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Maybe the hero humanity needs is actually a monster.
At first, Dr. Gideon Wolf thinks the guy standing in front of him is insane.

Ten million bucks for what amounts to a glorified treasure hunt. Ten million dollars, this man offers him, to find a mythical amulet based on, apparently, some maps he printed off the internet and his outsize faith in make-believe.
Turns out the unwelcome interlocutor isn’t just some garden-variety kook. He’s Vicente Carrillo, the world’s most feared drug lord, and Gideon learns fast that the deal is nonnegotiable.

Held captive by Carrillo’s thugs in the Mexican jungle, Gideon escapes before the expedition . . . only to stumble into an ancient, hidden temple that contains the medallion itself.
The instant he touches the amulet, he knows why Carrillo wants it. It exudes a power that makes him feel invincible.

But there’s a downside. The medallion has disfigured him horribly. What was once the respected archaeologist Dr. Gideon Wolf is now a bloodthirsty monstrosity: part wolf, part dog, part man.

“El Chupacabra,” a cartel gunman gasps as Gideon bashes his skull in an escape.
Gideon’s amulet is one of seven, hidden by the ancients millennia ago and bestowing great responsibility on whoever finds, and dons, the powerful artifacts.

To fulfill his destiny as El Chupacabra, the Guardian of the Innocent, he must first learn to control his all-too-real animal instincts while protecting the amulet from Carrillo, who’s launched a private army straight at Gideon to steal it back.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2022

322 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Ernest Dempsey

71 books476 followers
Ernest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.

He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.

His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.

He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.

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5 stars
504 (60%)
4 stars
226 (27%)
3 stars
73 (8%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
April 1, 2022
Emergence is the latest offering from Ernest Dempsey, and it is much different than his Sean Wyatt and Dax Harper series. HOWEVER, BEING DIFFERENT IN THIS CASE IS A GREAT THING!! The Gideon Wolf series looks to be one that will involve elements from so many more archeological / anthropological aspects than his other series which is one of the things that caused me to finish this book in one sitting. Once I picked the book up and started it, I couldn’t put it down until I had devoured it. Not only is there plenty of action, there are characters who are not just believable and likeable, but snarky and outspoken. As I read this book there were times, I felt like I had dropped into a Carlos Castaneda story and then just a quickly I was listening to a history lecture and suddenly examining an ancient artifact all the while being engrossed in a story about an archeologist and a bar owner involved in a battle with a drug cartel. Wow, the next episode of this series can’t come soon enough, Mr. Dempsey just may have introduced me to my new favorite character(s). I received a review copy of this book from the author and chose to provide my review.

Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,871 reviews70 followers
April 6, 2022
Emergence - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

An evil Mexican cartel leader kidnaps American archaeologist Gideon Wolf to make him locate a mysterious legendary talisman - the first of a set that hides a powerful secret - for him.
What does Vicente Carillo insinuate about Amy?
What happens in the jungle?

A riveting, unputdownable action-thriller, Emergence tells of the eponymous beginning of Gideon's new dual existence, as a vigilante, Wolverine-like 'werewolf-guardian', complete with fascinating backstories of the Red Saint/chupacabra mythical figures of Mexican legend thrown in for good measure.
A sidekick/potential love interest, Vero, and the quest for six other powerful medallions, promise more thrills aplenty ahead. Get your copy as soon as you can!
18 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2022
Yes!!! Highly recommended!!!

I loved everything about this book. The story was unique and highly entertaining. While not a comedy the main character has a dry wit that I love and uses sarcasm in an entertaining way. No cursing or sex. There are a number of bloody parts but just enough to describe what's happening. Of course there's a hint of a romantic interest but this book leaves it at that. I'll bet it continues in the next book. Well edited too. That is becoming harder to find anymore. In E-books anyway. I haven't purchased a regular book in years.
11 reviews10 followers
April 4, 2023
The narrator was quite good and the author begins the story right away. Even though I listen to the audiobook at 2x the speed, it went by so fast that I didn´t notice when I was half way through the book. Also, I really appreciate that the story only takes place in a couple of days, it´s fast-paced enough to not lose my attention.

