A team of scientists unlocks the secret of the next phase of human evolution in the most unstable geological region on the planet . . . at the bottom of the sea in the Pacific Ring of Fire. When a massive earthquake rocks Oceania, generating a tsunami that decimates the surrounding islands and sinks the research vessel, a rescue team is dispatched . . . only to find that the majority of the crew had been slaughtered prior to the ship’s foundering.
The survivors find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere on an island that’s being ripped apart from the inside out, desperately trying to reach the lone settlement on the far side.
But they aren’t alone.
Something is hunting them from the jungle, something borne of the fire at the Earth’s core. And their only hope for escape rests in the hands of a man who would sooner let them all die than share the island’s secrets.
Michael McBride was born in Colorado and still resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He hates the snow, but loves the Avalanche. He works with medical radiation, yet somehow managed to produce five children, none of whom, miraculously, have tails, third eyes, or other random mutations. He writes fiction that runs the gamut from thriller to horror to science fiction...and loves every minute of it.
Michael McBride is the master at building tension, each chapter is another turn of the screw, continually amplifying that feeling of latent hostility, nervousness and awareness of being stalked, imminent conflict from every conceivable angle.
I listened to the audio version of Vector Borne and was dragged in to the point of walking extra miles just to get further into the story, searching for a point where the unease relented but it just never came, the pace never subsided and it was nerve shredding at times.
Vector Borne starts off in multiple locations throughout the world as startling discoveries are made, discoveries that could explain the rapid demise of cultures all over the world. Mysteries that have plagued and haunted for decades, lifetimes of wonder.
A team of divers are collecting samples on the sea bed at the Pacific Ring of Fire when the first tremors of an earthquake strike and a frantic journey back to the ship ensues before disaster strikes in the form of a vicious tsunami. All but a few are dead and out of the wreckage climbs a predator the likes of which mankind has not seen before. Who would have thought Mother Nature could produce something with such purpose, only one thing on its mind, one thing coursing through its veins, the desire to kill, the only way it can possibly survive.
The rescue ship arrives and amongst them are men with a lot more on their minds than saving people, these men are searching for something and they’ll do just about anything to keep their secrets as one tiny island turns into a hunting ground.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vector Borne and decided on 4.5* simply because the main female character annoyed me at times and it didn't seem the right place for a blossoming relationship.
The audio version of Vector Borne was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review and that is what you have.
Michael McBride is an author that certainly doesn't "skimp" when it comes to doing his research! This novel was so full of facts, that it was almost impossible to keep in mind that it was a work of fiction. McBride's characterization is another strong point in his works. No matter how many characters he has in a novel or novella, you come away feeling as though you actually KNOW them. These are not your stereotypical throw-away people, he puts the extra effort into making every aspect of his work REAL for the readers.
Without giving away any of the plot, this novel should prove to be a must-read for fans of horror, thriller, and science fiction alike. There was so much to take in, that I had to give this novel 100% of my attention.
Yes, it was worth every minute!
The gore and bloodshed, the scientific research, characterization, and atmosphere all blended together perfectly to leave you with that "What if?" feeling after you've finished reading. McBride is a master at his craft, and I, for one, wouldn't want to miss out on any of his future endeavors!
For those who love Burial Ground, Vector Borne by Michael McBride is another awesome thriller from one of the horror genre's best authors.
12 years ago scientists discover odd humanoid remains in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, that are the first of its kind. 5 years later, very similar remains are discovered in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Three years after that another one is discovered in Guatemala. 5 months ago yet another is discovered in Zambia. What is becoming clear with each find is that "Chaco Man," obviously named after the original discovery, could very well be the next step in human evolution.
It's present day and in the Feni Islands, South Pacific Ocean, 52 km East of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, and an earthquake-induced tsunami has devastated the region. A research boat sinks off of the coast and when the rescue team shows up, it's very quickly obvious that this wasn't entirely accidental. Whatever took down the ship is still out there and it's hunting them...
I wish that I had half of this man's writing ability. McBride takes you on another adventure in the South Pacific, one that will terrify and enthrall you at the same time.
If I had to choose one word to describe Michael McBride’s books, I would choose, adventurous.
From the frozen Himalayas to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean….. From Peru to the Rocky Mountains… McBride will take you on one heck of a journey.
I love how his books involve history and discovery, and my personal favorite, survival. Throwing in sinister characters or ancient spirits, scaled predators or behemoth sized creatures.
This story was fast paced and had me super tensed from start to finish.
Good! Good! Good! The first chapter draws you into a world of mystery and as the story unfolds you're thrown head first into a gorified ...<---- I just made that word up)... deceitful, nail biting thriller. Very entertaining!
Blindspot: I learned about Scotoma's in my Strategy Class. Very creative the way
McBride's books are mostly about what happens when new species evolve by genetic manipulation. The themes might be similar, but each story is unique. In man's quest to become better, faster, stronger, healthier; we often lose sight of the moral ramifications of such changes. Vector Borne is another such story. The new species does not have the brakes that are instilled in us, that questions whether what is happening is for man`s betterment and whether it's the right thing to do. Each time you pick up one of McBride's books, it is hard to put down. I, for one, want to see "what happens next. " And what happens next, is a spine-tingling "goes bump in the night" under the bed thing that will grab you and not let you go!
Mr. McBride gets better with each book I read. He is excellent at developing characters you really care about, putting them in situations you can't possibly see how they will get out of, and then does it several more times in each book! I love his imaginative stories, his skill at building suspense and sometimes absolute terror, and then creates an ending that you will never forget. Write on, Mr. McBride, write on; and I will continue reading!
As a fan of Mc Bride, I start Ravi book with high expectations. Will the story be full of enough real science to make it almost true? Will the creatures be fantastically intense? Will the story engulf me? Yes. Yes. And yes! Highly recommend!
I always come out the other side of Michael McBride's books feeling a lot smarter. That's just a fantasy, on my part, I'm still a bit thick. He does his research and his storylines are creative and interesting. He did that here. The characters are engrossing and there is enough action to satisfy. This one was awesome.
Vector Borne is a unique vision if the hell man could create. The source if the biological threat is unique, as is the result if its interaction with people. If you enjoy Douglas Preston or James Rollins, do yourself a favor and start reading Michael McBride, he is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors!
Once again Michael McBride didn’t disappoint me with the storyline of this book! Great story! If ai wasn’t sooo busy with work I would have finished this within a couple of days—-fast-paced and just an amazing read! Looking forward to reading the rest of Michael McBride’s books!
Liked the book. Not necessarily evident as you go through the story as to what is going to happen next, which makes the book that much more interesting. Also really enjoyed the short story at the end called Blindspot, especially the ending.
I like Michael McBrides writing style. His stories flow and there is always plenty of action to keep them moving. Definately one of my go to authors when I want something entertaining and reliable. Well done.
The story moved along at a good pace. Good scientific info and such. I did read it all through, just wasn't as much a thriller / horror as I'd expected. Very little from the "villain" and its own perspective. Lots of jumping back and forth. Was okay.
Once it starts the tension never gives up. The story held together and made sense beginning to end. I liked the creature - felt like I could see it taking shape. And this author always makes me feel the cold.
What a thrilling, crazy, actually kind of believable story! Excellent! Very inventive but still plausible, great characters, scary creatures and some gore.
Wow....I am so glad I read another McBride novel. This book was nerve racking to the end-and that was a good thing. The adrenaline rush that started at the beginning just kept building and building until a swashbuckling conclusion and beautiful ending. To say the least, I am very impressed with the story- the narrative, the attention to detail, and the movie that was playing in my mind as I kept reading. This isn't some B Horror Movie subject matter either- like any good cryptozoogical book, it makes the reader believe that it could theoretically happen. Also, it has that distinct flavor of making you feel like you are there, in the Andes hiking with thousands of mosquitoes jabbing at you viewing the happenings on the trail in a very perilous journey.
One common theme I have found so far in my second McBride book is that of the broken and vengeful father figure who is determined at all costs to destroy that which had destroyed his child. You really do empathize with the emotions and characteristics that make this father who he is, often a man of infinite wealth who has realized all the money in the world cannot buy back his dead child, and it rots him out from the inside, feeling the primordial need to strike back, even at the risk of destroying himself.
As I did a little research on Michael McBride through his website and reader comments, there are a lot of references to being the next Michael Crichton. I would say he is definitely in the race, quite possibly at first place....
I like scary books. I've found that Michael McBride's books scare me. This book kept my attention and made me wish I were reading instead of doing other things. He always has a good storyline and different kinds of creatures. He really likes to use the word "detritus." So, if you don't know the meaning of the word, now's the time to look it up...I had to. Happy Reading!!
Scifi at it's best. If you read just one of Michael McBride's books, than you will be eager to read them all. This novel has scientists ,military, adventures, a bit of romance and a previously undiscovered lifeform. A lifeform that takes first place in the food chain away from man. The story begins in the ocean and on a volcanic island. Another book that proves it's not safe in the water or land.