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Virillion: Outbreak
362 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
AJ Ville
1 book6 followersAJ Ville practiced nursing in Houston, Texas before transitioning into clinical IT and eventually corporate IT. This journey laid the groundwork for his career as a full-time novelist. Driven by love, he moved to Sydney, Australia, where he continued to develop his author story. During his nursing undergraduate years, he faced numerous challenges in crafting credible and viable stories before finally achieving success in his writing endeavors.
An avid cyclist, runner, and gym connoisseur, AJ Ville also dedicates time to studying languages—Que tal? He draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including other books, documentaries, photography, and his travels.
To keep up with his interests, works, and advocacy, follow his novelist biography on social media @ajvillebooks on Instagram.
An avid cyclist, runner, and gym connoisseur, AJ Ville also dedicates time to studying languages—Que tal? He draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including other books, documentaries, photography, and his travels.
To keep up with his interests, works, and advocacy, follow his novelist biography on social media @ajvillebooks on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2026
I'm sorry to say this book did not sparkle for me, though it was OK. My biggest issue was the choices, actions and dialogue of the main characters. From the start, the dialogue was sophomoric at best; I don't see people in a professional setting talking to each other that way, even if they are friendly. In the midst of chaos, terror and death, they still grab a bottle of Jack Daniels to drink, and two of them decide it is time to have sex. Some of the ministers at the site (like Tim) are worried about a new pandemic, yet it slips their mind to wear a mask? The ministers are all very worried about what is happening, but more because it might affect their party/themselves politically rather than making decisions to sort out what is happening and help (well OK, maybe that is actually realistic). A single operative (just one) is sent to retrieve evidence of what was being done on the top floors where a virus was being developed and this just one fella teams up with a friend looking for his girlfriend; they let the girlfriend refuse to leave and help her find her lost friends. Tim's wife, Anthea's mother, calls him to just scream in all caps. Guy, just don't answer the phone when she calls. There were editing issues, like Walter and Oscar being interchanged, some punctuation etc; Mac being also spelled as Mack. World War Z was mentioned quite a few times for some reason. There is a somewhat interesting conspiracy as to who caused the infection release and why though it is unclear why they just chose two cities. It was all a bit murky for me.
March 31, 2026
Virillion: Outbreak is an impressive (first?) novel. The author shows a lot of ambition, taking on a fast-moving outbreak thriller with high stakes, strong momentum, and an engaging central premise.
What stood out to me most was the atmosphere. The story creates a real sense of tension and claustrophobia, especially as events escalate inside the tower. The confined setting works very well for this kind of survival thriller, and there were many moments that felt vivid, unsettling, and cinematic. Once the plot gets moving, it becomes very hard to put down.
I also appreciated the scale of the story. It is not just an outbreak novel, but one that tries to weave together personal relationships, institutional breakdown, ethical questions, and the human response to fear and crisis.
There are places where the pacing and dialogue could be tighter. But for me, those flaws did not outweigh the creativity, intensity, and potential on display here.
Overall, this is a strong first effort from a promising author. If you enjoy medical thrillers, outbreak fiction, and survival stories with a dark, tense atmosphere, Virillion: Outbreak is well worth reading. I am very keen to see what this author writes next.
What stood out to me most was the atmosphere. The story creates a real sense of tension and claustrophobia, especially as events escalate inside the tower. The confined setting works very well for this kind of survival thriller, and there were many moments that felt vivid, unsettling, and cinematic. Once the plot gets moving, it becomes very hard to put down.
I also appreciated the scale of the story. It is not just an outbreak novel, but one that tries to weave together personal relationships, institutional breakdown, ethical questions, and the human response to fear and crisis.
There are places where the pacing and dialogue could be tighter. But for me, those flaws did not outweigh the creativity, intensity, and potential on display here.
Overall, this is a strong first effort from a promising author. If you enjoy medical thrillers, outbreak fiction, and survival stories with a dark, tense atmosphere, Virillion: Outbreak is well worth reading. I am very keen to see what this author writes next.
June 4, 2026
Took me a bit longer than anticipated to read, but still enjoyed! I love science fiction and thrillers and this is the perfect mix. I will definitely be sticking around for the rest of the series!
As someone with an education in microbiology I found the scientific details in the story to be relevant and accurate the majority of the time.
What slowed me down the most was the character switching each chapter as well as the dialogue. There were many confusing parts where I felt more context was needed to truly understand some thought processes. It was a bit jumpy at times, but I chose to believe that it was a part of the plan and that the characters were just hallucinating due to the virus! I just wish the characters felt more developed.
As someone with an education in microbiology I found the scientific details in the story to be relevant and accurate the majority of the time.
What slowed me down the most was the character switching each chapter as well as the dialogue. There were many confusing parts where I felt more context was needed to truly understand some thought processes. It was a bit jumpy at times, but I chose to believe that it was a part of the plan and that the characters were just hallucinating due to the virus! I just wish the characters felt more developed.
April 28, 2026
This is quite the interesting read. There is a certain atmosphere to it. Picture this.. it’s another day at work, you’ve done a great job despite your mind lingering and your boss is a bit of a PITA. Then seemingly out of nowhere the building PA tells everyone you need to evacuate. No worries right…. Wrong!! What was meant to be a simple evacuation turns into your worst nightmare. Suddenly people are becoming violent, chasing you screaming obscenities.. they’re the infected!! But with what.. this isn’t covid, this is something else entirely. You’re split up with your work pals in the hustle. The government are trying to figure this out.. you don’t trust the people you are with.. is this a natural infection or something much more sinister… does this mean sh*t really has gone side ways. Read it and find out!!
April 23, 2026
I got an ARC copy of this book from the author through a Facebook group.
The story takes place inside a skyscraper where an outbreak has happened. Everyone inside, is trapped until they can determine what is going on and how to contain it.
Once the evacuation begins, there are all sorts of chaos starts as people begin to freak out more.
This is a story of Anthea trying to survive the chaos and taking in all the things going on within the skyscraper. Is it another pandemic? Or maybe bioterroism?
You will have to read the story to find out!
The story takes place inside a skyscraper where an outbreak has happened. Everyone inside, is trapped until they can determine what is going on and how to contain it.
Once the evacuation begins, there are all sorts of chaos starts as people begin to freak out more.
This is a story of Anthea trying to survive the chaos and taking in all the things going on within the skyscraper. Is it another pandemic? Or maybe bioterroism?
You will have to read the story to find out!
May 8, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. Sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Highly recommend it!
May 31, 2026
Thank you for reading my book.
Call me superstitious but around the time of release - I looked up at the night sky and counted 5 stars. Yes, I was drunk and can only count 5 stars. That was the universe telling me that I am getting 5 star for writing! :)
Call me superstitious but around the time of release - I looked up at the night sky and counted 5 stars. Yes, I was drunk and can only count 5 stars. That was the universe telling me that I am getting 5 star for writing! :)
April 3, 2026
Title: Virillion: Outbreak
By: AJ Ville
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: March 14, 2026
ASIN: B0GSCBKKTP
ISBN: 9781763898912
Page Count: 396
Triggers: Pandemic themes, respiratory illness, suicide, death, panic, quarantine, fire, gun violence, bioterrorism
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A skyscraper lockdown, a mystery pathogen, people dropping left and right, and one woman stuck in the kind of workday that makes you seriously reconsider office life. Virillion: Outbreak takes the disaster thriller route and absolutely commits to the chaos. What starts as a normal Friday spirals into a full-blown nightmare with fire, panic, illness, and that creeping realization that this was not some random oopsie. Someone lit the fuse on purpose.
This book moves like it drank three energy drinks and kicked down the door. Once Helixir goes into lockdown, the tension stays high and the danger keeps stacking. You get the claustrophobic terror of being trapped inside a modern tower turned death box, mixed with the wider dread of something catastrophic spreading beyond its walls. Very rude. Very effective.
Here’s What Slapped
The pacing is one of this book’s biggest strengths. It keeps the pressure on without feeling like it is stalling for time, and that made it ridiculously easy to keep flipping pages. Anthea works well as the anchor because she feels capable without becoming invincible, and the unfolding conspiracy angle gives the story more bite than just “people are sick and everything is terrible.” The blend of outbreak horror and high-rise survival thriller is a fun combo, and the setting adds a lot. A sealed skyscraper packed with fear, misinformation, and collapsing order is exactly the kind of nightmare fuel that works.
What Could’ve Been Better
The opening takes a little too long settling into everyday life before the disaster really kicks the door in, and while that setup adds context, I was definitely sitting there like, “Okay, lovely coffee, cute cat, now release the plague.” A few moments also leaned a little heavy on exposition, and the book could have used a stronger editing pass in places. There were sections that felt wordier than they needed to be, which occasionally slowed the momentum. Once it found its rhythm, though, it moved much better.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
Outbreak thrillers, biohazard horror, locked-in survival stories, conspiracies, and books that make office towers feel deeply unsafe.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By: AJ Ville
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: March 14, 2026
ASIN: B0GSCBKKTP
ISBN: 9781763898912
Page Count: 396
Triggers: Pandemic themes, respiratory illness, suicide, death, panic, quarantine, fire, gun violence, bioterrorism
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A skyscraper lockdown, a mystery pathogen, people dropping left and right, and one woman stuck in the kind of workday that makes you seriously reconsider office life. Virillion: Outbreak takes the disaster thriller route and absolutely commits to the chaos. What starts as a normal Friday spirals into a full-blown nightmare with fire, panic, illness, and that creeping realization that this was not some random oopsie. Someone lit the fuse on purpose.
This book moves like it drank three energy drinks and kicked down the door. Once Helixir goes into lockdown, the tension stays high and the danger keeps stacking. You get the claustrophobic terror of being trapped inside a modern tower turned death box, mixed with the wider dread of something catastrophic spreading beyond its walls. Very rude. Very effective.
Here’s What Slapped
The pacing is one of this book’s biggest strengths. It keeps the pressure on without feeling like it is stalling for time, and that made it ridiculously easy to keep flipping pages. Anthea works well as the anchor because she feels capable without becoming invincible, and the unfolding conspiracy angle gives the story more bite than just “people are sick and everything is terrible.” The blend of outbreak horror and high-rise survival thriller is a fun combo, and the setting adds a lot. A sealed skyscraper packed with fear, misinformation, and collapsing order is exactly the kind of nightmare fuel that works.
What Could’ve Been Better
The opening takes a little too long settling into everyday life before the disaster really kicks the door in, and while that setup adds context, I was definitely sitting there like, “Okay, lovely coffee, cute cat, now release the plague.” A few moments also leaned a little heavy on exposition, and the book could have used a stronger editing pass in places. There were sections that felt wordier than they needed to be, which occasionally slowed the momentum. Once it found its rhythm, though, it moved much better.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
Outbreak thrillers, biohazard horror, locked-in survival stories, conspiracies, and books that make office towers feel deeply unsafe.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
April 23, 2026
It’s a Friday, and Anthea began her morning by finding the box her boyfriend had hidden, the one with a shiny ring inside. She’s crushed her work presentation, craving the weekend, and hoping to leave the office early, escaping the thudding that has been happening all day in the offices above her. Yet, just as Anthea’s preparing to leave the power goes out. Beginning with the slow emergency exit orders, Anthea and her colleagues begin to make their way down from the 67th floor. But as they proceed down the stairwell, individuals from the lab on the 70th floor start jumping, headfirst, over the rails.
On the heels of the COVID pandemic, the government and citizens are still reeling from the effects. So, as Helixir Tower begins to undergo lockdown and emergency evacuation procedures, it appears they may be looking at ground zero of another pandemic. With some jumping to their death and others aggressively attacking innocent bystanders and law enforcement, this pandemic seems to offer extremes, with a speed of infection unlike that we saw during COVID.
As Anthea remains trapped in the building, her father, the deputy health minister, seeks unconventional methods for extraction. Her boyfriend, Matt, the very one with the hidden ring, and former military, is intent on trying to rescue her and bring her out unharmed. “Virillion: Outbreak” offers an action fueled, biomedical, COVID reminiscent read. Triggering our fear receptors and fight or flight responses, this science fiction read feels eerily familiar.
Separated from friends during the mass exit, readers oscillate between Scott and Jenny, the clearing floors with Dennis and Matt, the government’s response through the eyes of Tim, or the perilous situations of Anthea and crew. Jumping from group to group readers slowly glimpse the response, the virus, and the emergency taking place inside.
Author AJ Ville offers a locked room mystery. Unraveling in a large high rise cyclical building as political leaders, health experts, and law enforcement work on the outside to contain this emergency. “Virillion: Outbreak” follows Anthea and her friends, both old and new, as they navigate the perils inside.
On the heels of the COVID pandemic, the government and citizens are still reeling from the effects. So, as Helixir Tower begins to undergo lockdown and emergency evacuation procedures, it appears they may be looking at ground zero of another pandemic. With some jumping to their death and others aggressively attacking innocent bystanders and law enforcement, this pandemic seems to offer extremes, with a speed of infection unlike that we saw during COVID.
As Anthea remains trapped in the building, her father, the deputy health minister, seeks unconventional methods for extraction. Her boyfriend, Matt, the very one with the hidden ring, and former military, is intent on trying to rescue her and bring her out unharmed. “Virillion: Outbreak” offers an action fueled, biomedical, COVID reminiscent read. Triggering our fear receptors and fight or flight responses, this science fiction read feels eerily familiar.
Separated from friends during the mass exit, readers oscillate between Scott and Jenny, the clearing floors with Dennis and Matt, the government’s response through the eyes of Tim, or the perilous situations of Anthea and crew. Jumping from group to group readers slowly glimpse the response, the virus, and the emergency taking place inside.
Author AJ Ville offers a locked room mystery. Unraveling in a large high rise cyclical building as political leaders, health experts, and law enforcement work on the outside to contain this emergency. “Virillion: Outbreak” follows Anthea and her friends, both old and new, as they navigate the perils inside.
April 23, 2026
It’s a Friday, and Anthea began her morning by finding the box her boyfriend had hidden, the one with a shiny ring inside. She’s crushed her work presentation, craving the weekend, and hoping to leave the office early, escaping the thudding that has been happening all day in the offices above her. Yet, just as Anthea’s preparing to leave the power goes out. Beginning with the slow emergency exit orders, Anthea and her colleagues begin to make their way down from the 67th floor. But as they proceed down the stairwell, individuals from the lab on the 70th floor start jumping, headfirst, over the rails.
On the heels of the COVID pandemic, the government and citizens are still reeling from the effects. So, as Helixir Tower begins to undergo lockdown and emergency evacuation procedures, it appears they may be looking at ground zero of another pandemic. With some jumping to their death and others aggressively attacking innocent bystanders and law enforcement, this pandemic seems to offer extremes, with a speed of infection unlike that we saw during COVID.
As Anthea remains trapped in the building, her father, the deputy health minister, seeks unconventional methods for extraction. Her boyfriend, Matt, the very one with the hidden ring, and former military, is intent on trying to rescue her and bring her out unharmed. “Virillion: Outbreak” offers an action fueled, biomedical, COVID reminiscent read. Triggering our fear receptors and fight or flight responses, this science fiction read feels eerily familiar.
Separated from friends during the mass exit, readers oscillate between Scott and Jenny, the clearing floors with Dennis and Matt, the government’s response through the eyes of Tim, or the perilous situations of Anthea and crew. Jumping from group to group readers slowly glimpse the response, the virus, and the emergency taking place inside.
Author AJ Ville offers a locked room mystery. Unraveling in a large high rise cyclical building as political leaders, health experts, and law enforcement work on the outside to contain this emergency. “Virillion: Outbreak” follows Anthea and her friends, both old and new, as they navigate the perils inside.
On the heels of the COVID pandemic, the government and citizens are still reeling from the effects. So, as Helixir Tower begins to undergo lockdown and emergency evacuation procedures, it appears they may be looking at ground zero of another pandemic. With some jumping to their death and others aggressively attacking innocent bystanders and law enforcement, this pandemic seems to offer extremes, with a speed of infection unlike that we saw during COVID.
As Anthea remains trapped in the building, her father, the deputy health minister, seeks unconventional methods for extraction. Her boyfriend, Matt, the very one with the hidden ring, and former military, is intent on trying to rescue her and bring her out unharmed. “Virillion: Outbreak” offers an action fueled, biomedical, COVID reminiscent read. Triggering our fear receptors and fight or flight responses, this science fiction read feels eerily familiar.
Separated from friends during the mass exit, readers oscillate between Scott and Jenny, the clearing floors with Dennis and Matt, the government’s response through the eyes of Tim, or the perilous situations of Anthea and crew. Jumping from group to group readers slowly glimpse the response, the virus, and the emergency taking place inside.
Author AJ Ville offers a locked room mystery. Unraveling in a large high rise cyclical building as political leaders, health experts, and law enforcement work on the outside to contain this emergency. “Virillion: Outbreak” follows Anthea and her friends, both old and new, as they navigate the perils inside.
May 12, 2026
Highly recommended, this book is powerful, while direct, and simple. If you are looking for spine-chilling thrills and a racing pulse, this is the book for you.
Science fiction wasn't my thing. I grew up surrounded by romance novels from authors like Mills & Boon, Barbara Cartland, and Denise Robins. That is why Virillion: Outbreak (Book 1) caught me off guard, triggering the exact mix of shock and morbid curiosity a toddler feels when sinking his fingers into a bowl of slime.
What began as a casual skim to test my interest turned into total immersion, my eyes devouring every word of its 350 pages. I could vividly picture the serene, sun-drenched stretch of Bondi Beach transforming into a chaotic nightmare of sirens, flashing lights, and panic-stricken crowds fleeing for their lives.
Among thousands of terrified citizens, five colleagues who are the main characters of the story, are trapped inside the Helixir Tower, Sydney's premier high-tech skyscraper. Chaos erupts as screaming bodies fall past the windows and flames burst from the floors. Gunshots and shattering glass mix with the deafening noise of crying, shouting, and footsteps scrambling for an exit.
From the Prime Minister to frontline medics, police, firefighters, and journalists, all government agencies rushed to coordinate their efforts. Their mission was clear: rescue the survivors, halt the chaos, and uncover the truth behind the disaster. Yet, one question hung in the air—was this catastrophe natural or man-made?
Pick up your copy immediately and find out for yourself.
May 20, 2026
I appreciate books that don't just entertain with the storyline but also give new knowledge based on scientific facts. The author went out of his way to rigorously research information to support this book (because surely he can't all be a doctor, military, computer whiz, firefighter and engineer right?).
Every page of this book is so engaging. The graphic details make you feel like you are watching a movie.
And as a Sydneysider, the lingo and setting/location of the story makes me feel seen!
Can't wait to see what happens in Book 2!
Every page of this book is so engaging. The graphic details make you feel like you are watching a movie.
And as a Sydneysider, the lingo and setting/location of the story makes me feel seen!
Can't wait to see what happens in Book 2!
July 4, 2026
This book has interesting ideas, which is what kept me reading through what felt like a complete lack of editing. The dialogue was poorly written, and there were numerous issues with names being interchanged, missing words, and the text simply not flowing. Very difficult to read - editing and grammar really do improve the reader experience.
June 20, 2026
Fast paced, food for thought (when WILL the next pandemic strike?)
Interesting read, especially considering the state of many issues in today’s world, and coming on the wake of Covid. I like how the groundwork was laid for the advancement of this series.
Interesting read, especially considering the state of many issues in today’s world, and coming on the wake of Covid. I like how the groundwork was laid for the advancement of this series.
May 8, 2026
This was a brilliant book. I love each characters povs. I love the development of the story. And I have thoroughly enjoyed the read. I am excited to read book 2.
May 30, 2026
Going to enjoy this book a lot!
Read
April 20, 2026Thank you for reading my book.
Call me superstitious but around the time of release - I looked up at the night sky and counted 5 stars. Yes, I was drunk and can only count 5 stars. That was the universe telling me that I am getting 5 stars for writing! :)
Call me superstitious but around the time of release - I looked up at the night sky and counted 5 stars. Yes, I was drunk and can only count 5 stars. That was the universe telling me that I am getting 5 stars for writing! :)
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2026Not fully reviewing because only got to 42%, but I found the characters (as did at least one other reviewer) quite irritating. The use of ‘gals’ in the initial part of the book galled, as although it’s set in Australia, that’s not something we really say, or a personality type we adhere to. However, if you like the equivalent of a locked room (in this case: a high-rise block in the middle of the city), and a virus on the loose that does not work out too well for those afflicted, nor those with whom they come into contact, knock yourself out.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews