A frantic, multi-threaded narrative explores the ethical and legal chaos surrounding the rapid advancement of genetic engineering. The story follows a disparate cast of characters—including scientists, lawyers, and corporate executives—as they navigate a world where human and animal DNA are increasingly commodified. Crichton employs a non-linear, episodic structure to illustrate the unintended consequences of unchecked scientific ambition. The narrative forces the reader to confront the friction between corporate profit motives and the fundamental rights of the individual in a landscape of shifting biological boundaries.

This novel is characterized by its cynical, fast-paced examination of the intersection between corporate law and genetic research. The narrative style reflects Crichton's signature approach of blending technical detail with high-stakes suspense to highlight contemporary societal anxieties. Readers often note the book's dense, multi-perspective structure, which serves to emphasize the complexity of the ethical dilemmas presented. The work functions as a cautionary critique of the biotech industry, prioritizing thematic exploration over traditional character development. The pacing remains relentless throughout, mirroring the chaotic nature of the scientific advancements described within the text.