Canitus

Blackwoad, Book 1

By: Joshua C Cook

Narrated by: Campy

Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

James Blackwoad loves order, systems, and figuring problems out. His only real problem is dealing with office politics and a Director at his work that seems to have it in for him. But when computer systems start to become infected with a new virus, he is quickly thrown into a world of cybercrime, government agencies, and far more danger than he realizes.

What is CANTIUS? Who created it? And who is willing to destroy him to protect it?

©2015 Joshua Cook (P)2017 Joshua C Cook

Baskerville Book Reviews

I’ll start off with complaints, for this review. As the book began with what felt like an endless exposition dump. The narrator was just awful. He read every single line in the same voice, never adding natural pauses to dialogue. It made the intro of the book a barrage of info that was difficult to process because there wasn’t a second to mull it over. When characters would talk, it was difficult to tell who was supposed to be speaking, which defeats the purpose of an audiobook.

The MC is a socially awkward/nerdy dude who has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend that’s way out of his league. At this point, I’m taking it as a staple in Joshua C Cook novels. After 2 series, 1 standalone (6 books in total), I’d be more surprised if this wasn’t the case.

The actual mystery of the novel is great. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, only to be tossed a curveball. While I think the ending was a bit abrupt and came out of nowhere, it was a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.

While I’m giving this story a recommendation, I suggest you should avoid the audiobook version and stick with the physical or kindle copies. A bad narrator ruins an audiobook and this is one of those cases.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

Why is there a chapter missing???

Canitus (Blackwoad, Book 1) by Joshua C Cook and narrated by Campy is an OK story overall- I didn’t love it, but also didn’t hate it. If you enjoy tech thrillers, this might be for you.

What’s it about? James, an IT manager, discovers a new virus called Canitus while at work. As he searches for answers, he discovers more than he bargained for in a world of hackers, government agencies, and ex’s. I’ll leave it at that due to spoilers. There were a few times I was taken out of the story whether it was the writing or the narration (inaccuracies, not pronouncing a key word correctly, a tosser means something else entirely where I’m from but it did give me a chuckle). Campy reminds me of a certain well-known narrator and I do think he could achieve top narrator status down the road if he practices (need distinct voices and less monotone). With this being said, I’d try another of Joshua’s stories/Campy’s narration as there is a lot of potential as they hone their craft.

PLEASE fix the missing chapter towards the end...it is only on the audiobook version, not the ebook.

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

A well-written story from a very good author

Canitus: Blackwoad, Book 1, my fourth enjoyable read from author Joshua C. Cook. Well-written techno-thriller with intriguing characters. 4-hours 20-minute/116-pages. I was given an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. I'll be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Techno Thriller

Joshua C Cook has written a story about an Information Technology manager named James Blackwoad. During the course of his day, James stumbles across a virus in his company's computer systems. As he seeks answers regarding the virus, James gets drawn into a world of cybercrime and governmental agencies. This is an interesting and fascinating tale which is very relatable to the modern world today. Campy's narration is fine, except he repeats the same story prose for Chapter 13 in Chapter 14. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

Canitus

I have sat on writing this review for over 6 months, but I need to finally get it posted. Chapter 14 is missing from the recording, and I was hoping to wait for that to be remedied, but alas, it still hasn’t been fixed.

Canitus is a great techno-thriller. Hackers, computer viruses, and governmental involvement... the topic hits a little too close to home. A very realistic story.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the writing and the narration. I was able to piece together what must have occurred in the missing chapter, but I hope it’s resolved soon.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

cyber crime thriller - engrossing

Starts slow and easy. Head of the IT team, James Blackwoad responds to an after hours alert that a server is compromised. When he discovers the cause is a very new and novel virus, his curiosity is piqued. Never one to leave a puzzle unsolved, James heads into trouble and a twisted conspiracy. Well plotted and a true page turner. Highly recommended. The narrator does a great job, nicely paced. The audio book was gifted by the author, but this is my unsolicited and honest opinion.

Cyber crime at its best

I really enjoyed this book. I like a wide range of books but I am a mystery fan by heart. I didn't really know what to expect with this book but I have enjoyed previous books by this author, so gave it ago. Glad I did, I was a bit worried about how much was going to go over my head, not being a Tec whizz but it wasn't like that and I found I really got hooked into the story. There was Tec talk (well it is a cyber crime story) but the author is gifted with words and I never felt that I didn't understand anything. The fact you never know where the story is going to take you, is what makes the story so interesting and a frightening thought that it could happen in real life. I hope there is a book two in the works.
When James is called into work in the middle of the night to fix a computer glitch he has no idea that he will be pulled into a world full of hackers and government conspiracy. He quickly learn that it is called Canitus but with so little information about it on the web he turns to the dark net for help. Making himself a target for the creators and with a government agency's also warning his to back off he is left with a big problem. To get to the bottom of the virus or just ignore it?
I liked the narrator and thought he did a good job with the voices in the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.