Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Flame Tree Press Tour - The Apocalypse Strain

TITLE: The Apocalypse Strain
AUTHOR: Jason Parent
PUBLISHER: Flame Tree Press
PUBLISHING DATE: August 2020


FROM GOODREADS: 

A multi-national research team, led by a medical genomics expert suffering from MS, study an ancient pandoravirus at a remote Siberian research facility. Called "Molli" by the research team, the organic substance reveals some unique but troublesome characteristics, qualities that, in the wrong hands, could lead to human extinction. The researchers soon learn that even in the right hands, Molli is a force too dangerous to escape their compound. But the virus has a mind of its own, and it wants out.   


MY THOUGHTS:
I think I've read more books about viruses since the pandemic broke out than I ever did before.  Maybe it's easier to lose myself in a fictional tale rather than watch the real-life horror playing out right before our eyes.  Either way, The Apocalypse Strain was a great distraction. 

The story takes place in remote Siberia and you all know how I love my cold and arctic settings.  I immediately started to get a The Thing movie vibe.  This book features various characters who have been brought together for a common purpose and I really loved how Parent fleshed out all of the characters, and showed how each viewed what was going on and how they handled the crisis, flaws and all.  There are some pretty gruesome scenes so the book probably isn't for the faint of heart but if you are a horror lover, then I think you'll enjoy the ride.  Also, be aware that Parent isn't afraid to kill off characters.  While that may bother some, it just assists in setting up the tension for the reader and let's face it, it's horror so we know some people are going to die. 

This fast-paced action novel would lend itself well to the big screen.  Molli is an interesting "character" of her own and the ending lends itself to perhaps a sequel someday.  Don't let this one pass you by!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 4 PAWS



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason is an author of horror, thrillers,and science fiction, though his novels tend to blur the boundaries between genres. From his award-winning first horror/mystery novel, What Hides Within, to his widely
applauded supernatural thriller, Seeing Evil, Jason’s work has earned him praise from both critics and avid readers alike.

10 comments:

  1. Huge thanks for the blog tour support xx

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  2. I love the sound of this. And I know what you mean, books about viral pandemics are everywhere these days. Is it coincidence, or are we just noticing them more?

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    1. I honestly think we are just noticing them more. But I am sure there will probably be a rash of them, as well as movies, next year.

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  3. An arctic setting, a new virus, suspense and horror...what more could anyone want?

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  4. For some reason I don't think of pandemic books as horror more like dystopia. All too real right now. But I usually enjoy these type of stories.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. I guess it's all in how they are done but yea, dystopian would fit too. Unless the virus has a mind of its own and becomes more of a creature.

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  5. Oh hey!! :-D Here's the book you just commented on my FB page about. I need to check this one out!!

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