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The Mantis Variant - Book One: Book 1
In the dark future of our world, a small percentage of humanity has evolved with a physiological anomaly that provides them with wondrous abilities. Those gifted few are now targets of the unevolved, looking to steal that power.
"The Mantis Variant" follows Agrell, Dozi, and Ilya together in the rundown metropolis of Teshon City. The unlikely trio is set on a path of unexpected heroism through horrifying trials that lead them to sacrifice and redemption. Their group increases throughout the story, and for some, the harrowing events bring growth. However, bizarre eldritch rituals and arcane arts are commonplace in the world of "The Mantis Variant," and tragedy and death are always close at hand.
"The Mantis Variant" follows Agrell, Dozi, and Ilya together in the rundown metropolis of Teshon City. The unlikely trio is set on a path of unexpected heroism through horrifying trials that lead them to sacrifice and redemption. Their group increases throughout the story, and for some, the harrowing events bring growth. However, bizarre eldritch rituals and arcane arts are commonplace in the world of "The Mantis Variant," and tragedy and death are always close at hand.
180 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2022
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 22, 2024
I really enjoyed The Mantis Variant its a mixture of dystopian, horror and grimdark that works so well together. It’s dark and gritty at points but there are moments of light in the darkness. I loved the random (or rather eventual found family) or characters and how they all interacted with each other. We follows them on a journey of self discovery but also one that sees them empowering thoughts they met along the way.
Each of our main characters have their own storylines but these are interwoven together perfectly so that it never feels like one character gets more page time or more ‘drama’ than the other. While it is brutal at points and bloody with the fair share of violence I found that this highlights the lighter moments all the more.
If you enjoy fantasy, particularly grimdark, horror or dystopian you are likely to love this. If you like all three you will definitely love it. Just be aware that due to the nature and genre there are triggers involved including homophobia, grief, death and violence.
Thank you so much to Adam Andrews Johnson for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
Each of our main characters have their own storylines but these are interwoven together perfectly so that it never feels like one character gets more page time or more ‘drama’ than the other. While it is brutal at points and bloody with the fair share of violence I found that this highlights the lighter moments all the more.
If you enjoy fantasy, particularly grimdark, horror or dystopian you are likely to love this. If you like all three you will definitely love it. Just be aware that due to the nature and genre there are triggers involved including homophobia, grief, death and violence.
Thank you so much to Adam Andrews Johnson for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
March 24, 2023
The Mantis Variant by Adam Andrew Johnson is a dystopian grimdark fantasy and horror. Its about an unlikely group of young women, with their own journey of discovery, coming together with one purpose. To dismantle groups of people brutally murdering those with powers in order to gain that power for themselves. They spread lies and call them an abomination to try and justify the murders.
This was such a unique story and a super fast read. It starts with three women and their own stories, each going through dilemmas of death, loneliness, and needing more from their lives. Eventually, the story comes together in an unlikely way. The story is brutal and gorey. I love dystopian settings, and this story had that! It has strong female characters, great lgbtqia+ representation, friendships, action, and magic.
TW: this is a grimdark fantasy, so it is very violent and brutal. There's some homophobia, death, and grief.
This was such a unique story and a super fast read. It starts with three women and their own stories, each going through dilemmas of death, loneliness, and needing more from their lives. Eventually, the story comes together in an unlikely way. The story is brutal and gorey. I love dystopian settings, and this story had that! It has strong female characters, great lgbtqia+ representation, friendships, action, and magic.
TW: this is a grimdark fantasy, so it is very violent and brutal. There's some homophobia, death, and grief.
June 30, 2023
This book was beautiful and amazing. The main characters are all unique and great. I love their found family they created and their connection. It also broke my heart at times and made me cry. But it was so good, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend checking out this book!
April 21, 2023
A mighty fine read!
I picked up this novel after seeing Adam read an extract on 'The Book Slam.' It sounded exciting and something I just needed to dive right into and I am glad I did!
I am thankful that Adam informed me of the darkness that is contained within the first chapter. I knew 'something' was coming, so I expected it and pushed through, even if I didn't have the exact details. (Apologies, I may have skimmed through that a little fast. I needed to get past it.)
Adam has a unique style of storytelling, with a clear and compelling narrative. Adam's descriptive power brings the scenes alive.
I often wonder where these authors come up with the names for their charcters, especially ones that have multiple pronounciations.
I enjoyed the different MC chapters, with my heart going out to them at different times.
Argrell, Dozi and Ilya all living their seperate and very different lives.
I really enjoyed where the MCs first interacted with each other, during a very crucial time for one, sharing the bigger story.
The sacrifices that they give... Just... Wow!
I chuckled out loud when Auntie Peg revealed how she insulted those men. Oh boy 🤣, got me laughing.
As I mentioned earlier, there are some pretty brutal scenes. While those scenes are personally not my favourite, I still pushed past to thoroughly enjoy this book.
A book filled with so many different emotions.
Thank you Adam!
I picked up this novel after seeing Adam read an extract on 'The Book Slam.' It sounded exciting and something I just needed to dive right into and I am glad I did!
I am thankful that Adam informed me of the darkness that is contained within the first chapter. I knew 'something' was coming, so I expected it and pushed through, even if I didn't have the exact details. (Apologies, I may have skimmed through that a little fast. I needed to get past it.)
Adam has a unique style of storytelling, with a clear and compelling narrative. Adam's descriptive power brings the scenes alive.
I often wonder where these authors come up with the names for their charcters, especially ones that have multiple pronounciations.
I enjoyed the different MC chapters, with my heart going out to them at different times.
Argrell, Dozi and Ilya all living their seperate and very different lives.
I really enjoyed where the MCs first interacted with each other, during a very crucial time for one, sharing the bigger story.
The sacrifices that they give... Just... Wow!
I chuckled out loud when Auntie Peg revealed how she insulted those men. Oh boy 🤣, got me laughing.
As I mentioned earlier, there are some pretty brutal scenes. While those scenes are personally not my favourite, I still pushed past to thoroughly enjoy this book.
A book filled with so many different emotions.
Thank you Adam!
February 2, 2024
The Mantis Variant explores how a found family unites with allies to resist oppression and genocide in a brutally visceral post apocalyptic setting. This book exquisitely juxtaposes disparate themes. It has body horror, positive representation, gore, multi dimensional characters, grief and vivid world building. All of these multifaceted pieces are spun together in a such a profoundly impactful way. This story will resonate with you for a long time.
December 5, 2023
This book was amazing, It is the best book I have read in a while! Excitment right from the first page. A little sad at the end. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
May 12, 2023
In a dystopian world, those born with a variant of the mantis gland discover powers or undergo involuntary physical monster-like changes around puberty. These people are called 'shifts'. This goes about as well as you could expect for people who are disgusted by, or jealous of those who possess these powers. This book starts with a horrifying depiction of what some people are willing to do in order to steal the powers.
Our first main character Agrell is introduced in the midst of absolute horror as she discovers the secrets of the 'community' (honey it's a cult, gtfo) she was raised in. I recommend you read this while you're not eating. Poor Agrell escapes, traumatized and lost in the wonder of the world she was kept from experiencing. I found Agrell's character extremely sad to follow, and was constantly worried for her in every part of her journey through this book.
The next main character introduced is Dozi, a normal human who is indifferent to Shifts, however, she'd very much like to be more than human. Right from the start of her story, you get the feeling she's someone who picks up a lot of strays, and ultimately, she brings people together. Even if she's reluctant, terrified and having second thoughts about whether she can trust any of the people she kindly brings into her home and life.
Ilya is the third main character. Her backstory had me wanting to reach through the book and throw rocks at everyone who wronged her. She's forced to put her trust in people after an incident with more people I'd like to throw rocks at.
And this is where she meets Agrell and Dozi, along with some new and wonderful characters, The Mystic- a demifae who runs an apothecary with his demifae husband with a link to 'the underground', where 'bioshifts' hide away like the monsters the world sees them as. And so the unlikely found family is created!
This story switches POV a lot, which really helps to build the intrigue as you're given just a snippet here and there of the dangers coming for the characters.
As the story advances (I highly recommend setting aside a few hours to read this in one go!) the newly formed family has to learn to see each other for who they are, regardless of which societal group they come from. The tension here is well done as the world building gives you enough information to know the history between the societal groups.
This book is filled with parallels! From deception and betrayal to blind trust and hope for the best. Wars between groups, to kinship despite their differences, and sometimes against their own kind. The weak and vulnerable, the powerful and unstoppable, and just about everything in between! You really see the worst of humanity and the best of humanity in this book as the main characters fight together.
I rated this 4/5 stars only because I wanted to know more about some of the events that take place in the book, but overall that didn't effect my enjoyment of the story the author set out to tell. If you like fantasy, horror and death scenes that don't hold back, and characters that are heroic even in the bleakest of situations, you'll enjoy this book!
Our first main character Agrell is introduced in the midst of absolute horror as she discovers the secrets of the 'community' (honey it's a cult, gtfo) she was raised in. I recommend you read this while you're not eating. Poor Agrell escapes, traumatized and lost in the wonder of the world she was kept from experiencing. I found Agrell's character extremely sad to follow, and was constantly worried for her in every part of her journey through this book.
The next main character introduced is Dozi, a normal human who is indifferent to Shifts, however, she'd very much like to be more than human. Right from the start of her story, you get the feeling she's someone who picks up a lot of strays, and ultimately, she brings people together. Even if she's reluctant, terrified and having second thoughts about whether she can trust any of the people she kindly brings into her home and life.
Ilya is the third main character. Her backstory had me wanting to reach through the book and throw rocks at everyone who wronged her. She's forced to put her trust in people after an incident with more people I'd like to throw rocks at.
And this is where she meets Agrell and Dozi, along with some new and wonderful characters, The Mystic- a demifae who runs an apothecary with his demifae husband with a link to 'the underground', where 'bioshifts' hide away like the monsters the world sees them as. And so the unlikely found family is created!
This story switches POV a lot, which really helps to build the intrigue as you're given just a snippet here and there of the dangers coming for the characters.
As the story advances (I highly recommend setting aside a few hours to read this in one go!) the newly formed family has to learn to see each other for who they are, regardless of which societal group they come from. The tension here is well done as the world building gives you enough information to know the history between the societal groups.
This book is filled with parallels! From deception and betrayal to blind trust and hope for the best. Wars between groups, to kinship despite their differences, and sometimes against their own kind. The weak and vulnerable, the powerful and unstoppable, and just about everything in between! You really see the worst of humanity and the best of humanity in this book as the main characters fight together.
I rated this 4/5 stars only because I wanted to know more about some of the events that take place in the book, but overall that didn't effect my enjoyment of the story the author set out to tell. If you like fantasy, horror and death scenes that don't hold back, and characters that are heroic even in the bleakest of situations, you'll enjoy this book!
May 30, 2025
Review of The Mantis Variant (Book One of The Mantis Gland series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Mantis Variant is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from page one and never really lets go, not even after the last chapter.
Set in the decaying sprawl of Teshon City, this first installment delivers a brutal, grimy, and emotionally wrenching look at what happens when power becomes both a gift and a curse. The story centers around Agrell, Dozi, and Ilya, three strangers with little in common except that fate (and violence) has twisted their paths together. Watching them evolve from lone survivors into something resembling a family is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. I went in expecting a dark sci-fi thriller with horror elements; I came out emotionally bruised, surprisingly uplifted, and deeply attached to this strange, resilient little crew.
The world-building is phenomenal. It’s not just the mechanics of the "Shifts" humans with evolved abilities, but the terrifying, cannibalistic way those powers can be stolen. It adds a constant undercurrent of dread. The concept of eating a Shift's brain to inherit their gifts is as disturbing as it sounds, and it keeps the stakes deadly serious at all times. And yet, amidst the gore and psychic madness, there’s genuine heart.
What I wasn’t expecting, but loved was how beautifully queer this book is. There are trans and nonbinary characters woven into the narrative without fanfare or tokenism. It just is organic, powerful, and refreshing. And the drag queens? Absolute badasses. Their presence adds a layer of joy, flamboyance, and defiant strength in a world that tries to crush both beauty and identity. The found family vibe here is everything, and if you’ve ever felt like an outsider, something is healing in seeing these characters carve out a place for themselves in a brutal world.
Yes, it’s violent. Yes, it’s dark. But there’s also a thread of hope that runs through even the bleakest moments, an idea that maybe, just maybe, we can build something better together. I’m already diving into Book Two, because I need to see where this wild, weird, wonderful series goes next.
If you like grimdark dystopias with a heart, morally complex characters, and a cast that reflects the real spectrum of humanity, The Mantis Variant is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Mantis Variant is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from page one and never really lets go, not even after the last chapter.
Set in the decaying sprawl of Teshon City, this first installment delivers a brutal, grimy, and emotionally wrenching look at what happens when power becomes both a gift and a curse. The story centers around Agrell, Dozi, and Ilya, three strangers with little in common except that fate (and violence) has twisted their paths together. Watching them evolve from lone survivors into something resembling a family is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. I went in expecting a dark sci-fi thriller with horror elements; I came out emotionally bruised, surprisingly uplifted, and deeply attached to this strange, resilient little crew.
The world-building is phenomenal. It’s not just the mechanics of the "Shifts" humans with evolved abilities, but the terrifying, cannibalistic way those powers can be stolen. It adds a constant undercurrent of dread. The concept of eating a Shift's brain to inherit their gifts is as disturbing as it sounds, and it keeps the stakes deadly serious at all times. And yet, amidst the gore and psychic madness, there’s genuine heart.
What I wasn’t expecting, but loved was how beautifully queer this book is. There are trans and nonbinary characters woven into the narrative without fanfare or tokenism. It just is organic, powerful, and refreshing. And the drag queens? Absolute badasses. Their presence adds a layer of joy, flamboyance, and defiant strength in a world that tries to crush both beauty and identity. The found family vibe here is everything, and if you’ve ever felt like an outsider, something is healing in seeing these characters carve out a place for themselves in a brutal world.
Yes, it’s violent. Yes, it’s dark. But there’s also a thread of hope that runs through even the bleakest moments, an idea that maybe, just maybe, we can build something better together. I’m already diving into Book Two, because I need to see where this wild, weird, wonderful series goes next.
If you like grimdark dystopias with a heart, morally complex characters, and a cast that reflects the real spectrum of humanity, The Mantis Variant is a must-read.
August 26, 2024
I really enjoyed The Mantis Variant its a mixture of dystopian, horror and grimdark that works so well together. It’s dark and gritty at points but there are moments of light in the darkness. I loved the random (or rather eventual found family) or characters and how they all interacted with each other. We follows them on a journey of self discovery but also one that sees them empowering thoughts they met along the way.
Each of our main characters have their own storylines but these are interwoven together perfectly so that it never feels like one character gets more page time or more ‘drama’ than the other. While it is brutal at points and bloody with the fair share of violence I found that this highlights the lighter moments all the more.
If you enjoy fantasy, particularly grimdark, horror or dystopian you are likely to love this. If you like all three you will definitely love it. Just be aware that due to the nature and genre there are triggers involved including homophobia, grief, death and violence.
Thank you so much to The Mantis Variant and Adam Andrews Johnson for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
Each of our main characters have their own storylines but these are interwoven together perfectly so that it never feels like one character gets more page time or more ‘drama’ than the other. While it is brutal at points and bloody with the fair share of violence I found that this highlights the lighter moments all the more.
If you enjoy fantasy, particularly grimdark, horror or dystopian you are likely to love this. If you like all three you will definitely love it. Just be aware that due to the nature and genre there are triggers involved including homophobia, grief, death and violence.
Thank you so much to The Mantis Variant and Adam Andrews Johnson for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
November 2, 2023
The Mantis Variant is everything you love about dystopian settings with a twist on the classic superhero trope. Adam Andrews Johnson creates a world full of fascinating history and unique cultures.
I think part of the draw is not just the realism of the characters (be prepared for them to steal your heart and break it), but the relatability.
This is found family at it's finest. A brilliant contrast of security, care, and love within a brutal, cruel, and violent world, when it comes to the pervasiveness and devastation of atrocities committed toward one another.
It's the kind of books that offer so many great, deep messages, and one such for me was this one with the Mystic (what a great role model for readers): “It’s important to correct ourselves, to help us grow and become more understanding.”
I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of the series!
I think part of the draw is not just the realism of the characters (be prepared for them to steal your heart and break it), but the relatability.
This is found family at it's finest. A brilliant contrast of security, care, and love within a brutal, cruel, and violent world, when it comes to the pervasiveness and devastation of atrocities committed toward one another.
It's the kind of books that offer so many great, deep messages, and one such for me was this one with the Mystic (what a great role model for readers): “It’s important to correct ourselves, to help us grow and become more understanding.”
I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of the series!
July 21, 2024
This book is a quite interesting blend of scifi and fantasy, and features a lot of unique factions, powers and creatures in a very imaginative world. Lots of action and gore, which I enjoyed a lot!
However, the "top-down" narrative approach to multi-POVs and lack of interiority made it hard for me to connect with the characters and so a lot of the emotional moments fell a little flat for me.
But if you like a sort of omniscient narrative style, found family, queer normative world, religious zealots, redemption arcs and an X-Men vibe, then this book is for you :)
However, the "top-down" narrative approach to multi-POVs and lack of interiority made it hard for me to connect with the characters and so a lot of the emotional moments fell a little flat for me.
But if you like a sort of omniscient narrative style, found family, queer normative world, religious zealots, redemption arcs and an X-Men vibe, then this book is for you :)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews