Jaxen's witch: Jezi.
Overall I'd give it around 4 stars, possibly higher. :)

[Jana LaPelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good read!

I picked up this book on a whim, being a read-aholic I was wanting something new to read and wow was I surprised by how much I really liked this book. Others have criticized the main character Faye but I found her to be totally realistic, all things considered, she has a lot going on and so much to deal with that I found myself pulling for her and Jaxen and the whole crew. I'm really looking forward to the next installment. I can't wait to see how things pan out for Faye and Jaxen and their strengthening affinity bond. Bael had better look out next time it may not be so easy to pull the wool over their eyes.

I can't help but think that if you are a fan of The Mortal Instruments series you might enjoy this new series, just a thought. Happy reading!

[Sabrina Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Everlasting, it was slow at points but necessary for background to support Candace Knoebel's plot points. I was kind of taken back by the Gramm brother's being an illusion to the Grimm brother's, but after a while I was able to separate the characters she created from the notorious fable masters. Knoebel's introduction of the Gramm cures alongside their bad ass fighting technique thoroughly humanize the characters for me. Once all the characters were humanized, I was hooked. I rate this novel a 4.5 due to the need for grammar editing (a few sentences were missing punctuation), but over all this book is a must read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the storyline and the entire concept of it all. It fits in with other Dystopian books on the market and it has hot male characters for you to drool over. I have continued on and am reading the second in the series. The only reason I am giving it 3 stars is because I found it a little slow about halfway through after it being fast paced at the start and it took me a little while to get through it. That said, I did enjoy it and it is worth a read.

[rcrockett · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. If you enjoy listening to the incessant wines and overly descriptive emotions of a hormonal teenager, this book is for you. Here’s the last line I read, “I’m lost in the frozen tundra of his tone, in the methodical ease at which he spews the fate of the two people I hold closest to my heart.” The whole book was written this way. I found myself skipping forward to the speaking parts, trying to skip all the flamboyant emotional descriptions. Yup, not worth it.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved it. Candace Knoebel has done it again. I could not put it down once I started.

It moved along at a great pace from beginning to end. You cannot help but fall in love with the characters and want to see them overcome anything in their way and the story keeps you entertained.

Candace Knoebel is an extremely talented author and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future.

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if the final rating will be 3.5 or 4 stars. Will have to think about it. However I did really enjoy it. Liked the twist on the rolls of hunter & witch. I am also looking forward to the next installment because there looks to be more trouble for these characters. And I could use a little more Jaxon in my life. Full review to follow.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF I got about 200 pages in and it just wasn't holding my attention. I kept putting it down. The story was moving to slow and the characters were not drawing me in. Also I found it highly irritating how she just pushes her parents out of her head and isn't focusing on them. it's bizarre. this book had a lot of promise and I enjoyed the first few chapters but then it just stalled.

[Jessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't possibly tell you how amazing this book is. And, unfortunately you, I can't tell you more about it yet.
But I'll tell you this:
Faye is so strong, even through everything she's put through.
Jaxen is incredible and supportive, eventually.
It was an awesome beginning to this story.

[Cassandra Giovanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

All reviews 3 and under stars for Indie or Self-Published authors will now remain private.
The author may request the entire review from me if they wish to see it.

[Rainie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book probably two years ago, however, life got in the way and I stopped reading it. Yesterday I wanted to read some of my DNF books and my To-Be-Read pile. I picked this one up and needless to say, I was hooked. I enjoyed following Faye has she tried to navigate power plays, jealousy, breaking friendships(repatching friendship), and learning her place in which she did not think she belonged in the first place and finding she still does not quiet belong. I wanted her to find her parents as much as she did, however, I figured she would not in this book. I'm interested to see how her connection with Jaxen shakes others on their connections. I truly also hope that Katie's asshole of a partner has truly changed, but I'm afraid he has not. I also hope Mack does not betray. As for the things that drove me insane with this book was Faye's constant talk of her heart. It was either in her throat, beating wildly, causing her to go deaf with its constant fast pace, and every other mention of it. I just searched the word heart in my Kindle and this is an example of her use of heart, notice the page numbers:
Pg 26 "My heart drops"
Pg 27 "my heart is pounding"
Pg 37 "My heart stutters"
Pg 38 " ...up to my heart and burst with guilt"
Pg 43 "...and my heart falls"
The sad thing is, there are many more quotes I could have put in between those listed above that reference her heart.

I am about to start on the next book in the series and truly hope her heart is better under control, or she just might die from her heart alone.

[Mary Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm late to the game on this one, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the hunter/witch team concept, as well as Faye being something completely different. I found the way she handled her problems was completely realistic for a teen. She has so many things going on and I think her losing control at times was totally understandable. She is still a strong character, but she is also relatable. I don't have any magical powers or anything but I think I could react similar to her in certain situations.

Overall, a good read and excited to see how the series progresses. Some violence, but nothing too graphic. I think most teens could read this.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. It was refreshing to read a story where the author has a good use of adjectives and phrases that spark your imagination. The main character started out whinny and weak, she ended strong and likeable but the transformation was too fast. The story moved at a good pace, I was never bored. I can not wait to start the next book.

[Delphine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This was a really different story. Its a little bit YA for me, with too much inner monologue and angst, but the character of Weldon is really interesting, and I am hoping for more of him as the saga continues. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes and how the characters develop.

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf 73%
the dialogue is so dumb. just an example - what 30 year old (who went to hell and back) says "explain the deets" THE DEETS?!!!! i'm done.

[Kara D · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF