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ANIMUS

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Robert Sumina, a successful entrepreneur, husband, and father, hates his own father, Enis, so much that he told his ten-year-old daughters their grandfather died. Why? Because Enis was so verbally and physically abusive that Robert's mother committed suicide to escape his wrath.When Hurricane Katrina demolishes New Orleans and sends thousands of residents fleeing from the city, Enis, now sixty-five years old, hobbled, and destitute because of the hurricane, lands—unannounced—on the doorstep of Robert’s suburban Dallas home. Robert’s lie is exposed. To make matters worse, Enis is nothing like the monster Robert described. Robert’s daughters and wife are drawn to Enis like moths to a flame. He’s charismatic, kind, wise, and has them eating out of the palm of his hand. But Robert isn’t buying Enis’ act. So, when his wife and kids aren’t around, he gives Enis an ultimatum—leave in two weeks or be prepared to face the same level of abuse that he inflicted on Robert and his mother. Enis counters with a threat that will bring Robert to his knees and leaning toward what appears to be his only option…murder. Bestselling Author, Brian W. Smith, has crafted a suspense novel with the tension of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. This story of dysfunction and blackmail is punctuated with the author's trademark plot twist that is sure to make this an instant classic.

206 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2021

6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

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Brian W. Smith

114 books137 followers

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5 stars
38 (65%)
4 stars
17 (29%)
3 stars
3 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews63 followers
July 10, 2021
O-M-G Brian W. Smith has done it again. He has written a great page-turner. In reading this book you can connect with the characters. The parts in the story about Hurricane Katrina brought back so many memories. The daddy in this story was a trip but I must say the ending of this story was a shocker. I look forward to reading more books by Brian W. Smith.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
308 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2021
Another 5 star read from Brian W Smith. I must say you got me with that ending aa you always do Mr Smith.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,481 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2021
Title: Animus
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Animus" by Brian W. Smith

My Opinion:

'Animus' meaning a strong dislike or enmity; hostility attitude as this title fits so well to this story. For some reason, I felt sorry for Robert Sumina in what all he had endured during his childhood with that horrible father, Enis. So, as the story plays out, this author lets the readers understand just how awful he was to Robert and his mother, and you know that karma is coming. However, what a surprise that was ... and to find out what that surprise contains...you will have to pick up 'Animus' and see what this author has in store for the reader. Wow, that is all that is left to say when it is all said and done. After reading this good read, I wondered if I missed signs that I didn't see that ending coming. Very well done to the author for another excellent story that was well-told.



Profile Image for Lolita.
66 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2021
I know before I begin a book by Brian W. Smith that it will be a page turner and Animus did not disappoint. After leaving a home filled with abuse, Robert makes a nice life for himself and his family in another state. Everyone who knows him assumes his father is deceased. After his home state of Louisiana is devastated by a hurricane, Robert’s father shows up at his door in Texas. Drama ensues and you’re pulled along for the ride. Excellent storytelling with a signature twist at the end. Highly recommend this book, it’s a great read.
Diva Reviewer - Angelia
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2021
OMG!! I know this author is smooth and has great stories, but Animus has taken top spot! This book built a suspense like riding a rollercoaster. I was raking my mine on who was plotting on who and when I found out, MAN I hollered out loud. That ending was LIFE! if yall didn't preorder or purchased you are missing an amazing read. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Kudos Mr Brian W
Smith! You got a fan for life!
Profile Image for Wilma Smith.
67 reviews
January 10, 2022
Bad daddy

I felt sorry for Robert in what all he had to endure during his childhood with that daddy, Enis. This author lets the reader understand just how awful he was to Robert and his mother. The daddy in this story was a trip but I must say the ending of this story was a shocker. I wondered if I missed signs that I didn't see that ending coming. Another twist for Brian W. Smith!
Profile Image for Cassandra Johnson.
133 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2022
Another great read

As children we witness a lot of different things and I think the parents of those children think those things don’t bother the children but they do. Sometimes in a good way sometimes in a bad way. The story allows us to see abusive relationships can leave you with long term issues. And of course Mr. Smith allows you to get to know the characters well and then throws a twist in that has your jaw dropped.
99 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
Mr Smith’s writing is awesome. This the second book that I have read written by him. I read Paper Bag first. I am glad I read Animus
Second. Mr Smith was so smooth with the story line and how he pulled you right into the story. I like each character of the story. I had to read the part about the father seduce the at that time the girlfriend; I had to read the ending twice. I was shocked at the ending of the story. I highly recommend Brian W.Smith
Profile Image for Cherylbestlife.
476 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2021
Good book

