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Plain Fear #2
Forbidden
How Long Must We Pay for the Sins of Our Past?
She blames herself for her husband's death. But for Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, redemption may only lie in the ultimate sacrifice.
When a stranger arrives claiming only she can save him, Rachel's impulsive instincts lead her on a perilous journey, one that leads her to a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
A far-from-ordinary story of love and desperation, sin and sacrifice, Amish faith and vampire lore, Plain Fear: Forbidden is an imaginative thrill ride that's like nothing you've ever read before.
Praise for Plain Fear: Forsaken
"This is a haunting, heartbreaking story told with such beauty and intensity, it took my breath away. You don't want to miss this one!"--Lenora Worth, author of the New York Times bestseller Body of Evidence
"In a word...captivating. Leanna Ellis creates a world seemingly simplistic but teeming with complexity. Her take on vampires is fresh, dark and at times heartbreaking. Forsaken is a book you won't want to miss."--Elisabeth Naughton, author of Tempted
"Ellis creates characters with depth...The story keeps you enthralled from page one."--Shelf Awareness
She blames herself for her husband's death. But for Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, redemption may only lie in the ultimate sacrifice.
When a stranger arrives claiming only she can save him, Rachel's impulsive instincts lead her on a perilous journey, one that leads her to a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
A far-from-ordinary story of love and desperation, sin and sacrifice, Amish faith and vampire lore, Plain Fear: Forbidden is an imaginative thrill ride that's like nothing you've ever read before.
Praise for Plain Fear: Forsaken
"This is a haunting, heartbreaking story told with such beauty and intensity, it took my breath away. You don't want to miss this one!"--Lenora Worth, author of the New York Times bestseller Body of Evidence
"In a word...captivating. Leanna Ellis creates a world seemingly simplistic but teeming with complexity. Her take on vampires is fresh, dark and at times heartbreaking. Forsaken is a book you won't want to miss."--Elisabeth Naughton, author of Tempted
"Ellis creates characters with depth...The story keeps you enthralled from page one."--Shelf Awareness
- GenresRomanceUnfinishedAmish
421 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Leanna Ellis
30 books159 followersAward-winning author, Leanna Ellis, writes sweet, heartwarming romances and closed-door romantic comedies with heart, humor, and hope. With over a million books sold, Ellis has won numerous awards, including the National Readers' Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her husband where they raised their two children, who now live too far away living their dreams but apparently still like to come home, probably to visit their doodle siblings who never grow up and move away. Readers who love Hallmark-style, wholesome love stories, will love The Wedding Letter series and the coming Love Note sereies. You can find more about Ellis at leannaellis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 11, 2013
Leanna Ellis writes a riveting, emotionally intense, story that will keep you turning the pages.
Unexpectedly complex—especially the contrast between the simplicity of faith versus the heartbreak of betrayal; good versus evil. FORBIDDEN is thought provoking and very well written. It’s tragic and yet faith affirming but at NO point is it boring!
FORBBIDEN an absorbing story of damnation and redemption. A crisis in faith, if you will, on many levels. This is a, ‘what would happen if’, story set against a background of a fundamental, visibly different religious community. It brings unimaginable evil and pits it against the strong fabric of the ordnung (order and discipline of life—peace, love, equality, and unity) of the Amish faith and yet it is done respectfully and within the boundaries of their belief system. Good and evil. Which will ultimately win the day?
Rachel is a young pregnant Amish widow. She’s lost and grieving since her husband, Josef, died. To complicate matters she has no idea how he died or why, but she blames herself for his death. Her sister Hannah and her husband, Levi (Jacob’s brother) know the truth but choose not to share it and thus endanger Rachel by making her a target of the very thing they sought to protect her from—Akiva aka Jacob, and he’s a vampire. And unlike any vampire you’ve ever read.
