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Code Red
The Vampires are Running the Asylum!
Wormwood Asylum, a private mental hospital located in Southwest Virginia, specializes in treating adolescent psychoses, including Renfield’s Syndrome, an obsession with drinking blood. But when a young man is committed to Wormwood because he believes he’s a vampire, it turns out he wasn’t lying, and soon rapacious revenants are running rampant through the rural mountain community. To fight the bodacious bloodsuckers, the local sheriff teams up with a candy striper and her moonshiner grandpa, who just happens to have an arsenal of war-grade weapons stored in his prepper bunker, for a bloody country hoedown of epic proportions.
Wormwood Asylum, a private mental hospital located in Southwest Virginia, specializes in treating adolescent psychoses, including Renfield’s Syndrome, an obsession with drinking blood. But when a young man is committed to Wormwood because he believes he’s a vampire, it turns out he wasn’t lying, and soon rapacious revenants are running rampant through the rural mountain community. To fight the bodacious bloodsuckers, the local sheriff teams up with a candy striper and her moonshiner grandpa, who just happens to have an arsenal of war-grade weapons stored in his prepper bunker, for a bloody country hoedown of epic proportions.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
24 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
R. Saint Claire
35 books248 followersRegina writes adult and young adult fiction, but always with a dark flair. Writing honors include a Watty Award for best horror novel and multiple screenwriting awards, including a Webby Honoree. Regina is also the contributing editor of the bestselling Local Haunts: A HorrorTube Anthology. Find Regina, and her alter-ego Batilda, at her BookTube channel, Regina's Haunted Library, and on her blog RSaintClaire.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 6, 2025
I had a lot of fun with this story. Vampires are so pliable in how they can look, be killed, their abilities, etc. So it’s always fun to see what writers do with them. Now the author kept the lore very traditional. And that’s fine, especially when it’s done well, which it was. But there were no surprises in that arena, and I figured out exactly how the story was going to play out pretty early on. Now the story starts out centered around Bobbi-Jean and her work at Wormwood. Lots of creepiness and a general uneasiness just flooded me as the reader. Nice atmosphere created and there was a slow burn effect leading to the eventual emergence of our favorite bloodsuckers. So nothing was rushed and there was good framework built to allow the latter part of the book to flow without many restrictions. And then around the halfway point, there was a hard pivot and we have a good ole’ fashioned, fast-paced, shoot’m up wild ride. And it pretty much stayed the course until the very end. Now while you liked most of the characters, Silas was the best. Think of him like the grandfather from The Lost Boys, but with a ton of firepower. Almost every line of dialogue from him made me laugh. Now the biggest critique I had here was the ultimate goal of the experiments. I don’t want to spoil anything, but that felt like the reason that I found was very, very inadequate. So that was a bit of a letdown to an otherwise very entertaining and well-written horror story. This was my first read from R Saint Claire and I’m looking forward to more.
November 10, 2022
I wanted this one to work!
An asylum gets a new patient. He has a mental illness and suffers from symptoms that cause cravings for blood as food! In other words: He believes he is a Vampire.
"Very rare" the head Psychiatrist says to the patient's parents. Not to worry though. As this is the best facility to provide the best treatment of course.
One tiny problem. He's a real vampire.
As you can anticipate. The vampire turns the facility upside down. Creating and unleashing a group of looney tunes turned vampires. There is gore, yet somewhat frightful, and solid attempts at humor. Unfortunately, it reads more like a script, and not a good one at that.
Perhaps there's a movie to be made from this. As a horror novel alone, it cries amateur and screams for a backup writer to make it work.
*Thank you to BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the digital review copy.
An asylum gets a new patient. He has a mental illness and suffers from symptoms that cause cravings for blood as food! In other words: He believes he is a Vampire.
"Very rare" the head Psychiatrist says to the patient's parents. Not to worry though. As this is the best facility to provide the best treatment of course.
One tiny problem. He's a real vampire.
As you can anticipate. The vampire turns the facility upside down. Creating and unleashing a group of looney tunes turned vampires. There is gore, yet somewhat frightful, and solid attempts at humor. Unfortunately, it reads more like a script, and not a good one at that.
Perhaps there's a movie to be made from this. As a horror novel alone, it cries amateur and screams for a backup writer to make it work.
*Thank you to BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the digital review copy.
March 10, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5
Wormwood Asylum, a private mental hospital located in Southwest Virginia, specializes in treating adolescent psychoses, including Renfield’s Syndrome, an obsession with drinking blood. But when a young man is committed to Wormwood because he believes he’s a vampire, it turns out he wasn’t lying, and soon rapacious revenants are running rampant through the rural mountain community. To fight the blatant bloodsuckers, the local sheriff teams up with a candy striper and her moonshiner grandpa, who just happens to have an arsenal of war-grade weapons stored in his prepper bunker, for a bloody country hoedown of epic proportions.
This was a hidden gem. Vampires, check. Asylum, check. Southern vibes, check. I was sold from the outset and Saint Claire delivered. Excellent character development, spooky atmospheric settings, violent and tense plot line, what more was there to want. If you call yourself a horror/vampire book lover then you have got to read this book NOW!
Wormwood Asylum, a private mental hospital located in Southwest Virginia, specializes in treating adolescent psychoses, including Renfield’s Syndrome, an obsession with drinking blood. But when a young man is committed to Wormwood because he believes he’s a vampire, it turns out he wasn’t lying, and soon rapacious revenants are running rampant through the rural mountain community. To fight the blatant bloodsuckers, the local sheriff teams up with a candy striper and her moonshiner grandpa, who just happens to have an arsenal of war-grade weapons stored in his prepper bunker, for a bloody country hoedown of epic proportions.
This was a hidden gem. Vampires, check. Asylum, check. Southern vibes, check. I was sold from the outset and Saint Claire delivered. Excellent character development, spooky atmospheric settings, violent and tense plot line, what more was there to want. If you call yourself a horror/vampire book lover then you have got to read this book NOW!
April 23, 2023
After a slow (but worthwhile) build up, this kicks into gear in a big way in the second half and delivers some brilliant balls to the wall ordinary folks vs vampires action. R Saint Claire makes great use of her Appalachian setting and writes her characters very well, including a couple of very enjoyable strong women in protagonist Bobbi-Jean and the local sheriff. The first half is low on horror, but the tension builds well and you get to know the characters well enough to care about them when the action starts. Great fun.
September 20, 2022
This book read like a "B" vampire movie. And I loved it!
The first 1/2 -3/4 I admit was better than the ending but only because the ending seemed a bit rushed, extra cheesy and very predictable. Still, with that being said, I really enjoyed it.
This book was light, fun, creepy, and mixed with some Southern humor. Bless her heart, it was good!
If you're in need of a quick, entertaining read to get you out of a reading slump or to cleanse your reading palate between books, give this one a try!
I gave this 4.5⭐️, rounded up to 5⭐️. I will definitely check out more of this author's work. If her other books are anything like this one, she has gained a new fan!
The first 1/2 -3/4 I admit was better than the ending but only because the ending seemed a bit rushed, extra cheesy and very predictable. Still, with that being said, I really enjoyed it.
This book was light, fun, creepy, and mixed with some Southern humor. Bless her heart, it was good!
If you're in need of a quick, entertaining read to get you out of a reading slump or to cleanse your reading palate between books, give this one a try!
I gave this 4.5⭐️, rounded up to 5⭐️. I will definitely check out more of this author's work. If her other books are anything like this one, she has gained a new fan!
September 6, 2022
This story was awesome and packed with gory goodness. After Kyle's parents drop him off at Wormwood Asylum, having been diagnosed with a medical called Renfield. Which results in him believing that he is a vampire. All Hell breaks loose. Something very strange is about to happen with all the patients and staff, and Hell is about to open it's gates.
After witnessing a tragic accident on the local bridge of the town of Blackwater, the sheriff, Georgia starts to investigate. She is dedicated to her job and tries her best to keep the peace in the small town.
Bobbie-Jean is a assistant nurse at Wormwood Asylum, who plans to attend beauty school. She lives in a trailer with her grandfather Silas, and has a over protective boyfriend (sort of) called Donnie.
After they all discover that members of the town and the asylum are turning into vampires, they most put aside their differences, work together and survive.
This story has a fantastic pace, which isn't all bloody on every page. It focuses on character development and slowly builds up to numerous blood baths. I was really invested into these characters and I cared about them. I would highly recommend this novel, especially during Halloween.
After witnessing a tragic accident on the local bridge of the town of Blackwater, the sheriff, Georgia starts to investigate. She is dedicated to her job and tries her best to keep the peace in the small town.
Bobbie-Jean is a assistant nurse at Wormwood Asylum, who plans to attend beauty school. She lives in a trailer with her grandfather Silas, and has a over protective boyfriend (sort of) called Donnie.
After they all discover that members of the town and the asylum are turning into vampires, they most put aside their differences, work together and survive.
This story has a fantastic pace, which isn't all bloody on every page. It focuses on character development and slowly builds up to numerous blood baths. I was really invested into these characters and I cared about them. I would highly recommend this novel, especially during Halloween.
September 22, 2022
I had no issues imagining this book as a movie as I read. It was made to be a movie.
This starts off with a couple that have been driving all night to drop their vampire son off at a mental hospital, because they think he is just imagining that he is a vampire. The joke is on them, cause it was not all in his head.
This was a southern book, so there is a lot of things I recognized, since that is what I am, so seeing people named Cooter did not look out of the ordinary to me.
The first, lets say 25% was really good. I had an issue getting through the rest and the ending could have been a bit different.
I highly recommend this one if you need a palate cleanser, as it has good vibes.
This starts off with a couple that have been driving all night to drop their vampire son off at a mental hospital, because they think he is just imagining that he is a vampire. The joke is on them, cause it was not all in his head.
This was a southern book, so there is a lot of things I recognized, since that is what I am, so seeing people named Cooter did not look out of the ordinary to me.
The first, lets say 25% was really good. I had an issue getting through the rest and the ending could have been a bit different.
I highly recommend this one if you need a palate cleanser, as it has good vibes.
September 17, 2022
I purchased Code Red as a paperback from Amazon. A while back, I became a fan of R. Saint Claire’s writing and BookTube / HorrorTube channel: Regina’s Haunted Library. We’ve interacted in the comments and participated in a buddy read. Despite my online interaction with Regina, and developing professional relationship, this is an honest review.
I’ve previously read and enjoyed short stories by R. Saint Claire in the anthologies Local Haunts, Served Cold, and We’re Not Home. I’ve also read her novella Unmasked and her story collection Women in Trouble. With all that in mind, I feel like Code Red is R. Saint Claire’s masterpiece work thus far; this book was phenomenal and fun to read. The tagline on the cover “The vampires are running the asylum” was also a great marketing move.
I love the way the author captures small-town culture. There’s a charm to these characters and their way of life, which is nice to see before the inevitable vampire carnage. They felt like real people reacting to the tragedy and horror around them. I highly recommend this story collection for fans of horror, especially for fans of realistic vampire stories.
I’ve previously read and enjoyed short stories by R. Saint Claire in the anthologies Local Haunts, Served Cold, and We’re Not Home. I’ve also read her novella Unmasked and her story collection Women in Trouble. With all that in mind, I feel like Code Red is R. Saint Claire’s masterpiece work thus far; this book was phenomenal and fun to read. The tagline on the cover “The vampires are running the asylum” was also a great marketing move.
I love the way the author captures small-town culture. There’s a charm to these characters and their way of life, which is nice to see before the inevitable vampire carnage. They felt like real people reacting to the tragedy and horror around them. I highly recommend this story collection for fans of horror, especially for fans of realistic vampire stories.
October 5, 2022
Exaggerated southern slang, over-the-top violence, and a horde of mentally unstable vampires... hell yes.
Going into this I was expecting it to be a bit cheesy and focused mostly on the horror and violence. It does, and also manages to be comedic (but not too much to detract from the moments of action and suspense), and it also happens to have a mostly solid plot and great characterization. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.
I do wish that more of the story took place in the asylum. There's a blurb on the back of the book that says, "The Vampires Are Running the Asylum", and I would have liked to see more action and chaos within that environment, and I think it would have been more suspenseful to see the vampirism gradually spread among the patients. That setting is really only a small part of the story.
There were also quite a few grammatical errors towards the end that sort of interrupted the flow of things for me but with it being a self-published book I can't knock it too much for that.
Overall this book was a bloody good time - it's not high literature by any means but if you're looking for an engaging, fun horror story this is it! This almost feels like a throwback to the 80s paperbacks from hell era of books.
Going into this I was expecting it to be a bit cheesy and focused mostly on the horror and violence. It does, and also manages to be comedic (but not too much to detract from the moments of action and suspense), and it also happens to have a mostly solid plot and great characterization. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.
I do wish that more of the story took place in the asylum. There's a blurb on the back of the book that says, "The Vampires Are Running the Asylum", and I would have liked to see more action and chaos within that environment, and I think it would have been more suspenseful to see the vampirism gradually spread among the patients. That setting is really only a small part of the story.
There were also quite a few grammatical errors towards the end that sort of interrupted the flow of things for me but with it being a self-published book I can't knock it too much for that.
Overall this book was a bloody good time - it's not high literature by any means but if you're looking for an engaging, fun horror story this is it! This almost feels like a throwback to the 80s paperbacks from hell era of books.
September 10, 2022
Code Red was such an astounding read! I was drawn in by the quote "𝙑𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙍𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙨𝙮𝙡𝙪𝙢!"
Code Red is my first read by R. Saint Claire and this story did not disappoint! The events are very unique and suck you in, pun unintentionally intended and no regrets had making the pun or reading this book! Filled with blood, gore (not constant) and a ton of vampires! You'll love the amazing character building and wickedly delightful horror atmosphere.
What are you waiting for!? Get this book, it won't let you down!
Thank you Netgalley and R. Saint Claire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Code Red is my first read by R. Saint Claire and this story did not disappoint! The events are very unique and suck you in, pun unintentionally intended and no regrets had making the pun or reading this book! Filled with blood, gore (not constant) and a ton of vampires! You'll love the amazing character building and wickedly delightful horror atmosphere.
What are you waiting for!? Get this book, it won't let you down!
Thank you Netgalley and R. Saint Claire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2022
Camp out
A real treat for anyone who likes a good old camp story, but be warned these are not the glow in the sun vamps of twlight.
A real treat for anyone who likes a good old camp story, but be warned these are not the glow in the sun vamps of twlight.
September 12, 2022
Regina is such a talented writer! This book was incredible! I could not put it down! Love this book!
August 3, 2023
As many of my readers know, I've been a fan of vampires since I first picked up 'Dracula' when I was about 10. Hey, books don't have an age-rating, do they? (OK, I got scared, but I loved it!)
In recent years, there's been such a glut of urban-supernatural fiction on the shelves that it's hard to find the true horror among them. I've gone from reading everything I could get my hands on with vampires in, to being a LOT more choosy. No sparkling, thanks.
I was therefore hugely glad to discover that 'Code Red' is absolute red-blooded horror, with a fantastic mix of old-school vampire scares mixed with small-town America creepiness. If 'True Blood' wasn't so much about relationships and more about survival.
We have a dying country town of closed-down factories and despondent not-quite rednecks, as well as a mysterious asylum - or perhaps research facility? - nearby that has a troublesome new resident. With the mood of the recent TV show 'From', it seems as if folk can't come into town without experiencing difficulties, let's say, and nobody's able to leave - but that's less supernatural and more the idea of being trapped in the place you grew up as life passes you by.
I was doubtful as to the characters when I first met them, but needn't have worried. Everyone is very real, even if they initially might seem like stereotypes. Backgrounds are sad, full of unfulfilled nostalgia and endless hope, but from the cynical lady Sheriff to the pretty girl with beauty-school ambition, they quickly become sympathetic and likeable. Just in time for the red stuff to hit the fan.
This book reminds me of the lurid foil-covered pulps of the 80s, as well as the vampire books of the 90s that kicked back against Anne Rice's romance. Imagine 'Salem's Lot' but for the modern audience; it has that same creepiness that gradually ramps up until like the protagonists, we can't escape (ie put the book down!). Oh, and spot the easter eggs if you're a fan like me.
I suspect this will be a cult classic, and it absolutely deserves the recognition that word-of-mouth will bring. I'll be recommending it.
In recent years, there's been such a glut of urban-supernatural fiction on the shelves that it's hard to find the true horror among them. I've gone from reading everything I could get my hands on with vampires in, to being a LOT more choosy. No sparkling, thanks.
I was therefore hugely glad to discover that 'Code Red' is absolute red-blooded horror, with a fantastic mix of old-school vampire scares mixed with small-town America creepiness. If 'True Blood' wasn't so much about relationships and more about survival.
We have a dying country town of closed-down factories and despondent not-quite rednecks, as well as a mysterious asylum - or perhaps research facility? - nearby that has a troublesome new resident. With the mood of the recent TV show 'From', it seems as if folk can't come into town without experiencing difficulties, let's say, and nobody's able to leave - but that's less supernatural and more the idea of being trapped in the place you grew up as life passes you by.
I was doubtful as to the characters when I first met them, but needn't have worried. Everyone is very real, even if they initially might seem like stereotypes. Backgrounds are sad, full of unfulfilled nostalgia and endless hope, but from the cynical lady Sheriff to the pretty girl with beauty-school ambition, they quickly become sympathetic and likeable. Just in time for the red stuff to hit the fan.
This book reminds me of the lurid foil-covered pulps of the 80s, as well as the vampire books of the 90s that kicked back against Anne Rice's romance. Imagine 'Salem's Lot' but for the modern audience; it has that same creepiness that gradually ramps up until like the protagonists, we can't escape (ie put the book down!). Oh, and spot the easter eggs if you're a fan like me.
I suspect this will be a cult classic, and it absolutely deserves the recognition that word-of-mouth will bring. I'll be recommending it.
October 18, 2022
This was a fun read.
Sheriff Georgia Dixon and old Silas were great characters, and their interactions made me laugh. The scenes were well written - it was easy to imagine inside Wormwood, the lab, and Silas' trailer. The story moved at a good pace.
If you're looking for a light horror read that leaves you with a smile I would recommend this book.
Sheriff Georgia Dixon and old Silas were great characters, and their interactions made me laugh. The scenes were well written - it was easy to imagine inside Wormwood, the lab, and Silas' trailer. The story moved at a good pace.
If you're looking for a light horror read that leaves you with a smile I would recommend this book.
November 10, 2022
“Lavender mist drifted through the Appalachian dawn like smoke from a double-barrel shotgun.”
So starts Code Red by R Saint Clair, and she is on fire with this latest offering.
When the book was announced I was a complete sucker for the premise (forgive the pun): a private mental hospital in Southwest Virginia is overrun by vampires. I came for the vampires, and their insidious threat grows in the background to explode at around the midway point of the novel. What I wasn’t expecting was that by the time that happened, I’d already been pulled into the intertwining lives of our protagonists, who will eventually form a ragtag, armed response to the supernatural threat.
This disparate group of people all jump off the page; each has their own unique views of the world and ways of speaking. I was having a blast just spending time in their company, observing their overlapping lives, hopes, regrets and frustrations. When they came, the vampires – the very thing I purchased this book for – became the icing on the cake!
I’m a fan of Saint Clair’s writing (I’ve only read her horror offerings to date). Her short story collection ‘Women in Trouble’ is highly recommended as a primer; ‘Unmasked’ is a twisted riot, and ‘Fashion Victims’ is crying out to be filmed as an homage to Italian giallo horror of the 70s and 80s. With ‘Code Red’ her pacing, characterisation and turns of phrase (especially the colloquialisms of our protagonists) have found another gear.
So starts Code Red by R Saint Clair, and she is on fire with this latest offering.
When the book was announced I was a complete sucker for the premise (forgive the pun): a private mental hospital in Southwest Virginia is overrun by vampires. I came for the vampires, and their insidious threat grows in the background to explode at around the midway point of the novel. What I wasn’t expecting was that by the time that happened, I’d already been pulled into the intertwining lives of our protagonists, who will eventually form a ragtag, armed response to the supernatural threat.
This disparate group of people all jump off the page; each has their own unique views of the world and ways of speaking. I was having a blast just spending time in their company, observing their overlapping lives, hopes, regrets and frustrations. When they came, the vampires – the very thing I purchased this book for – became the icing on the cake!
I’m a fan of Saint Clair’s writing (I’ve only read her horror offerings to date). Her short story collection ‘Women in Trouble’ is highly recommended as a primer; ‘Unmasked’ is a twisted riot, and ‘Fashion Victims’ is crying out to be filmed as an homage to Italian giallo horror of the 70s and 80s. With ‘Code Red’ her pacing, characterisation and turns of phrase (especially the colloquialisms of our protagonists) have found another gear.
October 31, 2022
I won a Code Red paperback from the author at her youtube channel, Regina's Haunted Library. She did not ask for anything in return. This is the least I could do. Thanks to Regina for her generosity.
Code Red is a fun ride on the back of a 3-wheeler, with a road block or two along the way, or maybe a vampire. Code Red indeed. The story begins with a Mom and Dad driving into a small town with their sick son in the back. One parent strikes me as entitled (though not explicitly stated), the other just strikes. R Saint Claire's writing inspires quick, page turning confidence, economically creating relatable flesh and blood (sorry, not sorry) characters with important details and convincing dialogue, lifting them above stock. Evocative atmosphere is painted without unnecessary brush strokes, reminds me of vampire lore. The author has a lot of fun with mountain grandpap Silas Cooter, making me smile and laugh. I definitely wouldn't decline sitting on ole Silas' porch, with a special brew, listening to him pick his banjo. The objectification, dismissal and sexism women endure on a daily basis is smartly included, but not heavy-handed. Code Red is like a very satisfying, but not fussy, meal cooked by your mom. If she were a vampire.
Code Red is a fun ride on the back of a 3-wheeler, with a road block or two along the way, or maybe a vampire. Code Red indeed. The story begins with a Mom and Dad driving into a small town with their sick son in the back. One parent strikes me as entitled (though not explicitly stated), the other just strikes. R Saint Claire's writing inspires quick, page turning confidence, economically creating relatable flesh and blood (sorry, not sorry) characters with important details and convincing dialogue, lifting them above stock. Evocative atmosphere is painted without unnecessary brush strokes, reminds me of vampire lore. The author has a lot of fun with mountain grandpap Silas Cooter, making me smile and laugh. I definitely wouldn't decline sitting on ole Silas' porch, with a special brew, listening to him pick his banjo. The objectification, dismissal and sexism women endure on a daily basis is smartly included, but not heavy-handed. Code Red is like a very satisfying, but not fussy, meal cooked by your mom. If she were a vampire.
December 14, 2022
I don’t usually read vampire stuff, but I was able to enjoy this book. I found it to be very well-paced, and the gore/humour was well-balanced.
The story is set in the Deep South, and there are plenty of jokes that are inspired by the culture there. The one-liners uttered by a character called Silus made the story entertaining.
I would describe the book as a fun slasher/vampire story. Read it if you’re looking for something violent and comical at the same time.
The story is set in the Deep South, and there are plenty of jokes that are inspired by the culture there. The one-liners uttered by a character called Silus made the story entertaining.
I would describe the book as a fun slasher/vampire story. Read it if you’re looking for something violent and comical at the same time.
January 1, 2023
I really loved this book. In fact I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It read so easily and so quickly. Most solid readers will get through this in an evening. It's got Gore and vampires and a compelling story. I highly recommend this if you like vampire stories. What a great new author for me to read.
Creepy: 4
Writing style: 4
Overall story: 4.5
Creepy: 4
Writing style: 4
Overall story: 4.5
September 3, 2022
Code Red by R. Saint Claire.
The Vampires are Running the Asylum! After taking their son to the asylum can Melissa and Gabe get out of town?
A brilliant read. Read in one sitting. Unique Story. Great characters. 5*.
The Vampires are Running the Asylum! After taking their son to the asylum can Melissa and Gabe get out of town?
A brilliant read. Read in one sitting. Unique Story. Great characters. 5*.
September 21, 2022
its pretty good even though it takes a while for the action to get goin
December 30, 2022
4.65 stars.
January 1, 2023
A refreshing take on a vampire book that I found myself actively picking up to read instead of my usual means of time consumption.
Easy-going. I'm always excited to read more from Saint Claire!
Easy-going. I'm always excited to read more from Saint Claire!
October 13, 2023
This story ROCKS!!!!
Look for my video review on YouTube, coming soon!
Look for my video review on YouTube, coming soon!
November 19, 2022
A huge thanks to Netgalley and R. Saint Claire for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I heard that this book won an award on Wattpad and how cool. I really need to go on Wattpad more, it has come so far....Anyway! This book started off extremely well, bloody, gory and terrifying (A regular Friday night for me 😉) However towards the middle the story started to bore me. I felt myself not caring about the characters, they were not well rounded enough for me.
I am looking forward to the next book this author writes.
I recommend this book for people who love vampires and horror.
I am looking forward to the next book this author writes.
I recommend this book for people who love vampires and horror.
October 7, 2025
great read
Enjoyable and fast paced. Only a few typos but characters well developed, believable and felt like I was right there as things unfolded. I hope to read more by this new author. Well done.
Enjoyable and fast paced. Only a few typos but characters well developed, believable and felt like I was right there as things unfolded. I hope to read more by this new author. Well done.
September 25, 2022
This was one wild ride; full of suspense, gore, action and horror. A different kind of vampire story with references to other horror books, whether intentional or unintentional, but definitely original. Could easily see this as a film.
Loved it!
Loved it!
September 17, 2024
Don't give up !
This book started slow, but man, it got better !! It is a really good read ! Is there a part 2 ??
This book started slow, but man, it got better !! It is a really good read ! Is there a part 2 ??
November 10, 2022
📚📚Code Red by R. Saint Claire 📚📚
Hi everyone, Its Christopher the reader here, the book we are here to talk about tonight is Code Red. This was my first read of R. Saint Claire's work. After reading this book I would like to maybe give her other books a go sometime. I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for a copy of 'Code Red' in return for an honest review. I first read this book in October, of this year (2022), It took me a day to finish reading. 'Code red' was first published on the 31st of August, of this year (2022). The book was told using third person with it following many characters. The story mostly stayed with a person called 'Bobbi-Jean Cooter'. 'Code Red' had 43 chapters. All together the book had around 372 pages.
-I found this story interesting; I thought that this book had some good character and place detail. I loved how the book first started and I liked some of the twists and turns that the story had. Personally, I am not a fan of multiple viewpoints within books. For me it seems like when I get engulfed in a scene and also attached to the character it switches to something completely different which can be very annoying at times. A part that I did like was when some of the point of views collided in with each other which I feel happened pretty fast. I was happy that we didn't have to wait very long for that to happen. A scene within this book did remind me of one of my favourites reads. The maze runner: The death cure which I liked.
I would have preferred if 'Code Red' had the point of view that we, the reader was following labelled. For me I did feel like it took me out of the story a little when trying to work out what character we were following. To be honest I wasn't a huge fan of the pacing I found it pretty slow. I did like the first half of the story I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next but later, for me it started to feel a bit boring. I did think that the book would have been set in the hospital. The blurb said, "The Vampires Are Running the Asylum" but I don't feel like the story took place that much within the hospital itself. I did enjoy the action that the book had but I personally would have liked more. I do think for me I would have liked it more if the story did take place only within the hospital and maybe following one or two points of views that it would have given the book some good suspenseful scenes especially reading about it slowly being spread among the patients as well as being in that environment. I do feel like some parts could have been worded a little differently also while reading I did notice a few missing words.
-I feel like we got to know most of the characters well and I felt like they were also pretty realistic.
-I did like the ending, but it also did feel a bit rushed as well as predictable in my opinion. Personally, I do feel like this story was written more like a film instead of a book. If it does ever get turned into one, I do think I would go and watch it. I would like it if this story got its own audible book.
For each Book that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it 5. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself: as it will maybe be one of your favourites, you never know.
Hi everyone, Its Christopher the reader here, the book we are here to talk about tonight is Code Red. This was my first read of R. Saint Claire's work. After reading this book I would like to maybe give her other books a go sometime. I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for a copy of 'Code Red' in return for an honest review. I first read this book in October, of this year (2022), It took me a day to finish reading. 'Code red' was first published on the 31st of August, of this year (2022). The book was told using third person with it following many characters. The story mostly stayed with a person called 'Bobbi-Jean Cooter'. 'Code Red' had 43 chapters. All together the book had around 372 pages.
-I found this story interesting; I thought that this book had some good character and place detail. I loved how the book first started and I liked some of the twists and turns that the story had. Personally, I am not a fan of multiple viewpoints within books. For me it seems like when I get engulfed in a scene and also attached to the character it switches to something completely different which can be very annoying at times. A part that I did like was when some of the point of views collided in with each other which I feel happened pretty fast. I was happy that we didn't have to wait very long for that to happen. A scene within this book did remind me of one of my favourites reads. The maze runner: The death cure which I liked.
I would have preferred if 'Code Red' had the point of view that we, the reader was following labelled. For me I did feel like it took me out of the story a little when trying to work out what character we were following. To be honest I wasn't a huge fan of the pacing I found it pretty slow. I did like the first half of the story I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next but later, for me it started to feel a bit boring. I did think that the book would have been set in the hospital. The blurb said, "The Vampires Are Running the Asylum" but I don't feel like the story took place that much within the hospital itself. I did enjoy the action that the book had but I personally would have liked more. I do think for me I would have liked it more if the story did take place only within the hospital and maybe following one or two points of views that it would have given the book some good suspenseful scenes especially reading about it slowly being spread among the patients as well as being in that environment. I do feel like some parts could have been worded a little differently also while reading I did notice a few missing words.
-I feel like we got to know most of the characters well and I felt like they were also pretty realistic.
-I did like the ending, but it also did feel a bit rushed as well as predictable in my opinion. Personally, I do feel like this story was written more like a film instead of a book. If it does ever get turned into one, I do think I would go and watch it. I would like it if this story got its own audible book.
For each Book that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it 5. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself: as it will maybe be one of your favourites, you never know.
August 3, 2023
As many of my readers know, I've been a fan of vampires since I first picked up 'Dracula' when I was about 10. Hey, books don't have an age-rating, do they? (OK, I got scared, but I loved it!)
In recent years, there's been such a glut of urban-supernatural fiction on the shelves that it's hard to find the true horror among them. I've gone from reading everything I could get my hands on with vampires in, to being a LOT more choosy. No sparkling, thanks.
I was therefore hugely glad to discover that 'Code Red' is absolute red-blooded horror, with a fantastic mix of old-school vampire scares mixed with small-town America creepiness. If 'True Blood' wasn't so much about relationships and more about survival.
We have a dying country town of closed-down factories and despondent not-quite rednecks, as well as a mysterious asylum - or perhaps research facility? - nearby that has a troublesome new resident. With the mood of the recent TV show 'From', it seems as if folk can't come into town without experiencing difficulties, let's say, and nobody's able to leave - but that's less supernatural and more the idea of being trapped in the place you grew up as life passes you by.
I was doubtful as to the characters when I first met them, but needn't have worried. Everyone is very real, even if they initially might seem like stereotypes. Backgrounds are sad, full of unfulfilled nostalgia and endless hope, but from the cynical lady Sheriff to the pretty girl with beauty-school ambition, they quickly become sympathetic and likeable. Just in time for the red stuff to hit the fan.
This book reminds me of the lurid foil-covered pulps of the 80s, as well as the vampire books of the 90s that kicked back against Anne Rice's romance. Imagine 'Salem's Lot' but for the modern audience; it has that same creepiness that gradually ramps up until like the protagonists, we can't escape (ie put the book down!). Oh, and spot the easter eggs if you're a fan like me.
I suspect this will be a cult classic, and it absolutely deserves the recognition that word-of-mouth will bring. I'll be recommending it.
I was kindly sent an advance copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are my own.
In recent years, there's been such a glut of urban-supernatural fiction on the shelves that it's hard to find the true horror among them. I've gone from reading everything I could get my hands on with vampires in, to being a LOT more choosy. No sparkling, thanks.
I was therefore hugely glad to discover that 'Code Red' is absolute red-blooded horror, with a fantastic mix of old-school vampire scares mixed with small-town America creepiness. If 'True Blood' wasn't so much about relationships and more about survival.
We have a dying country town of closed-down factories and despondent not-quite rednecks, as well as a mysterious asylum - or perhaps research facility? - nearby that has a troublesome new resident. With the mood of the recent TV show 'From', it seems as if folk can't come into town without experiencing difficulties, let's say, and nobody's able to leave - but that's less supernatural and more the idea of being trapped in the place you grew up as life passes you by.
I was doubtful as to the characters when I first met them, but needn't have worried. Everyone is very real, even if they initially might seem like stereotypes. Backgrounds are sad, full of unfulfilled nostalgia and endless hope, but from the cynical lady Sheriff to the pretty girl with beauty-school ambition, they quickly become sympathetic and likeable. Just in time for the red stuff to hit the fan.
This book reminds me of the lurid foil-covered pulps of the 80s, as well as the vampire books of the 90s that kicked back against Anne Rice's romance. Imagine 'Salem's Lot' but for the modern audience; it has that same creepiness that gradually ramps up until like the protagonists, we can't escape (ie put the book down!). Oh, and spot the easter eggs if you're a fan like me.
I suspect this will be a cult classic, and it absolutely deserves the recognition that word-of-mouth will bring. I'll be recommending it.
I was kindly sent an advance copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are my own.
November 14, 2022
This book was a 3.5 for me. It was my first time reading R. Saint-Clair's work and I went back and forth on how I felt about Code Red.
What worked for me: I loved the vampires as they are presented. Common ways to kill, hungry for blood and the aspect of not knowing who will be turned next. Scary immortal beings in a literary world that too often romanticizes them. Reading the account of Bobbi-Jean and her grandfather Silas reminded me a bit of a personal account from World War Z by Max Brooks.
What didn't work for me: the pacing. A lot of the beginning felt very drawn out and slow. Toward the end, where I found myself fully engaged, it felt like a rush to the finish. I would have liked to have more of a bit more of the Bobbi-Jean and vampire leader confrontation.
Overall, not bad just wish certain parts would have had more development.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a free ARC. I am happy to provide an honest review in return.
What worked for me: I loved the vampires as they are presented. Common ways to kill, hungry for blood and the aspect of not knowing who will be turned next. Scary immortal beings in a literary world that too often romanticizes them. Reading the account of Bobbi-Jean and her grandfather Silas reminded me a bit of a personal account from World War Z by Max Brooks.
What didn't work for me: the pacing. A lot of the beginning felt very drawn out and slow. Toward the end, where I found myself fully engaged, it felt like a rush to the finish. I would have liked to have more of a bit more of the Bobbi-Jean and vampire leader confrontation.
Overall, not bad just wish certain parts would have had more development.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a free ARC. I am happy to provide an honest review in return.
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