If you haven't read 'The Lake of Sins' series, you will still be excited to read these five tales in the Chimera Chronicles, and if you have, know that these take place before 'Escape', book 1 of 'LOS' and help us understand the provenance of some of the characters we later meet.
These stories take us inside the laboratory of Professor Conguise; we meet some of his scientists and learn in some detail how he is twisting the laws of nature to create what he hopes will be a superhuman army.
I have often wondered why we use the term inhumane to describe a lack of compassion and cruelty. Conguise - and some of his staff I will make you wonder as well.
As we read through these tales, we learn of the misery suffered by Conguise's victims and the moral uncertainty felt by some of his staff, although sadly not all. You will these heartbreaking, conscience-nudging and ultimately rooting for the underdog - whatever their species. There are at least two scenes which will move you to tears.
L.S. O'Dea's stories are aimed at young adults. I have a master's degree in literature and I find them riveting, with three dimensional characters and emotionally-charged scenes.
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