Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider is a work of fantasy fiction with Christian themes and undertones, penned by author Ellen C Maze. Forming volume one of the continuing saga of Rabbit books, in this first instalment we meet author Beth Rider as her young adult series of books hits the bestseller list. But her work of fantasy fiction catches the menacing eyes of some actual fantastic beasts, the vampiric creatures known as the Rakum, and they decide that Beth must be eliminated. Beth becomes the rabbit as she is hunted down, desperately trying to find somewhere safe to hide from the Rakum, or find a way to destroy them and live freely again.

As the opening to an extensive series, author Ellen C Maze does a great job in setting up her fantasy world and the trials and tribulations that will affect her characters here and in future novels. Told with a biblical world view on the supernatural aspects, the non-graphic action and language of the piece work well for all readers aged thirteen and up to provide a superb fantasy action adventure tale. I liked the development of Beth very much as an innocent thrown into a world of desperation, and her struggle to escape such powerful dark forces was both exciting and morally strong for the message of the tale as a whole. The Rakum, too, were well developed into frightening beasts with their own agenda of destruction. Overall, I would certainly recommend Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider for those seeking a new and exciting Christian fantasy read.

The problem with writing a good book is you never know how far it will reach, nor the impact it will have on those who read it. Beth was used to the somewhat overzealous fans, but what she wasn't prepared for was a visit from a monster straight from her tales. He marked her for sport, but when her path crossed with Michael's, he was certain there had been a mistake. She didn't fit the profile of a rabbit. Her book had been dangerous to their kind, prompting a disconnection that the Elders hadn't seen for a long time. This woman's work was dangerous and, to secure their lifestyle, she and her influence had to be forever silenced.

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider is Ellen C Maze's Christian paranormal novel. It focuses on Beth Rider, a young novelist whose book has turned the lives of the Rakum upside down. This steady-paced novel introduces an increasing level of tension until you daren't put it down because you just have to see how things will play out. Obviously being Christian fiction, there is a constant yet not particularly preachy injection of faith, God, and the power of religion, which means the book will appeal to those who enjoy a faith-orientated read, and those who find an overly-religious tone too oppressive. The balance in this book is good and central to the unique plot line. This is a fantastic story, with plenty to be taken away from it. The more you read into the meanings, the more messages become apparent. Hope, salvation, fear, threat, challenges, and trials will keep you reading, while the ever-growing characters and their developing bonds will keep you hungry for more.