Review: Virals

Author: Kathy Reichs
Pages: 448
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Library
Synopsis: 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.

Buy the Book (Amazon)

Virals is one of the most original books I've ever read! There is so much action, a bit of science, and the typical girl issues.

The first thing I noticed about Virals is the writing style. There's detail but it's matched with wit. There is very clear voice in the writing, and sometimes it's abrupt to prove a point. It makes every word interesting to read.

Tory is a great protagonist. Smart, but pretty. She is strong but has a vulnerable side. She clearly has issues but deals with them and isn't battered and damaged. She's so complicated that she's real. Her friendship with the others makes sense and I like her as a character and person so much that I'd totally be friends with her if she were real. She has crazy fun and slightly dangerous schemes and is a total take charge character. I'm not going to forget about Tory Brennan anytime soon.

One thing that made Virals great were all the details. The plot was very carefully thought of. Little details like various student's religion, Whitney's attitude and the librarian. The idea was original and everything that happened was part of a greater scheme. Some parts were outrageous but given parts from the other story, they made at least a little sense.

My one not really problem but comment was that these students were obviously super smart, so when they talked science and explained things, they talked a bit like textbooks for that one second explaining stuff. I'm pretty young and was completely thrown off by that point. I would have enjoyed better, more teen-ish explanations but since they're apparently geniuses, it may be just me.

Overall, a great read. So much fun and while I wasn't 100% hooked, I do have to admit this is a really cool story. I can totally imagine it as a movie. Definitely something to check out but it's not really a light read. 4.5 stars,

**** & 1/2 *