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The Animal in Man: VIolent Mind
Maxan, a cunning fox, stalks the Leoran capital city of Crosswall as a “shadow”—a lone operative for the city guard who must never be seen or heard, and never engage with the enemy. But when he’s caught in an explosion that levels a city block, the fox ignores his mission and retrieves a dangerous artifact that could bring the whole planet of Herbridia to its knees: the relay, a weapon that turns civilized animals into savage beasts.
Maxan must fight to keep the mysterious relay from falling into the hands of those who would abuse its power. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t know who to trust, or why he alone is immune to the deadliest weapon in the world. With Leora on the brink of a massive civil war, can Maxan find his allies in time to save animalkind from itself?
Maxan must fight to keep the mysterious relay from falling into the hands of those who would abuse its power. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t know who to trust, or why he alone is immune to the deadliest weapon in the world. With Leora on the brink of a massive civil war, can Maxan find his allies in time to save animalkind from itself?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2018
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Asphahani
7 books1 followerJoseph Asphahani is an avid video gamer, effective high school teacher, and enthusiastic candidate for whatever sort of cybernetic limb enhancement your mega-corp is planning for the inexorable dystopian future. When he’s not getting hopelessly lost in simulated worlds, he’s often dreaming up worlds of his own. He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 1, 2024
This story grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s not a tale of romance—it’s a journey of discovery. At its core, it asks profound questions: Who are we, really? And who can we trust when trust seems impossible?
The characters leap off the page, pulling us into an exhilarating adventure filled with self-discovery, betrayal, and destruction. Among them, Maxen, the clever fox, stands out as a beacon of resilience and determination. His journey teaches us that we’re capable of far more than we imagine, especially when life knocks us down. He’s undeniably one of my favorite characters of the year.
This is a story that challenges, excites, and lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters leap off the page, pulling us into an exhilarating adventure filled with self-discovery, betrayal, and destruction. Among them, Maxen, the clever fox, stands out as a beacon of resilience and determination. His journey teaches us that we’re capable of far more than we imagine, especially when life knocks us down. He’s undeniably one of my favorite characters of the year.
This is a story that challenges, excites, and lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2024
This took me a long time to get back into after losing interest about halfway through. I can’t not finish a book so I went back determined to read the rest.
I really just can’t make any sense of the world that the author built here. It seems like it has the potential to be great, but so much is left only vaguely described and unanswered. The entire book had some big secret about how all of life is a lie, and nothing ever became any clearer. Even the animals, who are described as rather humanoid, and walk upright and have arms, wear clothes. Some are described as having paws, some have hands, some have arms And wings. My brain just can’t accept the visuals with how little detail is given on them.
Some of the characters are rather enjoyable. Maxan is searching for purpose and his friendship with Chewgar is at times fun. When Pryth and Pram are introduced, things got a lot more entertaining.
The author has some skilled writing and beautiful prose at times, which left me thinking that he intentionally avoided going deeper into building this world. There are a lot of random perspective shifts, which is a major pet peeve of mine.
While the concept behind the story is interesting and I really wanted to like it, I’m afraid I will not be reading on to Book 2.
I really just can’t make any sense of the world that the author built here. It seems like it has the potential to be great, but so much is left only vaguely described and unanswered. The entire book had some big secret about how all of life is a lie, and nothing ever became any clearer. Even the animals, who are described as rather humanoid, and walk upright and have arms, wear clothes. Some are described as having paws, some have hands, some have arms And wings. My brain just can’t accept the visuals with how little detail is given on them.
Some of the characters are rather enjoyable. Maxan is searching for purpose and his friendship with Chewgar is at times fun. When Pryth and Pram are introduced, things got a lot more entertaining.
The author has some skilled writing and beautiful prose at times, which left me thinking that he intentionally avoided going deeper into building this world. There are a lot of random perspective shifts, which is a major pet peeve of mine.
While the concept behind the story is interesting and I really wanted to like it, I’m afraid I will not be reading on to Book 2.
October 22, 2018
One part The Matrix, one part Dungeons & Dragons, with a splash of Sword Art Online. Asphahani's expansive fantasy universe is heartwarming, violent, and surprising.
I'm going to toss this out here so people know what they are getting into: This is the kind of book you read that makes you want to go off and run your own D&D Campaign. The world setting is rich and filled with tons of little side story potential. Maxan, the main character who is one of the last few foxes, finds himself launched headfirst into a conspiracy about the true history of Herbvidia.
As I read this book, I could easily imagine taking any location and walking among their streets or even doing artwork based on the characters. In a fantasy setting, that kind of visual mindgame is something you look forward to with debut authors like Asphahani.
I eagerly await the next book and continued expansion material in this universe.
I'm going to toss this out here so people know what they are getting into: This is the kind of book you read that makes you want to go off and run your own D&D Campaign. The world setting is rich and filled with tons of little side story potential. Maxan, the main character who is one of the last few foxes, finds himself launched headfirst into a conspiracy about the true history of Herbvidia.
As I read this book, I could easily imagine taking any location and walking among their streets or even doing artwork based on the characters. In a fantasy setting, that kind of visual mindgame is something you look forward to with debut authors like Asphahani.
I eagerly await the next book and continued expansion material in this universe.
November 22, 2022
This book got me back into reading.
After I quit social media, I needed something to pass the time (and to help me get through the withdrawal symptoms). I decided to try reading, though I didn't have much hope for the idea. This book had been sitting on my shelf unread for a few years, so I picked it up and gave it a go. I'm glad I did.
The writing style is extremely engaging. It's fun to read simply because of how it's written, as it feels action-packed even during quieter scenes. The inner monologue of the main character, Maxan, really helps with this, showing off the character's thoughts without excessive narration. There's a great balance of showing and telling as well.
The story itself is rather interesting, though I didn't have high hopes for it at first. I thought for a moment that it was going to be an Isekai, or a Matrix-like cookie cutter concept. I remember thinking, "this book is too well written for this". But I was pleasantly surprised to find that a great deal of care was obviously given to make the concept unique. I'm stuck wondering what exactly the nature of this world is, because it doesn't add up to my assumptions about this genre, which makes the mystery all the more tantalizing.
The characters are great, with each one feeling unique. You could identify them just by their dialogue. I tend to have trouble keeping all the characters in a book straight, but I didn't have any problem here. Maxan is a brilliant main character, (although I couldn't help but realize he was a snitch for the cops in the beginning. I feel like he never confronted that fact...), and the supporting characters all have their own mysteries surrounding them.
And on top of it all the book seems to want to deliver a message. It has something to say about inherent violence, which I'm sure will be expanded upon in the sequel(s?). It hasn't quite delivered that message so far, but it's doing a good job of exploring its themes, even if they get a bit heavy handed sometimes. The occassional slaughters are a bit excessive and can feel like they were made for shock factor, but I suppose that comes with the territory in a book about the nature of violence. I appreciate books that have something to say. A bit of substance, rather than being like a cheap margarita that you slam quickly with questionable benefit.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of fantasy that plays with the genre a bit, and who wants to indulge in some action-packed writing without sacrificing too much quality. If you're a writer, it might also serve as an example to learn from when you're trying to make your writing more engaging.
Sorry for the long review, but this was a book worth gushing over. I've read a dozen or so books so far in my new reading hobby, so if you see this, mister author, thanks for that.
After I quit social media, I needed something to pass the time (and to help me get through the withdrawal symptoms). I decided to try reading, though I didn't have much hope for the idea. This book had been sitting on my shelf unread for a few years, so I picked it up and gave it a go. I'm glad I did.
The writing style is extremely engaging. It's fun to read simply because of how it's written, as it feels action-packed even during quieter scenes. The inner monologue of the main character, Maxan, really helps with this, showing off the character's thoughts without excessive narration. There's a great balance of showing and telling as well.
The story itself is rather interesting, though I didn't have high hopes for it at first. I thought for a moment that it was going to be an Isekai, or a Matrix-like cookie cutter concept. I remember thinking, "this book is too well written for this". But I was pleasantly surprised to find that a great deal of care was obviously given to make the concept unique. I'm stuck wondering what exactly the nature of this world is, because it doesn't add up to my assumptions about this genre, which makes the mystery all the more tantalizing.
The characters are great, with each one feeling unique. You could identify them just by their dialogue. I tend to have trouble keeping all the characters in a book straight, but I didn't have any problem here. Maxan is a brilliant main character, (although I couldn't help but realize he was a snitch for the cops in the beginning. I feel like he never confronted that fact...), and the supporting characters all have their own mysteries surrounding them.
And on top of it all the book seems to want to deliver a message. It has something to say about inherent violence, which I'm sure will be expanded upon in the sequel(s?). It hasn't quite delivered that message so far, but it's doing a good job of exploring its themes, even if they get a bit heavy handed sometimes. The occassional slaughters are a bit excessive and can feel like they were made for shock factor, but I suppose that comes with the territory in a book about the nature of violence. I appreciate books that have something to say. A bit of substance, rather than being like a cheap margarita that you slam quickly with questionable benefit.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of fantasy that plays with the genre a bit, and who wants to indulge in some action-packed writing without sacrificing too much quality. If you're a writer, it might also serve as an example to learn from when you're trying to make your writing more engaging.
Sorry for the long review, but this was a book worth gushing over. I've read a dozen or so books so far in my new reading hobby, so if you see this, mister author, thanks for that.
January 14, 2019
Maxan is a fox. Scratch that. Maxan is the only remaining fox, after first his family and then his friends in the rogue’s guild were killed. With nowhere else to go, he enlists in the city guard, using his natural stealth and cleverness to act as a scout and rooftop observer. This job has become only more important over time, as an increasing number of the town’s residents slowly return to their species’ wild, feral roots.
On one mission into the city’s quarantined districts Maxan makes several stunning discoveries. First, he is not the only living fox, after all. And second, this new vixen is a member of a shadowy organization charged with guarding the world against ruination caused by misuse of ancient technological artifacts. Unfortunately, the leaders of an upstart religion and their secular pawns want those artifacts for their own use.
It’s not long before Maxan and his only friend – a rhinoceros, of all people – find themselves in the midst of this shadow war, uncertain of whom to trust but nonetheless feeling the need to act. And, of course, there is the question of the buried technology’s origin. Who created it, and how does it relate to the animals’ recent sentience and self-awareness?
The Animal in Man uses as its guide Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and it’s not at all hard to draw parallels between Asphahani’s story and mankind’s own struggle to put aside its violent tribalism and build a sustainable, peaceful society. It is absolutely not preachy, however, so don’t worry about being talked down to.
This is the first of a planned trilogy, and promises a deep, engaging story.
Buy if: You like a good, rollicking fantasy but also like to think about deeper questions about life.
Don’t buy if: You are looking for a breezy read. There’s a good deal to chew on here.
Age: Teen+
On one mission into the city’s quarantined districts Maxan makes several stunning discoveries. First, he is not the only living fox, after all. And second, this new vixen is a member of a shadowy organization charged with guarding the world against ruination caused by misuse of ancient technological artifacts. Unfortunately, the leaders of an upstart religion and their secular pawns want those artifacts for their own use.
It’s not long before Maxan and his only friend – a rhinoceros, of all people – find themselves in the midst of this shadow war, uncertain of whom to trust but nonetheless feeling the need to act. And, of course, there is the question of the buried technology’s origin. Who created it, and how does it relate to the animals’ recent sentience and self-awareness?
The Animal in Man uses as its guide Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and it’s not at all hard to draw parallels between Asphahani’s story and mankind’s own struggle to put aside its violent tribalism and build a sustainable, peaceful society. It is absolutely not preachy, however, so don’t worry about being talked down to.
This is the first of a planned trilogy, and promises a deep, engaging story.
Buy if: You like a good, rollicking fantasy but also like to think about deeper questions about life.
Don’t buy if: You are looking for a breezy read. There’s a good deal to chew on here.
Age: Teen+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
I love when I am reading a book, and I want to make notes in the margins of my thoughts when I am reading (for my future-self to one day enjoy). This story had a bunch of places where I giggled. Like Maxan talking to himself about how others went crazy… and he continues talking to himself. —Yea, I made a note.
Of course, considering the title as well, this story has a serious tone as well: destruction, physical battles, and the internal battle of self-doubt to self-discovery. It is a well-written story that kept me guessing. Why does it seem like Max’s memory is not all there? How does the prologue link with these characters? This book gets you asking questions… and questioning the internal struggle that is man. At one point, I was thinking about they question “If you could go back in time and kill Hitler, would you?”
Of course, considering the title as well, this story has a serious tone as well: destruction, physical battles, and the internal battle of self-doubt to self-discovery. It is a well-written story that kept me guessing. Why does it seem like Max’s memory is not all there? How does the prologue link with these characters? This book gets you asking questions… and questioning the internal struggle that is man. At one point, I was thinking about they question “If you could go back in time and kill Hitler, would you?”
May 12, 2022
We met Joe at Indy Comic Con and he was very nice and signed our copy of the Red Opera. We ordered The Animal in Man from his website after hearing his pitch at comic con and he signed that copy as well.
This was a fun and refreshing read. A world of anthropomorphic animals, a mysterious secret about their origin and the overwhelming question of, “are we destined to destroy ourselves?”
