Rapacity

by Chad Adams

A desolate young girl finds herself trapped in rising floodwaters after her little brother is tragically killed in a hit and run accident during a catastrophic hurricane. As she and her mother fight to overcome their grief and the wrath of the storm, her faceless assailant sits out of harm's way with callous disregard for their struggles.

101 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wow! Just wow! This story pulled me immediately in, as it wasted no time getting started. Charlotte, Barrett, and Sunni found themselves in a nightmare of a situation. No ghouls or goblins here, folks, but some genuine, real-life horror. And things just kept going from bad to worse, as Chad Adams made the reader feel like they were floundering in those flood waters, alongside the trio. Every detail and situation made my stomach do a somersault. So, the writing itself was over the top. I loved every bit of it. And, luckily, the content matched that high bar set. I also enjoyed how the author kept the focus on a select few participants here, giving each of them their full time in the spotlight, linking all of them together for proper context. I haven't read too many stories like this over the years, dealing with natural disasters, but this was probably the best that I've seen to date. Extremely well done and a fantastic way to start my day.

[Billie Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I just finished reading Chad Adams, Horror Scribe’s new novella “Rapacity” 😳

This is not just a book—it’s an experience, it’s a force to be reckoned with! Emotions that will challenge you, thrill you, and leave you utterly breathless. “Rapacity” is, without a doubt, a modern masterpiece. Bravo, Chad Adams!

Will Charlotte’s strength, courage and determination prevail?

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart pounding!
Wow! What a ride. Could not put this down.

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best novellas I’ve ever read! It’s a powerful, emotion driven story about a young girl and her family’s struggle to survive against nature’s wrath. I had previously read “Beneath the Bayou” by Chad Adams, which is also visually stunning, so I was looking forward to this story and it did not disappoint. This book hit me right in the heart at times. I felt myself holding my breath, hoping my favorite characters would make it. If you enjoy a pulse pounding short book that you can read in one sitting, you should ride out this storm in the bayou.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

rounding up from 4.5 stars

While I don't consider this to be a thriller, it is a very emotional and at times suspenseful novella. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was absolutely heartbreaking to read about the experiences of people trapped in the floodwaters. The author really has a way of making you feel their anguish. There is no happy, heartwarming ending, but I found the conclusion to be very satisfying.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rapacity" by Chad Adams is an intense and emotional ride from start to finish. A tragic yet powerful story of courage and resilience, it grips you with its vivid storytelling and relentless tension. Adams masterfully puts you right in the eye of the storm, making you feel every moment of Charlotte’s struggle. An unforgettable read that has left me breathless.

[Susan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! It was so vivid, like I was there! I did not see the ending coming! So well written!

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book packs a punch. I’ve enjoyed these short reads by Chad Adams. Tragedy and survival. I immediately thought of Craig Johnson book Cold Dish “Revenge is A Dish best served cold” The absolute BEST thing you can do for authors is to shout about their books!

[Keeley Webb Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading Chad Adams work, and boy, does he deliver! I was so happy to be back in The Bayou, albeit for a very bumpy ride!

With this action-packed and heart-wrenching journey, I experienced the entire range of emotions. The scenery and events are so realistically depicted that you can feel the rising waters pushing and pulling you under. I rooted for some characters and loathed another.

I devoured this in one sitting. Highly recommended! Thank you, Chad!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chad Adams is a new author to me and I can honestly say this book was far better than I expected it to be. This book packs a punch considering it’s just over one hundred pages. Can’t wait to read more by this author in the future. Recommended.

[Lindsay Pirris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest, I was told to read this book as a filler to reach my challenge goal for this year. That along with “wtf am I reading, you have to read this shitshow”. Ok so it prob didn’t go down like that but still. WHAT A SHITSHOW!!! This reminds me of a time in 5th grade (give or take a year) that I wrote a book for a school assignment. And let me tell you my style of writing matches this authors to a T! My book was called Silk Stalkings and I’m pretty sure I stole the idea from Angela Lansbury in like 1994 or something. It goes like this…. a serial killer is loose and kills his prey with a pair of women’s stockings. But that’s not the correlation, the correlation comes into play with the style of writing. Every leap, twist, turn, bound and gasp witnessed by the reader is exactly what I gave my classroom. Imagine a 5th grade story and you’ll pick up what I’m putting down. I mean if this author is seriously writing an adult short story with this portrayed type of writing resembling a middle schooler, then I definitely should have been awarded a young author breakthrough award even though I ended the book with “to be continued….”

3⭐️ and that’s being generous only because I couldn’t believe what I was reading, constantly saying “wtf” silently and just had to keep going.

Add on: I will say I’ve discussed this book with my sister and it’s the first time we’ve had a heated, excited discussion regarding a book! So to all you book club gurus, this should be on your list. It’s entertaining to say the least.

Ok, bye

[Mike C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Get ready for a ride.

Amazing. I can believe so much heartbreak head turning could be placed into so few pages. This story follows young Charlotte. Alongside her Mother Sunni and little brother Barrett as they must evacuate when a huge hurricane is headed their way. If only that were the worst of their problems.

Rapacity had me hooked from the first couple of pages and I just couldn’t stop. I just stayed both heartbroken, scared and pissed for a couple straight hours because I HAD to know what was going to happen next. My jaw still hurts from all of the “wait…whaaat??” that occurred. Also liked how Chad was able to really show the destruction innocents have to endure at the hands of others addictions. Whether it be a substance or even themselves. I have so much to say but don’t want to spoil anything. Just read it. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for another amazing read Chad.

[Lisa Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a novella but it packs the punch of a full novel! From the very first sentence the author takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions while following Suni and her 2 children, Charlotte and Barrett, as they struggle to survive the ferocious terror of a Louisiana hurricane.
There is so much emotion packed within these pages – each character faces tragedy, loss, pain, and down right bone aching sorrow. This small bayou town and its inhabitants race time and storm surge trying to evacuate to safety. Most make it except for the few who are left stranded. They have the fight of their lives trying to overcome their own demons, the hauntings of the past, while battling mother nature’s forces, ravaging wildlife, and the local town’s bad boy.
Grab your tissues as you follow Suni, Charlotte and Barret in their struggle for survival. It one mean ride!

[Kayla Wiklanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength to fight even with everything stacked against you.

Heartbreaking from the start. A inner fire pushes the main character to prevail through all of mother nature and human choices that should make one give up. This story shows that no matter what life throws your way there is always a way to come out on the other side with your head up.
A quick action packed short story that had me flipping the pages in one sitting.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rapacity by Chad Adams
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a heart tugging and very intense novella! All kinds of emotions were felt while reading this! The traumatic events start at the beginning and continue with suspenseful action all the way through.
It’s a short and fast read and I didn’t move until I had finished it!
It’s a very well written story and I recommend checking it out!

[Denise Cosper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy

What a great short story. It is unbelievable the things Mr. Adams has dreamt up in this.
The sadness and irony. The way everything was wrapped around each other.
I am lucky it was not longer because I could not stop turning the pages. I am a fan and look forward to your next book.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more! 5 enthusiastic stars!

This is horror. My nerves were tore up the entire time.

Feelings of intense stress and dread ✅

A southerner’s bucket list of nightmares rolled in one? ✅

Real characters, flaws and all.. going through real relatable stuff ✅

Satisfying ending ✅

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

No time for a breath!

This short novella is packed full of action. You won't be able to put the book down until the end. It goes from one thing to another without a breather in between. It was a good read!

[Kara E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book after seeing a posting about it in a FB group. I am so glad I did! I could not put the book down. It is a quick read, but the adrenaline doesn’t stop. I really appreciate the connection I felt towards the characters in such a short read!

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storm

This is a follows different people trying to deal with a hurricane and how different stories of people end up where they are. It was a good quick read. I just needed a little bit more of the ending.

[Kari Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, quick read

Really great fast read. A main character you grow to love and root for right to the end. There's never a lull in the action and it will definitely keep your interest.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, riveting novella

This may be a short novella, but it does not skimp on the action. So much happens in such a short amount of time, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapacity delivers an emotional gut-punch from the very first page. Chad Adams paints a vivid, harrowing picture of grief, survival, and injustice. He creates a story that is as haunting as it is powerful, capturing the brutal reality of human suffering with honesty and grace. This is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!

[Tanya Kolb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little different than what I normally read. It was a nice, quick read. I usually prefer really long books instead of novellas, but I was pleasantly surprised! I would describe it as a story about karma! It's also a story about determination and survival. I thought that it was really well written. This little novella packs a punch!

[Tiffany Lowe-Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional torture horror

Not all horror books are scary, this is devastating emotional torture! Emotions start out fast with this one with Charlotte, Barrett and Sunni. Their story is completely full of horrors of every kind. This was a disturbingly amazing story!!!!

[Tiffany Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride! Fantastic book! Suspenseful, emotional, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait for his next book!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book! Read in one sitting. Kept me interested from the beginning to the end! Sad, but revenge is served!!

[Vicki Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! Love it especially because it is set in the southern part of the country! You can surely relate to it if you were born in La.Read Read Read! 100 % worth the read!

[Sue Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impending hurricane brings horror and devastion to a mom living in a shelter with her son and daughter. The onslaught of tragic events happens at a whiplash rate.

[Lauri R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & Sweet

Really enjoyed this short book. It was a nice break between more lengthy novels. Will definitely look for more from Chad Adams.