Review: A gem of a book with great potential. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 27, 2012
Wow. This book was nothing like how I expected it would be. It has a very unique plot, definitely not your average dystopian story. It won me over since the first chapter. And as the story progressed, it had me gasping for more.Lazarball is actually a hunger games-ish, well, game that reminded me so much of Blitzball. They are completely different though, with Lazarball being more intense and dangerous. Anumal Empire: Lazarball is filled with adrenaline-fueled scenes that will take your breath away. It's full of adventure, and action scenes will jump at you from almost very angle.The hero, Clinton Narfell is now on my list of hottest fictional lions. I loved him from the start. He was a sweet kid who loved his family, but when the world took his parents away from him he toughened up to protect his little brother. He reminds me of Tidus from FFIV, strong-willed and full of determination. He will do anything to protect his family and their honor, even if it meant defying the most ruthless and dangerous beasts around. I like how the authors armed Clinton with a shield of cunning and bravery without sacrificing his good heart, his strong relationship with the people he loved, and his sense of humor.David and Darren created a world that was so vivid, so real. The characters in this story are called "anumals", animals forced to fend for themselves after the humans disappeared from the world. These anumals had very humane characteristics though, and I completely forgot that they were animals.  I guess the best thing about the Anumal Empire world is how it is very much like ours. Discrimination, poverty, and corruption are some of the problems in the story, and I felt that the anumals' situation was similar to ours. I guess that shows how incredibly savage humans have become these days.Overall, Anumal Empire was one of the best fantasy novels that I have ever read. Haunting, terrifying, and dangerous; never a boring moment. That, and gorgeous writing, a brilliant unique plot, nicely paced, and the most diverse set of characters. What more can you ask for? The next book to come out ASAP, that's what!I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.