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Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals

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Tarskin and Kitvie's archeological adventures continue after a year. The two of them have now joined a guild that is working toward Tarskin's dream, to solve the human mystery. However, little do the duo know that the archeologists working for the guild are being turned into wild humanimals by a new threatening villainess, Kraita.
She'll stop at nothing to take back the artifacts that will lead them towards the human mystery. Tarskin and Kitvie must now try to find a way to help the guild solve the mystery while avoiding being turned into primitive monsters.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

Lorelei Balansa

10 books2 followers
Lorelei Balansa is an author and character designer who has written the Inventor Tarskin series and stand-alone novels such as Feral Hybrids and Dreamworld. She specializes in writing fictional novels suitable for general audiences.

Balansa comes from a mixed Mexican and Filipino heritage. She has gained her interest in storytelling at the young age of 10 and began studying to become an author at the age of 13. Balansa became interested in storytelling by mainly watching TV shows and movies.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for CJ.
133 reviews9 followers
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May 13, 2024
I enjoyed it as much as the first book

I read ‘Inventor Tarskin: The Return of Silvano’ about a year ago, and I’m pleased to say Lorelei Balansa’s ‘Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals’ is a worthy sequel. It is packed full of charming narratives in the same considered world and, as a story, does not rely on reading the first instalment. This is a sci-fi, fantasy blend of human and animal characters, and at the hands of Balansa’s antagonist (Kraita), a literal interpretation.

Tarskin and Kitvie commence an archaeological quest to understand humanity. As Balansa reveals Kitvie’s forgotten past, we start to understand the concepts behind humanimal transformation with all the plot twists and turns we would expect from Balansa’s world. Guild members are unexpectedly transforming into feral humanimals and Kraita is determined to prevent Tarskin and Kitvie from solving the underlying mystery.

This is a tale of self-discovery and resilience as Kraita transforms our archaeologists into wild humanimals. The introduction of this new character into the storyline is masterful, providing the perfect level of tension. Despite everything that happens, Tarskin and Kitvie remain engaging and relatable as they struggle to triumph over evil. This is a beautifully written partnership, full of humour and warmth: it is impossible not to root for them from the first page.

Balansa’s world-building is impressive, and the descriptions are top-notch. She gives us have ancient ruins, base camps, and everything in between. Everything Balansa places into her narrative is done so deliberately to reveal the next piece of the puzzle. But more than being simple clues, these are a means to enable the exploration of the human condition: loyalty, resilience and compassion—with a little amnesia thrown in. All this helps to maintain the varied pace (effortlessly twisting from introspective to compelling action scenes).

Balansa’s second instalment is full of action, suspense and heartfelt moments. I enjoyed it as much as the first book in the series and was engaged by the mystery of the wild humanimals from the start. Balansa does not explicitly aim these two books at a particular audience, so I would say this is a sci-fi fantasy for adults, young and old, and I urge you to pick up a copy.
189 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2024
Absolute Treat

I borrowed "Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" on Kindle Unlimited, and it was an absolute treat. I loved how Lorelei Balansa crafts an engaging tale that explores an imagination world where humanimals and ancient mysteries intertwine. This book is the second in the series, and I read the first one 9 months back, but you don’t need to have read the first to jump right in. From the start, I was drawn to Tarskin and Kitvie's dynamic partnership; their blend of humor, resilience, and relentless pursuit of solving the grand human mystery made them easy to root for. This is exciting and in my liking zone.

I liked Balansa's world-building skills; it is fantastic—each setting feels vivid and immersive, from hidden ruins to bustling guilds. The story takes off when Tarskin and Kitvie, now part of a guild, find themselves up against Kraita, a formidable villainess who’s turning guild members into wild humanimals. The tension ramps up as they navigate this chaotic world, all while uncovering pieces of Kitvie's forgotten past.
What really hooked me was the balance between adventure and deeper themes. Balansa tells a fun sci-fi fantasy; she explores loyalty, the complexity of human nature, and the struggle against losing one’s humanity. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing and some heartfelt moments that added depth to the plot. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, effortlessly switching between action-packed scenes and introspective character moments.
Overall, it’s a fresh and inventive read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a unique blend of adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment and most probably a cartoon series or mini-series on this. This story by a new talent should have more exposure. Give this a chance.
46 reviews
November 28, 2023
"Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" by Lorelei Balansa is an exhilarating continuation of Tarskin and Kitvie's adventurous journey into the realms of archaeology and mystery. Balansa's storytelling prowess shines through the pages, captivating readers with an intriguing plotline that blends archaeology, danger, and the supernatural seamlessly.

