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Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
"Talon" by Christopher Gerard is part of the 'Jack Rawson Saga' books. Jack is an individual who can communicate with animals (called CK's) and this poses as an attribute when Jack is faced with a suspected ring of animal traffickers. Jack first suspects such an operation when invited to the home of a wealthy man who houses an animal fighting ring. The man wants to buy Oscar, Jack's mammoth Rhodesian Ridgeback dog who is instrumental in interpreting the animal world for Jack. Although the two manage to escape the intentions of the animal trafficker, Jack learns from his friend Ben that rare animals are being stored on the premises. Then, they understand that the problem is larger than a simple operation in animal fighting. They go to the local police who refer them to ACAM (Animal Control and Management). After being brushed off, Jack, Ben, and his friend Susan decide to spy on the suspected traffickers by using the animals to tape and record critical events and conversations. This leads to discoveries in which the entire animal community will join with the humans in order to abate catastrophes in the animal kingdom.
The concept of human-animal communication is one which will appeal to young adult readers. Even if the reader is initially skeptical, the ongoing communications and actions of the animals will probably make believers of most who dare the author to pull them in. Gerard does a credible job of developing the personalities of his animal heroes, especially that of the dog Oscar. Most who read this book will be interested enough to get the sequel just to see how the animals continue to outsmart the humans!
