Genetically engineered with dinosaur DNA, four soldiers become dino-human hybrids for a secret military project, but when one succumbs to cannibalistic urges, a controversial therapist is brought in to control his behavior before a high-stakes public unveiling. As corporate corruption, forbidden romance, and escaped experiments spiral out of control, the story explores the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the ethics of human experimentation, and the struggle for identity and acceptance.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world where a corporation called Blayvine Industries has genetically engineered four soldiers with dinosaur DNA, the story follows Eddie Boka, a prototype dino-human whose first combat mission is marred by an uncontrollable compulsion to eat an enemy soldier. This act of cannibalism threatens the corporation’s plans to unveil and market their dino-human soldiers as military assets. To address Eddie’s dangerous urges before the public launch, Blayvine hires Adelaide “Addi” LaTour, an unorthodox therapist known for her use of shock collars and severe behavioral conditioning. As Addi works to help Eddie control his instincts, a forbidden romance develops between them, further complicating matters. The plot escalates when a saurian predator escapes, leading to chaos and violence, and the project’s internal corruption and ethical dilemmas come to the forefront, culminating in a series of dramatic events that threaten the entire operation. The narrative is told through multiple points of view, including Eddie, Addi, an advanced AI named Wesk, and several supporting characters, blending elements of science fiction, military thriller, and speculative ethics.

Readers consistently praised the book’s fast pacing, action-heavy sequences, and the way it maintained tension throughout. Many found the premise of dino-human hybrids engaging, with the opening mission and subsequent complications drawing them in quickly. The action scenes, described as brutal and cinematic, were highlighted as a major strength, as was the balance between thriller elements and moments of introspection. Several reviewers appreciated the exploration of themes such as prejudice against the hybrids, the ethical implications of genetic engineering, and the critique of corporate and military overreach. The inclusion of an AI character, Wesk, and the multi-POV structure were also noted as adding depth and variety to the narrative. The forbidden romance between Eddie and Addi, while controversial, was seen by some as a fitting subplot that added emotional stakes to the story.

Some readers felt that the characterization was underdeveloped, with both main and supporting characters lacking depth or sufficient on-page development. The romance between Eddie and Addi was described as abrupt or insufficiently explored, with little depiction of their relationship’s progression. A few reviewers noted that the book’s focus on action and pacing sometimes came at the expense of worldbuilding or scientific detail, especially regarding the plausibility of the genetic modifications. The villain was described as cartoonish or melodramatic by some, and the ending was criticized for being overly rushed or reminiscent of a graphic novel rather than a traditional thriller. There were also comments about inconsistent dialogue, particularly for characters with military or psychiatric backgrounds, and a desire for more exploration of the other dino-human prototypes.

The book blends science fiction and thriller genres, with elements reminiscent of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, but with a stronger focus on military and corporate intrigue. It incorporates themes of government corruption, the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, and the societal response to those deemed “other.” The story includes horror aspects such as cannibalism and violence, but is generally described as more of a thriller than a horror novel. The narrative structure includes multiple perspectives, including an AI, and touches on issues of identity, prejudice, and the consequences of treating people as products. The book was published by Angry Robot Books, has an average reader rating of 3.78 out of 5, and is noted for its quick pacing and accessibility to fans of sci-fi action and creature features.