This was the first book I read by this author. It was intense. I loved the Hero, Robert. I liked that he made a success of his life in spite of a difficult childhood. Although, he still bore the scars of growing up in fear. I was not expecting the twist at the end. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Antionette.
207 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2021
Shady Shenanigans

Once again Brian W. Smith has left us with a pageturner.His characters range from demure to shady x 3 in this drama with New Orleans and Dallas as backdrops to the emotional turmoil and ridiculously mean shenanigans. Robert, Melody, EJ, and Enis take you with them from one explosive page to the next. Definitely five star worthy.
Profile Image for Shone.
1,344 reviews28 followers
September 17, 2021
Unbelievable

As I sit here with my mouth wide open, shaking my head after reading the last two chapters two times. All I can say are the words used in the book and made famous by the late Florida Evans; " Damn, Damn,, Damn." Brian stories have always left me in awe, this one is a drop the Mic.

#Cillasbookmaniacs #Mamatoni #Booknook
Profile Image for Myra Coleman.
74 reviews
July 29, 2021
WOW

This book kept me glued to every page. As usual Mr. Smith kept you guessing right until the very end. Since I don’t want to give anything away and spoil it for others, all I’m going to say is it’s a shocker!!! A must read!!!
42 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2021
Shocking til the end

This was a good book. It was a slow build but a shocking ending. The suspense keeps you reading until the very end. This just reminds you of how fake people can be and how oblivious you can be. The details keep you wondering what will happen next
Profile Image for Abby G. Amos.
1,252 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2021
Awesome Read!

I enjoyed reading this book! As usual Brian W. Smith throws in that monkey wrench we didn't see coming! Wow! All I can say is, WOW! I do believe everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
49 reviews
January 12, 2022
Heart Felt

True life story with real life situations. The story line for this read could be related to by everyone in some form. This book is a true to form page turner. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good read.
Profile Image for Sylvia Hogan.
71 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2022
Secrets kept
It's sad how Enis mistreated his son Robert and then had to turn to him for help but he came with another motive. Robert's family were none the wiser but Robert knew better. The ending was not what I expected but Brian W. Smith always ends with a twist.
57 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2022
Excellent read!!

This was a great read. I was not ready for the many different turns in the story but it kept me reading for more. I recommend this book because you will not be ready for is to come in this story. As always I enjoy books by Brian W. Smith. A must read.
Profile Image for Deidre.
1,075 reviews17 followers
March 5, 2022
this was so good, I thought i knew what was going to happen but i was so unprepared. I love how brian's books always have a twist that makes you keep reading and keeps you guessing, can't wait for the next book!
15 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2021
There was enough excitement that held my interest most of the read. I did feel there were areas that could’ve been developed more.
1,506 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2021
Great read! The ending was a shocker because I wasn’t expecting that! Hated that it ended!
Author 13 books4 followers
September 16, 2021
Animus

Wow! A good read. The story grabbed my attention and held it to the end, and the ending threw me for a loop. I look forward to Brian W. Smith’s next book
Profile Image for Yolanda Knight- Palmer .
1,070 reviews42 followers
October 1, 2021
Another Excellent read from Brian, I really enjoyed everything about this book, and can’t leave out that ending! Typical Brian style.
Profile Image for Destiny “ Dee” .
209 reviews97 followers
November 26, 2021
Brian W. Smith has done it again. This book kept my attention. The characters were something else. I did not expect that ending.
Profile Image for Sonia Lowery.
48 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2021
All I can say is wow! Brian W. Smith never disappoints! This book was deep! I knew something was amiss, never expected the ending…can we get a sequel? 😉
23 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2022
Surprise Surprise!

This book was hard to put down once I started reading...it definitely wasn't the ending I expected. I loved it
Profile Image for LaChelle Weaver.
Author 7 books61 followers
February 9, 2022
It was good but the twist at the end ruined it for me. I didn’t like it but it was definitely unexpected which is the hallmark of a BWS book.
8 reviews
February 5, 2022
A good book!

This was a good book. It was surprising at the end threw me for a loop had no idea about that ending.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,953 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2021
I purchased this book via the author and all I can say is this was such a great read! As usual Brian W. Smith did not disappoint and that realization at the end threw me for a real loop. Enis was a horrible person. And true to the authors form a great message was given! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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