I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo Published by Tordotcom on March 14 2023
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 112
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A promising idea turned sour for me, as the relationship drama overwhelmed the fascinating wolf plot.
Feed Them Silence has an intriguing premise: in the future, an interface has been developed that will link the minds of a human and a wolf, thus enabling humans to better understand a near extinct species. Sean is the scientist who developed the idea, and when her funding is approved, she agrees to have a device implanted in her brain to allow for the interface. As a lover of dogs and wolves, I was excited to explore this idea, but unfortunately my worst fears came true. There are two instances of animal abuse and death in this story that I could not tolerate, which is the main reason this didn’t work for me (but not the only one). I’m leaving a couple of hidden spoilers at the end of this review, as I know some of my readers appreciate a heads up when it comes to dogs in fiction.
The story revolves around a neuroscientist named Dr. Sean Kell-Luddon, who has received a grant for a ground breaking experiment. Sean posits the idea of linking a human mind with the mind of a wolf, via brain implants, that will allow the human to experience—and perhaps come to understand—why wolves are dying out.
At first the experiment is a success. The team has captured a wild wolf (who they call Kate), surgically inserted an implant into her brain and released her back into the wild. Closely monitored by her team, Sean connects with Kate and experiences a heady rush of sensations. She can see and smell everything Kate can, and she even feels a wonderful sense of being part of a close-knit pack. But when events begin to spiral out of control, the project—and the wolves—are threatened.
Meanwhile, Sean’s personal life isn’t going very well. Her wife Riya is jealous of the time Sean spends at work, and she berates her for not putting enough effort into their relationship. When Riya gives her an ultimatum, Sean must decide which is more important: her bond with Riya, or the new bond she’s forming with the wolves.
Things I enjoyed: First, I loved the idea of mind melding with a wolf, I mean how cool is that? Sean is passionate about wolves, and it’s been a dream of hers since she was a child to learn more about them, and what better way than to literally be inside a wolf’s head? I loved the descriptions of Sean experiencing life the way a wolf would: the smells of the pack, the taste of freshly caught prey, even the anxiety when a bear invades their territory. I thought adding the element of a crumbling marriage was a great way to contrast Sean’s passion for her project. Sean feels more at home with the wolves than she does with her wife, and it’s heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of the characters in this story. Sean and Riya have a cringe-worthy relationship and their scenes together were so uncomfortable. Sean is career driven and works long hours, even though Riya wants more from her. Sean seems sorry for spending so much time at the office, and she didn’t appear to be doing it on purpose. But Riya is constantly angry at her, and her reactions seemed way over the top. The author includes at least one make-up sex scene that felt a little out of place, I suppose to show that the two really do love each other. But I didn’t buy it. I personally would have left Riya a long time ago, I thought she was awful.
I had a romantic idea that the story would go in a different direction and focus more on the wolves and Sean’s relationship with them, but science won out in the end, and for me it was extremely disappointing. Added to that is the one-two punch of what happens to Kate and what might happen to Miller (Sean’s and Kate’s dog), and I closed the last page feeling sick to my stomach instead of experiencing that sense of wonder I was hoping for.
I’ve tried two books by Lee Mandelo and both left me frustrated, so it may be their books just aren’t for me. But do judge for yourself, if you think this sounds good, there are plenty of positive reviews out there.
Spoilers (highlight to read): First, I’m aware that the story revolves around a group of scientists trying to learn more about wolves and their behaviors, and when a wolf is captured and given a surgical implant in order to link with Sean’s implant, obviously there is going to be some uncomfortable content. So when the experiment fails, the group of men who are funding the program decide to euthanize Kate (the wolf) in order to study her brain more closely. Strike one. Even worse (in my opinion) was the suggestion that Sean and her wife Riya might abandon their beloved senior dog Miller. As the owner of a wonderful senior dog, I cannot imagine a more heinous crime. Sean and Riya are both career driven and selfish, and although you get the impression that they love Miller dearly, the fact that they would both consider taking new jobs in another country is beyond belief, knowing that Miller probably is too old to make the trip. End spoiler.
Great review, Tammy! I can feel your frustration for the direction this story went. I would also highly dislike the cringe-worthy relationship and awkward scenes between Sean and Riya, which is really too bad. I’ve had dogs all my life and coudn’t imagine life without them and obviously I also love wolves so the animal abuse would be really hard to read for me as well. And the highlighted stuff also makes me really angry. I have the feeling this book wouldn’t be a good one for me either…
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Book Blitz: The Rebirth by V.P. Evans
Thanks Stephanie! I have a feeling most dog lovers would have issues with it.
Probably not the right book for me: insufferable characters usually don’t go well with me, since I need to connect with them in some way to truly enjoy a book, and I also know that what you shared in the spoiler section would not agree with me, so… one less for the TBR! 😉
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…STATION ELEVEN, by Emily St.John Mandel
There were just too many negatives for me to recommend this.
Reading your review brought back memories of reading The Call of the Wild. That had some difficult moments but I ended up enjoying it. Granted, this one sounds very different. And regarding not liking any of the characters, that can make a book so difficult to enjoy. I can still enjoy a book where I dislike the characters, but I’m far less likely to.
One of my favorite books, Hollow Kingdom, has a tough dog death, but it made sense for the story, no matter how painful, so I was OK with it.
Oh, what a letdown! It does sound like a fascinating idea, but the cruelty toward the wolf and dog would be a turn-off for me too, and with a cringe-worthy relationship in there too, it does not sound like a reading experience I’d want to spend time on. Great review, though!
There were other ways this story could have gone, but since I didn’t write it, I guess my opinions ultimately don’t matter, lol.
To bad this one wasn’t a hit, I snuck a look at the spoilers and yep I would not have liked that at all!
Stormi recently posted…Week in Review #25
I think a lot of readers would be horrified!
Ugh, too bad this one didn’t work. Well, it’s good that there are plenty more books out there!
Priscilla Bettis recently posted…The Library Book Selection Game
Exactly! Lots to choose from:-)
I too love the sound of that wolf idea in this book but wow… the characters and relationship don’t sound so good. Great honest thoughts on this one, Tammy!
Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes recently posted…The Last of Us Season 1 (2023-) TV Series Review
Thanks Lashaan! I hate writing negative reviews but sometimes you have to…
I enjoyed this more than you, but I also thought Sean was an idiot and an awful person. The relationship with Riya was also toxic, and when she gave that ultimatum to leave I literally thought, “Oh well? No big loss!” LOL
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Novella Review: Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo
Exactly! I would have left in a heartbeat:-)
I am sorry this didn’t work out for you, and I hope your next reading would be more rewarding!
But I can see why this didn’t work out animal abuse and death are big no no for me too, and what you wrote about the rest made me think that this would not be the right book for me. But your review was interesting to read and it was really well done!
I’m OK with animals dying in stories as long as it makes sense. This felt senseless to me, which is why it just didn’t work.
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion on this one. I think knowing something bad happens to the dogs is enough to turn me off from reading it.
Dog lovers should definitely stay far away:-/
too bad this didn’t work, the first idea indeed sounded fascinating
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…The Classics Club: what I got for The Classics Spin #33
I’m kind of permanently wrecked due to “Where the Red Fern Grows”….. love the book…. can’t read it ever again. Too many emojis. So, I don’t understand the audience for books with animal abuse or. similar in them. I think you were brave to read this one!
Nope to this for me! I could not stand it, and I read your spoilers and that would be a big old NOPE for me. I would probably not have been able to even finish this one.
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