Virals by Kathy Reichs
Nov 2, 2010
- thriller, YA, sci-fi -
reviewed by Tara SG
received for review via Traveling ARC Tours
Book Order (Virals)
- Virals * * 1/2
- Virals 2 (Summer 2011)
Links
Author’s Website : www.kathyreichs.com
Amazon : pre-order hardcover
Add To Your GoodReads TBR List
This book in 6 words:
the kids didn’t seem that smart
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I really love the show Bones and although I haven’t read any of Kathy Reichs books, when I came across a summary of Virals it sounded like something I would like. I won’t say I didn’t like it. I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. The kids did not seem as smart as they were bragging about being. This was definitely for a younger age group so perhaps making them sound too smart wouldn’t have worked for that target audience. The mystery was well-done and I did NOT see how it was all going to come together. I’m not sure if I’ll read the following books in the series or not.
Brief 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.
- via GoodReads.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
I did like the plot. I thought that the double mysteries worked well and all came together believably without being predictable. The science was based realistically enough that I didn’t mind the exaggerated side-effects the kids experienced. The pacing was OK. There were parts I wish would have have sped up, but overall I read it in one day and didn’t feel bored.
I liked the writing style as far as the detail, pacing and plot are concerned. I just had issues with the characters. Again, I think this is due mostly to my age and expecting more out of them that I maybe should be.
Characters
Tory is supposed to be super smart. She actually states near the beginning that she is smarter than some college professors. I didn’t think she sounded or acted very intelligent. She uses more teen speak than a “science nerd” would. She makes fun of the mean girls at school because all they care about is boys, however, she drools over a guy who’s traits include being rich, popular, and taken. She’s also quite preoccupied with another popular guy who gives her a lot of attention. This really bothered me. I get that teen girls like the “hot” guy. I was considered pretty smart and nerdy in high school and swooned over the jocks too. So maybe this is real and I just didn’t like it lol.
I mostly enjoyed the boys. I would have liked to have seen more Ben and I can see him playing a bigger role in the future. Hi and Shelton were also well-developed. Hi made me laugh more than any of the others. They seemed to go along with just about anything Tory told them to do, but it worked with their characters.
Recommendations
If you like YA mystery/thillers with a sci-fi touch, then this is for you. Just know that the characters are 14-16 and it’s geared more towards that age group.
Agree! It’s more of a stealth Mid-Grade tha a YA. And I wanted to see more of Ben, too.
I liked this a bit more than you did, but I agree it did feel young YA or older MG. My major issue was that Tory kept bringing up Tempe, when she really only met her once and has only known she was related to her for a short time. Everything seemed like, oh what would Tempe do? I get that she’s a science geek and the idea of having a famous scientific relative is cool, but it seemed like a desperate attempt to connect the 2 series when they don’t have anything else in common.
Interesting review. I haven’t read her adult books, so I wasn’t so excited about this novel as other people.
BTW, I gave you an award on my blog: http://fictionkingdom.blogspot.com/2010/08/im-back-award.html
Darn. I was really looking forward to this one because, like you, I love the TV show Bones and the description for Virals sounded interesting. I’ll probably still give it a shot, but I’m checking to see if the library has it first. Thanks for sharing!
Kids are always thinking they are smarter than they really are. And in my case, most of the kids I know, my little sisters and cousins, are smarter than me. LOL!
I hadn’t heard of these books, but then again, I haven’t read much in the sci-fi genre. I’ve been reading a lot of YA for YA appreciate month, but I’ve noticed that I get into genre ruts.
That should be our next discussion topic. How to break out of a genre rut?
Tory kind of sounds like a typical pretentious teen, still trying to find herself, but yeah, I get what your saying about the things that bothered you about her. And I love well developed male characters that make me laugh (and swoon).
I’m gonna say I’m on the fence about giving this one a try.
Thanks for the review.
Hey, there’s an award for you over at my blog!
Here:
http://kapri-bookfanatics.blogspot.com/2010/08/versatile-blogger-award.html
@ Tiger Holland : I’m really glad I’m not the only one who felt that way!
@ Jennifer : That bothered me too. It also seemed unlikely that she would have the same last name if he was her father’s aunt and she has her mother’s last name…
I’m glad you liked it!
@ Spav : Awww thanks!!
I haven’t read her adult books either, but I love Bones. I’m thinking I’d still give her adult books a try even though I won’t read the rest of this series.
@ Natalie : This is definitely a good get from the library book. It was a fairly quick and easy read, just know that it’s geared toward MG before starting it. I think that helped.
@ Missie : LOL that’s very, very true. Good point!
I only heard about it because I like the show Bones a lot so when I heard that the author was writing a YA, I wanted to check it out.
That’s a great idea!! We should think of a good group challenge where we pick books for each other or something. (I’ll email you about it!)
I think this would be a good one to try from the library or a friend.
@ Kapri : Sweet!! Thanks!
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