The Human Experiment

by Kevin O. McLaughlin, Craig Martelle

Finding his way with only a deer as a companion, but he doesn’t know that the deer is an alien. Or that he’s part of their experiment. John’s parents have passed away, leaving him alone in a strange world, where something doesn’t feel right, but nothing feels wrong. Towering walls on one side and a steep canyon on the other. His only choice is to live in the small world in between. Day to day. Maybe find a way beyond, into the unknown. He’s scared, but of what? He has nothing to lose.

Only his life, but he wonders if it’s worth living. What would you do?

Craig Martelle joins with the talented Kevin McLaughlin in imagining this world and its trials in a standalone novel that will make us wonder about our own existence.

Genres: Science Fiction

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2018

About the author

When not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.

Reviews

[Irene O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experimentors and their subjects

This book starts with a human subject just after losing his mother. He thinks he loves in a small world devoid of all other life forms, when he is suddenly surprised by a deer appearing in his habitat. He attempts to leave the area unsuccessfully, before finding another human a woman in with him.
What he doesn't know is that the deer is one of those conducting the experiment to see human interaction and hopefully mating to continue the experiment.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Sci-Fi and how people and the environment mix together

[dawn lynn cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerily fascinating!

The very premise of this, the second I experienced the observers point of view, I had a shiver run down my spine. In a way, any living creature on Earth, could be an observer....mosquito drone....I mean, a deer? Who would suspect Bambi? What if it were dogs...man's best friend my butt! Pffft! Perfect spys! I think my feline overlords knew I was getting the creeps, they all "helped" me finish. Awesome, very captivating; had my attention to the last word!

[Mapscat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty intense and an excellent read.

This book is deep! It's an interesting take on using humans for experiments and how they react. Also how aliens might relate to us.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is an intriguing story, our main character John is alone after he loses his mother which is when we are introduced to him, the world he resides in provides him with all that he needs yet what it provides is not enough. This is an experiment which we find has been going on for quite some time. Felizian and his partner Kantrobil are the scientists involved in this little experiment. They are working more than just the one experiment which will work into John’s story.
John has become curious more than likely due to the events which brought him in contact with Felizian. Just as John proceeds to satisfy his curiosity by looking for something, just what he hopeful will discover in comes Dana, a new addition in the experiment. Along with her comes unexpected danger. The relationship starts out as any would when two people meet for the first time.
The scientist as with any scientist, must observe without becoming involved or emotionally attached to those involved in the experiment. This you will find is not easy for these two.
The story is as much about them as it is John and Dana, you will find that keeping a distance is not as easy as it sounds. Thus they become as vital to the study as the Human involved.
You should read this book not for any other reason than that it is worth reading. I enjoyed the way it was written, I believe you will as well.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept for this book was interesting and I enjoyed the Satorie series by McLaughlin so I thought I'd give this book a read. I'm glad I did. The concept of humans as the subjects of psychological experiments by aliens, opened up so many possibilities for story lines and I was pleased by the way the author(s) handled the topic.
I must admit that these "superior" aliens with so much advanced technology, such as teleportation, gravity control and mind controlled computers using the methods that they used for experimentation, seemed a bit confusing to me. I also thought that the appearance of these aliens as creatures similar to earthly deer, was a bit incongruous. However, that didn't really detract from the story in a substantial way.
The writing was good, the characters were engaging, and the story was interesting, enjoyable, and a pleasant diversion from the space battles and alien invaders presented so often in this genre. I'd love to see McLaughlin do more of this type of writing.

[Patricia Finnegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't see this book as one for young kids as listed below, I would say at least twelve and older. The concept is good. Two alien creatures are doing research on human behavior. They have set up a zoo like prison. Some of these cages have full populations and others have just one family group. The drawback is that the aliens, who are deer like creatures, start having sympathy for the subjects. They are unprepared for the will to live and the drive to find others of their kind that the humans manifest. You will find yourself loving and hating the aliens and rooting for the humans. It's a complex story for young children to understand but I give it 5 stars anyway.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young man alone in an enclosed area is looking for a way out when his know world isn beset with a violent storm which destroys most of his environment. He sees a deer like animal which he has never seen before that seems to be interested in him and seems to give some subtle hints. His escape attempts fail leaving him with severe injuries which he seems to recover from rather quickly. Then there is suddenly young girl in his environment, another new and disturbing event. How did she get there and how does the deer come and go?
An interesting tale but now real explanation, in this tale, just hints and maybe more in a further volume.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinatingly different. I thought the plot was unique and entertaining. The main character captured my imagination and my heart. His struggles became my struggles. I found myself both cheering with him and crying for him.
His frustrations and challenges were well thought out and well written.
The characters of the scientist were well done. I found their struggles to remain objective similar to those I feel when watching a nature show, hoping the observer will help the poor animal instead of letting nature take its course. The only difference is that these scientist as manipulating events.
I hope the authors will consider a sequel. I would like to know more.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

This story ,on the surface, seems like a simple story of humans that were abducted by deer aliens.

Some of the themes they touch on is scientists experimenting on animals. Just because they don't look, speak, possibly think like you doesn't mean you should experiment on them and cruelly euthanize to see what the other family units will do.

Another big theme was is it better to live in a " garden of Eden" cage or die trying to be free?

I wasn't expecting this story to contain a lot of different things to contemplate. Also I kept cheering for John to survive his escape plans.

[Matthew Futter · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inventive story that nevertheless drags at times, I feel like this novel could have been a novella. The authors (who write mostly action-adventure and military sci-fi) might disagree, but I think that people less scientifically-minded than I am may not have the patience to enjoy this slow tale. I thought it was clever, with some refreshing perspectives and only a few typos throughout, and I enjoyed meeting the handful of characters in this story. Even with its gentle-walk pacing (it’s literally a scientific study in progress), I liked it, but after looking at the other titles published by both of these authors, this may be the best they’ve done so far, so I’ll have to stop with this one.

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally well written short story. I absolutely love the world that was created for John…even though all was not as he thought. I will not give up any spoilers for this story. You must read it for yourself. I wish they would revisit this tale and continue their musings a little farther. Thank you both for leaving the comfort of your chosen genres and stepping into something completely out of your wheel houses. Well done!

[Ian Birchenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The human experiment

An interesting premise, but too short. Described as a novel it's more of a novella., screaming out 'and what next?' The experimental subjects came from nowhere and face an uncertain future with researchers happy to kill off the majority of a population with few, if any, qualms. Promising,but unfinished, it begs a sequel.

[Francesco Tehrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a much-needed palate cleanser and something I may not normally read, especially as of late. But yet, I do look for different and unique stories like this. Simplistic and straightforward, yet also thought-provoking and insightful, this story was quite intriguing. It got me thinking about things, and a story that does that is always a plus to me.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story. The characters were well written and the world building is interesting. I also found the aliens interesting - you never hear of aliens that look like deer!
I found the themes of death, loneliness, hope and fear to be engaging and well done. Not only was I rooting for the humans, I fell in love with the aliens' experiment

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of growth and determination. It is a story of human emotion and alien curiosity. It is clever and worthwhile read. It certainly is worth a sequel! I do not believe in reiterating a storyline. I feel it detract s from a reader's enjoyment. The characters are well defined and the storyline very clever. I highly recommend this novel

[AR bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast read SciFi twist on the alien experiment theme.

In this book, the humans are the subjects, and the aliens the scientists. What happens when the human subjects are confined to controlled ‘pens’ and subjected to various outside influences?

Read and find out!

[Susan Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting take on the experimental model researchers use in the field, the difference being that the subjects in this case are human. When does having everything provided cease to be enough, and then - what next?

[C. Borden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, quick read... but beware: there are some spots that literally take your breathe away. One part in particular caused my heart to race in physical reaction the scene was so well-written. I know this is a stand alone piece, but I would absolutely pick up the next one if written.

[Emily Serno · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was written like a children's book. I had a very hard time getting through it.

[Teri Lynn Mosier · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is odd but for some reason it pops back in my head in occasion

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story concept.

I really enjoyed this book. It makes you think about what is really going on and why things happen. I would like to see a sequel in the future.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really brilliant! I did really enjoy it! Great read, something to think about! I liked the idea, characters & points made! Excellent! I will look for more by this writer!

[Chad Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book. Picked it up out of curiosity, and read it all in one sitting. Leaves you wanting more. You’re definitely left with questions. A sequel would be awesome.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I really enjoyed this story. It's a great what if. Having "animals" in charge puts a different perspective on life

[R. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Human Experience is a very entertaining story with some deep moral situations. It is a very thought provoking book.

[Bill Lents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head scratcher......

Unusual tale that hooks your attention. Starts you thinking one way, then turns you around to a different perception. Enjoy

[Joseph O. Gilpatric II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start reading, it is hard to put down. would love to see it turned into a series.