The dynamic duo's evolution in the story is commendable, as they navigate the challenges of joining a guild to unravel the enigmatic human mystery. The introduction of the menacing villainess, Kraita, adds an intense layer to the narrative, injecting suspense and a sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Balansa's vivid descriptions and world-building whisk readers away into a realm where artifacts hold the key to unlocking profound secrets. The exploration of the humanimals' transformation and the threat posed by Kraita creates an enthralling atmosphere, sparking curiosity and anticipation with each chapter.

However, amidst the book's strengths, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly rushed, leaving some character developments and plot intricacies feeling underexplored. Additionally, a bit more depth in certain secondary character arcs could have enriched the overall narrative, providing a more comprehensive experience.

Overall, "Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" is an engaging and imaginative tale that will entice both young and mature readers alike. Balansa's ability to craft a gripping storyline filled with mystery and peril makes this book a worthy addition to any adventure-seeking reader's collection, despite its minor pacing and character depth considerations.
40 reviews
January 9, 2024
The storyline traces the compelling expedition of Tarskin and Kitvie as they delve into archaeological pursuits, enlisting in a guild to unravel Tarskin's ambition of deciphering the human enigma. Balansa adeptly spins a yarn of suspense, action, and unforeseen treacheries that had me avidly flipping through the pages.

The characters, especially Tarskin and Kitvie, are intricately portrayed and relatable. The exploration of amnesia, conflicting allegiances, and the indomitable nature of the human psyche adds a stratum of complexity to the narrative. Despite not having perused the inaugural tome, the author ensures that this iteration stands independently, underscoring Balansa's proficiency in crafting a coherent storyline.

The plot abounds with astute twists and turns, keeping the audience on tenterhooks. The imminent peril of guild members metamorphosing into feral humanimals injects a sense of immediacy, fostering a suspenseful ambiance throughout the tale.

Balansa's capacity to seamlessly meld action, suspense, and poignant moments renders this book indispensable for aficionados of exhilarating escapades and nuanced character evolution. The author's examination of fidelity, camaraderie, and self-discovery imparts emotional profundity to the narrative, rendering it a well-rounded and engrossing read.

Despite inadvertently picking it up as the second installment, I discovered it to be effortlessly enjoyable without delving into the initial chapter. "Inventor Tarskin: Enigma of the Untamed Humanimals" stands out in Balansa's oeuvre, and I earnestly recommend it to those in search of a charming and enthralling literary sojourn.
Profile Image for Vita Nourish.
Author 3 books2 followers
March 5, 2024
A whirlwind of adventure and mystery

"Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" is a thrilling continuation of Tarskin and Kitvie's archeological journey, filled with danger, intrigue, and a fascinating blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. As a fan of adventurous tales, I found myself quickly drawn into the world that the author has crafted, eager to uncover the secrets of the human mystery alongside the protagonists.

The concept of humanimals introduced in this installment adds a fresh and exciting twist to the series. The transformation of archeologists into these wild creatures by the villainess Kraita raises the stakes significantly, creating a palpable sense of urgency throughout the narrative.

Tarskin and Kitvie are as endearing as ever, with their dynamic partnership providing both heart and humor to their perilous quest. Their unwavering determination to solve the human mystery, coupled with their efforts to thwart Kraita's plans, showcases their growth as characters and their resilience in the face of adversity.

However, the pacing of the story can feel uneven at times. Certain sections of the book delve deeply into the lore and backstory, which, while fascinating, can momentarily detract from the momentum of Tarskin and Kitvie's current adventure. A tighter focus on their immediate challenges and less on the extensive world-building might have kept the suspense more consistently taut.
67 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
"Inventor Tarskin:
The Secret of the Wild Humanimals" is an completely captivating perused from begin to wrap up! The creator has done a marvelous work of making a exciting story that kept me on the edge of my situate all through. Whereas I do not need to allow absent as well much approximately the plot, I will say that the characters are unimaginably well-developed and relatable, making it simple to ended up sincerely contributed in their travel.

One perspective of the book that I especially delighted in was the striking and immersive world-building. From the old ruins to the bustling society base camp, each setting felt luxuriously nitty gritty and brought to life with striking portrayals. It was really a delight to investigate this fantastical world nearby Tarskin and Kitvie.

Moreover, I was awed by the consistent mix of enterprise, riddle, and daydream components. The pacing was spot-on, with bounty of turns and turns to keep me speculating until the exceptionally conclusion. And whereas there were minutes of pressure and tension, there were too minutes of humor and inspiring camaraderie that included profundity to the story.

Generally, "Inventor Tarskin:
The Secret of the Wild Humanimals" could be a must-read for fans of experience fiction. It's a exciting ride from begin to wrap up, and I can't hold up to see where the creator takes Tarskin and Kitvie another. Exceedingly suggested! 
Profile Image for C.D. McKenna.
Author 12 books73 followers
June 12, 2024
What a delightful and fulfilling read!
I picked this book up because I was immediately drawn in by the cover. It’s bright, brilliant, and extremely bold. It’s the kind of cover you’d see across a bookstore and go investigate. And once I read the blurb, I was immediately pulled into the world that Balansa builds.
This is a second book to the world, but as I came to find out, you do not need to read the first to pick this one up. The world is incredibly immersive, detailed, and downright awesome. I found the humanimal transformation concept to be fascinating. I also love, love, loved the antagonist, Kraita, but found the characters Tarskin and Kitvie to be incredibly warm. They are the kind you want to root for from page one, and I did. They have the kind of relationship that adds an entirely new layer to storytelling.
This is a genre-defying world that blends components of sci-fi, fantasy, and classic adventure. We explore a variety of locations that add clues to the ever-evolving plot we are introduced to. This is a wonderfully crafted story that dives into major thematic points of self-discovery, love, resilience, and so much more. All while dealing with page-turning plot twists. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Michail Tsikerdekis.
Author 6 books5 followers
November 25, 2023
"Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" by Lorelei Balansa is a thrilling adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows the gripping journey of Tarskin and Kitvie as they navigate treacherous situations, unexpected betrayals, and the unraveling of Kitvie's forgotten past. The narrative is filled with intense action sequences, clever plot twists, and emotional depth that captivate readers from start to finish. Balansa masterfully weaves a tale of loyalty, friendship, and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of danger and intrigue, making this book an exhilarating and engaging read. The exploration of memory loss, conflicting loyalties, and the resilience of the human spirit adds a layer of complexity to the storyline, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mysteries that lie within. Overall, "Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Humanimals" is an enthralling adventure that seamlessly combines action, suspense, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-read for fans of thrilling escapades and intricate character development.
99 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2024
Lorelei Balansa has outdone herself with this sequel, effortlessly drawing readers into the thrilling world of Tarskin and Kitvie as they navigate the treacherous waters of their archaeological quest.

Tarskin's dream of unraveling the human mystery becomes a beacon that guides the plot, while the transformation of guild members into wild humanimals by the villainess Kraita adds a layer of suspense and urgency that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Tarskin and Kitvie's journey is not just an adventure; it's a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience against the backdrop of an unforgiving landscape shaped by the menacing Kraita.

The book's pacing is a dance between rapid, heart-pounding action and reflective moments that delve into the characters' inner worlds, offering a balanced rhythm that enriches the reading experience. The integration of science fiction and fantasy elements, coupled with the unique concept of humanimals, gives a fresh and exhilarating flair to the narrative.
Profile Image for James Parker.
Author 11 books25 followers
June 4, 2024
I just finished the book "Inventor Tarskin: The Mystery of the Wild Human Animals" by Lorelei Balansa and it turned out to be a really good book that I am sure a whole lot of people are really going to enjoy reading. This book is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together elements of science fiction, adventure, and mystery to create a truly unforgettable tale. The world-building is meticulously crafted, with a richly detailed universe that feels both familiar and yet, utterly unique. The characters are multidimensional and easy to relate to, with Tarskin being a particularly compelling protagonist. The plot is very well paced, with twists and turns that keep you wanting to keep reading the story all the way to the very end of the book. Overall, I was thoroughly entertained and impressed by this book. If you like science fiction or are just looking for a good read, I recommend "Inventor Tarskin".
43 reviews
January 1, 2024
"Inventor Tarskin" is a kids' sci-fi adventure with a mix of action and mystery. The story follows the protagonists - Tarskin and Kitvie, who, after a year of archeological escapades, join a guild with the aim of unraveling the human mystery. However, things get tricky when a villain named Kraita turns archeologists into wild humanimals. The narrative keeps readers on their toes as Tarskin and Kitvie face the dual challenge of solving the mystery while dodging the threat of becoming primitive monsters themselves. The author crafts a compelling blend of action and adventure suitable for young readers, creating a page-turner that sparks the imagination. The storytelling is straightforward, and the plot is engaging with many unexpected twists and turns. Overall, it's an engaging and imaginative read for young readers who enjoy a blend of excitement and exploration.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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