The 11th Plague

by L.T. Peters (Pseudonym), Albert S. Klainer, Jo-Ann Klainer

. . . is for that twelfth hour, one of those doomsday scenarios after the first cyanotic casualty turns up in a hospital and before you know it, there's a body count of some 64,000. An Arab microbiologist has released an organism unidentified by Max Schwartz, dean of infectious diseases, and his most brilliant disciple who will finally experiment on himself to secure the drug which will stop the holocaust and save the lives (that too) of his wife and child. You certainly won't drop dead from surprise since you've faced the possibility in one book after another but perhaps it's dire enough to bear repetition. Just perhaps.

Genres: Science Fiction

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Booksofdoom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly exhilarating read. A pure and wonderful virus novel.

It's written in the seventies, which is apparent, but also makes it really interesting. Different times, different techniques and adversaries. And still, we could face the same enemy. Soon.

[Chuck · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book with a good plot but the most inane dialogue I've ever seen. I cringe whenever I see double quotes on the page!

[Andy Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a bad book, but it's not great either. It is written pretty well, but appears a bit dated now and doesn't offer anything new or original. The book is written by a pair of real life experts in the subject matter, and that seems to be true from the details of the virus that are discussed.

The book centres around a young but brilliant doctor who is working his way up the career ladder to become an expert bacteriologist. He is called in by his mentor, who is a world expert in the field, to find a way to stop a new highly lethal virus that has sprung up in the US. A small team of doctors and military personnel attempt to do just that, while overcoming various obstacles that arise along the way. This is more of a thriller than an apocalyptic fiction story as it focuses on the initial outbreak of disease that could potentially kill everyone on the planet. It's a fairly short book that manages to keep up the interest level and momentum throughout the story.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first sci-fi dystopias I ever read and I remember it being marvelous. The characters were authentic and the world building is fairly good. Some of the dialogue was a little hard to follow, even as a middle school reader, but overall a good YA novel

[Khammy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me bipolar reading it the mood swings the mystery the wanting to throw the book, this book tore my soul out, buttt i loved it

[Nola Summers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caught my interest originally as was involved in the SARS outbreak scene in Canada. It was okay. (the book not the outbreak itself) Didn't realize it was from the 16yr olds perspective -- not really interested in YA reads but did finish it. Interesting in some parts, undeveloped in others.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disease geek porn.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward apocalyptic tale. It is well written and you do care about the characters.

[Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

it ok

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Enjoyed the plot. A little predictable but it kept my attention.