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Animal Control
When Dr. Daniel Friedman awakens in a cage, the world as he knew it no longer exists.
Humans have become livestock. Animals walk upright, speak with intelligence, and wear the uniforms of authority. In sterile facilities that once served pets, people are now processed, catalogued, and assigned purposes by their new masters.
But Daniel's expertise in genetics makes him valuable to his captors, and dangerous to their plans.
Dr. Fluffington, the facility's feline research director, needs Daniel to solve a critical the genetic modifications that gave animals consciousness are unstable, breaking down across generations. As families of modified humans face mental collapse and the resistance zones holding out against transformation dwindle, Daniel must choose between cooperation and rebellion.
Yet the deeper he delves into the science behind the change, the more he realizes this isn't just about Earth. The consciousness enhancement technology came from somewhere else, refugees from a cosmic threat that still prowls the depths of space. Now Daniel faces an impossible help perfect the system that enslaved humanity, or risk unleashing something far worse.
In a world where consciousness itself has become a weapon, the line between salvation and extinction may be thinner than a strand of DNA.
Perfect for fans of Planet of the Apes, Brave New World, and Black Mirror.
The first book in The Sentience Protocols series.
Humans have become livestock. Animals walk upright, speak with intelligence, and wear the uniforms of authority. In sterile facilities that once served pets, people are now processed, catalogued, and assigned purposes by their new masters.
But Daniel's expertise in genetics makes him valuable to his captors, and dangerous to their plans.
Dr. Fluffington, the facility's feline research director, needs Daniel to solve a critical the genetic modifications that gave animals consciousness are unstable, breaking down across generations. As families of modified humans face mental collapse and the resistance zones holding out against transformation dwindle, Daniel must choose between cooperation and rebellion.
Yet the deeper he delves into the science behind the change, the more he realizes this isn't just about Earth. The consciousness enhancement technology came from somewhere else, refugees from a cosmic threat that still prowls the depths of space. Now Daniel faces an impossible help perfect the system that enslaved humanity, or risk unleashing something far worse.
In a world where consciousness itself has become a weapon, the line between salvation and extinction may be thinner than a strand of DNA.
Perfect for fans of Planet of the Apes, Brave New World, and Black Mirror.
The first book in The Sentience Protocols series.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 6, 2025
Foundations of a Future Classic
My introduction to this compelling universe was through an ARC of Animal Control, which intriguingly led me backward to the stand-alone short story, The Perfect Pet. That story was thoroughly enjoyable, but this novel expands the concept into something truly impressive. The world-building is intricate and thoughtfully rendered, using its sci-fi premise to explore complex themes of autonomy and ethics with a steady, confident hand. It’s a foundation that feels built to last, one that doesn't just support a single narrative but genuinely invites expansion into a broader series; the potential for a cinematic universe is palpable and exciting.
What stands out is the depth of the setting, which left me with a strong desire to explore even more of its corners and histories. I would be particularly interested in learning more about the protagonist's backstory in future installments, as those details would add further layers to an already engaging character arc. While the novel is complete and satisfying on its own, its true strength is in the promise it shows. This is a confident and clever beginning to what I hope will be a long-running exploration of this fascinating world. I am fully invested in seeing where it goes next.
My introduction to this compelling universe was through an ARC of Animal Control, which intriguingly led me backward to the stand-alone short story, The Perfect Pet. That story was thoroughly enjoyable, but this novel expands the concept into something truly impressive. The world-building is intricate and thoughtfully rendered, using its sci-fi premise to explore complex themes of autonomy and ethics with a steady, confident hand. It’s a foundation that feels built to last, one that doesn't just support a single narrative but genuinely invites expansion into a broader series; the potential for a cinematic universe is palpable and exciting.
What stands out is the depth of the setting, which left me with a strong desire to explore even more of its corners and histories. I would be particularly interested in learning more about the protagonist's backstory in future installments, as those details would add further layers to an already engaging character arc. While the novel is complete and satisfying on its own, its true strength is in the promise it shows. This is a confident and clever beginning to what I hope will be a long-running exploration of this fascinating world. I am fully invested in seeing where it goes next.
August 26, 2025
It is different but in a good way, I was a little bit disappointed at the end of the story. It is worth a read.
November 13, 2025
Imagine this: you wake up in a cage, wondering where you are and how you got here, and a German Shepherd dressed in clothes is looking down at you and speaks in perfect English. No, it's not a nightmare: it's the beginning of the book Animal Control. Terrifying, yes. Hard to explain, yes, but the author, Matt Brandstein (except for the time lapse since everything occurred) does a great job of weaving this terrifying tale, where animals control humans as livestock, modifying their humanity out of them to perform specific tasks. It's a story about what's important in life: the ability to choose one's own course in life, autonomy and freedom. With thoughts about what good has freedom done but caused emotions resulting in hatred, violence, and bad results in past humans. So maybe not being burdened with all those "emotions" is a good thing, a means to evolve as a more intelligent species? These are the philosophical thoughts that Dr. Daniel Friedman (ah, the symbolism of the name!), a research expert in all things genetic experiences or is manipulated into thinking by his "masters" as he is put on the task of correcting a problem that has interrupted the masters (but who are the real masters?) plan to reconstruct the human race, while, at the same time, wondering how he can save the human race and their autonomy and freedom. This is a fascinating read that keeps you turning the pages, and the first in a series that brings on more questions at the end of the book.
August 31, 2025
‘The Sentience Protocols 1 (Animal Control),’ published in July 2025 is science fiction with an ethical choice and a moral dilemma. It is ‘Animal Farm’ pushed beyond a simple control of people to the control of consciousness and genetic evolution. And this philosophical, deeply disturbing book, disguised as science fiction, offers a choice of control of the world and destroying it completely.
Since it starts in a pen or cage, with bars instead of walls, let us take the analogy further: if you were in a prison, what you would you rather be: a prisoner, with torture, starvation, electric shock therapy, the works, in short? Or a deputy, with better housing, better food, a certain amount of freedom, and in a supervisory position over the prisoners in cells? If you had the choice of freeing them, knowing that this would kill them in a natural environment, or let them survive as animals in cages, what would you decide? Perhaps the following extract may help you decide:
“This is dangerous, his modified consciousness insisted with mechanical authority. Stability is better than chaos. Optimization is better than randomness. Purpose is better than uncertainty.”
This is the first part of a duology. The second part is scheduled for release later this year.
Since it starts in a pen or cage, with bars instead of walls, let us take the analogy further: if you were in a prison, what you would you rather be: a prisoner, with torture, starvation, electric shock therapy, the works, in short? Or a deputy, with better housing, better food, a certain amount of freedom, and in a supervisory position over the prisoners in cells? If you had the choice of freeing them, knowing that this would kill them in a natural environment, or let them survive as animals in cages, what would you decide? Perhaps the following extract may help you decide:
“This is dangerous, his modified consciousness insisted with mechanical authority. Stability is better than chaos. Optimization is better than randomness. Purpose is better than uncertainty.”
This is the first part of a duology. The second part is scheduled for release later this year.
November 27, 2025
What Happens When Humans Become the Pets
Animal Control by Matt Brandstein feels strongly inspired by the original Planet of the Apes film, especially in how it imagines a world where animals have become the dominant species over humans. The story follows Daniel, the main character, who wakes up in a cell guarded by dogs with no memory of how this world has turned upside down. Humans are now treated as pets, test subjects, and research material—used by animals to study human physiology and psychology so they can better control the remaining human population.
The book serves as a sharp reminder of how we treat animals today: taming them, using them, and rarely considering their feelings or suffering. By reversing the roles, Brandstein forces readers to confront the cruelty humans often inflict on animals and invites us to imagine the consequences if the balance of power were reversed. It’s a striking and thought-provoking exploration of empathy, ethics, and what it means to hold or lose control.
Animal Control by Matt Brandstein feels strongly inspired by the original Planet of the Apes film, especially in how it imagines a world where animals have become the dominant species over humans. The story follows Daniel, the main character, who wakes up in a cell guarded by dogs with no memory of how this world has turned upside down. Humans are now treated as pets, test subjects, and research material—used by animals to study human physiology and psychology so they can better control the remaining human population.
The book serves as a sharp reminder of how we treat animals today: taming them, using them, and rarely considering their feelings or suffering. By reversing the roles, Brandstein forces readers to confront the cruelty humans often inflict on animals and invites us to imagine the consequences if the balance of power were reversed. It’s a striking and thought-provoking exploration of empathy, ethics, and what it means to hold or lose control.
November 13, 2025
“Animal Control” by Matt Brandstein, is a science fiction tale reminiscent of “Planet of the Apes.” Dr. Daniel Friedman awakens in a filthy cage, and his jailer is a dog, walking on two legs and speaking English. Because of his extensive work and training in genetics, Daniel is selected for a special purpose. He is to correct the imperfections in a sinister project that seeks to remove the humanity, memories, and self-preservation instinct in people to create the perfect helpers who will obey and never resist. This is a fascinating dystopian tale, book one in “The Sentience Protocols” series.
July 26, 2025
I found this to be an intelligent and thrilling exploration into the complexities of morality. The author did a great job presenting dilemmas to the point that it was difficult to know who was a hero and who was an enemy, and by extension, if it was even possible to be one or the other. The world created was imaginative and not so expansive as to be confusing, but large enough to explore with care.
August 21, 2025
This is a brilliant book, but it will have a particular audience. Its appeal is in the speculation. It's more for those who like to think than those who simply want to be entertained. The genetic engineering and consciousness concept are brilliant. The general plotline involved how the characters got into the mess, how they might get out, and the implications. So, if you're in the mood for a piece of science fiction that makes you think, this is a good book for you.
September 6, 2025
The consequences of bad choices.
This sci-fi horror narrative plunges straight into power play and guides the reader along a path of resistance against tyranny and towards freedom. Following Daniel and the choices he makes as both a human and a modified human, the story unfolds, presenting multiple alternatives that enhance the juxtaposition of stabilisation and destabilisation.
This is an excellent read for sci-fi fans who love exploring alternative, threatening realities.
This sci-fi horror narrative plunges straight into power play and guides the reader along a path of resistance against tyranny and towards freedom. Following Daniel and the choices he makes as both a human and a modified human, the story unfolds, presenting multiple alternatives that enhance the juxtaposition of stabilisation and destabilisation.
This is an excellent read for sci-fi fans who love exploring alternative, threatening realities.
August 12, 2025
The writing style and story flow were perfect for me.
The story itself pulled me and I couldn’t stop reading it.
I especially enjoyed how in the end, the residents’ logic was developed, especially the moment when Daniel wasn’t sure if it came from him or not.
Dr. Fluffington was unique as well.
I really loved this book and I recommend it.
The story itself pulled me and I couldn’t stop reading it.
I especially enjoyed how in the end, the residents’ logic was developed, especially the moment when Daniel wasn’t sure if it came from him or not.
Dr. Fluffington was unique as well.
I really loved this book and I recommend it.
August 19, 2025
pretty solid
Books like these make you question how far is too far on being “woke” and how much humanity can be stripped away before we blindly give ourselves over to things that should not have control. It is also about choices and making the right ones to benefit not just you but the world as a whole. Overall, pretty good.
Books like these make you question how far is too far on being “woke” and how much humanity can be stripped away before we blindly give ourselves over to things that should not have control. It is also about choices and making the right ones to benefit not just you but the world as a whole. Overall, pretty good.
September 16, 2025
This is a thought provoking book of what could happen if animals talked, walked and were given control of the world. At first I thought the main character Daniel was dreaming and expected him to wake until the cat Dr. Fluffington took him to meet the alien masterminds behind the take over of earth and its inhabitants.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews