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The Were-Children #1
Rabbit in Red
Bill Wise has blood in his past, so he turns to horror films to wipe it clean. Jaime Stein has felt the betrayal of death, so she too takes refuge in the on-screen deaths of others. Now Bill, Jaime, and seventeen other horror-loving teens have gathered at Rabbit in Red Studios, the brainchild of eccentric horror producer Jay “JB” Bell, for the terror-filled, blood-drenched contest of their lives.
JB has presented this competition as a race between the best of the best that will reward the winners with cash, internships, and a career making the movies they love. But things aren’t always as they seem at Rabbit in Red, and soon life starts to imitate art. Will Bill and Jaime be strong enough to confront real horror to save their friends, or will they all fall victim to JB’s twisted plans?
JB has presented this competition as a race between the best of the best that will reward the winners with cash, internships, and a career making the movies they love. But things aren’t always as they seem at Rabbit in Red, and soon life starts to imitate art. Will Bill and Jaime be strong enough to confront real horror to save their friends, or will they all fall victim to JB’s twisted plans?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2015
33 people are currently reading
1192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 24, 2015
I just want to start by saying that the plot of this book and the setting for which it was based, was nothing to what I expected. I remember I kept making these hypothesis as I was reading the book on what would happen next, and not a single one of them turned out correct. As disheartening as that may be, it was also thrilling for the fact that the book is far from predictable.
For a book with such a quick start, and not much time on character development, it was surprising that by the end of the book, I felt as though I was as close to Jamie, Bill, Wes, and Rose as they were themselves. There were some other key characters where we only got to touch on their backgrounds, but the book doesn't feel as though it is lacking anything in that regard whatsoever.
I absolutely love the originality of this book, how it was literally written in a world as today, where technology was utilized and how kids actually interact and function now.
I absolutely loved this book, and it was quite educational too. I am looking so forward to the rest of the series!
For a book with such a quick start, and not much time on character development, it was surprising that by the end of the book, I felt as though I was as close to Jamie, Bill, Wes, and Rose as they were themselves. There were some other key characters where we only got to touch on their backgrounds, but the book doesn't feel as though it is lacking anything in that regard whatsoever.
I absolutely love the originality of this book, how it was literally written in a world as today, where technology was utilized and how kids actually interact and function now.
I absolutely loved this book, and it was quite educational too. I am looking so forward to the rest of the series!
March 9, 2017
great read, really enjoyed it and its packed with horror references!!
May 16, 2024
I met Joe while we were selling books. The cover caught my attention and we bartered books.
If you liked Ready Player One but thought, this needs more horror, this book is for you! A quick read with relatable characters. I’ll be reading the next ones!
If you liked Ready Player One but thought, this needs more horror, this book is for you! A quick read with relatable characters. I’ll be reading the next ones!
October 3, 2015
What to say? I love the horror nerdiness dripping from every corner of this book. I am a Stephen King geek, so seeing so many references to one of the Masters of Horror made me so happy. As a student of horror, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see how others interacted with my favorite genre. The main characters come across to me as people I would have as friends. The people on forums where you can debate the latest horror movie monster or trope and decide what really ranks as the best of the best. I especially liked quiet Rose, who reminds me a lot of me. Few words, a little shy, but underneath it all fiery as a sunset.
Quick plot rundown: Teenagers are given a chance to participate in a contest run by an eccentric billionare movie producer at a very hush hush studio. While they are there, going through various challenges, other, not so normal, things begin to happen. They are then caught in a race against time to figure everything out in hopes that life doesn't imitate horror art.
My favorite scene: Each character getting to be Hannibal Lecter. Though he is not a King creation, Hannibal is perhaps my favorite all-time horror movie character. And not just because he has interesting dietary habits. I love the veneer of civility he hides behind. He seems very much the cultured gentleman, but underneath he's man eating man.
My least favorite part: JB's cyberstalking. I'm just gonna leave that there.
Would I read this again? Yes. I can only imagine with so much crammed inside, I missed something somewhere that I will catch on subsequent rereads. Not to mention it making me want to get out classics of the genre like "The People Under the Stairs" and "Fright Night".
Quick plot rundown: Teenagers are given a chance to participate in a contest run by an eccentric billionare movie producer at a very hush hush studio. While they are there, going through various challenges, other, not so normal, things begin to happen. They are then caught in a race against time to figure everything out in hopes that life doesn't imitate horror art.
My favorite scene: Each character getting to be Hannibal Lecter. Though he is not a King creation, Hannibal is perhaps my favorite all-time horror movie character. And not just because he has interesting dietary habits. I love the veneer of civility he hides behind. He seems very much the cultured gentleman, but underneath he's man eating man.
My least favorite part: JB's cyberstalking. I'm just gonna leave that there.
Would I read this again? Yes. I can only imagine with so much crammed inside, I missed something somewhere that I will catch on subsequent rereads. Not to mention it making me want to get out classics of the genre like "The People Under the Stairs" and "Fright Night".
March 8, 2016
** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.**
A truly creepy mind-twist of a book. Joe Chianakas combines common horror themes and tropes with a creeping psychological horror twist to keep the reader guessing until the end. Actually, given how the book ends, he keeps the reader guessing after the end! The blend of horrific fantasy and real-life horror should give even the most jaded horror reader some true chills. And, of course, there's the fun of trying to figure out some of the puzzles before the characters do! I can't wait to see what this author does next.
A truly creepy mind-twist of a book. Joe Chianakas combines common horror themes and tropes with a creeping psychological horror twist to keep the reader guessing until the end. Actually, given how the book ends, he keeps the reader guessing after the end! The blend of horrific fantasy and real-life horror should give even the most jaded horror reader some true chills. And, of course, there's the fun of trying to figure out some of the puzzles before the characters do! I can't wait to see what this author does next.
February 9, 2017
This was a great book and definitely a page turner! Joe has a natural writing style that draws you in, and even for people who may not have watched many horror movies, I think they would still find the book enjoyable and intriguing. I hadn't seen all of the movies that were referenced, so learn some interesting tidbits about the genre too. I very much enjoyed the originality of the story, the character dynamics, and the mystery that kept the reader on the edge of their seat. I can't wait to read the second installment in the series! Great read!!
October 25, 2015
Rabbit in Red.
What a wonderful surprise from first time author, Joe Chianakas. Rabbit in Red, without giving anything away, is a great love letter to the maestros of terror with a gripping personal struggle from the lead character, Bill.
Imagine the whimsy of Ready Player One with the personal struggles of Harry Potter.
Rabbit in Red is a great start into a world I want to learn more about. Great job Joe!
What a wonderful surprise from first time author, Joe Chianakas. Rabbit in Red, without giving anything away, is a great love letter to the maestros of terror with a gripping personal struggle from the lead character, Bill.
Imagine the whimsy of Ready Player One with the personal struggles of Harry Potter.
Rabbit in Red is a great start into a world I want to learn more about. Great job Joe!
July 5, 2017
This is a must read for every horror movie fanatic!!! It’s like a guessing game that I loved playing along with. Highly recommend this book!!
July 9, 2017
My new FAVORITE book!!
Rbbut in Red by JmJoe Chianakas is seriously a great fuckin book. It's everything from thrills to gut punching emotions you really feel for these characters. They each represent the difference and uniqueness you find throughout the horror community. We aren't just limited to the out casts, we have our own set of jocks too. And the challenges these characters are put through really make you look at those you face yourself. The references scattered throughout this book in puzzles and riddles will really get you pumped and even more engaged in this book as you start to feel yourself as a character trying to figure it all out with the rest of them.
READ THIS BOOK PEOPLE!!! I promise, you will absolutely love this book
Rbbut in Red by JmJoe Chianakas is seriously a great fuckin book. It's everything from thrills to gut punching emotions you really feel for these characters. They each represent the difference and uniqueness you find throughout the horror community. We aren't just limited to the out casts, we have our own set of jocks too. And the challenges these characters are put through really make you look at those you face yourself. The references scattered throughout this book in puzzles and riddles will really get you pumped and even more engaged in this book as you start to feel yourself as a character trying to figure it all out with the rest of them.
READ THIS BOOK PEOPLE!!! I promise, you will absolutely love this book
February 21, 2017
I enjoyed every moment of this book. It has an incredibly cool vibe all the way through, is chock-full of horror references from start to finish, keeps the plot shifting in so many different directions and with so many twists along the way that things are kept fresh and exciting, and just oozes fun all over. I can't wait to get my hands on the second one. There's supposed to be a third coming out but I haven't found much about it yet. For now, I'll have to settle for the second in the series and the author's short story collection.
November 5, 2015
Fun and entertaining read. Couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
July 1, 2021
Damn you Joe Chianakas! I was up until 2 am finishing this and and have to work in the morning! I'm not even mad though, so worth it!!
June 18, 2017
I could have finished this book in a day if I didn't have to "adult"!!! Please please please give this book a chance guys, I'd love to have more people to talk to it about. And the author is from how home town! How awesome is that?! I loved all of the horror movie/book references.. even people who aren't big horror fans will get most of the references. The story follows Bill and Jaimie, but the side characters are just as amazing. They are competing to be a part of this 4d horror competition! The idea is so original and it definitely sounds like something I would try. The characters are high school seniors I believe, but they are so easy to relate to. I didn't expect the characters to be so dimensional in a relatively short book, but I loved their heartbreaking back stories! I loved the whole book, but he last 50ish pages I could not stop! I can't wait to learn more about JB in the next books. And I have to say that special surprise at the end is a tear jerker, I have a feeling something about that will come up again. I want to trust JB.. but I'm just not sure.
June 13, 2017
Exceptional story that lets the reader interact with the process of the game in the book. Mr. Chianakas has an amazing gift that draws you into the book and genuinely makes you care about the characters as well as making you feel like you're in the book too! Well done, sir, well done!
April 6, 2018
This is a fun YA book that reminded me very much of Ready Player One. Instead of young players competing in a video game, they were competing in a thrilling horror game. It even included lots of references to 70s and 80s horror movie classics.
June 14, 2017
A great read for horror fans!
December 19, 2017
3.75. Overall a good story. Very fun idea, kids playing 4D cames based on horror movies. However the gaming part is written better than the actual story it seems. Almost seems like a book about teenagers for teenagers. Missing depth in the story, which is kind of ironic as the book is about details in horror movies/books. Still a good, quick read and enjoyable to those how enjoy reading about horror (but the book should not be classified as horror, it is about it, but it is not it, get it ha)
June 14, 2017
I was swept away in the first chapter. A very well crafted read for horror lovers alike ..Rabbit in Red is the kind of book that leaves you wanting to finish, at the same time wanting more ! Best get comfy before you begin. From moments that grab at ones feelings to the hair on the back of your neck standing .This book really is what nightmares are made of !!
June 14, 2017
I got this book in my horror block, and fell in love with the cover. Immediately when i began to read it I was drawn into the story. Each page just pulled me in more, and when I thought I knew what was going on, another twist hit. It was an amazing story I was saddened when it was over. However, there's 2 more books and i couldn't wait to finish them.
March 10, 2017
This book is great fun! Written by a horror fan for horror fans it has lots of references to the films and books we love, but it is not necessarily a horror novel. It's more of an adventure tale and a good read for anyone who is into that, horror fan or not.
March 8, 2017
This book was surprisingly good.
I'll say that it was a quick read and very entertaining.
Mind you it was a bit predictable. However, you weren't a hundred percent sure what was going to happen and I liked it.
I'll say that it was a quick read and very entertaining.
Mind you it was a bit predictable. However, you weren't a hundred percent sure what was going to happen and I liked it.
June 29, 2017
Creepy and fun. Rabbit in Red is like Ready Player One for horror fans.
August 16, 2018
This books is... God how can I put it... a fuckin masterpiece??
it's literally the "Ready Player One" of horror fans. well written, interesting, lovable characters, good story flow, and I just ADORED going through it and piecing the clues together to try to find the answers to riddles before the characters.
I was half way through this, went on Amazon an ordered Vol.2, can't wait to get.ky hands on it
it's literally the "Ready Player One" of horror fans. well written, interesting, lovable characters, good story flow, and I just ADORED going through it and piecing the clues together to try to find the answers to riddles before the characters.
I was half way through this, went on Amazon an ordered Vol.2, can't wait to get.ky hands on it
September 19, 2017
This book is awesome. I didn't want put it down. If you love horror, read this book. i loved the characters Bill and Jaime. I also loved all of the awesome horror movie references in this book. Go read this book. :)
September 28, 2016
This is a book I had been meaning to read for a while (almost a year) but I'll admit I've gotten very slow with print/digital copies. I have always enjoyed horror books and I was looking forward to this.
As for the story, I was quickly drawn in. The characters are all likable (and fun) and Bill's bloody past certainly adds a nice element to the story.
The trivia contest to get in that Bill and Jamie enter, I loved it. I quite enjoy trivia and while there was a few questions I knew, the commitment (and level of knowledge) Joe has to write these questions is impressive. Oh and I say I enjoyed the little nods to other works, pay attention to the first line for nice shout out to the Dark Tower is just one example. A few details of Bill's life could have been left out (his alcoholic mother for example) and perhaps would have been better used by some more development of Bill and Jamie.
Once the contest gets started the book really moves into high gear. I'm a big fan of horror films myself and I thought using virtual reality to let the contest act of the parts of the killers in epic fights (i.e. Freddy VS Jason), saving victims and the coolest part of the book for me, becoming the killers and butchering the main characters (rather than letting them escape) was an excellent idea. There is one particular scene that is very gory but I thought appropriate and does not go too far for me.
I was still surprised a couple of times and I thought the book had a satisfying ending and did a great job with action, suspense, tension and fun horror scenarios.
This book also really explores the dark nature of human behavior (something I have always been fascinated with). I also really loved how the characters get to do stuff in horror movies that I would really love to do. There is another segment to the story that I quite enjoyed but I'll leave it for the reader to find out. You get to a point where you keep waiting for more horror references/scenes/characters to show and they do. That is a lot of fun for people who are very familiar with horror movies (as am I). I also loved how rather than quoting from real people, every chapter has quotes from characters in horror movies, nice touch! An excellent first showing from Joe, I am happy that the sequel is already available and I will certainly be reading it. I think Joe has a bright future as a horror writer, his love for the genre and other horror writers shines through. I should also add he does a good job working in the importance of family, friendship, self-confident and generally just being happy with your self and still managed to squeeze in the importance of exercise and nutrition (something else I firmly believe in). There is a lot to love here and I must say I enjoyed myself a lot reading this. For any horror fan this is a must read, certainly not for kids (I'd say ages 16+). I give it a and big recommendation. Honestly this is the best horror book I've read in the past year. While a big horror fan will enjoy this the most, it is also a great introduction to people who aren't maybe so familiar with horror novels. Do yourself a favor and pick this up, you'll be glad you did.
As for the story, I was quickly drawn in. The characters are all likable (and fun) and Bill's bloody past certainly adds a nice element to the story.
The trivia contest to get in that Bill and Jamie enter, I loved it. I quite enjoy trivia and while there was a few questions I knew, the commitment (and level of knowledge) Joe has to write these questions is impressive. Oh and I say I enjoyed the little nods to other works, pay attention to the first line for nice shout out to the Dark Tower is just one example. A few details of Bill's life could have been left out (his alcoholic mother for example) and perhaps would have been better used by some more development of Bill and Jamie.
Once the contest gets started the book really moves into high gear. I'm a big fan of horror films myself and I thought using virtual reality to let the contest act of the parts of the killers in epic fights (i.e. Freddy VS Jason), saving victims and the coolest part of the book for me, becoming the killers and butchering the main characters (rather than letting them escape) was an excellent idea. There is one particular scene that is very gory but I thought appropriate and does not go too far for me.
I was still surprised a couple of times and I thought the book had a satisfying ending and did a great job with action, suspense, tension and fun horror scenarios.
This book also really explores the dark nature of human behavior (something I have always been fascinated with). I also really loved how the characters get to do stuff in horror movies that I would really love to do. There is another segment to the story that I quite enjoyed but I'll leave it for the reader to find out. You get to a point where you keep waiting for more horror references/scenes/characters to show and they do. That is a lot of fun for people who are very familiar with horror movies (as am I). I also loved how rather than quoting from real people, every chapter has quotes from characters in horror movies, nice touch! An excellent first showing from Joe, I am happy that the sequel is already available and I will certainly be reading it. I think Joe has a bright future as a horror writer, his love for the genre and other horror writers shines through. I should also add he does a good job working in the importance of family, friendship, self-confident and generally just being happy with your self and still managed to squeeze in the importance of exercise and nutrition (something else I firmly believe in). There is a lot to love here and I must say I enjoyed myself a lot reading this. For any horror fan this is a must read, certainly not for kids (I'd say ages 16+). I give it a and big recommendation. Honestly this is the best horror book I've read in the past year. While a big horror fan will enjoy this the most, it is also a great introduction to people who aren't maybe so familiar with horror novels. Do yourself a favor and pick this up, you'll be glad you did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
As a fan of Horror movies, and Horror books i did alot of research to find something special that will really catch my interest in my newest read, and i fell upon Rabbit In Red. This is a book i can easily see become a movie, the plot itself always keeps you thinking, and for true Horror fans that follows movies and books, the trivia in the book as well is fun to see and very informational and makes you learn the slightest details of some of your favorite horror that may not known of. The author also creates great Character development in the story, as each one has their own dark past that some viewers may be able to relate to in some way.
The writing is not too complex and intricate and is pretty straight forward, so this book would be fine for any age from teens to adults. Near the middle of the story the Games the characters go through remind me of movies maze runner or Hunger games, just done in a Horror Story Game format. Overall this books is a good mix of classic horror and modern horror and can catch someones interest real fast and keep them guessing what will happen next and the story progresses. Overall I enjoy this book and will keep it on the shelf as one of my favs.
The writing is not too complex and intricate and is pretty straight forward, so this book would be fine for any age from teens to adults. Near the middle of the story the Games the characters go through remind me of movies maze runner or Hunger games, just done in a Horror Story Game format. Overall this books is a good mix of classic horror and modern horror and can catch someones interest real fast and keep them guessing what will happen next and the story progresses. Overall I enjoy this book and will keep it on the shelf as one of my favs.
October 23, 2015
I love seeing more YA Horror in the market! And this one was not only creepy, but FUN. We’re talking a lot of fun. Reading it gave me that heart-pumping exhilaration I get when watching a good horror flick. The type that has you squirming in your seat with anticipation and then laughing at yourself – a great blend of humor and horror.
There are a few missteps though, I won’t lie. Some of the dialogue comes off as a bit stilted and unnatural at times. Also, there are elements in the story that I were not fully explored or explained that came off as hard to swallow. But that said, this is the first book in a series so I am assuming all those things will be tackled eventually.
Overall though, this is a fun popcorn flick type of a book. If you are a horror aficionado (especially for classic slasher thriller movies) then this is absolutely the book for you. It also tackles some very sincere messages about the nature of fear and humanity as well. This is a perfect read to get you psyched about the Halloween season.
There are a few missteps though, I won’t lie. Some of the dialogue comes off as a bit stilted and unnatural at times. Also, there are elements in the story that I were not fully explored or explained that came off as hard to swallow. But that said, this is the first book in a series so I am assuming all those things will be tackled eventually.
Overall though, this is a fun popcorn flick type of a book. If you are a horror aficionado (especially for classic slasher thriller movies) then this is absolutely the book for you. It also tackles some very sincere messages about the nature of fear and humanity as well. This is a perfect read to get you psyched about the Halloween season.
July 14, 2016
I'm not the biggest fan of horror, but I can appreciate good homages, parodies, etc. Rabbit in Red definitely has a firm love of horror at its core, and it shows on every page. It's a fast, enjoyable read and I did like the characters. But I will admit that Bill's "Oh-right" got a bit annoying.
The challenges set forth for the characters are were entertaining enough for me, though I imagine an actual horror fan would get a greater kick out of them. There was one challenge scene that was extremely difficult to read and while a reason for it was later provided, I still wondered why the "ick" factor had to be so high.
On a technical level, I think this one needed another pass by the editor. There were few errors, but that made the ones in there stand out all the more. An extra sweep from the editor probably would've cleared them out and then there'd be no complaints on this front.
I know a sequel is in the works and I believe I'll enjoy it. I'll be sharing this title with my friends who are a bit more into the genre, for their takes on the story.
The challenges set forth for the characters are were entertaining enough for me, though I imagine an actual horror fan would get a greater kick out of them. There was one challenge scene that was extremely difficult to read and while a reason for it was later provided, I still wondered why the "ick" factor had to be so high.
On a technical level, I think this one needed another pass by the editor. There were few errors, but that made the ones in there stand out all the more. An extra sweep from the editor probably would've cleared them out and then there'd be no complaints on this front.
I know a sequel is in the works and I believe I'll enjoy it. I'll be sharing this title with my friends who are a bit more into the genre, for their takes on the story.
February 7, 2017
Wow...just...wow! Rabbit in Red is pretty much a roller-coaster from the get go. I think the whole flow of the story was amazing, from the moment we were introduced to Bill and then Jamie and her family. Through the whole initial beginning of the trails through the app and the riddles of each film. I learnt some things myself about some movies that I haven't seen...but I promise you, it wont be long before I'm finding the movies and the books and sitting down to both read and watch them.
I don't think you could find a better book written for something like the guys went through. Just every page was filled with knowledge and challenges. I could hardly put the books down, as small as it is, it's packed filled with highs and lows and twists that you dont expect.
I can't hardly wait for the second volume to turn up for me to read and then the third instalment when it comes out.
Joe Chianakas is an author everyone should look out for, in my eyes personally, he's going to be up there with the likes of Stephen King one day.
I don't think you could find a better book written for something like the guys went through. Just every page was filled with knowledge and challenges. I could hardly put the books down, as small as it is, it's packed filled with highs and lows and twists that you dont expect.
I can't hardly wait for the second volume to turn up for me to read and then the third instalment when it comes out.
Joe Chianakas is an author everyone should look out for, in my eyes personally, he's going to be up there with the likes of Stephen King one day.
February 24, 2016
I think this book was amazing and went well over what I went in hoping for. As someone who's never been into horror before, this was a very good introduction to the genre, one that left me hungry for more. There were a few review stating that since they haven't seen any other piece of horror, the book lacked a key element. However, having not known what was going to happen nor placing the references gave me an interesting view point that I'm thankful for. It'll be interesting to go through the referenced works and come back to the book in a couple of months after having viewed where the references stem from. I cannot wait to get my hands on book two. It's also nice that the author has a news letter available, it makes getting updates on his works so much easier. Awesome read, can't wait to see what comes from Mr. Chianakas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews