Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 454
Received: Received from Razorbill in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Buy From Amazon.ca / Buy From Chapters.ca
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Buy From Amazon.ca / Buy From Chapters.ca
Goodreads 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
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 are a pack. They are Virals.
My Review:
I absolutely adore Kathy Reichs, BONES has been one of my favourite TV shows for years. I've read a few of her adult books that the show is based on and they are done very well, with all the science explained for her readers. So getting the chance to see how Reichs transfers her skills to a YA audience was a no-brainer for me.
What caught my attention first off was that Reichs still uses Temperance Brennan (her character from her adult books) as a back drop, the main character in this book, Tory, is Brennan's niece. Reichs uses the science in a different way for her YA audience but it was nice to see that Tory knew a lot because of her aunt. I understand it being hard to be an adult writer and transition into YA, but Reichs does a great job with VIRALS.
Reichs' characters in VIRALS are a great bunch that readers can look up to. I loved Tory, she was smart and wasn't afraid of showing it. Tory works hard to get the answers she wants, she is also a very brave character (I also enjoyed that she was not a girly character who dresses up, she's more comfortable around the boys). Tory has definitely become one of my favourite YA female characters because she is so much like a young Brennan.
I absolutely adore Kathy Reichs, BONES has been one of my favourite TV shows for years. I've read a few of her adult books that the show is based on and they are done very well, with all the science explained for her readers. So getting the chance to see how Reichs transfers her skills to a YA audience was a no-brainer for me.
What caught my attention first off was that Reichs still uses Temperance Brennan (her character from her adult books) as a back drop, the main character in this book, Tory, is Brennan's niece. Reichs uses the science in a different way for her YA audience but it was nice to see that Tory knew a lot because of her aunt. I understand it being hard to be an adult writer and transition into YA, but Reichs does a great job with VIRALS.
Reichs' characters in VIRALS are a great bunch that readers can look up to. I loved Tory, she was smart and wasn't afraid of showing it. Tory works hard to get the answers she wants, she is also a very brave character (I also enjoyed that she was not a girly character who dresses up, she's more comfortable around the boys). Tory has definitely become one of my favourite YA female characters because she is so much like a young Brennan.
Just like her Temperance Brennan books, Reichs has a great mix of mystery and action in VIRALS. But she adds in a little extra punch with these characters gaining an extraordinary gift that helps them through their adventures. What I also like about this series is that each book is a different mystery so it is not vital to read one book before the others (though it definitely helps).
Reichs is an author I will continue to follow, and am happy to see that she is able to write for a varied audience. This is definitely a great series to check out (I will definitely be reading the rest of these books!)
I've never read any books by Kathy Reichs before but this one did catch my eye when Razorbill was promoting it a while back. Mystery/crime novels aren't usually my thing but it is always good to get out of your comfort zone! Great review!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Dude, what happened here!? *looks around* I adore the new look of your blog! *claps in excitement* It's beautiful and soooo cute! So YOU! :D Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you enjoyed Virals - I need to pick it up sometime soon, have a copy of it lying around somewhere I think.. So awesome to know that the book didn't disappoint you - great review!