Trigger warning: this novel deals with themes of self-harm. Please be advised that this could be a trigger for some who have either dealt with or know someone who has dealt with this subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man facing a personal crisis goes on a mission to the bottom of the ocean and discovers a mind-bending journey into the unknown in author Charlie Lukas’s “Anima.”
The Synopsis
Aboard a marine research vessel in the Drake Passage, a man named Riley cuts his left arm with a switchblade just hours before his solo mission to the bottom of the Sanguine Deep. Fearing his lapse into self-violence being exposed, he hides from his crewmates in the latrine and realizes that it may not be much longer before he succumbs to the pain his mind creates.
He boards his submersible and descends. And once alone in the abyss—more alone than he’s ever been—his impulse to self-harm returns. But as he acts, a strange light shows through the porthole, and then all power cuts in the sub, leaving him sinking.
What follows is the discovery of a far plane constructed from the waves of mankind’s psyche, an oppressed race of beings not unlike mankind itself, and ancient Gnostic deities exercising their power over them. In a dark odyssey through this hidden world, Riley will either reckon with his private suffering, or cease carrying on.
THE REVIEW
This was a compelling and gripping metaphysical fantasy novel. The dark tone of the setting and character development was balanced by a deep, thoughtful, introspective look into the psyche and the lifelong questions many pose to themselves in the world at large. As noted at the beginning of this review, this book does feature some pretty heavy themes and deserves a trigger warning regarding the use of self-harm as a plot device, and yet the author makes sure that it is used with purpose to really delve into this topic, gracefully, and touches upon the physical and psychological impact and causes behind why people choose to self-harm.
The world building the author created by using Eldritch, almost cosmic level mythology was extraordinary, and the way the author focused on slow paced, philosophical storytelling as opposed to fast paced action, highlighted the character dynamics and atmospheric tone that the story took on, especially when it related the vast emptiness and darkness of the bottom of the ocean with the crippling impact of isolation and loneliness as a whole can have on a person’s mind and soul. Connecting this deep, psychological story to ancient, almost alien-like supernatural beings drew the reader in and engaged them on a deeper level.
THE VERDICT
Thought-provoking, highly engaging, and compelling writing make Author Charlie Lukas’s “Anima” a powerful, haunting, metaphysical dark fantasy novel. The immersive experience readers get when delving into the rich world the author has created, and the chilling yet impactful imagery of the author’s writing style, bring readers to the brink. The depth of detail in the protagonist’s mind will have readers both emotionally invested and on the edge of their seats as the story progresses. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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