Everlong

Daughters of Askara #1

by Hailey Edwards

The most damaged heart can fly with the right pair of wings. Madelyn’s life is far from fairytale perfect. She is second in line for the throne of a corrupt, brutal monarchy. Or at least she was until her dark guardian sacrificed his life to hide her safely in a realm of infinite possibilities. For years she’s lived among a colony of escaped slaves as her guardian’s widow. Even in this simple life, though, nothing is as it seems. Her hero kept a secret—a younger brother named Clayton Delaney. Warrior, winged demon…and the man who now wants to lay claim to her heart. No longer cast in his brother’s shadow, Clayton meets all obstacles head on, including one named Maddie. His infatuation with her reaches the breaking point when she undergoes a royal rite of passage, going into heat and pushing them both over the edge. Just as Maddie learns that some risks are worth taking, she discovers that her guardian may be alive. And she’s forced to make a choice between the man she’d thought she loved, and the demon willing to lend her his wings. This book contains virginal angst, a hero who’s too nice for his own good, wings, claws, and convenient use of glamour. It contains heartbreaking loss, conversation with a woodland creature, and sweet, sweet demon loving.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Demons, Adult, Ebooks

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2010

About the author

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.

Hailey isn't on Goodreads.

Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/

Reviews

[Zen]

I've tried to start this a few times and am just not getting into this one, so I'm moving on.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. I enjoyed the world and the secondary characters, but I didn't care for the way Maddie kept her head in the sand and refused to see anything that was going on around her. I really wanted to see her come into her own, but I don't really think it that happened. She was better toward the end of the novel, but it ended before I was satisfied that she was anything more than a literal spoiled princess. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Angela]

23 July 2015: $0.99 on Kindle

After reading and really enjoying A Hint of Frost by Ms. Edwards I went looking for her backlist. Unfortunately this one didn't work as well for me.

While there's nothing wrong with the book, characters, or writing, it just didn't engross me. The characters were somewhat bland, the storyline nothing really interesting (and in the 50% I read nothing much had happened yet).

Even though this one didn't work for me, A Hint of Frost very much did, so I'm going to be checking out more of Ms. Edwards work soon.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everlong was an enticing read, from page one I was intrigued. A wonderful mix of paranormal and fantasy. Ms. Edwards has created the perfect definition of fantasy romance. The story opens with an exciting fight scene that instantly pulls you in. I really loved the journey the characters went on. Comparing the situation at the beginning of the book to where they end up is pretty amazing. All elements blended well together. The sexy heroes, danger, the evil relatives and of course romance. A very enjoyable read.

Over the last few months I've enjoyed several stories with winged heroes, Everlong is another one the add to that list. If you enjoy fantasy and hunky winged-demons -- then this is the book for you.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a fast read and highly enjoyable. I guess it was more a 3.5 Ratings... Demons with wings, Love and Grief! Nice paranormal fantasy novel for everyone who loves a good paranormal love story!

Madelyn (the main character) really made some character development that was highly believable until she learned something about her past. For my liking she accepted and forgave too fast, a bit more conflict would have been more believable.

But altogether I fast and fun read!

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very imaginative and intriguing, very likable characters. Slight confusion from time to time that could have been cleared up simply and easily, but didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. An author to keep an eye on.

[D.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This wasn’t what I expected. Early on I prepared for disappointment. I thought the storyline was going to be different but the chemistry on these pages was nothing to be disappointed about. It was HAWT!! Steamy!! Take a moment to breath. What was great was it wasn’t overdone. The sweet finale took its time occurring but the lead up to it was worth while.

[Kei · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too-too-too much angst and too-too-too much rape (as a theme and constant threat, rather than actually happening).
I thought it would be one of those books that started dark but then turned better/good...but it doesn't really turn good for me. I think I just found the beginning too messed up to enjoy anything that came after.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this! It was a little different to what you normally get with a book including demons usually they are the big bad. This was a beautiful story of loss and friendship. It was honestly such a beautiful quick read. The characters were developing nicely ready for the next book. Only thing that knocked it from a 5 star was the ending was kinda predictable even so I really enjoyed it.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hailey Edwards is a good writer but after the 'How to series' this came across as both a bit trite and somewhat bland. Mainstream fantasy romance fans will probably enjoy it however.

