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Virus Thirteen: A Medical Thriller
An irreverent and contagious thriller from debut author Joshua Alan Parry
Scientists James Logan and his wife, Linda, have their dream careers at the world’s leading biotech company, GeneFirm, Inc. But their happiness is interrupted by a devastating bioterrorist attack: a deadly superflu that quickly becomes a global pandemic. The GeneFirm complex goes into lockdown and Linda’s research team is sent to high-security underground labs to develop a vaccine.
Above ground, James learns that GeneFirm security has been breached and Linda is in danger. To save her he must confront a desperate terrorist, armed government agents, and an invisible killer: Virus Thirteen.
Scientists James Logan and his wife, Linda, have their dream careers at the world’s leading biotech company, GeneFirm, Inc. But their happiness is interrupted by a devastating bioterrorist attack: a deadly superflu that quickly becomes a global pandemic. The GeneFirm complex goes into lockdown and Linda’s research team is sent to high-security underground labs to develop a vaccine.
Above ground, James learns that GeneFirm security has been breached and Linda is in danger. To save her he must confront a desperate terrorist, armed government agents, and an invisible killer: Virus Thirteen.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 11, 2013
I picked this up in the airport because I LOVE pandemic/emerging virus novels. And I thought, "Wow a doctor wrote this, it will probably contain lots of the awesome, gory medical details that I crave."
NOPE. He doesn't even describe the symptoms of the 'superflu'. Also, his hero gets a DNA sample from hair he 'trimmed' from his children's heads. Don't ya need the root bulb for DNA, doctor? Even *I* know that.
Other fails:
Dude has brain surgery and walks out of the hospital the next day and resumes normal schedule.
Dialog is ridiculously wooden and unrealistic. Does this author converse with human beings on a regular basis?
Characters are so two-dimensional this was almost set in "Flatland"
Characters behave in stupid unbelievable ways. One example: In a crisis (lock-down at the building where hero and his wife are both employed) the hero doesn't even spare a single thought re: I hope the kids are okay. Whaaa?
The ending is WEAK. Stuff is left unexplained. It's as if this author hit his word-count goal and just went 'screw it, I'll write a weaksauce epilogue that explains NOTHING and be done with it."
Terribly disappointing. This author has a good imagination but desperately needs a good editor.
If you want an excellent thriller with a nasty virus theme, check out Richard Preston's The Cobra Event.
Also, Vince Flynn's glowing blurb on the cover for this piece of crap guarantees I will never read Vince Flynn.
NOPE. He doesn't even describe the symptoms of the 'superflu'. Also, his hero gets a DNA sample from hair he 'trimmed' from his children's heads. Don't ya need the root bulb for DNA, doctor? Even *I* know that.
Other fails:
Dude has brain surgery and walks out of the hospital the next day and resumes normal schedule.
Dialog is ridiculously wooden and unrealistic. Does this author converse with human beings on a regular basis?
Characters are so two-dimensional this was almost set in "Flatland"
Characters behave in stupid unbelievable ways. One example: In a crisis (lock-down at the building where hero and his wife are both employed) the hero doesn't even spare a single thought re: I hope the kids are okay. Whaaa?
The ending is WEAK. Stuff is left unexplained. It's as if this author hit his word-count goal and just went 'screw it, I'll write a weaksauce epilogue that explains NOTHING and be done with it."
Terribly disappointing. This author has a good imagination but desperately needs a good editor.
If you want an excellent thriller with a nasty virus theme, check out Richard Preston's The Cobra Event.
Also, Vince Flynn's glowing blurb on the cover for this piece of crap guarantees I will never read Vince Flynn.
July 10, 2021
Premise: In a future suffering from global warming storms and government-mandated health requirements, scientists James Logan and his wife, Linda, work at GeneFirm, the world’s leading biotech company. It is there that so much of the world’s vaccines are developed and where genetic research has essentially eliminated most diseases.
When a bioterrorist attack spreads a super-flu virus around the world, GeneFirm is tapped to come up with a vaccine. The problem is that Linda is the head of the research team developing the vaccine and her team ends up in lockdown in the underground labs at GeneFirm.
After he collapses from a supposed brain tumor, James goes looking for answers. He is supposed to be immune to cancer because of the preventative genetic alterations most people have done to themselves, but in his search he learns the flu virus attack is more than it seems. When he discovers the reasons for the attack, his life and those he loves are in danger, but the worldwide ramifications are much greater.
Themes: Current scientific issues are the primary theme of Virus Thirteen. We are shown one idea of the after-effects of global warming. Most diseases are eliminated through vaccines and genetic manipulation. The ramifications of curing some of those diseases are what is really at issue. What happens when curing a disease is worse than letting it continue to exist?
Government-controlled health care is an issue that is covered. Because most diseases have a cure in Virus Thirteen, vaccines and genetic alterations are mandated, though some people shirk the government and have free births. Heart disease prevention is enforced through government agencies who track down overweight people and force them into grueling and controlled exercise and eating programs.
Pros: Virus Thirteen has a quick tempo with short chapters, making it pretty readable and easy to consume. The premise is interesting as a future pandemic postulation in spite of the rough execution. The highly-technical scientific subjects are made surprisingly easy to understand thanks to a knowledgeable author.
Cons: One major problem with Virus Thirteen is the lack of setting. It is set in the future, but with no explanation of exactly when or where these events are taking place apart from a couple mentions of Austin, Texas. The metaphor and simile use is awful, and that’s not the worst part of the prose. With the amount of flippant profanity, sex, and inane humor I felt like I was reading the polished work of a high school student, complete with insults about overweight people with fat and poop jokes. On top of this, I sensed a political agenda with the focus on global warming and genetic manipulation, with an antagonism toward children because of a perceived overpopulation on the planet.
Recommendations: If you have a juvenile sense of humor and are looking for a quick read about the near future that touches on scientific ethics, politics, and genetic manipulation, by all means give Virus Thirteen a shot. These also happen to be its biggest faults, trying too hard to be unsuccessfully funny in places and with a disregard to giving the reader a true sense of setting. This lack of place or time made the global warming and genetic science of Virus Thirteen weaker, to the point where the story suffers from a lack in believability or plausible objectivity. Virus Thirteen is fast-paced and about as lighthearted as a global pandemic can be, but there are also so many other better executed post-apocalyptic novels out there.
When a bioterrorist attack spreads a super-flu virus around the world, GeneFirm is tapped to come up with a vaccine. The problem is that Linda is the head of the research team developing the vaccine and her team ends up in lockdown in the underground labs at GeneFirm.
After he collapses from a supposed brain tumor, James goes looking for answers. He is supposed to be immune to cancer because of the preventative genetic alterations most people have done to themselves, but in his search he learns the flu virus attack is more than it seems. When he discovers the reasons for the attack, his life and those he loves are in danger, but the worldwide ramifications are much greater.
Themes: Current scientific issues are the primary theme of Virus Thirteen. We are shown one idea of the after-effects of global warming. Most diseases are eliminated through vaccines and genetic manipulation. The ramifications of curing some of those diseases are what is really at issue. What happens when curing a disease is worse than letting it continue to exist?
Government-controlled health care is an issue that is covered. Because most diseases have a cure in Virus Thirteen, vaccines and genetic alterations are mandated, though some people shirk the government and have free births. Heart disease prevention is enforced through government agencies who track down overweight people and force them into grueling and controlled exercise and eating programs.
Pros: Virus Thirteen has a quick tempo with short chapters, making it pretty readable and easy to consume. The premise is interesting as a future pandemic postulation in spite of the rough execution. The highly-technical scientific subjects are made surprisingly easy to understand thanks to a knowledgeable author.
Cons: One major problem with Virus Thirteen is the lack of setting. It is set in the future, but with no explanation of exactly when or where these events are taking place apart from a couple mentions of Austin, Texas. The metaphor and simile use is awful, and that’s not the worst part of the prose. With the amount of flippant profanity, sex, and inane humor I felt like I was reading the polished work of a high school student, complete with insults about overweight people with fat and poop jokes. On top of this, I sensed a political agenda with the focus on global warming and genetic manipulation, with an antagonism toward children because of a perceived overpopulation on the planet.
Recommendations: If you have a juvenile sense of humor and are looking for a quick read about the near future that touches on scientific ethics, politics, and genetic manipulation, by all means give Virus Thirteen a shot. These also happen to be its biggest faults, trying too hard to be unsuccessfully funny in places and with a disregard to giving the reader a true sense of setting. This lack of place or time made the global warming and genetic science of Virus Thirteen weaker, to the point where the story suffers from a lack in believability or plausible objectivity. Virus Thirteen is fast-paced and about as lighthearted as a global pandemic can be, but there are also so many other better executed post-apocalyptic novels out there.
May 19, 2017
Virus Thirteen is the debut novel from writer Joshua Alan Parry and depicts a not too distant America in which cancer has a cure and public health is at the forefront of government interest. I know....pure science fiction. The book follows several different characters (James, Modest and Marnoy just to name a few) as a terrifying new super flu virus breaks out causing global panic and hysteria. That description does not really do the book justice because it is much more than a book about the “end of the world”.
The first half of the book is set up. You flash from character to character in order to get an understanding of who they are what they will go through. During these open chapters you applaud the author for creating a cast of unique characters and curse him for not showing more of that one character you really like. I’ll be honest, I wanted to know more about Pat and his luck with a certain female character, but alas, I had to take what I was given and move on. However, that is not to say that the other characters in the book are bad. All of them have their fair share of flaws and stupid mistakes, but they all are interesting to read about. James, for example, is the scientist who discovers a way to make the cancer free gene inheritable. Meanwhile, Marnoy is a government employee who works for the Department of Homeland Health and he has his own secrets to make you want to keep reading.
The second half of the book is where things take a darker turn as a deadly storm starts to brew, the virus’ death toll increases rapidly and the gravity of what is happening is exposed. I won’t say too much about the latter half as to not ruin any of the several plot twists that will leave you cautiously flipping to the next page in anticipation. However, I will say that after the first big reveal the rest becomes less jaw-dropping and more frustrating. (In a good way)
Now let's talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of this book. Starting with the good because there is a lot more of that to discuss. I have to say that the depiction of futuristic America is believable and well explained. For example, instead of IDs, government officials can simply scan your wrists in order to pull up your information. And remember when I said that “public health is at the forefront of government interest” well that is because if people are healthier, they won’t have to go to hospitals and consequently the government does not have to pay for the medical bills. Also, in hopes of enforcing a healthier lifestyle, those deemed unhealthy are sent to “health retreats” in which they spend six weeks in a hellish white walled rehabilitation program. This may not sound fun, but I would not be surprised if such “retreats” actually become reality. I mean, hey, we already have shows like The Biggest Loser which pretty much do that but telecast it globally. What I am trying to say about this, is that Joshua Alan Parry’s depiction of the future feels very close to that of George Orwell’s 1984. Maybe not to that magnitude, but certainly following in those steps. (However I can assure you that Virus Sixteen reads much faster and simpler than 1984)
Also maybe it is just the film aficionado in me, but as I read the book I could not help notice how made-for-movie this book was. If you are a visual reader this will be a very good thing for you because the book almost reads like a movie script at times. I would not be surprised if the author had hopes of making the novel into a film when he started writing the book due to its film-like layout of actions and scenes. In fact, the end of the novel, more so than the rest of the book, reads like the end of a film and I can almost see the camera panning out as whatever happens happens. (As to not spoil the ending, which I certainly enjoyed)
Now for the bad, and the first thing on the list is genericness. As different as the main characters are, everything else in the book has a general air of genericness. From the gene research company being named GeneFirm, to the way the brutish health retreat employees are described, it all feels bland. Which is unfortunate because the rest of the book’s world and the inhabitants are so well thought out that everything else feels flat in comparison. Another problem I had with the book is a minor and more personal one, but I cannot help but talk about the stupidity of certain characters. Especially James. Without ruining anything, I think it is fair to say that most people would go with former if given the option of going along with the “bad guys” plans to ensure your family's safety or dying. Even if it is to just buy yourself some time to think of an alternate plan, no one would say “Get it over with you bastard!” It seems Dr. Genius Scientist, however, would prefer the latter. I get that it is supposed to show a charter that is pure but it felt a bit unnatural for the character that I thought I got to know pretty well.
In the end, Virus Thirteen was a surprising novel. I had little to no expectations going into it and came out having enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Writing a debut novel of such thrilling levels of entertainment is no easy accomplishment and as I put down Virus Thirteen, until it’s film adaptation is announced, I look forward to seeing what Joshua Alan Parry writes next.
The first half of the book is set up. You flash from character to character in order to get an understanding of who they are what they will go through. During these open chapters you applaud the author for creating a cast of unique characters and curse him for not showing more of that one character you really like. I’ll be honest, I wanted to know more about Pat and his luck with a certain female character, but alas, I had to take what I was given and move on. However, that is not to say that the other characters in the book are bad. All of them have their fair share of flaws and stupid mistakes, but they all are interesting to read about. James, for example, is the scientist who discovers a way to make the cancer free gene inheritable. Meanwhile, Marnoy is a government employee who works for the Department of Homeland Health and he has his own secrets to make you want to keep reading.
The second half of the book is where things take a darker turn as a deadly storm starts to brew, the virus’ death toll increases rapidly and the gravity of what is happening is exposed. I won’t say too much about the latter half as to not ruin any of the several plot twists that will leave you cautiously flipping to the next page in anticipation. However, I will say that after the first big reveal the rest becomes less jaw-dropping and more frustrating. (In a good way)
Now let's talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of this book. Starting with the good because there is a lot more of that to discuss. I have to say that the depiction of futuristic America is believable and well explained. For example, instead of IDs, government officials can simply scan your wrists in order to pull up your information. And remember when I said that “public health is at the forefront of government interest” well that is because if people are healthier, they won’t have to go to hospitals and consequently the government does not have to pay for the medical bills. Also, in hopes of enforcing a healthier lifestyle, those deemed unhealthy are sent to “health retreats” in which they spend six weeks in a hellish white walled rehabilitation program. This may not sound fun, but I would not be surprised if such “retreats” actually become reality. I mean, hey, we already have shows like The Biggest Loser which pretty much do that but telecast it globally. What I am trying to say about this, is that Joshua Alan Parry’s depiction of the future feels very close to that of George Orwell’s 1984. Maybe not to that magnitude, but certainly following in those steps. (However I can assure you that Virus Sixteen reads much faster and simpler than 1984)
Also maybe it is just the film aficionado in me, but as I read the book I could not help notice how made-for-movie this book was. If you are a visual reader this will be a very good thing for you because the book almost reads like a movie script at times. I would not be surprised if the author had hopes of making the novel into a film when he started writing the book due to its film-like layout of actions and scenes. In fact, the end of the novel, more so than the rest of the book, reads like the end of a film and I can almost see the camera panning out as whatever happens happens. (As to not spoil the ending, which I certainly enjoyed)
Now for the bad, and the first thing on the list is genericness. As different as the main characters are, everything else in the book has a general air of genericness. From the gene research company being named GeneFirm, to the way the brutish health retreat employees are described, it all feels bland. Which is unfortunate because the rest of the book’s world and the inhabitants are so well thought out that everything else feels flat in comparison. Another problem I had with the book is a minor and more personal one, but I cannot help but talk about the stupidity of certain characters. Especially James. Without ruining anything, I think it is fair to say that most people would go with former if given the option of going along with the “bad guys” plans to ensure your family's safety or dying. Even if it is to just buy yourself some time to think of an alternate plan, no one would say “Get it over with you bastard!” It seems Dr. Genius Scientist, however, would prefer the latter. I get that it is supposed to show a charter that is pure but it felt a bit unnatural for the character that I thought I got to know pretty well.
In the end, Virus Thirteen was a surprising novel. I had little to no expectations going into it and came out having enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Writing a debut novel of such thrilling levels of entertainment is no easy accomplishment and as I put down Virus Thirteen, until it’s film adaptation is announced, I look forward to seeing what Joshua Alan Parry writes next.
April 12, 2023
The plot of the book is kind of close to things that seem to be going on in the world right now. Much like those things occurring in the world right now, some of the ending of the book has left me just kind of shaking my damn head. The writing is decent, the plot is plausible and actually kind of likely. This was definitely worth the read.
May 23, 2013
Virus Thirteen is a book that I saw the back cover copy online and thought it sounded interesting, but never remembered to look for it when I was at the bookstore (either that, or the store was out of stock on the one time I did look). Then it turned up on the 'new books' shelf at my local library, so I checked it out. Boy am I glad I didn't buy this one.
Don't get me wrong. The book is enjoyable, and reasonably well-written. But it does tend towards 'agenda' fiction, until I was almost gritting my teeth at times.
We're in a future time, where everyone is genetically modified before birth to make them immune to cancer. People are living longer, but not bothering to limit the number of children they have, so the world is getting crowded and polluted. And the most feared government agency is Homeland Health Care, which can smash down your door and drag you off to a 'health center' if you are overweight, or have a drinking problem.
The main characters are:
James Logan, employee of GeneFirm, the firm that developed the anti-cancer genes and his wife Linda Nguyen. The book starts with James collapsing at a press conference from a brain tumor he shouldn't be able to have.
Pat Henderson, cousin to James, who is overweight and sent to a health center along with Modest, a girl whose rocker father had her modified in-utero to have pink hair and cat eyes.
Agent Marnoy (and his partner Agent Macdonald) is a Homeland Health Care agent who likes to hunt down smokers and eaters, etc, but is also the victim of illegal gene modification that his grandfather and father were fans of.
Dr Weisman is the head of GeneFirm and the clone of the founder.
Oh yeah, and there's a world-wide pandemic of superflu started by terrorists that Linda is part of a team looking for a vaccine. And a conspiracy involving people who don't realize that they *don't* have the anti-cancer genetic modifications.
And the "agenda"? See the much hated Homeland Health Care that is running away with their power (the ultimate nanny state as the Republicans like to freak out over). And when at a point midway through the book they go after GeneFirm, they mention it as being the last privately-owned medical research company, and that it needs to be brought down because "private industry lacks adequate government oversight and control." Uh huh. And of course all the government employees are assholes. Oh, and curing cancer was the worst thing to happen to humanity.
The problem with this is, there are some actual issues with genetic engineering being discussed, but by making it so black and white, with two-dimensional characters, it drowns out the real questions.
Did I enjoy the book? For the most part. But the author's agenda stops me from giving it more than two stars, and makes me very glad that this was a library book, not a purchase.
Don't get me wrong. The book is enjoyable, and reasonably well-written. But it does tend towards 'agenda' fiction, until I was almost gritting my teeth at times.
We're in a future time, where everyone is genetically modified before birth to make them immune to cancer. People are living longer, but not bothering to limit the number of children they have, so the world is getting crowded and polluted. And the most feared government agency is Homeland Health Care, which can smash down your door and drag you off to a 'health center' if you are overweight, or have a drinking problem.
The main characters are:
James Logan, employee of GeneFirm, the firm that developed the anti-cancer genes and his wife Linda Nguyen. The book starts with James collapsing at a press conference from a brain tumor he shouldn't be able to have.
Pat Henderson, cousin to James, who is overweight and sent to a health center along with Modest, a girl whose rocker father had her modified in-utero to have pink hair and cat eyes.
Agent Marnoy (and his partner Agent Macdonald) is a Homeland Health Care agent who likes to hunt down smokers and eaters, etc, but is also the victim of illegal gene modification that his grandfather and father were fans of.
Dr Weisman is the head of GeneFirm and the clone of the founder.
Oh yeah, and there's a world-wide pandemic of superflu started by terrorists that Linda is part of a team looking for a vaccine. And a conspiracy involving people who don't realize that they *don't* have the anti-cancer genetic modifications.
And the "agenda"? See the much hated Homeland Health Care that is running away with their power (the ultimate nanny state as the Republicans like to freak out over). And when at a point midway through the book they go after GeneFirm, they mention it as being the last privately-owned medical research company, and that it needs to be brought down because "private industry lacks adequate government oversight and control." Uh huh. And of course all the government employees are assholes. Oh, and curing cancer was the worst thing to happen to humanity.
The problem with this is, there are some actual issues with genetic engineering being discussed, but by making it so black and white, with two-dimensional characters, it drowns out the real questions.
Did I enjoy the book? For the most part. But the author's agenda stops me from giving it more than two stars, and makes me very glad that this was a library book, not a purchase.
July 29, 2016
James and his wife Linda are scientists at the famous biotech company GeneFirm, where they've engineered a gene therapy that will eradicate cancer as we know it. But the world's population may not get the chance to enjoy a cancer-free future when a supervirus outbreak begins--a virus that no one survives.
Pat is paid a visit by agents of The Department of Homeland Health Care (HHC) to inform him that his BMI over 30 has qualified him for a mandatory "health retreat" where he will learn to curb his caloric intake as well as explore the benefits of regular exercise. The retreat ends up being as horrific as he expects; but the ray of light is the exotic co-ed Modest, who's inherited her mother's gene-manipulated pink hair and cat eyes.
Joshua Alan Parry starts VIRUS THIRTEEN at a sprint, and the story's pace ramps up as we're carried along as James tries to discover what's really going on, as Pat tries to survive the rigors of the retreat, as the HHC agents go about their job--all clear up to the explosive ending. But despite the pace, the "thriller" label, and the mere 310 page length, I took forever to read this book. Here's why:
I just didn't care.
Maybe it was the flat characters. James--even though he's the main character--wasn't more than a superficial supposedly brilliant scientist with a beautiful wife and smart kids. Pat was the fat guy who...wait, I'm not sure what his purpose was in this book other than to show how horrible the new government bureaucracy is. There's the HHC agents Mac and Marnoy who provide an odd sort of comic relief. There are various other characters we slip into the minds of. All shallow.
Maybe it was the omniscient PoV narrative that flitted between characters within the scene. At first it was okay, but the last couple of chapters caused a severe case of whiplash. The prose was easy enough on the eyes, but the descriptions were clumsy, including the awkward cliched metaphors.
Maybe it was the simple plot and predictable ending. The science is interesting at a basic level, but it never really fleshes out beyond the idea. Not to mention the inconsistencies and flaws in the narrative (brain surgery but walking and having sex the next day; etc), so many things are left unexplained. Maybe I didn't care because it was all these things together that made this story forgettable.
Recommended Age: 15+
Language: Scattered throughout
Violence: Some blood and death, but not gruesome
Sex: Referenced and brief scenes
***Read this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
Pat is paid a visit by agents of The Department of Homeland Health Care (HHC) to inform him that his BMI over 30 has qualified him for a mandatory "health retreat" where he will learn to curb his caloric intake as well as explore the benefits of regular exercise. The retreat ends up being as horrific as he expects; but the ray of light is the exotic co-ed Modest, who's inherited her mother's gene-manipulated pink hair and cat eyes.
Joshua Alan Parry starts VIRUS THIRTEEN at a sprint, and the story's pace ramps up as we're carried along as James tries to discover what's really going on, as Pat tries to survive the rigors of the retreat, as the HHC agents go about their job--all clear up to the explosive ending. But despite the pace, the "thriller" label, and the mere 310 page length, I took forever to read this book. Here's why:
I just didn't care.
Maybe it was the flat characters. James--even though he's the main character--wasn't more than a superficial supposedly brilliant scientist with a beautiful wife and smart kids. Pat was the fat guy who...wait, I'm not sure what his purpose was in this book other than to show how horrible the new government bureaucracy is. There's the HHC agents Mac and Marnoy who provide an odd sort of comic relief. There are various other characters we slip into the minds of. All shallow.
Maybe it was the omniscient PoV narrative that flitted between characters within the scene. At first it was okay, but the last couple of chapters caused a severe case of whiplash. The prose was easy enough on the eyes, but the descriptions were clumsy, including the awkward cliched metaphors.
Maybe it was the simple plot and predictable ending. The science is interesting at a basic level, but it never really fleshes out beyond the idea. Not to mention the inconsistencies and flaws in the narrative (brain surgery but walking and having sex the next day; etc), so many things are left unexplained. Maybe I didn't care because it was all these things together that made this story forgettable.
Recommended Age: 15+
Language: Scattered throughout
Violence: Some blood and death, but not gruesome
Sex: Referenced and brief scenes
***Read this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
September 15, 2013
The only reason this book got two stars instead of one star is because there was the glimmer of a promising plot in there somewhere, buried under two-dimensional characters and stilted writing. I wanted to like it, but the plot and characters were underdeveloped and stereotypical, and the only reason I even finished the book was because I kept hoping it would redeem itself. Alas, it did not.
On a side note, the back cover describes this book as "An irreverent and contagious thriller". Irreverent?? Interesting word to describe a thriller.
On a side note, the back cover describes this book as "An irreverent and contagious thriller". Irreverent?? Interesting word to describe a thriller.
March 26, 2013
Couldn't get my mind around the several unrealistic premises--perhaps because I'm not a science fiction fan. Also, several minor characters are given unnecessary prominent positions in the narrative/plot. This affected the pace--especially since the novel is branded as a thriller. For these reasons, the novel was not my cup of tea. Science fiction readers will likely think otherwise. Nevertheless, I wish Joshua continued success.
April 3, 2013
I'm a little ambivalent as to whether I'd rate this a three or four.
It's a superflu book. The interesting part is why the superflu is going about and who gets it.
It's a superflu book. The interesting part is why the superflu is going about and who gets it.
August 2, 2016
I wasn't prepared for the sort of near-future dystopic aspects of this book but it was a quick fun read. I liked it better before reading the epilogue though. That just made it too weird.
June 20, 2021
Virus Thirteen is a book I've had on my shelf for years now and I've reread it multiple times. The main reason being the concept- it's such a strong hook having a futuristic society in which cancer has been genetically manipulated out, obesity is managed through mandatory health retreats, and the weather and overpopulation are constant threats.
I think this is probably a book that could have done with a few more rounds with a beta reader, though. The world building isn't quite there yet, there's some dodgy dialogue, and the actual pandemic that forms a backbone of the book needs developing both for tension and coherence.
That said, I do like it. There are some really funny character moments and I think the author's medical background gives it a solid base in reality. There's a few minor characters that have some interesting quirks and a neon Labrador too for dog lovers!
I think this is probably a book that could have done with a few more rounds with a beta reader, though. The world building isn't quite there yet, there's some dodgy dialogue, and the actual pandemic that forms a backbone of the book needs developing both for tension and coherence.
That said, I do like it. There are some really funny character moments and I think the author's medical background gives it a solid base in reality. There's a few minor characters that have some interesting quirks and a neon Labrador too for dog lovers!
August 5, 2019
A medical resident's first novel is a strong entry into the pulp fiction genre. He paints an Orwellian future with genetically engineered children and humans who are cancer-free as well as those who are overweight being rounded up by government agents and sent to "fat camps". There's definitely equal parts drama and humor here, and it all works.
His characters, whether down-on-their-luck overweight people or geneticists are relatable and three-dimensional. The plot moves very fast and there's a good twist ending to boot. Highly recommended.
His characters, whether down-on-their-luck overweight people or geneticists are relatable and three-dimensional. The plot moves very fast and there's a good twist ending to boot. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2020
James and his wife Linda are superstars of the complex called Genefirm sometime in the future. There will never be cancer again. But wait. While giving a speech with his wife, James falls to the floor and has a seizure. He has a cancerous tumor, but how can this be?
This was a good story up until the very end and the epilogue left me scratching my head. It was a page turner to that point.
This was a good story up until the very end and the epilogue left me scratching my head. It was a page turner to that point.
August 15, 2019
Entertaining and absorbing. Some aspects were predictable, at least one story line was never resolved. The warming storms were far too relevant! Despite some flaws, I would read another by the author.
June 20, 2017
Don't bother. Genetic engineering run amok.
April 20, 2020
Quick and easy read. Very interesting idea. Execution was a little questionable at times. I found all of the female characters to be lacking in depth.
August 18, 2020
Far fetched ideas related to science. It did occupy the time while commuting.
June 17, 2025
Overall, I give this book a 4.2/5 stars. It was a decent book, but I think it could have been longer and paced better. If you enjoy sci-fi thrillers, you'll enjoy this book!
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October 20, 2025Finit à la page 126, pratiquement pas d'avancement, mal écrit.
October 12, 2016
I hesitate before blasting an authors first novel. I mean, it seems likely he'll be reading this review, doesn't it?
On the other hand, facts are facts and the fact is this is not a good book. The storyline has quite a lot of potential but was focused in such a haphazard way that the actual story barely got told.
Right off the bat, I was jarred by the realization that this was 80 plus years from our current time. Yet....nothing has changed. At all. No advances in tech besides the gene to prevent cancer.
As someone who reads a LOT of speculative fiction, this is unforgivable.
Ah well...that was really the least of the offenses. I would urge the author to work with an editor far more closely for his next book. A different editor.
On the other hand, facts are facts and the fact is this is not a good book. The storyline has quite a lot of potential but was focused in such a haphazard way that the actual story barely got told.
Right off the bat, I was jarred by the realization that this was 80 plus years from our current time. Yet....nothing has changed. At all. No advances in tech besides the gene to prevent cancer.
As someone who reads a LOT of speculative fiction, this is unforgivable.
Ah well...that was really the least of the offenses. I would urge the author to work with an editor far more closely for his next book. A different editor.
July 24, 2013
Virus Thirteen is a medical thriller set in a future world, one where cancer’s been cured – along with other diseases, gene-doping (messing with your genes by adding stuff) is illegal, and the world’s largest genetics firm – GeneFirm, Inc. – is owned and controlled by a clone of its original founder. This is also a world where the government controls healthcare costs by sending the non-healthy to “health rehab,” because people live longer lives, and they don’t want to foot the bill for your irresponsible behavior forever. Literally.
It’s in this world that James Logan, a scientist working at GeneFirm, has a seizure and it’s discovered that he has cancer. CANCER. In a supposedly cancer-repelling body. Apparently all things are not as they seem…
The world is interesting in its premise – if people lived longer, what’s the impact? Parry throws out the largest ramification: overpopulation, which causes over-taxing of Earth’s resources, among other problems. But it’s just glossed over briefly. The focus of the book is split between James trying to find out why he got cancer, and two health-rehab escapees who eventually make their way to GeneFirm’s compound.
The plot is simple (imagine the Brain telling Pinky “We’re going to take over the world!”), which lets you focus on the story, which unfortunately has potholes. The characters are a little stiff, like marionettes at a puppet show. James was the most “real” of them, and even then he had a tumor in his brain and DIDN’T NOTICE the effects on his health? Really? And the crew sent to health rehab were stereotypical, as were the staff. I think Parry would’ve been better served by spending less time at rehab and more on the story getting us from James-had-cancer to thwarting-the-powers-that-wanna-be, and everything in between. A lot of it seemed to jump from one point to the next, without the gradual-revelation sort of thing that thriller-readers love – because it gives them the chance to go “Ah ha!” and wait to find out if they’re right.
drey’s rating: Ok!
It’s in this world that James Logan, a scientist working at GeneFirm, has a seizure and it’s discovered that he has cancer. CANCER. In a supposedly cancer-repelling body. Apparently all things are not as they seem…
The world is interesting in its premise – if people lived longer, what’s the impact? Parry throws out the largest ramification: overpopulation, which causes over-taxing of Earth’s resources, among other problems. But it’s just glossed over briefly. The focus of the book is split between James trying to find out why he got cancer, and two health-rehab escapees who eventually make their way to GeneFirm’s compound.
The plot is simple (imagine the Brain telling Pinky “We’re going to take over the world!”), which lets you focus on the story, which unfortunately has potholes. The characters are a little stiff, like marionettes at a puppet show. James was the most “real” of them, and even then he had a tumor in his brain and DIDN’T NOTICE the effects on his health? Really? And the crew sent to health rehab were stereotypical, as were the staff. I think Parry would’ve been better served by spending less time at rehab and more on the story getting us from James-had-cancer to thwarting-the-powers-that-wanna-be, and everything in between. A lot of it seemed to jump from one point to the next, without the gradual-revelation sort of thing that thriller-readers love – because it gives them the chance to go “Ah ha!” and wait to find out if they’re right.
drey’s rating: Ok!
March 17, 2013
Woe to the reader who starts Virus Thirteen thinking he’s going to get your standard pandemic disaster science fiction novel. No, indeed, this is one wild ride from start to finish with a mashup of all the scenarios that make a lot of people antsy just thinking about the possibilities. Take a bit of cloning, some global warming, a dash of power-grabbing, a little transgenics and genetic engineering, throw in some science run amok and you’ve got…
But wait! Don’t forget a whole lot of murder, a distinct lack of ethics and a Homeland Health department that watches your every bite or sip…
And there’s even more!
Besides all the plotlines—and don’t worry, they DO come together and make sense—there are some really interesting characters, good and bad. I was kind of surprised to find myself connecting the most with the secondary characters but that’s a large part of why I find this book so appealing. It’s an indication of how much care the author took with his players, even a neon orange dog and a self-doubting young man of rotund proportions, and I appreciate it.
This is one of the most entertaining and imaginative books I’ve read in a while and I’ll be honest—I’m still not sure if the author is completely serious or perhaps is making fun of all our insecurities about the future. I suspect there’s more than a touch of the latter but, either way, it doesn’t matter because Mr. Parry‘s debut is a winner of a story. He also happens to be a very good writer and his style of jumping from one scene and set of characters to another worked beautifully if his intention was to grab my attention and never let me look away. Along the way, he forced me to give a lot of consideration to where we might be heading if we’re not careful and that is never a bad thing. Joshua Alan Parry is an author I’ll be looking for again.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2013.
But wait! Don’t forget a whole lot of murder, a distinct lack of ethics and a Homeland Health department that watches your every bite or sip…
And there’s even more!
Besides all the plotlines—and don’t worry, they DO come together and make sense—there are some really interesting characters, good and bad. I was kind of surprised to find myself connecting the most with the secondary characters but that’s a large part of why I find this book so appealing. It’s an indication of how much care the author took with his players, even a neon orange dog and a self-doubting young man of rotund proportions, and I appreciate it.
This is one of the most entertaining and imaginative books I’ve read in a while and I’ll be honest—I’m still not sure if the author is completely serious or perhaps is making fun of all our insecurities about the future. I suspect there’s more than a touch of the latter but, either way, it doesn’t matter because Mr. Parry‘s debut is a winner of a story. He also happens to be a very good writer and his style of jumping from one scene and set of characters to another worked beautifully if his intention was to grab my attention and never let me look away. Along the way, he forced me to give a lot of consideration to where we might be heading if we’re not careful and that is never a bad thing. Joshua Alan Parry is an author I’ll be looking for again.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2013.
March 27, 2013
James and his wife Linda live in a world where viruses have been all but eliminated. Babies are born completely immune to cancer and AIDS is no more. Husband and wife are both employed by GeneFirm and have just gone public with a revolutionary discovery, but during their announcement James collapses. Doctors hesitantly diagnose him with brain cancer, but everyone knows the diagnosis is impossible - James has the cancer resistant gene implanted in all children. A quick DNA scan shows that James does not in fact have the resistant genes but before anyone can investigate further a deadly flu-like virus spreads globally in just days. Linda is assigned to the team responsible for finding a cure while James is on his own to find out just what his health scare and diagnosis really mean.
The premise for VIRUS THIRTEEN is great - it's a futuristic world where the government now enforces health care. If you're too overweight or have any kind of dependency that will lead to rising medical costs, you're forcibly sent to rehab. And while advancements in medicine have led to the eradication of some of the most dangerous illnesses, a manufactured virus knocks the country on its knees.
Parry's debut is fun but not without issues. It's at times just a bit too over the top to be taken seriously. Characters and their actions are exaggerated - the bad guys aren't quite Bond villain-esque but some are only just shy of it. This is one case where I felt like a little slower pacing would have been a benefit, allowing a little more of a chance to spend time in the book and get to know the characters.
The science in the book, on the other hand, is pretty believable. I'm definitely no expert, but I did find Parry's ideas to be presenting in a wholly convincing way.
The premise for VIRUS THIRTEEN is great - it's a futuristic world where the government now enforces health care. If you're too overweight or have any kind of dependency that will lead to rising medical costs, you're forcibly sent to rehab. And while advancements in medicine have led to the eradication of some of the most dangerous illnesses, a manufactured virus knocks the country on its knees.
Parry's debut is fun but not without issues. It's at times just a bit too over the top to be taken seriously. Characters and their actions are exaggerated - the bad guys aren't quite Bond villain-esque but some are only just shy of it. This is one case where I felt like a little slower pacing would have been a benefit, allowing a little more of a chance to spend time in the book and get to know the characters.
The science in the book, on the other hand, is pretty believable. I'm definitely no expert, but I did find Parry's ideas to be presenting in a wholly convincing way.
March 29, 2013
This book takes off on page one and when it lands you are refreshingly okay with the strange and beautiful world you have landed in. Simply put, Joshua Parry's first offering in the sci/fi-thriller genre is above all else a fast-paced adventure story, but more significantly, it provides the reader a glimpse into a vision of the future that is as startlingly real as it is fantastical.
In Virus Thirteen we are presented with a world crippled by overpopulation in the wake of a miraculous scientific discovery that made the population cancer-proof. The author's background in medicine and science is made very clear as he extrapolates the terrifying consequences of this seemingly wonderful triumph of genetic engineering. Parry writes with extraordinary precision about the global warming super-storms that plague the Texas country-side, the horrors of early experiments in cloning and personalized genetic engineering, and most hilariously about the mandated government run "fitness" camps to keep the costs of medical care low. And now, as alluded to in the title, a deadly virus threatens to overrun the population.
Much like all great sci/fi this book has brought me into its world...and I don't think I want to leave. I would suggest picking this one up as soon as you can.
In Virus Thirteen we are presented with a world crippled by overpopulation in the wake of a miraculous scientific discovery that made the population cancer-proof. The author's background in medicine and science is made very clear as he extrapolates the terrifying consequences of this seemingly wonderful triumph of genetic engineering. Parry writes with extraordinary precision about the global warming super-storms that plague the Texas country-side, the horrors of early experiments in cloning and personalized genetic engineering, and most hilariously about the mandated government run "fitness" camps to keep the costs of medical care low. And now, as alluded to in the title, a deadly virus threatens to overrun the population.
Much like all great sci/fi this book has brought me into its world...and I don't think I want to leave. I would suggest picking this one up as soon as you can.
September 28, 2016
Very interesting basic concept, easy read, but definitely an inexperienced author who is heavy on descriptive writing, and a use of inappropriate words that seem out of place.
Time is somewhere in the future and cancer has been eliminated by the insertion of a special gene in every embryo.. The company scientists have just developed a gene that will be genetically inherited that will put an end to cancer forever and at the opening pages of the book are announcing their wonderful breakthrough.
Time is somewhere in the future and cancer has been eliminated by the insertion of a special gene in every embryo.. The company scientists have just developed a gene that will be genetically inherited that will put an end to cancer forever and at the opening pages of the book are announcing their wonderful breakthrough.
February 11, 2014
This is a very entertaining and well written novel. It is, at its best moments, a bit scary in that there is not enough yet known about genomics and the suppositions made could very likely to one day be fact, in light of corporate greed overtaking concern the middle class. A fast paced, never fail to read.
October 9, 2013
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. It didn't really match its blurb at all, and it seemed like the author tried to go in so many different directions that the end result was a jumbled mess that didn't even know what kind of book it was supposed to be. The writing also seemed awkward at times, particularly the dialogue.
July 11, 2016
This book was very intriguing due to its futuristic concepts. I couldn't put the book down. I randomly picked up the book at a book sale because the cover caught my eye and the story didn't disappoint. It was easy to follow even though there is scientific stuff in it. What a crazy thought that the world could someday be like that.
January 24, 2015
I enjoyed the book all the way to the beginning of the conclusion. I don't know what happen, however, the story just came unraveled. The ending seemed to be pulled together. The Epilogue was missing a big chunk of the story.
July 20, 2013
A two at best. Picked up at the train station to fill time. Best I can say is it was good enough to finish....Poor otherwise. Decent plot line was completely under developed. Characters were weak at best. If you have a choice, pick something else.
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