Conundrum is a work of epic fantasy fiction focusing on the concept of vampires and was penned by author Ellen C. Maze. Subtitled The Lost Rabbit, this novel forms part of the continuing Rabbit Saga as the fifth book in the series, but can also be read as a standalone novel. The dark themes of this novel extend deeper than previous works, and therefore the book is more suited to older teen and adult readers. In this continuation of the current story, we focus our attention on Canaan, the last of his kind after his people are slaughtered by the God of the mortals. So begins his one last jaunt to consume as much human blood as he can.

Having followed the adventures of Beth Rider in the early Rabbit Saga, it was so interesting to return to the more widely expanded world of these immortal beings and the conceptual set up that author Ellen C. Maze has developed over time. In this installment, concepts feel fully grounded, and the religious constructs and ideas by which Canaan lives are powerful and visceral in the development of his character. This is an excellent introduction to Maze’s world as a standalone story and is certain to satisfy any readers who like a good and bloody vampire adventure with plenty of relationships and intrigue to boot. Overall, Conundrum builds up to the conclusion of the Rabbit Saga with a deeper and more powerful sense of darkness and dread than ever and will intrigue and envelop readers old and new alike.

Conundrum: The Lost Rabbit is the fifth book in The Rabbit Saga by Ellen C Maze, a beautifully written fantasy with strong hints of the supernatural. It reads so well as a standalone novel, starting with a quick review of what happened to the Rakum race and how it happened that of the 100,000, Canaan is the last one remaining. Beginning with the fall of the Ten Fathers and the Destruction of the Cave, the Rakum abandoned their birthright to follow the Maker, the God of the mortals, one that Canaan knows so well. Some of his kind have been killed by their new leader while others just abandoned the Old Way to become mortals. Canaan knows he is the last of his kind and while he still holds onto the promise that he will one day see the light, he isn’t ready to abandon his dark, supernatural, and bloodthirsty nature. For how long can he resist?

One of the things that I look for in this genre is the presence of a strong conflict and this author has done a wonderful job to create not only a powerful conflict but has written it into the mind and very nature of the protagonist. Readers encounter a protagonist who behaves like most humans. He is tender and kind. He even develops feelings for his deceased partner’s mate whom he guards. But he is a character who can’t easily give up his Divinity. The reader watches as he is torn between different choices, between confessing to the God of the mortals and maintaining his nature. The concept of duality, putting divinity and mortality, light and darkness, life and death in coexistence makes this novel not only real but beautiful. Conundrum: The Lost Rabbit is fast-paced and filled with interesting scenes. The prose is gorgeous, the plot skillfully written, and the characters memorable.