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The Antiarch Trilogy #1
Finding Axiom
When Finn, a sixteen year-old Enforcer-In-Training, learns that The Wall built to keep citizens safe from The Wild is really a cage, he starts questioning all he’s been taught.
Maybe animals aren’t as dangerous as he’s been conditioned to believe.
Maybe his rebel parents aren’t the bad guys.
Maybe he’s playing for the wrong team.
Finn must choose a side, either way it will cost him. His family, or his future…but neither are as terrifying as what may lurk beyond The Wall.
Maybe animals aren’t as dangerous as he’s been conditioned to believe.
Maybe his rebel parents aren’t the bad guys.
Maybe he’s playing for the wrong team.
Finn must choose a side, either way it will cost him. His family, or his future…but neither are as terrifying as what may lurk beyond The Wall.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2015
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Carpenter
5 books7 followersEryn Carpenter lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a dog, and two cats. She is a 5th grade teacher. An avid middle grade and YA reader, she started writing books for her kids in class and it grew into a passion from there.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 6, 2016
Audiobook - Narration, Zachary Johnson - Really Good
He has the appropriately youthful voice to narrate this book with our hero being just 16, but also handles a wide array of characters of all ages that are easily differentiated. He's a terrific storyteller that made this a really enjoyable listen.
So here is my take on this story - If you're familiar with any native american legends or have read any stories where an elder in a tribe is telling stories of the beginning of time with mother earth, nature, the animals and man living together harmoniously? But then man became greedy and started killing trees for shelters and killing animals for furs etc. (I'm grossly simplifying here)
Well, this is that legend, come to life. I'm not sure if this should be categorized as paranormal, magical, sci-fi, dystopian or all of the above. Our hero, Finn, lives in a society where everyone is in a city surrounded by a Wall and patrolled by Enforcers. From birth, they are taught that outside of the walls is the Wild, where there is danger, primarily from animals that attack at will, so the wall is for their own protection. There are classes of society that are determined by "The Adviser" and students in the preparatory schools choose their path which ultimately places them in their "class"
Finn is on track to become an enforcer, the elite that patrols the city, enforces the rules, has perks that others do not, enforcing curfew, collecting "agitators"
Finn has been in turmoil for the past year because his parents and sister seem to be more on the agitator side of things - not believing everything the Adviser says - and for his 16th birthday, his parents get him a dog.
"Animals are not safe, the Adviser himself says so!"
The only animals allowed in the city are those that have been through conditioning (drugged) and (unbeknownst to their owners) their foods are drugged as well.
However, this dog was sort of "planted" in Finn's lap. He's terrified of this dog. It's running around in their house - not drowsing around like a zombie dog as the others he's seen in the city do. Very quickly strange things start happening when this dog is around. Horrible headaches, voices in his head, is he infected with the dreaded canine flu that he's heard so much about?
This is really a clever story that portrays a very different world complete with an entirely new dictionary of curse words:
What in the Wild do you think you're doing.
Fleas and Ticks and Claws and Fangs
For Advisor's sake
A society that lives in harmony with man, nature and beast.
And a society that does not.
This is book one of a trilogy - all three books are available but only the first in audio as of this writing, however, the audiobook includes a very mean teaser of book two, A Conditional Truth. Giant Cliffy Teaser! Very mean! (LOL)
Wonderfully enjoyable listen.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
He has the appropriately youthful voice to narrate this book with our hero being just 16, but also handles a wide array of characters of all ages that are easily differentiated. He's a terrific storyteller that made this a really enjoyable listen.
So here is my take on this story - If you're familiar with any native american legends or have read any stories where an elder in a tribe is telling stories of the beginning of time with mother earth, nature, the animals and man living together harmoniously? But then man became greedy and started killing trees for shelters and killing animals for furs etc. (I'm grossly simplifying here)
Well, this is that legend, come to life. I'm not sure if this should be categorized as paranormal, magical, sci-fi, dystopian or all of the above. Our hero, Finn, lives in a society where everyone is in a city surrounded by a Wall and patrolled by Enforcers. From birth, they are taught that outside of the walls is the Wild, where there is danger, primarily from animals that attack at will, so the wall is for their own protection. There are classes of society that are determined by "The Adviser" and students in the preparatory schools choose their path which ultimately places them in their "class"
Finn is on track to become an enforcer, the elite that patrols the city, enforces the rules, has perks that others do not, enforcing curfew, collecting "agitators"
Finn has been in turmoil for the past year because his parents and sister seem to be more on the agitator side of things - not believing everything the Adviser says - and for his 16th birthday, his parents get him a dog.
"Animals are not safe, the Adviser himself says so!"
The only animals allowed in the city are those that have been through conditioning (drugged) and (unbeknownst to their owners) their foods are drugged as well.
However, this dog was sort of "planted" in Finn's lap. He's terrified of this dog. It's running around in their house - not drowsing around like a zombie dog as the others he's seen in the city do. Very quickly strange things start happening when this dog is around. Horrible headaches, voices in his head, is he infected with the dreaded canine flu that he's heard so much about?
This is really a clever story that portrays a very different world complete with an entirely new dictionary of curse words:
What in the Wild do you think you're doing.
Fleas and Ticks and Claws and Fangs
For Advisor's sake
A society that lives in harmony with man, nature and beast.
And a society that does not.
This is book one of a trilogy - all three books are available but only the first in audio as of this writing, however, the audiobook includes a very mean teaser of book two, A Conditional Truth. Giant Cliffy Teaser! Very mean! (LOL)
Wonderfully enjoyable listen.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
July 14, 2016
Sixteen year old Finn has chosen the educational track to become an Enforcer, which in the walled off dystopian society he lives is a sort of policeman of the community - an enforcer of the law. Enforcers are always on the lookout for "agitators", who the governing bodies consider to be threatening to the status quo. Problems arise when Finn realizes that he might not want to be an Enforcer after all.
Many Native American legends are intertwined in this novel, centering on nature, animals, and the whole concept of the way people and nature work together.
I was not a big fan of this book, because I could not really relate to the main character, and the telepathy between humans and animals seemed strange to me. It was an interesting concept, and I think someone who loves the paranormal dystopian genre would really like it.
Zachary Johnson did a great job narrating. His voice was perfect for Finn, and I would listen to other audiobooks that he narrates.
This audiobook was given to me for free from Audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
Many Native American legends are intertwined in this novel, centering on nature, animals, and the whole concept of the way people and nature work together.
I was not a big fan of this book, because I could not really relate to the main character, and the telepathy between humans and animals seemed strange to me. It was an interesting concept, and I think someone who loves the paranormal dystopian genre would really like it.
Zachary Johnson did a great job narrating. His voice was perfect for Finn, and I would listen to other audiobooks that he narrates.
This audiobook was given to me for free from Audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2016
The book itself is decent, good characters, premise, etc. But there is a HEAVY fantasy element that isn't mentioned in the blurb. If you don't care what it is, read on. Otherwise, stop here. In this pseudo-post-apocalyptic world, animals can telepathically link with humans. I found it hard to get through for that reason.
September 25, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Dystopian World
Where animals are shunned and a patriarch demands extreme loyalty and obedience. Can Finn, an enforcer in training, come to understand his place in a world where animals and man work together? A choice must be made and soon. Should Finn continue on the enforcer path or should he forsake his place as determined by the chairman and instead become an agitator?
This is a good listen for tweens and teenagers. It's about the things we lay aside as we grow up. It's also about the decisions that go into deciding where our place is ultimately destined to be. Finn makes the right choice although it is an extremely painful one and has far reaching effects on both him and his family. The question is can Finn live with his decision and see his path through to the end?
