Official Review: The Panopticon Experiment

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 26 May 2020, 05:51

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Panopticon Experiment" by Rachel Caldecott.]

2 out of 4 stars

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In a future, post-Siklus world, there is a genetic mutation that allows humans and animals to communicate with each other telepathically. In this new Earth, humans and animals are equals. However, not all humans have this mutated gene, and not everyone feels that humans and animals should have equal rights. This gives rise to an underground organisation, the Human Supremacy League. Its members will stop at nothing to see this equality brought to an end, including conducting illegal experiments. It is against this fearsome group that Flo must contend as she tries to unravel the mystery of her increasingly disturbing dreams and the disappearances of mammal-citizens, incidences which she believes are related. Despite warnings from those close to her, Flo plows ahead with her investigation, taking along for the ride Lonce, the snow leopard with whom she shares a bond, and Seb, her human best friend.

What I like most about The Panopticon Experiment is the fascinating mix of animals and humans. The author, Rachel Caldecott, has created a world unlike any I've ever read about or seen in movies. Usually, it's all animals with human characteristics or humans with animal sidekicks. But I don't think I've come across any where there is such absolute equality, where animals are seen as citizens, just like their human counterparts. They have careers - a dog who's a police officer; a pig who's a magistrate! I found this aspect very interesting. Unfortunately, this is the only thing about which I'm absolutely positive; I have mixed feelings about everything else.

While I think Caldecott does a good job fleshing out the characters, particularly the main ones, I cannot say that I like them very much. Flo's heart is in the right place, but she strikes me as hot-headed. This trait, in and of itself, isn't necessarily bad. But she tends flare up with little provocation and to go off half-cocked, putting herself and others in danger. And Seb, while his loyalty to Flo is admirable, I still find it odd that he would just go along with her half-baked plans, despite obviously disagreeing with her "crazy project." It's like he is just there to be led.

This brings me to what I dislike most about the book. Because of the obvious, strong messages and themes in the story, I get the sense of being led to draw a certain conclusion. There's no subtlety, which makes me feel boxed in; there's little to no room for speculation or reasoning.

The book has sixty-five chapters and an epilogue. These are short and make for relatively quick reading. The pace is anything but slow, and there is enough action that the reader doesn't become bored. However, there are parts that seem a bit rushed. For example, towards the end there's a great rescue. There's a good amount of build-up to it, but the actual rescue scene is over way too quickly. The phrase "blink and you miss it" comes to mind.

The Panopticon Experiment is the first book in Caldecott's Siklus series, but it can be read as a standalone novel; all major conflicts are resolved. Though it is categorised as Young Adult, the book can be enjoyed by older adults, too. There's borderline profanity but no overtly sexual content. I would caution the squeamish, though, as there are somewhat graphic scenes and descriptions of experiments.

There are some errors which make me question whether or not the piece is professionally edited. All things considered, I rate this novel 2 out of 4 stars. I think the author is trying to send a positive message with this book. For that I would give it 2.5 stars, if it were possible; I was not impressed with the delivery enough to give it 3 stars.

I believe that this novel could be enjoyed by anyone who likes stories that put an interesting spin on life on planet Earth or has an affinity for animals.

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The Panopticon Experiment
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LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 28 May 2020, 10:11

That is not what I expected having been intrigued by the book title! As a vegan for ethical reasons though, I felt my back get right up just reading the first paragraph of the review! It sounds like it is a must-read for someone like me. Thank you for such a thorough review!

Vicky-kooro · Post by **Vicky-kooro** » 28 May 2020, 10:43

What I like most about the panopticon experiment is the fascinating mix of animals and humans. The author created a world unlike any I've ever read about or seen in a movie. Nice review

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 28 May 2020, 11:06

LinaJan wrote: ↑28 May 2020, 10:11 That is not what I expected having been intrigued by the book title! As a vegan for ethical reasons though, I felt my back get right up just reading the first paragraph of the review! It sounds like it is a must-read for someone like me. Thank you for such a thorough review!

Thanks so much for commenting. I think, based on your comment, that you would like this book. Happy reading if you do get to it.

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 28 May 2020, 11:08

Vicky-kooro wrote: ↑28 May 2020, 10:43 What I like most about the panopticon experiment is the fascinating mix of animals and humans. The author created a world unlike any I've ever read about or seen in a movie. Nice review

Thanks, and thanks for commenting.

Sheetal_22564 · Post by **Sheetal_22564** » 29 May 2020, 11:02

The protagonist is animal friendly and her sense for rightful thought I'd comendable. Another great science fiction to look for ward too!
Hope to add it into my best sci-fi categy!

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 30 May 2020, 00:38

Sheetal_22564 wrote: ↑29 May 2020, 11:02 The protagonist is animal friendly and her sense for rightful thought I'd comendable. Another great science fiction to look for ward too!
Hope to add it into my best sci-fi categy!

Oh, she is! I think I was remiss in not commenting on how passionate she was about them in the review. But, hindsight and all that. Thanks for commenting.

Sheetal_22564 · Post by **Sheetal_22564** » 30 May 2020, 05:14

Kenesha L Fowler wrote: ↑30 May 2020, 00:38
Sheetal_22564 wrote: ↑29 May 2020, 11:02 The protagonist is animal friendly and her sense for rightful thought I'd comendable. Another great science fiction to look for ward too!
Hope to add it into my best sci-fi categy!
Oh, she is! I think I was remiss in not commenting on how passionate she was about them in the review. But, hindsight and all that. Thanks for commenting.

Welcome

Post by **kandscreeley** » 30 May 2020, 17:49

I can see how this message would be applicable to other areas in life. It sounds like a great message. It's too bad that the book didn't get a higher score. Thanks for your thoughts.

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 31 May 2020, 02:49

kandscreeley wrote: ↑30 May 2020, 17:49 I can see how this message would be applicable to other areas in life. It sounds like a great message. It's too bad that the book didn't get a higher score. Thanks for your thoughts.

Indeed, it is a message worth sharing. But the book as a whole evoked lots of mixed feelings in me, as I mentioned in the review. I only ever wish to be honest and fair. I may not have liked the book so much, but I'm sure there are others who will. Thank you for commenting.

book_fanatic_ · Post by **book_fanatic_** » 02 Jun 2020, 10:23

The idea of humans and animals talking to each other is intriguing. But after reading your comments about the various errors, I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review.

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 03 Jun 2020, 08:27

book_fanatic_ wrote: ↑02 Jun 2020, 10:23 The idea of humans and animals talking to each other is intriguing. But after reading your comments about the various errors, I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review.

That was my favourite part of the book. Thanks for commenting.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 03 Jun 2020, 08:59

I must confess, I love such stories

Human-animal mixture is beyond interesting to me. Still sorry about all the mentioned above flaws this book has. The premise is good, in my opinion. Thank you for this insightful and honest review!

Mrunalpatki · Post by **Mrunalpatki** » 03 Jun 2020, 22:54

Great concept. Sad that the book wasn't up to the mark. It would have made for a great animated movies plot. I remembered the movie Zootopia after reading your first paragraph. Thanks for the honest review.

Kenesha Latoya Fowler · Post by **Kenesha Latoya Fowler** » 04 Jun 2020, 09:52

Ellylion wrote: ↑03 Jun 2020, 08:59 I must confess, I love such stories Human-animal mixture is beyond interesting to me. Still sorry about all the mentioned above flaws this book has. The premise is good, in my opinion. Thank you for this insightful and honest review!

No doubt about the premise. Thanks for stopping by.