What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pet Project #1
The Pet Project
My people collected--
(Captured.)
--all the bi-pedal inhabitants of a small blue planet in a galaxy that was quite a journey from our own star system.
Tender-skinned and intelligent, these new aliens make interesting pets. Fascinating, actually. And when the rest of the universe realizes this, everybody wants to own one.
Therefore, we need these new aliens to breed.
It’s my job to assist the aliens in reproducing… by whatever means I deem necessary.
**Note: this is a 20K Short Story Gothic Horror-ish/Science Fiction Romance. This is a deviation from my other stories, pretty absent of humor. Honestly, it’s a little messed up. This is not where you’ll find your Christmas cheer this year… unless you’re a little twisted too. Trigger warnings for those who could be triggered by triggerish material. 18+. Important word of advice: Do NOT read this story while swimming. Not because it has anything at all to do with water--it doesn’t--but because your e-reading device could be damaged. (You’re welcome.)
(Captured.)
--all the bi-pedal inhabitants of a small blue planet in a galaxy that was quite a journey from our own star system.
Tender-skinned and intelligent, these new aliens make interesting pets. Fascinating, actually. And when the rest of the universe realizes this, everybody wants to own one.
Therefore, we need these new aliens to breed.
It’s my job to assist the aliens in reproducing… by whatever means I deem necessary.
**Note: this is a 20K Short Story Gothic Horror-ish/Science Fiction Romance. This is a deviation from my other stories, pretty absent of humor. Honestly, it’s a little messed up. This is not where you’ll find your Christmas cheer this year… unless you’re a little twisted too. Trigger warnings for those who could be triggered by triggerish material. 18+. Important word of advice: Do NOT read this story while swimming. Not because it has anything at all to do with water--it doesn’t--but because your e-reading device could be damaged. (You’re welcome.)
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
January 23, 2020
This was just so weirdly wonderful and surprisingly addictive although got to say upon first starting this I wasn't really sure if this one was going to be quite my bag.
So this is was an unusual alien tale where the dominant conquering species The Cryptops have domesticated the Tender skins: Tenders for short (us Humans.)
So this is all told from a Cryptop doctor and scientists POV, he is the one overseeing the breeding programme to keep this fragile species from extinction and It was definitely a unique and unusual read.
Its also kind of a love story told through observation between Beastly and Pet (named while in captivity) and it managed to capture my imagination so entirely.
It also made me wonder if maybe there was a deeper message to impart here.
what instantly came to the front of my mind here is our relationship with apes and the limits we place on there supposed intelligence compared to our own, well in this scenario we were indeed those aforementioned apes being studied and tested.
This was also fascinating and surprisingly emotional and I did really enjoy the pure uniqueness of it.
This managed to surprise me and I liked it much better than I initially thought I would, a very thought-provoking read.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 20, 2020
This was a surprisingly unexpected story.
An alien race, Cryptops, has visited Earth (Tenders in the book) and after finding humans fascinating they decide to domesticate them. This doesn’t go well in the beginning. Cryptons do not know how to treat the fragile “insentient" humans.
Many of them die and as there is a high demand for exotic human pets, scientists try to breed them in labs. Like human scientists nowadays breed different races of dogs.
The story is told entirely by a Crypton doctor who is responsible for the breeding program. I suppose Cryprons are huge because he can carry humans in his arms in a similar way that we carry our pets. He is a good male and as a scientist he has integrity and ethos. He looks after his pets and take care of his needs. The whole thing is a learning curve for him.
This is a very strange book. It is very dark. It is NOT romance – although there is a love story included. Also it has a very subtle and very clever sense of humour.
The end is HFN, but I have a feeling that a revolution of the human pets is coming soon.
An alien race, Cryptops, has visited Earth (Tenders in the book) and after finding humans fascinating they decide to domesticate them. This doesn’t go well in the beginning. Cryptons do not know how to treat the fragile “insentient" humans.
Many of them die and as there is a high demand for exotic human pets, scientists try to breed them in labs. Like human scientists nowadays breed different races of dogs.
The story is told entirely by a Crypton doctor who is responsible for the breeding program. I suppose Cryprons are huge because he can carry humans in his arms in a similar way that we carry our pets. He is a good male and as a scientist he has integrity and ethos. He looks after his pets and take care of his needs. The whole thing is a learning curve for him.
This is a very strange book. It is very dark. It is NOT romance – although there is a love story included. Also it has a very subtle and very clever sense of humour.
The end is HFN, but I have a feeling that a revolution of the human pets is coming soon.
May 11, 2022
This wasn’t at all what I was expecting but I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
It’s only first person POV and that of the alien caregiver/lab tech.
The narrator is stoked to take over the breeding program for human pets (tenders) but is disappointed when he discovers there’s only one female and three males. One of the males is obviously psychotic.
The pet/keeper relationship growth is great. Pet (the female) is of course distrustful of the keeper but she learns trust until there’s a lot of affection for him. He adores and gives her special favor.
Everything is awesome until it’s time to breed her and he’s insistent that she mates with the male he named Prime because he’s the perfect specimen but she prefers the one the keeper named Beastly because he’s been horribly scarred by the psychotic male.
Eventually he gives in and allows nature to take its course because it becomes obvious that Pet and Beastly are in love.
Overall a heartwarming story where this alien keeper, his tenders and their offspring become one big happy family.
Well except for the psycho but you’ll need to read it to see what happens to him and what led up to it.
It’s only first person POV and that of the alien caregiver/lab tech.
The narrator is stoked to take over the breeding program for human pets (tenders) but is disappointed when he discovers there’s only one female and three males. One of the males is obviously psychotic.
The pet/keeper relationship growth is great. Pet (the female) is of course distrustful of the keeper but she learns trust until there’s a lot of affection for him. He adores and gives her special favor.
Everything is awesome until it’s time to breed her and he’s insistent that she mates with the male he named Prime because he’s the perfect specimen but she prefers the one the keeper named Beastly because he’s been horribly scarred by the psychotic male.
Eventually he gives in and allows nature to take its course because it becomes obvious that Pet and Beastly are in love.
Overall a heartwarming story where this alien keeper, his tenders and their offspring become one big happy family.
Well except for the psycho but you’ll need to read it to see what happens to him and what led up to it.
July 8, 2024
I quite literally DESPISE this cover☹️
After reading: I loved this omg. Cover’s still horrible but the story was good!
After reading: I loved this omg. Cover’s still horrible but the story was good!
August 16, 2021
Taking a deep dive into who we are under all the pretty packaging, Amanda Milo rips away our humanity, tosses us in a cage and views our basic behavior through the eyes of an alien researcher.
I find this series of books utterly fascinating. They are dark, sexual, raw, but also oddly beautiful too.
I find this series of books utterly fascinating. They are dark, sexual, raw, but also oddly beautiful too.
January 7, 2022
Such an out-of-the-box read! If you're into weird yet thought-provoking, you should be reading this. And on top of all the weird, it was inexplicably sweet.😍
May 16, 2020
Well...this one is hard to rate.
Was the writing bad? No.
But did I like the premise? No.
I mean it's written from the Alien's perspective- so in the end were meant to see humanity bred in captivity as pets for generations to be a happy fun time, and 'isn't it just so cute this alien reporter wants to take home these adorable human children as pets!!#@! And look how great things worked out for the abused and traumatized couple from the beginning...yeah no.
But hey like I said they premise is meant to be a mind fuck- so while I enjoyed reading this short story, at the same time I really didn't.
Was the writing bad? No.
But did I like the premise? No.
I mean it's written from the Alien's perspective- so in the end were meant to see humanity bred in captivity as pets for generations to be a happy fun time, and 'isn't it just so cute this alien reporter wants to take home these adorable human children as pets!!#@! And look how great things worked out for the abused and traumatized couple from the beginning...yeah no.
But hey like I said they premise is meant to be a mind fuck- so while I enjoyed reading this short story, at the same time I really didn't.
December 30, 2019
A dark, depressing and tortuous read. It’s a shame this author felt the need to go on trend and write a dark SFR. She normally writes much happier books, which I’ve enjoyed. This one was depressing.
Do not recommend. Hope she goes back to happier fleeing books.
Do not recommend. Hope she goes back to happier fleeing books.
December 21, 2019
Amanda Milo wrote it - therefore I Want it !!
Ok, I just finished this book . Did it have " bad " moments ??
Yes !
But it was written from the view of an Observer. Would that be third person ???
Anywhoo, it wasn't what I was expecting, not at all.
In this short story we find several humans , one female and three makes . They are essentially " lab humans " , in a breeding program. The main character, a Alien 👽 ( from our POV ) . His name is Dr XAN' - Tay,~ , and he is very happy and proud to be included in this experiment. On his planet , humans are very sought after " pets " that are swiftly becoming extinct !! Mostly due to lack of understanding, and the humans inability to have Any sort of survival type of instincts. Also they shed uncontrollably hair, nails , even skin cells !! They have to be kept warm , or cool , depending on environment and individual needs. And most laboratory births are few and often lead to deaths. Humans are susceptible to most bacteria and germs !!! Expensive beasts !!!
Anywho , Dr X is in charge of this breeding facility, and he intends to get results !!
The previous Dr just up and left one day . Dr X was not told the why . He is left with TUBS of documents and information that are in No discernable order , and he Must get results .
So , how to start ???
He becomes find of the female , who he calls " Pet " . And together , they find what works . And what Doesn't !! Let has a preference of the three makes , but is not allowed to choose herself. Dr X soon learns through trial and error , that to get what results he desires , he has to LISTEN .... And even though there is a language barrier , they must all rise above it !!
Even though this book was Very different from AMANDA MILO'S Usual stories , I didn't think it was all that different . Because her main topic is LOVE 💘💘💘 IF you love her writing as much as I do , then this book is a must read !!!
Ok, I just finished this book . Did it have " bad " moments ??
Yes !
But it was written from the view of an Observer. Would that be third person ???
Anywhoo, it wasn't what I was expecting, not at all.
In this short story we find several humans , one female and three makes . They are essentially " lab humans " , in a breeding program. The main character, a Alien 👽 ( from our POV ) . His name is Dr XAN' - Tay,~ , and he is very happy and proud to be included in this experiment. On his planet , humans are very sought after " pets " that are swiftly becoming extinct !! Mostly due to lack of understanding, and the humans inability to have Any sort of survival type of instincts. Also they shed uncontrollably hair, nails , even skin cells !! They have to be kept warm , or cool , depending on environment and individual needs. And most laboratory births are few and often lead to deaths. Humans are susceptible to most bacteria and germs !!! Expensive beasts !!!
Anywho , Dr X is in charge of this breeding facility, and he intends to get results !!
The previous Dr just up and left one day . Dr X was not told the why . He is left with TUBS of documents and information that are in No discernable order , and he Must get results .
So , how to start ???
He becomes find of the female , who he calls " Pet " . And together , they find what works . And what Doesn't !! Let has a preference of the three makes , but is not allowed to choose herself. Dr X soon learns through trial and error , that to get what results he desires , he has to LISTEN .... And even though there is a language barrier , they must all rise above it !!
Even though this book was Very different from AMANDA MILO'S Usual stories , I didn't think it was all that different . Because her main topic is LOVE 💘💘💘 IF you love her writing as much as I do , then this book is a must read !!!
April 17, 2020
So unique, so fun and I highly recommend this book! I’m not really into sci-fi, but this book is in it’s own subcategory of some unknown category of some undefined genre. You will likely read it in one sitting...enjoy!
January 8, 2020
Fascinating 😳😶🤭🙃
I can’t say much without ruining the experience, but just read it. I’m sure you’re checking out the synopsis, trying to decide, but you have to just read and experience this oddball, interesting, little story.
This was so odd and...slightly disturbing, yet at the same time fascinating and...sweetly hopeful, I guess, with a happy ending. I say happy ending in the context of humans kept as pets by aliens who don’t understand them, but find them adorable the way we find a dog or cat adorable. Sounds weird, I know, but again - context, it’s all relative - and in that light, I ended the story quirkily happy. 🤪
I can’t say much without ruining the experience, but just read it. I’m sure you’re checking out the synopsis, trying to decide, but you have to just read and experience this oddball, interesting, little story.
This was so odd and...slightly disturbing, yet at the same time fascinating and...sweetly hopeful, I guess, with a happy ending. I say happy ending in the context of humans kept as pets by aliens who don’t understand them, but find them adorable the way we find a dog or cat adorable. Sounds weird, I know, but again - context, it’s all relative - and in that light, I ended the story quirkily happy. 🤪
September 8, 2020
3.5 Stars
Unique Sci-Fi concept, but probably not for everyone.
I’d heard of this book, and that it was somewhat controversial, so of course I had to track it down. The Pet Project is the first book of three that takes place in a futuristic setting where humans are bred, and kept as pets. The aliens are the owners, and have zero sexual feelings towards their “Tenders”.
They say we opened up our ships, and these creatures filed on in droves. I’ve heard that those first crewmen, who watched excited specimens crowd into containment, were baffled at the aliens’ enthusiasm to enter into captivity—but the crewmen quickly learned that this species does best under strict rule. Although certainly, there were some wild specimens who didn’t race to climb into strange ships arriving.
The entire book is narrated from the POV of an alien, (Keeper) who has recently been hired to oversee a particular breeding site which has 3 males, and one female. I kept picturing the concept with dogs in mind; some are bred with caring, responsible, reputable breeders, and some are bred in terrible situations, like puppy mills. Same concept for their “owners” some loved their tenders absolutely, and some treated theirs’ horribly. For this book, we are only told (not showed) about these processes; Keeper treats his Tenders with care, and does not abuse them. With that said, this book did come with a trigger warning, and there’re a couple things that could disturb some readers. I’ll put them in a spoiler at the end, so you can skip if you would rather just jump in.
Bottom Line- I felt the concept was pretty creative, and haven’t read anything quite like this before; typically, the alien usually becomes attracted to the human. Much of this reads like a person narrating a National Geographic special, but there is this underlying storyline of the alien trying to do best for his tenders, and watching the romance of Pet and her chosen mate. We are privy to Keeper’s thoughts, so we know he truly cares for his pets; he’s never cruel, but there’re bumps… mostly because Keepers and Tenders cannot communicate. Overall, it was an interesting quick read, but the short length prohibited going too deep. For me, the concept was whacked, but the actual story wasn’t really dark; many parts were actually pretty sweet. So, if you can accept the concept of humans being pets…you should be fine. 😊 There’s an extended epilogue that gives you an update many years out. **Safety
Unique Sci-Fi concept, but probably not for everyone.
I’d heard of this book, and that it was somewhat controversial, so of course I had to track it down. The Pet Project is the first book of three that takes place in a futuristic setting where humans are bred, and kept as pets. The aliens are the owners, and have zero sexual feelings towards their “Tenders”.
They say we opened up our ships, and these creatures filed on in droves. I’ve heard that those first crewmen, who watched excited specimens crowd into containment, were baffled at the aliens’ enthusiasm to enter into captivity—but the crewmen quickly learned that this species does best under strict rule. Although certainly, there were some wild specimens who didn’t race to climb into strange ships arriving.
The entire book is narrated from the POV of an alien, (Keeper) who has recently been hired to oversee a particular breeding site which has 3 males, and one female. I kept picturing the concept with dogs in mind; some are bred with caring, responsible, reputable breeders, and some are bred in terrible situations, like puppy mills. Same concept for their “owners” some loved their tenders absolutely, and some treated theirs’ horribly. For this book, we are only told (not showed) about these processes; Keeper treats his Tenders with care, and does not abuse them. With that said, this book did come with a trigger warning, and there’re a couple things that could disturb some readers. I’ll put them in a spoiler at the end, so you can skip if you would rather just jump in.
Bottom Line- I felt the concept was pretty creative, and haven’t read anything quite like this before; typically, the alien usually becomes attracted to the human. Much of this reads like a person narrating a National Geographic special, but there is this underlying storyline of the alien trying to do best for his tenders, and watching the romance of Pet and her chosen mate. We are privy to Keeper’s thoughts, so we know he truly cares for his pets; he’s never cruel, but there’re bumps… mostly because Keepers and Tenders cannot communicate. Overall, it was an interesting quick read, but the short length prohibited going too deep. For me, the concept was whacked, but the actual story wasn’t really dark; many parts were actually pretty sweet. So, if you can accept the concept of humans being pets…you should be fine. 😊 There’s an extended epilogue that gives you an update many years out. **Safety
January 20, 2020
This was....disturbing. Even more disturbing, for me, are the amount of people that found the story a 4+ star read.
Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near a prude. I enjoy dark stories when well executed. And I'm all for people having their kinks. Who tf am I to judge when consenting adults do their thing? This story, however, fell well out of those boundaries.
We basically have human trafficking at the hands of aliens. And, told exclusively from the alien's pov, slavery and domination is stated to have been welcomed and needed by humans. There's never a redemption from this train of thought. At the most we get that the 'breeder' is against children being separated from the parents until they come of age. Or, if you want humans that will breed, you have to buy them in mated pairs. Follow those rules and the selling and owning of beings that are recognized as sentient is quite alright!
Had the narrator, or some alien somewhere in the story, had an actual turn around in their feelings about keeping humans as pets, I could see this as a growth story and understand the necessity of going through the animalistic treatment in the journey to reach their A-HA moment. But, the fact that the story ends with the breeder becoming fond of the humans, recognizing they had language and intelligence, yet still feeling completely alright in breeding and selling them - and eventually doing so on a grand scale, left me with a severe cringe after reading.
Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near a prude. I enjoy dark stories when well executed. And I'm all for people having their kinks. Who tf am I to judge when consenting adults do their thing? This story, however, fell well out of those boundaries.
We basically have human trafficking at the hands of aliens. And, told exclusively from the alien's pov, slavery and domination is stated to have been welcomed and needed by humans. There's never a redemption from this train of thought. At the most we get that the 'breeder' is against children being separated from the parents until they come of age. Or, if you want humans that will breed, you have to buy them in mated pairs. Follow those rules and the selling and owning of beings that are recognized as sentient is quite alright!
