Reviews
EDITORIAL PRAISE FOR EMERGENCE
“A slow-burn thriller, EMERGENCE by Ellie Beals interlaces the stories of 13 year Xavier, a young naturalist raised in the remote woods of Western Quebec and the subject of his observations, a middle-aged woman named Cass, her three dogs, and an assortment of friends and foes–the latter of which may be a threat to her life… The juxtaposition of their impressions of vulnerability and safety makes for a deliciously disquieting ride through the somewhat morally and ethically confusing landscape of this story. There are a few standouts amongst the minor characters–the gorgeous and frustrating Lori, the “alpha male” Mike–but without question, it is the odd relationship between Cass and Xavier that propels us through this unique thriller. “– Shari Simpson for IndieReader Review. Read the full 4.5 star review here.
“The author does a wonderful job inserting the reader into the physical and emotional developments of this story. Sometimes they are gratifying and playful, sometimes they are tense and unpredictable.” – Sharon Clayton, The Eclectic Review. Read the full review here.
“From the moment I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I credit the talent of this author to slowly weave her tentacles around you until you’re completely hooked and can’t get loose from the story. Her descriptive and powerful writing is how I wish every book were written. She never forgets tiny details that make things real, and that can elicit a visceral response from the reader.” – Poppy, Long and Short Reviews. Read the full review here.
“Beals invites readers into a novel not only pulled along by a gripping plot but into a realistic world based on her own life experience. Characterized by intelligent, lifelike dogs and written in the beautiful but potentially dangerous West Quebec wilderness where it was set, Emergence offers a thrilling, darkly dramatic story worth reading.” – Grace Giesbrecht, Ottawa Life Magazine. Read the full interview here.
“As obedience competitors, we understand that those of us who reach the highest level of our sport have exceptional powers of observation and attention to detail. Luckily for us, Ellie Beals, a top obedience competitor in Canada for many years, has been able to transfer those rare qualities to another field entirely and has written a thriller that will keep you turning pages well past bedtime and have you thinking about it long after the last page.” – Elizabeth A. Raba for Front and Finish Journal. Read the full review here.
“The power of Beals’ lyrical writing shines through in the visceral reactions I had to many parts of Cass and Xavier’s experiences, both good and bad. I found myself transported into many scenes with a resonance I have come to associate with powerful storytelling. Emergence isn’t a light read. It explores and confronts unpleasant aspects of the human condition we tend to avoid and push into the background. That said, Emergence is hopeful and will stay with you long after you read the last page.” – Mary Metcalfe, Principal, Laskin Publishing. Read the full review here.
“Emergence, by new author Ellie Beals is, simply put, a captivating winter read. Even the most complimentary adjectives feel insufficient to describe Beal’s first novel, as they cannot adequately capture the experience of spending time with her characters, who are so fully realized and complex that the truth seeps out of them from the first page.” – Liz Doran, Journal of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada. Read the full review here.
READER PRAISE FOR EMERGENCE
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