I loved Maxan and Feyn(who quickly became my favorite), but the book has a bunch of great characters like Rinnia and Chewgar.
Gotta support indie authors, folks. They’re doing interesting things that some of the big boy publishers aren’t doing, which can lead to a stagnant and repetitious market.
Patiently waiting for book 2!
This was a fun and refreshing read. A world of anthropomorphic animals, a mysterious secret about their origin and the overwhelming question of, “are we destined to destroy ourselves?”
I loved Maxan and Feyn(who quickly became my favorite), but the book has a bunch of great characters like Rinnia and Chewgar.
Gotta support indie authors, folks. They’re doing interesting things that some of the big boy publishers aren’t doing, which can lead to a stagnant and repetitious market.
Patiently waiting for book 2!
May 3, 2022
This story jumps into action from page one and never slows down. It’s not a story of romance: it’s a story of discovery. Who are any of us really and who do we trust when we cannot trust anyone?
The characters jump off the page ready to take us on an adventure of self discovery; betrayal; and destruction. Maxen, our clever fox, teaches us that we are capable of so much more than we ever thought we could do when we’re down. He quickly became one of my favorite characters of the year.
The author asks, “Are we destined to destroy ourselves?” And spends the rest of the book helping you find your own answer. I loved everything about this so much.
The characters jump off the page ready to take us on an adventure of self discovery; betrayal; and destruction. Maxen, our clever fox, teaches us that we are capable of so much more than we ever thought we could do when we’re down. He quickly became one of my favorite characters of the year.
The author asks, “Are we destined to destroy ourselves?” And spends the rest of the book helping you find your own answer. I loved everything about this so much.
March 29, 2024
2.5 stars
The tale of Maxan: is he a just spy, or is he now a rebel? This is a fascinating concept and I enjoyed the fantasy aspects of this world where human/animal hybrids choose their way: The Mind or The Monitors.
In general I do not favour the present-tense narrative and I did find it hard to follow the world-building; so many species and names were introduced so early and I found myself getting quite lost. I also found the chapters a bit too long. This would be a fabulous graphic novel. I hope the series continues.
Thank you to Inkshares and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
The tale of Maxan: is he a just spy, or is he now a rebel? This is a fascinating concept and I enjoyed the fantasy aspects of this world where human/animal hybrids choose their way: The Mind or The Monitors.
In general I do not favour the present-tense narrative and I did find it hard to follow the world-building; so many species and names were introduced so early and I found myself getting quite lost. I also found the chapters a bit too long. This would be a fabulous graphic novel. I hope the series continues.
Thank you to Inkshares and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 8, 2018
A really solid book for what is the first book in the series. The writing was great for what I would call literary fantasy. The characters were compelling and although the differences between them (writing that makes them different animal species) was not apparent early in the book, it becomes clearer by the end. Often when reading books with non-human characters, authors have difficulty distinguishing the characters from typical human characters. I think Joseph Asphahani does a good, but not great job of doing this. I think it will get better the further along in the series.
The plot is compelling and leaves a lot of questions to be answered in the 2nd book.
Thank you netgalley, inkshares and the author for the ARC.
The plot is compelling and leaves a lot of questions to be answered in the 2nd book.
Thank you netgalley, inkshares and the author for the ARC.
May 24, 2024
This was so very far from my typical read but I absolutely LOVED it. It’s written so well and boy have I missed a well written book. This book did make me realize how lacking my typical genre is. How many (women) authors cannot correctly write a well balance protagonist if their life depending on it. 😞 no my genre is filled with TikTok moms trying to make some money on a new hobby (writing) and it’s soooo bad. I think I’ll start exploring this genre a bit! Writers like this deserve to get recognized!
August 26, 2022
Amazing book, my english teacher wrote it go buy it now please.
December 6, 2025
I really didn't enjoy the pace of the story or how the internal dialogue and peer conversations were written.
I bought both books based on reviews and I'm hoping the second book is better.
I bought both books based on reviews and I'm hoping the second book is better.
September 18, 2018
Overall, I thought this was a pretty interesting kicking off point for this Animal in Man series. The storyline is intriguing and the characters are very unique and worth getting attached to. I will say at times I was a little confused and while the storyline was action packed, it seemed very convoluted. A lot of information was thrown out at the reader in a short amount of time. I think as the book went on, the storyline cleaned up and made more sense, and did a good job leading into the second book. Worth a read.
Thank you to Joseph Asphahani and Inkshares for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy.
Thank you to Joseph Asphahani and Inkshares for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews