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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
If you like a good mystery/adventure, then this book is for you. This is a good YA book for middle/high school kids. In this book you follow around a group of kids as they try to save there island by finding lost treasure. They do tie this book in with Kathy Reich's other book by mentioning Temperance Brennan.
2.5/5
CW: death, violence, mental hospitals
Includes: pirates, historical elements, sci-fi elements, forensic science
This book was far weaker than its predecessor. Aside from what was stated in the acknowledgements, it's clear that Reichs isn't terribly comfortable or familiar with the young adult audience. While she weaves an intriguing adventure story filled with really interesting fun facts, it's clear from her depiction of Tory that she doesn't seem to have the highest opinion of teens.
Tory Brennan is headstrong and doesn't think twice about breaking the rules to get what she wants. She has a certain level of privilege that she doesn't mind dragging her friends down with her. There were many aspects to her character that bothered me a little in the first book, but they only seem to get amplified in the sequel. To name a few: how she nonchalantly brushes off Ben's claim to indigenous roots, her unnatural ability to logic any problem through unless it comes to men (which she seems to dedicate none of her brain cells towards), how she can't seem to have a positive relationship with any of the women in her life and consistently looks down upon their intellect because they aren't STEM oriented, how she explodes at people and doesn't seem to feel all that bad about it, and how she seems confident in herself almost to the point of arrogance. Overall, it doesn't make her the most pleasant character to follow, however the plot is what really keeps this whole thing together.
Again, I really appreciate Kathy's efforts to maintain a diverse group, but their marginalized identities only seem to ever come into play when they're important to the mystery. Character development really isn't a thing in these two books as far as I can see, and it's a real shame. Just some ideas of how she could have made their identities go deeper than surface level - Shelton could be more wary of breaking rules considering how law enforcement historically treats black people. Hi is a fat, Jewish kid who seems to fall to the butt of casual fatphobia, that could literally be woven into anything. We get to see more of Ben here because of his Sewee ties (which was super cool), but keeping it consistent throughout and not having Tory mentally mock him every time would also be really amazing.
The plot, as I mentioned before, remains the strong point of this novel, however there are definitely times where it feels like these kids know WAY TOO MUCH convenient information. There is one instance that I can think of (view spoiler) that felt realistic. Sometimes it just feels like they know way too much obscure facts that happen to relate. I wouldn't mind if they knew the knowledge, but it took them a while to recall it instead of being these amazing almanacs with a control G function. It's a little too convenient.
Anne Bonny was a really interest character and I loved the casual bisexual rep with her, it's really too bad that all of the boys had to be written as pervs who sexualize woman/woman relationships. That just felt really unnecessary, and Tory just kind of accepts it. "Boys will be boys" as the disgusting excuse goes.
Overall, it's a fun read which warrants the 2+ rating, but I had to knock it down so many stars for the 1) lack in character development 2) Tory just being rude and getting away with it and 3) the little problematic aspects. I will say, this story was written back when these little things certainly wouldn't have been noted resulting a poor aging.
CW: death, violence, mental hospitals
Includes: pirates, historical elements, sci-fi elements, forensic science
This book was far weaker than its predecessor. Aside from what was stated in the acknowledgements, it's clear that Reichs isn't terribly comfortable or familiar with the young adult audience. While she weaves an intriguing adventure story filled with really interesting fun facts, it's clear from her depiction of Tory that she doesn't seem to have the highest opinion of teens.
Tory Brennan is headstrong and doesn't think twice about breaking the rules to get what she wants. She has a certain level of privilege that she doesn't mind dragging her friends down with her. There were many aspects to her character that bothered me a little in the first book, but they only seem to get amplified in the sequel. To name a few: how she nonchalantly brushes off Ben's claim to indigenous roots, her unnatural ability to logic any problem through unless it comes to men (which she seems to dedicate none of her brain cells towards), how she can't seem to have a positive relationship with any of the women in her life and consistently looks down upon their intellect because they aren't STEM oriented, how she explodes at people and doesn't seem to feel all that bad about it, and how she seems confident in herself almost to the point of arrogance. Overall, it doesn't make her the most pleasant character to follow, however the plot is what really keeps this whole thing together.
Again, I really appreciate Kathy's efforts to maintain a diverse group, but their marginalized identities only seem to ever come into play when they're important to the mystery. Character development really isn't a thing in these two books as far as I can see, and it's a real shame. Just some ideas of how she could have made their identities go deeper than surface level - Shelton could be more wary of breaking rules considering how law enforcement historically treats black people. Hi is a fat, Jewish kid who seems to fall to the butt of casual fatphobia, that could literally be woven into anything. We get to see more of Ben here because of his Sewee ties (which was super cool), but keeping it consistent throughout and not having Tory mentally mock him every time would also be really amazing.
The plot, as I mentioned before, remains the strong point of this novel, however there are definitely times where it feels like these kids know WAY TOO MUCH convenient information. There is one instance that I can think of (view spoiler) that felt realistic. Sometimes it just feels like they know way too much obscure facts that happen to relate. I wouldn't mind if they knew the knowledge, but it took them a while to recall it instead of being these amazing almanacs with a control G function. It's a little too convenient.
Anne Bonny was a really interest character and I loved the casual bisexual rep with her, it's really too bad that all of the boys had to be written as pervs who sexualize woman/woman relationships. That just felt really unnecessary, and Tory just kind of accepts it. "Boys will be boys" as the disgusting excuse goes.
Overall, it's a fun read which warrants the 2+ rating, but I had to knock it down so many stars for the 1) lack in character development 2) Tory just being rude and getting away with it and 3) the little problematic aspects. I will say, this story was written back when these little things certainly wouldn't have been noted resulting a poor aging.
When I read Virals #1 I loved the original concept as well as the young but intelligent main characters & an attention grabbing plot. Seizure, the second book in the series, met Virals toe to toe & did not disappoint! Another attention grabbing story (this time about buried treasure) along with plenty of action & the camaraderie and humor between the members of the pack made for another amazing read. Kudos to Kathy Reichs. I can't wait to read Code!
The second book in the Virals series by Kathy Reichs, Seizure, follows Tory, Ben, Shelton and Hi through their next insanely tough adventure. New characters and threats are introduced, and a certain character re-visited.
Even longer than the first book at a whopping 491 pages, Seizure an look a little daunting at first. However, the length makes it perfect for dozens of unexpected twists and hurdles for the Virals to overcome. The Prologue sets the book off to an interesting start, and connections are made throughout the story.
Relatively different to Virals, the group's aim in this sequel is to prevent LIRI from being shut down, and keep Loggerhead available for them to visit. They put together dozens of clues to every unsolved mystery they come across, but I personally found the consequences a little too consequential and hard to believe and their ideas to be rather far-fetched at times. But hey, that's what adventure books are all about, right?
Again, similar typos to before were found, and the writing style is obviously as straight-forward most of the time. Despite being so unbelievable throughout, everything is very cleverly planned and put together. It's an exciting read that brings out both fear and joy for the group of Virals. I'm also going to give this Virals book 3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Read my review of the first book here: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/book-review-virals/
Even longer than the first book at a whopping 491 pages, Seizure an look a little daunting at first. However, the length makes it perfect for dozens of unexpected twists and hurdles for the Virals to overcome. The Prologue sets the book off to an interesting start, and connections are made throughout the story.
Relatively different to Virals, the group's aim in this sequel is to prevent LIRI from being shut down, and keep Loggerhead available for them to visit. They put together dozens of clues to every unsolved mystery they come across, but I personally found the consequences a little too consequential and hard to believe and their ideas to be rather far-fetched at times. But hey, that's what adventure books are all about, right?
Again, similar typos to before were found, and the writing style is obviously as straight-forward most of the time. Despite being so unbelievable throughout, everything is very cleverly planned and put together. It's an exciting read that brings out both fear and joy for the group of Virals. I'm also going to give this Virals book 3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Read my review of the first book here: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/book-review-virals/
Seizure was a fun adventure – how many people haven’t thought of going on a treasure hunt at least once in their lifetime. The pirates were a great way of drawing you into the story, and are in keeping with the history of Charleston and North Carolina.
The Virals get up to just as much mischief as they did in the previous books, although there is somewhat less shooting involved. A lot of night-time adventures and narrowly avoiding getting grounded – again.
The teens are still fairly normal teens despite what they have been through together and it was nice to see that. There are a lot of YA novels lately that seem to have anyone with even the slightest of superpowers be either completely oblivious to that fact for most of their lives then accept it like they always had their superpowers, or go completely the opposite direction. The Virals manage to have a freak-out about their newly acquired powers, but also accept that they can’t do anything about it, whether or not they want the powers, without going overboard.
All in all Seizure was a good YA mystery. The science that was in it was nicely explained so that even if you don’t have a real science brain, you can understand it. The mystery was well-plotted and interesting and the adventure was fun.
Full review here
The Virals get up to just as much mischief as they did in the previous books, although there is somewhat less shooting involved. A lot of night-time adventures and narrowly avoiding getting grounded – again.
The teens are still fairly normal teens despite what they have been through together and it was nice to see that. There are a lot of YA novels lately that seem to have anyone with even the slightest of superpowers be either completely oblivious to that fact for most of their lives then accept it like they always had their superpowers, or go completely the opposite direction. The Virals manage to have a freak-out about their newly acquired powers, but also accept that they can’t do anything about it, whether or not they want the powers, without going overboard.
All in all Seizure was a good YA mystery. The science that was in it was nicely explained so that even if you don’t have a real science brain, you can understand it. The mystery was well-plotted and interesting and the adventure was fun.
Full review here
LIRI, the lab the Virals’ parents work for, is slated to be shut down due to budget cuts. Tory gets the idea of searching for a famous local pirate’s treasure, and the Virals set out on a treasure hunt. Secret tunnels, bobby traps, riddles in Gaelich, and someone on their trail out to get them, this is a wild adventure.
I really like this one (who doesn’t like the thought of trying to find ancient treasures?), especially as the Virals are in it try to save the research institute with what they might find (and keep the group together with their parents not having to find jobs elsewhere).
I really like this one (who doesn’t like the thought of trying to find ancient treasures?), especially as the Virals are in it try to save the research institute with what they might find (and keep the group together with their parents not having to find jobs elsewhere).
Got to love this book. Though if these were my kids I'd have to put them on lockdown for a very long time. Not sure why others don't like these books more.
I admit, I am normally not a huge fan of pirate books, but this one was REALLY good! I would definitely consider reading it again (I love this series :)
I enjoyed this book much better than the first. The story seemed to move much quicker and while I still think the whole "we have powers" thing is ridiculous, the story is well written