In Demon Ember, the first book in the Resurrection Chronicles Series, the authors -- M.J. Haag, Becca Vincenza, and Melissa Haag -- put forth their version of a world dealing with a near apocalypse situation. Mya and her roommate (Kristin) are having a typical college day when the news of tremors in Germany becomes the major highlight. Before anybody could understand the severity of the situation, similar tremors begin causing terror in the US as well. Their trepidation is increased by the sudden appearances of people with severed bodies and a weird gait. The problems quickly turn into chaos where everyone is terrified and clueless. While escaping the undead and dangerous beasts whose bites are converting normal humans into infected ones (undead), Mya runs straight into a creature so strange that no words could define him aptly. She only wants to reunite with her family, but this creature, who calls himself Drav, has a strange obsession with her. Mya is not sure how much she can rely on Drav and how he would react when they find her family. Nevertheless, if she wants to survive, Drav might be her only chance.

The authors have written a story that keeps their readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book. I was hooked right from the beginning and completely connected with the characters. Their trepidation is communicated very effectively. I could feel Mya's concern about her family's well-being and her distrust toward Drav. The execution of the action scenes is so perfect that I found my heartbeats in sync with the characters that were involved in their respective acts. The conversations and situations are kept as close to reality as possible. Mya was thinking the same things that popped into my head and so I found myself very much in harmony with her. Needless to say, she is my favorite character. Although she is in a desperate situation, she is not afraid to voice her opinion whenever required. She has a clear vision of right and wrong and is portrayed as a wonderful girl.

This book has met -- and, dare I say -- exceeded all my expectations. I am not a fan of action, violence or apocalypse scenarios; however, the authors' presentation and execution amazed me. I, as a reader, found myself perfectly synchronized with the characters and the plot. I could not wait to learn the climax, yet did not feel the need to rush my reading because the development (and therefore the reading journey) was so intriguing and enveloping.

I loved Demon Ember: Resurrection Chronicles Book 1 by M.J. Haag, Becca Vincenza and Melissa Haag. I was looking for something I could read in a weekend. Demon Ember looked like it would fit the bill. But I didn’t want to waste my time. I wanted something that would absorb me. I wanted something new that I could really get into. I am not a paranormal fan, but I realize it can be a great genre in the right hands. These authors have the right hands. I have seen this type of story before, but never done like this or done so well. Mostly you see this kind of tale in movies or on television and, though they are sometimes done well, I’ve never seen one done this well. A big surprise for me is that there is not one sex scene in this book, yet it has one of the most satisfying romances or friendships that I have ever read.

There are two main characters in Demon Ember and I liked them both a lot, though they start as apparent enemies. Mya and Drav soon develop a relationship that defies definition. A relationship that they both need and want. There is growth and it is very beautifully done. It had to be done well as it is the driving force that keeps the plot pushing forward. The story is good and there are a lot of questions for the reader to puzzle over, but the relationship is what keeps us going. The setting is done well, but again, the characters steal the show. There is great writing all round which glues everything together into a whole that transcends the individual parts.