Nowhere left to hide...
Characters:
We got a much more even spread of characters throughout this book, with Tim, Veronica, Molly, Felix, and Helena having a lot of different viewpoints. I believe the characters were more fleshed out in this book too, showing more of their personalities and some backstories. It was interesting to see how everybody had such a different view on the "outbreak" and how everybody acted so differently. I do wish we heard more from Felix (but I believe that he is the main character of book 3).
Storyline:
This one started where the last one finished, and it starts with a bang...and never really lets up until the last few pages. We have Tim and Helena trying to make it home to Buddy, Veronica and Molly trying to survive on a remote island, Felix trying not to be detained, and the police trying to work out how to fight to infection. Veronica is the main focus point of this book, and the amount she has to fight in order to just barely survive is terrifying, the sense of unease carries all the way throughout. The way she has to kill so many people she knows whilst fighting multiple wounds is gripping. My favourite part of the story though was towards the end when Helena had a 1-on-1 fight with one of the aliens, it was so scary to read, I was sure that she was going to lose. Then Buddy was hurt, Tim was almost dead - I couldn't put it down.
Pacing/writing:
I feel the pacing was much better in this one compared to the last, coherent from start to finish. I do still feel the writing can sometimes be a little confusing with mistakes, wrong names, and a few typos - but it is translated from another language so it may be a reason behind it.
Ending:
I much preferred the ending of this instalment to book 1, I feel there was a lot more emotion, more at stake, and even less of a chance of survival. Veronica's last chapter was heartbreaking to say the least and added a nice touch.
Emotional impact:
SO MUCH BETTER. I was tense from the start, felt worried about the characters, the descriptions were terrifying at times, and I was teary a few times.
I hope the rest of the series improves like this one.
8/10.