Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo

Feed Them Silence

by Lee Mandelo

What does it mean to “be-in-kind” with a nonhuman animal? Or in Dr. Sean Kell-Luddon's case, to be-in-kind with one of the last remaining wild wolves? Using a neurological interface to translate her animal subject’s perception through her own mind, Sean intends to chase both her scientific curiosity and her secret, lifelong desire to experience the intimacy and freedom of wolfishness. To see the world through animal eyes, smell the forest, thick with olfactory messages, even taste the blood and viscera of a fresh kill. And, above all, to feel the belonging of the pack.

Sean's tireless research gives her a chance to fulfill that dream, but pursuing it has a terrible cost. Her obsession with work endangers her fraying relationship with her wife. Her research methods threaten her mind and body. And the attention of her VC funders could destroy her subject, the beautiful wild wolf whose mental world she's invading.

As the harsh winter months threaten the pack's survival and Sean's marriage spirals down the drain, she'll be faced with the consequences of her negligence - and be forced to choose whether she'll let the world of wolves and the world she's known both slip through her fingers.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Dr. Sean Kell-Luddon is one of the most determined scientists you'll meet. She's fascinated by animals and their perception. As such, she's found a way to combine neurological interfaces with these animals, understanding them directly.

This discovery has opened the door to a secret desire of Dr. Kell-Luddon. She wants to see, feel, and smell through a wolf. She wants to know what it is like to be a wolf running through the woods.

Unfortunately, this obsession with the minds of others does come at a cost. Primarily, it pulls her further from the humans around her – especially her wife. Which would you choose if given a chance?

My Review:

Okay, so I was a bit hesitant to dive into this one; I'm not going to lie. You never know how a horror story involving animals will go, so I tend to lean on the side of caution. That said, I'm glad I overcame my fear and read Feed Them Silence.

In a sense, most of us can sympathize with Dr. Sean's goals, at least at first. As with the story of Captain Ahab, there is such a thing as going too far. Of chasing our dreams until they turn into obsessions.

Naturally, most people miss the moment when this happens. Only viewing it from the outside makes it possible. In Sean's case, I felt chills running down my spine as I watched her chase after her wolfish dream.

This was an excellent read, despite all my hesitations if you're like me and are debating about reading Feed Them Silence, stop hesitating!

Highlights:
Science Fiction
Horror Novella
LGBT+

Trigger Warnings:
Animals

Thanks to Tor.com and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 April, 2023: Finished reading
  • 8 April, 2023: Reviewed