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What We Have Tamed: A YA Hard Sci-Fi Animal Ark in Space
"A richly imagined sci-fi adventure, perfect for animal lovers!" — New York Times bestselling author Melissa Landers
The only place sixteen-year-old Alaina can breathe is at work, caring for the animals in the ARK Program as they wait for their upcoming journey to Mars. She knows what it’s like to feel caged, tamed by her mother’s emotionally abusive boyfriend.
Her refuge unravels with a security breach, a rescue, and a knee-jerk reaction, in which she’s caught on camera calling the animals she loves dangerous. Now, protesters are threatening the future of the program while Alaina is suspended from work and trapped at home. So when her boss offers her a chance to redeem the program’s reputation by joining the mission herself, she jumps at the one-way ticket. Four months in space with only the animals and small crew is a welcome relief from the noise of Earth.
But everyone on board has a secret, and an animal rights extremist threatening the mission appears to have inside help. When false orders send the ship on a collision course, animals escape, lives are lost, and Alaina must decide where she stands with the program—and humans’ responsibility to preserve animals that would kill us.
Equal parts heart, tension, and nerd, G.S. Harrington's YA sci-fi debut blends near-future climate fiction, STEM, thriller, and a sweet, slow-burn teen romance, exploring our complicated relationship with animals—past, present, and one possible future. Perfect for readers ages 12 to 99 who love animals and unique, thought-provoking books that refuse to fit neatly into one genre.
Praise for What We Have
"A true masterpiece that combines the suspense of a classic space movie with the heart of any animal movie, then adds in a sweet romance, real animal science, AND large, existential questions about morality and life … pure joy for a biologist nerd like myself." — Dr. Allison Lau, primatologist
“Extraordinary, highly readable … What We Have Tamed is a fascinating book that not only tells an intriguing, appealing story, but at the same time subtly educates the reader on the animal kingdom and their crucial role in our spaceflight history.” — Colin Burgess, Animals in Space
"Harrington smoothly weaves science, fiction, and reality into one beautiful tapestry ... I hope everybody reads it to understand the choices they have to make living on this planet a better experience for all." — Ranjeeta Raam, If Elephants Could Talk
The only place sixteen-year-old Alaina can breathe is at work, caring for the animals in the ARK Program as they wait for their upcoming journey to Mars. She knows what it’s like to feel caged, tamed by her mother’s emotionally abusive boyfriend.
Her refuge unravels with a security breach, a rescue, and a knee-jerk reaction, in which she’s caught on camera calling the animals she loves dangerous. Now, protesters are threatening the future of the program while Alaina is suspended from work and trapped at home. So when her boss offers her a chance to redeem the program’s reputation by joining the mission herself, she jumps at the one-way ticket. Four months in space with only the animals and small crew is a welcome relief from the noise of Earth.
But everyone on board has a secret, and an animal rights extremist threatening the mission appears to have inside help. When false orders send the ship on a collision course, animals escape, lives are lost, and Alaina must decide where she stands with the program—and humans’ responsibility to preserve animals that would kill us.
Equal parts heart, tension, and nerd, G.S. Harrington's YA sci-fi debut blends near-future climate fiction, STEM, thriller, and a sweet, slow-burn teen romance, exploring our complicated relationship with animals—past, present, and one possible future. Perfect for readers ages 12 to 99 who love animals and unique, thought-provoking books that refuse to fit neatly into one genre.
Praise for What We Have
"A true masterpiece that combines the suspense of a classic space movie with the heart of any animal movie, then adds in a sweet romance, real animal science, AND large, existential questions about morality and life … pure joy for a biologist nerd like myself." — Dr. Allison Lau, primatologist
“Extraordinary, highly readable … What We Have Tamed is a fascinating book that not only tells an intriguing, appealing story, but at the same time subtly educates the reader on the animal kingdom and their crucial role in our spaceflight history.” — Colin Burgess, Animals in Space
"Harrington smoothly weaves science, fiction, and reality into one beautiful tapestry ... I hope everybody reads it to understand the choices they have to make living on this planet a better experience for all." — Ranjeeta Raam, If Elephants Could Talk
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
G.S. Harrington
1 book17 followersIncapable of choosing a favorite genre, G.S. Harrington is a firm believer in learning the rules so you can break them--which perhaps explains why her genre-bending YA sci-fi debut is a fiction-nonfiction hybrid that combines suspense, romance, and real animal science with a deeply emotional core. Her two oversized lapdogs and her background in working with horses flavor her writing with a love for animals and the outdoors. Raised in Germany, she now lives in New Mexico, USA, where much of the historical space-related animal research referenced in What We Have Tamed took place. Subscribe to her newsletter for book news and writing resources at https://substack.com/@gsharrington.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHAT WE HAVE TAMED is one of those books that stayed with me long after I read the last words.
I kept thinking about Alaina and the animals. About what happens when a vulnerable moment is taken, reshaped, and made permanent by the internet. About the responsibility she carries for creatures who can’t speak for themselves, how easily that care can be misunderstood, and the heavy cost of being defined by a single moment.
Alaina’s love for the animals, her fear, her anger, her mistakes, all of it feels honest. You understand why she reacts the way she does, even when she gets it wrong. And the pacing and suspense make it a true page-turner, with every major moment carrying emotional weight. I kept reading, not only because I needed to know what would happen, but because I cared deeply about the outcome.
With themes like ethics, power, responsibility, abuse, exploitation, and compassion, the story navigates complex territory with real nuance. It presents complexity with restraint. And it trusts the reader to sit with difficult questions and form their own conclusions. It shines a light on how systems can fail people. How corporations, social media, public opinion, and even well-intentioned movements can collide in ways that hurt the very individuals caught in the middle.
A large part of what makes the story linger is the unique way it’s built. Between chapters, nonfiction sections are woven into the narrative, grounding the fiction in real history, real science, and real ethical questions. They deepen the emotional impact because you’re reminded that the issues on the page aren’t hypothetical. They’re layered. Ongoing. Human. There’s so much depth and heart in these sections, and it’s clear the author’s passion for the story she’s telling.
With its many layers, the book never rushes to tie everything into a neat answer. It leaves space. It lets things remain complicated. And in doing so, it feels honest about grief, responsibility, and what it means to care deeply in an imperfect world.
I loved it. Truly.
What G. S. Harrington has crafted here is nothing short of brilliant.
I kept thinking about Alaina and the animals. About what happens when a vulnerable moment is taken, reshaped, and made permanent by the internet. About the responsibility she carries for creatures who can’t speak for themselves, how easily that care can be misunderstood, and the heavy cost of being defined by a single moment.
Alaina’s love for the animals, her fear, her anger, her mistakes, all of it feels honest. You understand why she reacts the way she does, even when she gets it wrong. And the pacing and suspense make it a true page-turner, with every major moment carrying emotional weight. I kept reading, not only because I needed to know what would happen, but because I cared deeply about the outcome.
With themes like ethics, power, responsibility, abuse, exploitation, and compassion, the story navigates complex territory with real nuance. It presents complexity with restraint. And it trusts the reader to sit with difficult questions and form their own conclusions. It shines a light on how systems can fail people. How corporations, social media, public opinion, and even well-intentioned movements can collide in ways that hurt the very individuals caught in the middle.
A large part of what makes the story linger is the unique way it’s built. Between chapters, nonfiction sections are woven into the narrative, grounding the fiction in real history, real science, and real ethical questions. They deepen the emotional impact because you’re reminded that the issues on the page aren’t hypothetical. They’re layered. Ongoing. Human. There’s so much depth and heart in these sections, and it’s clear the author’s passion for the story she’s telling.
With its many layers, the book never rushes to tie everything into a neat answer. It leaves space. It lets things remain complicated. And in doing so, it feels honest about grief, responsibility, and what it means to care deeply in an imperfect world.
I loved it. Truly.
What G. S. Harrington has crafted here is nothing short of brilliant.
May 13, 2026
Where do I start? This book was masterfully written, and is a new favorite of mine.
What We Have Tamed follows 16yo Alaina as she embarks on a voyage to Mars to help establish the first Martian Zoo. Alaina, who lied about her age so she could escape an abusive home life, is recruited as a social media content creator for the journey but ends up embroiled in controversy and sabotage. She quickly forms working relationships with Dr. Robbins, the Deaf veterinarian that she idolizes; Zed, the slimy CEO’s spoiled but surprisingly sensitive son; and Gen, her bubbly and intelligent roommate. But when the sabotage results in one of the crew being killed, she and the others must grapple with whom they can trust on board and whether animals are still worthy of our protection if they cause fatalities.
WWHT is a treatise on animal rights, and is the perfect blend of spacey atmosphere, mystery, a love interest subplot, and amazing animal facts. I was so impressed by the copious amounts of research involved—both about animals and space travel, and as a science nerd, loved the short “optional reading” sections between chapters that explained the basis of various scientific ideas in the book. I had no idea how much animals have contributed (against their will) to humanity’s history of space exploration, and this book is a beautiful homage to them. Alaina, the main character, has such a distinctive voice—introverted, awkward, independent, passionate, and idealistic, with a rich inner life. I also loved her mentor, Deaf veterinarian Dr. Robbins, who is pragmatic, competent, and compassionate. Dr. Robbins uses ASL and also types in English on her “Cuff”—the book’s version of a smart watch or phone—to communicate with the other characters, except a coworker who is fluent and acts as an interpreter, and Alaina, who has become proficient in ASL. Access to communication is fully integrated into the culture and set-up of the ship and the Mars settlement for Dr. Robbins, which is refreshing to read in a futuristic setting.
I’m left with so much to percolate and I absolutely love it. I miss the characters already, and am so glad I picked up this book.
What We Have Tamed follows 16yo Alaina as she embarks on a voyage to Mars to help establish the first Martian Zoo. Alaina, who lied about her age so she could escape an abusive home life, is recruited as a social media content creator for the journey but ends up embroiled in controversy and sabotage. She quickly forms working relationships with Dr. Robbins, the Deaf veterinarian that she idolizes; Zed, the slimy CEO’s spoiled but surprisingly sensitive son; and Gen, her bubbly and intelligent roommate. But when the sabotage results in one of the crew being killed, she and the others must grapple with whom they can trust on board and whether animals are still worthy of our protection if they cause fatalities.
WWHT is a treatise on animal rights, and is the perfect blend of spacey atmosphere, mystery, a love interest subplot, and amazing animal facts. I was so impressed by the copious amounts of research involved—both about animals and space travel, and as a science nerd, loved the short “optional reading” sections between chapters that explained the basis of various scientific ideas in the book. I had no idea how much animals have contributed (against their will) to humanity’s history of space exploration, and this book is a beautiful homage to them. Alaina, the main character, has such a distinctive voice—introverted, awkward, independent, passionate, and idealistic, with a rich inner life. I also loved her mentor, Deaf veterinarian Dr. Robbins, who is pragmatic, competent, and compassionate. Dr. Robbins uses ASL and also types in English on her “Cuff”—the book’s version of a smart watch or phone—to communicate with the other characters, except a coworker who is fluent and acts as an interpreter, and Alaina, who has become proficient in ASL. Access to communication is fully integrated into the culture and set-up of the ship and the Mars settlement for Dr. Robbins, which is refreshing to read in a futuristic setting.
I’m left with so much to percolate and I absolutely love it. I miss the characters already, and am so glad I picked up this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This trip to Mars is different because half of its passengers are animals on their way to populate the first zoo on the red planet. It's also different because of the sizable public opposition to the mission. And the two teenagers onboard. But, don't worry! The powerful business mogul who leads the mission has spared no expense in ensuring its success. What could go wrong?
Mwa ha ha.
This tense sci-fi page turner makes for a very satisfying slice of entertainment, filled with intrigue, layered characters, a creepy dose of isolation madness, and some absolutely terrifying thrills. Like all the best science fiction, this beautiful novel also causes you to grapple with your own worldview and assumptions and come out the other side feeling smarter and better. Sixteen-year-old Alaina is the charming protagonist who's equal parts sure and confident with the animals and baffled by human behavior. She spends most of her time trying to prove herself and find the person behind all the dangerous happenings onboard, but it's probably her crippling loneliness and fear that she made a huge mistake leaving her mother behind that is most compelling. Bonus: There's an adorable romance that doesn't take over the story, but burns in the background like a candle of hope.
It's epic! It's thrilling! It's thought-provoking! It's charming! It's a supremely excellent use of your time! G.S. Harrington is the real deal and I feel very lucky to have been able to read an early copy of this gorgeous novel. Five stars, no reservations.
Mwa ha ha.
This tense sci-fi page turner makes for a very satisfying slice of entertainment, filled with intrigue, layered characters, a creepy dose of isolation madness, and some absolutely terrifying thrills. Like all the best science fiction, this beautiful novel also causes you to grapple with your own worldview and assumptions and come out the other side feeling smarter and better. Sixteen-year-old Alaina is the charming protagonist who's equal parts sure and confident with the animals and baffled by human behavior. She spends most of her time trying to prove herself and find the person behind all the dangerous happenings onboard, but it's probably her crippling loneliness and fear that she made a huge mistake leaving her mother behind that is most compelling. Bonus: There's an adorable romance that doesn't take over the story, but burns in the background like a candle of hope.
It's epic! It's thrilling! It's thought-provoking! It's charming! It's a supremely excellent use of your time! G.S. Harrington is the real deal and I feel very lucky to have been able to read an early copy of this gorgeous novel. Five stars, no reservations.
April 20, 2026
Well-written, fascinating depiction of a plan to save animals by sending them to a colony Mars.
In the near-future, sixteen-year-old Alaina escapes the gritty reality of living with her mother's abusive boyfriend by caring for animals scheduled to partake in the ARK program. When her efforts to save her much-loved polar bear from tormentors leads to an offer to accompany the animals to Mars, Alaina jumps at the chance - if the man behind the money will provide her mother with a free ticket the means she can leave the abusive boyfriend behind to start a new life with her daughter. Horrifyingly, someone has breached the computer programs regulating the ship, and everyone on biard is now at risk. I read way past my bedtime to be sure that the villain who was sabotaging the mission got caught, that Alaina got her promise of an HEA, and that all the characters I cared about made it safely to the colony.
Interestingly, between the chapters, the author presents factual information about how we in the US have treated our animals, revealing details I'd never heard before. I grew up hearing about the casual abuse of animals in the USSR's space program, but just like the rest of you, I was completely unaware of the casual attitudes about the animals used in the US program. It makes us think seriously about the choices we make, what domestication - taming- really means to the tamee, and what choices we need to make in order to live as the person we believe we are.
In the near-future, sixteen-year-old Alaina escapes the gritty reality of living with her mother's abusive boyfriend by caring for animals scheduled to partake in the ARK program. When her efforts to save her much-loved polar bear from tormentors leads to an offer to accompany the animals to Mars, Alaina jumps at the chance - if the man behind the money will provide her mother with a free ticket the means she can leave the abusive boyfriend behind to start a new life with her daughter. Horrifyingly, someone has breached the computer programs regulating the ship, and everyone on biard is now at risk. I read way past my bedtime to be sure that the villain who was sabotaging the mission got caught, that Alaina got her promise of an HEA, and that all the characters I cared about made it safely to the colony.
Interestingly, between the chapters, the author presents factual information about how we in the US have treated our animals, revealing details I'd never heard before. I grew up hearing about the casual abuse of animals in the USSR's space program, but just like the rest of you, I was completely unaware of the casual attitudes about the animals used in the US program. It makes us think seriously about the choices we make, what domestication - taming- really means to the tamee, and what choices we need to make in order to live as the person we believe we are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What We Have Tamed is such a beautiful, thoughtful, romantic, and thrilling science fiction YA novel. This "Noah's Ark" for space that follows a team's attempt to relocate animals to Mars, including a controversial polar bear, drew me in with science and brilliant storytelling and felt completely believable. Its humanity gave it immediacy and made it feel extremely relevant to modern currents of thought. Main character, Alaina, was such a lovely person, dealing with complex emotions about people and animals. Her romantic counterpart was swoon worthy and kind. The secondary characters were also incredibly three dimensional. I especially liked the deaf veterinarian who Alaina reported to. She showed a lot of nuance and depth of character. The plot itself kept me on the edge of my seat, and I deeply appreciated the contemplation around the ethics in our handling of animals, both in the past and into the future.
This was one of the best YA novels I've read in a long time, and I would recommend it for both YA and adult audiences.
Also, a shoutout to the nonfiction and optional "between chapters" topics that were endlessly fascinating.
This was one of the best YA novels I've read in a long time, and I would recommend it for both YA and adult audiences.
Also, a shoutout to the nonfiction and optional "between chapters" topics that were endlessly fascinating.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What We Have Tamed is a unique and enthralling YA sci-fi adventure that even non-sci-fi folks (like myself) will fall in love with. Set in the year 2107, it tells the story of Alaina, a 16yo girl who would rather hang out with animals than humans most of the time. It's why she signed on to work with the Earth-based component of the ARK program, where she's able to spend her days preparing a veritable zoo-ful of different species for their upcoming journey to a growing colony on Mars. After she's involved in a security breach at ARK headquarters, Alaina is certain she's going to lose the job she loves. Instead, she finds herself on a one-way trip to the red planet as a caretaker for the animals. But while the creatures in her care follow fairly predictable roles according to their nature, the humans on the ship are much harder to read. Soon, it becomes apparent that the true predators are not the ones in cages, and Alaina is embattled in a fight for her life and the lives of everyone—human and animal—aboard the spaceship.
April 1, 2026
This debut has everything you could want out of a compelling story! Authentic characters, gripping plot, thoughtful research, immersive settings…I could go on and on. I haven’t read much sci-fi in the past, but honestly, What We Have Tamed is well-suited for readers of a variety of genres, including romance and suspense in addition to sci-fi. Fundamentally, it encompasses what it means to be human and how our actions/choices have consequences, especially in regard to nature and animals. I’ve always held an enormous appreciation for the natural world, and Harrington did an amazing job capturing the intrinsic value of nature within her prose. The main protagonist, Alaina, was so easy to root for. I also really admired the diversity inclusion through Dr. Robbins’ experiences as a deaf character. The informative sections between each chapter really drove the weight of this story home. This book totally captivated me, and I was sorry to see it end. It will live rent-free in my head for the foreseeable future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh gosh, when I finished this book, I had tears in my eyes. It’s so, so good and so wonderfully unique.
I haven’t had this much fun reading sci-fi since Andy Weir’s Artemis. And I think Grace Harrington may have created her own genre: cozy sci-fi. It’s the perfect story to read on a rainy day with a comfy blanket and a nice cup of coffee.
Alaina and Dr. Robbin are magnificent. And the story itself is wonderfully layered, while reading effortlessly. As an HoH person, I was particularly drawn to Dr. Robbin’s complexity. I also really liked that there was an outside interpreter at the court hearing, and an indication that other Deaf people live on Mars. Being Deaf can be such an isolating experience, even with an interpreter, so it’s reassuring that Dr. Robbins will have a community and culture awaiting her.
Highly recommend!!
I haven’t had this much fun reading sci-fi since Andy Weir’s Artemis. And I think Grace Harrington may have created her own genre: cozy sci-fi. It’s the perfect story to read on a rainy day with a comfy blanket and a nice cup of coffee.
Alaina and Dr. Robbin are magnificent. And the story itself is wonderfully layered, while reading effortlessly. As an HoH person, I was particularly drawn to Dr. Robbin’s complexity. I also really liked that there was an outside interpreter at the court hearing, and an indication that other Deaf people live on Mars. Being Deaf can be such an isolating experience, even with an interpreter, so it’s reassuring that Dr. Robbins will have a community and culture awaiting her.
Highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t usually read sci-fi, but this book showed me what I’ve been missing — largely because the author grounds everything in characters and experiences that feel unmistakably real. The journey outward becomes a way of seeing inward: sometimes distance is what lets you finally recognize the answers were always closer to home - what you need, why you’re lost, and even how to find empathy for the people who’ve let you down.
The subtle message about passion and purpose, the way to live them without doing harm, and the way to make the greatest impact by first aiming small is a message we all need to hear in this noisy, wide open world.
I can’t for this story to release and share it with everyone in my world.
The subtle message about passion and purpose, the way to live them without doing harm, and the way to make the greatest impact by first aiming small is a message we all need to hear in this noisy, wide open world.
I can’t for this story to release and share it with everyone in my world.
March 19, 2026
What We Have Tamed is a truly captivating and thought provoking read that stayed with me long after I finished it. The story is beautifully written, with a depth that draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you emotionally invested throughout.
What I loved most was how the author explored complex themes with such clarity and sensitivity. The characters felt real, layered, and relatable, making their journeys even more impactful. There is a quiet power in the storytelling that makes you pause and reflect.
This is the kind of book that does not just entertain, but also leaves you thinking and feeling deeply. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys meaningful and well crafted stories.
What I loved most was how the author explored complex themes with such clarity and sensitivity. The characters felt real, layered, and relatable, making their journeys even more impactful. There is a quiet power in the storytelling that makes you pause and reflect.
This is the kind of book that does not just entertain, but also leaves you thinking and feeling deeply. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys meaningful and well crafted stories.
June 9, 2026
Real science with an almost sci-fi story.
I can see this story becoming fact within the next decade or two. Animals have always been a part of humanity's history and will most likely continue to explore space right along side of us. I can't imagine a future without animals, whether they are preditor or prey. The science and space history behind this story is horrific, truthful, and even amazing. If it weren't for all the animals that have given or had their lives taken from them, human space travel would not be possible today. Therefore, animals deserve to travel with us as we explore the universe around us.
I can see this story becoming fact within the next decade or two. Animals have always been a part of humanity's history and will most likely continue to explore space right along side of us. I can't imagine a future without animals, whether they are preditor or prey. The science and space history behind this story is horrific, truthful, and even amazing. If it weren't for all the animals that have given or had their lives taken from them, human space travel would not be possible today. Therefore, animals deserve to travel with us as we explore the universe around us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
G.S. Harrington’s language and storytelling are excellent! Each metaphor and word leaves the readers with a richer, deeper emotional connection. Harrington smoothly weaves science, fiction, and reality into one beautiful tapestry and answers every question one might have about sustainable, responsible living. It teaches one to respect every living being, irrespective of their size or role in human life. I hope everyone reads it to understand the choices they have to make living on this planet a better experience for all.
March 25, 2026
Four small steps for dog...
This story was a unique blend of realistic near-ish future space travel, animal preservation, and a dose of human conflict that puts everything in jeopardy.
Like when a singer explains the inspiration for a song at a concert, the mini-chapters in this book added some deeper meaning to the accompanying chapters as well as the animal names used in the story. As with the lives of real-life animals that went to space before and with humans, this was an exciting… tail.
This story was a unique blend of realistic near-ish future space travel, animal preservation, and a dose of human conflict that puts everything in jeopardy.
Like when a singer explains the inspiration for a song at a concert, the mini-chapters in this book added some deeper meaning to the accompanying chapters as well as the animal names used in the story. As with the lives of real-life animals that went to space before and with humans, this was an exciting… tail.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely riveted by this unique take on how we can save the animals and humanity. I loved the author's supplemental non-ficition sections that support the intense amounts of research required to write a book of this scope (set on a spaceship en route to Mars to create a new colony). Beautifully written story that does a brilliant job teaching us without the reader realizing it (that's how entertaining it is).
Review of advance copy received from Author
What We Have Tamed is an amazing tale of social and scientific sustainability, which makes one question our roles and responsibilities, both individually and on a larger scale, to the species that share our planet. G. S. Harrington tells the story of one girl's journey - physical and emotional - with the addition of fitting end-of-chapter anecdotes on our history in space to date. A unique and riveting read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This beautiful futuristic story offers suspense, a feisty main character, a sweet romance, and page-turning twists and turns. It will make you think deeply about the interactions humans have with animals and reminds us how important it is for humans to protect the habitats of those who share the Earth with us. Most of all, this story will touch your heart as you root for the main character and the future of our planet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a book worm and this imaginative and well written story kept me captured and I loved that it was original and didn't copy ideas from other authors..I also loved how the story was intertwined with real facts of animals in space.
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