Before starting Rabbits by Terry Miles, I thought I would be able to answer the question what this book was about. I knew there had to be more than a cute, almost rainbow, bunny on the cover. But, once finished, I still did not have a clue what had taken me a little less than two weeks to read was about.
The main character is K, (yes short for something, but they are not telling). K and their friends are old-school gamers (their arcade with blasts from the past games are a must, and of course, the newest thing on the market is devoured by them). And K is an “expert” in a real-world game called Rabbits and gives underground “seminars” to players and wannabes. But like Fight Club, you do not talk about Rabbits (yes, irony). This real-life game has people finding patterns, random clues and odd stuff that is all somehow connected. Or not. The fact you never know if you are playing or not is probably the first clue you are playing.
K and friends think they must play the game Rabbits to win fame and fortune, as well as saving the world. But it could mean their end. I mean, their real end. No more lives in reserve. Dead is dead. But then again, sometimes people who have been dead for a few years show up and put out a new album. People who you’ve just spent the evening drinking wine with, don’t remember who you are. Occasionally a restaurant that has been closed for six years is open and serving a damn fine lunch. The third movie in a trilogy you spent a few hours watching, does not show up on an internet search. Fantasy and reality make up a path of science and fiction. Blink and you miss clues, understandings and more. All the little things start adding up to life or death for K and crew.
The first half of the book was steady but slow going. I literally got to the halfway mark, and I was stuck. I could not pick it up to save my good name at the library. I thought I was going to have to quit. Yet, I did pick it up and yes, started down that second half slowly. The book never picks up to breakneck speed. Even when K is being chased by people it is a very causal pacing to the tone of the book. I never felt that anything bad was going to happen. Even though people have died, gone missing and there is talk of waves and ley lines.
Most of what you know from science fiction is here. It has a Ready Player One vibe. But also, Quantum Leap, Star Trek (without aliens, but that technology aspect). Along with the mystery of “Who Is Doing It” (and some “Who Done It”). A more hardcore science-fiction reader/viewer will see many other nods to the genre.
The hardest part for me was when actual science comes into play. Most of what Miles mentions are things I’ve heard of but have little to no understanding of. The concepts are explained easily enough, but still there are things that can be a little bog-downing to the overall plot for some. While a non-science fiction reader can read it, take your time. There’s a lot to learn and the clock is ticking.