[♫♥✿LovLivLife Reviews✿♥♫ (Chasity) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved: Everlong is fraught with challenges. First, living in a court where the ones you love most are slaves and shamefully treated as so. Second, lies, deceit and wicked minds are a common place. Third, living as a transplant among those very slaves as a person of royal blood. Ultimately being the reason the slaves have sought refuge. Another love- the characters. The characters have report with each other like a warm blanket on a chilly night. Madelyn (Maddie) and Emma have an interesting relationship. Emma is a slave and she was given to Maddie as her servant. However, they are more sisters than master and slave. I absolutely love these two girls and love their connection and love for one another.

What I liked: I enjoyed the setting of the free colony. It is one of two settings Everlong takes place in. Hailey Edwards has successfully created a land of the free. Not to say it is not free of struggles but at least it is a place where people are not given respect and wealth without earning.

What made me go "huh": Honestly, I had a very different time finding the 'place' and 'time' of this novel. I was unsure as to when this story took place on a calender. Then I was unsure exactly 'where' on earth or not on earth this took place in. As I moved on in Everlong and then in Evermine (book 2) it became clearer. Another 'huh' was the voice of the main characters. The story begins when Maddie was in her 'coming of age' age. Then it picks up 5 years later. Despite knowing they were young woman I could not get my mind to accept anything but a teenager. This is likely just me- I read Everlong while on the Elliptical machine. It was a mix of reading and listening to the 'text to speech' on my kindle. Last, the romance was a bit weird. After mourning someone for 5 years and having feeling for that person prior to those mourning years it seems awkward to then realize you didn't really love him like that. It seems the reader (me) was built up to expect a certain coupling to happen but then not.

Final thoughts: Overall, I enjoyed Everlong. The entertainment value is present. Honestly, I just adore the two sisters. They are fiercely protective, loyal and loving to one another- the way sisters ought to be.



http://www.lovlivlifereviews.com/2012...

[Ruby Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Everlong. I know I say this a lot, but I do love unique approaches and new worlds. Everlong definitely has that. And what's really good about it is that you don't see a stereotype anywhere. I've never read about winged demons (*sigh*) so I was very happy (and in love, yes!) when I read about Clayton and the other hot demons.

The thing I liked above anything else is the way you get to see the relationship between Maddie and Clayton evolve before the hot sex happens. Probably because of Maddie's story, but I really loved that we get to see that. Also, it gives Clayton a chance to prove that he loves Maddie for her, not for some physical, hormonal thing.

Speaking of Clayton. Can I swoon now? The guy is not only hot and funny, he also has a lot of charm. But the thing I liked most about him was that he didn't try to copy Harper. He didn't try to become someone other than himself and I loved that. And his feelings for Madelyn are so strong and powerful that he'd be willing to do anything for her, including letting her be with another man if that's what makes her happy. That makes him even more manly in my eyes. I loved that about him. Also, the man has wings :D

Maddie broke my heart a few times. Made me want to kill her stepdad more than once. And torture her mom. See, that's another reason I loved this book and I'm sure a lot of readers can agree. It's one thing to say "oh, this character had some really bad stuff happen to them, I'm so sorry blah blah blah" and it's a very different thing to feel what the character feels and to want to jump inside the story and kill a few bad guys. For me, while I do get captivated by a book, it's not something that happens very often, that besides my mind that gets captivated by the story, my actual emotions are "present" there also. So that's another reason to love Everlong.

So if you love paranormal/fantasy, you should really try this series :)

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everlong! I was first attracted to this book simply because of the title - it reminded me of a favorite song by the "Foo Fighters", and after seeing the beautiful cover and reading the synopsis I decided it was definitely a book for me to invest time in.

The story begins in a palace in the demon realm of Askara. We are introduced to Princess Madalyn, and her servants/protectors Emma and Harper. We learn there are various types of demonic entities and are given a glimpse of the horrors of the rites of passage most demons must endure.
After a palace uprising caused by her protector and guardian, Harper, both Maddie and Emma find themselves in the Earthen realm in a cleverly disguised colony of demonkind. They must rebuild a life of their own and learn to deal with loss, love, and coming of age.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story - The characters are fun and new demonic varieties and not your everyday vampire/werewolf sex fantasy, which was a breath of fresh air. The new world of Askara and the rich characters we find there hold a lot of possibilities for future books. Hailey Edwards teaches us about loss and embracing new love through Maddie's story, and I found it inspiring that despite the plot twists and turns, Maddie remains true to herself. Hailey's books, starting with Everlong and including her newest "A Hint of Frost" are heavy with lifestyles of matriarchal societies and female empowerment, which is always a great thing to read.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a pleasant surprise. There 19s no cheat sheet or anything for the world, so you just learn as you go, which is very easy given that the book largely takes place in a human setting, just centers on the demonic characters. I hadn 19t read the blurb before jumping right in, so I didn 19t know quite what to expect and once I started reading, I started formulating my theories on where it was going. Totally went in a different direction, as right about the time I 19m getting into a groove with understanding the world Madelyn lives in, she leaves it! Right as I think I know how the romance will bloom, her guardian abruptly dies (supposedly).

Following his death, Madelyn is heartbroken and living in a fog, leaving her sister Emma to be the strong one and take care of her and everything else. Once the big secret (among others) of Clayton 19s existence is blown, Emma and Madelyn lock horns because Maddie suddenly no longer needs Emma to protect her so much. This only culminates in even more fun towards the end, leaving me twitchy to read the next book (Emma 19s story).

Clayton and Madelyn are really cute together, and the tension they muddle through is both funny and just plain hot. Every close call that gets interrupted left me laughing a little and saying 1Caww, come on! 1D. Theirs is a journey of awkward confessions, sweet innocence, and steamy exploration.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a pleasant surprise. There's no cheat sheet or anything for the world, so you just learn as you go, which is very easy given that the book largely takes place in a human setting, just centers on the demonic characters. I hadn't read the blurb before jumping right in, so I didn't know quite what to expect and once I started reading, I started formulating my theories on where it was going. Totally went in a different direction, as right about the time I'm getting into a groove with understanding the world Madelyn lives in, she leaves it! Right as I think I know how the romance will bloom, her guardian abruptly dies (supposedly).

Following his death, Madelyn is heartbroken and living in a fog, leaving her sister Emma to be the strong one and take care of her and everything else. Once the big secret (among others) of Clayton's existence is blown, Emma and Madelyn lock horns because Maddie suddenly no longer needs Emma to protect her so much. This only culminates in even more fun towards the end, leaving me twitchy to read the next book (Emma's story).

Clayton and Madelyn are really cute together, and the tension they muddle through is both funny and just plain hot. Every close call that gets interrupted left me laughing a little and saying "aww, come on!". Theirs is a journey of awkward confessions, sweet innocence, and steamy exploration.

[Jackie Uhrmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As for the book itself, I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am with Everlong by Hailey Edwards. It’s a story about forgiveness, breaking out of your shell, and allowing yourself to love someone with all your heart. Madelyn is stubborn, spoiled, but willing to admit when she’s made a mistake. Her growth throughout the book is extensive, transforming her from the naïve princess to a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Clayton was a complete surprise. He’s the leader of the colony and can insight drooling from any female at fifty paces. Normally, these characteristics go hand in hand with a stereotypical alpha male: controlling, if not loyal, headstrong, and ready to take what he believes is his. Clayton is nothing like that. Yes, he’s loyal and he can be headstrong, but his feelings for Maddie are so intense he’s willing to whatever it takes to make sure she’s happy, even give her up.

Full review available here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=28810#mor...

