Primal Override

I went into *Primal Override* expecting another forgettable cyberpunk romp, but Cheney’s world snaps into focus with brutal efficiency. T.E.D.D. is a protagonist you root for not because of heroics, but because it’s the only thing in this wrecked city that refuses to back down. The jungle fortress setting is a highlight—dense, claustrophobic, and teeming with MilBots that sound like they’re straight out of a nightmare. Lukas Arnold’s narration elevates the material; his voicing of T.E.D.D. is a masterclass in making synthetic rage feel human (or at least *person-like*). The banter between T.E.D.D. and its allies is where the book truly shines, balancing dark humor with moments of desperate pathos. That said, the world-building is *intentionally* sparse, which might frustrate listeners craving deeper lore. A few key reveals about T.E.D.D.’s past felt rushed, making its motivations a tad opaque. And while the MilBots are terrifying, the “something far more sinister” in the fortress is more implied than fully explored, leaving me wanting more payoff. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise adrenaline-fueled ride. Arnold’s performance alone makes this worth the listen, but Cheney’s knack for blending action with wit is what sticks. If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi adventure that’s equal parts heart and chaos, *Primal Override* nails it.