Esoterrorism has everything I’ve come to look for in a C.T. Phipps book. It’s full of action and intrigue, but also deep and well-written characters. While the plot is thick enough to make it a great thriller, its irreverent tone and humor keep it light enough to balance everything out. And for those that will appreciate it, you’ll also find a cast of multicultural and inclusive characters that feel natural, but yet there is no obvious and in-your-face attempt at social justice indoctrination.
While the story and plot of Esoterrorism are great, the highlight of any of Phipps’ books is the characters. One of my favorite things about many of his books is though they are part of different series, most take place in the United States of Monsters, and the main characters in one book will often be included as a supporting character in another book. Esoterrorism works as a prequel to many of the other series and you get to learn more of the original stories of characters from other books. So if you like any of the other books, you’ll find Esoterrorism to be another great book to read. If you haven’t read any of the other books, you’ll find Esoterrorism is a great place to start your addiction to the rest of the United States of Monsters series.
As far as the audiobook version goes, you’ll see a pattern in my other reviews: C.T. Phipps is a kick-ass author and Jeffery Kafer is an awesome narrator. And when two great artists have worked in a multi-series partnership to produce several audiobooks, their talent tends to enhance the final product to a level that is more amazing than either could be alone. Esoterrorism (and other series which both are part of such as Agent G, Cthulhu Armageddon, and The Supervillainy Sage) is a great example of the excellent work that you get out of such a partnership.
Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.