I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Contagion by Erin Bowman Published by HarperCollins on July 24, 2018
Genres: Action & Adventure, General, Science Fiction, Survival Stories, Thrillers & Suspense, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 432
Source: the publisher
A small team from a research facility is sent to answer a distress call on a small planet, thought unusable and inhabitable, named Achlys. The call was sent by a drilling crew there to mine corrarium, a vastly important alternative energy source. The journey is long, requiring them to be put on stasis for most of the trek.
When they arrive, they find the bodies of the drilling crew. Their cause of death isn't readily apparent, but it isn't long before they, too, fall victim to the contagion that spreads so rampantly. It spreads quickly through the bodies of its victims; turning them into zombie-like creatures desperate to spread their fatal virus.
Quickly, this changes from a mission of rescue and recovery to one of survival. The circumstances of this mission were guarded and vague, and unfortunately now the crew knows why. One sole individual on the crew has visited this very planet before...and was the only one to have survived it. It's time that the secrets of Achlys are brought to life, in many more ways than one.
I’m all about a sci-fi/horror mash up and boy, did this one exceed my expectations. Reading the description, it instantly reminded me of Aliens, one of my very favorite space-based horror movies. Though similar, this one truly rose above, standing on it’s own as a truly well-written novel.
Though there is one primary narrator, the reader does get the perspective of a multitude of other secondary characters. I appreciated the strength (and weaknesses) of the female characters and the diverse cast. This is the first of at least a few books (I hope) and serves as a great jumping off point into what should be a truly outstanding series. I was intrigued by the interaction of the characters, and how their battle with human nature influenced their actions, leading them either toward survival or decimation.
The ending paves way for the next book with a cliff hanger that is just subtle enough to keep the interest going. I was pleased with how Bowman ended this one, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next! Highly recommended.
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