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jenni28's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A solid 4 stars for this one.
I read this when it first came out in 2010 when I was travelling and remembered enjoying it at the time. Whilst browsing in a book shop I found that there were two sequels and so, I thought, since it's been 14 years (!!!) since I read the first installment, I'd give it another go before diving into books 2 & 3.
I'm glad I did because most of the plot hadn't stuck with me at all.
Don't be put off by "it's a book about vampires" because this is way more Walking Dead than it is Twilight. It's dark, creepy and terrifying, involving a mass government conspiracy that unwittingly unleashed a deadly virus that ends civilisation on the North American continent. The novel follows a series of different central characters, but also introduces some others who exit the scene rather quickly but definitely add to the flavour of the book.
I did prefer the first half of the book to the second - it got a little bit "samey" and reputative towards the end, but all in all, a good post-apocalyptic thriller/horror that's worth your time if that's your thing.
I read this when it first came out in 2010 when I was travelling and remembered enjoying it at the time. Whilst browsing in a book shop I found that there were two sequels and so, I thought, since it's been 14 years (!!!) since I read the first installment, I'd give it another go before diving into books 2 & 3.
I'm glad I did because most of the plot hadn't stuck with me at all.
Don't be put off by "it's a book about vampires" because this is way more Walking Dead than it is Twilight. It's dark, creepy and terrifying, involving a mass government conspiracy that unwittingly unleashed a deadly virus that ends civilisation on the North American continent. The novel follows a series of different central characters, but also introduces some others who exit the scene rather quickly but definitely add to the flavour of the book.
I did prefer the first half of the book to the second - it got a little bit "samey" and reputative towards the end, but all in all, a good post-apocalyptic thriller/horror that's worth your time if that's your thing.
victoria1026's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
midnight7marauder's review against another edition
Didn't like the time jump or the change in writing style.
geasha1m's review against another edition
4.0
there is quite a bit i have to say about this one but since i havent finished reading the series ill wait until i have. For now, i liked it, however i had some issues with the writing and story and characters. Its still a 4* for now, simply because of the scope and ambition of this series but for it to stay on 4* the next 2 books need to give me something a little more tight/solid in the writing.
ladyblayde's review against another edition
5.0
What an epic, amazing book! Cronin could have easily split this into multiple books and turned it into a series, but I am so glad he didn't! This book combines the best about "virus" thrillers, zombie books, apocalyptic novels and still has a strong cast of characters you care about.
There should be more books like this one.
There should be more books like this one.
francisabernathyenthusiast's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
bonhoefferfan's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book but the sequels were far too bloated and unsatisfying.
ingridelaine82's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing story full of great imagery. Although this has a lot of the same characteristics as the stand it's a stand alone great novel. Looking forward to the next!
cyaos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25