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The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two: Sequel to "The Mantis Variant"
A year has passed since the events of "The Mantis Variant - Book One" and the clash between the underground and the tower. A group of Biological Shifts has started slaughtering Messiahs in Teshon City. To find the culprits, the Principal Messiah establishes a task force to investigate the murders. Meanwhile, the mystic and his husband with their group of friends convince Dozi to take a trip. They help a child while away, but when they return to Teshon City, the streets become a battleground. Who will survive this new confrontation and what will be left of them?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 7, 2023
Continuing from The Mantis Variant, Adam has brought back characters... while cleverly introducing new characters. Little Ninyani, being one of those. A beautiful little boy, my heart cried out for him and he fast became one of my favourite characters.
Again, Adam's descriptive language in scenes is so detailed, you can almost imagine being there. The frozen thermos in the first chapter. It was like I was already there! As for the prinkleberry cake? That sounded delicious!
I thoroughly enjoyed Vion's void. Very well executed!
Chapter 13 is a stand-out chapter for me, I thoroughly enjoyed how that one evolved and came together. Chapter 17, close behind. I thoroughly enjoyed almost being at the drag show!
One of Auntie Peg's sayings 'The details of the stories are hers to tell' really spoke to me, in many different ways.
Some of the scenes, like the first book are quite a shock when you aren't quite used to the genre, but it is completely absorbed by the wonderful story within that it is soon forgotten.
I truly, honestly love the second last chapter... That little twist at the end. SO SPECIAL!!! 😍
Thank you again Adam!
I can't wait until I can read book 3.
Again, Adam's descriptive language in scenes is so detailed, you can almost imagine being there. The frozen thermos in the first chapter. It was like I was already there! As for the prinkleberry cake? That sounded delicious!
I thoroughly enjoyed Vion's void. Very well executed!
Chapter 13 is a stand-out chapter for me, I thoroughly enjoyed how that one evolved and came together. Chapter 17, close behind. I thoroughly enjoyed almost being at the drag show!
One of Auntie Peg's sayings 'The details of the stories are hers to tell' really spoke to me, in many different ways.
Some of the scenes, like the first book are quite a shock when you aren't quite used to the genre, but it is completely absorbed by the wonderful story within that it is soon forgotten.
I truly, honestly love the second last chapter... That little twist at the end. SO SPECIAL!!! 😍
Thank you again Adam!
I can't wait until I can read book 3.
April 12, 2025
Spoilers: This review will mention the death of a character from the previous volume so I will reiterate and say that there are MAJOR HEAVY DUTY SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
The last time that we entered the world of Adam Andrews Johnson’s The Mantis Variant, the Messiah’s, a powerful cult residing in futuristic Teshon City participated in gruesome rituals in which they mutilated the bodies of Shifts, people with special abilities so they can absorb the glands that give those abilities. Agrell, a Messiah with a hidden Shift ability goes on the run and meets Ilya, a Shift with the power of flight and Dozi, a street smart thief who wants to be a Demifae, a mystic with special powers by study not birth. The trio hide out with a kindly couple, Mystic, a Demifae and Theolon, his husband. They reunite the couple with Lahari, their missing daughter while the Messiahs declare war on the Shifts.
In the sequel, The Mantis Equilibrium, things get darker, more sinister, and potentially more dangerous for the characters. It certainly anchors the series with a stronger sense of purpose for what the characters are going through and the changes that are affecting the world around them.
A year has gone by and the protagonists are mourning the death of Agrell who died in the previous volume sacrificing herself for her new friends. They have accepted each other and new member, Tchama as a surrogate family. They journey outside of Teshon City where Dozi has a very uncomfortable reunion with her family and also meet Ninyani, a Shift with the ability of creating fire and ice. Meanwhile, Vion, a Messiah, goes on the hunt for Shifts after he finds the murdered bodies of his colleagues. Also a trio of Shifts, Gawa, Eroli, and S’Kay have a more violent and destructive goal in mind for the Messiah.
The Mantis Equilibrium balances the expected darker stake-raising that occurs so often in second volumes while doing interesting things in terms of character and plot that make it fresh and unique in its own right.
I will get one personal issue out of the way. I miss Agrell. She was my favorite character in the first volume. Her story of Messiah turned rebel was the most fascinating. She greatly developed from someone who had much to hide to someone who loves and as we found out would willingly die for her new friends. Her loss is not only felt by the characters but this Reader as well.
Unfortunately, Agrell 's loss is more felt because of Tchama’s presence. There isn't as much to make her stand out as an individual the way that her predecessor did. She seems to exist solely to make sure that the main protagonists remain a trio. In fact, Tchama is so indistinct as a character that Johnson could have just as easily had Agrell remain for one more volume before killing her off. In fact, he missed a golden opportunity to have conflict and backstory between Agrell and Vion, a current Messiah who still is a devotee. But Agrell's absence is a minor personal issue in a volume that is otherwise excellent.
One of the most interesting aspects is the presence of Ninyani. He lived in a rural village that was isolated from the rest of the world so his powers are looked at very differently from the other Shifts. His mother believes that they are divinely inspired and this could be an opportunity to replace the Elder God of their village, a Shift who uses his powers to establish his own cult to worship him. Unfortunately, Ninyani's mother’s plans go awry when the boy accidentally causes a disaster that kills everyone in the village including the Elder God and his mother and he is the sole survivor.
Ninyani's backstory introduces some interesting concepts in this book. One of them is how similar things can happen to people but because of cultural or regional differences, they might be seen in various ways. Ninyani is unaware of the prejudice against the Shifts or even that there are people like him until he meets Ilya and she introduces him to the others. He is from a spiritual background that doesn't know about glands or genetic mutations, the way characters do. Since his village can't explain it, they attribute it to divine intervention. It's quite an awakening and a bit of spiritual conflict when he learns of the truth though in his defense, he never really thought if himself as a god. His mother did, in an attempt to overthrow the previous one. He went along with it for her sake. “New God” was not a label that he was comfortable having so it's one that he doesn't mind when it is removed.
The other concept is that the destruction of Ninyani’s village can show what happens when those Shift abilities are misused. Even if they happen in a bout of thoughtless emotion, like it did with him much damage can occur. This is why it is A) dangerous for one to absorb so many like with the Messiahs and B) why it is so important to learn to channel them and use restraint as the Mystic trains Ninyani to do.
Vion also is an interesting figure in this volume because he is a contrast to the previous Messiah, Agrell like I said. She left the cult after finding out their true intent. Vion not only accepts the slaughter of Shifts, he is ruthless in implementing it. He is the dogmatic cult member who follows the doctrine to the letter. He would rather continue down the path no matter how bloody than admit that he was wrong about it. With so much conversation and debate about cult followings sometimes involving the surrender of one's free will and morals, this subplot is surprisingly relevant.
Vion is an unrepentant bigot and rigid dogmatist especially towards Shifts. However, there is a very curious moment in which something bizarre happens to him and his fellow Messiahs. He attributes it to the Shifts that they are following but it is purposely left ambiguous whether this strange event was caused by the Shifts or by Vion himself. Is it entirely possible that the Shift Hater is himself a Shift? If so, would he go the way of Agrell and rebel or repress his true nature underneath the veneer of hatred and authoritarianism?
The recurring characters have some fascinating things happen to them, most notably Dozi and fellow returnee, Auntie Peg. Dozi’s reunion with her biological family starts out well but becomes awkward and fierce once they learn about her Shift friends. Their ultimatum and Dozi’s decision to stand by her friends shows a strength of character.
Auntie Peg was a supporting character in the previous book. Here, she comes into her own as we learn about her backstory and why she lives her life the way that she does. She also serves as a warm maternal mentor to the others and leads many of the Shifts on the path to a civil resistance.
There are some interesting threads that could lead to potential story arcs. Gawa, Eroli, and S’Kay’s subplot is not fully realized or more than likely has not yet reached its full potential as though they have a much larger role to play in the events to come. Ilya goes through a chilling transformation with potential long term complications and might blur the lines between enemy and ally in future installments. It certainly leaves Readers hanging.
The last time that we entered the world of Adam Andrews Johnson’s The Mantis Variant, the Messiah’s, a powerful cult residing in futuristic Teshon City participated in gruesome rituals in which they mutilated the bodies of Shifts, people with special abilities so they can absorb the glands that give those abilities. Agrell, a Messiah with a hidden Shift ability goes on the run and meets Ilya, a Shift with the power of flight and Dozi, a street smart thief who wants to be a Demifae, a mystic with special powers by study not birth. The trio hide out with a kindly couple, Mystic, a Demifae and Theolon, his husband. They reunite the couple with Lahari, their missing daughter while the Messiahs declare war on the Shifts.
