This book is classic Christopher Moore. Anyone who likes his other books will love this one. Very funny!

I have read some of Christopher Moore's books before, and I found in this one the same style of banter and nonsensical humour, which I really like.
But here the themes are much much more darker than in his previous work.
Women condition and sexual abuse are big themes of the book, and it makes for some bleak moments.
Nevertheless, I found it really interesting and loved the use of historical figures.

Thank you William Morrow for this ARC!

Very interesting and absurd but unfortunately not for me. I found the characters underdeveloped but the humor was very good.

Anima Rising is such a wild ride, you guys! Like, imagine Vienna in 1911, Gustav Klimt being all artsy, and then bam—a woman literally pulled from the Danube, coughing like a zombie come to life. Add a sprinkle of Freud, Jung, and a giant devil dog who loves croissants (yes, really), and you’ve got this bonkers mash-up of history, humor, and Frankenstein vibes. It’s as chaotic as it sounds, in the best way possible.

The characters? Okay, Judith is fascinating but doesn’t totally pop like I hoped—though Klimt, bless his eccentric little heart, makes up for it with his messy genius energy. And can we talk about the humor? It’s Christopher Moore doing what he does best: snarky, smart, and sometimes so out-there you’ll laugh out loud in public and scare people.

That said, a few parts dragged or felt like they were trying a bit too hard to be clever. But the sheer creativity—omg, chef’s kiss. The Vienna setting is lush and moody, and Moore’s take on historical figures is totally extra in the best way. It’s definitely a ride worth taking.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4 stars

I was so excited to get this as an arc. This is classic Moore. All the humor, misadventures, and just good fun is present here. If you’re familiar with his work, you know what you’re getting into, if not…why not? And why not start here for a lighthearted stress free adventure.
Another all around solid book By a favorite author.

Anima Rising by Christopher Moore: A Quirky Journey Through Time and Madness

Plot and Setting:
Anima Rising plunges readers into the vibrant and somewhat macabre world of early 20th-century Vienna, where the famed painter Gustav Klimt finds a woman, presumed dead, in the Danube canal. This woman, named Judith after one of Klimt's paintings, has no memory of her past but possesses a story that ties back to the Arctic and even the Underworld. Christopher Moore, known for his satirical and humorous take on historical and fantastical elements, crafts a narrative where Judith's journey of self-discovery intertwines with elements of science fiction and Gothic horror. The setting is rich with historical detail, though Moore's playful anachronisms and inventive twists on real historical figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung add a delightful absurdity to the backdrop.

Characters:
The characters in Anima Rising are both its strength and its Achilles' heel. Judith, the undead woman seeking her identity, is compelling, albeit a bit underdeveloped in terms of depth compared to Moore's previous protagonists. Klimt, portrayed with a mix of artistic genius and human frailty, serves as an interesting lens through which to view Vienna's high society. However, the interactions with Freud and Jung, while humorous, sometimes feel more like cameos rather than integral parts of the plot. The addition of Geoff, the giant croissant-eating devil dog, adds a unique flavor to the narrative, embodying Moore's characteristic whimsy.




Humor and Style:
Moore's signature humor is very much present, offering a blend of the absurd, the witty, and the occasionally raunchy. The novel's approach to combining elements of Poor Things and Bride of Frankenstein is audacious and often results in laugh-out-loud moments. However, there are instances where the humor feels slightly forced or out of place, possibly due to the gravity of some themes like identity and existential crisis which Judith navigates.




Themes:
Central themes revolve around identity, creation, and the human (or inhuman) condition, echoing the Frankensteinian elements with a modern, comedic twist. The exploration of memory and self through Judith's character provides depth to what might otherwise be a purely comedic narrative. Moore also subtly critiques societal norms and the art world of Vienna, though these critiques are often overshadowed by the novel's more playful elements.

Conclusion:
Anima Rising is a testament to Christopher Moore's ability to weave historical settings with fantastical elements in a way that entertains while occasionally probing deeper into philosophical questions. The book might not reach the heights of some of his more critically acclaimed works due to its uneven pacing and the sometimes superficial treatment of its characters, but it remains a fun, if somewhat chaotic, read.

Rating Breakdown:
Plot & Creativity: 4/5 - A wild, imaginative plot with a unique premise.
Character Development: 3/5 - While characters are fun, they sometimes lack depth.
Humor: 4/5 - Moore's humor shines, though occasionally feels misplaced.
Setting & Atmosphere: 4.5/5 - The historical setting is well-captured, enriched by Moore's playful reinterpretations.
Thematic Depth: 3.5/5 - Themes are present but can be overshadowed by comedy.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Moore's Anima Rising is recommended for fans of his previous works, those who enjoy a humorous take on historical fiction, and readers looking for an escapist, quirky narrative. However, expecting a deeply philosophical or character-driven story might leave one wanting more from this particular adventure.