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 a story that begins as a single snowflake and ends in an avalanche. The story's main character, Allie Carmichael, is introduced as a teenager whose main concern in life is getting her parents to put down roots long enough for her to build some satisfying friendships. Allie gets her wish, and the friends she makes quickly become her escorts to a whole new existence.

Hang on as Allie discovers her own "awakening", family history, supernatural abilities and a life of strenuous training in the use of these gifts. By the end of the book Allie has grown into much more than a teenage girl with relationship issues. She becomes a young woman of stature and a purpose she never would have dreamed of.

Emerge begins very low key, describing the life of a teenage girl whose parents are constantly moving from one country to another, for reasons that Allie can't figure out. By the end of the book, it is clear from what and whom they are running. Events early in the book captured my curiosity, but very quickly it grabbed my attention. Soon, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Melissa Craven has put together a story that unfolds and unfolds and unfolds again, revealing characters of unusual depth and a plot that will have you cheering Allie and her friends on through good times, hardship and danger. I enthusiastically recommend this book for youth and adults who enjoy a superbly crafted fantasy tale. Emerge: The Awakening, will not disappoint you but will definitely leave you itching for more, which is yet to come.

What an amazing and unique story this author has crafted! I've enjoyed the fully developed characters of Emerge. They each have such interesting layers that Craven casually reveals throughout the book. The historical aspects were truly ingenious and unexpected. I love that the adults are not just flat characters. They have their own wonderful stories that go back hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Some of them played prominent roles in history...well you have to read it to find out...No spoilers here.
Allie is by far the thing I loved most about the book. Craven has created a female character that is truly one of a kind. She is the epitome of the strong young girl who is a role model simply because she is real. Allie is a girl everyone can identify with. She is spunky, witty, loyal, smart, and a good friend. Not to mention her wonderful sarcasm. I laughed throughout the book over Allie’s unpredictable sarcasm.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book! Craven will take you on a journey that starts quietly with a young girl who seems a little mysterious at first, and even more so when unexpected events sets you on edge by the end of the first chapter. You will go along with Allie as she travels this road, uncertain of her future. The journey will not always be quiet. There will be moments of extreme pain and confusion as well as moments of laughter and playfulness. Just when you think the journey is coming to an end…Craven throws you another curve ball and shows you just how wrong you were. You should NOT miss out on the end of this book.

I can't believe this is self published!

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!

"Originality is the distinguishing characteristic of this story." See the full review at http://cam8510.hubpages.com/hub/Emerge-The-Awakening-A-Book-Review