The Maze

by Jason Brannon

A near death experience transports Jamie Burroughs into The Maze, a Christian themed realm built by angels and demons and filled with traps and riddles for those haunted by their mistakes.

For Jamie, The Maze becomes a terrifying journey through a world of darkness where his soul and the lives of those he loves hangs in the balance. With his family in danger and his soul in peril, Jamie is forced to reevaluate the kind of man he truly is as he struggles to escape The Maze before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christian, Amazon, Horror, Supernatural, Mystery

300 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2012

About the author

Jason Brannon is the author of numerous short story collections, novellas, and novels. He has seen more than 100 short stories published in various venues. His short fiction has been compiled in collections like Puzzles of Flesh, The Machinery of Infinity, and Five Days on the Banks of the Acheron. His most recent books include The Cage, Winds of Change, The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors, and The Order of the Bull. Numerous titles have also been translated into German by Basilisk Verlag. He maintains a website at http://www.jasonbrannon.us

Reviews

[Reeda Booke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Burroughs is a man that has it all...a family, the nice house, a good job and people who love him. But Jamie is also a man who takes this life for granted and one of those guys who feels that, "the grass is always a bit greener on the other side". When an old girlfriend pops back into his life, the encounter ends up with him having a have a near death experience. He finds himself in a labyrinth where he must face and battle head on the many choices in his life that has led him to this point. Will the guilt be too much for him or will he be able to overcome and receive his redemption?

This one reminded me very much of Pilgrims Progress. There were many elements of horror here, but ultimately the story was one of hope. As this is a Christian novel, that hope is in God. It is an allegory that shows how we are constantly at battle with our sinful natures.

I loved the concept of the maze because it shows the many twists and turns our lives takes which every decision that we make. The author really made it work well in this novel.

Recommended for everyone.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"From the sound of it, a maze was being constructed, and he knew what that meant: someone stood at a moral crossroads, about the make a life-changing decision. The Piper had to act quickly.

Bricks were laid using grief as a mortar. Walls were cemented in place with sorrow. Lights were forsaken in favor of darkness. Crude agonizing designs were etched into the floors, and the history of one man's sin was scrawled in painstaking detail on every inch of the dreadful place."

In the novel, The Maze - The Lost Labyrinth, Jason Brannon takes an interesting spin on the consequences of our moral life-changing decisions and shows us what happens when we are literally on the verge of life and death. In this fantastic and wonderful written novel, we follow Jamie Burroughs, a successful businessman, husband and father who is about to stand at the threshold of a life altering choice. When his wife, Amy, confronts him about a recent bank withdrawl, she questions Jamie's intent. Is he planning on using the money as a cash payment on a hotel room to have an affair and destroy their marriage like their friends did? Jamie understands how following the clues from someone else's choice can make his wife question his choices even though that is not what he intends to do EVER. He reassures her that his vows to her are rock solid and that introduces us to the Piper, who begins to play his tempting tune to entice Jamie along another road. One that manifests during a business lunch in which his ex-girlfriend, Karen is there waitress.

Soon Jamie finds himself drawn to her in a way he cannot explain much like the rats did for the Piped Piper of Hamlin. In this interesting look at what happens in the course of our lives suddenly is transformed when Jamie literally hovers on the brink of death after attempting to follow his quest to know "What if."

Jamie finds himself literally in a maze designed by all the choices and decisions he has made over his life. It was designed by The Architect and will test his ability to view his life in a completely different way. The choice he has made not necessarily with his actions, but also his thoughts and words. He will be challenged by the race against the Minotaur who feeds on the sins present in his life.

"Think of this maze as one big example of cause and effect. Everything you do has a consequence here. Getting here was a consequence of intent. This place is a manifestation of your entire life. Your deeds are sewn into the fabric of this maze. Your sins are the mortar that holds these walls in place.

This game is just like everything else in your life. You're blessed more than most people, and you can't see all the good things in front of you. All you see are the problems, the trials, the tribulations, the darkness. All you see is what you don't have."

This is such a fabulous novel that speaks to the heart and soul of the reader. It makes you take a hard line approach at your own life and question things you have done. It really takes you into the deepest, darkest places of your own life and teaches us all what it really means to repent and accept Christ as our Savior. Nothing else will save us in the end. I found myself with pages of notes from this novel that I intend to apply as a measuring stick in my own life. No one is perfect and this novel takes you into the seemingly innocent things we do every single day and the consequences it has on our soul.

I'd rate The Maze by Jason Brannon a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to digging a bit deeper into his literary works to find even more surprises tucked inside. I received this novel compliment of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside for a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are my personal and honest ones.. For those of you that wonder just how innocent your lives are, I'd encourage you to check this one and and re-evaluate what you find inside.

[Jess Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Brannon's The Maze has it all; high concept fantasy adventure, vivid descriptions of horrific monsters and torture devices that should make even the most hardcore horror fans quiver in fear, a deeply moving exploration of the motivations of the human heart, and what it takes to transform from a creature that embraces darkness to one that runs to the light.

The story, plot, and characters were interesting and I was always engaged in what was happening. The world around me melted away as I was immersed in Jamie's struggle to understand and cope with a strange new world, face the failure that was his life, and continue to hope for redemption when all seems lost.

Others have said it, but I would say comparing this to Alice in Wonderland or Labyrinth is fair, but it's the version Clive Barker would have written had he gotten there first.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of the book had me somewhat confused. It started fast and furious and I was unsure of where it was heading.
Once the main protagonist lands in the maze the horror starts. Weirdly the horror is a reflection of what it is like to be human and which "small sins" we engage in.

Once mythology entered the book with a massive bang I was even more confused. The Christian literature I expected was missing.
Soon however I got to know why the mythology was present. How the maze works and the message of hope and redemption started to dawn on me and hopefully other readers.
All in all this is a fast, engaging read which is well written and develop so it is less preachy in nature and more entertaining and illuminating!

A read I will recommend to lovers of the genre who is open to get the entire story before making judgement.
WaAr

[Iola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jamie Burroughs is a family man, happily married with a young son. But one day he is faced with temptation in the form of a very attractive ex-girlfriend, and he somehow finds himself in a supernatural maze that’s a manifestation of his life, complete with monsters and a dawning realisation that he’s not going to get out of this alive.

It is significant (although not stated) that Jamie’s life is symbolised by a maze, not a labyrinth. A labyrinth has only one path (unlike in the movie) and can be seen as symbolic of some spiritual journey. A maze has multiple paths, many of which lead to dead ends. Jamie is most definitely in a maze, one that he may never escape.

Jamie is a man who has made many mistakes in his life (so he’s pretty normal) and the Maze is designed so he can see the consequences of these sins and iniquities. He wasn’t a likeable or sympathetic character, which made it hard to care about his predicament. This wasn’t helped by a plot that moved from the realm of fantasy into the downright unbelievable and meant I was never able to forget that this was just a story.

While there was good use of language, the writing could have been stronger. Jamie talks to himself (which I found annoying), there was a lot of redundant language, I wasn’t comfortable with the reference to karma in a story from a Christian publisher, and I found the shifts between first person and third person took me out of the story. This made it difficult to believe the Maze was real (I suspected it might have been a dream), and meant I wasn’t convinced Jamie was in real peril.

The Maze was full of Christian symbolism and allegory in the same way as classic novels such as The Pilgrim's Progress and Hinds Feet in High Places. But neither of those novels attracted me as stories, and I had the same problem with The Maze. In addition, I never engaged with Jamie as a character, and that made it hard to empathise with his situation.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

[Yo Leo Ficción Cristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL

Although I’m a huge fan of this genre, I have lately read other novels and I was away from my usual tastes; so this book has been a very refreshing reading.

Normally I don’t make comparisons because I believe that each author is unique and you can not said that an author is like another writer, however, The maze made me recall the powerful message of Frank Peretti’s books and his use of the supernatural elements to understand reality.

At first this story is a bit simple: the routine life of a man who could be anyone, but then becomes a desperate journey to salvation. In each of the passages of the labyrinth, one can reflect on their actions and think if they really are not as bad as we sometimes think.

Jason Brannon exposes the sins and low human passions bluntly and impregnated in a maze that feels very real. The main character is so common and complex at once, you can identify and live through it the internal conflicts of every human being.

The only thing that I couldn't relate was the mythology... If it weren't for that, it would be a 5 stars for me.

But anyway, this novel, beyond being scary, invokes deep reflection and helps you find your way out of The Maze.

-I recieved a book from the author but this fact didn't influence the review-

[Lisa Puersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists & turns of this fast-paced thriller will figuratively & literally take you through the labyrinthal passages of a spiritual journey. With hints of a 'pilgrim's progress' seen, allegorical references to the mythological, & biblical truth woven throughout, all set in the modern reality of temptation & sin, Brannon delivers an incredible story of repentance, redemption, & reconciliation - not just for the main character, but for the reader.....if you have the courage to get through the darkness in 'The Maze' to the Light that awaits! HIGHLY recommend!!! (Amazon Review)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free for my Kindle a while back and finally got around to reading it, and man, what a read. This book is a masterpiece, showing through fiction and symbolism the effects of sin on a soul. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. I love suspense novels, and this book definitely falls into that category, but I loved the plot, the whole idea of the main character, Jamie, being stuck in a dangerous maze of his own making, and having to face his sins and the consequences of his sins. This is Christian fiction at its best.

[Tania Winstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story. I like the idea of Jamie getting a second chance and having to face his inner demons to find his faith and leave his sins behind. I hadn't read anything like it before and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant reading!

I'm very into this kind of books, so I enjoy the story. The only thing was that I couldn't relate to the roman mythology so I was a little bit lost. However, I recommend this for every book lover! :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller with a moral lesson. The maze is designed to help Jamie identify and deal with his past poor choices. He must succeed to return to his family as a better man. Great read.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen if you were forced to confront your sins physically?
What would happen if the choices you made while confronting those sins altered the course of your life, and the lives of your loved ones?
This book asks these questions, and it is the most thought-provoking thing I have ever read.
This one is going to stay with me forever.
On the surface, it's the story of a man who is sent into a maze of his own making, to face up to his sins. But it is so much more. Here is an invitation to scrutinize your own life, and think of the many small ways you may be sinning without even realizing it.
That sounds like doom and gloom, but looked upon in the right frame of mind, it is, or at least it was for me, enlightening, because if you look at a problem face to face, then you can take action to solve it, rather than letting it linger.
Brilliant, unsettling, and a must-read for introspective people.

[Dini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I read the summary of the book I was quite eager to read this. The concept of a Maze was quite a novel idea for me and not being a Christian myself I wasn’t sure what to expect from the story and whether I would like it or not. After finish reading, I’m glad that I came across this book as it had been one of the best writings I have ever come across. If at all you have faith on God and believes in good and evil, this would be a nice read regardless what religion you would belong to.

The protagonist, Jaime gives life to a very realistic character. One which is quite common in the society nowadays and many could relate with their own lives. A happy husband and a father who has committed few sins somewhere or other along the journey of his life, Jaime is not so troubled with his past and lives a respectable life until the things go over the limit. One thing he could always assure his wife was that he hasn’t cheated on her. All of a sudden he comes to an abrupt halt where his path is forked and he was to choose either the happy married life or try infidelity with his ex-girlfriend. He wanted to be faithful but partially he had second thoughts.

“…other part of me was excited about the fact that the line was there to be crossed.”