I enjoy narrations by Zachary Johnson which is why I asked to listen to this audiobook. I find his narration style varied and compelling. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Dystopian World
Where animals are shunned and a patriarch demands extreme loyalty and obedience. Can Finn, an enforcer in training, come to understand his place in a world where animals and man work together? A choice must be made and soon. Should Finn continue on the enforcer path or should he forsake his place as determined by the chairman and instead become an agitator?
This is a good listen for tweens and teenagers. It's about the things we lay aside as we grow up. It's also about the decisions that go into deciding where our place is ultimately destined to be. Finn makes the right choice although it is an extremely painful one and has far reaching effects on both him and his family. The question is can Finn live with his decision and see his path through to the end?
I enjoy narrations by Zachary Johnson which is why I asked to listen to this audiobook. I find his narration style varied and compelling. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2018
I received audiobook version of this book for free from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
When I read the synopsis, I was getting a "wayward pines" vibe from it. And I was super excited since I love WP. When I started listening to the book though, the similarities ended at the "walled city" part. This is a totally different story and in a good way.
Even though on the onset, it sounds like a YA novel, it improves leaps n bounds as it progresses. The well built characters are the strong points of this book. Finn's character is written very well and not just one-dimensional. He's strong, but has flaws. And so do the other characters in the story.
The story itself is entertaining. It held my attention throughout and I wanted to finish it in one sitting.
Narration wise, Zachary Johnson did a good job. It was a pleasant listen and there are no audio issues.
When I read the synopsis, I was getting a "wayward pines" vibe from it. And I was super excited since I love WP. When I started listening to the book though, the similarities ended at the "walled city" part. This is a totally different story and in a good way.
Even though on the onset, it sounds like a YA novel, it improves leaps n bounds as it progresses. The well built characters are the strong points of this book. Finn's character is written very well and not just one-dimensional. He's strong, but has flaws. And so do the other characters in the story.
The story itself is entertaining. It held my attention throughout and I wanted to finish it in one sitting.
Narration wise, Zachary Johnson did a good job. It was a pleasant listen and there are no audio issues.
March 7, 2022
Sure there are parts of it that have been explored on many stories….. but do they have humans that talk with animals telepathically? Are their animal companions helping to get the wall torn down so we can all live peacefully together again? I don’t think so! That’s where this one’s gets original. You will actually hate Finn at first but give him time. He gets better as he gets smarter and you’ll like him eventually .
You’ll love B from the min this big fluffy boy appears in the story.
I’m excited for the next one.
Narration by Zachary Johnson was great!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
You’ll love B from the min this big fluffy boy appears in the story.
I’m excited for the next one.
Narration by Zachary Johnson was great!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 12, 2020
This is a fantastic begining to a dystopian series. I am listening to the audiobook trilogy and reviewing each book as they complete. I quickly became invested in Finn's journey. I really like the world the author has created especially because I am an animal lover. The narrator does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. Looking forward to book 2
January 25, 2021
Brilliant! This YA, dystopian book is a serious read about sacrifice, doing the right thing, and trying to leave the world a better place than you've found it. I enjoyed every minute of it (even the hard to read parts that broke my heart), and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
January 14, 2024
This story didn't engage me. I dind't feel connected to our protagonist. Plot moments, like the and insta-love, made me even less connected to the story. Not a series for me.
June 22, 2016
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
The summary sounded really interesting so I decided to give it a try. The dystopian world created by Carpenter is pretty awesome in an awful way, of course. It's a walled community where animals are feared & where its people are brainwashed. Some see through it all like Finn's parents but they & others like them need to keep their views under wraps to keep from being arrested. I'm truly invested in Finn's plights. To be an Enforcer, he must renounce his family as different classes don't mix. Soon he's starting to realize his parents aren't the bad guys & animals pose no threat. He's having to deal with all that & more at the tender age of 16. My complaint stems from an extremely anticlimactic ending. I'm aware it's a trilogy but there could've been more done.
The narrator (here comes a miracle ) I actually enjoy. Zachary Johnson does a great job displaying the voice of a youthful adolescent as well as changing up his voice for other characters. His breathing is perfectly unnoticed unless necessary, pronunciation is great with no exaggerated letters & emotion successfully, well emoted. This is a huge compliment coming from me because I almost never like the narration
Overall, stand out from a genre that is all blending into one another. Cool plot, fleshed characters & I'm interested in seeing where it goes in the next couple installments.
Side Note: I much prefer the cover with the title in big bold white letters & blue background than the bland beige one
The summary sounded really interesting so I decided to give it a try. The dystopian world created by Carpenter is pretty awesome in an awful way, of course. It's a walled community where animals are feared & where its people are brainwashed. Some see through it all like Finn's parents but they & others like them need to keep their views under wraps to keep from being arrested. I'm truly invested in Finn's plights. To be an Enforcer, he must renounce his family as different classes don't mix. Soon he's starting to realize his parents aren't the bad guys & animals pose no threat. He's having to deal with all that & more at the tender age of 16. My complaint stems from an extremely anticlimactic ending. I'm aware it's a trilogy but there could've been more done.
The narrator (here comes a miracle ) I actually enjoy. Zachary Johnson does a great job displaying the voice of a youthful adolescent as well as changing up his voice for other characters. His breathing is perfectly unnoticed unless necessary, pronunciation is great with no exaggerated letters & emotion successfully, well emoted. This is a huge compliment coming from me because I almost never like the narration
Overall, stand out from a genre that is all blending into one another. Cool plot, fleshed characters & I'm interested in seeing where it goes in the next couple installments.
Side Note: I much prefer the cover with the title in big bold white letters & blue background than the bland beige one
Read
December 31, 2019What an intriguing concept. A Big-Brother type society where everyone has a caste-level and kids are trained in certain levels/jobs based on their family, their family's positions (politically and employment, with "top student" being trained and recruited into the Enforcers - the militaristic law enforcement. The city is surrounded by The Wall, which is built supposedly to keep citizens safe from The Wild. Finn is a 16 year old who has been training to become an Enforcer, regardless of what his parenting want. They are what you would call rebel sympathizers but if anyone found out and reported them, they would be shipped off to be forcibly retrained & conditioned as productive workers in the society...or they just disappear, never to be heard from again. Finn has been taught all his life that the animals outside the wall are enraged and bad.
When Finn, a 16-year-old Enforcer-In-Training, learns that The Wall built to keep citizens safe from The Wild is really a cage, he starts questioning all he's been taught. Maybe animals aren't as dangerous as he's been conditioned to believe. Maybe his rebel parents aren't the bad guys. Maybe he's playing for the wrong team. Finn must choose a side; either way it will cost him. His family, or his future...but neither are as terrifying as what may lurk beyond The Wall.
When Finn, a 16-year-old Enforcer-In-Training, learns that The Wall built to keep citizens safe from The Wild is really a cage, he starts questioning all he's been taught. Maybe animals aren't as dangerous as he's been conditioned to believe. Maybe his rebel parents aren't the bad guys. Maybe he's playing for the wrong team. Finn must choose a side; either way it will cost him. His family, or his future...but neither are as terrifying as what may lurk beyond The Wall.
May 31, 2016
In this Young Adult dystopian novel, the author creates an interesting world. It is a walled city, animals are the declared foe. People are being brainwashed, but there are some who look through the propaganda lies and try to fight them.
Finn, who trains to become an enforcer, suddenly has to make a choice in order to protect his loved ones.
The characters are well elaborated and convincing, especially Finn, who has just turned 16 -- a difficult age for any young man.
The subject as such is a popular one in dystopian literature, but it is what Eryn Carpenter makes of it, which is convincing. To my chagrin, it is clear that the story is far from being concluded, and I wonder whether anyone would comprehend the sequel (which I haven't read yet) without having read/listened to this book, so that's why I didn't give five stars.
Fortunately, the author was very lucky with her choice of narrator: a youthful voice with a very clear diction, who managed to change his voice in a way that I was able to discern what were thoughts, and what was spoken, and by whom. That is no meant feat, and Zachary Johnson did a great job of it. I hope to listen to the sequels soon.
Finn, who trains to become an enforcer, suddenly has to make a choice in order to protect his loved ones.
The characters are well elaborated and convincing, especially Finn, who has just turned 16 -- a difficult age for any young man.
The subject as such is a popular one in dystopian literature, but it is what Eryn Carpenter makes of it, which is convincing. To my chagrin, it is clear that the story is far from being concluded, and I wonder whether anyone would comprehend the sequel (which I haven't read yet) without having read/listened to this book, so that's why I didn't give five stars.
Fortunately, the author was very lucky with her choice of narrator: a youthful voice with a very clear diction, who managed to change his voice in a way that I was able to discern what were thoughts, and what was spoken, and by whom. That is no meant feat, and Zachary Johnson did a great job of it. I hope to listen to the sequels soon.
June 25, 2016
Note: I listened to the audio version of this book and it was provided at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast.
This book had elements reminiscent of the Hunger Games of Divergent series. Except there was a bit of a twist I wasn't expecting. The twist comes fairly early on, but I don't want to mention too much except to say that it happened when the protagonist met Barstow. Plot-wise it was decent, but the ending was rather anti-climactic. If the second one ends in a similar manner then it seems this would have been better off as one long novel rather than a trilogy. The narrator's performance was pretty good; if I had anything to change it would be that there was more distinction with some of the voices ... he did a good job distinguishing most of the male voices, but Barstow didn't really sound much different from the protagonist - the same held true with the protagonist's sister and love interest.
All in all, this book wasn't too bad. I'm curious to know where Finn's journey takes him in the end.
This book had elements reminiscent of the Hunger Games of Divergent series. Except there was a bit of a twist I wasn't expecting. The twist comes fairly early on, but I don't want to mention too much except to say that it happened when the protagonist met Barstow. Plot-wise it was decent, but the ending was rather anti-climactic. If the second one ends in a similar manner then it seems this would have been better off as one long novel rather than a trilogy. The narrator's performance was pretty good; if I had anything to change it would be that there was more distinction with some of the voices ... he did a good job distinguishing most of the male voices, but Barstow didn't really sound much different from the protagonist - the same held true with the protagonist's sister and love interest.
All in all, this book wasn't too bad. I'm curious to know where Finn's journey takes him in the end.
June 28, 2016
Interesting and enjoyable twist on a Dystopian society.
Native American legends woven into an really good, entertaining, well written and enjoyable book. A world where people are led to believe that animals are to be feared.
Finn thinks he knows the truth, but he has been lied to. Everyone has been lied to by The Adviser. There are only a few who do not believe the lies they have been told, like Finn's parents. When Finn finally realizes the truth his whole world changes.
Zachary Johnson did a fantastic job with the narration. He has the perfect voice for this story. He made all the characters come to life. He is also quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators.
This is the first book by Eryn Carpenter that I have read, and I will continue with the rest of the series.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.com
June 30, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
This book was a refreshing departure from the normal books in this genre. Yes, animals can communicate. What's wrong with that. I've always wanted to know what my dog was thinking at times, who hasn't.
Eryn Carpenter did a fantastic job on developing the characters and setting this world up. I sorta like the idea that everything outside the walls are not supposed to be safe for you, yet they patrol it. Why have a wall, then. Oh yeah, to keep the animals and trees out. But what about the safety of the patrols?
This is in a lot of ways similar to others from this genre, but the writing was good, Zachary Johnson's narration was great and it wants you to get the next book in the series. Nice job all the way around.
This book was a refreshing departure from the normal books in this genre. Yes, animals can communicate. What's wrong with that. I've always wanted to know what my dog was thinking at times, who hasn't.
Eryn Carpenter did a fantastic job on developing the characters and setting this world up. I sorta like the idea that everything outside the walls are not supposed to be safe for you, yet they patrol it. Why have a wall, then. Oh yeah, to keep the animals and trees out. But what about the safety of the patrols?
This is in a lot of ways similar to others from this genre, but the writing was good, Zachary Johnson's narration was great and it wants you to get the next book in the series. Nice job all the way around.
July 2, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
So, when I first started this and realized what type of role the animals would play, I wasn't sure how it would be. It could either really good or really bad. I am so glad that it was really good! The author did a great job making the "world" seem like all of this was normal day-to-day life, which helped move the story along without too much back story, and it made me very interested in what was going on.
The narrator was great. He seemed to capture the characters perfectly.
There was an excerpt from the next book in the series at the end & now I can't wait for the next one
So, when I first started this and realized what type of role the animals would play, I wasn't sure how it would be. It could either really good or really bad. I am so glad that it was really good! The author did a great job making the "world" seem like all of this was normal day-to-day life, which helped move the story along without too much back story, and it made me very interested in what was going on.
The narrator was great. He seemed to capture the characters perfectly.
There was an excerpt from the next book in the series at the end & now I can't wait for the next one
June 28, 2016
WOW! I loved this book.The relationship between Finn and Barstow was intriguing and kept me engrossed in the story.The concept of a dystopian society which portrays all animals as vicious was unique and a nice twist on the genre.I enjoyed this book way more than I expected and will definitely continue reading this series.The narrator did a good job portraying the story and has a pleasant voice.I purchased the e-book,but received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
The summary sounded really interesting so I decided to give it a try. The dystopian world created by Carpenter is pretty awesome in an awful way, of course. It's a walled community where animals are feared & where its people are brainwashed. Some see through it all like Finn's parents but they & others like them need to keep their views under wraps to keep from being arrested. I'm truly invested in Finn's plights. To be an Enforcer, he must renounce his family as different classes don't mix. Soon he's starting to realize his parents aren't the bad guys & animals pose no threat. He's having to deal with all that & more at the tender age of 16. My complaint stems from an extremely anticlimactic ending. I'm aware it's a trilogy but there could've been more done.
The narrator (here comes a miracle ) I actually enjoy. Zachary Johnson does a great job displaying the voice of a youthful adolescent as well as changing up his voice for other characters. His breathing is perfectly unnoticed unless necessary, pronunciation is great with no exaggerated letters & emotion successfully, well emoted. This is a huge compliment coming from me because I almost never like the narration
Overall, stand out from a genre that is all blending into one another. Cool plot, fleshed characters & I'm interested in seeing where it goes in the next couple installments.
Side Note: I much prefer the cover with the title in big bold white letters & blue background than the bland beige one
The summary sounded really interesting so I decided to give it a try. The dystopian world created by Carpenter is pretty awesome in an awful way, of course. It's a walled community where animals are feared & where its people are brainwashed. Some see through it all like Finn's parents but they & others like them need to keep their views under wraps to keep from being arrested. I'm truly invested in Finn's plights. To be an Enforcer, he must renounce his family as different classes don't mix. Soon he's starting to realize his parents aren't the bad guys & animals pose no threat. He's having to deal with all that & more at the tender age of 16. My complaint stems from an extremely anticlimactic ending. I'm aware it's a trilogy but there could've been more done.
The narrator (here comes a miracle ) I actually enjoy. Zachary Johnson does a great job displaying the voice of a youthful adolescent as well as changing up his voice for other characters. His breathing is perfectly unnoticed unless necessary, pronunciation is great with no exaggerated letters & emotion successfully, well emoted. This is a huge compliment coming from me because I almost never like the narration
Overall, stand out from a genre that is all blending into one another. Cool plot, fleshed characters & I'm interested in seeing where it goes in the next couple installments.
Side Note: I much prefer the cover with the title in big bold white letters & blue background than the bland beige one
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews