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Animus #1
Initiate
It was just one fight, but it changed Kaiden Jericho's life forever.He was in a gang but was trying to change his future when a board member of the elite advanced academy NEXUS made a snap decision and offered him a chance.
Then fate, or an unbalanced genius, offered him another.
The Nexus Academy is for the elite trainees from Earth, and now trials from our alien allies, as they teach the future generation how to fight, lead, hack, spy, and many other talents and tactics.
Hired by companies, governments and NGOs, these graduates work to pay off the massive debt their training at the academy accumulates.
You don't become the best of the best by staying alive. With the Animus, you are closer to perfection with each death you suffer.
Kaiden Jericho would rather skip the death part, thank you very much.First
ANIMUS - Book 01
CO-OP- Book 02
DEATH MATCH- Book 03
----
Join Kaiden as he learns about Nexus, the Animus and the opportunities that one fight has brought him. Never has helping someone benefitted him so much.
The future is looking bright…except for the pain.Go up and click on the 'Read Now' button and enter the ANIMUS.
Then fate, or an unbalanced genius, offered him another.
The Nexus Academy is for the elite trainees from Earth, and now trials from our alien allies, as they teach the future generation how to fight, lead, hack, spy, and many other talents and tactics.
Hired by companies, governments and NGOs, these graduates work to pay off the massive debt their training at the academy accumulates.
You don't become the best of the best by staying alive. With the Animus, you are closer to perfection with each death you suffer.
Kaiden Jericho would rather skip the death part, thank you very much.First
ANIMUS - Book 01
CO-OP- Book 02
DEATH MATCH- Book 03
----
Join Kaiden as he learns about Nexus, the Animus and the opportunities that one fight has brought him. Never has helping someone benefitted him so much.
The future is looking bright…except for the pain.Go up and click on the 'Read Now' button and enter the ANIMUS.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
947 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 4, 2019
Note:
Glad I took a chance on this book! Good intro to a series & new authors. Scott Aiello did a fantastic job narrating the story. Not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much in print format. I may find out about that soon because the other books are in print but not on audio yet.
Glad I took a chance on this book! Good intro to a series & new authors. Scott Aiello did a fantastic job narrating the story. Not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much in print format. I may find out about that soon because the other books are in print but not on audio yet.
July 9, 2020
Kaiden's world in the academy was very well built.
The way he lands there with all his street smart ways was just unbelievable. Special mention has to be made about the AI who had me laughing throughout.
The story had a dry sense of humour running all through it and with a mixture of both fantasy and science fiction and the cocky hero, they all came together very well in the story.
Enjoyed the story.
The way he lands there with all his street smart ways was just unbelievable. Special mention has to be made about the AI who had me laughing throughout.
The story had a dry sense of humour running all through it and with a mixture of both fantasy and science fiction and the cocky hero, they all came together very well in the story.
Enjoyed the story.
September 23, 2018
The unending snark ruined it
The "sarcastic" a.I. companion was just too much. Every other sentence in this book is just some elementary school insult towards the m.c.
I can never look at the word "jack ass", or "howdy" again.
Very cool premise, I took off three stars because I rolled my eyes so often it stopped the flow of the story.
Get better at using snark, or tone it down. I can only take so much of the same insult said in a different way.
The "sarcastic" a.I. companion was just too much. Every other sentence in this book is just some elementary school insult towards the m.c.
I can never look at the word "jack ass", or "howdy" again.
Very cool premise, I took off three stars because I rolled my eyes so often it stopped the flow of the story.
Get better at using snark, or tone it down. I can only take so much of the same insult said in a different way.
June 10, 2019
Initiate (Animus Book 1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A new series has burst onto the sci-fi fantasy scene, spawned by a new generational member of the illustrious Anderle family in Initiate, Book 1 in the sure-to-be-successful Animus series, by Joshua Anderle, with support from his co-author, his well-known father, Michael.
Book 1 (of a proposed 7), introduces a confrontational punk, Kaiden Jericho, soon to be an ex-member of the Deadeyes gang. As he carries out his job as security 'enforcer' at a local bar, with enthusiasm beyond what's strictly necessary, Jericho comes to the attention of an 'undercover' patron - who just happens to be a senior instructor at the intergalactic NEXUS Academy - which is strictly for the elite, (formerly from Earth, but now other planets too).
Using Virtual Reality, students train on 'missions', that even when 'fatal' merely lead to their re-animation, so they can carry on regardless. Jericho has a problem with authority, which doesn't always bode well for his new team mates, who include a snarky AI (similar to Wells in Anderle Snr's other universe), guns, (naturally) aliens and inventively-written VR/GameLit battle scenes, that allow the combatants to upgrade their skills and weapons according to their kill scores.
Although slightly slower-paced than some of the Kurtherian and Oriceran-based stories, Initiate lays a good foundation that shows great promise for a first novel in this series. Kaiden Jericho is a real hero who's not afraid to think of others he studies with and 'fights' alongside, as they mesh personalities and friendships to create great anticipation for Book 2 and the rest of this exciting new series. Why not try it for yourself?
A new series has burst onto the sci-fi fantasy scene, spawned by a new generational member of the illustrious Anderle family in Initiate, Book 1 in the sure-to-be-successful Animus series, by Joshua Anderle, with support from his co-author, his well-known father, Michael.
Book 1 (of a proposed 7), introduces a confrontational punk, Kaiden Jericho, soon to be an ex-member of the Deadeyes gang. As he carries out his job as security 'enforcer' at a local bar, with enthusiasm beyond what's strictly necessary, Jericho comes to the attention of an 'undercover' patron - who just happens to be a senior instructor at the intergalactic NEXUS Academy - which is strictly for the elite, (formerly from Earth, but now other planets too).
Using Virtual Reality, students train on 'missions', that even when 'fatal' merely lead to their re-animation, so they can carry on regardless. Jericho has a problem with authority, which doesn't always bode well for his new team mates, who include a snarky AI (similar to Wells in Anderle Snr's other universe), guns, (naturally) aliens and inventively-written VR/GameLit battle scenes, that allow the combatants to upgrade their skills and weapons according to their kill scores.
Although slightly slower-paced than some of the Kurtherian and Oriceran-based stories, Initiate lays a good foundation that shows great promise for a first novel in this series. Kaiden Jericho is a real hero who's not afraid to think of others he studies with and 'fights' alongside, as they mesh personalities and friendships to create great anticipation for Book 2 and the rest of this exciting new series. Why not try it for yourself?
July 23, 2020
Wonderful start to a great series.
Great read. Great start to a series that I will definitely continue to read. Kaiden is a tough on the outside character with strong morals, and a witty, smart-ass EI that has been integrated into his brain. This EI, nicknamed “Chief” gives Kaiden the edge he needs to succeed and excel during his training as an elite soldier.
Great read. Great start to a series that I will definitely continue to read. Kaiden is a tough on the outside character with strong morals, and a witty, smart-ass EI that has been integrated into his brain. This EI, nicknamed “Chief” gives Kaiden the edge he needs to succeed and excel during his training as an elite soldier.
January 7, 2022
At last! A well written and easy flowing character based Scifi with all the aspects I love about the genre! Military without getting bogged down in tactics and military jargon, scientific without getting bogged down with technobabble and details, and a variety of characters from ALL aspects of the galaxy - human and alien and AI! AND TEAMY GOODNESS! A group of people with varying levels of skill and expertise working together and forging friendships! Hell yes, sign me up!
The main character is a cocky bastard but a loveable one who also knows that self improvement is a thing and takes good advice to heart, and his snarky AI is basically everything one could hope an AI would be. Just because one is mechanically created instead of biologically created shouldn't keep one from being a person, and it definitely shouldn't keep one from telling their friends when they are being idiots.
The main character is a cocky bastard but a loveable one who also knows that self improvement is a thing and takes good advice to heart, and his snarky AI is basically everything one could hope an AI would be. Just because one is mechanically created instead of biologically created shouldn't keep one from being a person, and it definitely shouldn't keep one from telling their friends when they are being idiots.
September 23, 2018
Not a bad start
Our hero is a bit of a jerk, but in a good way. That a lot of the training is done using virtual reality will allow a the authors to introduce some serious battles without actually killing off characters. A suggestion would be to also add in time compression during the sessions. I can safely say that MA and all of the co-authors he’s gathered under his umbrella have always put out great stuff to read. This is another example of that and I’m looking forward to more from this particular universe.
Our hero is a bit of a jerk, but in a good way. That a lot of the training is done using virtual reality will allow a the authors to introduce some serious battles without actually killing off characters. A suggestion would be to also add in time compression during the sessions. I can safely say that MA and all of the co-authors he’s gathered under his umbrella have always put out great stuff to read. This is another example of that and I’m looking forward to more from this particular universe.
September 22, 2018
The Anderle legacy is safe
This was a fun start to a completely new series. Joshua follows in his dad's footsteps with an engaging and we'll thought out story. Only thing missing is a kickass heroine, though I think Chiyo may do. What we do get is a protagonist with flaws and talents. His checkered past and hot headed insistence on leaping before looking will lead him into trouble, but his talent, and Chief, will get him back out.
This was a fun start to a completely new series. Joshua follows in his dad's footsteps with an engaging and we'll thought out story. Only thing missing is a kickass heroine, though I think Chiyo may do. What we do get is a protagonist with flaws and talents. His checkered past and hot headed insistence on leaping before looking will lead him into trouble, but his talent, and Chief, will get him back out.
June 20, 2019
DNF
After reading 60% of the book I gave up. There are far too many scenes where there is extended talking that doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Sometimes the talking is just the authors way of doing exposition, or describing the world and the technology. But often, the weird Texas accent is offputting. My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. The book moves very slowly due to all of the talking. The general premise sounds interesting, but I was simply bored out of my mind.
After reading 60% of the book I gave up. There are far too many scenes where there is extended talking that doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Sometimes the talking is just the authors way of doing exposition, or describing the world and the technology. But often, the weird Texas accent is offputting. My biggest problem with the book is the pacing. The book moves very slowly due to all of the talking. The general premise sounds interesting, but I was simply bored out of my mind.
December 9, 2023
Boi that was an action packed read.
I wonder when playing video games. Lead to people treating reality as if they were an npc. With save points and re-spawning ports.
First saw the trend in the television show The Walking Dead.
I wonder when playing video games. Lead to people treating reality as if they were an npc. With save points and re-spawning ports.
First saw the trend in the television show The Walking Dead.
September 28, 2018
A good read
4 stars because they have the main character Kaiden talking out loud to his AI instead of vocalizing it.
His AI tech is called EI, with the name of Chief.
but honestly in a fight scene in the future where his life depends on him being quiet and he has to verbalize something out loud? Really? Really? If you can hear the voice in your head, the voice in your head can hear you! Without you having to speak out loud!
The dialogue between his Ai and himself is funny.
Some notes on the world building, it doesn't seem if any of the jargon has shortened names. Cellular phone becomes cell phone, automobile becomes car, sunglasses become shades. Ocular remains ocular. I don't know if any of the characters having any device that seems to be a phone. At one point he makes a mental note to find a map or a pamphlet of the training facility. Really?
WHERE IS HIS PHONE?
And it seemed to me that Kaiden, is surprised about the CONCEPT of sending an network invite to be friends. I guess after the Facebook Google Social Media War, phones were outlawed? (Note there is not that war in the book.)
He does say he has used an commercial model EI, but professional or higher. Again where are the phones?
I loved it when he called the point items point pinatas!
4 stars because they have the main character Kaiden talking out loud to his AI instead of vocalizing it.
His AI tech is called EI, with the name of Chief.
but honestly in a fight scene in the future where his life depends on him being quiet and he has to verbalize something out loud? Really? Really? If you can hear the voice in your head, the voice in your head can hear you! Without you having to speak out loud!
The dialogue between his Ai and himself is funny.
Some notes on the world building, it doesn't seem if any of the jargon has shortened names. Cellular phone becomes cell phone, automobile becomes car, sunglasses become shades. Ocular remains ocular. I don't know if any of the characters having any device that seems to be a phone. At one point he makes a mental note to find a map or a pamphlet of the training facility. Really?
WHERE IS HIS PHONE?
And it seemed to me that Kaiden, is surprised about the CONCEPT of sending an network invite to be friends. I guess after the Facebook Google Social Media War, phones were outlawed? (Note there is not that war in the book.)
He does say he has used an commercial model EI, but professional or higher. Again where are the phones?
I loved it when he called the point items point pinatas!
June 19, 2019
This wasn't my normal thing, but I enjoy some of Anderle's other series, so I took a chance. I ended up enjoying this book a lot. I was unsure at first, and it took me a bit to get into the story, but I liked it. The second half was better, as there was more action, and the characters were more developed. Speaking of which, one of my favorite parts about this book was the characters. Most of them seem to have interesting backstories and personalities, which I look forward to discovering. This book was pretty funny (Chief is a favorite character) and I liked the casual introduction of the aliens. I'm still slightly confused on the whole synapse thing, but other than that, the story was pretty straightforward on the sci-fi stuff. Overall, I liked this book. It was funny, with interesting characters and a good amount of action and intrigue. Kaiden is ridiculous and kind of awesome, and I have nothing else to say except devil bird. 4 stars.
October 22, 2021
One of the better Lit RPG, GameLit novels this year.
Kaiden Jericho's life as a gang member is running on vapors. After a major incident, his gang has little left, just a few scattered members and a lot history.
Without a lot of prospects, Kaiden finds himself at the Emerald Club, in down town Seattle looking for a job, even if it means just becoming a bouncer. He had no idea the interview to become a bouncer would lead to a whole new world of possibilities with the Nexus Academy. Recruted by one of their senior commanders, he is put through the paces only to find that the life of a Ace just might be the one for him.
However, behind the scenes shadowy figures plot, deals are made, and bets are taken about the future of this young man, and his cast of unusual, but talented friends.
I give it 5 stars in the genre, and 3.5 in normal fiction, which is more than most I have seen. Well done in a challenging and developing field.
Kaiden Jericho's life as a gang member is running on vapors. After a major incident, his gang has little left, just a few scattered members and a lot history.
Without a lot of prospects, Kaiden finds himself at the Emerald Club, in down town Seattle looking for a job, even if it means just becoming a bouncer. He had no idea the interview to become a bouncer would lead to a whole new world of possibilities with the Nexus Academy. Recruted by one of their senior commanders, he is put through the paces only to find that the life of a Ace just might be the one for him.
However, behind the scenes shadowy figures plot, deals are made, and bets are taken about the future of this young man, and his cast of unusual, but talented friends.
I give it 5 stars in the genre, and 3.5 in normal fiction, which is more than most I have seen. Well done in a challenging and developing field.
December 5, 2022
Superb book. Superb narration (audible)
This book was such a great journey through all of our characters to the story plot itself. I loved the humour and sarcasm this story and narrator brought.
We follow our main character who’s been selected for a specialised role based on his history. He has a special gene which allows him to be selected for a particular role which his not entirely fussed about to begin with he just wants to shoot stuff.
His quite charming in the way his written he has empathy and is quite human in his mannerisms his not just some big shot who’s important and the world revolves around him it’s fairly obvious after a few chapters there’s alot of eyes on him and his somewhat of a experiment to the faculty.
I love how the book just kept this pace that increased from a walk to a jog to a relaxed run the book didn’t seem to have down time or low peaks everything played out very well within reason and didn’t rush anything or have time jumps it was linear but fun.
This book was such a great journey through all of our characters to the story plot itself. I loved the humour and sarcasm this story and narrator brought.
We follow our main character who’s been selected for a specialised role based on his history. He has a special gene which allows him to be selected for a particular role which his not entirely fussed about to begin with he just wants to shoot stuff.
