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Rabbits #2
The Quiet Room
The lore and legends around the underground game known as Rabbits gain new dimensions in this twisty tale set in the world of the hit Rabbits podcast.
After nearly winning the eleventh iteration of Rabbits, the mysterious alternate reality game so vast it uses the entire world as its canvas, Emily Connors suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimensional stream where the game does not exist. At all. Except . . . why do sinister figures show up to stop her every time she goes looking? Does Rabbits truly not exist, or is it being hidden? And if it’s being hidden, why—and by whom?
Meanwhile, architect and theme park designer Rowan Chess is having the weirdest month of his life, full of odd coincidences and people who appear one moment and vanish the next, with no trace they ever even existed. The game that is hiding from Emily seems to have found Rowan—with a vengeance.
But only when Rowan and Emily meet do things start to get dangerous, for together they uncover a conspiracy far deeper and deadlier than either of them expected—one that could forever change the nature not only of the game, but of reality itself.
After nearly winning the eleventh iteration of Rabbits, the mysterious alternate reality game so vast it uses the entire world as its canvas, Emily Connors suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimensional stream where the game does not exist. At all. Except . . . why do sinister figures show up to stop her every time she goes looking? Does Rabbits truly not exist, or is it being hidden? And if it’s being hidden, why—and by whom?
Meanwhile, architect and theme park designer Rowan Chess is having the weirdest month of his life, full of odd coincidences and people who appear one moment and vanish the next, with no trace they ever even existed. The game that is hiding from Emily seems to have found Rowan—with a vengeance.
But only when Rowan and Emily meet do things start to get dangerous, for together they uncover a conspiracy far deeper and deadlier than either of them expected—one that could forever change the nature not only of the game, but of reality itself.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2023
213 people are currently reading
7634 people want to read
About the author
Terry Miles
7 books415 followersTerry Miles is an award-winning filmmaker; creator of the Public Radio Alliance and that network's series of hit podcasts: Tanis, Rabbits (#1 on Apple Podcasts), Faerie, and The Last Movie; and co-creator of The Black Tapes. He splits his time between the dark emerald gloom of the Pacific Northwest and sunny Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
June 5, 2023
Ah, the sound of white noise. That mind-numbing emptiness, full of content but void of meaning or significance. A soothing, consistently nonsensical nonsense!
For what it’s worth that déjà vu feeling you get reading this sequel might have to do with how completely you’ve forgotten the plot from the first one. Are any of these characters the same? That eerie sense of vague familiarity, just the slightest wisp of it, means you’ll never, ever know for sure. In a way, genius writing! This book takes the concept “what if déjà vu” and lets you experience it for yourself, chapter after chapter, scene after scene, as you turn the page and then think “wait, what was I just reading about?”
Anyway, recommended to fans of Mira Grant’s Into the Drowning Deep (but less structured), the Person of Interest episode where there’s a scavenger hunt created by an AI (but minus any emotional significance), that Christopher Nolan movie where he rewound stuff a lot (and I don’t mean Momento), and the X-Files/Fringe (mythology eps only… like if you only watched the mythology episodes, one after another, straight through, and skipped everything else).
Otoh don’t read this if you expect to be able to have:
1. A clear understanding of the significance of the plot events, singly or relative to each other
2. A accurate sense of the chronological sequence of the events being depicted
3. A clear understanding of who the characters are, what they want, and what distinguishes them from each other
4. A traditional narrative arc
5. A non-traditional narrative arc
6. A narrative in the shape of really any kind of arc (I really can’t emphasize this enough, this narrative is just a straight line in the middle of the graph, just completely parallel to the x-axis at all times, y=3 or something)
Real talk, I do love some white noise. This series is based on a series of podcasts which I really enjoyed, and I also liked the first book in this series, Rabbits. The reasons this is a 3-star review rather than a 4-star review are:
1. The book is just too long. I liked it in the beginning but should have been able to finish this out in two hours or less. This type of pointless list/fact/plot event after list/fact/plot event writing works when it’s a podcast and you can play it in the background while you clean your apartment, but it doesn’t really work for a book. Plus the clues are only ever at the escape room level of complexity (which is to say, so basic it’s insulting) and while that can be funny for a while, it gets tiring.
2. The romance. Did the last book have this? The podcast definitely didn’t. I would say it’s not this author’s strong suit and it’s totally unnecessary to what the book is trying to do. Just edit that stuff out completely and the book would be tighter (and less cheesy) as a result.
3. I found the references to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 to be tasteless. This book is full of conspiracy theories about fake events. Why name-drop this particular real-life one?
Anyway, I thought this book was okay. Not as good as the first one, but when you want to kick back, relax, and turn off your brain completely - when you’re feeling some insomnia and you’re looking for something to read that will put you right to sleep - this is a decent choice.
For what it’s worth that déjà vu feeling you get reading this sequel might have to do with how completely you’ve forgotten the plot from the first one. Are any of these characters the same? That eerie sense of vague familiarity, just the slightest wisp of it, means you’ll never, ever know for sure. In a way, genius writing! This book takes the concept “what if déjà vu” and lets you experience it for yourself, chapter after chapter, scene after scene, as you turn the page and then think “wait, what was I just reading about?”
Anyway, recommended to fans of Mira Grant’s Into the Drowning Deep (but less structured), the Person of Interest episode where there’s a scavenger hunt created by an AI (but minus any emotional significance), that Christopher Nolan movie where he rewound stuff a lot (and I don’t mean Momento), and the X-Files/Fringe (mythology eps only… like if you only watched the mythology episodes, one after another, straight through, and skipped everything else).
Otoh don’t read this if you expect to be able to have:
1. A clear understanding of the significance of the plot events, singly or relative to each other
2. A accurate sense of the chronological sequence of the events being depicted
3. A clear understanding of who the characters are, what they want, and what distinguishes them from each other
4. A traditional narrative arc
5. A non-traditional narrative arc
6. A narrative in the shape of really any kind of arc (I really can’t emphasize this enough, this narrative is just a straight line in the middle of the graph, just completely parallel to the x-axis at all times, y=3 or something)
Real talk, I do love some white noise. This series is based on a series of podcasts which I really enjoyed, and I also liked the first book in this series, Rabbits. The reasons this is a 3-star review rather than a 4-star review are:
1. The book is just too long. I liked it in the beginning but should have been able to finish this out in two hours or less. This type of pointless list/fact/plot event after list/fact/plot event writing works when it’s a podcast and you can play it in the background while you clean your apartment, but it doesn’t really work for a book. Plus the clues are only ever at the escape room level of complexity (which is to say, so basic it’s insulting) and while that can be funny for a while, it gets tiring.
2. The romance. Did the last book have this? The podcast definitely didn’t. I would say it’s not this author’s strong suit and it’s totally unnecessary to what the book is trying to do. Just edit that stuff out completely and the book would be tighter (and less cheesy) as a result.
3. I found the references to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 to be tasteless. This book is full of conspiracy theories about fake events. Why name-drop this particular real-life one?
Anyway, I thought this book was okay. Not as good as the first one, but when you want to kick back, relax, and turn off your brain completely - when you’re feeling some insomnia and you’re looking for something to read that will put you right to sleep - this is a decent choice.
May 20, 2023
Rabbits, like Fight Club, is a secret underground game. It consists of clues and coincidences that are astounding. And, it’s how the multiverse is connected. The game has been around for centuries and it’s now in its eleventh or twelfth iteration in the modern phase. First, there were a series of podcasts. Then, the first book, Rabbits. Now, the sequel, continuing the story. Prepare for little to make sense, but a vast sea of coincidences and scrambled memories. This second iteration of the book, however, suffers from sophomore jinx and us simply not as compelling as the first book. Read the first book first and the second book second to make sense of what’s going on.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy for review.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy for review.
October 4, 2023
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/10/02/...
From my review of Rabbits by Terry Miles, I wrote: “Wow, this was one real head trip, and I mean it in the best way possible. Rabbits is the kind of story that worms its way into your mind, and you find yourself mulling over it even days after you finish.” As the second installment, The Quiet Room not only continues where the first book left off but also maintains its mind-bending intrigue and mysterious energy.
Featuring a new cast of characters, The Quiet Room can technically be read as a standalone, but those with knowledge of the first book or the podcast which this series is based on will probably enjoy it more with another level of appreciation. Imagine you are playing a game and trying to follow the rules without realizing you’re the one writing the rules. This, in a nutshell, is the game Rabbits. Using the real world as a platform, players seek out patterns and unlikely connections to uncover even more clues until one winner ultimately prevails in unraveling the thread to its conclusion, gaining the fulfillment of their deepest desires. Once an iteration of a game has been won, another will begin again.
If wrapping your head around this concept makes your brain hurt, this isn’t even scratching the surface. The Quiet Room begins as Emily Connors, who almost won the last iteration of Rabbits, suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimension where the game does not exist. But then there are the “Rabbit police,” asking Emily very specific questions that seem to suggest there is more going on. Because if the game doesn’t exist, then why does she feel like something is pushing back every time she thinks she’s found a thread?
Meanwhile, Rowan Chess is a theme park designer who has unwittingly stumbled into the newest iteration of Rabbits. Without realizing it, he is playing the game—noticing a string of odd coincidences and other strange things like a disappearing blind date. But having found a connection with the missing woman, Rowan isn’t about to give up on finding her. His search ultimately leads him down a path that converges with Emily’s and other Rabbit players, working to navigate a web of unexpected events and challenging puzzles.
The thing about Rabbits is that most of the time, the players themselves don’t even have a clue what’s going on, and when you’re a guy like Rowan, who doesn’t even know he’s playing, you’ve got no chance. As you can imagine, for readers, it’s an even more perplexing experience. While the plot itself is not too difficult to follow, things do get weird with the involvement of alternate realities on top of the nebulous nature of the game. Once you think to yourself, “Are they just making things up as they go along?” then you’re getting it.
As such, reading The Quiet Room can be equal parts rewarding and frustrating. But even at my most confused, I never considered putting it down. And that is the draw of the Rabbits series. It’s why I decided to read this sequel and the reason why I’m happy for the fact it builds successfully on the captivating premise of the original. Of course, like the first book, it also runs afoul of some of the same issues in that the ending went too over-the-top and took things off the rails—and believe me, when you’re dealing with a story where the main hook is “anything goes”, that’s really saying something.
All told, if you’re prepared to read a book which makes an art of not making sense—where, in fact, not making any sense is probably its strongest asset—then The Quiet Room and the Rabbits series in general will be right up your alley. While that sentence may make you go all googly eyed, I truly mean it as a compliment. Clearly it won’t be for everyone, but for the right audience this unique novel promises an enthralling journey filled with surprising twists and a relentless quest for answers.
From my review of Rabbits by Terry Miles, I wrote: “Wow, this was one real head trip, and I mean it in the best way possible. Rabbits is the kind of story that worms its way into your mind, and you find yourself mulling over it even days after you finish.” As the second installment, The Quiet Room not only continues where the first book left off but also maintains its mind-bending intrigue and mysterious energy.
Featuring a new cast of characters, The Quiet Room can technically be read as a standalone, but those with knowledge of the first book or the podcast which this series is based on will probably enjoy it more with another level of appreciation. Imagine you are playing a game and trying to follow the rules without realizing you’re the one writing the rules. This, in a nutshell, is the game Rabbits. Using the real world as a platform, players seek out patterns and unlikely connections to uncover even more clues until one winner ultimately prevails in unraveling the thread to its conclusion, gaining the fulfillment of their deepest desires. Once an iteration of a game has been won, another will begin again.
If wrapping your head around this concept makes your brain hurt, this isn’t even scratching the surface. The Quiet Room begins as Emily Connors, who almost won the last iteration of Rabbits, suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimension where the game does not exist. But then there are the “Rabbit police,” asking Emily very specific questions that seem to suggest there is more going on. Because if the game doesn’t exist, then why does she feel like something is pushing back every time she thinks she’s found a thread?
Meanwhile, Rowan Chess is a theme park designer who has unwittingly stumbled into the newest iteration of Rabbits. Without realizing it, he is playing the game—noticing a string of odd coincidences and other strange things like a disappearing blind date. But having found a connection with the missing woman, Rowan isn’t about to give up on finding her. His search ultimately leads him down a path that converges with Emily’s and other Rabbit players, working to navigate a web of unexpected events and challenging puzzles.
The thing about Rabbits is that most of the time, the players themselves don’t even have a clue what’s going on, and when you’re a guy like Rowan, who doesn’t even know he’s playing, you’ve got no chance. As you can imagine, for readers, it’s an even more perplexing experience. While the plot itself is not too difficult to follow, things do get weird with the involvement of alternate realities on top of the nebulous nature of the game. Once you think to yourself, “Are they just making things up as they go along?” then you’re getting it.
As such, reading The Quiet Room can be equal parts rewarding and frustrating. But even at my most confused, I never considered putting it down. And that is the draw of the Rabbits series. It’s why I decided to read this sequel and the reason why I’m happy for the fact it builds successfully on the captivating premise of the original. Of course, like the first book, it also runs afoul of some of the same issues in that the ending went too over-the-top and took things off the rails—and believe me, when you’re dealing with a story where the main hook is “anything goes”, that’s really saying something.
All told, if you’re prepared to read a book which makes an art of not making sense—where, in fact, not making any sense is probably its strongest asset—then The Quiet Room and the Rabbits series in general will be right up your alley. While that sentence may make you go all googly eyed, I truly mean it as a compliment. Clearly it won’t be for everyone, but for the right audience this unique novel promises an enthralling journey filled with surprising twists and a relentless quest for answers.
November 13, 2023
Somehow this sequel made me wish I hadn't even read the first book...
If you told me that this was a fanfiction of the previous Terry Miles novel Rabbits I would have believed you without question.
It's hard to find anything praise-worthy about this book, and it's far too easy to find issues with it. I was honestly so irritated by the end of the book that it made me want to take back my having read the first book. Together, they really feel like a huge waste of my time.
Unlike book 1, where I actually sensed some kind of payoff for all of the twists and adventuring that the book brought, I really felt like my time had been wasted. Many of the characters brought into the story serve little to no purpose. The conclusion of the book doesn't leave me feeling satisfied or even like I really understand why anything had to happen how it did.
If you enjoyed book one, my recommendation is to stop there and not go any furhter.
If you told me that this was a fanfiction of the previous Terry Miles novel Rabbits I would have believed you without question.
It's hard to find anything praise-worthy about this book, and it's far too easy to find issues with it. I was honestly so irritated by the end of the book that it made me want to take back my having read the first book. Together, they really feel like a huge waste of my time.
Unlike book 1, where I actually sensed some kind of payoff for all of the twists and adventuring that the book brought, I really felt like my time had been wasted. Many of the characters brought into the story serve little to no purpose. The conclusion of the book doesn't leave me feeling satisfied or even like I really understand why anything had to happen how it did.
If you enjoyed book one, my recommendation is to stop there and not go any furhter.
November 2, 2023
The Quiet Room picks up shortly after the ending of Rabbits, book one. While Miles does a stellar job of bringing new readers up to speed, I recommend starting with book one. This one fed my inner nerd and Dungeons and Dragons’ child.
Emily Cooper, who played the game Rabbits in the previous book, seems to have shifted into a corner of the multiverse where Rabbits is hiding. Rabbits is an underground game where players race to win by finding patterns.
"It’s an average work day. You’ve been wrapped up in a task, and you check the clock when you come up for air—4:44 pm. You go to check your email, and 44 unread messages have built up. With a shock, you realize it is April 4th—4/4. And when you get in your car to drive home, your odometer reads 44,444. Coincidence? Or have you just seen the edge of a rabbit hole?"
The game can be deadly. There can be unexpected consequences that affect our dimensions and others. Yep, lots of wibbly wobbly timey-wimey stuff. As a die-hard Doctor Who fan, I devoured the concept of Rabbits. This time, the reader will question whether they are playing the game or if the game is playing them. Something is VERY wrong with the game.
Rabbit agents, abductions, and more soon have Emily tracking down a previous winner. Meanwhile, a young architect named Rowan Chess crosses paths with Emily. Rabbits is hiding here, but it seems Chess is playing the game. Only he’s never heard of the Rabbits.
I loved the twists, the unknown factors, and meeting up with others we have previously encountered. This was such a stellar follow up to the first novel. Miles kept it fresh while taking us deeper down the rabbit hole. Perfectly paced with a wonderful buildup to the climactic scene.
The ending brings closers, but teases the readers about what is coming. This reader cannot wait. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Emily Cooper, who played the game Rabbits in the previous book, seems to have shifted into a corner of the multiverse where Rabbits is hiding. Rabbits is an underground game where players race to win by finding patterns.
"It’s an average work day. You’ve been wrapped up in a task, and you check the clock when you come up for air—4:44 pm. You go to check your email, and 44 unread messages have built up. With a shock, you realize it is April 4th—4/4. And when you get in your car to drive home, your odometer reads 44,444. Coincidence? Or have you just seen the edge of a rabbit hole?"
The game can be deadly. There can be unexpected consequences that affect our dimensions and others. Yep, lots of wibbly wobbly timey-wimey stuff. As a die-hard Doctor Who fan, I devoured the concept of Rabbits. This time, the reader will question whether they are playing the game or if the game is playing them. Something is VERY wrong with the game.
Rabbit agents, abductions, and more soon have Emily tracking down a previous winner. Meanwhile, a young architect named Rowan Chess crosses paths with Emily. Rabbits is hiding here, but it seems Chess is playing the game. Only he’s never heard of the Rabbits.
I loved the twists, the unknown factors, and meeting up with others we have previously encountered. This was such a stellar follow up to the first novel. Miles kept it fresh while taking us deeper down the rabbit hole. Perfectly paced with a wonderful buildup to the climactic scene.
The ending brings closers, but teases the readers about what is coming. This reader cannot wait. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 25, 2023
The Quiet Room by Terry Miles takes us deeper into the Rabbit hole. You could be playing “Rabbits” right now while looking over your shoulder after having the sense that something is not quite right.
Imaging going on a date with someone you met on a dating app. You hit it off and you’re already thinking of a second date. She goes to use the rest room at the restaurant and leaves you waiting long enough to think something is wrong. You go to find her and she’s gone. Not gone as in she ditched you gone, like you first thought, but more like she vanished. She never existed….This is only the beginning.
I could not put this book down and even when I did It was still on my brain. Do yourself a favor and get lost in this multiverse of “Rabbits”. I have to warn you though, You might end up not being able to distinguish what you once considered the real world with the world of “Rabbits”.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for an honest review.
Imaging going on a date with someone you met on a dating app. You hit it off and you’re already thinking of a second date. She goes to use the rest room at the restaurant and leaves you waiting long enough to think something is wrong. You go to find her and she’s gone. Not gone as in she ditched you gone, like you first thought, but more like she vanished. She never existed….This is only the beginning.
I could not put this book down and even when I did It was still on my brain. Do yourself a favor and get lost in this multiverse of “Rabbits”. I have to warn you though, You might end up not being able to distinguish what you once considered the real world with the world of “Rabbits”.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
I'm very glad I didn't buy a physical copy of this, because it'd be contributing to a landfill right about now.
I know nobody forced me to read this, or keep reading it once I realized how bad it was. Hope is a strange thing, maybe sort of delusional in a way, and I guess I had hoped at least that a million-mile-per-hour plot would make up for some of the worst characterization I've ever read. I mean, despite the first Rabbits book finishing so dismally, it was still a FUN read for the most part.
This? No. I'm not sure at what point the hope switched to hate-reading, but seriously, someone needs to answer for why Terry Miles keeps getting paid to tell unbelievably shitty stories.
🐰 What actually was the plot? This was so typical of a Miles product: A bunch of nonsense conspiracy talk, mix in some stupid coincidences and cardboard cutout characters, add a dash of real-world tragedy in very poor taste, exposition delivered ENTIRELY via dialogue, and a plot that is literally: Go to Point A, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point B, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point C, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, Sudden Reveal!, characters miraculously draw a Hail Mary conclusion, cliffhanger, fin.
🐰 Every. Single. Female. Character. Is. The. Same. Alt rock vibes, cool T-shirt, somehow independently wealthy, says "fuck" a whole lot, won't take no shit from nobody no-how. MayDay, Pepper, Emily, Julie, Valentine, Swan, Eliza, Helena. Same person.
🐰 The other characters have so little personality they're just there to move the plot along. Rowan? Utterly blank canvas, pointless character. Wtf should we care AT ALL when his sole personality trait was, "Dating apps don't work for me"? Scarpio? This supposedly amazing, benevolent billionnaire? Just there to be a bank account and keep his apartments stocked with food and supplies.
🐰 The exposition. Oh my God, the exposition. Our main characters (and just to be clear, they barely qualify) are in a 17-minute countdown to the end of the bloody world, but let's pause for this actual conversation from the book, shall we:
"If I focus, sometimes I'm able to sense the radiants."
"And the blindfold?"
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with quantum displacement or entanglement."
"Quantum superposition?"
"Maybe?"
"Every quantum state can be seen as a sum of two or more other distinct states. When a system is in one state, it can be seen as being partly in each of two or more other states, right?"
"Exactly. What if for someone in Betweenspace, it’s like being in all the dimensions of the multiverse at once, but, like Schrödinger’s cat, if you’re observed, you get ripped out and back to one reality only: the observer’s reality?”
THEY HAVE 17 MINUTES TO ESCAPE A MAZE WITHIN ONE REALITY AND MAKE IT TO ANOTHER REALITY. What are they doing during this quantum physics micro-lesson? We don't know! Terry Miles doesn't know either! He just wants to make sure we know that his characters can hold down a super-cas chit-chat about Schrödinger, ya dig?
🐰 A story is nothing without dynamic characters. It's probably so difficult to identify a sturdy plot here because the characters are pointless. For alllll the endless talk about home dimensions, and Emily's backstory with her whacky family, if everything is going to change with every single chapter, and you keep pulling the VERY thin rug out from under your already barely developed characters in order to make them serve another pointless plot development, how can you possibly care, or trust in the story at all?
Spoilery rantings below:
🐰 I guess "The Architect" would've been too on the nose, huh?
🐰 So Emily's entire backstory is just bullshit, then?
🐰 Guess we don't care what happens to Scarpio or anyone else.
🐰 So The Engineer was just a macguffin. Because NOTHING HAPPENED.
🐰 Stop. Invoking. Real. World. Tragedy. The podcast Tanis (also a grab-bag of pointless exposition about fringe conspiracy garbage) wraps 9/11 into its plot, and this book pulls in Malaysian Airlines flight 370 (the one that disappeared/disintegrated over the ocean). It's in incredibly poor taste to involve in your fake stories these things in which real people died recently, and we already have a host of nutjobs thinking they're conspiracies and not just the horrific tragedies they are. You want to involve the real world, maybe go back a few centuries. Give us a little Spanish Inquisition, Roanoke Colony, or Pompeii. There are people alive today who lost people on 9/11, on flight 370. This is just cheap and tacky.
🐰 Stories need to be fleshed out beyond an outline. Characters need a consistent backstory that supports their growth and change during the plot. This honestly read like Terry Miles went down a Wikipedia rabbit-hole (heh) of modern-day conspiracies and thought hey, this is cool! every time he clicked another link about chem-trails or some shit. Add some undoubtedly fetishized lady characters (what's better than one alt rock riot grrl? How about 5 alt rock riot grrls!), and blammo, there's The Quiet Room. Jesus.
I know nobody forced me to read this, or keep reading it once I realized how bad it was. Hope is a strange thing, maybe sort of delusional in a way, and I guess I had hoped at least that a million-mile-per-hour plot would make up for some of the worst characterization I've ever read. I mean, despite the first Rabbits book finishing so dismally, it was still a FUN read for the most part.
This? No. I'm not sure at what point the hope switched to hate-reading, but seriously, someone needs to answer for why Terry Miles keeps getting paid to tell unbelievably shitty stories.
🐰 What actually was the plot? This was so typical of a Miles product: A bunch of nonsense conspiracy talk, mix in some stupid coincidences and cardboard cutout characters, add a dash of real-world tragedy in very poor taste, exposition delivered ENTIRELY via dialogue, and a plot that is literally: Go to Point A, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point B, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point C, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, Sudden Reveal!, characters miraculously draw a Hail Mary conclusion, cliffhanger, fin.
🐰 Every. Single. Female. Character. Is. The. Same. Alt rock vibes, cool T-shirt, somehow independently wealthy, says "fuck" a whole lot, won't take no shit from nobody no-how. MayDay, Pepper, Emily, Julie, Valentine, Swan, Eliza, Helena. Same person.
🐰 The other characters have so little personality they're just there to move the plot along. Rowan? Utterly blank canvas, pointless character. Wtf should we care AT ALL when his sole personality trait was, "Dating apps don't work for me"? Scarpio? This supposedly amazing, benevolent billionnaire? Just there to be a bank account and keep his apartments stocked with food and supplies.
🐰 The exposition. Oh my God, the exposition. Our main characters (and just to be clear, they barely qualify) are in a 17-minute countdown to the end of the bloody world, but let's pause for this actual conversation from the book, shall we:
"If I focus, sometimes I'm able to sense the radiants."
"And the blindfold?"
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with quantum displacement or entanglement."
"Quantum superposition?"
"Maybe?"
"Every quantum state can be seen as a sum of two or more other distinct states. When a system is in one state, it can be seen as being partly in each of two or more other states, right?"
"Exactly. What if for someone in Betweenspace, it’s like being in all the dimensions of the multiverse at once, but, like Schrödinger’s cat, if you’re observed, you get ripped out and back to one reality only: the observer’s reality?”
THEY HAVE 17 MINUTES TO ESCAPE A MAZE WITHIN ONE REALITY AND MAKE IT TO ANOTHER REALITY. What are they doing during this quantum physics micro-lesson? We don't know! Terry Miles doesn't know either! He just wants to make sure we know that his characters can hold down a super-cas chit-chat about Schrödinger, ya dig?
🐰 A story is nothing without dynamic characters. It's probably so difficult to identify a sturdy plot here because the characters are pointless. For alllll the endless talk about home dimensions, and Emily's backstory with her whacky family, if everything is going to change with every single chapter, and you keep pulling the VERY thin rug out from under your already barely developed characters in order to make them serve another pointless plot development, how can you possibly care, or trust in the story at all?
Spoilery rantings below:
🐰 I guess "The Architect" would've been too on the nose, huh?
🐰 So Emily's entire backstory is just bullshit, then?
🐰 Guess we don't care what happens to Scarpio or anyone else.
🐰 So The Engineer was just a macguffin. Because NOTHING HAPPENED.
🐰 Stop. Invoking. Real. World. Tragedy. The podcast Tanis (also a grab-bag of pointless exposition about fringe conspiracy garbage) wraps 9/11 into its plot, and this book pulls in Malaysian Airlines flight 370 (the one that disappeared/disintegrated over the ocean). It's in incredibly poor taste to involve in your fake stories these things in which real people died recently, and we already have a host of nutjobs thinking they're conspiracies and not just the horrific tragedies they are. You want to involve the real world, maybe go back a few centuries. Give us a little Spanish Inquisition, Roanoke Colony, or Pompeii. There are people alive today who lost people on 9/11, on flight 370. This is just cheap and tacky.
🐰 Stories need to be fleshed out beyond an outline. Characters need a consistent backstory that supports their growth and change during the plot. This honestly read like Terry Miles went down a Wikipedia rabbit-hole (heh) of modern-day conspiracies and thought hey, this is cool! every time he clicked another link about chem-trails or some shit. Add some undoubtedly fetishized lady characters (what's better than one alt rock riot grrl? How about 5 alt rock riot grrls!), and blammo, there's The Quiet Room. Jesus.
October 4, 2023
This started off with a nice little push that had me falling head first down the rabbit hole. I soon found myself questioning what the heck was happening? There were times I felt a bit lost. However, things would pick back up and I was riding along with enthusiasm again.
The characters were likable and I enjoyed the two different perspectives between Emily, who was looking for the game, and Rowan who had just stumbled onto a new way of thinking. He’s learning it as he goes.
I found myself a bit confused this time around and not as much of a fan of this book as I was the first one. I enjoyed it well enough but I do think you’d be best to read book one before attempting this one.
The characters were likable and I enjoyed the two different perspectives between Emily, who was looking for the game, and Rowan who had just stumbled onto a new way of thinking. He’s learning it as he goes.
I found myself a bit confused this time around and not as much of a fan of this book as I was the first one. I enjoyed it well enough but I do think you’d be best to read book one before attempting this one.
February 11, 2024
I loved Terry Miles' book, Rabbits, and was eager to dive into The Quiet Room. The story started out well enough, and I generally enjoyed the puzzle solving and discussion of their universe. Overall, it was an enjoyable read but not as good as the first book in the series.
December 16, 2023
Love it. This is a two book series right now, but I can only assume there will be more, and even at two, this is my favourite series ever.
Other than Bernstein Bears....
Other than Bernstein Bears....
December 2, 2024
This 2nd installment of the Rabbits series focuses on a new main character (Emily Connors, who was also part of the original cast of characters from Rabbits) with the same world-saving mission. This iteration of the story hooked me quicker than the first version, but this novel stumbled a bit during the middle to end of the novel, I think mainly with its identity. Was it a love story? Was it a thriller? A mystery? It tried to be all of the above at times and I think that’s what spoiled it for me a bit. The characters were all engaging, but it seemed odd that they would go to such lengths to save each other, but just disappear so easily and then no effort would be put into finding them. Didn’t really make sense to me.
The “twist” at the end was a bit predictable for me as well and I guessed where the story was going towards the middle of the novel. Didn’t really ruin the ending or anything for me, but it wasn’t as earth-shattering as it could have been either. The author did do a good job of setting up a 3rd Rabbits novel and I am eager to finish this storyline sometime in the future.
The “twist” at the end was a bit predictable for me as well and I guessed where the story was going towards the middle of the novel. Didn’t really ruin the ending or anything for me, but it wasn’t as earth-shattering as it could have been either. The author did do a good job of setting up a 3rd Rabbits novel and I am eager to finish this storyline sometime in the future.
May 26, 2023
Where's K? Guess we will have to wait for book 3 to find out?? We learn A LOT more about Rabbits and radiants and dimensional displacement, etc., in The Quiet Room. An LGBTQ thread appears which I could do without. But, it was a fun, fast paced, read with interesting twists which I thoroughly enjoyed.
October 4, 2023
Twisty, twisty, twisty, The Quiet Room by Terry Miles takes you on another strange path down the Rabbit hole.
The "Rabbits" series by podcaster and storyteller Terry Miles is based on the world created by his podcast of the same name with the titular catchphrase, "R U Playing." So again, we are faced with the question, "What is Rabbits?" And frankly, there is no way for me to illuminate that, but I can tell you what I know.
The series idea of Rabbits is a swirling collection of chapters and stories hinting at an underground game called Rabbits. It's characters and us readers following clues and seeing patterns in multiple dimensions. In The Quiet Room, the second novel in the series, Rowan Chess is starting to see patterns; the idea of Rabbits is popping up around him. So many it is getting hard to ignore them. On the flip side, Emily Connors suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimensional stream where the game does not exist. But nothing feels right.
While the story had me in the first pages, this is a dark and complicated read; it is the type of story that would be difficult to wade through if you are not thoroughly familiar with the first book. Even then, because of the complexity, you may have had to reread the first book recently to familiarize yourself. The Quiet Room hops from area to area, dimension to dimension, and person to person. It is not a narrative that moves in a straight line, jagged line, or anything resembling a line, more like a yarn knot. That is one of the positives and detractors of a story like this. Some folks who read it, myself, included love puzzles and piecing together the story bits together. But compared to the first book, The Quiet Room has an even faster pacing. I got lost a few times, and that is saying something because I had to keep notes in the first book to keep it all straight. Some of it is too much, and I wish Miles had developed things further in a couple of areas to solidify characters so I had a general feel for them, but maybe this is him setting the series up for a grand crescendo. Honestly, anything with this story is possible.
If you like your stories with traditional storytelling, characters, plot arcs, or narrative structure, this book will not be for you. But if you want to walk on the wild side and try something different, possibly cult-worthy, I suggest giving this a go.
The "Rabbits" series by podcaster and storyteller Terry Miles is based on the world created by his podcast of the same name with the titular catchphrase, "R U Playing." So again, we are faced with the question, "What is Rabbits?" And frankly, there is no way for me to illuminate that, but I can tell you what I know.
The series idea of Rabbits is a swirling collection of chapters and stories hinting at an underground game called Rabbits. It's characters and us readers following clues and seeing patterns in multiple dimensions. In The Quiet Room, the second novel in the series, Rowan Chess is starting to see patterns; the idea of Rabbits is popping up around him. So many it is getting hard to ignore them. On the flip side, Emily Connors suddenly finds herself trapped in a dimensional stream where the game does not exist. But nothing feels right.
While the story had me in the first pages, this is a dark and complicated read; it is the type of story that would be difficult to wade through if you are not thoroughly familiar with the first book. Even then, because of the complexity, you may have had to reread the first book recently to familiarize yourself. The Quiet Room hops from area to area, dimension to dimension, and person to person. It is not a narrative that moves in a straight line, jagged line, or anything resembling a line, more like a yarn knot. That is one of the positives and detractors of a story like this. Some folks who read it, myself, included love puzzles and piecing together the story bits together. But compared to the first book, The Quiet Room has an even faster pacing. I got lost a few times, and that is saying something because I had to keep notes in the first book to keep it all straight. Some of it is too much, and I wish Miles had developed things further in a couple of areas to solidify characters so I had a general feel for them, but maybe this is him setting the series up for a grand crescendo. Honestly, anything with this story is possible.
If you like your stories with traditional storytelling, characters, plot arcs, or narrative structure, this book will not be for you. But if you want to walk on the wild side and try something different, possibly cult-worthy, I suggest giving this a go.
April 25, 2024
Edited the next day to say that I'm even more pissed off at this book than I was yesterday. I want my time and libro.fm credit back.
-----------------------------
This series has well and truly pissed me off. The first time I read Rabbits, I loved it. Mind blown. The second time I read it, knowing how it ended and having more energy to think through the logistics of the narrative, it was... a chore. But the concept is amazing and absolute catnip to me, so I read this book. The concept is still very cool, but jfc. These characters are insufferable hipster iterations of the author. Everyone is the same one note - snarky Gen X trash baby. I say that as a snarky Gen X trash baby. The dialogue actually made me stupid. A solid 100 pages of this book could probably be cut if we eliminated every time a character said what?, what the hell?, what the fuck?, what do you mean?, how the hell?, how the fuck?, this is impossible, this seems unlikely, what's going on here?, who's behind this?, etc. and the subsequent dead end conversation that followed. I felt like I was reading an adaptation of Waiting for Godot, but like if Waiting for Godot had been lobotomized into a 400 page "Who's on first?" joke starring characters from a Kevin Smith movie. I am so mad at this book. It had the potential to be good but it's just bad. Two stars for the concept and the concept only.
-----------------------------
This series has well and truly pissed me off. The first time I read Rabbits, I loved it. Mind blown. The second time I read it, knowing how it ended and having more energy to think through the logistics of the narrative, it was... a chore. But the concept is amazing and absolute catnip to me, so I read this book. The concept is still very cool, but jfc. These characters are insufferable hipster iterations of the author. Everyone is the same one note - snarky Gen X trash baby. I say that as a snarky Gen X trash baby. The dialogue actually made me stupid. A solid 100 pages of this book could probably be cut if we eliminated every time a character said what?, what the hell?, what the fuck?, what do you mean?, how the hell?, how the fuck?, this is impossible, this seems unlikely, what's going on here?, who's behind this?, etc. and the subsequent dead end conversation that followed. I felt like I was reading an adaptation of Waiting for Godot, but like if Waiting for Godot had been lobotomized into a 400 page "Who's on first?" joke starring characters from a Kevin Smith movie. I am so mad at this book. It had the potential to be good but it's just bad. Two stars for the concept and the concept only.
January 22, 2024
Liked Rabbits waaaay more. In here, half the book is an easy read and then it decays into superficial and stupid redundant dialogue to end with a forseeable "plot twist".
Basic read. Keeps you distracted. I love everything Terry Miles does (podcasts for the win) and will continue to consume his content, but pick it up a bit ;)
*Want to scream about it SPOILERS*
-They are very clueless when they are supposed to be the best Rabbits players out there...
-So dissappointed by how unrelevant Alan Scarpio is. Reducing him to the man with the money? Really?
-Pepper is annoying AF.
-And Emily... why is Emily so easily swiped by "love"? That seemed like a very soft motive to keep the plot going.
-The Hall could have been way more exploited and would have loved to read more about its complete design.
Basic read. Keeps you distracted. I love everything Terry Miles does (podcasts for the win) and will continue to consume his content, but pick it up a bit ;)
*Want to scream about it SPOILERS*
-They are very clueless when they are supposed to be the best Rabbits players out there...
-So dissappointed by how unrelevant Alan Scarpio is. Reducing him to the man with the money? Really?
-Pepper is annoying AF.
-And Emily... why is Emily so easily swiped by "love"? That seemed like a very soft motive to keep the plot going.
-The Hall could have been way more exploited and would have loved to read more about its complete design.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
I’m finally done with this entire universe. The female protagonists are completely interchangeable with one another. They’re all sarcastic, wear edgy clothes, hang out in underground music shops, and are casual geniuses? Miles thinks he’s being original, but this story has become so circular and repetitive that it’s officially boring. I don’t remember what happened in the first book, I don’t care, and the magic of the podcast is totally gone by this one. Maybe I’ve just outgrown it, I don’t know. In any event, DNF.
May 24, 2023
Emily Connors is connected to Rabbits, this much she knows. Where she is in the multiverse is another story. In The Quiet Room, Emily is in a dimensional stream that is familiar but not her own. In this stream Rabbits is missing, or perhaps just hidden, but if Rabbits doesn't exist then why does she keep getting pursued by the Rabbits Police?
The Quiet Room is the second novel in the Rabbits series and possibly the 12th iteration of the game, if it exists. The story hooked me from the first page. The plot moves in multiple directions, like it is a multiverse of its own, but it easy to understand what is happening when. It is a crazy ride but that is what sets it apart from other stories. It keeps you wanting more and makes your head spin but is so satisfying.
I loved this book. I thought it was a little repetitive with all the Rabbits explanations because I read the first book but I could see that if you started with book two, the explanations would help you understand this book without reading the first one. I love the real world tie ins and the pop culture references. The Quiet Room is a puzzle to solve, a mystery to explore, and an adventure to experience. It set my brain on fire but I still want more.
Rabbits is real. R U playing?
Thanks to Netgalley and Del Ray Publishing for the advanced copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
The Quiet Room is the second novel in the Rabbits series and possibly the 12th iteration of the game, if it exists. The story hooked me from the first page. The plot moves in multiple directions, like it is a multiverse of its own, but it easy to understand what is happening when. It is a crazy ride but that is what sets it apart from other stories. It keeps you wanting more and makes your head spin but is so satisfying.
I loved this book. I thought it was a little repetitive with all the Rabbits explanations because I read the first book but I could see that if you started with book two, the explanations would help you understand this book without reading the first one. I love the real world tie ins and the pop culture references. The Quiet Room is a puzzle to solve, a mystery to explore, and an adventure to experience. It set my brain on fire but I still want more.
Rabbits is real. R U playing?
Thanks to Netgalley and Del Ray Publishing for the advanced copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
July 23, 2025
3.5
I don't know where I stand with this sequel to be honest. It included lots of what I enjoyed about the first one:
- pop culture references
- being happily confused
- fun clues, and games
But I think it struggled with it's own identity a bit. I didn't feel the 'impending doom' as much as the first one, and considering the content of the book, I would have thought it to be overwhelming.
The big finale was a bit predictable though I am excited for the third installment of this.
I don't know where I stand with this sequel to be honest. It included lots of what I enjoyed about the first one:
- pop culture references
- being happily confused
- fun clues, and games
But I think it struggled with it's own identity a bit. I didn't feel the 'impending doom' as much as the first one, and considering the content of the book, I would have thought it to be overwhelming.
The big finale was a bit predictable though I am excited for the third installment of this.
April 1, 2025
More?
December 19, 2023
4.5/5. Super fun sequel, can't wait for more!! (There better be more!!!!!)
April 9, 2025
Besser als der erste Band, aber mit ähnlichen Problemen.
October 6, 2023
One of the weirdest damn books I have ever read but I was unable to put it down for long. As I went along, I kept thinking that I wished I had read the initial book, Rabbits; first so I could figure out what the heck was going on. Hell, I've never heard of the first book until I received the copy of 'The Quiet Room'. Emily Connors and Rowan Chess collide in the search for the game Rabbits. Lots of other characters are in and out of the search and after a while it got extremely repetitive, boring, and around 250 pages into these 405 pages, I couldn't struggle any longer, had enough and had to give up. I didn't think it was that well written and the story line became just plain stupid. The Rabbits Police, good Lord how lame. Thank you to Goodreads for the Advanced Uncorrected Proof of the book, I just could not go any further into it.
May 6, 2025
A terrific mind trip! 4.5.
A sequel to the mind-bending Rabbits, this book takes place right after K saves the universe... well, to be fair, HIS universe. In a nutshell, Rabbits is a game that is being played on a global scale... a game that is actually a check-and-balance to ensure the health of the universe... and at times, a connection to parallel worlds.
But the game has taken an odd trip, and players have been shunted to yet another parallel universe. One where it doesn't seem like the Game is being played at all. But is that good news, or the mark of something even more sinister and strange?
Old friends are reunited, and new enemies are forged in a desperate attempt to... not save the universe this time... but escape it.
While probably not for everyone, if you love puzzles, scavenger hunts and things that go bump in the dark, The Quiet Room is a great continuation... and expansion... to the world of Rabbits.
As usual, a brilliant story well executed by Miles. He has the great gift of making everything seem, well, real... though slightly otherworldly. So read on, and answer the question...
R U Playing?
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A sequel to the mind-bending Rabbits, this book takes place right after K saves the universe... well, to be fair, HIS universe. In a nutshell, Rabbits is a game that is being played on a global scale... a game that is actually a check-and-balance to ensure the health of the universe... and at times, a connection to parallel worlds.
But the game has taken an odd trip, and players have been shunted to yet another parallel universe. One where it doesn't seem like the Game is being played at all. But is that good news, or the mark of something even more sinister and strange?
Old friends are reunited, and new enemies are forged in a desperate attempt to... not save the universe this time... but escape it.
While probably not for everyone, if you love puzzles, scavenger hunts and things that go bump in the dark, The Quiet Room is a great continuation... and expansion... to the world of Rabbits.
As usual, a brilliant story well executed by Miles. He has the great gift of making everything seem, well, real... though slightly otherworldly. So read on, and answer the question...
R U Playing?
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 3, 2023
While this sequel wasn’t quite as good as its predecessor, I really love this series and can’t wait for the next book (assuming there’s one given that cliffhanger 👀).
The main issue with Quiet Room is the repetitive and at times unrealistic dialogue (literally entire plot points repeated over and over), adding unnecessary length. It also lacks the charm of actually playing Rabbits, which I missed. And why was Mayday even a character? We didn’t need her.
But I loved that this book pushed the whole world forward. I love a multiverse story and this take feels so unique! Loved the inclusion of The Engineer, the Quiet Room, The Hall of Incredible Possibilities, and the continuation of Emily’s story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
The main issue with Quiet Room is the repetitive and at times unrealistic dialogue (literally entire plot points repeated over and over), adding unnecessary length. It also lacks the charm of actually playing Rabbits, which I missed. And why was Mayday even a character? We didn’t need her.
But I loved that this book pushed the whole world forward. I love a multiverse story and this take feels so unique! Loved the inclusion of The Engineer, the Quiet Room, The Hall of Incredible Possibilities, and the continuation of Emily’s story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
July 2, 2023
Twists, turns, and loads of rabbits… I had absolutely no idea what might happen next for this entire read and with Rabbits, I would expect nothing less. The Quiet Room explores what might happen when you accept that all of the wild you’ve learned of the world was just the tip of the iceberg.
This was a little bit of a slow start for me, but I think had I reread Rabbits before diving it that would have increased my momentum.
This was a little bit of a slow start for me, but I think had I reread Rabbits before diving it that would have increased my momentum.
May 13, 2023
I can NOT wait for this!
June 5, 2024
I think I'm giving up on this series because I don't understand anything that is happening in it. I got through this whole book with a sort of detachment where I was just reading and understanding the individual words and sentences, but not really fully following the plotline or anything. It just feels like the characters were running around from one place to another throughout the entire novel. Old characters would leave and never be heard of again, and new characters would come in. None of the characters were developed or had any personality or anything, and they only were there to serve the plot instead of the other way around with the plot servicing the characters. None of them seemed to have grown or developed by the end of the novel, and nothing was really resolved.
This really feels like those instances in TV when the writers make storylines too complicated and then have no idea how to actually resolve anything. With all the dimension hopping and alternate universes and everything, it's all too convoluted to make much sense anymore, and I don't even have good character development to at least hang onto, because the main character could literally have been substituted by anyone else and nothing much would have changed overall.
Quoted from another review:
🐰 What actually was the plot? This was so typical of a Miles product: A bunch of nonsense conspiracy talk, mix in some stupid coincidences and cardboard cutout characters, add a dash of real-world tragedy in very poor taste, exposition delivered ENTIRELY via dialogue, and a plot that is literally: Go to Point A, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point B, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point C, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, Sudden Reveal!, characters miraculously draw a Hail Mary conclusion, cliffhanger, fin.
(Okay, not completely fair because I LOVE The Black Tapes which was another Terry Miles podcast...but I will admit that they were unable to fully resolve all the plotlines in the end because things got too complicated, and therefore the ending was stupid and made no sense, much like this book.)
This really feels like those instances in TV when the writers make storylines too complicated and then have no idea how to actually resolve anything. With all the dimension hopping and alternate universes and everything, it's all too convoluted to make much sense anymore, and I don't even have good character development to at least hang onto, because the main character could literally have been substituted by anyone else and nothing much would have changed overall.
Quoted from another review:
🐰 What actually was the plot? This was so typical of a Miles product: A bunch of nonsense conspiracy talk, mix in some stupid coincidences and cardboard cutout characters, add a dash of real-world tragedy in very poor taste, exposition delivered ENTIRELY via dialogue, and a plot that is literally: Go to Point A, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point B, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, go to Point C, find a clue that means nothing and leads nowhere, Sudden Reveal!, characters miraculously draw a Hail Mary conclusion, cliffhanger, fin.
(Okay, not completely fair because I LOVE The Black Tapes which was another Terry Miles podcast...but I will admit that they were unable to fully resolve all the plotlines in the end because things got too complicated, and therefore the ending was stupid and made no sense, much like this book.)
February 3, 2024
I read Rabbits when it came out and remember feeling immersed in the story of a person on a modern day quest through alternate realities/parallel worlds through the guise of a game to save the universe. That was a few years ago, and I don't remember a lot of the details of Rabbits, but I do remember the feeling I had while reading as I traveled along with K on this quest.
Now Terry Miles has gifted us with a sequel.
The Door is Open. Is Rabbits gone? Forever? Or just hidden? What is at stake? Did K win the last iteration of Rabbit's? Did they succeed in saving the universe?
With parallels to Ready Player One, Rabbits is a game played not just online but also in the real world. If you are tuned in, if you are playing, Rabbits is all around you. It's just a matter of seeing the connections and remembering there are no coincidences.
If you have ever experienced deja vu, had vivid dreams, or felt that you have been a victim of a Mandela Effect you may enjoy this series. If you have ever felt you are chasing flies, give this series a try.
With so many references to different moments in pop culture history, such as Kubrick's Shining and parallels to Disney's Loki, it is easy to find entertainment untangling all the references. And if you are interested in multidimensional travel, string theory, or quantum entanglement this is certainly a series for you.
Now Terry Miles has gifted us with a sequel.
The Door is Open. Is Rabbits gone? Forever? Or just hidden? What is at stake? Did K win the last iteration of Rabbit's? Did they succeed in saving the universe?
With parallels to Ready Player One, Rabbits is a game played not just online but also in the real world. If you are tuned in, if you are playing, Rabbits is all around you. It's just a matter of seeing the connections and remembering there are no coincidences.
If you have ever experienced deja vu, had vivid dreams, or felt that you have been a victim of a Mandela Effect you may enjoy this series. If you have ever felt you are chasing flies, give this series a try.
With so many references to different moments in pop culture history, such as Kubrick's Shining and parallels to Disney's Loki, it is easy to find entertainment untangling all the references. And if you are interested in multidimensional travel, string theory, or quantum entanglement this is certainly a series for you.
March 15, 2024
The podcast upon which this book is based, Rabbits, sucked me in and dropped me in a spooky world where everything was just a bit off. I was super excited to read the book of the same name when it came out, and now a sequel with what looks like promise of yet another book in the series?
YES PLEASE.
Characters: 8/10
I really think I should have reread Rabbits before diving into The Quiet Room, because I have a hard time remembering specific names and how they tied in to what's going on, particularly in a complex world such as this where characters don't always "stick" (if you know, you know). So I was a bit confused at times, but that's on me. And it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment because the story and puzzles are just so cool, it's easy to go along for the ride. Plus, the confusion, for me, is part of the package deal. I went in knowing This Is Gonna Be Crazy. I didn't love some of the characters because their punkness was sometimes over the top, and one guy seemed conveniently placed merely to provide funds. I'd like to have seen him put to better use as I actually liked him a lot. Who knows — maybe we'll see him again in Book #3?
Atmosphere: 10/10
The books definitely maintain the feel of the podcast. The world is bigger than it is, and there is a "muchness" to it that leaves you feeling out of place. Which is good, because that's how the characters are feeling too! The coincidences are scattered in such a way that they come across creepy yet realistic, and they had me looking around my own life for clues, eager to spot a glitch in the matrix. The atmosphere is a large part of the appeal that draws me to this world; it's the same pull that makes me wish Doctor Who would choose me to be his companion, or that the government would release documents proving it's been covering up UFO stuff, or that a magical school really might invite me into its hallowed halls, or that the library houses a collection of forbidden historical objects. "I want to believe," and the author knows it, and he uses my desire to pull me further down the Rabbits hole.
Writing Style: 7/10
The writing is FINE. It's not perfect, and in some places, it's maybe even lacking, but not enough to make me leave the world of Rabbits. The dialogue is a bit stilted in places, and every single one of them asks, "How so?" at one point in the story. Repetition of phrase is one of my pet peeves, and this one stuck out. The thing is, most people will ask, "In what way?" or, "What do you mean?" ...or they might say, "please explain," or shout, "What are you even talking about!?" Now my adult child uses the phrase, "How so?" But it's a character quirk, and I don't hear anyone else use it regularly. That all the people in this book commonly use this phrase is simply annoying.
Plot: 9/10
Follow the clues, find the people, save the world and all its iterations. I'M IN! The plot is pretty straightforward. There is no question what it's about, how it progresses, and where it ends up. The story beats fall where they should, and the twists unravel in fun fashion. There's a solid hook, a clearly defined midpoint, a great plot twist, and a hell of a cliffhanger finale!
Intrigue: 8/10
The conflict is definitely turned up here. The characters are trying to save the world, after all. And it's not just a metaphorical save, either. It's the whole multi-verse or whatever! It's the "or whatever" that made me give it a 8, because while it definitely kept my ears glued to my earbud, sometimes I got so tangled up in each character's individual plot that I kinda forgot the overlying problem. Even now, I'm honestly not quite sure about the source of the conflict — was it AI? Is it a natural phenomenon? Were scientists mucking about and messing up the very fibers of BEING? The great thing about the world of Rabbits is that I don't have to have the answers because I love the confusing mess that I'm still trying to work out.
Logic: 8/10
This is difficult to rate because the entire premise is tied up in a lack of logic, the examination of logic, and logic gone awry. And yet, almost everything makes perfect sense within the world of the story. Except for when it doesn't. It's really hard to tell where the story fumbles versus the author, which in one way is to its credit, but still leaves the reader super confused. Don't get me wrong — I love this world and will be trying to get my greedy paws on an ARC of Book #3 if there ever is such a thing... but that doesn't leave me any less lost. This may clear up on subsequent reread, which I will definitely perform before starting a new entry into the Rabbits universe. I'm actually even considering starting the podcast over, which I've never done. The world is greater than the sum of its parts.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Loved it. Would highly recommend. Want more.
60 points ÷ 7 criteria = 8.57 average
~ 4 STARS
Play the game. The door is open.
YES PLEASE.
Characters: 8/10
I really think I should have reread Rabbits before diving into The Quiet Room, because I have a hard time remembering specific names and how they tied in to what's going on, particularly in a complex world such as this where characters don't always "stick" (if you know, you know). So I was a bit confused at times, but that's on me. And it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment because the story and puzzles are just so cool, it's easy to go along for the ride. Plus, the confusion, for me, is part of the package deal. I went in knowing This Is Gonna Be Crazy. I didn't love some of the characters because their punkness was sometimes over the top, and one guy seemed conveniently placed merely to provide funds. I'd like to have seen him put to better use as I actually liked him a lot. Who knows — maybe we'll see him again in Book #3?
Atmosphere: 10/10
The books definitely maintain the feel of the podcast. The world is bigger than it is, and there is a "muchness" to it that leaves you feeling out of place. Which is good, because that's how the characters are feeling too! The coincidences are scattered in such a way that they come across creepy yet realistic, and they had me looking around my own life for clues, eager to spot a glitch in the matrix. The atmosphere is a large part of the appeal that draws me to this world; it's the same pull that makes me wish Doctor Who would choose me to be his companion, or that the government would release documents proving it's been covering up UFO stuff, or that a magical school really might invite me into its hallowed halls, or that the library houses a collection of forbidden historical objects. "I want to believe," and the author knows it, and he uses my desire to pull me further down the Rabbits hole.
Writing Style: 7/10
The writing is FINE. It's not perfect, and in some places, it's maybe even lacking, but not enough to make me leave the world of Rabbits. The dialogue is a bit stilted in places, and every single one of them asks, "How so?" at one point in the story. Repetition of phrase is one of my pet peeves, and this one stuck out. The thing is, most people will ask, "In what way?" or, "What do you mean?" ...or they might say, "please explain," or shout, "What are you even talking about!?" Now my adult child uses the phrase, "How so?" But it's a character quirk, and I don't hear anyone else use it regularly. That all the people in this book commonly use this phrase is simply annoying.
Plot: 9/10
Follow the clues, find the people, save the world and all its iterations. I'M IN! The plot is pretty straightforward. There is no question what it's about, how it progresses, and where it ends up. The story beats fall where they should, and the twists unravel in fun fashion. There's a solid hook, a clearly defined midpoint, a great plot twist, and a hell of a cliffhanger finale!
Intrigue: 8/10
The conflict is definitely turned up here. The characters are trying to save the world, after all. And it's not just a metaphorical save, either. It's the whole multi-verse or whatever! It's the "or whatever" that made me give it a 8, because while it definitely kept my ears glued to my earbud, sometimes I got so tangled up in each character's individual plot that I kinda forgot the overlying problem. Even now, I'm honestly not quite sure about the source of the conflict — was it AI? Is it a natural phenomenon? Were scientists mucking about and messing up the very fibers of BEING? The great thing about the world of Rabbits is that I don't have to have the answers because I love the confusing mess that I'm still trying to work out.
Logic: 8/10
This is difficult to rate because the entire premise is tied up in a lack of logic, the examination of logic, and logic gone awry. And yet, almost everything makes perfect sense within the world of the story. Except for when it doesn't. It's really hard to tell where the story fumbles versus the author, which in one way is to its credit, but still leaves the reader super confused. Don't get me wrong — I love this world and will be trying to get my greedy paws on an ARC of Book #3 if there ever is such a thing... but that doesn't leave me any less lost. This may clear up on subsequent reread, which I will definitely perform before starting a new entry into the Rabbits universe. I'm actually even considering starting the podcast over, which I've never done. The world is greater than the sum of its parts.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Loved it. Would highly recommend. Want more.
60 points ÷ 7 criteria = 8.57 average
~ 4 STARS
Play the game. The door is open.
October 7, 2023
This book had a lot of what I enjoyed about the first book in the series - fun clues, riddles, and games that would be so fun to experience in real life. I also really enjoyed the group of characters we followed in this sequel, some from the first book and some new. The science in this book, similarly to the first one, got really confusing and hard to understand, plus the incredibly huge stakes that come into this book (literally the potential end of the world and all alternate versions of it) made it a little hard to conceptualize and actually believe/become invested in. Ultimately I enjoyed this less than the first book, probably because in a way I've read it before, but I do think it's worth reading if you really enjoyed Rabbits. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Video review here: https://youtu.be/r7fs7yRmLd4
Video review here: https://youtu.be/r7fs7yRmLd4
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