War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles Book #1) by Christopher St. John – Review by Angela Hayes

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 – 4.5 Stars

The jaws of the fox snapped shut where Anastasia’s head had just been, the right canine tooth catching the tip of her long left ear. A lick of pain raced down her ear and her heart banged against her ribs. The fear burn rushed through her, and her powerful legs hurled her forward. The fox’s jaws closed again, so close to her neck that she could feel the hot breath.
Heart hammering, the brown yearling rabbit flung herself through the small bushes and over the dead leaves and twigs. The fox came behind, paws casting up a welter of leaves and dirt. His eyes were bright, his teeth shone. Anastasia heard his excited whine rising over his harsh breathing.
Why had she left the area near the warren, again? Why couldn’t she be obedient and follow Warren Mother’s commands?

War Bunny is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John. This might have been the first book that I have read by Mr. St. John- but after finishing this book in one sitting, it definitely won’t be the last time I dive between one of his covers.
This book is refreshingly original- but also gave me some ‘Watership Down’ vibes- which I love. Here, Mr. St. John depicts a postapocalyptic world where humans have been wiped out, and now the animals rule the planet. But the way their world is ‘governed’ makes Anastasia start to question things- such as why rabbits have been relegated to being prey- why not more? But rocking the boat leads her to being cast out of the community, where her battle for survival, and adventures begin.
This is a fantastic tale- a YA fantasy with dystopian elements, action, family, friendship, honour, politics, agendas, societal structure/class, culture, community, staying true to yourself, journey of discovery, a coming of age, intriguing world building, wonderful characters, drama, danger, and more.
There is also a detailed map at the beginning of the book, which really helps to put everything in perspective and helped me visualise where everything was, so much more clearly. I LOVE a good map!
I can’t wait to continue the series with ‘Summerday’ (Book #2) and ‘City of Oom’ (Book #3), which are both available now. A fourth book will be released next year (2025).
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Christopher St. John!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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