Akiva draws Rachel to him by claiming he needs her help and that only she can save him. She knows him and in her younger days spent time with him and a group of other Amish youth during their running around period (sometimes referred to as Rumspringa ) before officially joining the church. Rachel’s sense of compassion, a bit of impulsiveness, and need to learn more about Josef’s death causes her to go with him. It’s a perilous journey and the tension and danger climbs the further Rachel travels from home. It doesn’t take her long to realize something isn’t right with Akiva—the way he acts, the things he says, and especially his unnatural focus on her unborn child. As her fear escalates she is able to work through her grieving apathy and rekindle her faith. Each thing she sees and hears raises her sense of danger (and the reader’s heartbeat).
While this is an intense story there are moments of laughter and humor. In particular with the hero of the story, Roc, former cop and now vampire hunter, having to live as an Amish man within the Amish community. I had quite a few chuckles as he, an Englisher , tried to emulate those in the community. I really liked Roc. The emerging relationship between Roc and Rachel and the choices that must be made are well developed and make the story even more interesting.
Akiva is the villain and make no mistake, he is dangerous, definitely unbalanced but…still there is sympathy for him and some clues as to why he is acting as he is. He has a purpose. Again damnation and redemption. It’s a theme that runs throughout the story and touches many of the well-crafted characters.
FORBIDDEN is a well-paced story, great building of tension and danger, emotionally deep characters and issues, great dialog and action. This is a book I would recommend to any who like satisfying read and a good ending.
Leanna Ellis has made a fan of me!
FYI: Plain Fear: Forsaken is the first book. I haven't read it and was able to follow this book just fine without reading it first.
August 6, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
This story can inspire those for various cultures, ages, and backgrounds with its gripping plot lines and unique characters.
Rachel is a character that I sympathized with immediately. As a widow with child, I could not help but feel a pang of empathy for this soon-to-be mother. While she may seem like a quiet, young Amish woman on the outside, inside she has the heart of a lioness. She willingly sacrifices herself not only for those she cares about, but also for the beliefs that she has been taught since she was an infant. Even if God may have turned His back on her because of Rachel’s misdeeds in the past, she will do whatever it takes to maintain her moral standards and compassion for those around her. This really makes Rachel a remarkable heroine and one of the reasons this story kept me entertained.
Roc’s character was very intriguing because I never knew which end of the moral pendulum he would swing to next. As a vampire hunter, he had to make some tough decision that could get not only him but others killed. It also made him keep even his closest of friends at a distance since he knew he may have to be their judge, jury, and executioner in the future. This created a gruff man who can be difficult to care for. It also created a character that I wanted to continuously learn about. I could read a book based on his life experience alone because I know it would be full of excitement, heartbreak, and love. Yes, even the man who seems to care for little shows compassion and love, which furthered my infatuation with him.
The characters and plot lines of this story are extremely dynamic - so much so that in the beginning they seemed a bit overwhelming. Rachel and Roc’s past played a large role in their story and I sometimes felt like I was missing a few pieces to the puzzle. In the end, I was able to understand the whole story of both their individual pasts as well as the future they both hope to achieve.
The conflict within this story keeps the plot moving forward at a consistent pace. During a large section of the storyline the conflict supersedes the romantic development, but it also helps in bringing the main characters together. The author even allowed me to feel bad for Jacob a/k/a Akiva at times, which really demonstrated the author's ability to create penetrating characters.
Ms. Ellis really gave me a glimpse into what might be the secret life of the Amish. I lived in a predominately-Amish area at one point in my childhood so this aspect is what initially drew me to the storyline. I was happy to see that the author keeps the Amish lifestyle as authentic as possible. It helped to make this book truly entertaining. There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this paranormal romance story and I am sure that anyone can find something about it they truly love.
This story can inspire those for various cultures, ages, and backgrounds with its gripping plot lines and unique characters.
Rachel is a character that I sympathized with immediately. As a widow with child, I could not help but feel a pang of empathy for this soon-to-be mother. While she may seem like a quiet, young Amish woman on the outside, inside she has the heart of a lioness. She willingly sacrifices herself not only for those she cares about, but also for the beliefs that she has been taught since she was an infant. Even if God may have turned His back on her because of Rachel’s misdeeds in the past, she will do whatever it takes to maintain her moral standards and compassion for those around her. This really makes Rachel a remarkable heroine and one of the reasons this story kept me entertained.
Roc’s character was very intriguing because I never knew which end of the moral pendulum he would swing to next. As a vampire hunter, he had to make some tough decision that could get not only him but others killed. It also made him keep even his closest of friends at a distance since he knew he may have to be their judge, jury, and executioner in the future. This created a gruff man who can be difficult to care for. It also created a character that I wanted to continuously learn about. I could read a book based on his life experience alone because I know it would be full of excitement, heartbreak, and love. Yes, even the man who seems to care for little shows compassion and love, which furthered my infatuation with him.
The characters and plot lines of this story are extremely dynamic - so much so that in the beginning they seemed a bit overwhelming. Rachel and Roc’s past played a large role in their story and I sometimes felt like I was missing a few pieces to the puzzle. In the end, I was able to understand the whole story of both their individual pasts as well as the future they both hope to achieve.
The conflict within this story keeps the plot moving forward at a consistent pace. During a large section of the storyline the conflict supersedes the romantic development, but it also helps in bringing the main characters together. The author even allowed me to feel bad for Jacob a/k/a Akiva at times, which really demonstrated the author's ability to create penetrating characters.
Ms. Ellis really gave me a glimpse into what might be the secret life of the Amish. I lived in a predominately-Amish area at one point in my childhood so this aspect is what initially drew me to the storyline. I was happy to see that the author keeps the Amish lifestyle as authentic as possible. It helped to make this book truly entertaining. There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this paranormal romance story and I am sure that anyone can find something about it they truly love.
August 9, 2012
I received this through the goodreads first reads giveaway. I was grateful to have won this book. This was a great book. It was a little slow in the beginning, as well as it lefted me wondering a few things. This is the 2nd novel to the Plain Fear series. You don't have to read the first one (Plain Fear Forsaken), but I would advise that you do. I didn't, and I wished I did. I was wondering about a few things in this book that actually happened in the first. I do plan on reading the first one when I get it.
Like I said, it's a great book. This book is about a Amish woman name Rachel who is pregnant. and a man ( who is not Amish) is set on protecting Rachel and her unborn child from a Vampire named Jacob/Akiva. Who wants to use the child in a act which the vampires called the Forbidden Act.
Rachel blames herself for her husband death, therefore after everything that is happening she struggles to decide the fate of her child or her soul.
After a couple of chapters, I was completely sucked in. It does talk about some Amish faith and vampire lore. This isn't your ordinary vampire story. I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't read it. I can't wait for the 3rd one (Plain Fear Forgiving), it comes out August 2013.
Like I said, it's a great book. This book is about a Amish woman name Rachel who is pregnant. and a man ( who is not Amish) is set on protecting Rachel and her unborn child from a Vampire named Jacob/Akiva. Who wants to use the child in a act which the vampires called the Forbidden Act.
Rachel blames herself for her husband death, therefore after everything that is happening she struggles to decide the fate of her child or her soul.
After a couple of chapters, I was completely sucked in. It does talk about some Amish faith and vampire lore. This isn't your ordinary vampire story. I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't read it. I can't wait for the 3rd one (Plain Fear Forgiving), it comes out August 2013.
August 1, 2012
In Plain Fear: Forsaken, the first book of the Plain Fear series, Rachel's husband, Josef, was killed by vampires. Now, in Plain Fear: Forbidden, she's several months pregnant and just trying to move on with her life while she waits for her little one to be born.
When an old friend from her younger years shows up one day, she's at first leery to see him. He's supposed to be dead. But he convinces her that he is very much alive, just different and that if she comes with him, she can see her Josef once more. He assures her that she and her unborn child will be safe. Rachel only hesitates a moment. Her faith in God is strong and she knows that He will watch over her.
But when it becomes apparent that Rachel is missing, her sister Hannah and her husband Levi call in an old cop friend, Roc. Roc knows the horrors of what happened to Josef and prays that Rachel isn't with the monster. But his investigation takes him back to his old town of New Orleans and it is there that the answers begin to reveal themselves, bringing with it more unanswered questions and soon, a race for their very souls.
An emotional packed journey of love, loss, heartbreak, life and death, good and evil, Forbidden is a stellar read from the busy streets of New Orleans to the plain life in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Ellis builds her characters layer by layer, and reveals their true heart and path as the story unfolds, leaving the reader begging for more. If you missed the first book, definitely pick it up before you read Forbidden, even though Ellis does a great job and it can be read as a standalone. A great read!
When an old friend from her younger years shows up one day, she's at first leery to see him. He's supposed to be dead. But he convinces her that he is very much alive, just different and that if she comes with him, she can see her Josef once more. He assures her that she and her unborn child will be safe. Rachel only hesitates a moment. Her faith in God is strong and she knows that He will watch over her.
But when it becomes apparent that Rachel is missing, her sister Hannah and her husband Levi call in an old cop friend, Roc. Roc knows the horrors of what happened to Josef and prays that Rachel isn't with the monster. But his investigation takes him back to his old town of New Orleans and it is there that the answers begin to reveal themselves, bringing with it more unanswered questions and soon, a race for their very souls.
An emotional packed journey of love, loss, heartbreak, life and death, good and evil, Forbidden is a stellar read from the busy streets of New Orleans to the plain life in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Ellis builds her characters layer by layer, and reveals their true heart and path as the story unfolds, leaving the reader begging for more. If you missed the first book, definitely pick it up before you read Forbidden, even though Ellis does a great job and it can be read as a standalone. A great read!
February 18, 2013
I do not like scary stories and I do not usually read them. Although I had already read the first book in this series, I had no idea of what I was getting involved in with this book. I soon learned that Leanna Ellis had created characters so believable that the story would become very frightening to me. The series lives up to its name of Plain Fear.
Who would have thought to put vampires and people of the Amish faith together in a story? This book, the second in this series of three, begins with some of the characters from the previous book. It moves on from place to place picking up, enlarging upon those characters and adding new ones. They come to life with their vividness and boldness. I think that is what makes the book so scary. The characters seem to bring the reader right into the story with them.
Again, as in many of the author’s books, this one tells an entertaining story while at the same time presenting the spiritual battle between good and evil. To see the truth about pure evil, the power of Satan, presented in a dramatic way, read this book. To see the power of God, read this book. It shows a little bit of the real deal.
I would recommend this book to mature readers; not to children or even teens, and definitely not to those who are faint of heart.
Who would have thought to put vampires and people of the Amish faith together in a story? This book, the second in this series of three, begins with some of the characters from the previous book. It moves on from place to place picking up, enlarging upon those characters and adding new ones. They come to life with their vividness and boldness. I think that is what makes the book so scary. The characters seem to bring the reader right into the story with them.
Again, as in many of the author’s books, this one tells an entertaining story while at the same time presenting the spiritual battle between good and evil. To see the truth about pure evil, the power of Satan, presented in a dramatic way, read this book. To see the power of God, read this book. It shows a little bit of the real deal.
I would recommend this book to mature readers; not to children or even teens, and definitely not to those who are faint of heart.
October 2, 2012
I am not a particular fan of vampire stories--although I do likeCharlaine Harris's books, but I really enjoyed this one and the previous one, Plain Fear: Forsaken. Leanna Ellis is a wonderful writer. I love the classical poetry that she inserts into these stories. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series, which, I believe, is scheduled for release in August, 2013.
August 13, 2012
I am really enjoying this series. It is not your A-typical Amish book and that is what I love about it. It has a real "BITE" and with all of the same ol' Amish books out there I love something different and this is right up my alley! If you are looking for something different in Amish fiction give this series a try. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!!!!
October 12, 2012
Okay, I really wasn't sure about reading this one. Amish vampires? Come on. First half, I wondered if I even wanted to finish. I read anyways. My goodness! It was a good read. i want to go get the first book in the series and hope there is a third in the future.
August 12, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book as much as Plain Fear: Forsaken. This book was much darker, more violent, and scarier.
February 15, 2024
This book to me is an enigma. For one thing, why is this book about Amish people. I am not saying that because I don't think Amish people should be allowed to be represented in literature, but in this book is does not make sense. There is no reason why the main character has to be Amish. You could make her Mormon, or a Mennonite, or an Orthodox Jew and it would not change anything. Heck, I could say that you could make her non religious and nothing would change. It's not like actual Amish people are going to read this book because I feel that it might be too spicy for them.
In terms of the plot and characters, they're all over the place. Roc is the most stereotypical ex-cop character; complete with a dead mom, abusive dad, and a case of alcoholism. From the moment you meet him you already know the path he is going to take. Rachel is not much better. She's basically a victim of men-writing-women-disease which is funny, because this book was written by a woman. She is so passive it gets on my nerves, and she can't do anything without a man yelling at her. The vampires themselves have some interesting moments that I wish they were anywhere except this book.
The beginning of this book has a decent so-bad-it's-good quality as you're being introduced to the ridiculousness of this story that quickly goes away in favor of more melodrama. Also despite this book being over 400 pages, the ending feels so rushed that I felt as though I was missing something.
Overall, this book is not the worst thing I have ever read, but its poor writing, characters, and story can make it a slog to get through. Would recommend if you and your friends want something funny to read together.
In terms of the plot and characters, they're all over the place. Roc is the most stereotypical ex-cop character; complete with a dead mom, abusive dad, and a case of alcoholism. From the moment you meet him you already know the path he is going to take. Rachel is not much better. She's basically a victim of men-writing-women-disease which is funny, because this book was written by a woman. She is so passive it gets on my nerves, and she can't do anything without a man yelling at her. The vampires themselves have some interesting moments that I wish they were anywhere except this book.
The beginning of this book has a decent so-bad-it's-good quality as you're being introduced to the ridiculousness of this story that quickly goes away in favor of more melodrama. Also despite this book being over 400 pages, the ending feels so rushed that I felt as though I was missing something.
Overall, this book is not the worst thing I have ever read, but its poor writing, characters, and story can make it a slog to get through. Would recommend if you and your friends want something funny to read together.
July 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
How Long Must We Pay for the Sins of Our Past?
She blames herself for her husband's death. But for Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, redemption may only lie in the ultimate sacrifice.
When a stranger arrives claiming only she can save him, Rachel's impulsive instincts lead her on a perilous journey, one that leads her to a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
How Long Must We Pay for the Sins of Our Past?
She blames herself for her husband's death. But for Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, redemption may only lie in the ultimate sacrifice.
When a stranger arrives claiming only she can save him, Rachel's impulsive instincts lead her on a perilous journey, one that leads her to a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
August 3, 2017
Well, I didn't actually finish it, because it just couldn't hold my interest. Vampires and Amish!?! Oh, and a depressed ex-cop who lost the love of his life. I bet he falls in love with the captured Amish girl who also lost the love of her life. If he can save her from the evil vampires! Too many books out there to waste time finishing this.
April 10, 2018
So in love with these books! I love the characters and their depth.
November 21, 2018
I really like where this went in book 2. Looking forward to #3.
April 9, 2024
What an amazing read
Amish faith and vampire lore what a storyline
I couldn’t put it down
The characters are incredible
This is a must read ! 🖤
Amish faith and vampire lore what a storyline
I couldn’t put it down
The characters are incredible
This is a must read ! 🖤
April 16, 2015
Plain Fear Forbidden is the second in a series and picked right up from where the last one left off. I didn't read the first one but was not lost at all. The story picks up with Rachel, who is recently widowed and expecting her first child. She has moved back in with family and is starting to feel overwhelmed due to the fact that her family is afraid to leave her alone. So when an old friend comes back and he tells her he can help her find out what happened to Josef (her dead husband), she jumps at the chance to get away and find answers. Although her world is then turned upside down due to the fact that Jacob aka Akiva is now a vampire bent on seeking revenge for being turned away by Rachel's sister Hannah. Rachel finds herself at the mercy of Akiva in Louisiana and due any time to deliver her baby. While Akiva is away, she manages to escape with the help of Roc. Roc is a vampire hunter who is also widowed and wants to help rid the world of vampires.
Roc and Rachel form a friendship as they try to stay ahead of Akiva, who is determined to find them. As the story goes on, Roc and Rachel start to feel more than friendship towards one another, but are hesitant due to her being Amish and baptized by the church. As the story moves on, we are introduced to Roc's friends Roberto (a vampire hunter) and Brody (New Orleans police officer). There's more to Brody than meets the eye, and Roberto is a true friend who helps Roc fight the vampires in Ohio. The reader also enters into the vampire world of New Orleans and is introduced to Giovanni "king" of the vampires there, so all vampires must answer to him or pay the consequences. The vampires in this story are more like the traditional vampires, not like the more recent ones that sparkle. This is a great story about friendship, forgiveness, trust, and the unknown.
I found this story to be an interesting combination of vampires and the Amish. I liked how the story developed and drew the reader into Rachel's world. I felt like I was there with Rachel fighting vampires and then going about life as usual in the Amish community. Mrs. Ellis did a wonderful job of creating a vampire world in an Amish community. If you are looking for a traditional Amish story, pass this one up, but if you're looking for something different, I highly recommend this one. I look forward to reading more by Leanna Ellis and I hope there's more to Roc and Rachel's story.
I received this from the publisher and received no compensation for my review.
Roc and Rachel form a friendship as they try to stay ahead of Akiva, who is determined to find them. As the story goes on, Roc and Rachel start to feel more than friendship towards one another, but are hesitant due to her being Amish and baptized by the church. As the story moves on, we are introduced to Roc's friends Roberto (a vampire hunter) and Brody (New Orleans police officer). There's more to Brody than meets the eye, and Roberto is a true friend who helps Roc fight the vampires in Ohio. The reader also enters into the vampire world of New Orleans and is introduced to Giovanni "king" of the vampires there, so all vampires must answer to him or pay the consequences. The vampires in this story are more like the traditional vampires, not like the more recent ones that sparkle. This is a great story about friendship, forgiveness, trust, and the unknown.
I found this story to be an interesting combination of vampires and the Amish. I liked how the story developed and drew the reader into Rachel's world. I felt like I was there with Rachel fighting vampires and then going about life as usual in the Amish community. Mrs. Ellis did a wonderful job of creating a vampire world in an Amish community. If you are looking for a traditional Amish story, pass this one up, but if you're looking for something different, I highly recommend this one. I look forward to reading more by Leanna Ellis and I hope there's more to Roc and Rachel's story.
I received this from the publisher and received no compensation for my review.
August 1, 2012
Rachel is about to give birth but is still reeling from her husband's untimely death, which she blames herself for. She spends her time on her Amish farm, waiting to give birth, when a stranger appears and tells her he can take her away and has a way he can save her husband. Desperate, Rachel goes with him but soon realizes that Akiva is a vampire who wants to use her baby for an unfortunate vampire ritual...
I'd been wanting to read this book a long time. What an interesting and promising concept, I thought, combining the simple Amish lifestyle with the paranormal. It's obvious that the Amish would afraid of vampires and against them as a lifestyle choice, so I thought it would be interesting to see how an Amish community would deal with vampire outsiders. What I didn't realize, however, was that Plain Fear: Forbidden is actually second in a series after Plain Fear: Forsaken. I still do not know how much of these books overlap, but I feel like I would have done better to read Forsaken first.
At least for me, it felt like there was a lot of filler information surrounding Akiva that detracted from the plot I was really interested in: Rachel, the survival of her and her baby, and her relationship with Roc. Ultimately that's what I was looking for here, an old-fashioned Amish romance where the Amish woman falls in love with the Englisher with a little paranormal thriller thrown in for fun. I wanted to see Roc save Rachel from the vampires and while some saving did happen, it wasn't enough of the focus of the novel for me. I'll admit, I skimmed the parts toward the ending that focused on Akiva just to get back to Rachel's story. I will say, the last couple chapters were fantastic.
And I really did like that part of the book. If the idea of vampires mixed with the Amish appeals to you at all (and why on earth wouldn't it!?) I recommend this book, but I highly suggest you read Plain Fear: Forsaken first.
I'd been wanting to read this book a long time. What an interesting and promising concept, I thought, combining the simple Amish lifestyle with the paranormal. It's obvious that the Amish would afraid of vampires and against them as a lifestyle choice, so I thought it would be interesting to see how an Amish community would deal with vampire outsiders. What I didn't realize, however, was that Plain Fear: Forbidden is actually second in a series after Plain Fear: Forsaken. I still do not know how much of these books overlap, but I feel like I would have done better to read Forsaken first.
At least for me, it felt like there was a lot of filler information surrounding Akiva that detracted from the plot I was really interested in: Rachel, the survival of her and her baby, and her relationship with Roc. Ultimately that's what I was looking for here, an old-fashioned Amish romance where the Amish woman falls in love with the Englisher with a little paranormal thriller thrown in for fun. I wanted to see Roc save Rachel from the vampires and while some saving did happen, it wasn't enough of the focus of the novel for me. I'll admit, I skimmed the parts toward the ending that focused on Akiva just to get back to Rachel's story. I will say, the last couple chapters were fantastic.
And I really did like that part of the book. If the idea of vampires mixed with the Amish appeals to you at all (and why on earth wouldn't it!?) I recommend this book, but I highly suggest you read Plain Fear: Forsaken first.
April 9, 2014
In the second book of the trilogy, Roc, former policeman turned vampire hunter, is once again called to Amish country to aid the folks he met in the previous book. This time pregnant widow, Rachel has been abducted by the vampire Akiva, formerly the Amish boy, Jacob.
I am not going to say any more about the story itself. But I will say that Ioved it. It has more action and less poetry than the first book, which I also enjoyed. I liked that they moved around too. Pennsylvania, New Orleans,... We get to know Roc better, and I liked him more than in the first book. Rachel is a surprising character with a shady past that she regrets. I love that she has a strong character and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I am not going to say any more about the story itself. But I will say that Ioved it. It has more action and less poetry than the first book, which I also enjoyed. I liked that they moved around too. Pennsylvania, New Orleans,... We get to know Roc better, and I liked him more than in the first book. Rachel is a surprising character with a shady past that she regrets. I love that she has a strong character and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
September 11, 2014
I received the book off of Goodreads First Reads and found it to be a very suspenseful, exciting read that held onto my attention from beginning to end. It was full of a lot of jaw-dropping surprises, with plenty of twists and turns to the plot that held my interest and kept it an delightfully intriguing page-turner. This book was not what I expected in all of the right ways, and was talented written with a very unique plot that definitely sets it aside from most vampire-slaying books. I highly recommend this read!
June 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series. I liked Roc more in this story with him protecting Rachel. This story seemed to move at a faster pace & the ending held me in suspense to see what was going to happen. I'm looking forward to starting the third and final book in this series. I give the author credit on creating a series that meshes the Amish world with the Vampire world. Who would ever think the two would meet?
March 15, 2013
Amish and vampires? Basically a romance. If you are a romance fan you might like it. Simple, uninvolved plot- what I call a fluffy book since you really don't learn much, you just sit back to be entertained. I prefer books with a bit more substance. I guess it takes advantage of the current craze with vampires.
May 7, 2013
This is, hands down, the most entertaining Amish vampire novel I have ever read.
July 10, 2014
A good story line. Interesting concept about vampires and the different stages of authority. Has an exciting fight and ending. Must read the third book.
August 9, 2016
I couldn't finish this book - it was more a vampire story than it was an Amish story. I got about 1/3 of the way through the book and it had not caught my interest.
August 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this second book in the Plain Fear Trilogy. Happy for Roc and Rachel. Looking forward to reading the third book.
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October 27, 2015I enjoyed the second boos, but sometimes I thought the story line drugged on.
September 29, 2016
Vampire meets Amish, light reading.
December 3, 2017
Vampires in the world of the Amish. I was totally sold on the concept. Unfortunately, the execution of the story didn't work for me. I want to say boring and plain but I am not sure if those are the best descriptors, especially since the Amish live "plain" but not boring. Maybe it is because I could not connect with our main character, Rachel.
It was readable and unique but I wouldn't read again.
It was readable and unique but I wouldn't read again.
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