Saturday, January 16, 2021

ANOM: Awakening by Jason R. James (Book Review)

A Blockbuster Movie in Your Head



Book Blurb: Jeremy Cross always thought of his life as being normal, but in the wake of a recent tragedy, he’s discovered that his idea of “normal” couldn’t be farther from the truth. Jeremy is a genetic anomaly—one of only a handful on the planet—with a new ability that no one thought possible.Thrown into a world of clandestine government agencies, international terrorism, and assassins-for-hire, Jeremy’s new idea of “normal” is fighting for his life. His only hope of survival depends on reconciling the person he thought he was with the hero he needs to be.
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With visceral action scenes, tight pacing, and plenty of plot twists, James's debut novel delivers the superhero goods. Even in sections of dialogue or introspection, the book crackles with tension and drives the story forward. And in a universe populated with Marvel, DC, and indie material, James delivers us some fresh superpowers (no spoilers), which is no easy feat.

Sure, the book relies on a few familiar tropes like superpowers discovered in an accident, or a shadowy government organization. But it's a superhero story, right? The reviewers harping on this might as well not read any fantasy that has magic in it.

Plus ANOM: Awakening is more than a good guy/bad guy story, and many of the characters operate in gray areas. Like in the real world, their agendas sometimes overlap and sometimes clash as they jockey for power. Some characters are willing to do terrible things if, in their view, it serves the greater good. This theme is both timely and evergreen. Ultimately, though, the novel rests its moral center on our hero Jeremy Cross, who must summon the confidence and bravery to choose the best apparent path in an uncertain world.

I recommend the book for anyone who likes superheroes, sci fi, fantasy, or thrillers.

The story leaves us with some tantalizing mysteries, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.