Now, what´s not all that great is the plot or, better said, the stakes, the character´s traits in light of the events and their motivations. The protagonist´s job doesn´t really come in to play during the story beyond the first few chapters. His sense of humor and his lack of emotion makes for a fun ride but not a coherent reaction to what is happening to him. Also, the other character that joins the protagonist in his journey is not so greatly incomporated. The "mystery" that she brings is always alluded to but never really addressed and is not all that convincing the connection she establishes with the protagonist. The banter with the villian is also quite good but the stakes of the story aren´t all that well defined nor the importance of those for each character.

I don´t think I will read the next book in the series because this one didn´t tease anything gripping to look forward to and I only want to keep reading an author if I really like his books (at least 3 stars)
Profile Image for Helen Robare.
813 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2023
#1. I seldom give out five stars for the first book of a series but I making an exception for this one!
Yes, I gave it five stars. This was probably the BEST book I have read all year!!!

The plot was very interesting and well-crafted. The characters were all fleshed out and very believable. The bad guys were truly evil. The relationship between the characters was very believable.

This book had everything. There were likable characters and mini-plots inside the big plot. Evil people who were truly evil. A good guy who was forced by circumstances to do gruesome things. There was a hint of romance and the characters came off as genuine.

Yes, there was violence (but compared to what is shown on the TV these days, it wasn't that bad. There were shooting, knifing, stabbing, burning, etc but not written in descriptive detail.

At first, I hesitated to buy this book but the price for it was reasonable and I was bored. :) However, once I started reading the first paragraph I was hooked. I spent all night and a few hours today reading this book until it was finished.

Since this book said "book 1", I am assuming that there will be a book two and up to seven books since the hero has to find 7 talismans. :)
124 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2023
A great adventure!

Dr. Gideon Wolf is a respected archaeologist who’s life is about to be turned upside down.

Vicente Carrillo, the world’s most feared drug lord wants Dr. Wolf to find a mythical amulet that will make him invincible with great powers.

Because Dr. Wolf thinks he is a nut he refuses to help. Thus Vicente Carrillo kidnaps him and his wife and kills his wife when he refuses again.

Held in a jungle location Dr. Wolf knows his life is in danger and plans an escape that leads him on a run for his life through the jungle. As Dr. Wolf is running for his life he falls into a hidden cavern that leads to the underground temple where the amulet is hidden.

Placing the amulet on, Dr. Wolf finds out about it’s power and about being one of the Guardians of the Innocent and what he must do to fight against evil.

The story has lots of action and is a thrill ride you will enjoy. With the many twists and turns as the story progresses it will keep you turning pages and you will find it hard to put the book down. Join the journey as you read the story to see what will happen next.

I really enjoyed it, I think you will also!!
Profile Image for Ford Miller.
718 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2023
Good story overall, bit bland, lot of plot holes. High school level read.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. The story was okay and moved along, and the dialogue and plot flowed and were easy to follow. But the main character came off as weak and unlikable simply because he overthought things, over explained an inner dialogue sections, and seemed submissive to anyone who might have knowledge of his newfound powers which he never really got answers for. The character would always ask questions that would never get answered and it created giant plot holes in paradoxes where you wondered why the character would do that when he could just do this...
It was a simple read and overall not bad just a weak attempt like a high school project. A lot of overexplanation on the story or repetitive summaries that the reader clearly already knows so it comes off as filler for word count. Will try the second book, hopefully it has better action and a more interesting developed main character, otherwise this read remains as very forgettable.
120 reviews
November 7, 2025
Interesting, In A Comic Book Fashion

Many years ago I had a friend who wrote Doc Savage fan fiction. Doc Savage was a character in the 1930's and 40's. He witnessed his family being killed and the trauma turned his hair white. He was sort of a scientist crime fighter.

This book reminds me of that character. Maybe it is the campiness of it. I find it hard to suspend my disbelief regarding the mystical supernatural abilities. There the eternal shanam whose house disappeared after Gideon's visit. There's Myra who is a mind reader with special cloth that magically transforms into magical clothing. And there's the very likable Vero, with improbably proficient skills with firearms, who has lived in the tiny depressed community all her life. She seems initially to be as dirt poor as the rest of the villagers, yet has a secret lair in the middle of the jungle.

I wanted to finish the book so I could give an honest review. Now that I have, I will sum up by saying that I will skip reading parts two and three. I have already been to camp, thanks.
Profile Image for Megan.
142 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2023
Engrossing, This is Going to be a Terrifically Adventurous Series!

I’m so glad I bumped across this series. I’ve been on quite the post-apocalyptic binge, and I needed a palate cleanser so to speak. I didn’t want to go too far off track - keep some adult style graphic battles, but have some happy people in there. Most of the people in this world aren’t aware of anything…. Yet. I get the feeling Mr. Dempsey is ramping up to something potentially world affecting.
Gideon Wolf is a strong, wonderfully humorous, and still down to earth at times - making a fantastic MC.
I recommend this to anyone who reads Science Fiction / Fantasy. Unless you do not want any violence, because there is that in detail. The story is more original than a lot I’ve come across in my not short life, and I’m excited to continue!
636 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2022
Emergence

Well, it wasn’t a typical Ernest Dempsey story. It did have a good story line, well developed characters, plenty of action. It also went where other stories haven’t gone. A big helping of the supernatural. A mythos nicely laid out. The promise of that continuing while Gideon searches for the other Guardians. My only complaint is that I want to know more about Vero. Where did she get her training? What’s her back story? Will she, hopefully, continue in future books? As with all of Ernest’s books, Recommended.
Profile Image for Lcr.
900 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2022
Emergence is the first book in the new supernatural series featuring Dr Gideon Wolfe.

Dr Gideon Wolfe is an archaeologist who is presenting their latest finds alongside his wife. One conversation later and Gideon finds his whole world turned upside down. Th

is is an extremely good book and a different take on this particular genre. Whilst I was booked and completely enjoying the book there were times when it felt almost a little predictable. Nonetheless I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Herman  Morgan III.
146 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2022
Quite a surprise !

Having read all of Tolkien, and followed Carlos Castaneda though all his 'travels' in my younger days, I don't read much about supernatural things, nor fantasy, But, this book caught me with the first hook, and I read it straight through. Great characters, believable leads into unbelievable occurrences, while still maintaining a human, witty, cast of personalities. I'm going to read the Second Gideon Wolf adventure right now !
107 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
EMERGE A MESO-AMERICAN HERO

Dempsey has woven a new or rather "unmined" mythology with a touch of sarcasm to relieve the gore. Gideon may be an unexpected supernatural hero but his ethos is truly heroic. The mytho-historic information is well done scholarly. The touch of romance add gallantry to Gideon and will look forward to his next adventure. How will he do without Vero?
Profile Image for Linda Chesher.
9 reviews
April 5, 2022
Amazing New Series

I have been a keen reader of Ernest Dempsey’s Sean Wyatt for several years and enjoyed them immensely. I was ambivalent about this new series and it’s genre. Having just finished Book 1 in the Guardians of the Earth I can tell you it was a thrilling and enjoyable experience. Don’t miss out on a great read.
Profile Image for Mike Jean.
16 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
So glad I gave this a try!

Gideon Wolf goes through a pretty rough patch. But it was fantastic to be along for the ride! This book feels completely different coming from Ernest Dempsey, certainly a departure from Sean and Tommy. But it’s a wonderfully dark adventure and I am looking forward to book #2!
733 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2022
Different

This is an introduction to a new character and storyline. I enjoyed reading it but it reminded me of watching a new series on tv when you think you think need to watch a couple more episodes to decide.
Violence is plentiful but I guess it has to be for a guardian. Looking forward to book 2. Thank you for a totally different way to look at an archeologist.
27 reviews
September 29, 2022
Excellent Story

This book took the shape shifter idea into new territory. I do believe this book would make a hit movie if done closely to the actual book or even a good tv series. Characterization, writing style, storyline are all done very well. Please,Amazon or other production companies, turn this book off into a movie and /or a tv series!!!
Profile Image for Buddy2Blogger.
92 reviews24 followers
November 13, 2022
The book starts off great and the protagonist has a witty sense of humor.

But the author's writing style is excruciating to sit through, as he prolongs each and every scene as much as possible. Even simple scenes go on and on and on...

Finally gave up at 70% and did not finish. Not recommended.
Profile Image for Michael Chesler.
86 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2023
Carrillo Beached

We have read so many human-transformation stories and their mythologies: We have read many Cartel stories with unredeemable bosses. Now, put the two together and viola! Monster mayhem. This is a piece on good vs. evil and a beauty to boot.
Fun, fast paced and full of visceral action. A true start to a 3 book series.
Profile Image for Karen Kepner.
363 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2024
ShapeShifter?

I wasn’t sure when I first started reading this book, but I decided to persevere, and I’m glad I did. Interesting, unusual storyline, but great characters, even believable shape shifting. A lot of questions surfaced, but many answered as storyline progressed. Going for Gideon Wolf book 2 now!
7 reviews
April 4, 2022
Great start!

Great start in a new series lots of action and of the supernatural. I do wish he had delve more into the history of the medallions but hopefully that will come. If you like these kind of books then this series will be for you if not well that's your loss.
139 reviews
April 13, 2022
Great book

What a fantastic story. This book is totally different to what the author usually writes but I really enjoyed it. Plenty of action especially with the cartel and a Chupacabra who belongs to the house of Claw and Fang.
Profile Image for Henry.
57 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2022
Rather enjoyable book to read!!!

Had trouble putting the book down. Always enjoy Dempsey's books! This is no different! Gideon Wolf is a new guy to watch out for! I can't wait till the next adventure!!
131 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2022
Different, but in an excellent way.

One of much loved authors, whose work should have inspired many movies and a great series on TV. We go down a new path, yet with some very familiar characters. Fun and well worth the time to read…on to book 2!
11 reviews
May 29, 2023
Excellent

Ernest Dempsey has always been a favourite of mine, but he has just taken it up a level. This is a step into another world, and it grips you to the last page.
I will certainly be reading the next in the series and following Gideon on his journey.
194 reviews
November 6, 2023
Enjoyable action fantasy

This was a well written story. Quite unbelievable in places, but clearly that is the point. Good action, clever myth building, Dempsey is clearly building a bigger picture here. Good read.
Profile Image for Zsazsa Lambert.
24 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2023
violently chaotic gruesomely bloody yet funny

My title covers it lol 1 or 2 typos the editors missed I did put it down 1 or twice.i finished it .i like the story line and will read the next
Profile Image for Nancy.
396 reviews
January 23, 2024
Like an 80s/90s adventure movie

At the risk of sounding old, the story reminded me of action-adventure movies like 'Romancing the Stone' or the Indiana Jones movies, with an extra dash to the supernatural. A lot of fun!
10 reviews
February 20, 2024
Surreal yet relatable. Great read!

I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series. It has the quality that I have come to expect from Ernest Dempsey! The characters are engaging and the plot moves quickly.
Profile Image for Maggie Deaton.
750 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2025
Spellbinding and impossible to put down....

From beginning to end, this book sinks " claw and fang" into the reader and never loosens its grip. Ancient legends and cultures weave an intricate web of fascination that keep pages flying by! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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