Customer Reviews

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Finally, an author has hit upon a really new idea which intrigues the "vampire" enthusiast and challenges the adequacy of the faith of the religious crowd. Within the 340 pages of Ellen Maze's book: Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider we are given a believable beginning for the vampire race and exposed to the contortions of that evil society without soiling one's sensibilities in the standards of the trade; lust, porn, and gore. Mrs. Maze's thesis of faith-based battling of evil challenged my views of my own theological adequacy. I tackled this novel with the intent to find fault with it's theology but came away seeing "the plank" in my own eye.

The depth of the characters, the solid theology, a this-could-really-happen storyline, and the self-examination brought about by this reading left me wanting to meet these people, help their efforts, and encounter their God. I truly admonish all to join the chase and seek the Rabbit.

Yes, Rabbit wlll shake your world. There is only one bit of advice to be given: READ THIS ONE!

Beth Rider's bestselling novels are making her a literary star from the south. Little does she know, her books are having a much deeper impact on the lives of others not just her own. She never thought her written words would cause trouble. They caused more than trouble; they brought danger and evil right to her doorstep.

Marked by the blood of an elder, the rabbit has been released for every hungry vampire to enjoy.

Becoming an inadvertent threat to a race of vampires known as the Rakum, Beth Rider now finds herself running from the very monsters that made her novels a hit. Chasing her is Jack Dawn, a brutal elder, with intentions of eliminating her slowly and painfully. To ensure his plan is successful he marks Beth with his own blood so every vampire can smell her out and have a little fun themselves. There is no escape for Beth Rider...or is there?

Along her harrowing path she confronts enemies and discovers allies when it seems none are there. Will it be enough to save her? Can she escape the clutches of a homicidal vampire?

In "Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider," the chase is on. Will Beth survive?

From the first word, Ellen C. Maze's passion for crafting a gripping vampire tale takes center stage. Instantly, you are immersed in the action and underworld of the Rakum. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to care for Beth and her allies in "Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider." You will find yourself connecting with them on multiple levels.

"Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider" delivers a fresh new twist to vampire lore. The strength of the plot carries it from page to page as all the pieces fall into place, painting an exciting tapestry. This book is a must have for those seeking a real, refreshing vampire novel.

Author Ellen C Maze's debut novel, is sure to take the world by storm. I see a bright future for this up and coming author.

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"Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider" is another story in the popular genre of vampires. But this is one with a big difference. I'll just spit it out:

either this is a Christian story about vampires, or it's a vampire story about Christians.

If that offends thee, stop right here! Move along - this tale is not for you! But if tales of the undead at war with ultimate Good tickles your interest, by all means, check out "Rabbit."

Author Ellen Maze herself is fascinating individual who could have stepped from the pages of her novel. She is a Messianic Jew who lives in Alabama. Sounds like a mythical creature? Turns out, she's mystical instead.

Much of Ellen's research comes out of her heritage. Her vampires are called "Rakum," based on an old Hebrew word. And make no mistake: these vampires are not the romantic milksops of "Twilight" variety. The predators Ms. Maze dreams up would eat them for breakfast.

"Rabbit's" blood-suckers are ancient creatures of biblical proportions.

The center of good is the title character, Beth Rider. And "rabbit" refers to the state in which she is transformed by a powerful vampire.

Beth Rider is a novelist, and her most recent effort has offended an ancient and powerful force. He captures the puny human and transforms her into prey that all the brethren will scent from afar. They are overcome with the desire to slake their thirst on her blood.

We know what rabbits do. They run!

But in Beth's attempt to survive, she finds an unexpected ally among the Rakum. And she learns that she possesses a secret weapon - one that not only may save her life, but threaten the entire race of ancient monsters.

Given the recent popularity of vampire tales, it is challenging to come up with something original. This story is a mixture of old vampire lore with a new twist that most stories either avoid, or hesitate to offer any explanation for because the unknown is typically the allure. Why do vampires exist and where did they come from? This question is as old as the vampire itself. Maze does not shy away from providing an answer, but rather tackles it head on and gives the reader a POV that might satisfy those with similar religious beliefs. Just as the main character is clear about her convictions, the author also makes it equally clear about where and why these creatures exist. Secondarily, an undercurrent theme appears and I found it way more intriguing than those dealing with religion. In the story, humans are compared to cows and rabbits, both food sources. In our world cows are milked, and in the story, humans are bled for nourishment. They are nothing more than farm animals, and some characters even resemble domestic pets. This is an interesting concept and got me thinking about our own perception of the food chain and consumption. What is moral and immoral when it comes to feeding on living things or their by-products?

