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Virus #1
Concealed
They said it was extremely hard to get.
They said it wasn’t airborne.
They said there was nothing to fear.
They were wrong.
Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above.
But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don’t know can’t hurt you, she’s beginning to think otherwise. And she should…
They said it wasn’t airborne.
They said there was nothing to fear.
They were wrong.
Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above.
But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don’t know can’t hurt you, she’s beginning to think otherwise. And she should…
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2016
92 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Crayton
19 books100 followersRJ Crayton is the author of the three book series. The Prophecy of Light series includes Trapped, Unleashed and the soon to be released Foretold. The Virus series includes Concealed, Exposed, and Contained. The fast-paced dystopian Life First series include Life First, Second Life and Third Life:Taken. She's also author of the paranormal novel Scented and the short-story collection Four Mothers. Prior to becoming an author, Crayton was a journalist. She reported for several publications, including The Kansas City Star and Education Technology News. Crayton lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. When she's not writing, she enjoys eating cupcakes, walking, reading, sewing or watching TV (she's partial to Star Trek, super hero flicks and gripping dramas). To find out more about her, visit her website, www.rjcrayton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 26, 2017
My Rating: 2.5
I am a huge fan of apocalyptic stories. I read this book with high hopes. And I am sorry to say I didn't like it much.
This is the first installment in the series. I was hoping there would be more detail about the virus and enough world building. It lacked in both. And when the fun started to begin, the book ended.
I am rounding up 2.5 to 3 stars because I see potential in writer. I hope she gives more details in his second book.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of apocalyptic stories. I read this book with high hopes. And I am sorry to say I didn't like it much.
This is the first installment in the series. I was hoping there would be more detail about the virus and enough world building. It lacked in both. And when the fun started to begin, the book ended.
I am rounding up 2.5 to 3 stars because I see potential in writer. I hope she gives more details in his second book.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2020
Barely 3 stars...
This was an alright book. It wasn't bad but it didn't really do much for me. The past was a bit slow but the reading was fast with how it was written. The characters seemed bland and I had just started to get a feel for them when the book ended. Although Josh I never got a feel for. He was just there and the relationship he had with Elaan was just as bad. Now the fathers, and Elaan's relationship to her brother I get better, especially in the second half.
For the first half of the book, you are chasing after secrets that may or may not mean anything. And the ending did not help that. It just stops! Not a wrap-up nor a cliffhanger. I felt like the author just randomly said: 'And I finished that chapter, I don't want to write anymore for awhile or I want to get my book out NOW and cannot wait.' Pfft. Everything in here cold have been condensed to less than 1/2 of what there was. Elaans thoughts go in circles and so many details about the bunker were not needed. The author focused so much on the romantic aspects, the dystopian situation often get lost. And that by far was why I picked this up.
I might pick up the next book because I feel involved with the characters situation and I want to know the outcome, yet I don't feel it is worth paying for at this time. The character growth wasn't there. The world building was lacking at first and was just starting to be built when the book stopped. Not cool. Basically if I could borrow it I would read it as it is not a waste of my time but to spend money on this? I don't think so.
This was an alright book. It wasn't bad but it didn't really do much for me. The past was a bit slow but the reading was fast with how it was written. The characters seemed bland and I had just started to get a feel for them when the book ended. Although Josh I never got a feel for. He was just there and the relationship he had with Elaan was just as bad. Now the fathers, and Elaan's relationship to her brother I get better, especially in the second half.
For the first half of the book, you are chasing after secrets that may or may not mean anything. And the ending did not help that. It just stops! Not a wrap-up nor a cliffhanger. I felt like the author just randomly said: 'And I finished that chapter, I don't want to write anymore for awhile or I want to get my book out NOW and cannot wait.' Pfft. Everything in here cold have been condensed to less than 1/2 of what there was. Elaans thoughts go in circles and so many details about the bunker were not needed. The author focused so much on the romantic aspects, the dystopian situation often get lost. And that by far was why I picked this up.
I might pick up the next book because I feel involved with the characters situation and I want to know the outcome, yet I don't feel it is worth paying for at this time. The character growth wasn't there. The world building was lacking at first and was just starting to be built when the book stopped. Not cool. Basically if I could borrow it I would read it as it is not a waste of my time but to spend money on this? I don't think so.
January 2, 2020
I'm not sure on this it was okay but I felt for book 1 we should have gotten more. I feel like we only have a few points and that it dragged to get that. Where is her mum? Where are they going? What will happen? Whats life like above ground?
June 2, 2017
This book was really meh. I never really felt any sort of attachment to any of the characters. The storyline was fairly interesting, and I kinda want to continue the series. I feel like this book ended on a really awkward point. I was finally getting into the book, and a character had been introduced that I actually liked, then it was the end. The writing also seemed a bit choppy to me, which might be why I struggled so much to get into it.
June 1, 2017
Not impressed with this book. Glad I got it for free and that it worked for a challenge. It wasn't hard to read, but it just wasn't anything special. I wasn't a fan of the romance and the characters were just kind of blah...at least to me. The whole virus thing was cool, though, and scary.
May 23, 2016
This compelling story of a young woman caught in the middle of a world wide crisis is a great twist on the post-apocalyptic teen thriller. RJ shows us a dystopian world that is very much like our own but filled with complex moral questions and high stakes. Can't wait for Exposed!
March 19, 2017
When I saw the cover and blub for this book, I was ecstatic. "Yaaaay! A new dystopia zombie book! EEEPPP!!!!" So I dived right in... aaaaand then it all just fell apart.
This book was as fun as watching paint dry or reading the Apple's Terms & Conditions agreement page. There was nothing good about this book. It was just plain boring with absolutely nothing happening.
None of the characters were likable. Not even the main character. She was so whiny and pissed me off to no ends because she was so "angry" at her father because he chose to mourn the loss of his wife, while she chose to just carry on like "la-la-la". She hated her father because he was depressed and unconnected. Yet when it came to her needing to hightail it outta there, he snapped out of the depression and was trying to help her with everything he had... AND SHE WAS PISSED ABOUT IT! she even wanted to (and I quote) tell him to "Go to hell". Like really, you idiot? He is trying to help you. Not ONCE did it go through his mind that he would ever loose you, you freaking brat. Had he KNOWN, I highly freaking doubt he was mourn at that time. Ugh. -_- Literally every page I saw her stamping her feet like a toddler who was told no.
There was literally no action. Non of any kind. They were all trapped below surface looking for a cure. that is all it talks about. Even when they had to leave, there was still no action. You could skip 2 and more chapters and STILL know what was happening.....because nothing happened. If anything, they just talk. When things should be happening, like when they leave, nothing. You would think with a raging virus uptop, the world would be crawling with infected but nope. They just get to walk away. No action.
But.... but.
It was very much full of useless babble. Such as:
Elaan surveyed Lijah's face, disbelief still clinging to her brain, but gnawing ache was replacing her shock. The depths of Lijah's deception began to settle in on her. Josh's secret, his own secret, hadn't been her business so she could understand Lijah's choice not to tell her.
Oooooooookay. that was overkill to go into all that. Just saying. Especially when you can replace most of this with something ACTUALLY HAPPENING. The climax of this book. The "secret" was so anticlimax that you really just want to throw the book and demand to know why in the hell you wasted your time reading this book in the first place.
Through this whole damn book its all be the "secret". she can't know. she much never know. No. No. She shall never know. No, don't tell her. We can't tell you. *gasps* I WILL NEVER TELL!
Want to know the secret here it is, it'll save you a lot of time so you can go on to actually read a book worth your time, *click the spoiler button*
But yeah. boring right. Wouldn't recommend. Stay far away from this one. No action, no building of any sort. No nothing.
This book was as fun as watching paint dry or reading the Apple's Terms & Conditions agreement page. There was nothing good about this book. It was just plain boring with absolutely nothing happening.
None of the characters were likable. Not even the main character. She was so whiny and pissed me off to no ends because she was so "angry" at her father because he chose to mourn the loss of his wife, while she chose to just carry on like "la-la-la". She hated her father because he was depressed and unconnected. Yet when it came to her needing to hightail it outta there, he snapped out of the depression and was trying to help her with everything he had... AND SHE WAS PISSED ABOUT IT! she even wanted to (and I quote) tell him to "Go to hell". Like really, you idiot? He is trying to help you. Not ONCE did it go through his mind that he would ever loose you, you freaking brat. Had he KNOWN, I highly freaking doubt he was mourn at that time. Ugh. -_- Literally every page I saw her stamping her feet like a toddler who was told no.
There was literally no action. Non of any kind. They were all trapped below surface looking for a cure. that is all it talks about. Even when they had to leave, there was still no action. You could skip 2 and more chapters and STILL know what was happening.....because nothing happened. If anything, they just talk. When things should be happening, like when they leave, nothing. You would think with a raging virus uptop, the world would be crawling with infected but nope. They just get to walk away. No action.
But.... but.
It was very much full of useless babble. Such as:
Elaan surveyed Lijah's face, disbelief still clinging to her brain, but gnawing ache was replacing her shock. The depths of Lijah's deception began to settle in on her. Josh's secret, his own secret, hadn't been her business so she could understand Lijah's choice not to tell her.
Oooooooookay. that was overkill to go into all that. Just saying. Especially when you can replace most of this with something ACTUALLY HAPPENING. The climax of this book. The "secret" was so anticlimax that you really just want to throw the book and demand to know why in the hell you wasted your time reading this book in the first place.
Through this whole damn book its all be the "secret". she can't know. she much never know. No. No. She shall never know. No, don't tell her. We can't tell you. *gasps* I WILL NEVER TELL!
Want to know the secret here it is, it'll save you a lot of time so you can go on to actually read a book worth your time, *click the spoiler button*
But yeah. boring right. Wouldn't recommend. Stay far away from this one. No action, no building of any sort. No nothing.
May 16, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Before I go any further, I need to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with this book, despite my 2 star rating above. I agreed to review this for the author despite it being YA, which was a concern to me. I used to read a ton of YA but as time has went on, I find that it isn't much to my taste now so I don't really read it. I based my decision to read this on two main things-the virus plot, which I read a lot of in zombie and apocalypse books, and the fact that I enjoy the way this author puts a story together, based on her Life First series. I decide whether or not a book is suited to my tastes based on blurb and reviews, so with no review details and a vague blurb, I had nothing to work with. I don't need spoilers in my blurb but I do prefer to know if the book features action or romance or whatever so I can make a more informed choice about what to read.
There is plenty to compliment in this book so lets start with the good. The main characters are interesting and well written. Elaan is a nice, normal girl, stuck in a scientific compound while her father and other scientists look for a cure for the deadly virus killing people above ground. It makes a change not to have whiny brat YA MC's so hats off to the author for that. I liked the main three well enough. The virus took Elaan's mother and threatens the life of her brother Elijah should he be exposed to it, though she is immune, along with her friend Josh. The plot ideas are decent and there are a few twists introduced as the story moves along. The author knows exactly how to tell the story and it has cohesion, a good flow and is nicely written. I liked one of the side characters but we don't really get a chance to see much of her. The reason for this becomes obvious later in the book as the plot develops.
Why two stars? Basically 2 stars is too low for this book so if I could I would give it 2.5 stars. This is based on the fact that I gave the other series by the author, which I liked more, 3 stars and above, and I can't give 3 stars to something I didn't really take to. It is certainly not a 2 star book but on Goodreads I have no half star options which would have been helpful! So I better explain the minor points that led me to this rating.
Based on the blurb, I was expecting a fast paced virus story set in the compound, maybe with a sudden outbreak or psycho releasing a strain or something similar. I guess I read so many apocalypse viral novels which contain this storyline that I expect something similar each time. This is not how the story panned out however. The main focus on the first fifty pages or so was introducing the dynamic between Elaan, Josh and Elijah, which would be vital to the story later. Everyone seems to disaprove of Elaan and Josh having a relationship but nobody is prepared to explain why to her. The emphasis on this was not my favourite plot device. To be totally honest, I wasn't greatly interested in the teen relationship of Elaan and Josh. I'm just not a fan of romance overall. But that is just a personal thing. There is not a heavy emphasis on the romance in what I read but I would have liked a more action based virus story.
By the time it looked as if things were developing with the virus plot, I'd already decided that the story wasn't really for me. I imagine that I would maybe like the second half better, based on where I stopped reading, but I had already decided not to read on as it was proving to be 'not my thing'. This does not mean that the story was dead slow or boring, because it wasn't in any way. It's purely that the book went a different way from my personal tastes, which is hardly the fault of the author. It just happens with some books and it's a pity that it wasn't for me.
As I said, this is not a bad book in any way! Those who like YA dystopian and don't mind a slightly slower start to introduce the characters, and the focus on mild romance will probably really enjoy it. It just wasn't my kind of read, sadly. Don't let my review put you off reading this or other books by this author as she is a very good storyteller.
Before I go any further, I need to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with this book, despite my 2 star rating above. I agreed to review this for the author despite it being YA, which was a concern to me. I used to read a ton of YA but as time has went on, I find that it isn't much to my taste now so I don't really read it. I based my decision to read this on two main things-the virus plot, which I read a lot of in zombie and apocalypse books, and the fact that I enjoy the way this author puts a story together, based on her Life First series. I decide whether or not a book is suited to my tastes based on blurb and reviews, so with no review details and a vague blurb, I had nothing to work with. I don't need spoilers in my blurb but I do prefer to know if the book features action or romance or whatever so I can make a more informed choice about what to read.
There is plenty to compliment in this book so lets start with the good. The main characters are interesting and well written. Elaan is a nice, normal girl, stuck in a scientific compound while her father and other scientists look for a cure for the deadly virus killing people above ground. It makes a change not to have whiny brat YA MC's so hats off to the author for that. I liked the main three well enough. The virus took Elaan's mother and threatens the life of her brother Elijah should he be exposed to it, though she is immune, along with her friend Josh. The plot ideas are decent and there are a few twists introduced as the story moves along. The author knows exactly how to tell the story and it has cohesion, a good flow and is nicely written. I liked one of the side characters but we don't really get a chance to see much of her. The reason for this becomes obvious later in the book as the plot develops.
Why two stars? Basically 2 stars is too low for this book so if I could I would give it 2.5 stars. This is based on the fact that I gave the other series by the author, which I liked more, 3 stars and above, and I can't give 3 stars to something I didn't really take to. It is certainly not a 2 star book but on Goodreads I have no half star options which would have been helpful! So I better explain the minor points that led me to this rating.
Based on the blurb, I was expecting a fast paced virus story set in the compound, maybe with a sudden outbreak or psycho releasing a strain or something similar. I guess I read so many apocalypse viral novels which contain this storyline that I expect something similar each time. This is not how the story panned out however. The main focus on the first fifty pages or so was introducing the dynamic between Elaan, Josh and Elijah, which would be vital to the story later. Everyone seems to disaprove of Elaan and Josh having a relationship but nobody is prepared to explain why to her. The emphasis on this was not my favourite plot device. To be totally honest, I wasn't greatly interested in the teen relationship of Elaan and Josh. I'm just not a fan of romance overall. But that is just a personal thing. There is not a heavy emphasis on the romance in what I read but I would have liked a more action based virus story.
By the time it looked as if things were developing with the virus plot, I'd already decided that the story wasn't really for me. I imagine that I would maybe like the second half better, based on where I stopped reading, but I had already decided not to read on as it was proving to be 'not my thing'. This does not mean that the story was dead slow or boring, because it wasn't in any way. It's purely that the book went a different way from my personal tastes, which is hardly the fault of the author. It just happens with some books and it's a pity that it wasn't for me.
As I said, this is not a bad book in any way! Those who like YA dystopian and don't mind a slightly slower start to introduce the characters, and the focus on mild romance will probably really enjoy it. It just wasn't my kind of read, sadly. Don't let my review put you off reading this or other books by this author as she is a very good storyteller.
May 12, 2016
The characters are nicely developed. The story builds in interest and pulls you along as you read.
What do you do when people have lied to you and you don't know who to believe? You know you can't stay where you are, but what do you do?
Unexpected twists and turns with tension and suspense keep your interest from start to finish. I have got to get the next one in this series. I received this from the author for an honest review. No compensation involved. WELL DONE!
March 30, 2017
More often than not dystopian fiction, at its core, has a political point, taking a current political direction and combining it with a slippery slope argument, to make a point. If there is a political point at the heart of Concealed, I missed it. (We probably shouldn't rule out that possibility.) That doesn't mean there aren't politics going on, but the viruses infecting the world seem more of a natural disaster.
Regardless of what started the spread of the virus, this is a solid story that should appeal to older teens (the young adult audience), as well as adults. There is a coming-of-age theme, for those who like those kind of stories and as the first installment of the series the promise of more adventures to come.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Regardless of what started the spread of the virus, this is a solid story that should appeal to older teens (the young adult audience), as well as adults. There is a coming-of-age theme, for those who like those kind of stories and as the first installment of the series the promise of more adventures to come.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 29, 2017
"Concealed" by R.J. Crayton is the story of a pandemic that sweeps the world while a few lucky people including scientists, military officials, and their families are kept safe in an underground facility where they are trying to find a cure. The story centers around a teenage girl named Elaan. Concealed has a double meaning here in the sense that they are concealed from the rest of the world and there are also secrets that are concealed that will rock Elaan's world.
This is definitely a novel that will appeal to teenagers who love end of the world/pandemic type books. The author sets the stage in this first book well enough that I finished it and want to know what happens next.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.
This is definitely a novel that will appeal to teenagers who love end of the world/pandemic type books. The author sets the stage in this first book well enough that I finished it and want to know what happens next.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2020
Things went too slow for me, and the end made me feel like nothing even happened. I don’t like Elaan’s father, nor Josh’s father, they both seem too selfish and I must say I even like Kingston more than James, at least he did everything he could to save her son. While James was just a weight there, not helping find the cure. I was also really mad at the way everyone seems to treat Elaan like a kid, and the fact that she gets mad but let’s it continue makes it worse. She’s like a little puppy following Lijah around, then going to Josh for comfort because Lijah doesn’t see her as an adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2016
Concealed (Virus #1) - R.J. Crayton Concealed is the first volume in a dystopian YA series about a virus that has turned the world upside down.Elaan Woodson is a lucky girl. The Helnoan virus has infected most of the population. Almost everyone who contracts the disease dies from it, although some recover -- and a handful, like Elaan, appear to have a natural immunity. In addition to her immunity, she is also the daughter of a scientist who's working on a cure for the virus, and because of that, she, her brother Lijah, and her father are living in the underground bunker where her father's lab is located. Lijah is a survivor -- as is Josh Wells, the only other teenager in the compound. Elaan and Josh are obviously headed for romance, but Lijah keeps warning her away from him. Lijah says Josh has a secret that will hurt Elaan, but then Lijah has a big secret of his own. And the most important secret is the one Josh's father is keeping from all of them -- one that might cost Elaan her life.Crayton spends a lot of time in this book developing her main characters and the setting. We learn a lot about Elaan's daily life, and about how the underground facility operates, including the behind-the-scenes machinations like management hierarchies and gossip. The plot, however, takes a while to get going. I found myself wishing somebody would just break down and tell Elaan something already, so the story could move along. Things do finally accelerate, but the action doesn't pick up until near the end of the book.Crayton is a fine writer, and her topic is certainly timely. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Recommended for those who enjoy YA science fiction.
