I read a lot of indie books and I usually overlook the weaker parts and give the writer props for going it alone. I like the originality of indie books, but Emerge blew my mind! The author did an amazing job putting this together and she did it so well I completely forgot it was an indie book! I read the extended sample on scribd and I had to buy it I just couldn't put it down.

The thing I loved best about Emerge is that the world the author has built is so believable and realistic. She obviously worked very hard to create a unique, secret world of ancient immortals and plopped it right in the middle of the real world so effortlessly she made it look easy. If immortals with (non-cheesy) special abilities existed, this is exactly how it would be. I loved it!

There are so many unpredictable moments with twists and turns I never expected. I read a lot and it is very rare that I find a book where I can't guess what is going to happen. I cannot wait for book two because I have no idea what's going to happen next! That tells me this indie author knows what she is doing! I especially liked her writing style. The dialogue was so natural and never felt forced. The characters were well developed and completely relatable. Allie is outrageously funny at times and serious and level headed when she needs to be. Aidan is a good balance to her character and the two have great chemistry. There is something of a love triangle, but it makes sense and it isn't a major part of the story. I think Allie a great, realistic character the reader can relate to. She is strong and determined but she has flaws and insecurities.

The secondary characters were well developed for book one, but I hope to learn more about them in book two. Sasha, Quinn, Chloe and Graham each have their own identity and individual personality and a lot of potential for the series. There is a prequel novella coming out this summer and I hope we'll get to learn more about these characters. The teachers, Gregg, Naeemah, Daniel, Emma, Jin Jing and Ming Lao, were all amazing. You really get a sense of their individual stories and I love how their lives have all entwined over thousands of years. At the beginning of the book, you think they are just the kids parents, but by the end you really start to see how they are all one big family.

Like I said, the world building is crazy good, and the story moves along at a pace that will keep you turning the pages until you realize you are sleep reading and you have to put it down before you drift off and knock yourself out with your ipad. And the end! OMG the end was not what I was expecting!

I'm giving this five stars and I recommend it to anyone who loves YA, especially if you are looking for a break from dystopian stories. Don't let the fact that this is an indie book turn you off! You don't want to miss this book!