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ELIJAH: A Suspense Novel
A novel for fans of Dean Koontz!
Elijah Raven, 22, possesses an extraordinary gift—or to him—a curse. He’s simply trying to overcome his past and get by in life. Well, and dream of a girl who’s out of his league. He’s not a thrill-seeking daredevil. Instead, he works as an IT tech at Buy City. His passion is for computers, a relatively safe endeavor. Not adventure.
He’s already had enough adventure to last a lifetime.
But, animals won’t grant his desire for peace. They communicate with him. He doesn’t know how it works, but somehow animals sense that he can understand them. That sounds like it would be cool, except the problem is the animals don’t tell him to throw the ball or give a treat. They tell him about the evil things they see. Abuse. Rape. Murder. He wants to mind his own business and reject diving headfirst into unknown dangers against his will. Instead, he’s compelled to get involved. He cannot deny the call to action.
And the call screams when he stumbles upon the high crime abduction of children forced into prostitution by untouchable Corporate Executives, who believe anything that makes money is permissible in the world of High Finance.
Praise for ELIJAH
"If your destiny ever requires a walk through hell, make sure to take Elijah Raven with you. Both lighthearted and horrifying, Redman's debut novel stares down evil through the eyes of the best kind of one who has survived it and won't leave anyone to suffer the same. ELIJAH is a thrilling page-turner that won't let you down."
— Erin Healy, author of THE BAKER’S WIFE and STRANGER THINGS
“Captivating, funny, suspenseful, heart-wrenching, believable, simply wow! Redman straps you into a front row seat of the protag's mind and sends you on a non-stop ride guaranteed to entertain.”
— Claude Bouchard, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Vigilante Series
“I’m in awe of Frank’s voice. It’s captivating.”
— Lynn Rush, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Violet Night Trilogy
“Frank Redman is an author of startling insight and wonderful expression who brings to life his characters in such a way as to make you forget you are reading. They are living and breathing alongside you, a startling achievement for a new novelist. I highly anticipate reading more of Redman’s work in the future. His is a voice that will shine on for many years to come.”
-- Luke Romyn, USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author
"A strong first outing from Frank Redman who introduces us to Elijah Raven, a winsome Every-man who just happens to communicate with animals and has an uncanny knack for getting into trouble. Humor, romance, and supernatural intrigue follow in this fun, fast-paced novel. Looking forward to more from Frank Redman!"
— Mike Duran, author of THE GHOST BOX and SAINT DEATH
"A tech-savvy hero with the ability to hear animals, a dog obsessed with Cheetos, and a cat with a British accent… what’s not to love? Filled with action, sardonic wit and a lovable cast of furry characters, you’ll cheer for ELIJAH--a story of redemption in the midst of darkness, of saving those who can’t save themselves.”
—NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
Elijah Raven, 22, possesses an extraordinary gift—or to him—a curse. He’s simply trying to overcome his past and get by in life. Well, and dream of a girl who’s out of his league. He’s not a thrill-seeking daredevil. Instead, he works as an IT tech at Buy City. His passion is for computers, a relatively safe endeavor. Not adventure.
He’s already had enough adventure to last a lifetime.
But, animals won’t grant his desire for peace. They communicate with him. He doesn’t know how it works, but somehow animals sense that he can understand them. That sounds like it would be cool, except the problem is the animals don’t tell him to throw the ball or give a treat. They tell him about the evil things they see. Abuse. Rape. Murder. He wants to mind his own business and reject diving headfirst into unknown dangers against his will. Instead, he’s compelled to get involved. He cannot deny the call to action.
And the call screams when he stumbles upon the high crime abduction of children forced into prostitution by untouchable Corporate Executives, who believe anything that makes money is permissible in the world of High Finance.
Praise for ELIJAH
"If your destiny ever requires a walk through hell, make sure to take Elijah Raven with you. Both lighthearted and horrifying, Redman's debut novel stares down evil through the eyes of the best kind of one who has survived it and won't leave anyone to suffer the same. ELIJAH is a thrilling page-turner that won't let you down."
— Erin Healy, author of THE BAKER’S WIFE and STRANGER THINGS
“Captivating, funny, suspenseful, heart-wrenching, believable, simply wow! Redman straps you into a front row seat of the protag's mind and sends you on a non-stop ride guaranteed to entertain.”
— Claude Bouchard, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Vigilante Series
“I’m in awe of Frank’s voice. It’s captivating.”
— Lynn Rush, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Violet Night Trilogy
“Frank Redman is an author of startling insight and wonderful expression who brings to life his characters in such a way as to make you forget you are reading. They are living and breathing alongside you, a startling achievement for a new novelist. I highly anticipate reading more of Redman’s work in the future. His is a voice that will shine on for many years to come.”
-- Luke Romyn, USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author
"A strong first outing from Frank Redman who introduces us to Elijah Raven, a winsome Every-man who just happens to communicate with animals and has an uncanny knack for getting into trouble. Humor, romance, and supernatural intrigue follow in this fun, fast-paced novel. Looking forward to more from Frank Redman!"
— Mike Duran, author of THE GHOST BOX and SAINT DEATH
"A tech-savvy hero with the ability to hear animals, a dog obsessed with Cheetos, and a cat with a British accent… what’s not to love? Filled with action, sardonic wit and a lovable cast of furry characters, you’ll cheer for ELIJAH--a story of redemption in the midst of darkness, of saving those who can’t save themselves.”
—NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2016
18 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 27, 2018
I've been hanging on to this book for while...no idea why except maybe I didn't want to be disappointed. Well, that was not a problem. I read this book in two sittings. Elijah is a young man ho survived a terrible (and I do mean Terrible childhood). He is 22 and is just trying to lay low in his IT job. The problem is that animals communicate with him...disturbing things that he must act on...after all, he is a good guy. The evil in this book is the world of child abuse, sex-trafficking, murder, and all things bad. Redman wrote this so real that I had to put the book down and wander around for a bit...you know, watch an episode or two of Criminal Minds to lighten things up. I do love books like this where good is good and bad is, well, truly evil and easily recognizable. Redman's style reminded at times of Jonathon Kellerman and Dean Koontz in that in the midst of awful things, a line will stand out and make me laugh. Tears came flowing at times as well. I don't think Elijah is finished with his work and am looking forward to more. I loved Elijah---the book and the character. Great suspenseful thriller.
August 25, 2016
Elijah Raven is a young man who did not have a good life as a child. To say his early years were spent in hell is an understatement. He has known neglect, abuse, and horriffic loss in his formative years, but he persevered and rose above it, although it still haunts him. He still suffers nightmares from that one especially terrible day, the day he lost everyone he loved, including his best friend Billy - who saved his life after telling him to "RUN!" Billy was a dog. Literally.
Now he does his best to help people, by doing what he does best - fixing their computers. And maybe occasionally doing a little ethical hacking on the side. And now, animals of all kinds talk to him - not with words, more like projecting their thoughts to him. He just wished that those thoughts didn't so often involve horrible things that the animals have seen...
I am more impressed than I can say. For a first novel, this is an excellent book. Heck, I've read a lot of books - by very experienced writers - that weren't half this good!
Elijah and his companions are engaging characters who you immediately want to root for. The bad guys are horribly sinister and evil. The storyline is well-thought out, full of action and intrigue - with a healthy dose of humor.
Mr. Redman addresses a plague in our society, that of children being used, abused, and killed in the sex trade, all too often at the hands of the entitled, arrogant rich. What makes this story an especially sobering experience is the knowledge that this sort of thing goes on more than we want to admit, and there are far more of the rich and powerful partaking in it, than there are of good, honest people trying to end it. Let this book be a catalyst to help open people's eyes to the evils happening around them, right under their noses.
By the way, the cover is definitely the most fitting book cover I have ever seen!
Now he does his best to help people, by doing what he does best - fixing their computers. And maybe occasionally doing a little ethical hacking on the side. And now, animals of all kinds talk to him - not with words, more like projecting their thoughts to him. He just wished that those thoughts didn't so often involve horrible things that the animals have seen...
I am more impressed than I can say. For a first novel, this is an excellent book. Heck, I've read a lot of books - by very experienced writers - that weren't half this good!
Elijah and his companions are engaging characters who you immediately want to root for. The bad guys are horribly sinister and evil. The storyline is well-thought out, full of action and intrigue - with a healthy dose of humor.
Mr. Redman addresses a plague in our society, that of children being used, abused, and killed in the sex trade, all too often at the hands of the entitled, arrogant rich. What makes this story an especially sobering experience is the knowledge that this sort of thing goes on more than we want to admit, and there are far more of the rich and powerful partaking in it, than there are of good, honest people trying to end it. Let this book be a catalyst to help open people's eyes to the evils happening around them, right under their noses.
By the way, the cover is definitely the most fitting book cover I have ever seen!
November 20, 2016
Frank Redman was the inspiration for Dean Koontz's Ashley Bell, and being a new Koontz fan, I was intrigued over who this Frank Redman could be, and doing a quick internet search, I discovered, among other things, he is a fantastic writer. Having just finished the Odd Thomas Series, I was wondering if there were other authors who had the capability of Koontz in mixing humor, sci-fi, suspense, romance, mystery, and horror (in the true sense of the word--not gore). Redman answered the question with a capital YES in Elijah. I don't want to give away too much, but trust that this is an excellent, fast-paced read--highly enjoyable while pricking the conscience and opening one's eyes to the reality of evil.
September 17, 2016
Super Suspenseful!
I rarely read fiction, but the concept of the super natural ability of the central character peaked my curiosity. The main character Elijah is immediately endearing. He is light hearted and good natured... in spite of his dark background. As you get to know the other key players in the book it draws you in more and more. The book takes a surprising turn that had me binge reading on a sprint to the conclusion. It doesn't disappoint. I highly recommend Elijah and look forward to other books from Frank Redman.
I rarely read fiction, but the concept of the super natural ability of the central character peaked my curiosity. The main character Elijah is immediately endearing. He is light hearted and good natured... in spite of his dark background. As you get to know the other key players in the book it draws you in more and more. The book takes a surprising turn that had me binge reading on a sprint to the conclusion. It doesn't disappoint. I highly recommend Elijah and look forward to other books from Frank Redman.
November 20, 2016
Fascinating & unique story
This was a unique story line that kept me reading long into the night. The characters were interesting and well-developed, even the ones you don't like. I hope this is going to become a series because I am eager to read the next book.
This was a unique story line that kept me reading long into the night. The characters were interesting and well-developed, even the ones you don't like. I hope this is going to become a series because I am eager to read the next book.
October 11, 2016
Really enjoyed this first novel by Frank Redman. A thought provoking, yet often funny story that was a pleasure to read. Looking forward to his future books!
July 11, 2017
I do not recommend many fictional books, in fact I do not read many. The reason I do not read many is that many times they feel unrealistic, or the main character suddenly is larger than life. That is not the case with Elijah, a character that is easy to understand and relate to his thoughts. There were times this book made experience emotions in ways many stories do not, from laughter and tears to disgust and anger, this book made me feel it all. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to not only read, but experience a great story. I really look forward to his future works.
January 2, 2022
An on the edge of your seat, must keep reading, page turning book!
This book is truly interesting, and keeps you guessing the outcome. I enjoyed the characters, and the story line. Thankfully there is only enough graphic detail to portray a hint of a very vile world in order to carry the story forward.
For me - the final chapters ended too soon without enough details that were found in the beginning of the story. Overall it's still a good read for adults.
Steven J. Orme January2022
This book is truly interesting, and keeps you guessing the outcome. I enjoyed the characters, and the story line. Thankfully there is only enough graphic detail to portray a hint of a very vile world in order to carry the story forward.
