Convergence

by Jesse Clary, Greg Carr (Contributor), Alisha Harvey (Editor)

In bright, bold, red letters the words "TOTAL CONVERGENCE" flash on Jay's TV reminding him that the end of the world is only a week away.
 
Seven years ago, The Anomaly appeared high in the sky and marked the beginning of the world's end. The great black diamond continues to tear the earth asunder and twist the very fabric of reality as it devours what remains. With only a week remaining before the end of the world, Jay must travel from Detroit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to fulfill the promise he made to his late to bury her ashes in her childhood home of Escanaba. Using his ability to manifest and control fire and flame, he will face monstrous demons wrought by The Anomaly as well as the ones that lurk within his mind.
 
Convergence tells an exciting, action-filled tale of survival in a dangerous and horror-infested world. Jay's journey across Michigan is one full of struggle, learning, and comradery that all culminates in him discovering what it truly means to mourn and find closure within himself.

411 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2023

About the author

Hello everyone!

My name is Jesse and I was born in Germany, raised in Texas, and now live in Michigan. I've always been a huge fan of horror and the more otherworldly things even if my friends were less drawn to such. So when a new scary movie and horror video game came out, I was usually enjoying those things on my own. But it seems the vibes in the Midwest are perfectly suitable to flourish such interests. Since moving to Detroit, I've found that people here are far more welcoming of the macabre and strange... and I love it!

Recently I've written and published my first novel, "Convergence," which is about a man traveling across Michigan to bury the ashes of his late wife in the Upper Peninsula before the world ends in a week. The writing experience was an excellent challenge, and I hope that anyone who finds the concept interesting to please check it out!

As for hobbies, I can always be found playing the latest video game which I've been doing since I was maybe 5 when I first played Pac-Man with my father. I'm also a huge music lover and have been playing in bands off and on since high school; I mainly play bass guitar and drums. Lastly, I'm a car nerd as well and own the fastest and manliest machine around... a Miata. I love tinkering with the thing, but sometimes I feel I'm training to be a contortionist when trying to get into certain spots in that thing.

I know it may seem odd that "reading" wasn't the first thing mentioned, but to be frank... I don't read as much as I'd like to. Perhaps that will change with being more active on goodreads, but I'll maybe read 3 or 4 novels a year. It took me nearly 6 months to finish Heretics of Dune! Not because I'm a slow reader, but because I simply like to take my time is all.

Anyways thanks for checking out my profile! Happy reading!

Reviews

[Crystal K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Jesse Clary for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars

This book focuses on the MC coping with the death of his wife and also fulfilling his promise to her in the apocalyptic world. And this world had creatures ranging from the cutest to the most horrendous monsters imaginable. Honestly, I love me some apocalyptic books. So this book was right up my alley. For a debut novel, the writing was really good. Though I must say that the plot was quite different from what I usually read.

World-building

This sci-fi world had supernatural humans, fantastic creatures, and mystical plants. And the world was ending because of the anomaly. What is it, you may ask? What was total convergence, really? How was it possible that the engines were failing and gasoline was not burning? Why were such odd incidents happening? I was disappointed that we didn’t get the logical answers to these questions. I hoped that, at least by the end of the book, we would know the exact reason why the world was going to be destroyed. It sounded like the anomaly was a living entity. It had influenced so many events in the world that it even managed to control or talk to people in their minds. Yet there were people out there who were persistent in seeing the end through.
 
Plot/Pacing
 
The beginning of the book was rather uneventful. The turning point came when Jay crossed paths with Benu, and things got real. I loved their journey. I actually liked the flashbacks, but I think they could have been scaled down a bit.
 
Characters
 
I freaking loved Benu. She was such a badass. I wish I could be like her sometimes. She really helped Jay heal.
But when he said, "Why can’t anyone understand what I’m goin’ through?" Well, he lost me there. How could he have been so insensitive? They had literally been through hell, and she had done so much for him, just for him to discredit her emotions? That was pretty shitty of him.
 
Final thoughts
 
I've got mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed it; and on the other hand, I felt that the hardships that the MCs went through, just for them to be killed at the end, just felt cruel. I just wanted a different sort of ending for them. Throughout the book, it was hinted that it was unclear if the world would really end. Nobody was sure what would happen. So, I was hoping for some miracle. Surely, humans couldn’t just give up so soon. It's mentioned that they had tried; well, my optimistic ass wanted to be hopeful. But realistically, if this were to ever happen, then humankind is doomed, and I'm officially paranoid cause I hate the unknown.
 
I, for one, can’t understand the part where Benu gets shot. What was the need for that scene? She was supposed to be there till the very end. How could she have died from a mere gunshot? It was giving ‘no matter what you do, you will fail’ vibes. And I still don't get the point of the anomaly. It's hard to digest that the world ended just like that. And thus, the end didn’t feel satisfying to me.
 
I may have judged the book a bit too harshly. What can I say? I like my happily ever afters.

I'm really impressed by how seamlessly the author kept the story moving, and I really liked his writing style. I would love to read his future work.

PS: Tremors is my favorite too.

[Gyalten Lekden · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a sci-fi story set against the backdrop of an apocalypse in a world littered with horrors, there is a strong vein of fantasy in this story, and it worked well to make this debut novel consistently fun and entertaining. I say there is an overall fantasy vibe because the story feels like a quest narrative, albeit one set against a very inventive sci-fi backdrop. Because of this nature it feels very episodic, going from one obstacle to the next, without any overarching nemesis or antagonist other than time itself. While it wouldn’t hurt to have some literary or narrative antagonist that followed through the story, the episodic nature actually worked well, in part because each new set piece was interesting and not just a rinse and repeat of the one before. There were a few action scenes which were fun, and a few horrific scenarios and characters that were memorable. I think what I enjoyed most was the commitment to the premise, that there is this other-worldly event that happened that has changed everything, and there is no need to explain more details than that. In fact, not ever character believes that the terrestrial scientists whose measurements and calculations led to the countdown clock are correct in their assessment, and so the reader is left wondering up until the clock reaches zero just what may happen then. It is all too easy to feel a need to over explain every sci-fi detail, and that quickly bogs down a story, and I really enjoyed the way this novel deftly eschewed that.

With that said, it was quite heavy-handed in its writing. It is clearly the work of a new writer, and both internal/emotional journeys as well as dialogue felt really over-wrought at times. If having really clear and refined prose is critical to your enjoyment of a story, then this might not do it for you. And while I really value writing, the beating heart of the story, woven so intimately within our protagonist and his quest, and realized as he faces obstacles upon creative obstacle, some that come straight from nightmares and others that leave your head scratching, I was easily able to get over some writing that felt over-produced and not confident of itself. It was never offensive, and I was more than charmed by everything else going on. The story didn’t really do anything new, ultimately being a story of how grief over loss can define us and force us to question who or how we want to be in the world. A pending apocalypse is as good of a ticking clock as any, and no part of this journey, from the sidekick who accompanies us to the various battles or emotional revelations along the way, felt remarkably surprising or inventive. Instead, within the strong narrative of a fantasy quest we find compelling world building and intriguing characters, all of whom I was happy to spend time with, and the good pacing and episodic nature kept the story moving and kept me wanting to see where it would go. Overall, it was just a solid story that combined horror, sci-fi, and fantasy genres well, balanced an internal/external journey with the threat of global extinction looming overhead, all while being a lot of fun to read. Plus, it had some intense and gross horror scenes thrown in for good measure. What more do you need?

(3.5 stars rounded up.)

I want to thank the author and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reva Sanders ♠️♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to thank the author Jesse Clary for allowing me to review his work.

I want to give this a 4.5 stars.

This book was a thrilling sci-fi rollercoaster with emotional attachment to follow. In this action-packed storyline, the MC-Jay faces unimaginable hardships both internally and externally due to life and the appearance of the Anomaly. I personally loved the fact that every twist and turn was another monstrous adventure featuring humans or others, to face and overcome. I also very much enjoyed the detailed explanation of the characters feelings and what led up to certain events. At times, the detailing for the scenery seemed a little redundant by deign drawn out, however it still painted a clear picture of what’s going on during each scene. I also am usually not a fan of flashbacks but they are a nice edition showcasing the growth of emotions and the buildup of the inevitable. This was a good read and I enjoyed the ride it took me on.

[Samantha Tolliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author; super thankful for the opportunity! I was so excited to read a thriller based in Michigan since I visit there every summer, i loved seeing the travels from Detroit to the UP. The characters were really interesting and the monsters were written very well. It reminded me so much of Stranger Things mixed with the Walking Dead in a way; I loved the over all plot of the book. The book is in third person which is not my favorite and the flashbacks to Jay’s wife were a bit distracting at certain points. Thankful for the opportunity and excited to see what’s next!

[Gigi Levitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly when I reached out to get a copy of this book, I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I did not expect to feel so deeply for the characters we meet, especially Benu. I love how we got to follow them on their adventures and hear Jay’s inner thoughts.
I’m also happy that we found out Her name as the ending point. I think it was a wonderful way to end the book! The last few chapter pulled at my heart strings and I was on the verge of crying multiple times, finally losing the battle when Jay said goodbye to Benu one last time and accomplished him promise to Her.
Would definitely recommend this to apocalypse enjoyers!

[Kyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book creeped me out, broke my heart at times, and completely blew me away. This could be a great movie, the entire time I was holding on for dear life and rooting for Jay (the main character). There's something about the way the author touches on grief that only those who have been there understand. Certain scenes terrified me, that's pretty hard to do and I appreciate it all the more for it. I'm surprised this hasn't blown up on a bestsellers list somewhere. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves horror, apocalyptic, sci-fi, and/or superheroes.

[Lea Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the descriptions and flashbacks. We get to learn about Her through these and it makes it feel like she was there the entire way. Loved the characters. The last chapter got me right in the feels. Started out kind of slow, but got much, much, better. Overall, a good book.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This has, in no way, shaped my review.

Convergence, by Jesse Clary, is an apocalyptic horror about a man who, in spite of the end of the world looming over him, does everything he can to fulfill his wife’s last request. Jay is a widower that has yet to make peace with his wife’s passing. While the Anomaly, a strange black diamond floating in the sky, has just marked the earth for death, Jay decides to take his wife’s ashes back to her home town as a way to honor her memory. On the way there, he meets a woman named Benu, and together, they travel through an apocalyptic hellscape where they encounter monsters of all types, both human and mutated.

I enjoyed Clary’s horrifying depictions of the monsters in the story, and how completely deceptive they can be. From humans starting a cult all to reclaim some semblance of peace, to monsters who can disguise themselves as loved ones, Clary ensures that the reader is on edge for every little encounter the characters come across. Moreover, I like how, in spite of the strangeness the Anomaly has on human beings, Clary decides to not make this story into a traditional hero-saves-the-world plot line. After all, when it comes to humanity, there is no such thing as morality; only survival. This is depicted well with Carla, and how she uses her powers to kill people, a mercy in this world, and Jay, who doesn’t do anything grand with his flame powers, and instead, uses them to heat up a can of beans, a kindness that would’ve been overlooked had the world not been ending. I like how the dead, at times, speak louder than the living, which brings me to another thing; the fact that Clary didn’t depict humans as outright monsters and just a struggling race finding ways to cope with the fact that they will all die in the end was extraordinary. You read a lot of apocalyptic stories in which everyone has gone completely insane, so this story was refreshing. The fact that, as you keep reading, there’s a countdown until the end of the world, just adds to the tension.

I absolutely loved how Clary handled grief. Even though mental health professionals will say that there are seven steps, and true, people will sometimes go through those steps over and over again, there’s still so much that we don’t know about the human mind. We may comfort ourselves in ways that may be odd to others; for instance, bringing an infant into a world that’ll end in about nine days. Then of course, there are more relatable coping skills that may denote our vulnerability. Lorenzo and his illusions, and even Carla and how she uses her powers, are examples of this. Even Benu and how she reacted to her family’s passing is completely understandable.

As such, because of it’s terrifying monsters, as well as it’s masterful handling of human grief as a whole, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Convergence” by Jesse Clary is a science fiction apocalyptic thriller that doubles as a horror masterpiece. Total convergence looms on our main characters’ consciousness as time rapidly ticks away. Seven years ago, a strange anomaly appeared in the night sky and began wreaking havoc on Earth. Jay, a recent widower, has struggled with losing his wife since her passing but yearns to finally put her to rest in her childhood hometown before it’s too late. Benu strives to make amends and live out the last few days with her estranged family.

Together they must fight their way through miles of unknown dangers as they travel on foot through the devastation of Michigan’s landscape. With only a couple of weeks remaining, grotesque monsters, crazed predatory humans, and an ever-changing foreboding landscape stand between Jay and Benu as they struggle to fulfill loved ones’ wishes and survive the countdown to the world’s imminent destruction.

“Convergence” is a wild ride from page one. Author Jesse Clary introduces the reader to Jay as he packs his bags to begin his final quest with his wife’s urn and ashes in a backpack of survival gear. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the backstory of Jay’s life and the ominous anomaly which is slowly destroying the world. The author’s ability to produce a sense of dread in multiple locations throughout his world-building of eerie backdrops is unlike any I have ever read.

Fearful apprehension fills the pages with the visualization of a countdown timer acting as a constant reminder in days, hours, minutes, and seconds of the urgency our characters face and the terrors ahead. Raw emotions bleed through Clary’s words creating a world where every shadow holds a monster waiting to pounce. The monsters are numerous and terrifyingly evil. Yet it was the humans turned into enraged, puss-filled cannibals that had me unable to sleep.

The action is so fast-paced the reader will feel the characters’ anxiety and desperate emotions of hopelessness and exhaustion as they narrowly escape death time and again. Heart-pounding fight scenes with gory slashers-like horror descriptions will leave readers wide-eyed, panting and biting their nails as they race through the pages praying for the characters’ lives. “Convergence” by Jesse Clary is a must-read for the sci-fi horror/thriller fan and would also make an incredible mini-series for tv.

[Sage Nestler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Take

Convergence by Jesse Clary is the perfect mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, making it an undeniable treat for fans of apocalyptic horror. The spooky elements are subtle, which adds an underlying sense of dread throughout the novel that works its way under the reader's skin. Convergence is ideal for readers who are fond of books with strong sci-fi and fantasy elements, but where horror takes a backseat.

Tell Me More

I am not an avid reader of sci-fi, but I do enjoy fantasy, especially if it is intertwined with horror. Author Jesse Clary, however, may have drawn me to the world of sci-fi with his latest novel, Convergence. I found it to be a very well-crafted novel, which is not common when so many genres are crossed.

Convergence follows a man named Jay as he travels during the last week before the end of the world so that he can bury his wife's ashes in her childhood home. Over the course of the week, Jay is forced to fight demons - both inside and outside of himself. The imagery was really captivating, and while the pacing was a little jerky, I felt like it made the story that much grittier and movie-esque.

Unfortunately, I did find the writing to be over-descriptive and cumbersome, which took away from my enjoyment of the story. Clary is a new author, however, and I expect that his writing will improve with time. He has created such a unique story with Convergence, and I admire his imagination. I am really looking forward to see what he writes next.

If you are a fan of apocalyptic horror, as well as horror that incorporates fantasy and sci-fi, I think that you will find great enjoyment in Convergence by Jesse Clary.

[Chaya Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up
Are you looking for a futuristic sci-fi book with hints of fantasy? Well, Convergence might just be the book for you. This sci-fi book follows Jay as he tries to fulfill his late wife’s wishes before the destruction of the world and while he simultaneously navigates his grief over her passing.

You might love this book if you:
✅ Love futuristic sci-fi

✅ Appreciate the use of literary devices (I have to say I was very impressed by the use of imagery and structure in this book. I felt that the capitalization of “Her” and “She” when referring to Jay’s late wife, really changes the reader's outlook.)

✅ Like meaningful books about overcoming grief.

Before I close off, I just want to address two more things. Firstly, in case you are confused, the little clock symbols signal the beginning of a flashback (don’t feel stupid if you didn't realize that, it took me a hot second to figure it out 😂). The second thing I want to address is the foul mouthage. Personally, I do not like foul language in books so I did not enjoy this aspect of the book, but besides that, this book shapes up to be an amazing story.

Thank you to Jesse Clary for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

[Derek Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like a good dystopian story & this did not dissapoint with a good & believable plot and a novel & believable idea for the end of the world.
The story was well put together, with good characters. It is perhaps more fantasy than some dystopian books with creatures/monsters that are very different but not in a bad way & other than the long desctiptions I found myself wanting to read on especially in the big scenes.
I have to say that for me it was over descriptive in many places. While this does add to painting the picture in your mind I found it too much & was speed reading/skipping over that at times, however it did not stop me wanting to read it to the end.
All in all a good read THANKS

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read this exceptional book with terrifying monsters and captivating flashbacks. The author's use of "Her" for Jay's late wife was interesting. The grief portrayal and well-developed characters earned it a five-star rating from me. Although this book is fantastic, the flashbacks can be confusing and difficult to follow at times. There was a never boring or dull moment throughout the whole book. I recommend it for apocalyptic horror and sci-fi fans.

The author gave me a free ARC to review. Thanks to Jesse Clary for this chance to share thoughts on their work.

[Kyle Gambel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting setting. Cool idea. First third was fun. Kinda dragged on.

Tons of effort placed on MC thoughts and feelings, and really no dedication to explaining the main antagonist (anomaly, convergence?)

Payoff wasn’t really there, but you kinda get bogged down and because I had to see it through , I powered through and finished it.

I think the writer has potential.

P.S the V8 monster cult was so ridiculous I ended up loving the idea. So over the top, but he kinda nailed it in that way.

[Annalise Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! This was a great book and so much more than a dystopian/ post-apocalyptic story (although I love those too). It's a journey through one man's healing of grief while he also fights unimaginable horrors in real life.

[Andi Dobbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building in this book was great, And just overall this is an INCREDIBLE story!