FROM THE AUTHOR, NOVEMBER ELLISON:
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BEACON (THE JO BENALLY SERIES)Pastor Joanna Benally leads a double life. On the outside, she’s dedicated to the work of turning around troubled churches. But inside, she is lonely and unfulfilled, keeping everyone at arm’s length to hide the shameful secrets of her past.
When Jo is sent to Newark, Ohio, on church business, she is knocked off her feet by a handsome redheaded young man who claims he is Cain, history’s oldest murderer—and a vampire. He’s taken it upon himself to butcher sinners, sadistically using his telepathic abilities to enjoy his victims’ terror and pain. As Jo struggles with the ethical dilemma of how to respond to this murderer, Cain slowly dismantles her carefully constructed isolation. Then, Jo kills two men in self-defense, an unexpected chain of events ushers her into a reality she never imagined possible. She learns she’s a “beacon,” a genetically marked vessel for the magnetic power that enables vampires to feed off of humans. As danger and betrayal emerge in unexpected places and the line between good and evil blurs, Jo must choose between the truth of radical love and the safety of false appearances. Action-packed, romantic, and thought provoking, Beacon explores the possibility that vampirism is both scientifically possible and part of God’s plan. |
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CATALYST (THE JO BENALLY SERIES, BOOK 2)In Catalyst, the follow-up to November Ellison’s breakout novel, Beacon, Pastor Jo Benally struggles to cope with the realization that the innocent are not immune to the evils of the world. Chloe, a child in her congregation, can see vampires, and Jo decides to take on the role of protector for the girl, moving with Chloe’s family to Virginia.
But Jo’s presence may be more of a liability than an asset. Contrary to their solitary nature, vampires begin to congregate around Jo, whose powers as a Beacon are growing by the day. Realizing she facilitates love and lustful inclinations in those around her, Jo finds herself at the crux of an undead love triangle. Making matters much more complicated, the murderous, immoral agency Jo worked for before turning to God reinserts itself into her life. RAND seeks to understand—and wield—the power of vampirism as a weapon. RAND must be stopped. As matters come to a head, Jo suddenly understands her purpose in this bloody, dark, and violent world. Assuming the role of protector once again, Jo defends the vampires from RAND and teaches them to use their powers for good. But will it be enough to save them? |
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BEACON:
Beacon is an intelligent, high-concept interpretation of a genre driven by an incredibly complex and intriguing female protagonist. Layers are added and stripped along the course of the narrative, the sort of strong character development that sucks a reader in and doesn’t let go. The most chilling scenes deliver, no small feat in a world where we have an endless reserve of the “chilling” at our fingertips. Beacon is a bold, fearless statement from a new artist—“lean in,” hell. CRASH in."
Reviewed by Maria Juliana Leal For Readers Views (02/17)
“Beacon” by November Ellison is an interesting book, which combines religion and spirituality
with the dark fantasy world of vampires and evil in many forms. It is a mix of genres filled with
romance, betrayal, conspiracy theories, and science thrown in for good reading. The story takes
place in Newark, Ohio. Joanna Benally is a pastor that has a double life. On one side working with
troubled churches and on the other, a person that feels lonely and unfulfilled. Cain is a young
handsome man, who claims to be Cain of the Bible (history’s first and oldest murderer), and a
vampire. Jo falls in love with Cain, and is conflicted between a radical love and false appearances,
struggling between the good and the evil.
Ellison created characters that are multi-dimensional, and some will perhaps remind the reader of
people they know in real life. The reader connects with the characters as this work of fiction leaves
them wondering what is going to happen to them, but also curious about what happened to shape
them into the way they are. The author also does a great job with the pace; a fast opening chapter
sets the tone for the rest of the novel, which works perfectly with the hooks and cliffhangers
throughout. November Ellison’s ability to create fantastic scenarios in realistic settings is excellent.
I found myself at the edge of my seat, not wanting to put the book down.
In my opinion, “Beacon” by November Ellison is a page-turner that also makes the reader think as
he/she is left guessing chapter after chapter. This is definitely a well-crafted tale and the start of a
great series. I recommend “Beacon” to any reader that enjoys the fantasy/thriller genres, but believe
it to be an awesome book for everyone who enjoys page-turners!
ABOUT NOVEMBER ELLISON:
November Ellison is a highly successful analyst and digital marketer who holds an undergraduate degree in French and a graduate degree in sociology. She has published a number of nonfiction, work-related articles, both online and in various periodicals.
Prior to the publication of her breakout novel, Beacon, and its sequel, Catalyst, her last published work of fiction was a play. Although released in 1994, it is still in production in numerous colleges and universities.
Ellison shares her home with her two teenage children and five adorable, inscrutable felines.
Additionally, Ellison is a loyal NanoWriMo participant, a ball gown collector, and a corporate executive by day who escapes from the 9-5 drudge by exploring alternative realities, such as time travel, vampires, and the after life. As a result, Ellison has completed a handful of science-fiction/romance novels.
Prior to the publication of her breakout novel, Beacon, and its sequel, Catalyst, her last published work of fiction was a play. Although released in 1994, it is still in production in numerous colleges and universities.
Ellison shares her home with her two teenage children and five adorable, inscrutable felines.
Additionally, Ellison is a loyal NanoWriMo participant, a ball gown collector, and a corporate executive by day who escapes from the 9-5 drudge by exploring alternative realities, such as time travel, vampires, and the after life. As a result, Ellison has completed a handful of science-fiction/romance novels.