This story adheres to a religious POV and if the reader is either not prepared for it, or simply does not agree with the general inferences or beliefs, then they will be in for a very bumpy ride. Because of this, audiences will either be alienated or confirmed. It leaves little room for interpretation or alternative possibilities. Generalizations about gender and sexuality are implied as well as attitudes towards homosexuality. At first, I thought perhaps something progressive was happening, but the deeper I got into the story, the more I realized that certain behaviors and lifestyles were associated with evil concepts. Although this might not be problematic for some readers, I think others might be offended. I'm actually rather surprised that the story hasn't taken more hits from critics because this is one of those books that if it agrees with your own personal morals and beliefs, the reader will love it -- but if it doesn't, they will despise it and say so. Honestly, I've never seen so many 5 star ratings for a book with such a strong religious view and coupled with vampires, it is staggering to think that hardly anyone disagrees. I'm all for having a religious POV when it comes to subject matter, I'm just shocked it hasn't been met by more debate. Either readers are timid to confront this, or as I suspect, the book is primarily appealing to a certain corner of the readership. In addition, I need more personal conflict and fight from the main character, Beth Rider. I understand that she truly puts her faith in God, but given the situation, I can not help but image some weakness should have arisen -- I wanted to see more cracks in her exterior so when she did come to her final decision, it would be more powerful. She is the only person who does not have an epiphany or change. At some point, I guess I needed to see her question her religious beliefs (just a hint) so I could witness her true strength. I wanted to experience this, so I could also see or relate to her as 'human.'

Ellen Maze's novel, "Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider," offers a clever take on the popular Vampire genre.

In this story, a vampire-like race of beings called "Rakum" are shaken to their core by something they never suspected possible.

Novelist Beth Rider has written an inspirational piece of fiction that is having a strange effect on a handful of Rakum. After reading her book, these Rakum begin to wonder about God and question His influence on human believers. They are curious to know more about God, and seek out Beth to answer their questions.

These events are noticed by the Rakum Elders, one of which marks Beth Rider as a "Rabbit" - prey for Rakum to endlessly pursue and torture. However, this Rabbit is different from all the rest. Beth Rider has a secret weapon - her unwavering faith that God has put her in this precarious position for a reason.

The world of the Rakum is severely shaken as more of them are openly curious about Rider's message. The Elders see this as a movement that needs to be put down quickly and mercilessly. Some Rakum decide to protect Beth Rider at all costs, while others seek to destroy her and all that stand in their way. As the two factions struggle for final control, Beth Rider faces the worst of the Rakum alone and on their terms. Against all odds and unknown to the Rakum, she has some unseen help at her side.

Author Ellen Maze weaves an intelligent tale that lets the reader experience the life of the Rakum and their endless need to feed from human donors, while only able to move about in the dark underworld of night. Readers can easily imagine how some of the Rakum respond to Beth Rider's redeeming message of hope and love and how they might long to feel the warmth of sunshine upon their faces for the first time.

Tightly written, "Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider" delivers a powerful message in a thoughtful and entertaining way. I highly recommend it.

Donnie Light, author of Dark Justice, Ripper's Row and The Hotel California

This book is what I like to call "a page turner." Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. The story builds quickly to a fevered pace and flows non-stop to its dramatic conclusion. Hardly a page goes by without a memorable moment. The villains are very real, the heroes pull at your heart strings and the action draws you in from page one. I would recommend this book to those looking for a good fantasy novel and those looking for "religious fiction" and anyone in between. Excellent read, and I look forward to more books by Ellen.

At first I wasn't sure this was going to be a great review but by the time I finished I realized it was really good book. I can't help but love a book where God is the real hero and anyone who puts their faith in him is a winner!

So if you're stuck inside from the blizzard of '10, this book will take your mind off your woes. More chills, but also plenty of excitement to get the hot blood flowing. Great fun!

Wow! I'm not much of a reader, but when I picked up this one, I couldn't put it down. It moves really fast, and the author paints such a vivid picture, that it's like watching a movie in my head!

Haunting and ground-breaking, I don't see why this book doesn't go all the way to number one. People who read it are gonna flip out. Seriously.

5-giant stars...
Also read the sequel! RABBIT LEGACY! It rocks! Can't wait for more!

I finished Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider some time ago and have hem hawed over my review, mostly because I was rather blown away by the book and the way the author intertwined scripture and Biblical teachings with the horrors facing Beth Rider and those she became involved with at the hands of a supposed mystical race (or would that be mythical?). It was like nothing I had ever read, quite truthfully, and I am still trying to get my brain around the words that might possibly convey the full depth of it. I can tell you it is not your average book! It is fast paced, good reading that will take you on a journey you will not soon forget. I'm glad the sequel (Rabbit Legacy) has been released because these are characters that I (and a lot of other readers, no doubt) want to revisit. I have a feeling I'll be rereading this first one again as well. It has depth and I'm pretty sure it is a book that will teach me something new every time. I highly recommend it.