His quite charming in the way his written he has empathy and is quite human in his mannerisms his not just some big shot who’s important and the world revolves around him it’s fairly obvious after a few chapters there’s alot of eyes on him and his somewhat of a experiment to the faculty.
I love how the book just kept this pace that increased from a walk to a jog to a relaxed run the book didn’t seem to have down time or low peaks everything played out very well within reason and didn’t rush anything or have time jumps it was linear but fun.
May 9, 2023
Anderle, Joshua, and Michael Anderle. Initiate. E-book ed., Lmbpn Publishing, 2018. Animus 1.
Michael and Joshua Anderle are, I think, a father-son writing team. Michael has a substantial list of science fiction and fantasy titles. The 12-volume Animus series comprises the bulk of Joshua’s output. Initiate, Animus 1, is set in a reasonably near future in which we have recently contacted alien species, not all of whom are friendly. Our hero, Kaiden Jericho, applies for a job as a bouncer in a dive bar, where he comes to the attention of an officer from an elite military academy that trains warriors with virtual reality technology. He is given a sarcastic upgraded AI that hones his combat skills. In the Audible version, the AI has a growly Western drawl that reminds me of Sam Eliot. Some readers find the snark a bug. For me, it is a feature. The plot is a standard litRPG affair in which the characters care more about the contest than the reader. Give it a strong three stars.
Michael and Joshua Anderle are, I think, a father-son writing team. Michael has a substantial list of science fiction and fantasy titles. The 12-volume Animus series comprises the bulk of Joshua’s output. Initiate, Animus 1, is set in a reasonably near future in which we have recently contacted alien species, not all of whom are friendly. Our hero, Kaiden Jericho, applies for a job as a bouncer in a dive bar, where he comes to the attention of an officer from an elite military academy that trains warriors with virtual reality technology. He is given a sarcastic upgraded AI that hones his combat skills. In the Audible version, the AI has a growly Western drawl that reminds me of Sam Eliot. Some readers find the snark a bug. For me, it is a feature. The plot is a standard litRPG affair in which the characters care more about the contest than the reader. Give it a strong three stars.
June 27, 2025
Great opening book. I felt the world building itself was a little lacking as the main character is in the academy most of the time. There are small snippets here and there but not enough to really get a sense of the world.
Main character and his EI do most of the talking and so they are really the only ones that have a sense of personality at the moment but considering at the time of writing this there are 12 books and I do not know if the story is complete I am ok with just getting to know the main character.
If you are wondering what EI stands for I have no clue and I do not believe it is ever written out for the reader but I could have missed it in the beginning. It is basically an advanced AI that can talk.
The banter of the main character and his EI is fun and flows well. The fights are also really well done and you can imagine every detail. Seems to be an everyone loves the main character type of book so far but was still enjoyable.
Main character and his EI do most of the talking and so they are really the only ones that have a sense of personality at the moment but considering at the time of writing this there are 12 books and I do not know if the story is complete I am ok with just getting to know the main character.
If you are wondering what EI stands for I have no clue and I do not believe it is ever written out for the reader but I could have missed it in the beginning. It is basically an advanced AI that can talk.
The banter of the main character and his EI is fun and flows well. The fights are also really well done and you can imagine every detail. Seems to be an everyone loves the main character type of book so far but was still enjoyable.
May 4, 2019
This review is for the series of which as of this writing I'm into the 3rd volume.
Though it starts of with a nice premise, promising characters and decent world building, all that stalls as we enter the 2nd book of the series. Things are still interesting with the competitions and stuff, but its when you reach the 3rd book that you realise that this series is nothing but an endless grind of animus scenarios.
It also becomes apparent at that point that the characters are very flat and have very one track personalities. There's no complexity or different facets, or depth to any character. Basically whenever any character appears in a scene, you can kind of guess what he's going to do or say.
There also doesn't seem to be any over-arching plot to the series whatsoever. There are hints of one here and there, but honestly, you cannot go into 3rd book and still have no plot developing. Thats criminal.
Also one more thing, apparently the academy that the protagonist joins is supposed to be one of the best academies in the world and yet there are zero lectures described. Zero. Not a single session where a professor of the academy is explaining something and the initiates are actually learning anything different or new. Its more of a LitRPG feel with the students grinding scenarios, getting something like exp, and lvling up skills which makes them better lul. Not to mention its funny how 80% of the courses in the academy are non-combat related, and yet all their 'test' seem to have extreme amounts of combat involved in their design. Just so happens of course that the main character is attending a combat course, but imagine what the guys in accounting must be feeling.
Though it starts of with a nice premise, promising characters and decent world building, all that stalls as we enter the 2nd book of the series. Things are still interesting with the competitions and stuff, but its when you reach the 3rd book that you realise that this series is nothing but an endless grind of animus scenarios.
It also becomes apparent at that point that the characters are very flat and have very one track personalities. There's no complexity or different facets, or depth to any character. Basically whenever any character appears in a scene, you can kind of guess what he's going to do or say.
There also doesn't seem to be any over-arching plot to the series whatsoever. There are hints of one here and there, but honestly, you cannot go into 3rd book and still have no plot developing. Thats criminal.
Also one more thing, apparently the academy that the protagonist joins is supposed to be one of the best academies in the world and yet there are zero lectures described. Zero. Not a single session where a professor of the academy is explaining something and the initiates are actually learning anything different or new. Its more of a LitRPG feel with the students grinding scenarios, getting something like exp, and lvling up skills which makes them better lul. Not to mention its funny how 80% of the courses in the academy are non-combat related, and yet all their 'test' seem to have extreme amounts of combat involved in their design. Just so happens of course that the main character is attending a combat course, but imagine what the guys in accounting must be feeling.
October 31, 2023
This is a book about a military initiate, Kaiden Jericho, being given special equipment and training. The main part of the book has to do with training in the virtual reality environment called the Animus, thus the title of the series. There is a lot of violence and the main character is quite snarky. I was reminded of James McGill, the main character in Steel World by B.V. Larson. Both characters had no respect for higher authority, and seemed wholly undisciplined, but always completed the mission beyond all expectations.
The book was actually funny in places. I really liked it.
I'd be glad to read it again some time.
The book was actually funny in places. I really liked it.
I'd be glad to read it again some time.
November 5, 2018
Love It!
I love the main character, cocky, but in a charming way. I have been through an “academy,” and have, and still have, a brotherhood/ family. I loved everything about this book. Reminded me of brothers and sisters who have had my back and I’ve had theirs. I enjoy the fact that the MC hasn’t always been the epitome of a good guy but is not a bad guy in a general sense. I love that both the author and his son had a part in this book as well as the series. I will read and look forward to every last one of the supposed 12 books in this series. That better happen or I will be disappointed. Can’t wait to see the level ups and the point allocations!! Please keep writing!!
I love the main character, cocky, but in a charming way. I have been through an “academy,” and have, and still have, a brotherhood/ family. I loved everything about this book. Reminded me of brothers and sisters who have had my back and I’ve had theirs. I enjoy the fact that the MC hasn’t always been the epitome of a good guy but is not a bad guy in a general sense. I love that both the author and his son had a part in this book as well as the series. I will read and look forward to every last one of the supposed 12 books in this series. That better happen or I will be disappointed. Can’t wait to see the level ups and the point allocations!! Please keep writing!!
September 26, 2018
What a great 1st book . It has all the high points of what has drawn me into this genre
Do you like complete/complex main characters with snarky EI's ? (Wilson echoes).
Do you like hero's that kick ass, while having a moral compass? (Bethanny Ann echoes).
How about throwing in military, futuristic, and advanced tech surroundings ? (Sci-fi echoes).
It's all here !!
I bought this because I've read most of Mike's books, and he had mentioned in previous "author's notes" about his delight in his son's publishing... in spite of his prodding. Apparently , it took another author's enthusiasm to spread to Joshua, to get him to commit,and I'm glad he did !!
Next one is when ?
Do you like complete/complex main characters with snarky EI's ? (Wilson echoes).
Do you like hero's that kick ass, while having a moral compass? (Bethanny Ann echoes).
How about throwing in military, futuristic, and advanced tech surroundings ? (Sci-fi echoes).
It's all here !!
I bought this because I've read most of Mike's books, and he had mentioned in previous "author's notes" about his delight in his son's publishing... in spite of his prodding. Apparently , it took another author's enthusiasm to spread to Joshua, to get him to commit,and I'm glad he did !!
Next one is when ?
August 22, 2021
+ Good characters
+ Fast paced story
+ Intriguing and captivating.
- Kaiden character seems a tad out of phase at points. as in, it’s like a decision on exactly who he was going to be wasn't nailed down within this book. there are flairs in temperament, conversational approaches vary slightly over the whole book. a minor grumble and by the next book this issue is gone.
- Rather short (This is apparently Authors preference which is fair enough. It just kind of feels like the 10 books in the series could easily have been 6 or 7. It's certainly a financial benefit to the author. just one to bear in mind if on the fence about this series.)
+ Fast paced story
+ Intriguing and captivating.
- Kaiden character seems a tad out of phase at points. as in, it’s like a decision on exactly who he was going to be wasn't nailed down within this book. there are flairs in temperament, conversational approaches vary slightly over the whole book. a minor grumble and by the next book this issue is gone.
- Rather short (This is apparently Authors preference which is fair enough. It just kind of feels like the 10 books in the series could easily have been 6 or 7. It's certainly a financial benefit to the author. just one to bear in mind if on the fence about this series.)
December 27, 2024
Fun Amalgamation of Gaming and Sci-Fi
A FUN (dare I say playful?) exploration of both Sci-Fi and love of computer gaming “tropes” can work together. Combine some fun action-hero/anti-hero archetypes and you have the Animus Initiate.
Doesn’t have to be the greatest book ever to enjoy the well told story/adventure of Kaiden, but it IS a fun romp and perhaps a nice break from the dramatic, dark, depressing set pieces of a dystopian future.
I am excited to read the entire storyline of this interesting character who starts as a bit of a lost soul, pushed in whatever direction the wind blows, to where he finds purpose and who ends ends up becoming!
A FUN (dare I say playful?) exploration of both Sci-Fi and love of computer gaming “tropes” can work together. Combine some fun action-hero/anti-hero archetypes and you have the Animus Initiate.
Doesn’t have to be the greatest book ever to enjoy the well told story/adventure of Kaiden, but it IS a fun romp and perhaps a nice break from the dramatic, dark, depressing set pieces of a dystopian future.
I am excited to read the entire storyline of this interesting character who starts as a bit of a lost soul, pushed in whatever direction the wind blows, to where he finds purpose and who ends ends up becoming!
September 26, 2018
Enjoyable light GameLit/Military Sim
The personality of the main character has the cocky self confidence of Chris Pines Captain Kirk from the first Star Trek reboot movie.
The MC lucks into an opportunity to be trained in a world renowned facility (think mix of Harvard, Cal Tech, West Point and Disneyland) that uses full immersive Virtual Reality that gives very very light LitRPG elements to the story. This initial novel focuses on the first few weeks there and the adventures and friends the MC makes in this new environment.
The personality of the main character has the cocky self confidence of Chris Pines Captain Kirk from the first Star Trek reboot movie.
The MC lucks into an opportunity to be trained in a world renowned facility (think mix of Harvard, Cal Tech, West Point and Disneyland) that uses full immersive Virtual Reality that gives very very light LitRPG elements to the story. This initial novel focuses on the first few weeks there and the adventures and friends the MC makes in this new environment.
September 27, 2018
A Little Luck, A Little Skill
Kaiden, a former gang member, with excellent survival skills, lucks out and following a display of his prowess as a protector and bouncer lands an invitation to attend the prestigious Animus Academy. Kaiden lucks out while displaying skill as a fighter and leader during the the introductory phase of the first year of training. I like the action, snarky humor, and development of friendships. Kaiden is a competent, compelling, likable jackass. Other major characters are strong as well. I look forward to the next book.
Kaiden, a former gang member, with excellent survival skills, lucks out and following a display of his prowess as a protector and bouncer lands an invitation to attend the prestigious Animus Academy. Kaiden lucks out while displaying skill as a fighter and leader during the the introductory phase of the first year of training. I like the action, snarky humor, and development of friendships. Kaiden is a competent, compelling, likable jackass. Other major characters are strong as well. I look forward to the next book.
October 4, 2018
Got me back in.
I got lost in the Anderle universe at first but then lost my way and couldn't figure out how to get back in without re-reading everything (there is a ton!). While this book does not appear to be in the Bethany Anne universe, the writing is great and I loved the story. The author indicates this is a litrpg universe but it is very light in this book. More of a hybrid between sci-fi and litrpg. If you are looking for hard litrpg, you may be a little disappointed. We shall see how the other books handle it. I highly recommend it.
I got lost in the Anderle universe at first but then lost my way and couldn't figure out how to get back in without re-reading everything (there is a ton!). While this book does not appear to be in the Bethany Anne universe, the writing is great and I loved the story. The author indicates this is a litrpg universe but it is very light in this book. More of a hybrid between sci-fi and litrpg. If you are looking for hard litrpg, you may be a little disappointed. We shall see how the other books handle it. I highly recommend it.
June 13, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: I found two in the first right scene, but they are just me being picky. One, how did he take out both knees? I believe one knee was possible in that situation, not both. Second, hitting someone in the jaw like he did leads to a broken hand or fractured fingers. You don't not feel it.
Plot: Gang banger gets a chance to better his life by going to a special school. Overall well written and enjoyable.
Characters: I like the MC's attitude. I also like the snark and back and forth between the MC and his EI.
8.4/10
Mistakes: I found two in the first right scene, but they are just me being picky. One, how did he take out both knees? I believe one knee was possible in that situation, not both. Second, hitting someone in the jaw like he did leads to a broken hand or fractured fingers. You don't not feel it.
Plot: Gang banger gets a chance to better his life by going to a special school. Overall well written and enjoyable.
Characters: I like the MC's attitude. I also like the snark and back and forth between the MC and his EI.
8.4/10
February 2, 2021
I wasn't sure at first if I would like this book. But it surprised me and has enticed me to read the next in the series. The lead character is a smartass, but he doesn't know when to quit and will do what it takes to win. He gets an opportunity to go to an elite academy and accepts and the story just gets better from there. There are ELs that are some kind of interface with a computer and he is offered an implanted superior model. I like the snarky interplay between the El who has been named Chief and Kaiden. This is a good book and I recommend it.
July 20, 2021
This is an action comedy story, with a sarcastic hero who is finally running into something that he can't just make up as he goes along. It's comedy mostly through the witty banter (though is is VERY salty language--not gross as much as very creative cussing) and it's action through the battle scenes. But it's lighthearted. There are no torture scenes or tragedies that strike the planet. But that doesn't mean it's slow or boring. I blitzed through this book, swept up in the action and chuckling.
June 23, 2020
Nothing special I'm afraid. The protagonist seems to half-ass his way to success more often than not. He's nice enough, so I'm okay with it.
The second half of the book is set in the Nexus academy. One lone and lonely paragraph is devoted to describing some classroom learning that the protagonist had experienced... that's it. I'm not sure why this story was set in an academy if that's the level of relevance.
The second half of the book is set in the Nexus academy. One lone and lonely paragraph is devoted to describing some classroom learning that the protagonist had experienced... that's it. I'm not sure why this story was set in an academy if that's the level of relevance.
March 1, 2021
Fantastic and hilarious read. I wasn't expecting it to be so fun, and apparently, it's considered gamelit too which I didn't really see until around the end of the story with the introduction of synapse points and the menu to invest into different skills.
Really it read like a fun military scifi with a snarky main character training to do soldier things and getting in way over his head to hilarious and awesome results.
Really it read like a fun military scifi with a snarky main character training to do soldier things and getting in way over his head to hilarious and awesome results.
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