Review || Sapient by Jerry Kaczmarowski

Synopsis:

Abandoned by her husband after the birth of their child, Jane Dixon’s world is defined by her autistic son and the research she does to find a cure for his condition. She knows her work on animal intelligence may hold the key. She also knows that the research will take decades to complete. None of it will ultimately benefit her son.

All that changes when a lab rat named Einstein demonstrates that he can read and write. Just as her research yields results, the U.S. government discovers her program. The army wants to harness her research for its military potential. The CDC wants to shut her down completely. The implications of animal intelligence are too dangerous, particularly when the previously inert virus proves to be highly contagious.

She steals the virus to cure her son, but the government discovers the theft. She must now escape to Canada before the authorities can replace her son’s mental prison with a physical one.

  

My thoughts and whatnot

My rating: ★★★☆☆

Premise - This has a very unique premise. It was really intriguing. A world where animals can be as superior as human? Now that's amazing. I haven't watched the movies Planet of the Apes, which I gather seems pretty similar with this book, so I don't know what to expect. It wasn't as bad as I thought. It was great, even. Although it has a gripping story line, some chapters tend to be boring for my liking so I had to put it down.

Characters - I thought that I would be biased with the main character, Jane Dixon, just because we share the same name (sometimes I can be as petty as that). But Jane proves to be quite a character. I find it hard to like her. She's really driven but she justify her behavior with "misguided notion that she was helping her son." There came a point, where I thought she's crazy.

Robbie (together with Einstein and Bear), on the other hand, proves to be a agreeable trio. These three has this very mundane characteristics that I can't help adoring. Especially Einstein, that little rascal! He's cute.

There are some auxiliary characters that I found problematic, but the whole ensemble of characters are good otherwise.

Jane and Jim's relationship, however, felt a little bit forced. I would've like if their relationship grew naturally than force it towards the end.

Writing style/technique - Half the time, I don't understand who's voice is being is used. If it's written in first point of view or second or third. This made it hard for me to read the book.

Plus, Robbie likes to play the "pronoun/common name game" which is really frustrating. I have to second guess everything I read (in Robbie's POV).

Also, I prefer if the chapters were longer because it was really short, some chapters.

World building - This is done almost impeccably if it's not overdone. It was faring well with me, how the world is advancing with the new scientific findings but I can't remove this niggling feeling ― exaggeration.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, especially the last quarter since that's where the whole story click together. It has a gripping story line but it tends to be very science-y; I have to gather my wits together before reading this again.