Animus: A Tale of Ardenia

by Scott McKay

Imagine a world in which an element with no moral compass, no foundation or principles of private property ownership, that is attempting to take over a peaceful, civilized country and everything that we know as normal. A world in which wrong is right and right ceases to exist. ANIMUS, Scott McKay’s compelling new novel, explores the battleground between the evil Udars and the righteous Ardenians, with descriptive and often graphic details that will compel the reader to keep rooting on the righteous and will keep you on the edge of your seat.And now, the 2nd edition of ANIMUS presents bonus content and a host of new maps to really immerse the reader into the action!"This is an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series! I read the free pages online and was hooked...I had to find out what happened next to those great characters!"- MML, Amazon review

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2019

About the author

Scott McKay is the author of the Mike Holman series of political thrillers, including The Necessary Men (2026), and the Tales of Ardenia fantasy series, beginning with Animus (2019). He's also the author of two non-fiction political books: The Revivalist Manifesto (2022) and Racism, Revenge and Ruin (2023).

A veteran of sports and political journalism, Scott's writing career began in 1997 with Purple & Gold, a college sports magazine covering LSU athletics that grew to over 15,000 subscribers. He later founded The Hayride, an online publication covering Southern politics and culture — and it was through that work that he found the inspiration to begin writing fiction.

Scott lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Reviews

[Carol Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a while back as a favor to the author before it was published. Now that I can say I’ve read it, I’m including it. I don’t normally like fantasy, but it’s only partially fantastical with “modern-day” innovations and plots. Much warfare but good storyline and characterizations.

[Bob Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read; I preordered the next book.

[Ann Bergeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a person who normally reads fantasy-action type books. I've never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones, never read a single volume of Outlander. To be honest, I decided to read this because of my respect for Scott McKay's political analysis. After a particularly disappointing Louisiana Governor's election I felt the need for some escapist literature, and this book fit the bill. I expected that I would find the book tedious, but committed to finishing the book, no matter what.

Was I surprised! McKay has crafted an amazing story that is at once both a parable and a prophecy for our time.

His characters are well-developed, and he provides enough of a backstory that you understand their actions and motivations, without boring his readers with too much needless detail.

The plot moves quickly, very quickly, and never drags. The plot is complete, you don't ever find yourself asking "how did we get here?".

It is a very good thing that additional books in this series are in the works--I want to know more about Ardenia, and the people who inhabit that land.

I appreciate that McKay didn't feel a need to add unneeded gory descriptions of battle scenes. (In case the cover art has you concerned....)

The wait for Volume 2 is going to be unbearable!

[Gallagher01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Talk about a book that leaves you wanting more!

I got sucked in from the start! The author makes you really connect with and care about his characters. This is an extraordinary story about ordinary people who rise to the occasion when faced with war. Makes me wonder how our modern society of techno addicted, pampered people would fair if war landed in our doorstep! Can't wait for the next book!!! McKay Rules!!!

[Daniel Erspamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Scott McKay has created a magical new world - a world in which adventure, conflict, love, politics, and an epic battle (or two) will take place over this series. Recommended for those who like action fantasy novels and being transported to grand, smart adventure.

[Missy Graves]

I may revisit this one. The background info and world building in the beginning of the book was not unexpected, but I paused my reading at chapter 6 and there's no motivation to pick it back up right now. Some of the language and descriptions were a bit off-putting for me.