Homo Transformans: The Origin and Nature of the Species

by Mary Elizabeth Ames

This story describes a new species of human, Homo transformans, and conflicts that arise from their ability to transform into different animal species including apex predators. Gene functions and the (imaginary) genetics of transformation support an innovative story of how some Homo sapiens became Homo transformans. The narrative describes the clash between morally corrupt organizations that use the capabilities of H. transformans to achieve dominance and the groups that defend and support them. Two factions emerge to determine the fate of the new species. In the end, the species defenders must face their mortal enemy in a battle they cannot win.

586 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2018

Reviews

[Emily Shaffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this work of speculative fiction but did not. I found the concept intriguing, using genetics to explain how humans might transform into animals but book could not hold my interest & took forever to finish.

I am impressed with the scholarly aspects and there is a great deal of information. The story has all the necessary elements of an epic fantasy but ultimately it failed to deliver a good story.

The book reads like a biology text. The author, Mary Elizabeth Ames, ignores the primary rule of good stories: show don’t tell. The reader is unable to develop empathy for any character. The dystopian world she creates is flavorless and makes it difficult to suspend disbelief. Her story does not appeal to “the minds eye.”

I give her two stars for the amount of information and her ability to explain difficult concepts to the lay-person. If you’re looking for good story-telling you won’t find it here, but if you want an explanation of hypothetical transformation, this is it.