Emerge: Immortals of Indriell (Book 1)

This story reminded me a lot of a superhero origins story... it has that same feel of an ordinary person learning to cope with extraordinary events and abilities. The main character is sympathetic and lovable and the supporting characters are very engaging as well. Craven's world-building is well done and helps you see how this storyline fits within the world we know. As the book ends you're left knowing that things are just getting started and the story will just get more tangled and exciting. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Emerge – The Awakening by Melissa A. Craven is a novel that follows the life of Alexis Carmichael, a girl who perhaps seems normal on the outside, yet is anything but on the inside. Allie has always known she was different, but she also thought she was the only one. She is proved wrong when she literally stumbles across a boy named Aidan. Aidan and his family have supernatural powers and, as she soon discovers, Allie does too. However, as the famous saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Because of this power, Allie is a threat to others, meaning others are a threat to her. Thrust into a world where she is made to accept her new life, undergo hardcore training to ensure her safety, whilst amidst complex boy troubles even she cannot wholly understand - will this prove too much for Allie, or will she learn to accept what she now is before it is too late?

Emerge – The Awakening is a novel that grabbed my attention within the first few pages and refused to let go until the very end. The premise was exciting, the storyline kept me guessing, and the plot kept me reading, which are all qualities of an excellent book. Melissa A. Craven excels at bringing her characters to life especially with Allie and Aidan, whose attraction to one another could be felt through the pages. What I loved the most was the introduction of Aidan into Allie’s life as he was not made to be superior or inferior to her, but equal. One small critique is that perhaps Craven could have slowed down the development of Allie and Aidan’s relationship as I felt that plot element in particular was slightly rushed. Apart from that, I would highly recommend this novel as it is fast-paced, interesting and, above all, a very good read.

I totally judge a book by its cover so this one sucked me in right away. At a glance it just seemed different, bold and colorful and I'm happy to say the story is as good as the cover promises. It reminds me of The Mortal Instruments books which I loved, but it's not a copycat. Emerge is a very unique powerful story all on its own, but it shares a similar urban vibe that Mortal Instruments had, and really great world building too. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a book like this and I'm so excited to have a new favorite series! Can't wait for the prequel this summer and I hope book two won't be too long after that!
I thought the relationship between Allie and Aidan was really unique. I like how they are equals in power and that they are so powerful not everyone is comfortable around them, which makes them drawn to each other. You really want them to be together, but it's early in the series and Allie has so much going on with all the changes she's been through, it makes sense that she wants something normal at this point in her story.
I also really liked the way their powers work. It was very believable and not over the top. Their gifts are subtle and well thought out so that they aren't like every other super power out there. Like the way Quinn can become "invisible" but not really, he can just make you think you don't see him but it's not like he vanishes. It's about as realistic as superpowers get which was a nice change.
It does start a little slow. The first chapter really grabbed me with a lot of activity and it raised a bunch of questions about why they were moving so suddenly and then chapter two was interesting with the way she met Aidan and you knew there was something going on that Allie wasn't quite getting. And then it goes into a lot of normal for a few chapters. It's the first really normal life Allie has ever known and in hindsight, I get what the author was trying to do there. But once you hit chapter six it really starts to take off and by chapter ten, you cannot put it down! Such a great cast of characters and an incredible ending! Highly recommended!

Emerge: The Awakening, is fantastic!! Melissa A. Craven certainly created characters who are both interesting to follow and watch develop in a unique manner. It is fascinating to see the young people in the story, especially Allie, learn from their elders and become aware of their own strengths and support each other in a powerful way. This book is truly captivating and holds the readers attention from beginning to end. It is a must read for those who truly like a good fantasy. You will fall in love with the characters and the story line. Looking forward to future releases from this author.