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

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

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.

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!

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.

Can't stop listening

This is a nice short story. I was intrigued by how the characters were very detailed and the story was based on more of the life we have. Work environment was frustrating with this company and seemed like friends.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

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).