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Plain Fear #1
Forsaken
"Hannah cannot move on."
She pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life when she drowned, bringing her back from the brink of death by breathing life into her.
"But Jacob is gone now, buried."
Levi's love for Hannah burns just as strong. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives. And he lives with that lie every day.
So when a stranger named Akiva comes to their community, he carries with him two secrets that will change their lives forever: he is in fact Jacob, whom Hannah had lost. And he is now a vampire.
When passions stir and secrets are revealed, Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the one she has always loved and the new possibility of love. But it's more than a choice of passion; it's a decision that will determine the fate of her soul.
She pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life when she drowned, bringing her back from the brink of death by breathing life into her.
"But Jacob is gone now, buried."
Levi's love for Hannah burns just as strong. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives. And he lives with that lie every day.
So when a stranger named Akiva comes to their community, he carries with him two secrets that will change their lives forever: he is in fact Jacob, whom Hannah had lost. And he is now a vampire.
When passions stir and secrets are revealed, Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the one she has always loved and the new possibility of love. But it's more than a choice of passion; it's a decision that will determine the fate of her soul.
432 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
38 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Leanna Ellis
25 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 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 13, 2011
Certain books will have such an amazing synopsis or blurb that I must get my hands on them ASAP. I have a 50/50 chance of then liking what I’ve read. The power of the blurb can help sell an author’s work in so many ways, along with an eye pleasing cover. Leanna Ellis’s Plain Fear: Forsaken has both of these things. A great cover, blurb and a mash up of two genres you normally don’t hear about- an Amish Vampire romance.
Unfortunately this book was DOA (dead on arrival) and by page 40, I was close to DNFing it. I kept reading because it was much like a train wreck. I wanted to see how much more ridiculous this book could get before I wanted to throw it against a wall. There’s needless info dumping, very lackadaisical reason for things, and the villains are laughable. I understand when it comes to Amish centric romance they’re more on the tender and tame side, but Plain Fear: Forsaken reads like bad fan fiction from someone who really needs to take a good writing class. Sounds harsh? Yes. But then again when a book like this fails in so many ways, I can’t even tell you the amount of times I kept eye rolling to the point I almost had eye strain.
Hannah Schmidt is still mourning the loss of her one true love, Jacob Fisher. These two were childhood sweethearts and Hannah thought she and Jacob would marry. Jacob ended up saving her from drowning when they were younger and from that she fell head over heels in love with him. Jacob for all purposes loved Hannah, where he wanted to be alone with her in barns and make out to the point they almost gave into temptation to go all the way. Jacob loves reciting classic poetry to his Hannah, a smooth courting move on his part because that always makes Hannah swoon. Jacob ends up traveling to New Orleans as part of his Rumspringa (There is where Amish teens go out into the world and experience life in the modern world). From that Jacob comes back changed and he pretty much decides the Amish life isn’t for him. Before he can break away from his community, he ends up dead. Hannah doesn’t know how or why this has happened. No one seems to question Jacob’s sudden death. His parents moved away soon after, leaving behind Jacob’s brother, Levi to take over their store. Levi has been in love with Hannah for a very long time and wants to marry her. But she can’t get over Jacob. Levi’s hiding a secret because he knows the truth about Jacob’s death, but promised his father he’d never tell anyone.
There’s a mass murderer loose in New Orleans who’s draining the blood of their victims. NOPD detective, Roc Girouard is on the case because this monster killed his wife in the same manner. He comes to the conclusion that the serial killer might from Pennsylvania Amish country (most of the victims were Amish) and ends up in the town of Intercourse (I know, when I first read this, I groaned) and then Promise where he starts to do his investigation. Not only are farm animals ending up slaughtered for no reason, but a seductive woman and her brooding male friend from New Orleans are visiting. Roc just knows these two are up to no good and will keep his eye on them.
As everyone around Hannah is getting married (woes, for Hannah who’s a spinster before her twenty-first birthday), she catches a leather jacket wearing man on her family’s property. He’s cold to the touch, likes to sprout Byron and Shakespeare like Jacob used to and goes by the name, Akiva (if you Google the name you can figure out what other name Akiva is). Akiva tells Hannah how he once knew Jacob. Since Akiva has such an amazing kinship with Jacob, Hannah can’t stay way from him and ends up doing things she normally wouldn’t do like take rides in his fast car and dancing in the moonlight with him.
Roc then meets Levi and they join forces to stop the evil, blood drinking monster or monsters running amuck the countryside who target Hannah as their next victim.
Plain Fear: Forsaken is not spooky or at all an atmospheric vampire paranormal. The writing is flat and the characters the same. It doesn’t take much on the reader’s part to figure out who Akiva is. And I really have to wonder, if you’re changed into a vampire, does your face suddenly go through a plastic surgery type procedure where no one can recognize you? And since it’s only been two years since Jacob’s death, how can Hannah not see Avika for who he is? Seriously, the leather jacket fools her? Wouldn’t Akiva have the same face much like when he was once alive?
The love triangle is beyond water downed. Back and forth and around we go where Hannah is so dedicated to Jacob that it doesn’t make any sense why she would suddenly turn to Levi. She acts as if she can’t stand Levi who acts like a puppy where Hannah is concerned. And the switching from Roc’s point of view every other chapter as he lurks around worse than Avika makes him a very pathetic man and becomes very irksome.
A major problem I had, is that it felt like Ellis didn’t do any research for this book. The Amish lifestyle feels very fake and throwing in a few vocabulary words and quoting bible scriptures isn’t enough to make a story authentic.
Other than a somewhat sexy feel to it where Hannah reminisces about going to third base with Jacob and some intimate kissing with Akiva, Plain Fear: Forsaken is a big old dud and one not worth reading.
Unfortunately this book was DOA (dead on arrival) and by page 40, I was close to DNFing it. I kept reading because it was much like a train wreck. I wanted to see how much more ridiculous this book could get before I wanted to throw it against a wall. There’s needless info dumping, very lackadaisical reason for things, and the villains are laughable. I understand when it comes to Amish centric romance they’re more on the tender and tame side, but Plain Fear: Forsaken reads like bad fan fiction from someone who really needs to take a good writing class. Sounds harsh? Yes. But then again when a book like this fails in so many ways, I can’t even tell you the amount of times I kept eye rolling to the point I almost had eye strain.
Hannah Schmidt is still mourning the loss of her one true love, Jacob Fisher. These two were childhood sweethearts and Hannah thought she and Jacob would marry. Jacob ended up saving her from drowning when they were younger and from that she fell head over heels in love with him. Jacob for all purposes loved Hannah, where he wanted to be alone with her in barns and make out to the point they almost gave into temptation to go all the way. Jacob loves reciting classic poetry to his Hannah, a smooth courting move on his part because that always makes Hannah swoon. Jacob ends up traveling to New Orleans as part of his Rumspringa (There is where Amish teens go out into the world and experience life in the modern world). From that Jacob comes back changed and he pretty much decides the Amish life isn’t for him. Before he can break away from his community, he ends up dead. Hannah doesn’t know how or why this has happened. No one seems to question Jacob’s sudden death. His parents moved away soon after, leaving behind Jacob’s brother, Levi to take over their store. Levi has been in love with Hannah for a very long time and wants to marry her. But she can’t get over Jacob. Levi’s hiding a secret because he knows the truth about Jacob’s death, but promised his father he’d never tell anyone.
There’s a mass murderer loose in New Orleans who’s draining the blood of their victims. NOPD detective, Roc Girouard is on the case because this monster killed his wife in the same manner. He comes to the conclusion that the serial killer might from Pennsylvania Amish country (most of the victims were Amish) and ends up in the town of Intercourse (I know, when I first read this, I groaned) and then Promise where he starts to do his investigation. Not only are farm animals ending up slaughtered for no reason, but a seductive woman and her brooding male friend from New Orleans are visiting. Roc just knows these two are up to no good and will keep his eye on them.
As everyone around Hannah is getting married (woes, for Hannah who’s a spinster before her twenty-first birthday), she catches a leather jacket wearing man on her family’s property. He’s cold to the touch, likes to sprout Byron and Shakespeare like Jacob used to and goes by the name, Akiva (if you Google the name you can figure out what other name Akiva is). Akiva tells Hannah how he once knew Jacob. Since Akiva has such an amazing kinship with Jacob, Hannah can’t stay way from him and ends up doing things she normally wouldn’t do like take rides in his fast car and dancing in the moonlight with him.
Roc then meets Levi and they join forces to stop the evil, blood drinking monster or monsters running amuck the countryside who target Hannah as their next victim.
Plain Fear: Forsaken is not spooky or at all an atmospheric vampire paranormal. The writing is flat and the characters the same. It doesn’t take much on the reader’s part to figure out who Akiva is. And I really have to wonder, if you’re changed into a vampire, does your face suddenly go through a plastic surgery type procedure where no one can recognize you? And since it’s only been two years since Jacob’s death, how can Hannah not see Avika for who he is? Seriously, the leather jacket fools her? Wouldn’t Akiva have the same face much like when he was once alive?
The love triangle is beyond water downed. Back and forth and around we go where Hannah is so dedicated to Jacob that it doesn’t make any sense why she would suddenly turn to Levi. She acts as if she can’t stand Levi who acts like a puppy where Hannah is concerned. And the switching from Roc’s point of view every other chapter as he lurks around worse than Avika makes him a very pathetic man and becomes very irksome.
A major problem I had, is that it felt like Ellis didn’t do any research for this book. The Amish lifestyle feels very fake and throwing in a few vocabulary words and quoting bible scriptures isn’t enough to make a story authentic.
Other than a somewhat sexy feel to it where Hannah reminisces about going to third base with Jacob and some intimate kissing with Akiva, Plain Fear: Forsaken is a big old dud and one not worth reading.
September 21, 2025
What an interesting spin on a love story involving the Amish community and vampire lore. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the next two as well! A wonderful love story with importance on the choices we make, redemption, and finding true love, as only those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior can attest to. Well done!
January 15, 2012
Roc Girouard is a policeman in New Orleans who hasn't worked since his wife Emma was murdered two years ago. So when his old partner urges his to take a look at the newest crime scene, Roc doesn't want to go, until he is told she looks like Emma. What he sees, the two puncture holes in the neck and the body almost drained of blood, enrages him. He doesn't believe in vampires but it's unexplainable. The victim is dressed in plain clothes, so Roc decides to chase the monster to Pennsylvania.
Hannah can't let go of her grief for Jacob. Jacob and she loved one another, dreamed of a life together, but he died in an accident. He spent his running away time in New Orleans and when he came back, he was different, but she still loved him. Now, she spends her nights at his gravestone, wishing he would come back to her. She knows the Amish way is to move on with her life, as the seasons change, but she can't seem to do so.
Levi is the older brother of Jacob, but he has loved Hannah for as long as he can remember. He knows she still grieves for his brother, and he carries guilt for that, a secret he cannot share for fear of shunning. So he waits, hoping Hannah will eventually move on with her life and see him for whom he is and that he loves her.
When a stranger called Akiva comes to the area, Hannah mistakenly thinks it is Jacob. But this man is so different; his eyes are black and Jacob's shone with his love and passion. However, Akiva is determined to have Hannah with him forever, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that future. Hannah spends more and more time with Akiva, a man who says he knew Jacob. She wants to know more about Jacob's time in New Orleans and she enjoys her time with Akiva, but Levi urges her to stay away from him.
But when animals are found dead and another victim, Roc and Levi begin to talk to one another. Levi is sure who has come back to the Amish community and what for, and with Roc's help, they are determined to get rid of the monster, no matter what the cost. But when the big showdown happens, who will be left standing? Will Hannah realize her love for Levi before it is too late? Will Roc believe in vampires before he becomes a victim?
Plain Fear: Forsaken is a new spin on the age-old vampire novel. Vampires within the Amish community, a community who knows that the Lord's will will be done and they are to fear nothing, is a captivating premise for the good vs. evil fight. The characters are realistic and the details to the Amish settings are well-researched and authentic. The ending winds up well but leaves a thread open to the opportunity of a sequel, which I would love to read. I couldn't put this down - you won't want to miss it!
Hannah can't let go of her grief for Jacob. Jacob and she loved one another, dreamed of a life together, but he died in an accident. He spent his running away time in New Orleans and when he came back, he was different, but she still loved him. Now, she spends her nights at his gravestone, wishing he would come back to her. She knows the Amish way is to move on with her life, as the seasons change, but she can't seem to do so.
Levi is the older brother of Jacob, but he has loved Hannah for as long as he can remember. He knows she still grieves for his brother, and he carries guilt for that, a secret he cannot share for fear of shunning. So he waits, hoping Hannah will eventually move on with her life and see him for whom he is and that he loves her.
When a stranger called Akiva comes to the area, Hannah mistakenly thinks it is Jacob. But this man is so different; his eyes are black and Jacob's shone with his love and passion. However, Akiva is determined to have Hannah with him forever, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that future. Hannah spends more and more time with Akiva, a man who says he knew Jacob. She wants to know more about Jacob's time in New Orleans and she enjoys her time with Akiva, but Levi urges her to stay away from him.
But when animals are found dead and another victim, Roc and Levi begin to talk to one another. Levi is sure who has come back to the Amish community and what for, and with Roc's help, they are determined to get rid of the monster, no matter what the cost. But when the big showdown happens, who will be left standing? Will Hannah realize her love for Levi before it is too late? Will Roc believe in vampires before he becomes a victim?
Plain Fear: Forsaken is a new spin on the age-old vampire novel. Vampires within the Amish community, a community who knows that the Lord's will will be done and they are to fear nothing, is a captivating premise for the good vs. evil fight. The characters are realistic and the details to the Amish settings are well-researched and authentic. The ending winds up well but leaves a thread open to the opportunity of a sequel, which I would love to read. I couldn't put this down - you won't want to miss it!
August 5, 2011
This is a such a simple yet interesting story. The characters are interesting but what makes it such an exquisite read, are the contrasting themes that permeate the book: love and loss, light and dark, good and evil. Most importantly the vampire in this story is dark and evil the way vampires should be, not shiny, sparkly, and happy.
Here are my thoughts on why I enjoyed this book so much:
*Hannah is so young, religious, innocent, and honorable. I just wanted to hug her and tell her what to do in this situation.
*Hannah loved Jacob with every fiber of her being, and her loss and subsequent depression were heart wrenching. To then see someone manipulate her through her feelings for Jacob, made me angry!
*Jacob never loved Hannah as much as she loved him. Jacob was never comfortable being Amish and probably would have never returned if it wasn't for his experience in New Orleans
*Levi is honorable and good and although his choices drove me crazy from time to time, he was true to himself and his religion
*Jacob is not so different than Akiva; only that Akiva is more out in the open and actionable
Although there were times I felt bad for Jacob and his lost innocence and love, I wasn't completely sold on him. There was always something lurking in the back of my mind. Although he became Akiva he never lost his love for Hannah, but I think it was because she was a means to an end. Not a star crossed lovers thing. I think everything he was when he was Jacob was more pronounced when he became Akiva. In other words, Jacob and Akiva are a lot more alike than you may think. (Hope this makes sense.)
*Roc Girouard, the detective looking into a string of gruesome murders, is a tortured soul. I hope he eventually finds peace.
*There is a religious overtone to this book, it's set in the Amish community, but it flows with the story. It shows how vulnerable the Amish are to outside influences they know little about or refuse to acknowledge. I don't mean this in a bad way, it's just the way their culture is.
The Amish community was depicted beautifully and added so much to the story. The virgin landscape, the clean life simple life they lead; it evoked strong protective feelings in me towards Hannah and her family and friends.
*I better see Roc Girouard in another book because his story is not finished.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a love story about an odd love triangle, with a twist, but it's clean and simple. Nothing fancy, just people and their raw emotions; who they really are.
Here are my thoughts on why I enjoyed this book so much:
*Hannah is so young, religious, innocent, and honorable. I just wanted to hug her and tell her what to do in this situation.
*Hannah loved Jacob with every fiber of her being, and her loss and subsequent depression were heart wrenching. To then see someone manipulate her through her feelings for Jacob, made me angry!
*Jacob never loved Hannah as much as she loved him. Jacob was never comfortable being Amish and probably would have never returned if it wasn't for his experience in New Orleans
*Levi is honorable and good and although his choices drove me crazy from time to time, he was true to himself and his religion
*Jacob is not so different than Akiva; only that Akiva is more out in the open and actionable
Although there were times I felt bad for Jacob and his lost innocence and love, I wasn't completely sold on him. There was always something lurking in the back of my mind. Although he became Akiva he never lost his love for Hannah, but I think it was because she was a means to an end. Not a star crossed lovers thing. I think everything he was when he was Jacob was more pronounced when he became Akiva. In other words, Jacob and Akiva are a lot more alike than you may think. (Hope this makes sense.)
*Roc Girouard, the detective looking into a string of gruesome murders, is a tortured soul. I hope he eventually finds peace.
*There is a religious overtone to this book, it's set in the Amish community, but it flows with the story. It shows how vulnerable the Amish are to outside influences they know little about or refuse to acknowledge. I don't mean this in a bad way, it's just the way their culture is.
The Amish community was depicted beautifully and added so much to the story. The virgin landscape, the clean life simple life they lead; it evoked strong protective feelings in me towards Hannah and her family and friends.
*I better see Roc Girouard in another book because his story is not finished.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a love story about an odd love triangle, with a twist, but it's clean and simple. Nothing fancy, just people and their raw emotions; who they really are.
December 30, 2016
So when I heard that Amish vampire romance was a thing, I was hoping that it would be a campy and cheesy romp that I could enjoy just for the absurdity alone. I love vampires, I love... okay, I don't really love romance or Amish fiction, so this could probably be a 'what were you expecting?!' kind of moment. But whatever I was expecting, I picked up FORSAKEN by Leanna Ellis, an Amish vampire romance novel. I expected one thing, but got something else, and I wasn't too thrilled by it.
Hannah can't get over the loss of her betrothed and true love Jacob. After traveling the country looking for himself during Rumspringa, Jacob briefly returned to their Amish community, and Hannah thought that they were going to get married. But then Jacob died in an accident, leaving Hannah heartbroken. She can't be comforted by anyone, not even Levi, Jacob's brother who is madly in love with Hannah. Hannah continues to mourn, until she meets a mysterious stranger named Akiva. She is drawn to him and his passion for reasons she doesn't understand. But little does she know that Akiva is actually Jacob, and he has been turned into a vampire. Now Hannah has to choose between Levi, a good, devout, steadfast man, or Jacob, a creature doomed to the darkness.
This book wasn't as fun as I"d hoped it would be. First of all, it was very much one big shame fest for jacob, who dared imagine a life outside of his Amish community, and then paid for his aspirations and curiosity with his soul. Cheerful. While I knew that there was no way in hell that an Amish romance would pair a good girl up with a vampire, a damned creature of the night, I at least thought that maybe Jacob would have some good qualities that would at least make it seem like it would be something of a choice for her. But no, Jacob is portrayed as selfish, flitty, and cowardly (IN THE PART THAT MADE ME THE MOST LIVID: Hannah almost drowned when they were all younger, and she believed that Jacob had pulled her out of the water and saved her. But in actuality, it was LEVI, and Jacob had been a panicky coward. So he didn't even get one modicum of depth to him. Once a coward, always a coward), while Levi is devout, honest, and painfully good. I also didn't like how Hannah was never seen as someone who could take care of herself. She was constantly making bad decisions with Jacob, and even though she told Levi that she didn't need his protection, the writing made it VERY clear that, silly girl, of COURSE you need his protection! Rubbed me the wrong way. Also, there were basic plot points of DRACULA that this book got wrong, implying that Stoker was a vampire or vampire sympathizer because he made it seem that vampires were killed by sunlight even though they aren't in this world.... EXCEPT THAT in DRACULA, the goddamn Count is walking around in the daylight on multiple occasions!!! Come on! If you're going to try and twist vampire lore to make it seem like propaganda or lies to suit vampires (a concept that I found really, really neat), at least know what vampire works you're deconstructing!!!!!
I know this book wasn't written for me, so take all of this with a serious grain of salt. But damn, the sexism when Hannah could have been great and the lazy characterization when Jacob could have at least been multi-faceted seemed like missed opportunities.
This wasn't the fun romp I wanted it to be. 1.5 stars, only because I did like the boozy cop Roc and his vendetta against all vampires for one killing his wife. But even then. Woman dies so man feels pain. Yikes.
Hannah can't get over the loss of her betrothed and true love Jacob. After traveling the country looking for himself during Rumspringa, Jacob briefly returned to their Amish community, and Hannah thought that they were going to get married. But then Jacob died in an accident, leaving Hannah heartbroken. She can't be comforted by anyone, not even Levi, Jacob's brother who is madly in love with Hannah. Hannah continues to mourn, until she meets a mysterious stranger named Akiva. She is drawn to him and his passion for reasons she doesn't understand. But little does she know that Akiva is actually Jacob, and he has been turned into a vampire. Now Hannah has to choose between Levi, a good, devout, steadfast man, or Jacob, a creature doomed to the darkness.
This book wasn't as fun as I"d hoped it would be. First of all, it was very much one big shame fest for jacob, who dared imagine a life outside of his Amish community, and then paid for his aspirations and curiosity with his soul. Cheerful. While I knew that there was no way in hell that an Amish romance would pair a good girl up with a vampire, a damned creature of the night, I at least thought that maybe Jacob would have some good qualities that would at least make it seem like it would be something of a choice for her. But no, Jacob is portrayed as selfish, flitty, and cowardly (IN THE PART THAT MADE ME THE MOST LIVID: Hannah almost drowned when they were all younger, and she believed that Jacob had pulled her out of the water and saved her. But in actuality, it was LEVI, and Jacob had been a panicky coward. So he didn't even get one modicum of depth to him. Once a coward, always a coward), while Levi is devout, honest, and painfully good. I also didn't like how Hannah was never seen as someone who could take care of herself. She was constantly making bad decisions with Jacob, and even though she told Levi that she didn't need his protection, the writing made it VERY clear that, silly girl, of COURSE you need his protection! Rubbed me the wrong way. Also, there were basic plot points of DRACULA that this book got wrong, implying that Stoker was a vampire or vampire sympathizer because he made it seem that vampires were killed by sunlight even though they aren't in this world.... EXCEPT THAT in DRACULA, the goddamn Count is walking around in the daylight on multiple occasions!!! Come on! If you're going to try and twist vampire lore to make it seem like propaganda or lies to suit vampires (a concept that I found really, really neat), at least know what vampire works you're deconstructing!!!!!
I know this book wasn't written for me, so take all of this with a serious grain of salt. But damn, the sexism when Hannah could have been great and the lazy characterization when Jacob could have at least been multi-faceted seemed like missed opportunities.
This wasn't the fun romp I wanted it to be. 1.5 stars, only because I did like the boozy cop Roc and his vendetta against all vampires for one killing his wife. But even then. Woman dies so man feels pain. Yikes.
August 6, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Hannah is still mourning Jacob even though he died. She wishes he’d come back and they could get married like they planned. But when he does, he has changed…
Ms. Ellis sets the scene in an Amish community, where everyone lives “plain”. They center on their religion and don’t take on the trappings of the modern world. However, before they are baptized into the fold, the young adults are allowed to go away and experience other life. Part of it is to see if that life appeals more than the Amish ways, and part of it is a chance to do what they wish without the whole community knowing it. Most return to the community, but not all.
The author makes Hannah old enough to be of the age for marriage. She also makes Hannah a character of conflict. Hannah still loves Jacob, but she could love Levi, his older brother who works on her father’s farm. Ms. Ellis creates a very strong male character in Levi. He’s willing to wait for Hannah and he knows he loves her. He’s also willing to fight his brother to save her from evil. The paranormal part of the story is Jacob. He’s not dead; he’s a vampire now.
The tension in the story just keeps building. Hannah is one of the most conflicted characters I’ve read about recently. The author shows just how confused Hannah is over which brother to choose, and how hard it is for her to make the right decision. As the action and conflict ratchet up, you can’t stop reading and have no clue which way Hannah is going to jump. The fast pace of the story takes you right up to last page.
This book has a strange premise with Amish people and vampires, but it’s a very good read. And there will be more in this series, I’m sure. You’ll find out why when you read the book!
Hannah is still mourning Jacob even though he died. She wishes he’d come back and they could get married like they planned. But when he does, he has changed…
Ms. Ellis sets the scene in an Amish community, where everyone lives “plain”. They center on their religion and don’t take on the trappings of the modern world. However, before they are baptized into the fold, the young adults are allowed to go away and experience other life. Part of it is to see if that life appeals more than the Amish ways, and part of it is a chance to do what they wish without the whole community knowing it. Most return to the community, but not all.
The author makes Hannah old enough to be of the age for marriage. She also makes Hannah a character of conflict. Hannah still loves Jacob, but she could love Levi, his older brother who works on her father’s farm. Ms. Ellis creates a very strong male character in Levi. He’s willing to wait for Hannah and he knows he loves her. He’s also willing to fight his brother to save her from evil. The paranormal part of the story is Jacob. He’s not dead; he’s a vampire now.
The tension in the story just keeps building. Hannah is one of the most conflicted characters I’ve read about recently. The author shows just how confused Hannah is over which brother to choose, and how hard it is for her to make the right decision. As the action and conflict ratchet up, you can’t stop reading and have no clue which way Hannah is going to jump. The fast pace of the story takes you right up to last page.
This book has a strange premise with Amish people and vampires, but it’s a very good read. And there will be more in this series, I’m sure. You’ll find out why when you read the book!
September 11, 2011
Plain Fear: Forsaken, by Leanna Ellis, is a masterful story of good versus evil, Amish versus vampire. It is beautifully written with appropriate excerpts from poetry and scripture inserted in various places throughout the novel.
Jacob Fisher is currently in his Rumspringe, or running around time, before he is baptized into the Amish church. He and Hannah Schmidt, his childhood sweetheart, plan to be married as soon as Jacob joins the church. However, Jacob is restless, and he travels to New Orleans just to get an idea of life in the Englisch world. Unfortunately for Jacob, he is seduced by a female vampire (unknown to him) and he flees New Orleans in a panic, returning to his home and Hannah in Lancaster County. But within a week after Jacob’s return to Lancaster, he is dead–killed by an unknown beast.
Two years after Jacob’s death, Hannah is still struggling to overcome her grief. Meanwhile, a stranger called Akiva has arrived in their community, and several of the Amish farmers have reported the loss of some farm animals–apparently killed by the same unknown beast that killed Jacob.
For reasons she doesn’t understand, Hannah is strangely attracted to Akiva, despite the efforts of Jacob’s brother, Levi, to court her. In the end, Akiva’s secret is revealed, and Hannah is finally able to put Jacob’s memory behind her. She turns to Levi, and Akiva disappears from her life.
This is a riveting story that successfully intertwines the gentle Amish culture with the frightening vampire culture–good versus evil. I sincerely hope that we will hear more from Leanna Ellis.
Jacob Fisher is currently in his Rumspringe, or running around time, before he is baptized into the Amish church. He and Hannah Schmidt, his childhood sweetheart, plan to be married as soon as Jacob joins the church. However, Jacob is restless, and he travels to New Orleans just to get an idea of life in the Englisch world. Unfortunately for Jacob, he is seduced by a female vampire (unknown to him) and he flees New Orleans in a panic, returning to his home and Hannah in Lancaster County. But within a week after Jacob’s return to Lancaster, he is dead–killed by an unknown beast.
Two years after Jacob’s death, Hannah is still struggling to overcome her grief. Meanwhile, a stranger called Akiva has arrived in their community, and several of the Amish farmers have reported the loss of some farm animals–apparently killed by the same unknown beast that killed Jacob.
For reasons she doesn’t understand, Hannah is strangely attracted to Akiva, despite the efforts of Jacob’s brother, Levi, to court her. In the end, Akiva’s secret is revealed, and Hannah is finally able to put Jacob’s memory behind her. She turns to Levi, and Akiva disappears from her life.
This is a riveting story that successfully intertwines the gentle Amish culture with the frightening vampire culture–good versus evil. I sincerely hope that we will hear more from Leanna Ellis.
August 8, 2011
I have sure seen those Amish romance books around and wondered if I should try one, well I did (in a way), it seems my first Amish book was a Amish vampire romance suspense book.
Hannah is the heroine. The Amish do not dwell on things but she can't forget Jacob. She seems very lost in her pain and she questions God for taking Jacob from her. Still she is a nice enough young woman and she can see that Levi, Jacob's brother is in love with her. Levi, him I did like. He wanted to wait for her, until the end of times if that is what it took. A good man.
But something evil has come to Amish country. Dead animals and people, and a former cop named Roc comes hunting for answers. Yes vampires, we do get that from the start and that the vampire named Akiva is Jacob and he wants his lost love back.
I do like that it took place where it did. It just made it so more interesting, especially when they put their faith in God and what happens happens. And of course I also liked that vampires are evil. Nope they cannot become nice, they are evil and when they feed they kill. Just as vampires should be.
Still something was missing for me at times, perhaps it was the love. I did like the poems here and there but I still do not know if I felt the love between Hannah and Jacob, but I did feel that Levi loved her. And that she was entranced by Akiva. Perhaps the spark was gone.
Conclusion:
Vampires and Amish, I do like that the author tried something new.
Hannah is the heroine. The Amish do not dwell on things but she can't forget Jacob. She seems very lost in her pain and she questions God for taking Jacob from her. Still she is a nice enough young woman and she can see that Levi, Jacob's brother is in love with her. Levi, him I did like. He wanted to wait for her, until the end of times if that is what it took. A good man.
But something evil has come to Amish country. Dead animals and people, and a former cop named Roc comes hunting for answers. Yes vampires, we do get that from the start and that the vampire named Akiva is Jacob and he wants his lost love back.
I do like that it took place where it did. It just made it so more interesting, especially when they put their faith in God and what happens happens. And of course I also liked that vampires are evil. Nope they cannot become nice, they are evil and when they feed they kill. Just as vampires should be.
Still something was missing for me at times, perhaps it was the love. I did like the poems here and there but I still do not know if I felt the love between Hannah and Jacob, but I did feel that Levi loved her. And that she was entranced by Akiva. Perhaps the spark was gone.
Conclusion:
Vampires and Amish, I do like that the author tried something new.
October 17, 2011
Plain Fear: Forsaken is an Amish Vampire romance novel written by Christian fiction author Leanna Ellis.When I found out about the book, I knew it would be either really great or really horrible, but also that I had to read it. Fortunately, the novel is great.
There is no way to escape the gimmicky concept. Vampire and Amish fiction have both been very popular for a couple years now and don't seem to be waning. However, Ellis has taken a gimmicky concept and created a sincere story of good versus evil. Only good versus evil is too simple of a theme for this novel. Ellis explores the complexity of relationships, love, and grief, as well as the essence of us left behind in others' memories when we die.
Some of you will hate it. Some of you will hate because vampires in Christian fiction is blasphemous. Some of you will hate it because this is Inspirational fiction with a Christian moral and you don't like those kinds of books. But you can't be "meh" about this book, which is one of its strongest points. Whether you read it or just read this description, you will have a strong opinion about Plain Fear: Forsaken.
Whether it makes you shudder with revulsion or jump with excitement, I encourage you to read it.
There is no way to escape the gimmicky concept. Vampire and Amish fiction have both been very popular for a couple years now and don't seem to be waning. However, Ellis has taken a gimmicky concept and created a sincere story of good versus evil. Only good versus evil is too simple of a theme for this novel. Ellis explores the complexity of relationships, love, and grief, as well as the essence of us left behind in others' memories when we die.
Some of you will hate it. Some of you will hate because vampires in Christian fiction is blasphemous. Some of you will hate it because this is Inspirational fiction with a Christian moral and you don't like those kinds of books. But you can't be "meh" about this book, which is one of its strongest points. Whether you read it or just read this description, you will have a strong opinion about Plain Fear: Forsaken.
Whether it makes you shudder with revulsion or jump with excitement, I encourage you to read it.
August 22, 2011
I really don’t know how to classify this book. I think it is YA, but I feel it leans more towards Adult. I’ve seen it called Christian Literature, and it is heavy on the faith and beliefs of the Amish community, but it is more about love conquering the darkness, and it is a very dark tale. It is a paranormal romance because there are vampires and a sad love triangle.
I found the writing a little rough around the edges and it felt like there were two separate stories going on that didn’t mesh well until they came together at the end. There wasn’t much action and the story kind of plodded along. There are lots of Bible verses and poetry stances throughout that didn’t really add much to the story for me. BUT… I couldn’t stop reading it .
The author brought the horror of vampires into the Amish community. These aren’t poor misunderstood vampires. They are predators and killers.
read the rest of my review: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/pla...
I found the writing a little rough around the edges and it felt like there were two separate stories going on that didn’t mesh well until they came together at the end. There wasn’t much action and the story kind of plodded along. There are lots of Bible verses and poetry stances throughout that didn’t really add much to the story for me. BUT… I couldn’t stop reading it .
The author brought the horror of vampires into the Amish community. These aren’t poor misunderstood vampires. They are predators and killers.
read the rest of my review: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/pla...
September 24, 2011
PLAIN FEAR: FORSAKEN by Leanna Ellis is an interesting fiction. It combines Amish communtity and vampires in a captivating,unique story. It has secrets,vampires,Amish,secrets revealed,love,lose,passion, good vs evil,Amish vs vampires, deception,deliverance,fate,and grief.Hannah,who has lost the love of her life must choose between ligh and darkness,between her lost love,the new love she has found,but has been afraid to embrace. This is a truly heartbreaking,captivating and haunting story that will have you on the edge of your seat. When you mix Amish culture with vampires what an amazing story. "Plain Fear: Forsaken" is truly an unusal story of vampires,love,lost,very intense indeed and a new take on Vampires. A great read. This book was received for the review from the publisher.Details can be found at Sourcebooks Landmark,a trademark of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction Reviews.
August 3, 2013
Plain Fear Forsaken by Leanna Ellis. This was my first Goodreads Book (I won) Autographed by Leanna Ellis and I was intreged by the Title and the Cover Picture. I was not sure how to approach this book, Paranormal and Amish, however Mrs. Ellis did an excellent job in bringing the Amish culture to life with the twist of a love triangle, brother against brother. I was glad for Levi and yet sad for Akiva (Jacob) and somehow hoped Hannah would pick Akiva. I liked how Mrs. Ellis kept the chapters short bring each character into life yet the story "flowed" through each page. I did not realize by pairing poetry along with the Bible scriptures that I could be so caught up in the "feelings" that I experienced when reading them. I started this book the same evening I received it in the mail and found myself staying up till the wee hours reading and knowing I had to get up in just a few hours for work. I finished the book in 2 days. I can't wait for Part II Forbidden!
June 29, 2013
What can I say but POPPING WOW! Ms. Leanna Ellis is a genius in combining two high marketable book genres into one incredible novel! Amish collides with Vampires would seem like a lame move to get on the Amish and Vampire Band-Wagon money maker novels; however, Ms. Ellis does an amazing job to step around any cheezy 'stereotypes' and provide a story that has your adrenaline rushing through every word, your heart pounding with every turn of the page. A book that will have you mesmerize and wanting more. I won't describe what happens, that takes away from the fun of this book. Please pick up this copy and read it! AWESOME!!!! You will never see Amish or Vampires in the same light again. Yes, BTW, it is also a Christian Genre book with great message within the pages. BRAVO Ms. ELLIS! I even bought a copy (Kindle) for my friend and told her MUST MUST MUST READ!
June 24, 2013
When I first picked up this book I didn't realize that it was about vampires. I figured it was more of a murder mystery than anything else. I do enjoy books featuring the Amish and books featuring vampires so why not bring the two together, even if it seems like a bit of an odd coupling? The novel moved a little slowly in some places, however I found the story unique and intriguing. I finished the last half in one marathon reading session because I just had to know how it came to an end. I was quite happy to find that this is the first in a series and can't wait to dig in to the others.
November 27, 2011
When I heard that an Amish vampire novel had just been published, I had to check it out. It's such a ridiculous concept that I had to see how it played out--sort of like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Plain Fear: Forsaken certainly didn't fail to entertain. The contrast between the simple, religious Amish and the vampire craziness is pretty funny. The book moves a bit slowly at first; I feel like it could be about 100 pages shorter. Still, I enjoyed it.
February 19, 2013
This book kept my attention all the way through. I kept wondering what was going to happen next. I would have liked to see the end resolved a bit different but it was okay. I do have to say that I think I have now read my fill of "christian vampire" books. I just don't see the gospel or redemption aspect. I feel like the authors who have written in this genre are writing to get more readers and not to give the all important message I want to see.
October 7, 2018
I reread this for book club, cuz I obviously wouldn’t remember a book from 6 years ago, and I really liked it. It was different from many of the Amish books I’ve read, and yet not. I like some Amish books and also some vampire ones, so this was a good combination. Who knew Amish vampire book could work‽‽
May 20, 2011
A fairly straightforward "inspirational" romantic suspense novel...with vampires. The religious and horror elements mix well, although paranormal fans will be frustrated with the PG tone -- the romance is less steamy than most Young Adult novels these days.
March 24, 2012
Very nice twist on the vampire story. This story is based in an Amish community, when I first read the back I thought it would be decent to read, but it ended up being a very good story line and not the typical vampire story or setting. Good author.
June 3, 2012
I liked this new take on a vampire story. I would think that it would be hard to blend a supernatural plot with a Amish thread. This author did an amazing job not only making both plots work but to weave them together. I am looking forward to more from this Author.
August 5, 2013
amish vampires. :D
I enjoyed the book, but you can tell the author was trying to hard. there is a lot of overwrought description and far reaching comparisons. the book is worth a read, though, because...AMISH VAMPIRES.
I enjoyed the book, but you can tell the author was trying to hard. there is a lot of overwrought description and far reaching comparisons. the book is worth a read, though, because...AMISH VAMPIRES.
July 1, 2011
has created an captivating take on vamps. Here's the review for FORSAKEN. Loved it! http://bit.ly/joHZ2K
August 12, 2017
Vampires and Amish, oh my! However, there's a twist to this book! LOVED IT!!
September 21, 2016
(originally reviewed at
thelibraryladies.com
)
Did you know that there is not only Amish Romance, but apparently there is also AMISH VAMPIRE ROMANCE???
DID YOU!?!?!?
Because I didn’t, and the moment that I found this out I was like WHAAAAAT??
So what did I do? I requested it as soon as I could because OH MY GOD HOW BIZARRE. I don’t know what I expected. I mean, it’s laid out pretty plainly just what this book is going to be. We have a pious and pure Amish woman who is tempted by a vampire because he’s her long lost love, so of course it’s going to be filled with over the top moments, dialogue, and nonsense. And I know that this book is SO not written for me. But….. Let’s be real, Amish Romance is a special niche of Christian fiction that lets people enjoy wholesome romantic scenes without having to worry about smutty moments. So to me, adding a vampire isn’t going to end up in any way outside of good conquering evil and goodness triumphing over the unholy. But this book gives it the ol’ college try of making the story unpredictable. As if we didn’t know that ultimately Hannah was going to choose the side of the light. Which, hey, more power to Hannah and more power to that kind of story, as some people like that kind of thing. But there sure were a lot of things about this book that rubbed me the wrong way outside of my own predilection for walking on the wild side, fiction wise.
And okay look, you’re going to get some spoilers here, so buckle up.
First of all, I was a bit taken aback by the implications that Jacob (or Akiva, as is his vampire name), the Amish boy who was so taken with travel, art, poetry, and a potential life outside of the Amish community, was effectively punished for his wanderlust by being turned into a vampire. And beyond that, he was portrayed as selfish for being intrigued by a life outside of his community, as if even deigning to imagine a life outside of it is an act punishable by vampirism. Though it seems not to happen terribly often from my limited research, Rumspringa does sometimes lead to people leaving the Amish community. So what is that saying about those who legitimately don’t fit in within the community they were born into and do want to leave it? As it was it kind of came off as judgmental and kind of shame-y, as if you were going to be corrupted for the rest of your days by choosing a different path. Or in Jacob’s case, even thinking about it, as he did, in fact, return home to be baptized! He was just turned into a vampire before he could be. So even thinking of it is so bad you’re punished in such a way? Jacob was this whole concept personified, especially since we had the contrast of his brother Levi (who is the other point in the love triangle with Hannah and Jacob/Akiva). Levi is not only a true and devout Amish man, but also the TRUE hero of the story here in more ways than one. The part that had me absolutely incensed was that when Hannah, our heroine, was younger she almost drowned, and as she remembers it Jacob pulled her out of the water she was caught up in and saved her by breathing air back into her lungs. It was actually a kind of nice backstory to their romance, in my opinion, as it displayed bravery on Jacob’s part and also affection, as well as showing why Hannah may have had a deeper connection to him outside of being essentially betrothed to him. But then, at DEFCON ONE of the climax, it is revealed that it was actually Levi the whole time that had saved her! And JACOB was panicky and scared and did nothing when she was unconscious! So Jacob, who is a freaking vampire and couldn’t even have ultimately won Hannah’s hand in this kind of gross and weird love triangle in the first place, doesn’t even get to have that act of heroism going for him, and is in fact a total coward!! Was that necessary? I don’t think so. I don’t understand why Jacob couldn’t have been more well rounded and multi-faceted, but oh well, apparently you can only be purely good (the steadfast and dependable Levi) or purely evil (the flitty-dreamer-coward-turned-vampire Jacob/Akiva). Heaven forbid there be complexity to these characters. Jacob could have been brave once in his life is all I’m saying.
I also took serious umbrage with poor Hannah’s portrayal. At one point I thought that we were getting a kind of self assured and headstrong female lead who could handle herself, as at one point she told Levi that she didn’t need him to protect her and that she could take care of herself. I’d hoped that that was going to be a theme for her throughout the book, but then it became abundantly clear that no, she couldn’t actually take care of herself and she quite obviously did need Levi’s protection and guidance. After all, Jacob encourages her to dance, drive in a car, and drink alcohol, and this is portrayed in a negative way as if he’s leading her astray IN SPITE OF THE FACT that Hannah never did participate in Rumspringa! So this could feasibly be seen as her doing what most Amish kids are encouraged to do!!! Not once is Hannah portrayed as her own person. She either belongs to Jacob, Levi, or a higher power. Never herself.
And again, I know that this is a different value system than mine, and that this book is not for me but more for them, but the moment you bring vampires into a story, it’s fair game for me. So let’s talk about the vampires. I liked that they are portrayed as more animalistic and less romantic. I liked the mythology that Ellis gave them, as limited as it felt at times. But I also felt like there wasn’t much research done into the history of vampires and how they are portrayed in literature. There was a scene with a character named Roc, a cop from New Orleans with his own personal vendetta against vampires (and a character that I actually thought was pretty okay, when all was said and done. Of course I like the hot mess abrasive cop who drinks too much). In this scene he’s talking with a childhood friend who is now a priest, and he asks if sunlight is indeed something that can hurt vampires. His friend says no. I was pretty excited, because yeah, in older vampire lore sunlight didn’t play into it, that’s a comparatively new part of the mythology. But then the priest said something along the lines of falsehoods being perpetuated by vampires and vampire sympathizers to keep their actual weaknesses hidden, to which Roc asked if that meant that Bram Stoker was a vampire or vampire sympathizer, to which he got a veiled yes.
Guys, in the book “Dracula”, Count Dracula WALKS AROUND IN THE DAYLIGHT. And by this books logic, that confirms that vampires can walk around in daylight! So how would being totally truthful make Stoker a vampire or vampire sympathizer?! I’m okay with promoting fun ideas of vampire myths being propaganda that can be twisted to what suits them, but if you’re going to do that, know which myths apply to which stories!
So yeah. This book wasn’t for me. I couldn’t even really enjoy it in a guilty pleasure ‘so bad it’s good’ kind of way. But, that said, I know that a lot of people probably would like this book, both legitimately and ironically. And so it’s with this book, “Forsaken”, that I finally get to pull out Ranganathan’s Rule Number 3 as I side eye the HELL out of it.
Amish Vampire Fiction is not for me, but it may be for you. “Forsaken” is certainly unique, and while I didn’t enjoy it, that doesn’t mean that others won’t. Every book its reader. Just gotta keep repeating that.
Did you know that there is not only Amish Romance, but apparently there is also AMISH VAMPIRE ROMANCE???
DID YOU!?!?!?
Because I didn’t, and the moment that I found this out I was like WHAAAAAT??
So what did I do? I requested it as soon as I could because OH MY GOD HOW BIZARRE. I don’t know what I expected. I mean, it’s laid out pretty plainly just what this book is going to be. We have a pious and pure Amish woman who is tempted by a vampire because he’s her long lost love, so of course it’s going to be filled with over the top moments, dialogue, and nonsense. And I know that this book is SO not written for me. But….. Let’s be real, Amish Romance is a special niche of Christian fiction that lets people enjoy wholesome romantic scenes without having to worry about smutty moments. So to me, adding a vampire isn’t going to end up in any way outside of good conquering evil and goodness triumphing over the unholy. But this book gives it the ol’ college try of making the story unpredictable. As if we didn’t know that ultimately Hannah was going to choose the side of the light. Which, hey, more power to Hannah and more power to that kind of story, as some people like that kind of thing. But there sure were a lot of things about this book that rubbed me the wrong way outside of my own predilection for walking on the wild side, fiction wise.
And okay look, you’re going to get some spoilers here, so buckle up.
First of all, I was a bit taken aback by the implications that Jacob (or Akiva, as is his vampire name), the Amish boy who was so taken with travel, art, poetry, and a potential life outside of the Amish community, was effectively punished for his wanderlust by being turned into a vampire. And beyond that, he was portrayed as selfish for being intrigued by a life outside of his community, as if even deigning to imagine a life outside of it is an act punishable by vampirism. Though it seems not to happen terribly often from my limited research, Rumspringa does sometimes lead to people leaving the Amish community. So what is that saying about those who legitimately don’t fit in within the community they were born into and do want to leave it? As it was it kind of came off as judgmental and kind of shame-y, as if you were going to be corrupted for the rest of your days by choosing a different path. Or in Jacob’s case, even thinking about it, as he did, in fact, return home to be baptized! He was just turned into a vampire before he could be. So even thinking of it is so bad you’re punished in such a way? Jacob was this whole concept personified, especially since we had the contrast of his brother Levi (who is the other point in the love triangle with Hannah and Jacob/Akiva). Levi is not only a true and devout Amish man, but also the TRUE hero of the story here in more ways than one. The part that had me absolutely incensed was that when Hannah, our heroine, was younger she almost drowned, and as she remembers it Jacob pulled her out of the water she was caught up in and saved her by breathing air back into her lungs. It was actually a kind of nice backstory to their romance, in my opinion, as it displayed bravery on Jacob’s part and also affection, as well as showing why Hannah may have had a deeper connection to him outside of being essentially betrothed to him. But then, at DEFCON ONE of the climax, it is revealed that it was actually Levi the whole time that had saved her! And JACOB was panicky and scared and did nothing when she was unconscious! So Jacob, who is a freaking vampire and couldn’t even have ultimately won Hannah’s hand in this kind of gross and weird love triangle in the first place, doesn’t even get to have that act of heroism going for him, and is in fact a total coward!! Was that necessary? I don’t think so. I don’t understand why Jacob couldn’t have been more well rounded and multi-faceted, but oh well, apparently you can only be purely good (the steadfast and dependable Levi) or purely evil (the flitty-dreamer-coward-turned-vampire Jacob/Akiva). Heaven forbid there be complexity to these characters. Jacob could have been brave once in his life is all I’m saying.
I also took serious umbrage with poor Hannah’s portrayal. At one point I thought that we were getting a kind of self assured and headstrong female lead who could handle herself, as at one point she told Levi that she didn’t need him to protect her and that she could take care of herself. I’d hoped that that was going to be a theme for her throughout the book, but then it became abundantly clear that no, she couldn’t actually take care of herself and she quite obviously did need Levi’s protection and guidance. After all, Jacob encourages her to dance, drive in a car, and drink alcohol, and this is portrayed in a negative way as if he’s leading her astray IN SPITE OF THE FACT that Hannah never did participate in Rumspringa! So this could feasibly be seen as her doing what most Amish kids are encouraged to do!!! Not once is Hannah portrayed as her own person. She either belongs to Jacob, Levi, or a higher power. Never herself.
And again, I know that this is a different value system than mine, and that this book is not for me but more for them, but the moment you bring vampires into a story, it’s fair game for me. So let’s talk about the vampires. I liked that they are portrayed as more animalistic and less romantic. I liked the mythology that Ellis gave them, as limited as it felt at times. But I also felt like there wasn’t much research done into the history of vampires and how they are portrayed in literature. There was a scene with a character named Roc, a cop from New Orleans with his own personal vendetta against vampires (and a character that I actually thought was pretty okay, when all was said and done. Of course I like the hot mess abrasive cop who drinks too much). In this scene he’s talking with a childhood friend who is now a priest, and he asks if sunlight is indeed something that can hurt vampires. His friend says no. I was pretty excited, because yeah, in older vampire lore sunlight didn’t play into it, that’s a comparatively new part of the mythology. But then the priest said something along the lines of falsehoods being perpetuated by vampires and vampire sympathizers to keep their actual weaknesses hidden, to which Roc asked if that meant that Bram Stoker was a vampire or vampire sympathizer, to which he got a veiled yes.
Guys, in the book “Dracula”, Count Dracula WALKS AROUND IN THE DAYLIGHT. And by this books logic, that confirms that vampires can walk around in daylight! So how would being totally truthful make Stoker a vampire or vampire sympathizer?! I’m okay with promoting fun ideas of vampire myths being propaganda that can be twisted to what suits them, but if you’re going to do that, know which myths apply to which stories!
So yeah. This book wasn’t for me. I couldn’t even really enjoy it in a guilty pleasure ‘so bad it’s good’ kind of way. But, that said, I know that a lot of people probably would like this book, both legitimately and ironically. And so it’s with this book, “Forsaken”, that I finally get to pull out Ranganathan’s Rule Number 3 as I side eye the HELL out of it.
Amish Vampire Fiction is not for me, but it may be for you. “Forsaken” is certainly unique, and while I didn’t enjoy it, that doesn’t mean that others won’t. Every book its reader. Just gotta keep repeating that.
July 1, 2017
I really liked this book!
"Hannah cannot move on."
She pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life when she drowned, bringing her back from the brink of death by breathing life into her.
"But Jacob is gone now, buried."
Levi's love for Hannah burns just as strong. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives. And he lives with that lie every day.
So when a stranger named Akiva comes to their community, he carries with him two secrets that will change their lives forever: he is in fact Jacob, whom Hannah had lost. And he is now a vampire.
When passions stir and secrets are revealed, Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the one she has always loved and the new possibility of love. But it's more than a choice of passion; it's a decision that will determine the fate of her soul.
"Hannah cannot move on."
She pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life when she drowned, bringing her back from the brink of death by breathing life into her.
"But Jacob is gone now, buried."
Levi's love for Hannah burns just as strong. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives. And he lives with that lie every day.
So when a stranger named Akiva comes to their community, he carries with him two secrets that will change their lives forever: he is in fact Jacob, whom Hannah had lost. And he is now a vampire.
When passions stir and secrets are revealed, Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the one she has always loved and the new possibility of love. But it's more than a choice of passion; it's a decision that will determine the fate of her soul.
October 17, 2024
I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t.
It had such a promising start. The introduction was creepy and enticing. The Amish aspect was fascinating. Even the first third of the book was ok. Roc was a cool character and his story was interesting. But then it just quickly went down hill.
It basically just turned into a super cheesy love triangle. I mean SUPER cheesy. Hannah was literally in love and kissing Levi on one page then two pages over back to being in love and kissing Akiva. Like what? No more creepy stuff happened. Roc and his story seemed almost completely forgotten. All that was focused on was the love triangle. Disappointing after such a promising start.
It had such a promising start. The introduction was creepy and enticing. The Amish aspect was fascinating. Even the first third of the book was ok. Roc was a cool character and his story was interesting. But then it just quickly went down hill.
It basically just turned into a super cheesy love triangle. I mean SUPER cheesy. Hannah was literally in love and kissing Levi on one page then two pages over back to being in love and kissing Akiva. Like what? No more creepy stuff happened. Roc and his story seemed almost completely forgotten. All that was focused on was the love triangle. Disappointing after such a promising start.
April 2, 2012
From my blog: http://books-camilleelise4.blogspot.com
Vampires are all the craze lately, no?
Well I must admit I haven't really gotten into that genre myself.
Especially that vile series, Twilight. Ewwwwww.
I have always figured if you want to read about Vampires, go and read the original: Dracula.
But, when this book was on sale, I went ahead and got it, figuring I would at least give it a try.
Plain Fear: Forsaken by Leanna Ellis
What genres are pretty much polar opposites?
Probably Amish fiction and Vampire novels.
So when I saw that this Amish book is also a vampire book, I was confused more than intrigued.
Hannah Schmidt has lost the man she loves, Jacob. She fell for him years before when they were younger, and the fact he once saved her life only endeared to him more. But his sudden tragic death shortly before their wedding shattered her heart into a million pieces, and the fact that there was no funeral did not help to get Hannah any closure.
Levi Fisher has lost his brother, Jacob. And yet he finds himself drawn to his brother's girlfriend, Hannah. Every day he works for her father, and sees her on their farm. He knows she loved his brother deeply, but he is so attracted to her, and hopes that one day she will come out of her grief and notice him.
But strange disappearances have started to occur in their hometown, and so a man named Roc has come to this Amish town to try to find answers. He is determined to discover the secrets behind his wife's death, and believes that the killer has come to the Amish town to find someone in particular. And that someone is Hannah.
When Hannah meets a new Englisch man, Akiva, she has no idea the danger that she is in, and that he is tied to the secrets that surrounded Jacob's death...
Will Levi and Roc be able to protect Hannah from Akiva? And what will she do when she finds out that he is the vampire version of her Jacob? Is life with the living and love with Levi enough? Or will she choose eternity with her first love Jacob, now Akiva?
Read Plain Fear: Forsaken to find out!
First I have to say, there are no sparkly vampires in this novel, thank goodness! Instead, the book is a bit darker.
What is interesting is the completely juxtaposition of Amish life and vampires. We typically think of the Amish as a peaceful, devout people, and vampires as evil incarnate. The two don't seem like they can mix together at all.
Yet Leanna Ellis does a great job creating intrigue and mystery, and blending opposing communities.
I think for me, vampires will never be my genre. My gut instinct is that I don't have much in vampire novels, and that is correct. I read through the book quickly because I worked long hours babysitting, mostly while the children were asleep, so I had a lot of time to read. But if not for that, I'm not sure I would have finished this book so quickly.
I want to stress that I really don't think it was the writing or the author, I really think it is just my lack of interest in vampire books. The paranormal just doesn't intrigue me.
That being said, if you are interested in vampires and you love the idea of the completely different genres of Amish and vampire mixed together, I definitely recommend this book.
And though vampires aren't my thing, I will look into the sequel, due out later this year, just to see where the story goes.
I was very surprised how well Leanna Ellis could mix Christian themes into a vampire novel. It definitely wasn't a non-religious book, which is what I had anticipated. Instead, there is a hint of Christian themes mixed in with the story.
I also thought it was interesting how she wrote current events into the novel. For example, the Twilight series is mentioned. On the one hand, it makes this book really relevant and accessible to today's readers, but on the other hand it will eventually date the book and perhaps confuse those who read it in the future that didn't live when today's current events were happening.
I didn't connect with the main character, Hannah, as much as I had hoped, and I am not sure if it was the writing here, or just my apprehension at reading a vampire novel that caused this to happen. I think that she could have been described a bit more, and it could have caused me to connect with her. At times I found her so frustrating for going back and forth between Levi and the vampire version of Jacob, now called Akiva. It almost seemed like it was vampire powers that transfixed her, but it was never explicitly stated, so that confused me a little. She'd make up her mind to be with Levi, then see Akiva again and change her mind. It was a bit fickle for my taste.
I will say, there really wasn't a lot of gore, so anyone seeking to avoid those can probably still read this book without having to skip parts. But, I do need to give the warning that there is a little bit of adult content in the sense that relations between certain characters go further than kissing. While not nearly explicit enough to be erotica, there is some description that I would think inappropriate for children. As a result I think this book is rated
PG-13
In summation, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, just because vampires aren't my thing. But if they're yours, pick up this unique twist on the genre!
Vampires are all the craze lately, no?
Well I must admit I haven't really gotten into that genre myself.
Especially that vile series, Twilight. Ewwwwww.
I have always figured if you want to read about Vampires, go and read the original: Dracula.
But, when this book was on sale, I went ahead and got it, figuring I would at least give it a try.
Plain Fear: Forsaken by Leanna Ellis
What genres are pretty much polar opposites?
Probably Amish fiction and Vampire novels.
So when I saw that this Amish book is also a vampire book, I was confused more than intrigued.
Hannah Schmidt has lost the man she loves, Jacob. She fell for him years before when they were younger, and the fact he once saved her life only endeared to him more. But his sudden tragic death shortly before their wedding shattered her heart into a million pieces, and the fact that there was no funeral did not help to get Hannah any closure.
Levi Fisher has lost his brother, Jacob. And yet he finds himself drawn to his brother's girlfriend, Hannah. Every day he works for her father, and sees her on their farm. He knows she loved his brother deeply, but he is so attracted to her, and hopes that one day she will come out of her grief and notice him.
But strange disappearances have started to occur in their hometown, and so a man named Roc has come to this Amish town to try to find answers. He is determined to discover the secrets behind his wife's death, and believes that the killer has come to the Amish town to find someone in particular. And that someone is Hannah.
When Hannah meets a new Englisch man, Akiva, she has no idea the danger that she is in, and that he is tied to the secrets that surrounded Jacob's death...
Will Levi and Roc be able to protect Hannah from Akiva? And what will she do when she finds out that he is the vampire version of her Jacob? Is life with the living and love with Levi enough? Or will she choose eternity with her first love Jacob, now Akiva?
Read Plain Fear: Forsaken to find out!
First I have to say, there are no sparkly vampires in this novel, thank goodness! Instead, the book is a bit darker.
What is interesting is the completely juxtaposition of Amish life and vampires. We typically think of the Amish as a peaceful, devout people, and vampires as evil incarnate. The two don't seem like they can mix together at all.
Yet Leanna Ellis does a great job creating intrigue and mystery, and blending opposing communities.
I think for me, vampires will never be my genre. My gut instinct is that I don't have much in vampire novels, and that is correct. I read through the book quickly because I worked long hours babysitting, mostly while the children were asleep, so I had a lot of time to read. But if not for that, I'm not sure I would have finished this book so quickly.
I want to stress that I really don't think it was the writing or the author, I really think it is just my lack of interest in vampire books. The paranormal just doesn't intrigue me.
That being said, if you are interested in vampires and you love the idea of the completely different genres of Amish and vampire mixed together, I definitely recommend this book.
And though vampires aren't my thing, I will look into the sequel, due out later this year, just to see where the story goes.
I was very surprised how well Leanna Ellis could mix Christian themes into a vampire novel. It definitely wasn't a non-religious book, which is what I had anticipated. Instead, there is a hint of Christian themes mixed in with the story.
I also thought it was interesting how she wrote current events into the novel. For example, the Twilight series is mentioned. On the one hand, it makes this book really relevant and accessible to today's readers, but on the other hand it will eventually date the book and perhaps confuse those who read it in the future that didn't live when today's current events were happening.
I didn't connect with the main character, Hannah, as much as I had hoped, and I am not sure if it was the writing here, or just my apprehension at reading a vampire novel that caused this to happen. I think that she could have been described a bit more, and it could have caused me to connect with her. At times I found her so frustrating for going back and forth between Levi and the vampire version of Jacob, now called Akiva. It almost seemed like it was vampire powers that transfixed her, but it was never explicitly stated, so that confused me a little. She'd make up her mind to be with Levi, then see Akiva again and change her mind. It was a bit fickle for my taste.
I will say, there really wasn't a lot of gore, so anyone seeking to avoid those can probably still read this book without having to skip parts. But, I do need to give the warning that there is a little bit of adult content in the sense that relations between certain characters go further than kissing. While not nearly explicit enough to be erotica, there is some description that I would think inappropriate for children. As a result I think this book is rated
PG-13
In summation, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, just because vampires aren't my thing. But if they're yours, pick up this unique twist on the genre!
April 17, 2022
Leanna Ellis created interesting characters and an interesting plot. However, this is a case of you not being able to judge a book by the cover - or the synopsis to be more exact. This book is presented as an Amish romance, but it turns out to be a vampire story. This is not what I expected nor is it what I wanted to read.
November 6, 2017
Hilariously terrible, from the eyes-a-flutter protagonist, to the 2D love interest brothers. Just about every chapter starts with a cliché, and it's awfully akin to Twilight for how much fun it pokes at it.
July 23, 2019
I LOVE this book!
Amish, murder, serial killers, vampires, and love. What more could you ask for?
Either this author is schizophrenic or just has all the same interests as me. What a great way to pull all these crazy ideas together. Very entertaining! Thank you for the wild ride! 🖤🧛♀️🧛♂️🖤
Amish, murder, serial killers, vampires, and love. What more could you ask for?
Either this author is schizophrenic or just has all the same interests as me. What a great way to pull all these crazy ideas together. Very entertaining! Thank you for the wild ride! 🖤🧛♀️🧛♂️🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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