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Jo Benally #1
Beacon
This is an alternate cover edition for 9781523435395
Action-packed, romantic, and thought provoking, Beacon explores the possibility that vampirism is both scientifically possible and part of God’s plan.
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, when 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.
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, when 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.
- GenresFiction
390 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
23 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
November Ellison
2 books34 followersNovember Ellison has been a troublemaker since she was born.
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. Her works always center on love, honor, redemption, and morality.
BEACON is the first in the Jo Benally series, creating a dark fantasy world where our female protagonist, Pastor Jo Benally, finds herself confronted by evil in many forms. From vengeful vampires to backstabbing colleagues, Jo fights danger at every turn. This thriller book even has Jo questioning God as she finds herself falling in love with a vampire who believes he is Cain.
CATALYST picks up where BEACON ends, as Jo takes a new journey to Virginia to protect innocent children from sadistic vampires. The humans that allow her to travel have ulterior motives and Jo is adrift in a sea of danger without protectors. Shadows from her past like RAND and Ethan haunt her. How can she save a child when she isn't sure she can save herself?
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. Her works always center on love, honor, redemption, and morality.
BEACON is the first in the Jo Benally series, creating a dark fantasy world where our female protagonist, Pastor Jo Benally, finds herself confronted by evil in many forms. From vengeful vampires to backstabbing colleagues, Jo fights danger at every turn. This thriller book even has Jo questioning God as she finds herself falling in love with a vampire who believes he is Cain.
CATALYST picks up where BEACON ends, as Jo takes a new journey to Virginia to protect innocent children from sadistic vampires. The humans that allow her to travel have ulterior motives and Jo is adrift in a sea of danger without protectors. Shadows from her past like RAND and Ethan haunt her. How can she save a child when she isn't sure she can save herself?
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 31, 2016
I won this book through goodreads giveaways. All opinions are my own.
To start I should mention that this would not be a book that I would normally pick up at the store to read. That's what's so great about giveaways. You get a chance to read something that you might normally overlook.
I was a little unsure how I would feel about this book since 1) I am not into religious books and 2) Vampires are a little played out. Let me address issue 1 first, this is NOT a religious book, the main character is a pastor (not preacher haha) but that is not the main focus of the book. That just happens to be her job. Now issue 2 about vampires being played out - The way November writes about them, it is not like any vampire book (or movie) that I have ever read (or seen). She even writes in the book about scientific explanations as to how vampires exist. In this book they are not magical creatures but more a scientific anomaly. Also I almost forgot a few times that he was even a vampire because the book does not try to shove the idea down your throat by mentioning it constantly.
The first few pages of the book had me laughing out loud and I thought maybe it was a comedy, but then within a few more pages it turned to heartbreak and then sweet justice! By the time I finished the first chapter I knew that I was going to enjoy the book. I just didn't know that I was going to love it as much as I did.
The book ends with a little hint of sequel possibility and personally I would love to read that! I highly recommend this book!
To start I should mention that this would not be a book that I would normally pick up at the store to read. That's what's so great about giveaways. You get a chance to read something that you might normally overlook.
I was a little unsure how I would feel about this book since 1) I am not into religious books and 2) Vampires are a little played out. Let me address issue 1 first, this is NOT a religious book, the main character is a pastor (not preacher haha) but that is not the main focus of the book. That just happens to be her job. Now issue 2 about vampires being played out - The way November writes about them, it is not like any vampire book (or movie) that I have ever read (or seen). She even writes in the book about scientific explanations as to how vampires exist. In this book they are not magical creatures but more a scientific anomaly. Also I almost forgot a few times that he was even a vampire because the book does not try to shove the idea down your throat by mentioning it constantly.
The first few pages of the book had me laughing out loud and I thought maybe it was a comedy, but then within a few more pages it turned to heartbreak and then sweet justice! By the time I finished the first chapter I knew that I was going to enjoy the book. I just didn't know that I was going to love it as much as I did.
The book ends with a little hint of sequel possibility and personally I would love to read that! I highly recommend this book!
April 28, 2016
“Beacon” is definitely the story you don’t want to miss. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever read fiction of this kind before, and I have read a lot of books. I don’t even know what I liked most, the biblical theme that deals with a lot of topics, starting with love, forgiveness, revenge, redemption and true faith, which was anything but preachy; or the main protagonist, Jo, who is the coolest pastor I’ve ever encountered in the world of fiction. I absolutely loved this character, who didn’t even feel like a character, but a very real person, who you would love to meet and become friends with. The way that she handled everything that fate put her way was most inspiring. However, what I loved even more about Jo was how she dealt with her offenders in the end (I’m not going to give away the plot, but let me just tell you, it was awesome!).
Cain, a mysterious vampire, whose duty is to cleanse the world of really vicious criminals – murderers, rapists etc. – is another character, who you just can’t help but fall in love with. I loved how complex he was and how he was trying to understand and analyze everything that he was going through. And some of his dialogues and antics (like those with egg-hurling and Ouija board) were simply hilarious. He’s definitely one of those bad boys who are actually good men.
All in all, “Beacon” is a highly addictive and amazing read, which you won’t be able to put down once you start. Definitely a five star read!
Cain, a mysterious vampire, whose duty is to cleanse the world of really vicious criminals – murderers, rapists etc. – is another character, who you just can’t help but fall in love with. I loved how complex he was and how he was trying to understand and analyze everything that he was going through. And some of his dialogues and antics (like those with egg-hurling and Ouija board) were simply hilarious. He’s definitely one of those bad boys who are actually good men.
All in all, “Beacon” is a highly addictive and amazing read, which you won’t be able to put down once you start. Definitely a five star read!
May 10, 2016
While I appreciate the autographed copy and the "win" from Goodreads, I could not appreciate this book. Although I tried to keep an open mind since I have not read a vampire book since "Twilight" with my daughter, I just could not make the stretch. Overall, I am an old fashioned reader and was just unhappy with the first part of the story which gave it a rough start for me. I also did not like the biblical verse with each chapter as we got to know the characters and their secret lives as vampires. Seemed incongruous to me. I will share the book in hopes that another reader will enjoy. It's certainly an unusual premise for a book but one I could not enjoy. To me, vampirism is not part of God's plan for humans.
July 16, 2016
I can not express how much I enjoyed this book! I could not put it down, and basically put my life on hold to finish it once I started. I would not normally pick out a book described like this, a vampire novel, but won this book in the Goodreads giveaways.
This is not a typical vampire novel, but a book about what makes us human. A book about love, life, and illumination.
Jo is a pastor (and a badass) who meets a vampire she is not supposed to see, and her curiosity as to why this happens leads her and Cain on a voyage of self discovery and ultimately love. As a student of esoteric philosophy I found the authors words for Jo to be very insightful and moving. Jo's analogy of enlightenment being as hard as holding a beach ball underwater was profound. I know this will be a book that I will cherish and read over and over again!
This is not a typical vampire novel, but a book about what makes us human. A book about love, life, and illumination.
Jo is a pastor (and a badass) who meets a vampire she is not supposed to see, and her curiosity as to why this happens leads her and Cain on a voyage of self discovery and ultimately love. As a student of esoteric philosophy I found the authors words for Jo to be very insightful and moving. Jo's analogy of enlightenment being as hard as holding a beach ball underwater was profound. I know this will be a book that I will cherish and read over and over again!
November 3, 2016
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. Beacon is great. It has the right amount of christian, supernatural, science, romance, suspense and so much more. The characters are well thought out and brilliantly executed. And the way how everyone and everything interacted with each other was wonderful. The christian influences of the book are throughout the entire book, but it is well balanced and very well done. There is cussing, sex and very dark themes in this book though. However that is not bad thing as it adds that much more too it. I do look forward to what else November Ellison writes. This book is a great read and I do recommend this to people who want a dark christian supernatural book.
April 18, 2016
Excellent! Makes one think.
Excellent! Makes one think. Very different take on the vampire myth. I cannot wait for the next one, Vern good.
Excellent! Makes one think. Very different take on the vampire myth. I cannot wait for the next one, Vern good.
August 26, 2016
I normally do not enjoy vampire books, but I enjoyed this one.
November 5, 2016
First thing- Who is buying the movie rights to this?!?!?! It is a hit!!!! I would consider this an R rated action/suspense/mystery story that is not afraid to come off strongly.
And I actually wish goodreads would let me give it 4.5 stars because that is what I want to rate it.
The book has a fantastic story of layers, comical quips, and great personality. Even characters who were in the story for brief moments were clear and interesting.
I was also hesitant at first in regards to any religous part of the story that I worried would make this a less pleasant read or challenge due to lack of knowledge on my part, but it did not.
I HIGHLY recommend this read!
And I actually wish goodreads would let me give it 4.5 stars because that is what I want to rate it.
The book has a fantastic story of layers, comical quips, and great personality. Even characters who were in the story for brief moments were clear and interesting.
I was also hesitant at first in regards to any religous part of the story that I worried would make this a less pleasant read or challenge due to lack of knowledge on my part, but it did not.
I HIGHLY recommend this read!
August 26, 2017
I received a free copy of "Beacon" by November Ellison, through the Good Reads First Reads Giveaway. This may be an interesting book for fans of "Vampires" and "Science Fiction." I found the mix of religion and fantasy bizarre, despite the author's insights and talent. Also, some erotic scenes are thrown in for good measure.
This is one unusual book!
November 1, 2017
A different take on the vampire genre but a little too much religious preaching and romance for my liking. It also takes rather a long time to reach the point of the story, and there are certain scenes that I found very distressing and difficult to read.
August 12, 2018
Recieved free for review:
I had a hard time at the start of the book. It seemed disconnected.
But I kept reading and i got pulled into the story.
It's kind of different but I enjoyed it!
I had a hard time at the start of the book. It seemed disconnected.
But I kept reading and i got pulled into the story.
It's kind of different but I enjoyed it!
February 8, 2017
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!
“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!
June 17, 2016
If you are into a romantic mythology, this book is for you. Upon receiving and reading the back of the book I have to admit I wasn't so sure about it. There was just something about mentioning the Bible and vampires in the same paragraph that didn't sound the least bit appealing to me. After reading quite a bit of it, I realized it was more into mentioning Christian ethics and not necessarily telling the Biblical stories, even though a love between a pastor and vampire doesn't sound very Christian-like. This novel tells an interesting story of today's vampire genres without the blood and guts of it. Once you get started reading this book, you will find it is hard to put down as it is definitely a page turner. Thank you November Ellison for the chance to read and review this book! I can't wait to see what the future holds!!!
January 18, 2017
I'm so conflicted with this book I was absolutely loving it until half way. I can tell you exactly where the book started to go down hill. It was when she was having a panic attack and she called Ethan over to hold her. I'm thinking, Jo would never do that. Anyway you learn why as you keep reading. But I can tell you I did not like Jo at the end. I don't know, but the book definitely kept me turning the pages.
January 10, 2017
I loved this book, I honestly couldn't put it down. The character that portrayed Jo mentally was so well written. The book just gets better and better as you read on.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially to all of you vampire lover s out there. Just relax and enjoy.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially to all of you vampire lover s out there. Just relax and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews