Today is Mother’s Day and instead of going out to dinner because David is working a double and Charlie isn’t feeling well I thought I would curl up on the couch and read a book and watch a movie. I picked out The Mantis Variant – Book One, by Adam Andrews Johnson (Author) to read this morning. I received a PDF copy of the book from Voracious Readers ad the Author for this review. Inside this post is my affiliate links if you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the items you purchase.
The Mantis Variant explores how a found family unites with allies to resist oppression and genocide in a brutally visceral post apocalyptic setting. It has body horror, positive representation, gore, multi dimensional characters, grief and vivid world building This book does get dark at time and eve gory and these parts of the book made it hard for me to read. I had thought of sharing the book with my family but after reading the book and having trouble following parts of it and understanding how to say some of the words I wasn’t sure they would understand the story so I set it aside to read to them.
This shouldn’t stop you from reading the story which will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. Charlie wanted me to let you know he like the cover with the human body being clear and being able to see inside him and he let me know he wanted to read the book with his dad no, matter how gory or hard to read it might get.
About the book:
In the dark future of our world, a small percentage of humanity has evolved with a physiological anomaly that provides them with wondrous abilities. Those gifted few are now targets of the unevolved, looking to steal that power.
“The Mantis Variant” follows Agrell, Dozi, and Ilya together in the rundown metropolis of Teshon City. The unlikely trio is set on a path of unexpected heroism through horrifying trials that lead them to sacrifice and redemption. Their group increases throughout the story, and for some, the harrowing events bring growth. However, bizarre eldritch rituals and arcane arts are commonplace in the world of “The Mantis Variant,” and tragedy and death are always close at hand.
Here is a note from the Author: The Mantis Variant was awarded the Firebird Book Awards LGBTQ Fiction category last year, and I’m hoping to enter the sequels this year.
Meet the Author: Adam Andrews Johnson
Born into a New England family of bookstore owners, the creative force within Adam Andrews Johnson has always been strong. He began composing poems and lyrics in his youth and performed for years in punk, metal, and alternative bands. In his late 20s, Adam was diagnosed with autoimmune issues that forced him to spend more time at home. He started writing unrelated stories that he would email to his long-distance partner, and the grand otherworldly tales of light and dark fantasy began to grow.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
