Friday, October 12, 2018

NOVEL EXCERPT~ The Judging: How can he serve God when cursed for eternity? Vampire in Denial


THE SETUP: A Vampire in Denial


Dr. Mark Corescu has long forgotten his origins and doesn’t care to know how he became as he is. In this scene, he follows his nose to a child abuser, ending the man’s life in his own bedroom. The Judging, by Ellen C. Maze. Book One of the Corescu Chronicles



Mark dragged the corpse to the bedroom window. They were only seven stories up and although he knew that the fall may not break any major bones, it would have to do. So what if they knew it wasn’t suicide. Let them investigate.

I wasn’t even here, technically, forenscially… Mark mused, peering through the slatted blinds to the road below. Ninety minutes past rush hour, and the street was practically deserted.

Six-thirty already? Hope will be waiting.

Mark realized the judging had run long, but it had been particularly satisfying. The unmistakable pull of evil reached Mark’s consciousness from a long way off, almost a hundred miles from his cozy neighborhood in the outskirts of town. Child abuser, pedophile, the call had said. A heinous crime against God. More a transgression against God than against the children themselves. These were Mark’s favorite victims; people who abused children. And this judging had gone well from beginning to end.

At 5:45, Mark stood against the wall in the dark room and heard his victim enter the apartment and engage someone else in conversation a few rooms away. A door closed in the hall and the man’s footsteps padded toward the bedroom where Mark stood obscured by shadow. The evildoer was a middle-aged man, unassuming features, with a soft medium build. He entered the bedroom without flipping on the light, although Mark was ready either way. He stood immobile against the wall directly beside the bathroom door, ready to pounce, not caring how the attack began. It would end like all the others, with his belly full and a dead sinner in his grip.

“Zip-edee-doo-dah,” the man sang gleefully across the room. He came toward Mark, still unaware of his presence, and stopped at the bedside table to play the answering machine. As the contraption beeped, the man removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. A woman’s voice on the machine, probably the wife, said she’d be home by nine.

“My, oh my, what a wonderful day…”

The man was giddy. Mark searched his thoughts and saw his evil intentions. Through this psychic link, he knew that a frightened little form in the room next door shivered in wait. Although it was this man’s daughter, the thoughts that seeped from his mind weren’t fatherly in the least. Mark’s grin disappeared and he closed his mind; he’d seen enough.

See me.

Mark pulled at the man and willed him to acknowledge his visitor. Engrossed with his evil constructs, the guilty man was oblivious to his visitor’s presence.

“Carl J. Odom,” Mark called him out telepathically, “you are being judged.” Mark opened his hands and prepared to take the man by the throat.






“Wha—?” Carl didn’t have time to go for the light switch. There was someone—no something—in the room with him, and it wasn’t human.

He lunged for the bedside lamp, but he couldn’t move. Steel-like arms wrapped around him from behind and he bulged against his attacker. A voice in his head commanded him to be still and he quieted, his mind racing with terror.

“Carl J. Odom, you have sinned against God. You have spit in the face of your Creator time and time again with your sins of the flesh. Your time is up.”

Carl wilted, the fight drained from him like water.

“You are about to die.”

Carl believed the voice implicitly, God had sent the Angel of Death to kill him. Guilt and sorrow welled in his chest and he found it hard to breathe, more from the emotional pain than from the firm embrace of his other-worldly attacker. Abruptly, he was spun around in the devil’s grip and forced to face his judge. Like a spoiled child, Carl squeezed his eyes tightly shut and refused to open them. When telepathically commanded to open his eyes, he did so and looked into the face of hell.

“Oh, God…” His voice trailed off and his attacker grinned.

“No, but close.” Speaking aloud for the first time, the Judge held his gaze, speaking just loud enough for him to hear. “God loves you, Carl. You are His son. He is willing to have you come home, if you will repent. You have made a mess of the life He has given you.”

“Oh, God!” Released by his attacker, Carl fell to his knees and closed his eyes again. Twenty-two years of his youth were spent in the Church and his ritualistic training came back in a rush. Praying as he’d never prayed before, Carl beseeched the Virgin, Christ, the Saints and the Father, begging to be forgiven. He was about to breathe his last, but not before he set things straight with God. When he had said all he could think of in his fevered state, Carl began to cry.






Mark took Carl J. Odom into his arms as a father might a small boy. This was the best part; the penitent man begging for his salvation.

Okay, maybe it isn’t the best part, Mark corrected himself, but it is way up there.

Odom’s fervent supplications faded to a low moan and he buried his face in Mark’s coat. He continued to cry piteously as Mark found his way to his throat. Brushing the man’s shirt collar aside, Mark’s eyeteeth extended as he prepared to take his portion.

Like a B-Movie Dracula.

Not amused that he had compared himself to a Hollywood fable, Mark plunged his sharp fangs deep into the neck. Then, unbidden, he heard a reply in his head that wasn’t his own.

“Or a four hundred-year-old vampire…”

Grunting, Mark shut out that voice. Once in a while, he would hear from “The Other,” an insidious opinionated utterer who spoke to him when he fed on human blood. The Other constantly belittled Mark’s work, belittled God’s work, and Mark had long ago decided that this counter voice was Satan, himself.

“Oh, that is rich. That would give you permission, wouldn’t it?”

Again, Mark ignored The Other’s remarks and focused on the task at hand. Once the fountain flowed, Mark drew Carl’s prone body closer and drank as deeply as possible. His victim did not fight, rather, his sobs slowed and stopped, until he was limp in Mark’s arms.

The night was a huge success, and with Hope awaiting him at his house, it had really only just begun.



The Judging and (Book Two) Damascus Road On Sale in print & Kindle. Links Attached.

Book Three, The Tree of Life, is expected early 2019

Final Installment, Book Four, Anathema expected Winter 2019


Monday, February 19, 2018

"Hunting children is the riskiest venture of all..." Isaac thinks it'll be fun. / THE SCENE, RABBIT REDEMPTION by Ellen C. Maze


Rakum (RAH′-kum) – a.k.a Wraith, from Heb. raca; “vain thing.” Def: From Semitic mythology; a race of vampire-like beings thought to be descended from fallen angels.



THE CHARACTERS:

Isaac Akaron, the newly arrived boy-leader of the Rakum, more powerful than the Ten Fathers and as ruthless as their spirit-master, Ta’avah, whose violence and lust for power had no limit.

Beryl, had once been a respected Captain among the Rakum, but under Isaac, everyone is reduced to nothing.
THE SCENE:
Isaac had been kept underground fifty years as a young Rakum. Now he is free, and Beryl's job is to show him the ropes, specifically, how to abduct the children Elder Canaan needs to grow stronger... 
THE NOVEL: Rabbit Redemption by Ellen C Maze, a unique and provocative twist on the vampire legend.

Ch.15




Pearl, MS

November 9th, 8 p.m.



E

merald High School’s Ray Rogers Stadium was packed with people of all ages coming, going, and cheering on all sides. Isaac and Beryl walked through the throng, heading for the darker far end. The Mississippi winter had finally rolled in and Isaac clutched his jacket collar. He flipped up the hood and glared at his companion who ignored the icy wind that lashed his face and neck. Beryl had a lot more experience being uncomfortable.

“I hate this weather!” Isaac barked and stepped lively to keep up with Beryl’s long stride. “Slow down, you walk too fast.”

Beryl slowed his pace. “Big brothers hate little brothers, Master. If you struggle to keep up, it’ll be more believable.”

Isaac frowned, but did as suggested. Beryl was infinitely more adept at hunting mortals and it was wise to bow to his skill. He had hoped that by sharing the guy’s memories he’d also adopt his abilities. As it turned out, not so much. No big deal, Beryl would teach him. He might not always have servants at his command. Life was unpredictable; Isaac learned this the day the Rabbit Beth Rider destroyed everything he knew.

“There,” Beryl said telepathically and stopped short. Isaac followed his line of sight and at the end of the crowded bleachers, three giggling pre-teens jogged into the dark shadows of the adjacent school building. “I’m going to creep up and listen to them and gauge their weaknesses…”

“Good. And hurry, I’m freezing,” Isaac replied silently. Beryl shot him an irritated glance that instantly softened; the guy was learning. Isaac was young and inexperienced, but he was the only one sufficiently empowered to run the Rakum race. Even after Last Assembly, he disappeared with Father Damien who spent every waking moment teaching him the skills he would need to take over leadership of the flailing brotherhood. Isaac smiled at nothing; he was definitely up to the challenge.

“Listen,” Beryl whispered and Isaac concentrated on the three youths speaking a dozen yards away in the shadows.

“…I spent it yesterday at Target. What about you? Your mom gives you money for the game, right?”

“I had to give it to my stupid sister. She made me promise to pay her back today and I was afraid to not do it. Last time I owed her money and didn’t pay on time, my daddy tanned my hide.”

“Well, I have three bucks. Wanna see if Gregory has any money? He usually does.”

“No, he stinks—I mean, he literally smells. Let’s go ask your mom. She’s in the stands, right?”

“She won’t give me any more money. Dad lost his job and she’s all depressed.”

The trio started walking again, heading away, deep in conversation. Beryl pulled two twenties from his wallet and handed them to Isaac.

“These kids look about twelve. They’ll spook at me because I’m older.”  

“Just tell me what to do,” Isaac sent back, keeping an eye on the kids as they sauntered away. Beryl filled him in on the plan, assuring him it worked many times for him in the past. Isaac nodded when he was ready and Beryl headed back to the car. Plan initiated, Isaac proceeded toward the kids.

When he was a good twenty feet behind them, the one in the middle, an Asian girl with long straight hair took her hands out of her jacket pockets to playfully slap one of her friends. Isaac saw his chance.

“Hey, guys,” he called and jogged up behind them. “Hey, I think you dropped this.”

All three turned at the sound of his voice and none of them seemed alarmed. The girl’s eyes widened at the sight of the two bills and she took furtive glances at her friends.

“What?” the boy on her right asked. He was the tallest of the three, but no taller than Isaac.

Isaac held the money out toward the girl. “Just now, when you took your hands out of your coat, this fell down from your pocket.”

“Oh, yeah,” the girl said and stepped closer to grasp the money. “My mom puts money in my coat all the time. I forgot.” She caught her friends’ eyes and they grinned.

Isaac put on a friendly smile and hoped it would get him an invitation to join them. The two boys didn’t like him right off, but it had everything to do with his wholesome appearance, not that he wasn’t human. The girl favored him a lot and she gave him a dimpled smile.

“Do you go to Jones High?” she asked, gesturing to the visitors’ side of the stadium. Isaac nodded. “I’m Minji, and this is Fred and Hank.”

“Hey,” he replied. “So, are you guys heading to the front of the school? My brother said there’s a fight going on there. S’posed to be pretty cool.”

“Oh, yeah?” Hank asked, looking behind him. “I’d like to see that.”

“Yeah, some kid named Gregory is getting his butt whooped,” Isaac said and started walking. “I’m on my way to see it myself.”

“Stinky Gregory’s done messed up now!” Fred said and joined Isaac. The other two fell in, laughing and making jokes about their wayward classmate.

By the time they reached the school’s quiet front yard, Beryl had parked the car and was leaning against the hood. The lot was surprisingly dark and the kids would only see his silhouette until they were closer.

Isaac touched Fred’s shoulder and pointed to Beryl. “There’s my brother. Let’s ask him what happened.”

The gullible kids scampered alongside Isaac, completely fearless. When they reached the BMW, Beryl gave them a bored look.

“What happened? Is the fight over?” Isaac asked him.

“Where’d they go? I can’t believe we missed it!” Hank said.

“How’d they disappear so fast?” Minji asked.

Isaac waited for Beryl’s signal and he opened the back door of the car. Taking one last look around the deserted schoolyard, Isaac and Beryl simultaneously rushed the youngsters and shoved them into the waiting car. Before they could begin to yell for real, both he and Beryl were loaded and the doors closed. Beryl peeled away from the school and joined the traffic leaving the stadium while Isaac silenced the kids with a powerful suggestion.

“Be quiet and I won’t kill you,” he sent the three kids telepathically. Years of watching television and horror movies hadn’t desensitized the children to a real threat as they shivered and fell silent. Isaac relaxed in his seat in the front and caught Beryl’s eye.

“Good job,” Beryl sent silently.

“Great job, you mean,” Isaac replied.

Beryl nodded. “Canaan will enjoy this gift.”

Isaac nodded, smiling ear-to-ear and looked out his window. It was in his best interest to keep Canaan healthy. The only Rakum left more powerful than Canaan was one he wanted to drink from next—Theophilus. Then he’d explore powers he’d only dreamed of. Damien said he’d be able to transport himself great distances, disappear from human view, that he would even be able to fly if he continued on his current path. Flying. That would be sweet.


Read another excerpt:  https://goo.gl/b6YM7K 
See the novel on Amazon in softcover and eBook: https://goo.gl/aBpV1T 
See the novel and the entire series on the website, purchase as a discount: www.ellencmaze.com


Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Novel Excerpts: Just enough deliciousness to get you salivating...


When I'm waiting for the next book in a series I'm enjoying, I gobble up anything the author throws at me in the interim. Some authors post excerpts of upcoming novels and this is the cruelest and most delicious pain of all. Not only do I get to read a snippet of what's to come, but then I have to wait until it's published to see more.

I have been fielding emails requesting that I post a piece of yums from Book Four, ANOMALY: Beyond the Rabbit. Today, I did just that. I picked a couple of chapters at the beginning so readers will immediately recognize the action. Have a look, but note this one has spoilers if you haven't read Book Three, Rabbit Redemption. Rabbit fans have followed Elders Canaan and Kilmeade through all sorts of hell to get to Book Four, so that is why they have hopped out of the Trilogy. Their storyline must be resolved as well and ANOMALY is finished and has been sent to editing.

The final book in the Rabbit Saga is entitled CONUNDRUM: The Lost Rabbit and is being written now. I assure you, the adventure only becomes more enjoyable with each new page and each new book!

I better get back to writing. Elder Canaan is calling...


Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Rabbit Chasers are Back on the Job, Book Three of the Rabbit Trilogy hits the Stores 1/15/2018 after a 4-Year Wait


It has been four years since fans of The Rabbit Trilogy have been able to re-join the chase and discover the fates of their favorite--albeit, left dangling--characters. Starting with Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider, readers hopped into the fray with Beth Rider as she ran for her life from the Rakum, a bloodthirsty race of miscreants spawned when the world was new.

Those who survived the chase, were tossed into the trap once more in Book Two, Rabbit Legacy. Beth Rider's efforts in Book One made a huge difference in the Rakum way of life, and now their new leader seeks revenge on all those who ruined the future. Book Two turns the readers' focus to the Rakum themselves and how they deal with the challenges thrust upon them by the plot twist (which I will not spoil in this blog).

NOW IT IS TIME FOR A LITTLE REDEMPTION...

Book Three, Rabbit Redemption brings the trilogy to a close as anyone left viable and strong after Book Two will need to choose a side. The great thing about the world of the Rabbit and Beth Rider? The one who is strongest is not so easily discerned by sheer muscle alone. In this world, spiritual might outdoes the flesh more times than not.

You are cordially invited to join the chase. Start with Book One, or if you're feeling punchy, grab Book Three and brave the waters up to your neck. There is one sure thing -- no matter where you begin your Rabbit journey, you will be hooked.

Have a fun down the Rabbit hole and remember to either cover your neck or bring bandages--you'll get bloody no matter what.

The Rabbit Trilogy, Top-Rated by Amazon Customers 16 weeks straight!
"A provocative new take on the vampire mythos, spiritual warfare with BITE."
Little Roni Publishers
Byhalia, MS
_ Mild Language, Sexual Situations, Vampire Violence_

www.ellencmaze.com WEBSITE SALE -- BUY ALL THREE BOOKS FOR $25 free shipping


Did you read Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider four years ago? Need a refresher?

Catch up with the Rabbit

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider / Book One

The decimation of the Rakum began with Beth Rider seven years back at what became known as “Last Assembly,” when a woman marked as a Rabbit brought down their leaders with an amazing power the Rakum knew nothing about. After that night, the 100,000-strong Rakum population had been reduced to half.
 Rabbit Legacy / Book Two

Over the next few years, Elder Rufus—insane and bloodthirsty—rose up to lead them, destroying thousands upon thousands of the Brethren who refused to bend the knee to his psychotic agenda. By the time Isaac The Last showed up with Canaan to destroy Rufus, a mere twenty thousand brethren remained.

Now the time has come for...