The author has taken the full advantage of a rich vocabulary. Words were perfectly entwined with each other giving the best and appropriate outcome to each sentence. The fine descriptions never failed to give me the mental picture of the surroundings and feel the intensity of each moment.

“Gradually, my trip hammering pulse slowed to a moderate gallop and then a trot.”

In my opinion, the whole idea of the Maze was brilliant. It was even well formed and defined with each turn of page. The Architect and the fair share of both demons and angels have in the Maze makes it more balanced and complex. The way he has described the structure and the objective of the Maze, its obvious that the author had a very clear mental picture about what his plot would be based upon. Lines like following were more than enough for me to picture and feel the Maze just as I was alive (or rather say trapped) inside it.

“Bricks were laid using grief as a mortar. Walls were cemented into place with sorrow. Lights were forsaken in favor of darkness. Crude agonizing designs were etched into the floors, and the history of one man’s sin was scrawled in painstaking detail on every inch of the dreadful place.”

The Piper fits into the plot very well. It certainly reminded me of the Piper in an old fairy tale I have read long back. The Piper here has a similar role in this story, playing a flute but only to cause destruction no any good.

“He delighted in symphonies of wailing and gnashing of teeth. Operas of agony were his music of choice. Nothing sounded any sweeter to The Piper than the hopeless weeping of the lost.”
The story is quite a lot more than just another fiction. Its not a book you could simply read and put aside but will make you wonder about your all your actions all down the memory line. Just as Jaime was trapped in a Maze to try shape up his life, we would be trapped in the story to have a self realization.

“A man shapes the course of his life by the decisions he makes, and you will write your destiny inside the walls of this maze.”

If you are a diehard atheist, you may not like the book and would even criticize the story. Hence, I would not recommend this to you. But, for any other who believe upon God and faith would find this a very enlightening story. This would certainly provoke you to look back at the things and urge you to correct the mistakes so far committed and be careful with your actions in future. Ending the note with few lines I found very thoughtful mesmerizing.

“I’d heard it said before that there were no true deathbed atheists, and the wisdom in that statement was more apparent now than it had ever been. I wasn’t an atheist. Despite all my shortcomings, I believed in God, but now, faced with the unbelievable, I regretted not living a more devout life. There wasn’t time, however, to make amends for that mistake.”

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a rare thriller suspense novel that attracts my attention and keeps it all the way through. The Maze has done exactly that for me; not once but three times I've read through the book before writing this review. There is so much layered in what appears to be a simple tale that it leaves me pondering the subtleties and nuances of a unique modern allegory long after I have finished. Kudos to the author. This story is masterfully crafted.

From the beginning, we are aware of a physical maze being constructed somewhere. Demons and angels are present as well as the Minotaur, the element of the maze that reminds us of ancient tales of Greek mythology. We get the impression that a stage is being set up and that something will trigger this trap into action. "The doorway to this labyrinth is opened with sinful intent, and you walked in brazenly." Who walked in?

The first third of the book introduces us to the main characters and establishes the circumstances that make the maze relevant. Jamie Burrough's family is vulnerable and temptations are all around them. From most points of view, Jamie hasn't done anything wrong to deserve the distress his wife feels. Most of his story is told in the first person, so we see only his perspective on the incidents that eventually land him in the maze. If up to this point the story seems to move along too slowly, be patient. It quickly picks up the pace after the twelveth chapter when Jamie finds himself in the maze.

Also important to the plot is another character who acts as the catalyst that drives the disaster within Jamie's marriage. His name is Darrell Gene, a loner who just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere--a perfect villain/victim just waiting to be controlled by someone offering him what he wants most in life. When wooden carved angels begin talking to him, we realize this character is troubled, dangerous and seriously creepy. And he lives across the street from Jamie and his family.

At first Jamie thinks the Maze is a prison, a place of punishment. But eventually he realizes it has merit. "Think of this as a place where you can discover who you truly are. Angels and demons abound in the depths of the labyrinth if only you know where to look. Some will be out to kill you and delight in the damnation of your soul. Others will try to help you and bask in the light of your spirit. The choices, however, are yours to make. You will own the triumphs--and the mistakes. A man shapes the course of his life by the decisions he makes, and you will write your destiny inside the walls of this maze." [a note Jamie finds in a room in the maze]

While Jamie was facing his foes inside the maze, his family was facing trouble outside the maze. Darrell Gene, the puppet willing to do anything to gain approval and acceptance, was threatening them, first by leaving incriminating pictures and notes in their mailbox. While Jamie was inside the maze, Darrell holds the family in their home at knife point. Those inside the maze with Jamie made him aware that how he performed his tasks inside would affect his family outside. How would Jamie get out of the maze and save his family?

If you like suspense, thrillers, a touch of the bizarre, double entendre, I would recommend this book to you.

A complimentary review copy was provided to me by the author and Christian ebooks Today. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Chris Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally try to stay away from Christian fiction. Theologically, I am not aligned to most of the people producing this stuff, and I tend to get more annoyed picking out the ridiculous doctrinal problems into which they get themselves. It's really better for everyone involved if I don't read it. What made Mr. Brannon's book an exception was the fact that I didn't realize that it was, in reality, Christian allegory.

Now I don't mean to say that the entire book is like an updated version of Pilgrim's Progress, or even something as fanciful as the Chronicles of Narnia, but the main characters in this novel definitely experience an allegorical experience of what many rightly consider to be the first part of evangelism. Namely, pointing out their need for a Savior.

You see, while I do have some theological differences with The Maze (primarily with regards to its emphasis on the sovereignty of man) there is one area where Mr. Brannon gets it refreshingly spot on, with no punches pulled, and that is with regards to the nature of sin and our love of it. Mr. Brannon clearly has read through Paul's agony of sin where he does what he does not want to do and does not not to what he wants to do, and concludes with the deeply emotional phrase "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" Jason Brannon is clearly and unambiguously blunt about how much we love sin, which is the reason we choose it so often.

So having said all of this, this novel was a kick in the gut for me about how much sin there still is for God to eradicate in my life. Lest I get too high-and-mighty, too inflated with my own doctrinal understanding, this novel reminds me that there are still entirely too many instances where I rationalize sin and excuse it, and it reminded me that there really is no excuse. A heart-wrenching book that I realized described me to a T. An excellent read for anyone who needs this reminder...and here's another reminder: we all need it.

[Arianne The Bookworm on the Loose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had been touted as a counterpart for CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia as well as Pan's Labyrinth. I digress. The Maze ( A Christian Fantasy Novel) is way better than the above mentioned books.

Jamie Burroughs was living a life full of secrets, white lies and deceptions. He was happily married with Amy and had a son named Peter and lived contentedly. Or so her wife thought. It was not long before Jamie admitted to himself that he had been keeping a lot of things from his wife like his smoking & drinking vices, accessing illicit websites or going to the casino. Soon another temptation came into his life, in the form of an ex-girlfriend named Karen.

Something happened that led Jamie to a close encounter with death. Soon he found himself facing a Minotaur in a labyrinth, The Maze, a Christian themed domain constructed by angels and demons, loaded with questions and traps that only Jamie would be able to answer and escape from.

This book literally sent chills to my spine, while I read Jamie's struggles and missteps and determination on how to get out of the labyrinth. The author, Jason Brannon is a very effective writer, his words and the allegory behind the story makes me take a hard approach at my own life. He makes me wonder and question the things I have done. That is how he had delved into my heart and soul. There was not a single chapter that I did not cry and pondered on the deepest, darkest places of my own existence. The other characters, Asterion, The Piper, Barrabas, Darrel Gene - these are just a few of the people that I may encounter in my/our daily lives, wearing different masks, testing our faith, loyalty and trust.

I have learned a lot from this book. I am actually a Christian but not a devout one. The notes I wrote while reading the Maze were intended to be the steps and guide I have to apply in my everyday life. Believe me when I say that this book will change your perception in life. I did.

[Ginny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the description, I wasn't sure this was a book I would enjoy. Near death experiences, trapped in a maze created by angels and demons, a race to save the lives of those he loves... sounded a bit much to me. But when the author, Jason Brannon, asked me to consider reading and reviewing the book I decided to give it a shot. I don't regret it!

This is one of those books in which the reader learns just as much about him/herself as they do about the characters. Jamie, the main character, is just your average everyday guy. He has a family he loves, a job he is really good at, and a casual knowledge of God. He lives his life like many of us do, comparing how good we are to others and finding that he isn't so bad.

However, when he comes across his first high school flame he contemplates the possibilities, and when Jamie's thought life starts to become more concrete he nearly dies and is transported to the maze. A labyrinth that forces him to choose the kind of man he wants to be. A labyrinth that no longer allows him to just go with the flow, but causes him to intentionally consider his actions, and their consequences. In order to escape he must die.

As we read we begin to consider our own lives, what our own maze might look like. It isn't always pretty. The writing reminds me of Matt Mikalatos in the way he draws you and and brings you to self-contemplation. The story is excellent, including the spiritual warfare aspect. I liked it so much that I have already passed it on to a friend to read!

[Inessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read or not to read? This is exactly the question I made. I have never read a Christian Fantasy novel before, so I thought it would be a good idea. If it was a boring story or not well written, I just would let it go.

As soon as I started reading I create an imagine in my mind: a huge puzzle. In a few words, the story is about a man who passes by a near death experience and fights to survive. Suddenly, in the middle of tragedy, he sees himself in a maze full of traps. After a while, he realizes that the traps are connected to his sins.

Thinking how the plot appears to readers, I can say every chapter seems to be developed with intention of showing a little bit about the characters. Reader and characters are going to build the dynamic of the “maze” together. One by one, the author presents their souls through their thoughts, attitudes, reflections, doubts and sorrows. The big question is what happiness means.

Another point that I consider so much important to mention is the mythological part. Creatures are introduced in a subtle way, they are getting involved with characters so slowly and precisely. Very clever!

While I was reading it, I remembered a film that I had seen long time it called CUBE (1997). However, what called my attention was not the plot of both stories, it was the atmosphere.

The fact is… If you believe in domino effect, you will love this book.

More reviews: http://inessabooksandfilms.blogspot.c...

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Burroughs is a normal, family man that has everything going for him. Then one day at lunch he runs into a beautiful ex-girlfriend and things go wrong. With that little temptation he finds himself in a maze. This maze is created from the darkness we find inside ourselves. From the little fibs to the large lies that we tell throughout our lives and our beliefs help mold the maze. And if that is not enough, there is a Minotaur that devours that darkness. Jamie is in a race to get through the maze without being devoured by the Minotaur. This is literally a race for life and death.

This story has a rough start. I admit that I was a little lost trying to figure out what is going on. But once Jamie got into the maze, things took off and it was easier for me to figure out what was going on. I loved how this was a blend of Christianity and mythology. The maze was created solely for Jamie and it is his battle to make it through.

Although the beginning is a bit rough, once the story gets going it will keep you turning the pages. This is a great story and I will definitely be looking for more books from Jason Brannon.

I received this book for free from The Book Rooster program in exchange for an honest review.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting premise. Faith based books typically are not my cup of tea, not that I don't believe in God or as I call it a higher power, but many tend to be just a bit too preachy for my tastes. This book was different in that respect. Yes the main character (and the supporting characters especially) were often heard praying to God because of the dire circumstances that they had gotten in to, but it wasn't at the forefront of the action nor was it shoved down your throat as the only alternative. The book displayed free will as the all important element and with it we choose the path that we walk, be it a righteous one or not. And that even when we choose the wrong path (or the less righteous one, I'm not going to determine what is right or wrong for everyone), that those that care about us can help save us by their faith even when we have lost our own. Good book and an interesting tale.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is more to this book than meets the eye at first read. It seems like your average horror/suspense/fantasy novel if you only take it at face value. However, if you read it with an eye toward the allegorical (think Pilgrim's Progress), it becomes a very different story--one that applies to us all.

Each of us is less than perfect, and we are constantly battling our sinful nature. This story shows that even the "smallest" sin can have unexpected consequences in our lives and in the lives of others. There is always hope for a way out, though--and in this case, that hope is God.

This is my first experience with this author, and I was very impressed with his descriptive turns of phrase, and the emotion that flowed through the entire story. HIGHLY recommending this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Pat Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read some excellent books through the years, but none any better than Jason Brannon's new book-The Maze. Jason takes us on an unpredictable and unforgettable journey with Jamie Burroughs and his family as Jamie is forced to face the sins of his past in order to escape the maze he's found himself in. A deranged neighbor across the street, a well-meaning deacon, his mother-in-law and a girlfriend from long ago are only a few of the elements of this awesome book. Jason's outstanding writing skills will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading this book, you won't want to put it down until you've read the last page. This book absolutely deserves 5 Stars. It is Christian Fiction at its best.

[Tim Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Refreshing horror." It starts with a feint toward "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Defending Your Life" or one of those cultural tales of self-justification. But it takes a refreshing twist into horror and ambiguity.

It weaves in universal themes and figures from the Bible and classical mythology to portray each of us as both battlefield and warrior in the perpetual conflict between good and evil.

Brannon uses language to paint some eerie and disturbing scenes. Some of these are the supernatural environment of the maze itself, others are the behaviors of various characters, even the protagonist.

It is an engrossing story that leaves you thinking, and possibly looking into a mirror.

[Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine that the choices you make build a maze inside you. Your are the architect of this maze, it is full of dangers and snares, have the choices you made and the way you lived your life built escape routes from the maze? A beast wanders the halls seeking to destroy you, can you overcome the beast? Can you escape from the maze you have unknowingly built throughout your life?

The Maze is an amazing read that really gets you thinking about the choices you make in life and how you treat others. I is a wild ride that keeps the pages turning. I hope that you'll take the time to read it, you won't be disappointed. 5 Stars!

[Heather Langston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I've always enjoyed books dealing with spiritual warfare and this was no different. The Greek mythology interwoven was interesting but not quite sure what the point of it was. There were a few parts that were a little graphic (had me wanting to shut my eyes). It also gave me a lot to think about, comparing Christians to certain biblical people that I never compared myself to before. All in all, would recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book

This is an interesting tale of hard earned redemption. We follow the character through a maze made of his own life's transgressions and hope he c a n learn his lesson in time to save his family. I liked it. The story was fast paced and I never felt bored. If you don't like novels with religious undertones then this might not be for you but I would recommend it to most. I enjoyed it.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story because it shows Christians with flaws and warts, They feel like "anyone". Jamie Burroughs Is an average guy. He is married and has a young son. Life is predictable and perhaps a bit boring. A near death experience transports Jamie into The Maze of his own making.

This book is fast paced and hard to put down. There are lots of twists and turns in the book. The story is very original. I enjoyed this book!

[Terry Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. I liked his writing and the story. Jamie finds himself in a maze and must find a way out before he is killed. To get out he must face his past sins and moral judgements. The choices we make in life may seem trivial but sometimes they affect people's lives in ways we cannot imagine. Good read.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read; excellent concept

Recommend to any teenager or adult. Great insight into freedom, choices, and our ability to create our reality and influence our surroundings. First part can get a little tedious but keep reading and you will see the progression.

[D.L. Koontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. Brannon really gets you into the mind of the character and won't let you go until the very end. Good read!