Ever Hayes: Emergency Exit

The story follows a family and friends in northern MN as they discover what has transpired. That group intercepts a coded message revealing the lone safe haven—in Hawaii. Their task—crossing a dark continent in the face of an army—is daunting, if not impossible, but they have no choice. “The only way to live is to leave.”

Cast is mixed—age, gender & race—“average American,” if you will. Largely narrated by the father, Ryan (mid-30s). His son Danny (20) & daughter Hayley (18) are the main characters, combined with a love interest for Ryan and the conflicted antagonist Eddie. It takes a few chapters to set up then quickly moves forward from there. They encounter a mixed bag of friends and foes along the way, allowing for extra character drama, personal challenges and loss.

It’s hard to say if anything like this could ever occur, but it’s as believable as being wiped out by an EMP, virus, or plague, and more conceivable than the popular dystopian tales out there. If you accept it for what it is, then this is an enjoyable ride with many twists and surprises. You may find yourself wanting more love story or more fighting, but there’s no lack of action, suspense or intensity.

* - Pure Wander is a family magazine. Emergency Exit would be appropriate & enjoyed by our audience PG-13+ (Violence, Mild language, Adult content) — (4.5 out of 5)

“Every once in awhile a book comes along that catches you by surprise. You think you’ll like it then you love it… you think you’ll start reading it and then you can’t stop. In the last ten years I haven’t read a more intriguing, thought-provoking, hard to put down book. Can’t wait for the movie! (And the sequel!)”

“A perfect marriage between the Incredible Journey and the Hunger Games. If this book isn’t a movie in the next few years I’d be shocked. You’ll find yourself casting actors as you read, I promise!”

“You can imagine everything in this book happening as it does. The pace just keeps on picking up. A gripping keep-you-guessing ride.”

“My 13-year-old loved it as much as I did. As a school librarian I’m thrilled when I find easy to read, suspenseful, adventure stories like this. Definitely going on our ‘Hot List.’”

“Publishers and agents should be fighting over who gets this script. Incredible ending. The worst part of the book was the last page. Only cause I wanted more!”

Cover Designby James T. Egan of Bookfly Design LLC

Copyeditingby Kira Rubenthaler of Bookfly Design LLC

Copyeditingby Eileen Cotter of Pure Wander (Boston)

Most of the credit for the existence of this book goes to my wife and son, without whose patience and support I’d never have even had the opportunity to write it. Additional gratitude to the friends & family who read it and provided critical and instrumental feedback: Stacy, Dylan, Steve, Mom, Cathy, Pete, Eileen and Hilary. Thanks as well to the editors of the magazines I’ve worked for the past seven years: Darin and Steve — for believing in me and allowing me to hone the craft of writing under your tutelage. And to the professional editors and copy editors who worked on this script over the past seven months to help perfect it. Thank you to my Dad, to God for the remarkable grace and countless blessings you’ve provided in this life, and to my four awesome kids for your daily inspiration. Finally… a special thank you to YOU for picking up this book and giving it a chance. I hope it is both enjoyable and surprising in equal parts.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Emergency Exit

Copyright © by Ever N. Hayes

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

Published as an e-Book in April 2014 by ENH.

Published in Paperback in May 2014 by ENH & CreateSpace

Word Count: 126,126