Synopsis:
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?
Review:
Everlasting by Candace KnoebelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I loved it!
Faye Middleton is a teenager with some major angst in her life. She is facing the Culling to determine if she is a hunter, witch or defect. However, she discovers a secret about herself that changes her life forever! I didn't like this character at first. Not only is she a bit melodramatic at times, she comes across a bit whiny. I wanted to knock some sense into her! However, she also grows up pretty fast and her bravery and determination does her credit. I enjoyed watching this character grow and blossom into a feisty and decidedly dangerous individual. By the end of the book, I found she had grown on me!
The story is told from Faye's point of view, and takes the reader on an amazing adventure. This story reminds me a little of Divergent, although there is no real similarity between them. What is similar is the ceremony which determines where the individual will end up. This ceremony is called a Culling and uses a crystal to determine whether the characters become "hunters" or "witches" and creates a bond that pairs one of each into couples. The interesting thing about this story is the unique way the author has woven this tale. It starts off slowly, but quickly builds up into an exciting and page turning read.
The characters were also quite interesting. Faye has a best friend, Katie, who is a little on the flighty side, but she is a wonderful friend. Jaxen and his brother, Gavin are polar opposites, but they compliment each other wonderfully. Gavin is fun loving and funny, whereas Jaxen is serious and mysterious. Jezibelle is Jaxen's paired witch, and is a tad jealous of Faye and Jaxen's budding friendship. She is a right witch (substitute the w with a b!) at times and can be downright rude and sulky, but I have a feeling that as the series continues, that her icy demeanor towards Faye may crack. (Well, I'm hoping anyway!).
There is excitement, danger and adventure aplenty in this book, with lots of twists and turns. But, the relationship between Faye and Jaxen is a smoldering cinder that could burst into flame at any moment - the sexual tension between the two is that palpable. The end of the story is not really a cliffhanger, but it does give the reader the feeling that there are some unfinished loose ends that require tying up in the next book in the series. I am most definitely looking forward to reading it as soon as possible!
Candace Knoebel has written a fantastic YA paranormal romance. I loved her writing style, which is fast paced and it flowed wonderfully. I haven't read her other series, Born In Flames Trilogy yet, but having read this book, I will definitely be doing so at the earliest opportunity!
I highly recommend this book if you love YA paranormal romances. - Lynn Worton
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