July 12, 2016
This is a Kindle Scout nominee that did not 'win' the chance to be part of Kindle Press.
This is a Post-pandemic/Post-apocalyptic Young Adult fiction.
Elaan Woodson, her brother 'Lijah', and their scientist father live underground. A deal was struck to keep them from getting the pandemic virus that is spreading above them like proverbial wildfire. The scientist is searching for a cure and Elaan may be an answer. Yet, 17 year-old Elaan seems to do more of the care-taking than anyone else. She also has picked up on some lies and while searching for the truth may have put herself and her family in more danger.
I enjoyed how Ms. Crayton placed bread crumbs for the readers and Elaan to track down to learn about the 'truth' she is seeking out. Elaan may believe she is grown-up be we, the reader, also she she has a lot to learn about life.
Warning: There are some scenes that require a more mature response than others.
This is a Post-pandemic/Post-apocalyptic Young Adult fiction.
Elaan Woodson, her brother 'Lijah', and their scientist father live underground. A deal was struck to keep them from getting the pandemic virus that is spreading above them like proverbial wildfire. The scientist is searching for a cure and Elaan may be an answer. Yet, 17 year-old Elaan seems to do more of the care-taking than anyone else. She also has picked up on some lies and while searching for the truth may have put herself and her family in more danger.
I enjoyed how Ms. Crayton placed bread crumbs for the readers and Elaan to track down to learn about the 'truth' she is seeking out. Elaan may believe she is grown-up be we, the reader, also she she has a lot to learn about life.
Warning: There are some scenes that require a more mature response than others.
June 24, 2016
This book, which I received in a giveaway, left me wanting more. The story is very compelling and I wish I knew more. Hopefully, the author will make a prequel so we can learn more about the epidemic and how exactly the disease got discovered. It would also be interesting to have a view of the topside to compare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2016
This was such a good book. Intriguing from the beginning and it just got better and better. And the end! Whoa. I can't wait until the next one comes out. A real quick, good read.
August 7, 2019
REVIEW
I had seen this series before and had kept meaning to read it. After enjoying my previous read to this which was also from this genre I fancied another post apocalyptic/dystopian read and chose to begin this series.
I find the cover quite striking, from the dark blue stone like colour hinting at the darkness and spareness within the world Concealed is set in. Then there's the red image, logo or however you would personally describe it, which I'd say represents the virus. The byline of "They said we were safe. They were wrong" fits the book perfectly and certainly draws you in wanting to know more.
When you begin reading the book you are kind of one edge and unsure whether to believe the government rather like the characters in the book. It is a missionary, Mark Drayton who brings the mutated airborne version of the Helnoan back to the US. Sadly Mark is a "carrier" and is spreading Helnoan B far and wide with anyone he comes across in his day to day life dealing with parishoners etc. The general society are told everything is under control, whilst behind the scenes scientists, and certain members of the military, etc, are being gathered together and being placed underground, in either a Scientist Protection Complex or Special Protection Unit.
There are two types of the virus the Helnoan and Helnoan B which is airborne. Both types Helnoan, and it's mutated Helnonan B make victims initially suffer, from a general feeling of being ill, followed by a fever. Victims of the original Helnoan virus rapidly become seriously ill, with symptoms such as vomiting, blood loss, bleeding from eyes, nose, ears and mouth. This is how the virus is so easily spread within the body fluids. The bodies of those who die from the virus need to be hermatically sealed and cremated to "kill" the virus.
Not every single person is able to catch either virus. There are "immune's" who are totally safe from the virus and become a sought after commodity by those who wish to experiment as well as those who want to recreate a new world and re-populate it. Then there are "carrier's" where the virus lays dormant until it comes into contact with someone else who has the virus and then they become "carrier's" and actually unknowingly spread the virus to anyone they then come into contact with.
The main characters we follow in Concealed are 17 yr old Elaan Woodson, her 19yr old brother Elijah Jacob Woodson and their father and lead scientist Dr James Woodson. Another scientist, in fact the second in command is Dr Kingston Wells and his son Josh Wells and they all live alongside other lab workers, military personnel and their families in the smallest Scientist Protection Complex (SPC) with only 42 occupants and space left for others to join them. Though no one from "outside" or "above" ever comes inside the complex. It would be far too dangerous as they could be infected with either of the strains of the Helnoan Virus. Due to both men having lost their wives, Dr James Woodson and Dr Kingston Wells are determined to do their level best to protect their children no matter what.
Both scientists work well together and are equally eager to find the elusive cure or vaccine.
This battle is quite personal for both the Woodson family and the Wells family as both have lost the mothers in their respective families. However they are completely different characters with Dr Kingston Wells, seems quite matter of fact about his wife's death, and having a "get on with life now" attitude. He is also forthright, at times both ignorant and somewhat arrogant, so not the best scientist to be working with or to be a lab technician for. Dr Kingston Wells also seems to have a rather strong disliking to Elaan. Could it be Dr Kingston is doesn't want his perfect boy fraternising with the likes of a mixed race girl such as Elaan, but then that can't be why, when he seems to have taken Lijah under his wing and regularly has Lijah help him in experiments as an unofficial lab technician/assistant.
Whereas Dr James Woodson is still deeply affected by Shonda Woodson's passing, he was a quieter man to begin with but now he is even more withdrawn, prefers to be alone in his grief for his wife. He is excellent at his job but at times fails to turn up to work and curiously Dr Kingston Wells covers up for him. If it is revealed James Woodson is falling behind on his important work both he and the remainder of his family would be thrown out of the SPC and be at the mercy of the virus.
There's so much going on in this book, both within the lines you visibly read to the possibilities of what could happen that you create yourself as you read the book from "between the line" using the actions and and the nuances you have already learnt about the individual characters and their unique personalities. Then there's all the things going on in the background that begin so tiny you don't notice the hints to them, that build up, become bigger and clearer and eventually unfold or in some cases burst free, and you literally say "wow didn't see that coming" or "hey, I thought that might happen!"
I am finding it really difficult to prevent myself from slipping and giving away any spoilers as well as trying to remember where one book ended and the other began as I read the whole series back to back, which is highly unusual for me to do! To say I was "gripped" or "pulled" and "held" by this book (in fact the whole series) is a bit of an understatement. RJ Crayton really has you become attached to the characters, even the ones you enjoy dis-liking like Dr Kingston Wells. Something I don't usually do until I have finished a book is checkout other peoples opinions and/or reviews on it. I saw a lot of low star reviews for this one and I seriously have to say I totally disagree! The pace in the book is fast enough for you to read it and not become bored, yet slow enough to give you some "one the edge of your seat" moments.
Favourite character's are naturally the three teens, Elaan, Josh and Elijah. If I had to pick just the one I'd say Elijah, or Lijah as his family call him. I loved the way he was determined to protect his sister from getting hurt by Josh. Lijah knows something about Josh, that he has promised not to reveal, he thinks it's not his place to do so and that either Josh should not pursue a closer relationship with Elaan or he reveal the secret and let Elaan make an informed decision on whether to go ahead in a relationship with Josh. All this time (you realise later in the book, and most certainly in the series) that Lijah only ever has Elaan's best interests at heart. Elaan goes from thinking that Lijah is jealous as she has a love interest and there is no one suitable in the SPC for him. To thinking he doesn't want to see her happy again after losing their mum. At one point she also thinks that Lijah is gay and wants Joshua for himself!!! This is something I won't reveal as the whole story, misunderstandings, reasons for secrecy etc all unfold bit by bit in the book and end up totally explained within the series. The place this book finishes really has you sitting at the edge of your seat ans perplexed at what will happen.
This book really had me thinking and asking questions all the way through as you can see in my Goodreads "diary" log, they ranged from What is the secret that Josh can't tell Elaan that Elijah discovered?, What could be so bad that would make Elijah want Josh to stay away from Elaan because of? Could Elaan really be right about Elijah that he is gay and that he may have accidentally found out/ found out Josh is gay or bisexual too?" My immediate thoughts upon finishing Concealed BK1 in the Virus Series were . . A really good start to a possibly great series! Can't believe how it ended. Definitely left me with plenty of questions that need answering in the next book. The most imminent question being Will “Boxcar-Willie” double cross the teenagers?
I had seen this series before and had kept meaning to read it. After enjoying my previous read to this which was also from this genre I fancied another post apocalyptic/dystopian read and chose to begin this series.
I find the cover quite striking, from the dark blue stone like colour hinting at the darkness and spareness within the world Concealed is set in. Then there's the red image, logo or however you would personally describe it, which I'd say represents the virus. The byline of "They said we were safe. They were wrong" fits the book perfectly and certainly draws you in wanting to know more.
When you begin reading the book you are kind of one edge and unsure whether to believe the government rather like the characters in the book. It is a missionary, Mark Drayton who brings the mutated airborne version of the Helnoan back to the US. Sadly Mark is a "carrier" and is spreading Helnoan B far and wide with anyone he comes across in his day to day life dealing with parishoners etc. The general society are told everything is under control, whilst behind the scenes scientists, and certain members of the military, etc, are being gathered together and being placed underground, in either a Scientist Protection Complex or Special Protection Unit.
There are two types of the virus the Helnoan and Helnoan B which is airborne. Both types Helnoan, and it's mutated Helnonan B make victims initially suffer, from a general feeling of being ill, followed by a fever. Victims of the original Helnoan virus rapidly become seriously ill, with symptoms such as vomiting, blood loss, bleeding from eyes, nose, ears and mouth. This is how the virus is so easily spread within the body fluids. The bodies of those who die from the virus need to be hermatically sealed and cremated to "kill" the virus.
Not every single person is able to catch either virus. There are "immune's" who are totally safe from the virus and become a sought after commodity by those who wish to experiment as well as those who want to recreate a new world and re-populate it. Then there are "carrier's" where the virus lays dormant until it comes into contact with someone else who has the virus and then they become "carrier's" and actually unknowingly spread the virus to anyone they then come into contact with.
The main characters we follow in Concealed are 17 yr old Elaan Woodson, her 19yr old brother Elijah Jacob Woodson and their father and lead scientist Dr James Woodson. Another scientist, in fact the second in command is Dr Kingston Wells and his son Josh Wells and they all live alongside other lab workers, military personnel and their families in the smallest Scientist Protection Complex (SPC) with only 42 occupants and space left for others to join them. Though no one from "outside" or "above" ever comes inside the complex. It would be far too dangerous as they could be infected with either of the strains of the Helnoan Virus. Due to both men having lost their wives, Dr James Woodson and Dr Kingston Wells are determined to do their level best to protect their children no matter what.
Both scientists work well together and are equally eager to find the elusive cure or vaccine.
This battle is quite personal for both the Woodson family and the Wells family as both have lost the mothers in their respective families. However they are completely different characters with Dr Kingston Wells, seems quite matter of fact about his wife's death, and having a "get on with life now" attitude. He is also forthright, at times both ignorant and somewhat arrogant, so not the best scientist to be working with or to be a lab technician for. Dr Kingston Wells also seems to have a rather strong disliking to Elaan. Could it be Dr Kingston is doesn't want his perfect boy fraternising with the likes of a mixed race girl such as Elaan, but then that can't be why, when he seems to have taken Lijah under his wing and regularly has Lijah help him in experiments as an unofficial lab technician/assistant.
Whereas Dr James Woodson is still deeply affected by Shonda Woodson's passing, he was a quieter man to begin with but now he is even more withdrawn, prefers to be alone in his grief for his wife. He is excellent at his job but at times fails to turn up to work and curiously Dr Kingston Wells covers up for him. If it is revealed James Woodson is falling behind on his important work both he and the remainder of his family would be thrown out of the SPC and be at the mercy of the virus.
There's so much going on in this book, both within the lines you visibly read to the possibilities of what could happen that you create yourself as you read the book from "between the line" using the actions and and the nuances you have already learnt about the individual characters and their unique personalities. Then there's all the things going on in the background that begin so tiny you don't notice the hints to them, that build up, become bigger and clearer and eventually unfold or in some cases burst free, and you literally say "wow didn't see that coming" or "hey, I thought that might happen!"
I am finding it really difficult to prevent myself from slipping and giving away any spoilers as well as trying to remember where one book ended and the other began as I read the whole series back to back, which is highly unusual for me to do! To say I was "gripped" or "pulled" and "held" by this book (in fact the whole series) is a bit of an understatement. RJ Crayton really has you become attached to the characters, even the ones you enjoy dis-liking like Dr Kingston Wells. Something I don't usually do until I have finished a book is checkout other peoples opinions and/or reviews on it. I saw a lot of low star reviews for this one and I seriously have to say I totally disagree! The pace in the book is fast enough for you to read it and not become bored, yet slow enough to give you some "one the edge of your seat" moments.
Favourite character's are naturally the three teens, Elaan, Josh and Elijah. If I had to pick just the one I'd say Elijah, or Lijah as his family call him. I loved the way he was determined to protect his sister from getting hurt by Josh. Lijah knows something about Josh, that he has promised not to reveal, he thinks it's not his place to do so and that either Josh should not pursue a closer relationship with Elaan or he reveal the secret and let Elaan make an informed decision on whether to go ahead in a relationship with Josh. All this time (you realise later in the book, and most certainly in the series) that Lijah only ever has Elaan's best interests at heart. Elaan goes from thinking that Lijah is jealous as she has a love interest and there is no one suitable in the SPC for him. To thinking he doesn't want to see her happy again after losing their mum. At one point she also thinks that Lijah is gay and wants Joshua for himself!!! This is something I won't reveal as the whole story, misunderstandings, reasons for secrecy etc all unfold bit by bit in the book and end up totally explained within the series. The place this book finishes really has you sitting at the edge of your seat ans perplexed at what will happen.
This book really had me thinking and asking questions all the way through as you can see in my Goodreads "diary" log, they ranged from What is the secret that Josh can't tell Elaan that Elijah discovered?, What could be so bad that would make Elijah want Josh to stay away from Elaan because of? Could Elaan really be right about Elijah that he is gay and that he may have accidentally found out/ found out Josh is gay or bisexual too?" My immediate thoughts upon finishing Concealed BK1 in the Virus Series were . . A really good start to a possibly great series! Can't believe how it ended. Definitely left me with plenty of questions that need answering in the next book. The most imminent question being Will “Boxcar-Willie” double cross the teenagers?
March 20, 2017
Elaan Woodson lives in the Scientists Protection Complex. Which is effectively a military compound filled with only 42 people, consisting of military officials and their families for the most part. Of those 42 people, only 2 more are close to Elaan's age. And one of them is her brother! Why are they there? A deadly virus known as the Helnoan Virus is wiping people out. Fast. And this facility is being used as a research facility to help find some answers.
The researchers aren't the only ones who want answers though. Elaan knows that her brother and her friend (and crush) are keeping something from her. And she's determined to find out what's really going on in the compound. So unfolds a pretty fast paced story of Elaan discovering more about her family, their secrets and the impact she could have on finding a cure - because Elaan is immune.
I expected to find out a lot about the virus, and to see the effects of it as the story progressed and characters tried to avoid it. But actually this book goes against the grain and takes a different approach - it considers relationships more closely than it does the theories behind the virus. I'm quite interested to discover how people are affected by these kinds of stressful, scary situations and so it's exciting to explore this concept.
However, I really struggled with the direction this story went off in. A large part of the first half of the story revolves around one single concept - "I know something you don't know". And this is thrown at the reader quite a few times. And Elaan asks the same questions time and time again. I much prefer to be given tiny clues or pick up on hidden clues myself, rather than having such an obvious hint all the time at something bigger going on. I want to unravel the story slowly, and this was a little too blunt for me.
Overall, whilst I think there are some good ideas and a nice writing style, I really struggled with a slightly irritating main character and an obvious plot.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The researchers aren't the only ones who want answers though. Elaan knows that her brother and her friend (and crush) are keeping something from her. And she's determined to find out what's really going on in the compound. So unfolds a pretty fast paced story of Elaan discovering more about her family, their secrets and the impact she could have on finding a cure - because Elaan is immune.
I expected to find out a lot about the virus, and to see the effects of it as the story progressed and characters tried to avoid it. But actually this book goes against the grain and takes a different approach - it considers relationships more closely than it does the theories behind the virus. I'm quite interested to discover how people are affected by these kinds of stressful, scary situations and so it's exciting to explore this concept.
However, I really struggled with the direction this story went off in. A large part of the first half of the story revolves around one single concept - "I know something you don't know". And this is thrown at the reader quite a few times. And Elaan asks the same questions time and time again. I much prefer to be given tiny clues or pick up on hidden clues myself, rather than having such an obvious hint all the time at something bigger going on. I want to unravel the story slowly, and this was a little too blunt for me.
Overall, whilst I think there are some good ideas and a nice writing style, I really struggled with a slightly irritating main character and an obvious plot.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2018
Disclaimer: I received these books from netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2016
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: u/n as DNFed
Pages: 204
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
I had to end up DNF-ing this book because I just felt that the book moved too slowly for me and I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. There was a lot going on in the book as well and in my opinion I just wouldn’t be happy with the book if I forced myself to continue it. Unfortunately I also requested the other books in this series so I’ll have to DNF them too.
Verdict: DNFed
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2016
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: u/n as DNFed
Pages: 204
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
I had to end up DNF-ing this book because I just felt that the book moved too slowly for me and I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. There was a lot going on in the book as well and in my opinion I just wouldn’t be happy with the book if I forced myself to continue it. Unfortunately I also requested the other books in this series so I’ll have to DNF them too.
Verdict: DNFed
January 26, 2020
Hmm. That's the theme of this review.
I'm not sure I was madly committed to any of the characters. Indeed, I felt ambivalent towards the three protagonists. When the great secret was revealed, I didn't find it shocking or a surprise.
Hmm.
The notion of a worldwide killer disease is good but old. We've seen it before in many YA books. "Concealed" doesn't add any new nuances or concepts to it.
Hmm.
It is great to have a gay protagonist featured in a YA novel but it's a shame it is someone who is suffering from unrequited love. It would be more refreshing to have a positive gay role model who was out and accepted.
Hmm.
Towards the end of the novel, I found it was picking up pace and I was enjoying it more. Then. Boom. It was over. So even though I felt the book was average, I also felt it was too short and cut off in its prime. It means I have hope for the second in the series.
I'm not sure I was madly committed to any of the characters. Indeed, I felt ambivalent towards the three protagonists. When the great secret was revealed, I didn't find it shocking or a surprise.
Hmm.
The notion of a worldwide killer disease is good but old. We've seen it before in many YA books. "Concealed" doesn't add any new nuances or concepts to it.
Hmm.
It is great to have a gay protagonist featured in a YA novel but it's a shame it is someone who is suffering from unrequited love. It would be more refreshing to have a positive gay role model who was out and accepted.
Hmm.
Towards the end of the novel, I found it was picking up pace and I was enjoying it more. Then. Boom. It was over. So even though I felt the book was average, I also felt it was too short and cut off in its prime. It means I have hope for the second in the series.
March 23, 2017
What a great idea for a story- the human world is dying quickly and scientists have been placed in a 'protective' bunker with the hope that they will be able to find a cure to the pandemic racing across the world.
I have to admit- more often than once I wanted to punch Elaan in the face. Stubborn, and sometimes very childish if she doesn't get the information that she wants but I can deal because you can't help but want to know yourself.
Also, Elijah. The book goes between calling him Elijah and Lijah. I'm guessing that Lijah is some sort of 'nickname' for him but really- its a terrible nickname because it's his name minus ONE LETTER. But that's a silly little annoyance for me.
I do think that this first book in the series is a little dry and am saddened that it's so short because the fun stuff begins to happen right at the end of the book. It seems like the first and second book could have been combined into one and made it a bit better.
Over all, I enjoyed reading it and am quite excited to get some more information on this virus and what's going on in the above world...
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit- more often than once I wanted to punch Elaan in the face. Stubborn, and sometimes very childish if she doesn't get the information that she wants but I can deal because you can't help but want to know yourself.
Also, Elijah. The book goes between calling him Elijah and Lijah. I'm guessing that Lijah is some sort of 'nickname' for him but really- its a terrible nickname because it's his name minus ONE LETTER. But that's a silly little annoyance for me.
I do think that this first book in the series is a little dry and am saddened that it's so short because the fun stuff begins to happen right at the end of the book. It seems like the first and second book could have been combined into one and made it a bit better.
Over all, I enjoyed reading it and am quite excited to get some more information on this virus and what's going on in the above world...
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2017
The story centers around 3 teenagers; brother and sister Lijah and Elaan and their friend Josh. After the world is plagued by a deadly virus, their mothers are now dead and their scientist fathers are desperately trying to save the world in a now post-apocolyptan planet.
I love any dystopian/speculative fiction, it's definitely my go to genre. Be it zombies, robots, virus or natural disaster I am their with a front row seat and this series didn't disappoint.
With the world in pieces and the select few survivors being immune or carriers the friend must travel across the country to try and save themselves.
To cut a lengthy review short the series was a great choppy dystopian read. With each book being about 200 pages long part of me felt it could be condensed into one large book or expanded into 3 much bigger reads.
I found that all the books lacked a massive amount of world building. In fact, there was next to no world building. But there was huge amounts of inner monologue from Elaain... too much. I just wished that the massive chunks of book taken up by Elaain's rambeling thoughts had been used to create a better picture of the world. As the series went on I began to find Elaain more and more annoying. So there were certian occasions where I too would of been asking questions just not continually and constantly the whole way through.
However, it was nice to see 3 main'ish characters for a refreshing change, and I like that fact that the whole storyline wasn't taken over by a soppy love story.
As a side note, Lijah's storyline about his sexuality was a non issue.
In summary it's a great series for any dystopian lover. They are choppy, exciting, fast paced easy reads.
I love any dystopian/speculative fiction, it's definitely my go to genre. Be it zombies, robots, virus or natural disaster I am their with a front row seat and this series didn't disappoint.
With the world in pieces and the select few survivors being immune or carriers the friend must travel across the country to try and save themselves.
To cut a lengthy review short the series was a great choppy dystopian read. With each book being about 200 pages long part of me felt it could be condensed into one large book or expanded into 3 much bigger reads.
I found that all the books lacked a massive amount of world building. In fact, there was next to no world building. But there was huge amounts of inner monologue from Elaain... too much. I just wished that the massive chunks of book taken up by Elaain's rambeling thoughts had been used to create a better picture of the world. As the series went on I began to find Elaain more and more annoying. So there were certian occasions where I too would of been asking questions just not continually and constantly the whole way through.
However, it was nice to see 3 main'ish characters for a refreshing change, and I like that fact that the whole storyline wasn't taken over by a soppy love story.
As a side note, Lijah's storyline about his sexuality was a non issue.
In summary it's a great series for any dystopian lover. They are choppy, exciting, fast paced easy reads.
July 22, 2022
Part 1 of a Serial Series
Let me state upfront I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers/serials. That being said, the story is written to young readers and that may be my own fault for not researching enough. The story is an old one and very formulaic. Character background is very light but adequate. Just so-so.
Let me state upfront I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers/serials. That being said, the story is written to young readers and that may be my own fault for not researching enough. The story is an old one and very formulaic. Character background is very light but adequate. Just so-so.
August 19, 2021
Quick read.
I’ve read a lot of series books that after the 1st book you can quit or you can start in the middle of a series. This is a book that you have to read the series in order to find out what happens. Wasn’t intense but it was a good read.
I’ve read a lot of series books that after the 1st book you can quit or you can start in the middle of a series. This is a book that you have to read the series in order to find out what happens. Wasn’t intense but it was a good read.
March 14, 2021
Concealed by RJ Crayton.
Virus series #1.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Just couldn't get into it. 3*.
Virus series #1.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Just couldn't get into it. 3*.
May 25, 2023
I don't remember alot about this book but I do remember liking it a lot
June 12, 2017
This is a dystopian book, and I couldn't resist not picking it up since I love all things dystopian. Takes place in the real world, but underground in a unit for people who haven't been infected by the disease yet. But when they realize their country is going to betray them and use them as lab rats, they get out as fast as they can.
This book was read in the entirety of a day, by grasping me and pulling me in and not letting me go. I got to admit, I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting when picking up this book, but something along the lines of zombie apocalypse. But nope, instead, it was actually just a virus. It's interesting what can actually happen with the spreading of a virus, and Crayton does a phenomenal job describing everything to me in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian book and the world building she created for it.
This book was given to me in order to give my honest review on the book. I hope others will enjoy it just as much, if not more!
This book was read in the entirety of a day, by grasping me and pulling me in and not letting me go. I got to admit, I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting when picking up this book, but something along the lines of zombie apocalypse. But nope, instead, it was actually just a virus. It's interesting what can actually happen with the spreading of a virus, and Crayton does a phenomenal job describing everything to me in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian book and the world building she created for it.
This book was given to me in order to give my honest review on the book. I hope others will enjoy it just as much, if not more!
February 9, 2017
A deadly virus is sweeping the planet. Scientists working on a cure for the virus are isolated underground with their families. This book focuses primarily on the three teenage children of the scientists: Elaan, Elijah, and Josh. They are normal teenagers caught up in a terrible situation. The story is told from the perspective of Elaan, the daughter of the chief scientist. Elijah is her brother and Josh her would-be boyfriend. Teenagers are teenagers even in the apocalypse.
I have to say something that bothered me--maybe only me, so disregard if you'd like--are the names of the characters. Is Elaan a name? They call Elijah, "Lijah" for short, which is not a nickname I ever heard used and seemed very unwieldy every time I read it.
The book is in the young adult category, but it seems written for an even younger audience. The writing is very simplistic.
The story is good. There are secrets and mysteries and you don't know if they all revolve around the virus or if something else is at play. The description of how the virus was originally spread is chilling and realistic. It really makes you wonder that if/when a virus like this breaks out for real if there is anything that can really be done about it. Before anyone knows about it, it may already have spread too far.
Elaan is a strong female character. She knows things are being kept from her and she digs until she finds the truth. She is also immune to the virus so the scientists are trying to use her to develop a vaccine. Josh and Lijah are also smart characters, but they are not immune. They are only safe from the virus because they are in isolation.
Lijah tries to keep Elaan and Josh apart. He tells Elaan Josh will hurt her, but won't give any more information. We do find out toward the end of the book what the problem is and it makes the virus seem even more dangerous. Something happens which causes the three of them to have to leave the bunker and they escape and head toward a destination that seems a little convenient, but still works with the story.
You're left with a cliffhanger at the end of the book, so it's good the other two books to the series are already complete.
I think this is a pretty good viral apocalypse story. The effects of the virus on the world are really not known, but I suspect it will become all too clear as the three make their journey.
This is definitely for the young adult audience, and I recommend it for them.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
I have to say something that bothered me--maybe only me, so disregard if you'd like--are the names of the characters. Is Elaan a name? They call Elijah, "Lijah" for short, which is not a nickname I ever heard used and seemed very unwieldy every time I read it.
The book is in the young adult category, but it seems written for an even younger audience. The writing is very simplistic.
The story is good. There are secrets and mysteries and you don't know if they all revolve around the virus or if something else is at play. The description of how the virus was originally spread is chilling and realistic. It really makes you wonder that if/when a virus like this breaks out for real if there is anything that can really be done about it. Before anyone knows about it, it may already have spread too far.
Elaan is a strong female character. She knows things are being kept from her and she digs until she finds the truth. She is also immune to the virus so the scientists are trying to use her to develop a vaccine. Josh and Lijah are also smart characters, but they are not immune. They are only safe from the virus because they are in isolation.
Lijah tries to keep Elaan and Josh apart. He tells Elaan Josh will hurt her, but won't give any more information. We do find out toward the end of the book what the problem is and it makes the virus seem even more dangerous. Something happens which causes the three of them to have to leave the bunker and they escape and head toward a destination that seems a little convenient, but still works with the story.
You're left with a cliffhanger at the end of the book, so it's good the other two books to the series are already complete.
I think this is a pretty good viral apocalypse story. The effects of the virus on the world are really not known, but I suspect it will become all too clear as the three make their journey.
This is definitely for the young adult audience, and I recommend it for them.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
December 3, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
BLURB
They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
CHARACTERS
Elaan makes for an interesting character. Being in the subterranean protection unit means she's away from the rest of the world. There are only a handful of people in the unit and there are times when she feels extremely lonely. To top it all off, everyone around her seems to be keeping secrets from her. Truthfully speaking she's more cool headed than me or most people I know about that. While she'd like to know the secrets, she doesn't fight with her friends and family to know.
Elijah did get on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed a little too big-brotherly to Elaan. He came off as being controlling but I got to understand his actions as the story went on.
Josh has these typical guy-nest-door vibes but he too has a secret that tells us more about his character as the plot progresses.
PLOT
As a student of Biotechnology, I really enjoyed the plot. I cannot comment much on it without giving it away but it's not an average dystopian book. I did go into the book expecting a lot of action but the book is more of mystery and science. But that did not make the book any less interesting. My only qualm is that the book was small. I'd have liked to know a little more about what happened before Elaan and her friends got to the unit. It would be awesome if the author wrote a prequel!
WRITING
The writing was clear and descriptive enough. The book has good imagery and I NEED imagery to be able to enjoy a book. The writing was was engrossing and I finished the book in a single sitting.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The Plot (Especially the Scientific part)
- The characters
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- It's length maybe..(Not much of a complaint truthfully)
WILL I BE READING THE REST OF THE TRILOGY?
Definitely! Can't wait to know what happens next!
CONCLUSION
Definitely pick up this book if you're looking for a unique Science Fiction and enjoy well written characters.
BLURB
They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
CHARACTERS
Elaan makes for an interesting character. Being in the subterranean protection unit means she's away from the rest of the world. There are only a handful of people in the unit and there are times when she feels extremely lonely. To top it all off, everyone around her seems to be keeping secrets from her. Truthfully speaking she's more cool headed than me or most people I know about that. While she'd like to know the secrets, she doesn't fight with her friends and family to know.
Elijah did get on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed a little too big-brotherly to Elaan. He came off as being controlling but I got to understand his actions as the story went on.
Josh has these typical guy-nest-door vibes but he too has a secret that tells us more about his character as the plot progresses.
PLOT
As a student of Biotechnology, I really enjoyed the plot. I cannot comment much on it without giving it away but it's not an average dystopian book. I did go into the book expecting a lot of action but the book is more of mystery and science. But that did not make the book any less interesting. My only qualm is that the book was small. I'd have liked to know a little more about what happened before Elaan and her friends got to the unit. It would be awesome if the author wrote a prequel!
WRITING
The writing was clear and descriptive enough. The book has good imagery and I NEED imagery to be able to enjoy a book. The writing was was engrossing and I finished the book in a single sitting.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The Plot (Especially the Scientific part)
- The characters
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- It's length maybe..(Not much of a complaint truthfully)
WILL I BE READING THE REST OF THE TRILOGY?
Definitely! Can't wait to know what happens next!
CONCLUSION
Definitely pick up this book if you're looking for a unique Science Fiction and enjoy well written characters.
February 26, 2017
I will not be continuing this series. It had a good concept, however it was not really entertaining. It was a book containing chapters that were basically fillers. The characters, especially Elaan the main character was dry and not even interesting.
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