[Erin Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great beginning for the world and for the series/trilogy(?). It doesn't delve *too* deeply into detail -- instead, it flirts with the "maybe not enough info" dividing line -- yet manages to present us with a fairly comprehensive world.

I really like Clayton. He's so *real* and believable! Maddie, on the other hand, seems almost childish sometimes (what with being constantly monitored/protected/taken care of/ordered around/left out of the loop) so she didn't play a very active role in the story, which is a bit problematic IMO since we're supposed to absorb all our info from her POV. So when she's left out of the loop; when people keep secrets from her; when she doesn't pay attention to important details like a good, proper MC SHOULD, we're left a bit high and dry.

But like I said, this is a good first step. Love Figment, and can't wait to read Emma's story!!

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everlong

Madelyn was to ascend and take her first mating in exchange for two slaves transferred to her name. She and her sister escaped with her slave Harper. Who secretly loved Emma her sister. But because she thought she was in love with him she wouldn't hear of no one else's pain. When news came he dies in a raid. She lost all hope of loving again. Then she runs into a image she never see again. But it's not Harper it's his brother Clayton. She ends up going heads or heels after he saves her from a near raping by a family ex-slave. He loved her too long to watch her get hurt. So he will protect her at all costs. As life goes on. Something from the past comes back and now it's up to Madelyn to choose her furniture with the past or with future she already slightly started.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Ms. Edwards at a book signing in 2011. I picked up the book to be polite before the meeting. How rude would it be to have her speak to our book club and nobody had read the book.

I think I was only about 10 pages in when I started going Wow, this is good. Let's face it, with epub there are a lot of books out now that are just not good, I was blown away by the quality of the writing and the originality of the story. I love the story, I love her writing style, the only thing I didn't love was that it ended too soon. Her ideas are unique, her stories are captivating and funny. You won't want to put it down. I want a demon of my own!

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this book, with the introduction of new worlds, Askara and Evanti. The intro started high on emotions and actions, but later waned into domestic scenes and somewhat boring moments. Anyway, It's still a roller coaster ride that I will partake on. The main and supporting characters are interesting, and the twist and turns are enjoyable. I will definitely read the next book, because this one makes me want to know more.

[Jacqueline Bagwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling yet intense

Hailey Edwards kept me on edge throughout the entire book. At times I was so overwhelmed I had to put my Kindle down just so I could get my heartbeat under control. Of course as soon as I could breathe again I picked it right back up. Ms. Edwards knows how to keep the reader wanting more!! She's one of my favorite authors now and I highly recommend anything she writes. Well done!

[Ann Alton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet tale

This is probably not for everyone. But if you love rich, flawed characters and complicated relationships more than you want an exciting plot, this is for you. Don't get me wrong - the plot is part of a trilogy, and is good, but the characters and the relationships! I went to bed too late for one more chapter, woke up thinking about them, and didn't hit the snooze so I could keep reading.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy, quick read. Nothing earth shattering. It wasn't terribly predictable, which was nice, but there also wasn't any big conflict or ordeal. There was plenty of foreshadowing of some future conflicts, but this one was fairly tame on that front. The focus here seemed to be more on the relationships and scene setting. Definitely interested in continuing the story!

[Maddy Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. The world and the characters were unique anddrew me in. One thing I liked a lot was that the relationship between Maddie (Hm, nice name!) and Clayton took a while to build. When they had sex I could feel that they cared for each other. Great book!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and different world created here. I enjoyed the demons and haw well they were described. The characters had some great background and I can't wait to start the next book of the series. Emma deserves a HEA too!

[Mahyar]

Couldn't resist the hot cover...*adds to TBR*

[Feywatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet but unrealistic characters. Pleasant fluff.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book would have been 5 stars if the ending was better resolved.

[Mariana Castro · Rating 2 out of 5]

SOOO SWEET!!!

[Dianne Hartsock · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! The beginning drew me right in, then broke my heart, made me laugh, puzzled me, then finished with a surprise. Enjoyed every page.