For me - the final chapters ended too soon without enough details that were found in the beginning of the story. Overall it's still a good read for adults.
Steven J. Orme January2022
February 4, 2018
An excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, well written characters and an engaging storyline. It told a serious issue with dignity and humour. This book shows fiction that in our culture is an unfortunate truth. Well worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, well written characters and an engaging storyline. It told a serious issue with dignity and humour. This book shows fiction that in our culture is an unfortunate truth. Well worth reading.
September 25, 2020
Different, that's for sure, but really well done. Elijah is a really likable main character, and he's not your do everything right, perfect hero. He's normal ... well ... maybe not totally normal as he can communicate with animals, but he's a character you can relate to. The story line is fun to follow, with plenty of twists. This is a winner!!
July 11, 2017
Definitely suspenseful
This was a read you couldn't put down, but a little weird toward the end. It dealt with some real life issues but a bit over the top.
This was a read you couldn't put down, but a little weird toward the end. It dealt with some real life issues but a bit over the top.
November 26, 2016
Great Story
While the story was great, I'm hoping for more to follow. It looks like a potential for a great series. Looking forward to more from this author.
While the story was great, I'm hoping for more to follow. It looks like a potential for a great series. Looking forward to more from this author.
March 17, 2017
I would definately buy the next book in what I hope is a series. An excellant young adult book but I found the ending disturbing and very sad. I suggest reading before recommending to a teen.
December 5, 2016
Not a bad read, overall engaging and interesting.
Positives:
1. Christian point of view
2. Tackling a gritty topic with tact
3. Good character voice and first person narrator
4. Humor placed appropriately (and it's necessary for the dark subject matter)
5. Apparently the author wrote this while dealing with a rare brain cancer...yikes! Hats off to you sir!
Negatives:
1. The writing was a little sophomoric. It's hard to explain exactly what I mean by that. At times I felt I was reading something someone much younger wrote. Chalk it up to being the first novel. Some of that was character voice, which I can understand. But some of it was rookie writing.
2. Not enough use of an interesting character ability of being able to communicate with animals. The set up with this was different from the delivery.
3. Child sex abuse is very sensitive, and while handled well for the most part (see Positive #2), there were a few moments where more could've been left to the imagination.
4. Some minor annoyances: Elijah being nicknamed to the feminine "Ellie", (Not Eli?) some filler scenes of things like eating that could've been eliminated or shortened.
5. Way too fast and convenient a wrap-up. Two major characters disappear and the first person narrator is left to tackle the climatic events on his own. But then those two characters conveniently reappear at the end and the explanation as to why they disappeared in the first place didn't make a lot of sense. I think I just wanted to be more surprised at the end and I wasn't.
6. The helper cat at the end was rather misplaced. Again, such a cool idea he set up with his narrator's ability to talk to animals, but just underused! Maybe Elijah will be a recurring character in a future novel and we can see this ability be more of a solid plot device.
Overall, not bad. I appreciate what the author was trying to do in bringing awareness to child abuse, but it was not executed as well as it could've been. It was missing something for me. But I do hope the author writes more!
Positives:
1. Christian point of view
2. Tackling a gritty topic with tact
3. Good character voice and first person narrator
4. Humor placed appropriately (and it's necessary for the dark subject matter)
5. Apparently the author wrote this while dealing with a rare brain cancer...yikes! Hats off to you sir!
Negatives:
1. The writing was a little sophomoric. It's hard to explain exactly what I mean by that. At times I felt I was reading something someone much younger wrote. Chalk it up to being the first novel. Some of that was character voice, which I can understand. But some of it was rookie writing.
2. Not enough use of an interesting character ability of being able to communicate with animals. The set up with this was different from the delivery.
3. Child sex abuse is very sensitive, and while handled well for the most part (see Positive #2), there were a few moments where more could've been left to the imagination.
4. Some minor annoyances: Elijah being nicknamed to the feminine "Ellie", (Not Eli?) some filler scenes of things like eating that could've been eliminated or shortened.
5. Way too fast and convenient a wrap-up. Two major characters disappear and the first person narrator is left to tackle the climatic events on his own. But then those two characters conveniently reappear at the end and the explanation as to why they disappeared in the first place didn't make a lot of sense. I think I just wanted to be more surprised at the end and I wasn't.
6. The helper cat at the end was rather misplaced. Again, such a cool idea he set up with his narrator's ability to talk to animals, but just underused! Maybe Elijah will be a recurring character in a future novel and we can see this ability be more of a solid plot device.
Overall, not bad. I appreciate what the author was trying to do in bringing awareness to child abuse, but it was not executed as well as it could've been. It was missing something for me. But I do hope the author writes more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
Elijah
I liked the hero Elijah. He was a sweet and quirky kind of guy. He came from a horrific childhood. I mean horrible. But he overcame his upbringing and was a good guy. This book is not really my genre. Not really sure why I got it to be honest. I'm more of a romantic suspense kind of a gal. Maybe that's what I thought this book was. I really enjoyed the first part of the book with all of the running from bad guys and all with his girl crush. But then the second half was super hard for me to read. The subject matter was really hard for me. It became more of a psychological thriller to me and I skipped paragraphs. I wish the book would have been more like the first half and all, but if you like psychological thrillers then I think you would like it. There was also some funny scenes throughout as well. I think the writer is good, just not my thing. So if you like books that are thrillers and maybe a bit of fantasy with the talking animals and all then I think you'd like this book.
I liked the hero Elijah. He was a sweet and quirky kind of guy. He came from a horrific childhood. I mean horrible. But he overcame his upbringing and was a good guy. This book is not really my genre. Not really sure why I got it to be honest. I'm more of a romantic suspense kind of a gal. Maybe that's what I thought this book was. I really enjoyed the first part of the book with all of the running from bad guys and all with his girl crush. But then the second half was super hard for me to read. The subject matter was really hard for me. It became more of a psychological thriller to me and I skipped paragraphs. I wish the book would have been more like the first half and all, but if you like psychological thrillers then I think you would like it. There was also some funny scenes throughout as well. I think the writer is good, just not my thing. So if you like books that are thrillers and maybe a bit of fantasy with the talking animals and all then I think you'd like this book.
December 23, 2016
3.5 stars. The concept and cover of this book grabbed me. A guy who can hear animals? Count me in. A suspense novel to boot? Double check mark. Redman is a good writer and pulls you into his story well. Right away Elijah is able to use his gift, and his interactions with a big Labrador retriever named Tyler were some of the book's highlights. But in some ways this book feels like the author never really figured out what book he wanted it to be. Yes, it's a suspense story about a guy who can hear animals, but in some ways the gift felt like a deux ex machina plot device. There's a lot of grittiness (including some mild language and abuse against children), that while handled tastefully, could be too much for anyone expecting this book to fall into the Christian fiction category. I really liked some of the humor, but the bad guys were so evil and cliche it became hard to believe at times.
February 12, 2017
Full of twists and dark moments. Tale of abuse and child trafficking , Very sad , made me angry and cry a few times. Not for the faint of heart
Read
July 23, 2017For a first book, this was a solid read. At the beginning it seemed more a teen/young adult book but as it progressed the subject matter led to an older/more mature audience. At times humorous, the author did a nice job of capturing the inner thought process of young adults - at least as far as this mom of four can tell. It was clear the author had a message behind his book and I agree with his call to action. I enjoyed the book and applaud Frank Redman's courage and perseverance to finish it while facing his own battles. I look forward to his next.
December 25, 2016
An excellent story from Mr. Redman.
Elijah Raven is gifted. Well, gifted or cursed, depending on the situation... After a horrific and troubled life, he thinks he has found his peace, helping others and being true to himself.
But he is destined for more.....and he will battle great odds in his search for true saving grace.
Well written and a very humorous narrative. I fully enjoyed this suspenseful story. Well done!
Elijah Raven is gifted. Well, gifted or cursed, depending on the situation... After a horrific and troubled life, he thinks he has found his peace, helping others and being true to himself.
But he is destined for more.....and he will battle great odds in his search for true saving grace.
Well written and a very humorous narrative. I fully enjoyed this suspenseful story. Well done!
February 8, 2017
Easy read
Elijah was a witty book (even with the serious plot) that I enjoyed reading. I love how Elijah can converse with animals and people in the same room have no idea what is happening when he answers the animal.
Elijah was a witty book (even with the serious plot) that I enjoyed reading. I love how Elijah can converse with animals and people in the same room have no idea what is happening when he answers the animal.
January 8, 2017
Excellent debut novel! Frank Redman is an amazing writer with an obvious ability to tackle an ugly subject and without diluting it tell a story that is heartfelt and hopeful. Strongly recommend!
April 27, 2017
How often do you look at the family dog or cat and wonder what Fido or Kitty is thinking? Sometimes they even try to tell you, with a particular bark or mew and a quizzical look wondering why their human doesn’t understand.
Of course, in fiction, we have had exceptional canines, such as, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, but even they couldn’t speak to their humans the way we talk to each other, until Elijah came along. Now, he’s no Dr. Doolittle but he does have an inane ability to hear the thoughts of the neighborhood pets; and folks, it’s not good news.
These dogs and cats lay out all the problems in town. Who is drinking too much, the child whose parents are abusive and, of course, who is plotting to kill who? Unable to hold back he gets involved in helping break up a child prostitution ring. Putting his own life in mortal danger, Elijah helps bring down the bad guys with both human and canine assistance. Having suffered abusive parents as a child, Elijah is in tune with children and knows how to deal with the suppressors.
“Elijah” is Redman’s debut novel and he has written a page-turner that, once you understand the gravity of the adventure, will have you on the edge of your seat.
Of course, in fiction, we have had exceptional canines, such as, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, but even they couldn’t speak to their humans the way we talk to each other, until Elijah came along. Now, he’s no Dr. Doolittle but he does have an inane ability to hear the thoughts of the neighborhood pets; and folks, it’s not good news.
These dogs and cats lay out all the problems in town. Who is drinking too much, the child whose parents are abusive and, of course, who is plotting to kill who? Unable to hold back he gets involved in helping break up a child prostitution ring. Putting his own life in mortal danger, Elijah helps bring down the bad guys with both human and canine assistance. Having suffered abusive parents as a child, Elijah is in tune with children and knows how to deal with the suppressors.
“Elijah” is Redman’s debut novel and he has written a page-turner that, once you understand the gravity of the adventure, will have you on the edge of your seat.
April 13, 2017
Good read!
I loved the humor and the special talent. The story could use a little work, more depth to the antagonist, but it is the first and we were given a good look at the main character, good and bad. Will definitely read any others I find in the series.
I loved the humor and the special talent. The story could use a little work, more depth to the antagonist, but it is the first and we were given a good look at the main character, good and bad. Will definitely read any others I find in the series.
May 2, 2017
I was giving a ebook link for this from a Christian author. There is profanity in this book. I usually stop reading any book as soon as i see profanity. The story seemed interesting so I continued reading. Elijah has a gift. He can talk to Animals and they talk back. I enjoyed the story and the characters. it's a sad book to read later on in the story.
ELIJAH is about inspiring hope in readers, about heightening awareness of sexual abuse and child prostitution, while also encouraging a smile here and there. My hope is that you will think about your real life experiences, how you can have happiness in spite of hardships, and about how you could help save a child. As Elijah states early in the story, “Happiness is a choice, not a circumstance.”
ELIJAH is about inspiring hope in readers, about heightening awareness of sexual abuse and child prostitution, while also encouraging a smile here and there. My hope is that you will think about your real life experiences, how you can have happiness in spite of hardships, and about how you could help save a child. As Elijah states early in the story, “Happiness is a choice, not a circumstance.”
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews