Two Bloggers One Series - A Rodent-Filled Meet Cute?

 

TITLE: Lair (Rats #2)

AUTHOR: James Herbert

PUBLISHER: Pan Books

PUBLISHING DATE: January 1, 1979

PAGES: 273   

SOURCE: Own Library

FROM GOODREADS: The mutant white rat had grown and mated, creating offspring in its own image. They dominated the others, the dark-furred ones, who foraged for food and brought it back to The Lair. Now the dark rats were restless, tormented by a craving they could not satisfy. But the white slug-like thing that ruled them knew. Its two heads weaved to and fro and a stickiness drooled from its mouth as it remembered the taste of human flesh.

MY THOUGHTS: I buddy read the first in this series last year so when my friend asked if I was interested in picking up the second one, I jumped at the opportunity. 

It has been several years since the rats invaded London and caused death and mayhem.  This installment takes place in Eppling Forest, a small community which focuses on wildlife preservation.  Luke Pender is called to the area to look into some suspected rat activity, as it is his primary job with RatKill to make sure the dreaded black rats don't return.  Well, guess what?  They have returned and they are bigger and nastier than ever.  Along the way Luke meets Jenny, a tutor at the local conversation center.  Together, they work to get the community to take the new threat seriously before it's too late.

This book is basically a full-on creature feature full of lots of action and very little plot.  The reader encounters some interesting characters along the way, but none have a very pertinent role in Lair other than becoming rat-chewed victims.  I am a bit amazed that Herbert managed to work a love story into so much carnage but hey, it kind of worked.  At least it gives the reader something else to cheer for other than the destruction of the giant rates or the death of some shady men and women.  

This was a fun read and I'm glad I picked it up.  As I mentioned, not a whole lot in the way of plot other than wiping out a giant rat colony but it provided some good entertainment.  I will definitely be picking up the third one.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS