Title: Animalistic Justice
Author: Joseph Azhari
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 979-8-8230-8724-7
Pages: 210
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Vigilante Fiction / Social Justice
Reviewer: Gabriella Harrison

Read Book Review

Although it can get quite gory, having animals act as actual active participants in their own liberation story sets author Joseph Azhari’s “Animalistic Justice” apart from more conventional vigilante fiction. A former Royal Navy Captain (Derek) dedicates his life to punishing animal abusers by allowing the animals that have endured abuse to punish their abusers. A rather interesting angle.

There’s still real warmth here, though, even with all the violence. This is especially seen between Derek (A.K.A. Animal Guardian) and his wife and daughter. When he tells his daughter, “Remember our family motto. Loyal by nature,” we get to see how personal this battle is to him; to ensure his daughter can grow up without fear. Even in his relationship with the three dogs he rescues from the dogfighting ring, we are reminded how dogs embody the very loyalty that means so much to him and should be protected. This allows readers to see the animals as more than tools of vengeance but as living affectionate beings.

It is indeed intriguing and attention-grabbing how quickly things escalate from being about human vigilante activities to becoming an elemental war. The use of animal spirits adds a nice mythological effect that feels ancient but also refreshing in a way. More interesting is how they, the Snake, the Dragon, the Bat, and the Bear are all tied to elemental powers and specific forms of justice. And each new antagonist with their own fresh challenge that tests the protagonist’s abilities and ethics makes the book move quite quickly.

Personally, I really like how the animals are made into intelligent beings in this book. I feel this makes their involvement in justice-seeking feel more natural. And I also like how Azhari plainly shows his deep appreciation for the animal kingdom, with descriptions of the African Savanna and Mount Kilimanjaro that are so detailed and immersive. From lion poachers in Africa to religious extremists in Afghanistan, it is truly all vivid and diverse.

By examining issues such as religious intolerance and discrimination against neurodivergent individuals, even homophobia, Azhari successfully makes this book so much more than a revenge fantasy. This goes way beyond animal cruelty, adding a more ambitious social conscience.

Admittedly some characters feel a bit underdeveloped. There are also a few lulls here and there. Despite this, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses here.  Sometimes people grow tired of waiting for others to provide the justice they so desire, so they take matters into their own hands, even if it ends up being brutal, as seen in Joseph Azhari’s Animalistic Justice.  Joseph Azhari invites readers into a gripping story filled with high stakes, difficult choices, and the enduring search for justice. A memorable read for fans of suspense, crime fiction, and psychological drama.