War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was an interesting read. I had not previously read anything by St. John, but I am happy I gave the book a chance. While i did find the book ‘s a little slow to start, I truly enjoyed it. The story and characters are well developed. I would recommend this book to others.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book took me by surprise, I was expecting a fast-paced adventure, but it ended up to be a very thought provoking read. The story is indeed about rabbits, one young rabbit, Anastasia, who defies the norms, questioning why rabbits should be prey animals. She gets ousted from her warren, faces a predator, fights back bravely. Then she finds herself in a position she never vied for, a leader who can revolutionize her clan. As I kept reading, there were layers of depth added to the storyline and the characters. I was so glued to it until the end. I would like to read more from this series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anastasia is a young rabbit who lives in a post apocalyptic world where humans have been wiped out and the animals rule, she lives with her family in a warren which is safe from harm, that is until she goes out of the protected area and is chased by a fox, this nearly sends her into a fugue state, but she fights off the sensation and makes it back to her burrow. Unfortunately for Anastasia, it isn’t her only unconforming behaviour, there are other aspects where she falls short, at least in others eyes, especially when she questions the rules and why they live the way they do, and so she is exiled from her uncomfortable life and becomes one of the Unwarrened.
Being as young as she is, this leaves her extremely vulnerable to the Blessed and their vicious ways, but she does what she can to survive, the first of which is to dig a new burrow, but she has to do it in such a way so as not to attract attention to herself. When she has settled in, she begins to find others who have been cast out and exiled for being weak, sick, abandoned or just lost and she takes them in and builds a safe place for them.
As Anastasia continues to create this safe space, it isn’t without its challenges, especially when she rebels against those who would prey upon her and instead question everything she believed, but will she be able to keep herself and the rest of the warren safe, or will the danger surrounding her lead her to her demise? This is a coming of age tale with a dystopian twist which will keep you hooked as this new world develops.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was definitely a different read. Bunnies sick of being at the bottom of the food chain and fighting back, “A Bugs Life” vibe. Raccoons namer after medicine made me cackle!
Anastasia is cast out of her Warren due to an injury, but also because of her OCD. She inadvertently creates a safe haven for the other injured bunnies from other Warren’s who would suffer a fate from the “Blessed Ones” without a home for protection.
Review by @Fbelcher93
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Set in a world where humans longer exist and animals are either predator or prey and the prey are expected to accept their fate. Anastasia, a rabbit, starts questioning everything she was taught about accepting her fate as prey, and then is cast out from her warren and family for doing so. She then runs into some foxes and trying protect herself, starts to dig a hole to hide in. While doing so she accidentally injures one of them and word gets around about the rabbit that fights back. She starts her own warren and soon others start to arrive asking for shelter. Soon a community of misfits and outcasts come together and decide that they are tired of being prey and are fighting back.
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the characters very much and found myself rooting for them especially when it came to them fighting back against the predators. I liked that this is told from multiple points of view so you get to know each character a little bit more. I had never read a book where the story was told from the animals point of view but I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles as well as the first book I have read by this author. The cover pulled me in with its beautiful artwork and vivid colors. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I dove right in as soon as I could and immediately got lost in the post-apocalyptic world the author expertly crafted. I absolutely loved the fact that there is a map at the beginning as it helps me learn the lay of the land without getting bogged down trying to remember details. One of the biggest wins of this work is the character development. This is a fast-paced story that unfolds at a natural pace which makes the timing feel perfect. The different underlying themes of this book took me by surprise, from societal structure to politics. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy books, this is one that is sure to keep you entertained! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us. I’m on my way to pick up the next book in the War Bunny Chronicles!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War Bunny by Christopher St. John is book one of The War Bunny Chronicles. A wonderfully unique, and truly enthralling read that genuinely makes you sit down and think. I was absolutely absorbed in this book, and had trouble putting it down, or not discussing it with my husband! He practically read this with me, I HAD to talk about it. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but he’s a must read from now on.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read the book preview to this one and I thought I had to give it a try. It’s such a crazy concept in thinking what if humans no longer existed and nature took its course. In this post-apocalyptic story, this is exactly what transpires and animals take over. I am a big animal lover so I needed to see how this story plays out in such a situation! This story centers on the character of Anatasia, a bunny, who understands that in a world where she is viewed as a prey overcomes that concept. She questions what has been and what could be. After being kicked out of her home by her mother, she experiences a plethora of human-like emotions within new surroundings. It is great to see a human resemblance within animal situations. This is such a great read for those who love animals, dystopian feel, humor, action packed and great character. development.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the beginning, this story grips you in the claws of heart pounding adventure. Our main character, Anastasia, narrowly escapes a Blessed One (predators who are entitled to their prey, grown accustomed to an easy hunt). As she navigates through her Warren, she discovers her passion and will to live are not accepted among her peers. When she is cast aside by her own mother, left to fend for herself, all hope seems to be lost. However, our adventure doesn’t end there. Anastasia, still filling her hunger to live, creates her own Warren with many like her who have been cast aside by those they love.
I never expected myself to be so drawn in by a group of rabbits, but I found myself rooting for these bunnies more than I rooted for the human characters of many of my favorite stories. Definitely recommend, quite an interesting read!
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A world with no humans and animals rule and it is predator vs. prey. One bunny questions why they must be prey. When she questions the elders, she’s ousted and left vulnerable. This is a great story for kids and teens about standing up for yourself and having courage. It’s a unique twist on a post-apocalyptic world. I think this is perfect for older kids and young teens.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shades of Watership Down! Set sometime after the year 2117, there is a new world order. Man, thanks to his ignorance to climate change, and to massive disease outbreak has been annihilated – at least within Million Acre Woods somewhere in Canada. The woods are now populated with a new world order. According to the History of the Known World, “at the end, the woods were full of animals. But the same winnowing that took the Dead Gods [Humans] took many animals too. Only six kinds of creatures are left for canids: deer, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel and moose.”
War Bunny’s focus is on the survival of rabbits. In the opening chapters we are introduced to the Blood Thorn Warren, in which our protagonist, Anastasia dwells. The runt of her litter, she is inquisitive, questioning, disobedient, has a touch of OCD “is not right in the head” and is barren. Instigated by her own mother (Olympia) and father (Darius), her perceived shortcomings become a cocktail for eviction from the warren. But is that the real reason for casting her out?
As her story progresses, we are introduced to a rigidly structured belief system, akin to human religious hierarchy. A system, dominated by the males of her species. In this system, “Dah” has written the rules for proper societal behavior. A rabbit must, at all times, be prepared to experience “the Giving” [surrender] and accept “Glorification” [death] to the “Blessed Ones” [Fox, Weasel, Hawk, Coyote] to enter “The Lucky Fields” where he/she will be able to romp forever. “There is no outrunning the mercy of Dah”, she is told, and yet Anastasia questions and wrestles with this and other truths she has been taught since she was a kit.
Once ostracized, Anastasia establishes a “warren” of colorful characters who both help and hinder her as she wrestles with the meanings of self, sacrifice, truth and faith. There is plenty of war, love, acceptance and action within War Bunny’s pages, as one little rabbit turns the entire rabbit world as they know it, upside down. Anastasia’s story is compelling, deeply thought provoking, and had me captivated until the very end.
Christopher St. John’s rich allegory is filled with nuances of politics, power, feminism and organized religion. It is book one thus far, of a trilogy that includes the books Summerday and City of Oom.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
War Bunny is the first book of the War Bunny Chronicles. Humans have been extinct for 300 hundred years, and animals control the world. When a young bunny starts to question the role of rabbits in the natural order of things, she is shunned by her warren. What happens when you are the prey and lose the little protection you have in life?
War Bunny is a post-apocalyptic story examining the roles of ” animals ” in society. The story is a clever look at society and how those who buck against what is expected from them. This can be enjoyed by a teen audience, but with the warning that there are some deaths. I liked that the author used animals to discuss societal questions that plague the world. The themes are common and will be understood by a broad audience. I enjoyed the book and am curious about the next book in the series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In a post-apocalyptic world humans have been extinct for 300 years. The animals have all begun to have more human attributes. Anastasia, a curious rabbit, begins to question her elders which results in her banishment from the Warren. Out in the wild and alone she begins to meet other outcasts and they band together in a revolution. Can rabbits and foxes coexist in peace?
An original and refreshing concept that is for the most part well executed. The concept of predator and prey is explored and how it mirrors human behavior. I found the start of book a little slow but methodical and it quickly morphed into an action packed story full of world building, drama, and some humor as well. Looking forward to the next books in the series.
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story, War Bunny, is totally a different spin for me of what I normally read and I drifted out of my comfort zone as I definitely was intrigued by both the cover and the synposis of this book. I was surprised, in a good way, that this was an enjoyable story. Predator/Prey, survival of the fittest, love and getting past fear especially when you are made to leave your family due to being different and thinking in a different way.
In a post-apocalyptic world animals rule, but there are no humans…Anastasia happen to be the one that was ousted out of her own Warren, forcing her to start new. Why should a bunny become prey and feel the need to be ok with it. When an unexpected fate happens when prey overcomes and saves them-self over a know predator, what can possibly happen next. You know Mother Warren will be displeased believing you should be prey….
War Bunny is a story of growth, courage, fight for what right to overcome, and how society may see you even if the story based on animals. I am intrigued of what is to come in this series…
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War Bunny by Christopher St. John is an action-packed fantasy book with animals. This book reminded me of Redwall by Brandon Jacques. The book takes on war against rabbits and foxes. The humans are also Extinct. I love how this book focuses on how nature also hurts each other and how the world can be cruel. I love how Christopher wrote the main characters and how they are portrayed. This book is great for people who love apocalypse books but also action-packed fantasy books. Warning this book also has animals that die in it so if you don’t like animals dying, I do not recommend this book. So, grab some snacks maybe a drink and enjoy this page-turner of a book if you like it there are 2 more books in the series.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War Bunny by Christopher St. John is an action-packed fantasy book with animals. This book reminded me of Redwall by Brandon Jacques. The book takes on war against rabbits and foxes. The humans are also Extinct. I love how this book focuses on how nature also hurts each other and how the world can be cruel. I love how Christopher wrote the main characters and how they are portrayed. This book is great for people who love apocalypse books but also action-packed fantasy books. Warning this book also has animals that die in it so if you don’t like animals dying, I do not recommend this book. So, grab some snacks maybe a drink and enjoy this page-turner of a book if you like it there are 2 more books in the series.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone recommended this book to me. I did not know if I would like it. What a strong cast of fantastic characters. There is a great, easy to follow story line. I CANNOT wait to dive into book two! I was MARVELOUSLY SURPISED!!!!
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! What a fantastic unique read! I was taken away from the first page and it was hard to put it down until the end. It is rated for YA but I enjoyed reading it as an adult since it is so well written. Anastasia is a bunny that gets kicked out of her warren for being sick in the head. She questions why bunnies have to give up their lives to predators in the name of their God Dah. The viewpoint changes from a variety of the animals including the predators. The post apocalyptic world is fun since there is a lot of pieces that the author has included. Since it is set in the perspective of animals we get pieces of information about how the humans died also know as the Dead Gods. The lead up from the start of the story to the end is incredible it had me rooting for Anastasia and all the other prey animals for fighting back. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
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
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such an interesting story and a unique way to approach it. Even though the story is completely different, it gave me the same vibes I got from reading things like Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies and Hunger Games. And that was just from the description, so I knew I was in for a great read.
The author has clearly given a lot of thought to this story and it shows in the way it was written. Every part of it was well developed and the story really drew me in. For me, this was an unexpected read but one I enjoyed from start to finish. I am looking forward to the others in the series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles. This was a really interesting read, set in a time where humans are extinct and animals have free rein over the world. As a lover of Watership Down I jumped at the chance to read another story about a family of rabbits and their struggle for survival.
My heart cried for Anastasia. Just because she was different and didn’t want to follow the beliefs of the warren she was told she was sick in the head and thrown out of her protective family warren to find her way on her own. The family she had were scared of who is was because she didn’t want to tow the line she wanted to live not just become food for prey.
When she now finds herself kicked out and alone she realises she needs friends to survive.
This is a story about different species coming together and finding a safe space where they can live in harmony.
This is a moving story with links to our world today. It includes issues such as religion, family dynamics and hierarchys and learning to be strong enough to go against things trying to keep us oppressed.
The unique twist of this story being about animals but with them dealing with issues we find ourselves deal with made this story really unique and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was hooked from the beginning. The premise of fighting the ‘predator vs prey’ idea is transformed with this story of a bunny who decides to fight back. Unfortunately for her, societal norms dictate that prey is all that they are so Anastasia is cast out from her home. I think what makes this book more unique is the post-apocalyptic aspect to the story and the anthropomorphic quality to the animals as the main characters. The story itself is fast-paced and packed with thrills and adventure.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 stars
I came across a surprising book called War Bunny, set in a post-apocalyptic world where animals have taken over and humans no longer exist. The story follows a small bunny named Anastasia who questions the established hierarchy and fights for a better way of life after being banished. The book is narrated mainly from Anastasia’s perspective but also includes multiple points of view to provide a comprehensive picture of the characters and their feelings. War Bunny addresses various themes such as mental disorders, violence, religion, and politics. It’s a tale of courage, self-empowerment, and striving for a better world. If you’re looking for a unique read, then Christopher’s War Bunny Chronicles is worth checking out. War Bunny is primarily aimed at YA’s but I as an older adult enjoyed it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
Click here to view the Book Trailer for War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John
Christopher St. John is a writer based in northern California. He volunteers for several animal rescue organizations. And he’s proud to be part of the group that helped get the California Fur Ban signed into law in 2019.
He and his family live with rescue bunnies running freely in their well-nibbled home.
The first book in the War Bunny Chronicles was published in 2021. Kirkus Reviews calls it “An entertaining, imaginative post-apocalyptic scenario with special appeal for animal lovers.”
