Assessment:

Plot: The plot here is strong and flows along at an even pac, while the author's extensive research into the subject matter is apparent. Despite the kidnapping of the principle characters, however, the story is simply not particularly engaging. The bones of the story are solid, and the work holds promise with some revamping.

Prose/Style: Kelso is a gifted writer with strong command of prose, dialogue, and description.

Originality: The author has produced a highly original work with a unique, animal-centric focus combined with aspects of a medical thriller.

Character Development: The author opens the story with a rash of details that emerge through the dialogue between Claire and Meera, but most are superficial details that may set the stage for the story but offer little insight into the women, their lives, and what makes them tick. Again, the core of the work here is good. The author needs to flesh the characters out more to make the reader care about these women.

Date Submitted: August 26, 2019