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Scott McKay
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Animus: A Tale of Ardenia Paperback – September 24, 2019

by Scott McKay (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 40 ratings
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“Those look like Udars!” Tabitha whispered, paralyzed with fear.“Go inside the house,” Sarah barked. “Tell Father. Get the rifles from the hunting closet, and as much ammunition as you can carry. Now!”Sarah Stuart is a normal, if slightly exceptional, 17-year-old living near the border between Industrial Age Ardenia, her home country, and its savage enemies, the Udar. A generation of relative peace and runaway prosperity offers her the prospect of a brilliant future, but when the Udar arrive to pillage the Stuart family farm, Sarah's hellish ordeal ensues and a fresh, bloody conflict arises which could forever change life on the Great Continent. Will Sarah make it out alive? And can Ardenia rally its forces to stave off destruction at the hands of a warlike enemy bent on carnage and conquest?"This is an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series! I read the free pages online and was hooked...I had to find out what happened next to those great characters!"- MML, Amazon review
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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    Tales of Ardenia
  2. Print length
    310 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 24, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.78 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1694386376
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1694386373
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (September 24, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1694386376
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1694386373
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.78 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 40 ratings

About the author

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Scott McKay

Scott McKay

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A political journalist, pundit, web publisher and bestselling author of seven books in both fiction and non-fiction, Scott McKay is one of the most prolific writers in the industry today.

McKay is the publisher of The Hayride, an award-winning culture and politics site based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which has covered Southern and national current events since 2009. Scott is also Senior Editor at the conservative mainstay publication The American Spectator, where he has written regular columns since 2012.

Scott first added "author" to his curriculum vitae with the publication of his first novel Animus: A Tale of Ardenia, in 2019. Animus was followed in short succession with three other Tales of Ardenia novels: Perdition (2020), Retribution (2021) and Quandary (2022).

In 2022 Bombardier Books published Scott's first political book The Revivalist Manifesto: How Patriots Can Win the Next American Era. The Revivalist Manifesto is the distillation of much of Scott's work at The Hayride and the American Spectator, outlining the need and opportunity to form a new American political consensus in which a rethought conservative movement assumes leadership and creates a national revival. The Revivalist Manifesto hit #1 on Amazon's Comparative Politics chart in December 2023.

In 2023, Calamo Press published Scott's second political book Racism, Revenge and Ruin: It's All Obama. Racism, Revenge and Ruin traces the radical background and origins of Barack Obama and outlines the depths of the "fundamental transformation" of America along cultural, economic and political lines - including how that transformation, along with Obama's influence, is continuing. Racism, Revenge and Ruin hit #1 on Amazon's Political Corruption chart in February 2024 following an interview Scott did with Tucker Carlson.

In the spring of 2024 Scott returned to fiction writing with the publication of his latest novel King of the Jungle, a satirical war story. King of the Jungle was initially serialized beginning in February at The American Spectator and then released on Amazon April 12.

Scott lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
40 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

MML
5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC and ENGROSSING SERIES!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
I am over 60 and have read a train load of books in my time - mostly fiction. But these last years I have been reading mostly non-fiction as I couldn't find any fiction that kept me engrossed enough to read to the end much less the series .....until now!

This is an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series! I read the free pages online and was hooked...I had to find out what happened next to those great characters!

One review claims it is "Game of Thrones meets Atlas Shrugged"...I guess....but I think that doesn't do it justice. For me it read as late 19th century/early 20th century (and a little steampunkish) meets Atilla the Hun! I found that a FASCINATING storyline. Two civilizations clash!

This book has a little of everything: historical (to the land created), political intrigue, spycraft, romance, adventure and war. The characters are extremely well fleshed out and the storyline is captivating! Before you know it you are at the last page and wanting more!

I am recommending this to all my fellow fiction lovers! This is a keeper and I can't wait for the rest of the series....so get writing McKay and what took you so long!!
4 people found this helpful
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C. M. G'sell
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book which creates a world in front of your eyes and tells an exciting story
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2020
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The author does an excellent job of creating a familiar world that is interesting and layered. First, it tells an interesting story that is compelling, but also uncomfortable at times, reflective of the life and death Manichean struggle underlying this book. The story also pulls back the curtain to reveal not only "what is happening" in this world, but "why it is happening." In this way, the author taps into the some of the same human elements revealed by the likes of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." In this regard, the character dialogue deftly explains why certain things have occurred in a matter-of-fact voice without even approaching anything preachy or long-winded.

As for the book's audience, I would caution that some of the narrative points and descriptions are, in my view, inappropriate for children 12 and under. However, this would probably be an excellent choice for high school-aged students and beyond.

Finally, after the book sets the the stage, the story moves quickly; and once you have reached the satisfying conclusion of the book, you will realize that...by no means have you reached the end of the story.
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ann70821
5.0 out of 5 stars A great new series in the making!
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2019
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OK, I will admit it. I have never seen a single episode of Game of Thrones. I haven't read a single one of the Outlander books. I will also admit that I was a bit skeptical about this book.

What an engaging tale! The author has created a world that I find inviting, one I think I would like to live in, and definitely want to visit again. The character development is excellent, enough of a backstory has been created for each character without becoming overbearing. The plot moves along at a good pace, never dragging, and there are no omissions in the story line--you are never wondering "how did we get here?"

Despite the cover image, McKay does not feel the need to fill his book with overly graphic depictions of violence, something I really appreciate.

The tale being woven is both a parable for our times, and perhaps a prophecy.

If you are looking for something fresh, new, and exciting for a quick read, give Animus a try. You won't be disappointed.
2 people found this helpful
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AMZN Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A real page-turner
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2019
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I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. Fiction has never been my cup of tea, but this story was so well told and the details depicted so vividly that the book captivated me. It's been a long time since I read a book that kept me awake at night because I didn't want to fall asleep so I could keep reading to see what happened next. Animus is fast-paced too. It was the perfect length. It kept my attention and drew me in without giving me fatigue like some of today's non-fiction which are 800 pages long. I look forward eagerly to the sequel
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Janice Baker
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2020
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I enjoyed the story once I got a grip on the numerous main characters. The story did flow nicely but did tend to hop back in time when switching from one event to another. Once I got use to the writing style it became easier to follow. The ending was abrupt and left the reader hanging right at the on onslaught of WAR; so I hope this story will continue in another book. I am curious how the war with Udars ends up?

It is a good story and I'll be buying the next book for sure because I want to know what happens next!
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Keith B.
5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding read. I am going to love this series!
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2019
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Excellent world building! I read the whole thing non-stop in a day! A corrupt civilized nation settling new lands amid the constant threat of violent and ruthless natives. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I found the geopolitics of this world very fascinating. Very creative storytelling developing the culture, language and customs of the more primitive Udars. Draws you right in.

After reading the atrocities committed by the Udars I wanted to kill them myself. I'll be rooting for Rob and Will as they mature into their roles as leaders in the war.

The technology of the Peace Party leading the civilized world vs the millions of Udar barbarians. Who will win? The civilized are hopelessly outnumbered! I can't wait to see how it all turns out in the future books in the series.
2 people found this helpful
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Neocon-Dissident
5.0 out of 5 stars Action, adventure, political intrigue and a Warfighters mystique!
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019
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Move over George R.R. Martin and Ayn Rand. It looks like you’ve got some competition. This book by Scott McKay brings all the elements necessary for the perfect literary journey to a far away land where you can witness the dichotomy of cultural development and how that leads us to a litany of battlefields. Low tech versus high tech and how that will rule the battlefield. What starts out as What seems a hopeless journey is bolstered by a solid heroic rescue and so much more. I purchased on Kindle, and when it comes out in hardcopy, my Christmas list may have just gotten filled. Have the read and enjoy the ride.
4 people found this helpful
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