Virals by Kathy ReichsPublication Date: 2 November 2010
I received an ARC of this book from Star Book Tours.
Description
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.
As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.
Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.
My Review
Virals is a well-written murder-mystery adventure with a dash of science-fiction. Kathy Reichs makes her first foray into young adult fiction with a great story that would appeal to young readers, "sci-philes", and reluctant readers alike.
Loved: The main character, Tory. She is a smart, benevolent fourteen year old who is not afraid to stand up and fight for her friends, as well as the wolf pup she formed a relationship with. Despite some major setbacks in their investigation of a cold case murder, the Virals, led by Tory, continue to search for the truth and ultimately find the answers they are looking for in a decades old case that could have gone unsolved had they not started to dig for information.
Liked: The fact that the story was more science-fiction than paranormal. Not that I'm not a fan of paranormal novels, but it was nice to see the author break away from this trend and branch out into something different. I'm hardly a "sci-phile", but Reichs simplified all the science with well-written explanations and examples that anyone young or old could understand without prior knowledge of the subject matter.
Overall: Kathy Reichs has once again managed to create an engaging storyline that includes adventure, mystery and science. Virals is an absorbing debut young adult novel that will create a wider audience for Reichs.
My Rating is 4 stars
Picture and description courtesy of Goodreads.
3 comments:
Virals sounds sooooooo good, I'm adding this one to the ol' TBR list :D
I just started reading this book, and for the most part I do like it. My only qualm so far is with the writing. I feel like the author tries a bit too hard to embody the snarky/sarcastic teenage voice. The phrases Tory throws around are a bit cliche. I'm a geek at heart, and i adore the T.V. show Bones, so I am digging the science in this book.
Murder mysteries are usually pretty absorbing. Pleased to hear that this is some science to boot.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
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