Blindspots takes the reader on an anthropomorphic journey through a post-war landscape. The animal characters pursue secretive lives of underground resistance while enduring the aftereffects of battle, including PTSD, fractured relationships, espionage, secrets, and mutual suspicion from unresolved events during The War. Parrish presents an interesting and entertaining twist in the war-time narrative. ( )

An ex-pilot and a war veteran, Ricky, the protagonist of Rhonda Parrish’s Blindspots, enjoys hanging out with his friends and loves his brother Jasper, despite his quirks. Ricky has suffered betrayals and indignities, and he’s struggling to make sense of a changing world. In short, he sounds like a regular guy.

But Ricky is not, in fact, a regular guy. He’s a dog. And therein lies the charm of Blindspots.

The plot, in broad strokes, is this. The war against the Humanists, dogs who allied themselves with the Humans and still retain some characteristics such as dressing like people, is over. As for Humans themselves, they seem to have disappeared. Ricky was a pilot during the war, but was forced to resign in shame after a mission that went terribly wrong during a bombing run. Still, he is making a go of things, thanks to his friends.

When Ricky’s brother Jasper goes missing, Ricky goes on a quest to find him. There’s just one catch—he needs to call on his ex, Ari, for help. A lot of water has gone under the proverbial bridge between these two, and Ricky isn’t sure he can trust Ari, but he has no choice. As the search continues, Parrish gradually reveals Ricky’s back story. She also raises the stakes, making the story about more than a search for a missing brother.

The setting has a historical vibe. The opening makes a reference to “spires and smokestacks,” and the planes mentioned in the book are closer to World War II vintage than, say, Top Gun-style fighter jets.

In addition to being an anthropomorphic tale, Blindspots blends magic and technology. There’s lots of action and complications. It’s a keep-you-reading book, with good transitions between chapters and hooks that draw the reader on.

The majority of the characters are dogs of various breeds. Ricky is a retriever, Ari is a borzoi, and Ricky’s friends include a rottweiler and a bulldog. Ricky’s group is allied with a clever snowy owl, Winter, who has cobbled an ops centre of sorts. Even though the main characters are canine, the dilemmas that face them are very human. Themes like loyalty, betrayal, and trust echo through the book.

Perhaps most importantly, Blindspots is suffused with a sense of fun. Parrish remains true to the Ricky’s canine nature, so, for example, he is often thinking about food when he should be concentrating on something important. This undercurrent keeps the book light and entertaining. Besides the characters’ quirks, Parrish’s humor adds levity.

Adding to the book’s appeal are several interior illustrations by Allie MacAlister.

Blindspots is billed as “Book One: No Man’s Land,” and certainly Parrish, while wrapping up the main issues of this book, leaves the door open for more action in this particular universe.

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the author, Rhonda Parrish, through Library Thing. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

Blindspots by Rhonda Parrish is a cute story with interesting world-building. I had a bit of a problem with the capabilities of the dogs. I don't see how they would have the dexterity to do the things she has them doing. I would have also liked some idea of what happened to all the humans. Nor can I figure out how an owl would work buttons and controls with her wing tips. I think the feathers would get in the way.

Allow an afternoon for this family-friendly fable for our times, with illustrations, that takes place after a long series of wars has left animals in control with humans assumed to be extinct but do not read outside the family circle as chortles may ensue. 4 1/2*

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )