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The Eternity Plague #1
The Eternity Plague
In 2035, Dr. Janet Hogan makes a stunning discovery: infected by five species of naturally-mutated viruses, every one of earth’s nine billion inhabitants has become immortal.
Or have they? By the time Janet learns that this immortality is an illusion, it’s too late to change people’s beliefs. Some love her for creating this miracle and the coming paradise they long for. Others hate her for what they see ahead: immoral behavior without consequence, overpopulation, famine, and worse. Zealots demand that she save people’s souls, humanity, the earth… or the viruses. Or else.
Janet realizes this awful truth: no matter what she does, no matter what anyone else wants, sooner or later, billions will die and she’ll be blamed. Will she live long enough to figure a way out of this trap?
Meanwhile, the viruses are still mutating.
Or have they? By the time Janet learns that this immortality is an illusion, it’s too late to change people’s beliefs. Some love her for creating this miracle and the coming paradise they long for. Others hate her for what they see ahead: immoral behavior without consequence, overpopulation, famine, and worse. Zealots demand that she save people’s souls, humanity, the earth… or the viruses. Or else.
Janet realizes this awful truth: no matter what she does, no matter what anyone else wants, sooner or later, billions will die and she’ll be blamed. Will she live long enough to figure a way out of this trap?
Meanwhile, the viruses are still mutating.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2013
162 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Ross B. Lampert
3 books11 followersRoss B. Lampert has been in love with both science and words—and hence science fiction and fantasy—since at least third grade, when he wrote a one-act SF play based on the Project Mercury space flights. After detours through public school, college, and the Air Force, he returned to writing full time in, appropriately enough, 2001. Today he blogs, writes occasional op-ed pieces, newspaper articles, training material, and short stories, and crafts novels in southeastern Arizona.
He'd also really appreciate it if you'd follow him on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ross-....
He'd also really appreciate it if you'd follow him on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ross-....
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 19, 2018
I won this book in a giveaway, so big thanks to the author for putting that on!
This book had a great concept: a virus that makes people live forever! How do we deal with the aftermath of something like that? But the execution lacked a little for me. Set in the near future, there’s very little world building or getting to know the characters, who have little to no backstory. The main characters are Janet, the scientist who discovers the “plague,” and all of the people hounding her throughout the pages of the book. There are people working for random organizations and faceless committees that don’t really make sense. Somehow these random people worm their way into the story and they all clash throughout the entire book.
There’s a lot of conflict in the story. Most of it is people arguing over who’s right and wrong, who is morally correct: people deserve to live forever vs. no we need to die to keep from overpopulating the earth. Religion obviously plays a large roll in some of the characters’ arguments. It’s one of those ethical dilemmas where no one is right and no one is wrong so there can’t ever really be a definite outcome. There certainly isn’t any resolution in this book. I just read ~340 pages of people arguing.
I think this type of story would have benefited from a style more like World War Z, like a collection of people’s stories and experiences living through the Eternity Plague. Or something. I’m not a writer.
Summary: I didn’t love it, some parts were a slog to get through, good concept, an ending that picked up a little but didn’t offer any conclusions.
This book had a great concept: a virus that makes people live forever! How do we deal with the aftermath of something like that? But the execution lacked a little for me. Set in the near future, there’s very little world building or getting to know the characters, who have little to no backstory. The main characters are Janet, the scientist who discovers the “plague,” and all of the people hounding her throughout the pages of the book. There are people working for random organizations and faceless committees that don’t really make sense. Somehow these random people worm their way into the story and they all clash throughout the entire book.
There’s a lot of conflict in the story. Most of it is people arguing over who’s right and wrong, who is morally correct: people deserve to live forever vs. no we need to die to keep from overpopulating the earth. Religion obviously plays a large roll in some of the characters’ arguments. It’s one of those ethical dilemmas where no one is right and no one is wrong so there can’t ever really be a definite outcome. There certainly isn’t any resolution in this book. I just read ~340 pages of people arguing.
I think this type of story would have benefited from a style more like World War Z, like a collection of people’s stories and experiences living through the Eternity Plague. Or something. I’m not a writer.
Summary: I didn’t love it, some parts were a slog to get through, good concept, an ending that picked up a little but didn’t offer any conclusions.
September 13, 2020
I was really looking forward to this read. The premise, a range of viruses which possibly makes the patients immortal, sounded fascinating. Unfortunately, from the start, it was a disappointment. The writing is a mish-mash of tired cliches and stereotypical characters. The writer forces the characters to do pointless and distracting movements, for what reason I can't fathom. They just end up being twitchy and irritating. They're always picking up objects to fiddle with instead of focusing on whatever the manufactured crisis of the moment is. And that's the other example of excruciatingly bad writing; the characters are constantly overreacting to the simplest things. As if that weren't bad enough, the writer tries to drum up suspense by not disclosing why the characters are so obviously bent out of shape, but all he ends up doing is filling every page with enough purple prose to make Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton look like an amateur. Sorry, but this is definitely a Life's-Too-Short-To-Bother-With book. If there were a rating lower than 1 star, I give it gladly.
April 9, 2018
Intriguing premise that lured me in at the start. I quickly found out that as a reader, I was left with many more questions than answers. Feeling frustrated with the lack of character development and interesting plot, I struggled to finish this novel. There is too much fluff regarding an assortment of characters without details or backstory.
I kept waiting for an enormous scientific breakthrough but was left empty handed at the end with an overly dramatic "run from the press" and whomever else ends up chasing Janet scenario.
Awkward romantic relationships, bribery, and violence just made this story seem like the author was trying to incorporate too many plots without truly developing one.
I kept waiting for an enormous scientific breakthrough but was left empty handed at the end with an overly dramatic "run from the press" and whomever else ends up chasing Janet scenario.
Awkward romantic relationships, bribery, and violence just made this story seem like the author was trying to incorporate too many plots without truly developing one.
March 2, 2018
DNF stopped at 56%
This book had an interesting premise and it gets there pretty quickly.
Problem is it the story stalls and you get a sense of it spinning its wheel without really moving forward.
I was unable to finish due to this.
Nothing really happens to make me want to keep turning the page.
There's also little to no actual character building in this.
You never really learn anyone's back story or motivations (except for the "bad guys") so if/when something happens to them it doesn't seem to matter much.
This book had an interesting premise and it gets there pretty quickly.
Problem is it the story stalls and you get a sense of it spinning its wheel without really moving forward.
I was unable to finish due to this.
Nothing really happens to make me want to keep turning the page.
There's also little to no actual character building in this.
You never really learn anyone's back story or motivations (except for the "bad guys") so if/when something happens to them it doesn't seem to matter much.
June 21, 2017
Eternal Life ~ sort of...
Interesting concept in this book. Due to a reaction of 5 other viruses coming together, a new virus cures certain medical issues common to man...cancer, AIDS for starters.
A local scientist discovers this new virus that cures many, including her own mother's end stage cancer. She holds a press conference in concert with the other scientists she works with, and true to form, media and too the general population not only come up with a catch all name (Eternity Plague), but only latch on to the "cure illness" and "Eternity" (eternal life for all!). We see this daily in the news, people latching on to a segment of a story and running with it, forgetting the rest of the story!
True to "human" interactions and reactions, the fanatics, the politicians, religious left/right, protesters (both sides) come out in force! Oh, and don't forget the conspiracy theorists! This book through its author shows a perfect example of "You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't!"
Will be starting book 2 "Chrysalis" today. Can't wait!!! Excellent read so far! Thanks!!!!
Interesting concept in this book. Due to a reaction of 5 other viruses coming together, a new virus cures certain medical issues common to man...cancer, AIDS for starters.
A local scientist discovers this new virus that cures many, including her own mother's end stage cancer. She holds a press conference in concert with the other scientists she works with, and true to form, media and too the general population not only come up with a catch all name (Eternity Plague), but only latch on to the "cure illness" and "Eternity" (eternal life for all!). We see this daily in the news, people latching on to a segment of a story and running with it, forgetting the rest of the story!
True to "human" interactions and reactions, the fanatics, the politicians, religious left/right, protesters (both sides) come out in force! Oh, and don't forget the conspiracy theorists! This book through its author shows a perfect example of "You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't!"
Will be starting book 2 "Chrysalis" today. Can't wait!!! Excellent read so far! Thanks!!!!
May 1, 2018
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
When I read the blurb for this book I was so intrigued by the concept of the eternity plague. The plague is what pulled me in and while reading I spent a lot of time wanting to discover more about the plague, but the story spent much more time focusing on the characters and how divided people would become if everyone suddenly learned they were immortal.
I thought the characters were great and I was so happy to read a book that reflected the world I live in with a wide array of people who were more than just one thing. More than their race, their sexuality, or their beliefs.
I'm going to start reading the sequel tonight (and I'm hoping it dives deep into the plague) because the book ended in a great place that gives you important answers while raising just enough questions.
When I read the blurb for this book I was so intrigued by the concept of the eternity plague. The plague is what pulled me in and while reading I spent a lot of time wanting to discover more about the plague, but the story spent much more time focusing on the characters and how divided people would become if everyone suddenly learned they were immortal.
I thought the characters were great and I was so happy to read a book that reflected the world I live in with a wide array of people who were more than just one thing. More than their race, their sexuality, or their beliefs.
I'm going to start reading the sequel tonight (and I'm hoping it dives deep into the plague) because the book ended in a great place that gives you important answers while raising just enough questions.
July 25, 2023
Wow, so much going on in this book and its sequels. The author juxtaposes scientific discoveries with Christian religious fervor with regular people's fear and anger. With the media stalking the scientists, I definitely felt what Princess Diana must have suffered. After the "immortal" virus causes the chrysylis phenomenon (maybe?), and the world implodes on itself, emergence of the New People again brings up so many philosophical issues we as humans have not dealt well with. A gripping and agonizing read.
March 2, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Five viruses that have infected the human population of earth. This particular combination of viruses has cured many diseases and has stopped the aging process. But at what cost? The book is well written and has enough action and mystery to keep you engaged. What can I say except I will definitely read the next book.
Five viruses that have infected the human population of earth. This particular combination of viruses has cured many diseases and has stopped the aging process. But at what cost? The book is well written and has enough action and mystery to keep you engaged. What can I say except I will definitely read the next book.
April 1, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I found the science interesting and the responses to the discovery believable, but at times cartoonish. The story was strong enough to keep me reading, but fell apart a little at the end. Overall liked it and would like to see where he author takes us in the next book. And yes, based on the ending, I'm assuming this is a #1 with a #2 to follow.
I found the science interesting and the responses to the discovery believable, but at times cartoonish. The story was strong enough to keep me reading, but fell apart a little at the end. Overall liked it and would like to see where he author takes us in the next book. And yes, based on the ending, I'm assuming this is a #1 with a #2 to follow.
August 27, 2020
Drama, science, intrigue, and a devilishly consuming premise, especially in these times of COVID. This book will draw you in, keep you guessing, and keep you turning pages to see what happens next to the very end. I'm just starting on the second book, Chrysalis, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Definitely a GOOD READ!
September 14, 2020
Eternity
Do we want to live forever. Scientist have discovered a gene which features most diseases so that most of us can live forever. This book explains the emotion that hate the anger the greed and what comes out of us trying to figure out should we live forever or should we not. I highly recommend this book
Do we want to live forever. Scientist have discovered a gene which features most diseases so that most of us can live forever. This book explains the emotion that hate the anger the greed and what comes out of us trying to figure out should we live forever or should we not. I highly recommend this book
October 6, 2020
Good Storyteller Tells a Good Story
This is a good story. Thankfully it was not what I expected. I say thankfully because it is not about our current plague our 2020. It is also not the story I have started. It draws you in, the more you read, the more you need to to on. Did not like the end, but then the is a second book, which I will get.
It is well written. Get it.
This is a good story. Thankfully it was not what I expected. I say thankfully because it is not about our current plague our 2020. It is also not the story I have started. It draws you in, the more you read, the more you need to to on. Did not like the end, but then the is a second book, which I will get.
It is well written. Get it.
May 18, 2019
Intriguing premise; not altogether unlikely. The reactions of the different factions of the population were not unlike the unexpected ripples after the last US presidential election. Fascinating to think where it will end up. Looking forward to the next book.
November 19, 2017
I ended up really enjoying this book. It really gets you thinking of all the pros and cons of immorality. At the end when Janet finally spoke up I liked the way she agreed with all case scenarios.
March 16, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book has an interesting premise. It stalls a little at the halfway point. But I ended up enjoying it.
This book has an interesting premise. It stalls a little at the halfway point. But I ended up enjoying it.
August 18, 2018
Good enough to buy the sequel. Interesting storyline, but I felt the characters were in need of a bit more development.
January 3, 2019
Started off a little boring but about a third of the way through I couldn't put it down and had to get book 2 immediately...at 5:30 in the morning!
August 3, 2021
Such a promising idea for a book but how terribly disappointing. It droned on and on until my eyes closed. Ugh.
September 23, 2023
so very, very bad. Bad in a way that makes you think that if this writer continued to write for 10 years, he'd still be bad.
January 8, 2016
The Eternity Plague is about the discovery of five viruses that have infected the human population of earth. This particular combination of viruses has cured many diseases and has stopped the aging process at a cellular level.
The book examines a wide variety of views about this new world situation. Is the Eternity Plague a miracle or a curse? Will it save the world or destroy it? Can humanity work together and survive? Every opposing view affects the scientific team studying the viruses, sometimes in violent ways.
I enjoyed reading The Eternity Plague and found it very thought-provoking. The story (and the questions it poses) has stuck with me even after I finished reading. To me, that's the mark of a good book.
The book examines a wide variety of views about this new world situation. Is the Eternity Plague a miracle or a curse? Will it save the world or destroy it? Can humanity work together and survive? Every opposing view affects the scientific team studying the viruses, sometimes in violent ways.
I enjoyed reading The Eternity Plague and found it very thought-provoking. The story (and the questions it poses) has stuck with me even after I finished reading. To me, that's the mark of a good book.
February 5, 2014
Very thorough and thought provoking. I enjoyed reading the Eternity Plague and look forward to any future titles by this author. Put it on your shelf to read today.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews