Chad and his friends have a bully problem. The quarterback who harassed them for years is now on their college football team and eager to pick up where he left off. The Ink Stains, a gang of local thugs, offer to help Chad. He’s grateful until he learns the truth – they are a pack of lycanthropes who slaughter and eat a few of the tormenting football players. Chad and his friends have fallen prey to all new problems.
In a misguided attempt to take control of their lives by releasing their own inner beasts, Chad and his friends discover a way to become lycanthropes. When they change, they do not transform into the powerful werecreatures they had hoped. Instead, their inner beasts are a rabbit, a pheasant, a ferret, and an ox. Life has taken a turn for the worst.
The Ink Stains are anxious to eat them. A group of football players want revenge for their missing teammates. A pair of lycanthrope hunters with dubious intentions could help them or turn on them. They’re still trying to keep this a secret from their parents. It’s one thing to act like an animal, but what happens when you become one?
WHAT OTHERS ARE
"Say hello to my furry little friends!" -- Baron Wertheimer, socialite and author of snobby art books
"If you've ever decided to stand up to a bully, failed gloriously but never given up -- choosing self-induced lycanthropy may not be the best answer, as Chad and his friends discover. A humorous, gory look at how becoming the best you can be may require several tries." -- Jeff Young, author of Spirit Seeker
"Gather round, boys and girls, for a wonderful little story about some furry creatures .... alas I introduce to Satan's Petting Zoo!" -- Brahm Stroker, author of the Rated Z series
Brian Koscienski developed his love of writing from countless hours of reading comic books, losing himself in the different worlds and adventures within the colorful pages. He had minor successes early in his career by getting a few short stories published in independent ‘zines, but found more success in partnering with Chris Pisano. As a writing team, they have had stories, articles, graphic novels, and poetry published, and most recently "The Devil's Judgment", the conclusion to "The Vengeful Prince Saga" trilogy.
This was the first book I have read by Brian Koscienski, and it won't be the last. In Satan's Petting Zoo, we follow Chad and his friends, who are now in college. Chad and his friends have been bullied pretty much through their whole school lives, leaving them feeling like prey. Until Chad has an encounter with the Ink Stains, a group of lycanthropes. Taking their offer to become a lycanthrope, Chad, along with his friends, are faced with a whole new set of problems: dealing with hunters, facing their own fears, and taking a stand. I really loved the dynamic between Chad, Cooper, Heston, and Kyle. Seeing their friendship be the centerpiece of the story was fantastic. The writing of the friendship felt very real, and I could relate to feeling how the characters did, from loving nerdy things, to not having a great time in high school. Satan's Petting Zoo is perfect for anyone who love action, lycanthropes, friends standing together, villains with the perfect amount of menace, and horror with humor.
Bought this book at a scary book con and glad that I did. I'm an advent horror book reader and got tired of the repetitive storylines (e.g., haunted houses, unknown killer) of modern horror books so I've been jumping into the indie horror scene. This was a well written book with great original storylines that everyone can connect to. Whether it's Chad or his 4 friends, the lycanthrope hunters, Ink stains, or even Tyler. I couldn't put this book down, read it in a week and definitely can't wait to read the second one.
I will say I'll be looking to read more from Brian Koscienski and his team!
I purchased this book at Steel City Con. I’m so glad I did because this book is so much fun. It’s interesting and draws you in. It’s funny and has good horror as well. I also met Brian would was just wonderful. Excited to start the next book in this series.
Loved this book. At first the characters came across as a little annoying, but their persona developed throughout the story. Definitely looking forward to future books.
A unique premise that I haven't seen anywhere else. I enjoyed the world building, but I would have liked to have seen a little more details on the lycanthropy origins and logistics. I believe there's a sequel, so my answers may lie there. I recommend reading it as a fresh take on "werewolves" in a way I haven't seen before.
Something is wrong at the Student Union Center . . .
. . . and it could be the Chad.
This book is a quick read that drags you down into the insanity filled minds of Chris and Brian with one burning question on your mind, what type of animal would I be if I were able to become an animal? The amusing and sometimes horrifically charming characters will bulldoze their way into your brain, and you will never be able to unsee the deeply disquieting imagery that Chris and Brian boldly paint in this story. If you root for the underdog and like lycanthrope stories, this book could be for you.
SPOILER ALERT: I will point out that the book ends on a cliffhanger, but the book does not contain notes to tell the reader that the story is TBC. Brian Koscienski has assured me that a follow up book is in the works.