I never made a “real” review of the previous books in this series but I did make a brief mention of the second and third installment in my New Year Clean Up post. At that time I was somewhat hesitant to continue this series. A while ago a decided to have another go and read the next book, Advance, in the series.
Well, the result is not exactly conclusive but I did find this fourth book in the series better than the previous one.
The main reason for me enjoying this book better than the previous one is because Kaiden finally moves outside of this virtual world, the Animus, to the real one. I kind of liked the virtual stuff in the first, maybe even trough the second, book but in the third it got repetitive and tiresome. After all we knew that people would really not die in the Animus and no matter how good the action stuff is when it is virtual it is not really the same as the real deal.
However, in this book the story starts with a bunch of mercenaries, including Kaiden, talking mercenary smack on a plane towards the jungles of the Amazon for a real deal mission.
Now, in this book universe, Amazon, and most of Earth for that matter, is not the same as we know it. Mutated animals run rampant and, poisonous frogs and all that, the dangers of this Amazon is several magnitudes above today’s one. There’s quite a bit of good action in this book as well as some macho mercenary posturing and smack talk.
I’m not going to spoil things so, no details, but the story is really, our heroes goes in kicks ass, get’s their asses kicked, mystery opponent appears, some more ass kicking, some mystery loose threads created at the end which of course includes are mystery opponent, end of story.
Not the greatest work of literature I’ve read but it was fairly enjoyable actually. The author make what’s one of my pet gripes which is, starting the story and the after a while do the “X days/months/years earlier…” crap suddenly switching the story to a earlier time. I really do not like that kind of writing.
Overall though, I quite enjoyed the book, but I’m not entirely off the fence yet.
Introduction: Greetings, fellow readers! I'm Kiba Snowpaw, the frosty alpha lone wolf from the icy world of HowlStrom. Today, I'm venturing into the virtual realms of "Animus #4" written by Joshua Anderle and Michael Anderle. Grab your favorite hot beverage, snuggle up, and let's dive into this thrilling tale.
Basic Plot Summary: "Animus #4" thrusts us back into the life of Kaiden Jericho, whose existence just took an unexpected turn. Gone are the days of school; now he's surviving through odd jobs. But he's about to embark on a mission that's far from ordinary. Kaiden ventures into the perilous Amazon, where mutated creatures and deadly dangers lurk around every corner. In this brutal real world, death is permanent. With his previous training in the Animus, Kaiden faces a harrowing test of his skills and will to survive.
Characters: Kaiden Jericho, our intrepid protagonist, returns in this installment, and he's in for a wild ride. The character development in this series continues to shine, as Kaiden grapples with the challenges of the real world. The introduction of new characters and the return of familiar faces add depth to the story.
Structure: The authors craft a narrative that blends virtual and real-world elements seamlessly. The transition from the virtual Animus to the real Amazon jungle offers a refreshing change of scenery and stakes. The story maintains a steady pace, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Impact: "Animus #4" delivers a compelling blend of science fiction and action. It explores the consequences of Kaiden's virtual training and how it translates to the real world. The story's immersive nature and well-executed action sequences make it an enjoyable read.
Hook and Thesis: The hook lies in Kaiden's transition from the Animus to the real world, where the threats are more perilous and death is permanent. The thesis revolves around Kaiden's journey of adapting to a new environment while continuing to harness his unique skills.
Praise and Critique: This installment is praised for breaking free from the virtual world and introducing a thrilling real-world setting. The action sequences and character development are commendable. However, some readers may find the frequent time jumps slightly disorienting.
Evaluation: "Animus #4" successfully maintains the series' momentum by offering a fresh perspective on Kaiden's adventures. If you're a fan of action-packed science fiction with relatable characters, this book is a solid addition to your reading list.
Comparison: In the realm of science fiction and action, "Animus #4" stands as an engaging continuation of Kaiden Jericho's journey. While it may not reinvent the genre, it excels in delivering an entertaining narrative.
Conclusion: As I conclude this icy review, I encourage you to give "Animus #4" a try if you're looking for a thrilling blend of science fiction and action. Kaiden's evolution and the real-world challenges he faces make for an engaging reading experience. So, warm up your imagination and embark on this journey—it's a howling good time!
I don’t normally do reviews after I read books. But I have started to do so as my giving back. The author has been so accommodating in writing a book that I should let others know how I feel. All I can say is Kaiden in trouble. Gin Sonny seems insane but not insane at the same time. We all know Kaiden’s EI is different, but now it seems like the WCW wants it. I also noticed that chief wasn’t as active as in the last books. Will he get upgraded, Will he get hacked? Or maybe put in a droid. I will just have to wait and see for the next book. But for now this is a must read if you’re this far along.
This has best the best book in the Animus series so far! Not only was the brilliantly entertaining dry chief humor present, but the characters were well fleshed out and likable. So far in the series only Sasha, Chiyo, and Genos seemed to be the only character other than Kaiden that was fully fleshed out, but these characters I got attached to fast. As always Kaiden was blissfully Kaiden, a perpetual hot head, but he matured a lot here too. I look forward to how the experience in this book affects him in the future.
It did kind’ve feel like a Novella though for a while. It doesn’t fit perfectly with the last few books but I think that made it better.
A few more conspiracies start to emerge. The wonder boy who's won everything so far runs across someone meaner and tougher. A good chunk of the book is one long fight in a abandoned base off in the Amazon.jungle. How foes the MC that's always come out on top deal with being beaten? Read it and find out. The setting reminds me of Anderle's Zoo series. Great series. Still has a mass effect feel to it.
How Anderle does this book after book is just amazing. After the first three books I was used to an academy style setting and the can't die simulations and then in this book things got REAL! Our hero barely survived and picked up a really dangerous enemy. Oh I cannot wait for more
I enjoyed the book and especially liked that more of it happened in the real world. A good nemesis is introduced in Gin and I look forward to seeing more of him in the future. I thought the timidness of the MC was a little out of character in parts of the book but still overall liked the story.
Well I finally got to the end of the first four books in the series. Was each novel was great. Now I have to consult myself while I wait the next book in the series to be completed. I can't wait. If you like fast moving action and future sci-fi gadgets along with a great storyline this is the series for you.
Kaiden is taking real world assignments between obligations to be the Academy. Monsters aren't a problem, but dangerous serial killers are. His inability to dominate the killer shakes his psyche. Will he get his edge back? I like the action, humor, and strategy. Picking up a dangerous enemy can be hazardous to his health. I look forward to the next book.
Yeah! Not a single “howdy” in this book (I don’t think). The books are engaging and progressing nicely. I am certainly enjoying them. The main character is maturing and turning into a proper badass and the author has an excellent wit that brings Kaiden, and all his friend’s, personalities to life. I recommend this series
A good story, leading us into new territory, especially compared with the past books in the series. We go to new places, meet new people, kill mutants, and interact with psychopaths. We also learn hard that we aren’t invincible, and that sometimes it takes real effort to keep at it. Recommended (16+)
Good book, although I got a little lost in the scene changes. Also, I was confused when what I thought was the ending, wasn't. I liked all the characters and the plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Loved this new book and I enjoyed reading about a new protagonist. Still linking him to the new world council earned extra points. In the future politicians are still dicks. I look forward to more😁
Good new villain - the type you love to hate! Our protagonist is learning and there’s plenty of skullduggery, scheming and so on. Very little relationship development though. Good ending leading into the next. Soon please!
Again im surprised as we take a break from the Academy and take a visit outside for a job and more enlightenment about those in the shadows. An excellent story and a great addition to the series my fav so far
This one had a different kind of action than the previous, and either was shorter as I finished it just after 10pm vs midnight, or I read faster as it was so fun to read. In either case I receive mend it.
This book was great! At first I thought Kaiden had gone off on his own...nope...but he sure got his a$$ kicked. The plot and intrigue in this book has been the best so far. Well done!
Packed full of deadly action. Ace nearly takes the big one when he comes up on the revenant Gin Sonny. Deadly mutants add to mayhem. Lots to enjoy here.
You get lost wondering if this the same story for about 5 chapters them it's explained but the story strange in that you wonder why the author wrote this story???
They finally took the story out of the school into real world with real danger--and the first ever real antagonist. Another fun adventure and it finally expands the world a bit.
The notes at the end (in audible, not sure if it's in the physical books) gave me a laugh because I live there and I also have never been to one. Great book. Great series