In the sequel, The Mantis Equilibrium, things get darker, more sinister, and potentially more dangerous for the characters. It certainly anchors the series with a stronger sense of purpose for what the characters are going through and the changes that are affecting the world around them.
A year has gone by and the protagonists are mourning the death of Agrell who died in the previous volume sacrificing herself for her new friends. They have accepted each other and new member, Tchama as a surrogate family. They journey outside of Teshon City where Dozi has a very uncomfortable reunion with her family and also meet Ninyani, a Shift with the ability of creating fire and ice. Meanwhile, Vion, a Messiah, goes on the hunt for Shifts after he finds the murdered bodies of his colleagues. Also a trio of Shifts, Gawa, Eroli, and S’Kay have a more violent and destructive goal in mind for the Messiah.
The Mantis Equilibrium balances the expected darker stake-raising that occurs so often in second volumes while doing interesting things in terms of character and plot that make it fresh and unique in its own right.
I will get one personal issue out of the way. I miss Agrell. She was my favorite character in the first volume. Her story of Messiah turned rebel was the most fascinating. She greatly developed from someone who had much to hide to someone who loves and as we found out would willingly die for her new friends. Her loss is not only felt by the characters but this Reader as well.
Unfortunately, Agrell 's loss is more felt because of Tchama’s presence. There isn't as much to make her stand out as an individual the way that her predecessor did. She seems to exist solely to make sure that the main protagonists remain a trio. In fact, Tchama is so indistinct as a character that Johnson could have just as easily had Agrell remain for one more volume before killing her off. In fact, he missed a golden opportunity to have conflict and backstory between Agrell and Vion, a current Messiah who still is a devotee. But Agrell's absence is a minor personal issue in a volume that is otherwise excellent.
One of the most interesting aspects is the presence of Ninyani. He lived in a rural village that was isolated from the rest of the world so his powers are looked at very differently from the other Shifts. His mother believes that they are divinely inspired and this could be an opportunity to replace the Elder God of their village, a Shift who uses his powers to establish his own cult to worship him. Unfortunately, Ninyani's mother’s plans go awry when the boy accidentally causes a disaster that kills everyone in the village including the Elder God and his mother and he is the sole survivor.
Ninyani's backstory introduces some interesting concepts in this book. One of them is how similar things can happen to people but because of cultural or regional differences, they might be seen in various ways. Ninyani is unaware of the prejudice against the Shifts or even that there are people like him until he meets Ilya and she introduces him to the others. He is from a spiritual background that doesn't know about glands or genetic mutations, the way characters do. Since his village can't explain it, they attribute it to divine intervention. It's quite an awakening and a bit of spiritual conflict when he learns of the truth though in his defense, he never really thought if himself as a god. His mother did, in an attempt to overthrow the previous one. He went along with it for her sake. “New God” was not a label that he was comfortable having so it's one that he doesn't mind when it is removed.
The other concept is that the destruction of Ninyani’s village can show what happens when those Shift abilities are misused. Even if they happen in a bout of thoughtless emotion, like it did with him much damage can occur. This is why it is A) dangerous for one to absorb so many like with the Messiahs and B) why it is so important to learn to channel them and use restraint as the Mystic trains Ninyani to do.
Vion also is an interesting figure in this volume because he is a contrast to the previous Messiah, Agrell like I said. She left the cult after finding out their true intent. Vion not only accepts the slaughter of Shifts, he is ruthless in implementing it. He is the dogmatic cult member who follows the doctrine to the letter. He would rather continue down the path no matter how bloody than admit that he was wrong about it. With so much conversation and debate about cult followings sometimes involving the surrender of one's free will and morals, this subplot is surprisingly relevant.
Vion is an unrepentant bigot and rigid dogmatist especially towards Shifts. However, there is a very curious moment in which something bizarre happens to him and his fellow Messiahs. He attributes it to the Shifts that they are following but it is purposely left ambiguous whether this strange event was caused by the Shifts or by Vion himself. Is it entirely possible that the Shift Hater is himself a Shift? If so, would he go the way of Agrell and rebel or repress his true nature underneath the veneer of hatred and authoritarianism?
The recurring characters have some fascinating things happen to them, most notably Dozi and fellow returnee, Auntie Peg. Dozi’s reunion with her biological family starts out well but becomes awkward and fierce once they learn about her Shift friends. Their ultimatum and Dozi’s decision to stand by her friends shows a strength of character.
Auntie Peg was a supporting character in the previous book. Here, she comes into her own as we learn about her backstory and why she lives her life the way that she does. She also serves as a warm maternal mentor to the others and leads many of the Shifts on the path to a civil resistance.
There are some interesting threads that could lead to potential story arcs. Gawa, Eroli, and S’Kay’s subplot is not fully realized or more than likely has not yet reached its full potential as though they have a much larger role to play in the events to come. Ilya goes through a chilling transformation with potential long term complications and might blur the lines between enemy and ally in future installments. It certainly leaves Readers hanging.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
This book was wonderful! I loved the callbacks to Agrell's character and her sacrifice and how much they all miss her. I love the new characters introduced and how they become a part of the family. I love the drag show and getting to see more Drag Queen! The fight at the end and the war that has started was so epic and enticing! I'm so excited to start the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
This book started off intense, much like the last but slightly less brutal! The haunting beginning introduces some new characters, most notable, Ninyani, who, much like the original cast, is leaving behind his trauma and trying to understand their newfound powers.
Unlike book 1, this book had a lot of gentle moments where it felt as though you were in the eye of the storm. Ninyani is soon adopted into the original group (Despite my girl Dozi having her doubts as always). The found family element of this series really is beautiful.
This book further develops the insanity of the cannibals searching for and consuming Mantis Glands, and the fight from both sides is interesting to watch unfold.
Though this book for the most part isn't as intense as book 1, the adventure and character development throughout is so enjoyable, and the horrific moments that occur are scarring all on their own.
I was caught off guard by the ending!
This was an awesome extension of the intricate world Adam has crafted. His descriptions and world building are incredible and immersive in an unsettling way, because the thought of living in this nightmare-fuel dystopia makes my skin crawl.
Unlike book 1, this book had a lot of gentle moments where it felt as though you were in the eye of the storm. Ninyani is soon adopted into the original group (Despite my girl Dozi having her doubts as always). The found family element of this series really is beautiful.
This book further develops the insanity of the cannibals searching for and consuming Mantis Glands, and the fight from both sides is interesting to watch unfold.
Though this book for the most part isn't as intense as book 1, the adventure and character development throughout is so enjoyable, and the horrific moments that occur are scarring all on their own.
I was caught off guard by the ending!
This was an awesome extension of the intricate world Adam has crafted. His descriptions and world building are incredible and immersive in an unsettling way, because the thought of living in this nightmare-fuel dystopia makes my skin crawl.
August 5, 2024
Drag shows, the Resistance, cannibalism, & jewelry making!
Drag shows, the Resistance, cannibalism, & jewelry making! As tensions heat up between Shifts and Messiah, previous characters from book 1 have their memory honored as a couple characters seek to help keep communities safe on the front lines while others keep new characters safe as they also offer a safe place to explore identity!
As with book one, there's a great blend of world building and magic, while the characters themselves shine through and steal the hearts of the readers! I do think my favorite parts were Ninyani and Auntie Peg! I also really appreciated conversations that discussed assumptions and respectful ways to talk about different identities, people, and their experiences.
Battles are bloody and keeps readers on the edge of their seat as the shocking revelation of just what the Messiahs have been up to and where the battles leave characters makes readers eager to grab the next in the series.
Drag shows, the Resistance, cannibalism, & jewelry making! As tensions heat up between Shifts and Messiah, previous characters from book 1 have their memory honored as a couple characters seek to help keep communities safe on the front lines while others keep new characters safe as they also offer a safe place to explore identity!
As with book one, there's a great blend of world building and magic, while the characters themselves shine through and steal the hearts of the readers! I do think my favorite parts were Ninyani and Auntie Peg! I also really appreciated conversations that discussed assumptions and respectful ways to talk about different identities, people, and their experiences.
Battles are bloody and keeps readers on the edge of their seat as the shocking revelation of just what the Messiahs have been up to and where the battles leave characters makes readers eager to grab the next in the series.
February 4, 2024
The Mantis Equilibrium is the second book in this series. Just like the first book you won't be able to put this one down. It has immersive world building and lovable characters that you quickly become attached to. Picking up from the previous book the oppression and genocide in in Teshon city has been steadily escalating. Our protagonists have no choice but to rise up and start fighting back.
November 10, 2023
Book two did not disappoint. It was as riveting as book one, such a creative mind, loved it from page 1 to page 160.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews