The Specimens

Gammon’s complex and lyrical debut explores the intricacies of identity and self-determination through the lens of monstrosity. BEC-04 is a powerful and dangerous psychic creature that was discovered outside of a mysterious town and brought to an academic research facility for further study. After a kidnapping attempt goes awry, BEC-04 escapes his captors and must navigate a hostile human world by himself for the first time. BEC-04 is an immediately endearing protagonist, with much of the book’s emotional weight found in the conflict between his innocent perception of the world and the true intentions of those who wish to exploit him. The slow reveal of the relationship between BEC-04 and his mysterious siblings also provides plenty of tension and unsettling moments that horror readers will appreciate. Fans of harder science fiction may find themselves frustrated by the lack of clear answers, but those who appreciate a more poetic approach to genre writing will find plenty to hold their attention. Unfortunately, the convoluted plot lets the premise down in the end, with too many dropped threads and disparate elements to provide a satisfactory conclusion. This is a mixed bag. (Sept.)