Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Series: 1st in a series
Book Acquisition: received an ARC at BEA
Book Summary:
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. (from Goodreads)
Quick Thoughts:
Loved it! Kathy Reichs is one of my favorite authors and this book is a wonderful start to what I hope is a long lived YA series. Lots of action and mystery!
What I didn't like:
I didn't love how young Tory and her friends are. It's realistic to a point but I was worried that the hard science aspect, which I love, would be dumbed down. It wasn't but I'm really curious how future books will play out. Tory is an extremely intelligent girl but at the same time, she's just a kid. I guess this is more of a concern of mine rather then a dislike :)
What I liked:
This book was a fabulous read for me. All the style, mystery and flare that makes Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan series so wonderful, in a new young adult package.
A great story, great mystery with a slight paranormal / super powers thing going on. Supper fun to read and I really felt a connection to the characters. Tory is pretty amazing and I love how she interacts with her friends. I really liked the secluded setting and I'm hoping future books will take place on the island as well. It's the perfect setting for intrigue and mystery.
Reminded Me Of:
Kathy's adult Temperance Brennan series - no surprise there :) Also, take away the paranormal element and the island setting / teen mystery solving / animal focus elements really reminded me of Bonnie Doerr's Island Sting.
Who Would Enjoy It:
Fans of Kathy's, also fans of paranormal teen fiction who also like really good mysteries. Despite it's hefty size, I can see younger readers, both boys and girls, really gobbling this one up!
Overall Rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Books in the series:
Virals (Nov 2010)
Virals 2 (Summer 2011)
Linkage Love:
Publisher's website
Author's Website
Goodreads
Great review Em, glad to hear you enjoyed this book! I'll get to it eventually. :)
ReplyDeleteYA mysteries? sounds like a good read for me too =)
ReplyDeleteI love Kathy Reichs and looking forward to Virals!
ReplyDelete~Alyssa
Teens Read and Write