Virals

Author: Kathy Reichs
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal/Sci-Fi
Copy provided by: Traveling ARC Tours
Summary (via Goodreads):

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.

Why I read this: It looked like an awesome, action-filled plot. She's also a well-known adult writer and I wanted to see how this one would turn out.

Plot: Tory never imagined moving in with her father on a remote island would bring the adventures she embarks on. The only other teens that live on the island are 3 guys, who are all some sort of scientific geeks like herself. It all starts with a monkey flinging a piece of metal at her head and her curiosity that leads to revealing a long-buried murder and a new virus that will change their world forever.

With nonstop action and an intriguing mystery to uncover, I couldn't put this book down. I liked the twists that I didn't see coming and just the overall pacing of the plot. Definitely a series I will be reading every single book of. Now, the long wait for the 2nd novel begins!

Characters: I just love when you have smart characters - ones that are still normal - have crushes, don't sit around just tweaking gadgets and gizmos, but actually embark on some seriously insane adventures. Tory is still a teenage girl, although an unusual one who knows a little too much about identifying human bones and other aspects of science. I like seeing her not completely immune to the popular crowd at school - almost fitting in with them if she wanted to.

I also love the guys she hangs with on the island. They're all unique in their own way and definitely not adverse to following her insane plans. Tory is definitely a leader and I can't wait to see what's to come next.

Relatability: Anyone who has watched Bones or read that series by Kathy will be able to connect to this book. I think also anyone who loves science and paranormal elements will get a kick out of this one.

Cover Commentary: Definitely shows that this is an adventure novel. Love it.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

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