Had the narrator, or some alien somewhere in the story, had an actual turn around in their feelings about keeping humans as pets, I could see this as a growth story and understand the necessity of going through the animalistic treatment in the journey to reach their A-HA moment. But, the fact that the story ends with the breeder becoming fond of the humans, recognizing they had language and intelligence, yet still feeling completely alright in breeding and selling them - and eventually doing so on a grand scale, left me with a severe cringe after reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
I grabbed this one because it was Amanda Milo.
It was odd, dark and kind of sweet/disturbing.
The entire story is told from the alien/non-human POV.
Aliens come to earth and discover humans. (Refer to us as ‘tenders’ due to tender skin/fragile)
Humans become the hottest pets to have for most of the universe. Nothing sexual between aliens and humans.
They find that many humans die in captivity and they can’t seem to make any humans breed well to make more. It’s kind of dark. You know how you think the traits of two dogs or cats would make the most adorable puppies/kittens so people try to breed specific pairs? Now apply that to this story...
The main POV is a new Alien researcher who is trying to successfully breed ‘tenders’ in a lab environment.
Sort of an HEA at the end. Humans are still pets, but the main guy is working on a translator & realize humans need to be happy.
Recommended if you’re ok with dark subject matter.
It was odd, dark and kind of sweet/disturbing.
The entire story is told from the alien/non-human POV.
Aliens come to earth and discover humans. (Refer to us as ‘tenders’ due to tender skin/fragile)
Humans become the hottest pets to have for most of the universe. Nothing sexual between aliens and humans.
They find that many humans die in captivity and they can’t seem to make any humans breed well to make more. It’s kind of dark. You know how you think the traits of two dogs or cats would make the most adorable puppies/kittens so people try to breed specific pairs? Now apply that to this story...
The main POV is a new Alien researcher who is trying to successfully breed ‘tenders’ in a lab environment.
Sort of an HEA at the end. Humans are still pets, but the main guy is working on a translator & realize humans need to be happy.
Recommended if you’re ok with dark subject matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
Wow! "CUTE" Slavery...
The parallels I can draw between this story and slavery in the United States is mind-boggling! What was this author thinking? To frame such vile and sickening actions into a whimsical, light-hearted story is beyond me. This goes way beyond the 'earth damsel in distress rescued by big sexy alien' type of pseudo-slavery stories. Yuck!!!
The parallels I can draw between this story and slavery in the United States is mind-boggling! What was this author thinking? To frame such vile and sickening actions into a whimsical, light-hearted story is beyond me. This goes way beyond the 'earth damsel in distress rescued by big sexy alien' type of pseudo-slavery stories. Yuck!!!
May 28, 2021
Ok, this is definitely my favorite and here's why.
There's a secret genius at work here--and her name is Amanda Milo.
***spoiler & trigger warning. Don't read this if you don't want hear a more editorial style review***
She's offering us a chance to observe ourselves from an outside perspective. The quirks, the peccadilloes, the silliness, the fear, the anxiety, the joy, the sorrow, the love. It's a chance to understand our emotions through another lens ... what's extra interesting and I think it's a form of dramatic irony or something, is that we understand the humans better than the character whose point of view we are in.
I got ahead of myself there, so let me backtrack. This book is told from the perspective of an alien scientist come in to breed humans in a futuristic lab. He arrives with no idea what has happened, a scared female human and three males. He can't communicate. He's only studied them. He needs to make them breed. So he observes them.
He bonds quickly with the woman, she sits in his lap and beside him as he works and he tries to observe her preferences regarding the males. He doesn't understand her though. There's one gross man they're entirely in agreement with (he shouts all the time and jerks off, and the two other males are constantly bellowing at him from their own cages, and the woman seems visibly anxious or annoyed all the time when he's shouting and being lude), but there are two others. One the alien keeper names Beastly because he's got gray hair, one blind eye, and horrible scarring all down his body. The other he names Prime, because he's visibly a prime specimen of a man. Keeper is confounded by her preference for Beastly.
As a reader, as a straight cis woman reader, I'm like ... dude, he's got scars, he's huge, he growls all the time, silver hair can be hot--see Witcher--it's not all that mysterious. But it's funny too. And kind of endearing. There's a fun scene where you get the only line of human dialogue, where Keeper and the woman human are arguing about which one she should breed with and he points at Prime and says in alien that he prefers prime, and she responds, (paraphrase) "Then you should behnd ovair for heem." (I think she's French). Everyone laughs. Except keeper who is astonished. He didn't realize they could communicate, yet here they are. Somehow all laughing at the same thing. Even the mouth breathing jackass man.
The author does an impeccable job ... and I do mean impeccable ... with observing mating patterns as well. For example, according to her alien keeper man-humans almost always touch the woman's genitals prior to copulation to test arousal levels. Rarely do they use their mouths during laboratory matings, because frequently the females kick them in their faces. LOL. The alien is stymied as to why that is, but I 100% understand.
Additionally, she capitalizes on the unique third person involved in every sex scene. We get to be the voyeur observing confusing sexual practices he doesn't understand, but we understand perfectly well. An example, witnessing a mating, the alien doesn't understand if the woman is in pain, so moves to interject and is warned off by the man human. We know as readers the man understands that she's getting used to the size of him, and he's being gentle, and we understand why she's making the face she is. But the alien is concerned. We understand her faces, his reaction, and the alien POV but all the while we have our complete separate take on the whole thing as the man touches her back and calms her down and waits until she's ready. In my head I picture the alien shifting and the man warning him off. "She's fine," i picture him saying. Or maybe, "leave us alone," or maybe even, "don't you f**king dare intervene right now." The alien does warn us that males become especially territorial and unpredictable during matings. Lol.
I do recognize we're talking about something that underneath the surface layer is really dark and troubling, but it's handled in a way that allowed me to appreciate what it was, rather than take it too seriously. She does represent the woman's emotional turmoil at the forced breeding, but doesn't go in super deep. A lot is left to the reader to take and add what they like to the story.
These stories are not particularly dark despite the somewhat gory subject matter. But the undercurrent is there. Really surprising, bold, unique, well-crafted, well-researched, nuanced and fun reads. At least for me.
Amanda Milo, I salute you. And I admire you. And I truly hope you add to a series that is rapidly becoming a favorite. A lot of book are forgettable. Yours are not.
There's a secret genius at work here--and her name is Amanda Milo.
***spoiler & trigger warning. Don't read this if you don't want hear a more editorial style review***
She's offering us a chance to observe ourselves from an outside perspective. The quirks, the peccadilloes, the silliness, the fear, the anxiety, the joy, the sorrow, the love. It's a chance to understand our emotions through another lens ... what's extra interesting and I think it's a form of dramatic irony or something, is that we understand the humans better than the character whose point of view we are in.
I got ahead of myself there, so let me backtrack. This book is told from the perspective of an alien scientist come in to breed humans in a futuristic lab. He arrives with no idea what has happened, a scared female human and three males. He can't communicate. He's only studied them. He needs to make them breed. So he observes them.
He bonds quickly with the woman, she sits in his lap and beside him as he works and he tries to observe her preferences regarding the males. He doesn't understand her though. There's one gross man they're entirely in agreement with (he shouts all the time and jerks off, and the two other males are constantly bellowing at him from their own cages, and the woman seems visibly anxious or annoyed all the time when he's shouting and being lude), but there are two others. One the alien keeper names Beastly because he's got gray hair, one blind eye, and horrible scarring all down his body. The other he names Prime, because he's visibly a prime specimen of a man. Keeper is confounded by her preference for Beastly.
As a reader, as a straight cis woman reader, I'm like ... dude, he's got scars, he's huge, he growls all the time, silver hair can be hot--see Witcher--it's not all that mysterious. But it's funny too. And kind of endearing. There's a fun scene where you get the only line of human dialogue, where Keeper and the woman human are arguing about which one she should breed with and he points at Prime and says in alien that he prefers prime, and she responds, (paraphrase) "Then you should behnd ovair for heem." (I think she's French). Everyone laughs. Except keeper who is astonished. He didn't realize they could communicate, yet here they are. Somehow all laughing at the same thing. Even the mouth breathing jackass man.
The author does an impeccable job ... and I do mean impeccable ... with observing mating patterns as well. For example, according to her alien keeper man-humans almost always touch the woman's genitals prior to copulation to test arousal levels. Rarely do they use their mouths during laboratory matings, because frequently the females kick them in their faces. LOL. The alien is stymied as to why that is, but I 100% understand.
Additionally, she capitalizes on the unique third person involved in every sex scene. We get to be the voyeur observing confusing sexual practices he doesn't understand, but we understand perfectly well. An example, witnessing a mating, the alien doesn't understand if the woman is in pain, so moves to interject and is warned off by the man human. We know as readers the man understands that she's getting used to the size of him, and he's being gentle, and we understand why she's making the face she is. But the alien is concerned. We understand her faces, his reaction, and the alien POV but all the while we have our complete separate take on the whole thing as the man touches her back and calms her down and waits until she's ready. In my head I picture the alien shifting and the man warning him off. "She's fine," i picture him saying. Or maybe, "leave us alone," or maybe even, "don't you f**king dare intervene right now." The alien does warn us that males become especially territorial and unpredictable during matings. Lol.
I do recognize we're talking about something that underneath the surface layer is really dark and troubling, but it's handled in a way that allowed me to appreciate what it was, rather than take it too seriously. She does represent the woman's emotional turmoil at the forced breeding, but doesn't go in super deep. A lot is left to the reader to take and add what they like to the story.
These stories are not particularly dark despite the somewhat gory subject matter. But the undercurrent is there. Really surprising, bold, unique, well-crafted, well-researched, nuanced and fun reads. At least for me.
Amanda Milo, I salute you. And I admire you. And I truly hope you add to a series that is rapidly becoming a favorite. A lot of book are forgettable. Yours are not.
December 23, 2019
A divergence from the genre Milo usually pens, The Pet Project is an interesting piece of fiction that leaves more questions than answers. But be aware: this is not a romance novel, at least not in the way we've come to expect them.
Even before reading her afterward thoughts, it's easy to see the idea for this piece came into being around the same time as Contaminated and Contagion. And you know what? I'm really digging these scientific male alien POVs. They're a hoot.
This is certainly a bit different take on human pets in space. It's more what would possibly happen if the aliens stopped trying to mate humans and kept them as...actual pets. It's not the first time I've seen it, but it's definitely a less grim take.
Even before reading her afterward thoughts, it's easy to see the idea for this piece came into being around the same time as Contaminated and Contagion. And you know what? I'm really digging these scientific male alien POVs. They're a hoot.
This is certainly a bit different take on human pets in space. It's more what would possibly happen if the aliens stopped trying to mate humans and kept them as...actual pets. It's not the first time I've seen it, but it's definitely a less grim take.
July 11, 2023
This was such a unique take on humans being pets, and it was kinda fun to have it from the the POV of a not sexually interested alien.
However, I really would have liked to read it from the FMC POV too. It didn’t feel as much like a romance because of the POV.
However, I really would have liked to read it from the FMC POV too. It didn’t feel as much like a romance because of the POV.
January 15, 2020
Tremendously clever and engaging
This book is unlike anything else I've read. A human petting zoo story from a Jane Goodall point of view. It's utterly engrossing!
Give this unique story a chance. You'll be glad you did.
This book is unlike anything else I've read. A human petting zoo story from a Jane Goodall point of view. It's utterly engrossing!
Give this unique story a chance. You'll be glad you did.
September 5, 2020
Percebo cada vez mais o quanto é importante ler os comentários/avaliações. Claro, existe a chance de se deparar com algum spoiler que acabe com a "graça" da história, mas no geral é fundamental pra mim saber com o quê estou lidando, me preparar e ter uma noção se é o tipo de história para mim. Ninguém quer perder tempo com livros que, no final, vão detestar ou sequer terminar. Depois que comecei a fazer isso raramente tenho grandes decepções, apenas o cumprimento ou superação das minhas expectativas.
E esse livro foi mais um desses casos.
A premissa pareceu interessante e minha curiosidade ganhou sobre as minhas reservas. Estava esperando que fosse um livro extremamente pesado, e de fato aborda esses assuntos (como "escravidão", estupro, "pena de morte"/punição física/"tortura" física e mental...). É uma ideia distorcida, mas não foi tão pesada ao ponto de me deixar perturbada ou chorar copiosamente. Pelo contrário: me fez pensar (e se?), a olhar ao meu redor por uma outra perspectiva, a sentir a contradição e ironia de toda a situação e dos personagens (você vai entender se ler). A forma como a autora aborda tudo é que faz toda a diferença.
É natural, por mais louco que seja. É leve e vai te fazer rir, ao mesmo tempo que pensa "que humilhante". Se é que isso faz sentido. Triste e muito fofo. Um completo PARADOXO!!!!!!
O livro inteiro é pelo ponto de vista do doutor/cientista/alienígena, isso foi o que mais gostei!!!!!!!!!! Tem sexo apenas com a mesma espécie, e um relacionamento de afeição entre o alienígena e seu animal de estimação.
Acho que a única coisa que pecou um pouco foi a questão sobre a linguagem. Algumas incongruências, mas de fato é complicado e não merece diminuir uma estrela que seja.
A autora disse que teve a ideia/se inspirou com ratos. Particularmente, eu só conseguia pensar em cachorros. Amei o epílogo/entrevista no final com o doutor, saber sobre as demais gerações do experimento... Queria MUITO a história da Ako, ainda que fosse curta!
Enfim, recomendo muito a leitura, mas APENAS se você não possui algum tipo de trauma relacionado ao que citei e DEPOIS de ler mais algumas resenhas.
E esse livro foi mais um desses casos.
A premissa pareceu interessante e minha curiosidade ganhou sobre as minhas reservas. Estava esperando que fosse um livro extremamente pesado, e de fato aborda esses assuntos (como "escravidão", estupro, "pena de morte"/punição física/"tortura" física e mental...). É uma ideia distorcida, mas não foi tão pesada ao ponto de me deixar perturbada ou chorar copiosamente. Pelo contrário: me fez pensar (e se?), a olhar ao meu redor por uma outra perspectiva, a sentir a contradição e ironia de toda a situação e dos personagens (você vai entender se ler). A forma como a autora aborda tudo é que faz toda a diferença.
É natural, por mais louco que seja. É leve e vai te fazer rir, ao mesmo tempo que pensa "que humilhante". Se é que isso faz sentido. Triste e muito fofo. Um completo PARADOXO!!!!!!
O livro inteiro é pelo ponto de vista do doutor/cientista/alienígena, isso foi o que mais gostei!!!!!!!!!! Tem sexo apenas com a mesma espécie, e um relacionamento de afeição entre o alienígena e seu animal de estimação.
Acho que a única coisa que pecou um pouco foi a questão sobre a linguagem. Algumas incongruências, mas de fato é complicado e não merece diminuir uma estrela que seja.
A autora disse que teve a ideia/se inspirou com ratos. Particularmente, eu só conseguia pensar em cachorros. Amei o epílogo/entrevista no final com o doutor, saber sobre as demais gerações do experimento... Queria MUITO a história da Ako, ainda que fosse curta!
Enfim, recomendo muito a leitura, mas APENAS se você não possui algum tipo de trauma relacionado ao que citei e DEPOIS de ler mais algumas resenhas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
Well that was different:
Tried this one out and was pleasantly surprised and disappointed at the same time. Surprised because it was well written, interesting premise, particularly enjoyed the clinical POV of the Cryptop alien researcher the unaware voice of discovery the simplicity of setting and lack of backstory just rooted in the present no particular place or time these were elements of storytelling that I do not often see in many stories. The one exception that comes to mind would be Break Her By B. G. Harlen another risky edgy plot but the difference is that B.G. Harlen flushed out that constrained and psychologically scaring story into a full size book, while this reads as a good quarter of a book, a few chapters in search of a plot. I now know that their are two other books in this series so I imagine the rest of this missing story is to be found there in the additional two stories which explains my disappointment I would have liked the entire story in one book rather than the series of very short short stories that have no clear beginning or end. This book fits well with R.Lee Smith's books Heat or her other novel Cottonwood similar premise different approach I'm disappointed that Ms. Milo didn't take on the challenge of making this a more completed story but maybe next time. Still enjoyed the book just wished it wasn't such a tiny bite when I was hungry for a full meal of Alien abduction with slavery in a Sci-fi horror drama. Close real close but only three stars for this tiny slice of weirdness.
Tried this one out and was pleasantly surprised and disappointed at the same time. Surprised because it was well written, interesting premise, particularly enjoyed the clinical POV of the Cryptop alien researcher the unaware voice of discovery the simplicity of setting and lack of backstory just rooted in the present no particular place or time these were elements of storytelling that I do not often see in many stories. The one exception that comes to mind would be Break Her By B. G. Harlen another risky edgy plot but the difference is that B.G. Harlen flushed out that constrained and psychologically scaring story into a full size book, while this reads as a good quarter of a book, a few chapters in search of a plot. I now know that their are two other books in this series so I imagine the rest of this missing story is to be found there in the additional two stories which explains my disappointment I would have liked the entire story in one book rather than the series of very short short stories that have no clear beginning or end. This book fits well with R.Lee Smith's books Heat or her other novel Cottonwood similar premise different approach I'm disappointed that Ms. Milo didn't take on the challenge of making this a more completed story but maybe next time. Still enjoyed the book just wished it wasn't such a tiny bite when I was hungry for a full meal of Alien abduction with slavery in a Sci-fi horror drama. Close real close but only three stars for this tiny slice of weirdness.
May 29, 2023
Surprisingly Good
I didn’t go into this with much expectations as I wasn’t 100% sure what I was getting in to, but I really enjoyed this! It was surprisingly well rounded with some dark, very depressing moments, but it also had some funny and very lighthearted moments. The Dr. was actually so sweet and caring, and I thought the ending was really nice.
To be clear, even though this sort of has a romantic relationship in it, this isn’t a romance. Instead, it’s an interesting little novella that explores the “what ifs” in a world where humans are seen as lesser.
TW for suicide, SA, violence
I didn’t go into this with much expectations as I wasn’t 100% sure what I was getting in to, but I really enjoyed this! It was surprisingly well rounded with some dark, very depressing moments, but it also had some funny and very lighthearted moments. The Dr. was actually so sweet and caring, and I thought the ending was really nice.
To be clear, even though this sort of has a romantic relationship in it, this isn’t a romance. Instead, it’s an interesting little novella that explores the “what ifs” in a world where humans are seen as lesser.
TW for suicide, SA, violence
January 11, 2023
That was extremely interesting! An alien owns pets and is attempting to breed them for a living. Human pets... a very original novella which I enjoyed. 3.5 stars.
December 23, 2019
Interesting story on what if humans were treated like not-fully sentient creatures like humans treat dolphins and various creatures on earth.
There is romance but only shown as witnessed by the alien scientist. I found it a fascinating read and was really rooting for everyone to have a happy life.
There is romance but only shown as witnessed by the alien scientist. I found it a fascinating read and was really rooting for everyone to have a happy life.
November 22, 2021
I Give this book a 5/5 Star Rating.
Formats Read: Ebook & Audiobook
Audiobook Review at Bottom.
HEA(?): In My Eyes, Yes. Its a very Unique One! :D
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: This is a tricky one to answer, but 4.5/5
Dark: In My Eyes, Nope so No Dark Rating from me. But the concept itself may be, in other reader eyes.
Pacing: Mid-Fast.
*Due to the Many Various type of Language Barriers I will put them in One of Three Categories.
Language Barrier(?): Yes.
Language Barrier - Temporary, Semi or Permanent(?): At this time I would say Permanent, but gestures can me kind of understood.
*Permanent is where >both main characters/significant others< speak their own languages but cannot understand each other so they have to rely on using either various basic words, sounds or gestures to get a point across, and there is no mechanical solution or it’s unable to be used.
*Semi Permanent is where one or both teach each other their language and can at some point speak near fluent and may or may not have a mechanical solution at some point, but in the end can go without mechanical help but the option is there.
*Temporary is where there IS a mechanical solution to fix the language barriers between significant others permanently. No future issues.
No Spoilers.
Overall Concept: 5/5(!!!)
This is such a unique story and I’m soooooo in love with it! And I Will Always Remember This Book!
Some people will not like this storyline, but I love it! I Can’t Wait to read more Books Like This!!
There’s so much I Want to Talk About(!), but I don’t like to give things away if I really enjoy a story.
Reading reviews ahead of time is not a good idea, nor is reading spoilers, unless your not an open minded reader I guess?
I am always desperate for a new Amanda Milo book and will always preorder them immediately as soon as I spot one.
I would love to read Prime’s story if he gets one!
Audiobook Review:
Overall: 5/5
Performance: 4.5-5/5
Story: 5/5
Narrator: Martin Frost
I am stunned I have never listen to Martin Frost before and after listening this him narrate this book so well, I’m obsessed! I hope he’ll narrate more of Amanda Milo’s books as well!
I love this series so much, and like I said above m, the concept is very unique and addictive and I bought the audiobook immediately when I saw it was available, it so good!
Formats Read: Ebook & Audiobook
Audiobook Review at Bottom.
HEA(?): In My Eyes, Yes. Its a very Unique One! :D
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: This is a tricky one to answer, but 4.5/5
Dark: In My Eyes, Nope so No Dark Rating from me. But the concept itself may be, in other reader eyes.
Pacing: Mid-Fast.
*Due to the Many Various type of Language Barriers I will put them in One of Three Categories.
Language Barrier(?): Yes.
Language Barrier - Temporary, Semi or Permanent(?): At this time I would say Permanent, but gestures can me kind of understood.
*Permanent is where >both main characters/significant others< speak their own languages but cannot understand each other so they have to rely on using either various basic words, sounds or gestures to get a point across, and there is no mechanical solution or it’s unable to be used.
*Semi Permanent is where one or both teach each other their language and can at some point speak near fluent and may or may not have a mechanical solution at some point, but in the end can go without mechanical help but the option is there.
*Temporary is where there IS a mechanical solution to fix the language barriers between significant others permanently. No future issues.
No Spoilers.
Overall Concept: 5/5(!!!)
This is such a unique story and I’m soooooo in love with it! And I Will Always Remember This Book!
Some people will not like this storyline, but I love it! I Can’t Wait to read more Books Like This!!
There’s so much I Want to Talk About(!), but I don’t like to give things away if I really enjoy a story.
Reading reviews ahead of time is not a good idea, nor is reading spoilers, unless your not an open minded reader I guess?
I am always desperate for a new Amanda Milo book and will always preorder them immediately as soon as I spot one.
I would love to read Prime’s story if he gets one!
Audiobook Review:
Overall: 5/5
Performance: 4.5-5/5
Story: 5/5
Narrator: Martin Frost
I am stunned I have never listen to Martin Frost before and after listening this him narrate this book so well, I’m obsessed! I hope he’ll narrate more of Amanda Milo’s books as well!
I love this series so much, and like I said above m, the concept is very unique and addictive and I bought the audiobook immediately when I saw it was available, it so good!
January 24, 2020
No plot no discrptions no world building just sex
I am so surprisingly upset with this book. I knew it was going to be a steamy sort of book what I didn't know is that there would be no plot whatsoever. The only thing I loved about it is that it was short.
First off an alien race comes to earth and we eagerly board their ship. No indication of what this species looks like throughout the whole book except I gather they are taller than us and maybe thick skinned because they call us tender skins.
Secondly an alien race who can traverse the galaxy thinks we are incompetent idiot's who can't communicate. Even though they can take our eggs and seed and make a baby in an artificial womb they can't piece together our dialect.
Thirdly if these humans have any brain whatsoever they know that they are caged and being bred for selling so why would you willingly want a baby who will be forced in the same way.
And fourthly the main woman in the story for the life of me was the worst of all the characters. Being force to breed and submissive to the alien even trusting him with her new born baby and everyone lives happily ever after.
I'm just stunned I wouldn't have finished this if it were not short and I honestly didn't finish if you count the bonus epilogue. Were was the plot the realness of being caged and forced into slavery. I almost feel like the humans were the mindless pets that the alien perceived them to be.
Wow this review was almost longer than the story and very much more enjoyable thanks.
I am so surprisingly upset with this book. I knew it was going to be a steamy sort of book what I didn't know is that there would be no plot whatsoever. The only thing I loved about it is that it was short.
First off an alien race comes to earth and we eagerly board their ship. No indication of what this species looks like throughout the whole book except I gather they are taller than us and maybe thick skinned because they call us tender skins.
Secondly an alien race who can traverse the galaxy thinks we are incompetent idiot's who can't communicate. Even though they can take our eggs and seed and make a baby in an artificial womb they can't piece together our dialect.
Thirdly if these humans have any brain whatsoever they know that they are caged and being bred for selling so why would you willingly want a baby who will be forced in the same way.
And fourthly the main woman in the story for the life of me was the worst of all the characters. Being force to breed and submissive to the alien even trusting him with her new born baby and everyone lives happily ever after.
I'm just stunned I wouldn't have finished this if it were not short and I honestly didn't finish if you count the bonus epilogue. Were was the plot the realness of being caged and forced into slavery. I almost feel like the humans were the mindless pets that the alien perceived them to be.
Wow this review was almost longer than the story and very much more enjoyable thanks.
June 22, 2023
The Pet Project
Okay this was definitely a different book but I truly did like it. Beastly and Pet were very much in love and even though the perspective was from the doctor you could feel all the emotions with these characters. They came alive and caught your attention. The world building was very unique and fascinating. Ms. Milo thank you for being such an amazing author and bringing such a wonderful story across so well thought out and executed. I would recommend this book.
Okay this was definitely a different book but I truly did like it. Beastly and Pet were very much in love and even though the perspective was from the doctor you could feel all the emotions with these characters. They came alive and caught your attention. The world building was very unique and fascinating. Ms. Milo thank you for being such an amazing author and bringing such a wonderful story across so well thought out and executed. I would recommend this book.
August 23, 2022
Really cool concept.
The titular Pet Project is an alien species' attempt at domesticating abducted humans. They call the human pets "tenders" because of their tender skin. The story is told from a Cryptop scientist's point of view.
There are some things that make it difficult to suspend disbelief enough to make the story make sense. The Cryptops are working under the assumption that the tenders are not sentient and describe them in the way one might describe a dog. The longer the scientist works with his little herd, the more he notices that they seem to have languages and that not all tenders speak the same language. He also notices that they seem to understand him in a way that seems to be more than just reading his body language. They respond to him, sometimes verbally and other times just by doing what he says. What I don't understand is how these aliens came to Earth and saw everything the tenders had built and how they lived and thought they were not sentient, that they were not people. The scientist seems to ignore how they understand him and each other. I guess acknowledging that they are people would put the breeding program at risk, because at that point they are not pets. They are slaves. Which, from the reader's perspective, they absolutely are slaves.
Props to the author for writing a story about a human breeding project that doesn't involve any aliens sexually abusing the human pets. (Not entirely true if you take into account the forced breeding between an unwilling pair, but at least the alien isn't using them as living fleshlights.) The scientist actually cares about his tenders enough to (eventually) choose their own partners. There are some dark scenes that lead up to that.
When I read what I just wrote, it seems like I hated this book. But I didn't. I actually liked it quite a bit and will read the rest of the series. I almost wish it was more fleshed out, novella length rather than a short story, because there are details and world/character building missing that left me wanting.
That's a lot of words for "I liked it and want more, but I'm conflicted."
The titular Pet Project is an alien species' attempt at domesticating abducted humans. They call the human pets "tenders" because of their tender skin. The story is told from a Cryptop scientist's point of view.
There are some things that make it difficult to suspend disbelief enough to make the story make sense. The Cryptops are working under the assumption that the tenders are not sentient and describe them in the way one might describe a dog. The longer the scientist works with his little herd, the more he notices that they seem to have languages and that not all tenders speak the same language. He also notices that they seem to understand him in a way that seems to be more than just reading his body language. They respond to him, sometimes verbally and other times just by doing what he says. What I don't understand is how these aliens came to Earth and saw everything the tenders had built and how they lived and thought they were not sentient, that they were not people. The scientist seems to ignore how they understand him and each other. I guess acknowledging that they are people would put the breeding program at risk, because at that point they are not pets. They are slaves. Which, from the reader's perspective, they absolutely are slaves.
Props to the author for writing a story about a human breeding project that doesn't involve any aliens sexually abusing the human pets. (Not entirely true if you take into account the forced breeding between an unwilling pair, but at least the alien isn't using them as living fleshlights.) The scientist actually cares about his tenders enough to (eventually) choose their own partners. There are some dark scenes that lead up to that.
When I read what I just wrote, it seems like I hated this book. But I didn't. I actually liked it quite a bit and will read the rest of the series. I almost wish it was more fleshed out, novella length rather than a short story, because there are details and world/character building missing that left me wanting.
That's a lot of words for "I liked it and want more, but I'm conflicted."
February 29, 2024
I might have done this series a disservice by reading book 2 before book 1 but as described they are connected and happening in the same world & timeline but can be totally read as standalones and that's fantastic news for us all.
This book read great although I will say the daily logs were a little repetitive, if you can get past that you're in for a nice quick read from the 'Whistler' alien/human keepers POV.
Felt so reassured reading this and understanding book 2 even better, cause only now I know the 'Whistlers' hold affection and curious fascination for the humans they raise as livestock, it's not as if they're doing it out of cruelty or any demeaning reason.
Again a reverse harem situation between FMC and 3 MMCs (1 is kind of not really part of the team).
This book read great although I will say the daily logs were a little repetitive, if you can get past that you're in for a nice quick read from the 'Whistler' alien/human keepers POV.
Felt so reassured reading this and understanding book 2 even better, cause only now I know the 'Whistlers' hold affection and curious fascination for the humans they raise as livestock, it's not as if they're doing it out of cruelty or any demeaning reason.
Again a reverse harem situation between FMC and 3 MMCs (1 is kind of not really part of the team).
January 19, 2023
Color me shocked that I enjoyed this so much. Out of curiosity did I decide to pick this up and I'm glad I did. Not as dark as I thought it would be. A very interesting take on a romance. The story is told from single 1st person POV. The alien 'keeper' narrates his studies of the behaviors of his human 'pets'. He is trying to breed more humans, because these pets are in high demand. He grows a bond to the woman, named Pet an to the other males. No intimate relationship with the alien by the way.
Overall, a surprising sweet love story.
Overall, a surprising sweet love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews