Peeps {book review}

I’m trying out a new format for this review.

PLEASE let me know what you think!

This book in 6 words: combining my loves : vampires and microbiology

Why did I read this?

I came across a post about Peeps by Scott Westerfield while reading VampChix. I only skimmed the post finding out that it was a YA vampire novel with a science spin. I added it to my TBR list and requested it from the library. I had no idea I was about to read one of my all time favorite books. DISCLAIMER: I am a complete science nerd with a microbiology degree which probably highly influenced my giving the book a five star rating. However, I think that I would have given it at least 4 stars even if I wasn’t a huge nerd.

Brief Summary

A year ago, Cal Thompson was brand new to New York City and more interested in meeting girls than attending freshman biology. Then he spent the night with a mysterious woman named Morgan. Now, biology has become, literally, Cal’s life. Cal was infected by a parasite that has a horrifying effect on its host. When you’re a parasite positive, a “peep”, you start to hate sunlight. You develop superhuman strength and superhuman senses. Your form a strange bond with rats. You crave blood – human blood. Cal is not a full-blown peep, but a carrier: infected but still sane, still able to control his urges. His tragedy: He can never be with a girl again… But when an investigation throws him together with a beautiful girl named Lace, Cal’s resolve to live his life alone is put to the test. – via inside cover

Plot/Pacing/Place

I LOVED this take on vampirism (a term rarely even used in the book)! This idea that a parasite could turn a human into something more is actually likely. The book alternates between chapters about the main characters and chapters about parasites. I’m not sure which were scarier… probably the science ones. Scott Westerfield did his research (there is even a bibliography in the back). The parasites and diseases talked about ARE REAL! As a microbio nerd I really enjoyed how entertaining he made science. You do not have to be a science nerd to appreciate these chapters!

The story itself was fast-pasted and wonderfully pieced together. The twists will keep you guessing rounding out with an ending I didn’t see coming. Cal starts with having to track down turned ex-girlfriends. This leads to an apartment building that seems to have had some kind of disaster involving four apartments. It’s this investigation that brings him close to Lace and reveals secrets that have been buried for generations.

Characters

I really like Cal as a narrator. He is intelligent, funny, and tragically confused about why this has all happened to him. Lace is also a great character (although she probably could have said “dude” less…). The members of the agency Cal works for, Night Watch, are also well-written and interesting.

Recommendations

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sci-fi, paranormal, horror, or science mystery book!! Like I said before you do NOT have to be a science nerd to love this story. It wasn’t overly gory, but it did keep me on the edge of my seat. It’s not often that I finish a book and want to search out other series by the author (and not just other books in the series). I have already requested other books from Scott Westerfield from the library.

Going Deeper

While the book is primarily about the parasite and its hosts, I felt like there was a lot about will-power and doing what you have to for the greater good. Cal is forbidden to even kiss another human. As a carrier, he can still pass the parasite via sex or saliva. Oh and the parasite knowing this makes him super horny. He not only joins the Night Watch and hunts down his old exs, he agrees to never be with another person ever again. This is a huge sacrifice that I don’t think many people would attempt. He didn’t choose this life and yet he is giving his all to secretly save humanity.