What if your world changed in a split second, destroying everything you thought you knew and thrusting you into a world where your very survival depends on every move you make, every decision, and every step you take? Every. Move. Matters.
An explosion at the army depot unleashes a deadly cloud carrying a genetically engineered virus that turns people into flesh-eating zombies. High school senior, Casey Williams has taken refuge at the school with friends and others who managed to survive the blast and ensuing viral outbreak. They’re safe. For now. But supplies are running short, and tempers are running shorter as Casey realizes the time is coming they will need to get out. She is determined to lead her friends to safety only to discover that she’s led them into even greater danger. Determined to save her friends, she fights the living and the undead in her quest to survive.
D. M. Fife
A zombie novel YA readers can sink their teeth into!!!
Author, Skyler Rankin, has truly created a good read in the short novel, Viral Dawn. Although nothing new has been introduced into the zombie mythos, Ms. Logsdon has succeeded in merging just about every traditional zombie aspect that I have encountered, either through literature or film. However, this fact does not take away from the reading experience but instead enhances it. The main character, Casey, is a strong female lead, supported by a well-developed cast of characters. Casey finds herself thrust into a world of flesh-eating zombies that tend to only come out at night. However, there are a few subtle hints in the story that there is simply more to them than that. Perhaps they are evolving? If you wish to know more, I suggest you read the book.
The work is well written and flows at a nice pace, with a few slow parts that seem to coincide with what Casey is experiencing and feeling. I would have liked a little more action in the story, but it is enough to get you through, connected with bouts of drama and intelligent dialogue. For a zombie novel, the blood and gore are kept to a tasteful level, just right.
The end of the story leaves the reader with a heavy cliffhanger, keeping you wanting more. I would most definitely be interested in experiencing more of the world in which Viral Dawn takes place and would recommend this book to the average young adult reader and older audiences.
Viv Drewa 