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Sympatico Syndrome #1
Infection
A pandemic survival novel
The world has never seen a virus like this. Not only is it deadly, but it changes victims' behavior in order to spread the disease before they die.
The world has never seen a virus like this. Not only is it deadly, but it changes victims' behavior in order to spread the disease before they die.
When Cole Evans first heard about the flu outbreak at a military base on a remote island, he felt a little uneasy. He had worked at that base as an epidemiologist while serving in the Navy and knew the kind of diseases they studied there.If this was the disease he thought it was, the entire world could be facing a global pandemic like nothing it had seen before.
Cole must find a way to protect his family from a disease that could wipe mankind from the face of the earth...
270 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2016
2293 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
M.P. McDonald
26 books180 followersM.P. McDonald makes a living from taking your breath away... then giving it back via a tube or two. She lives in a frozen land full of ice, snow, and abominable snowmen. On the days that she's not taking her car ice-skating, she sits huddled over a chilly computer, tapping out the story of a camera that can see the future. She hopes it can see summer approaching, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
August 25, 2025
I'm not opposed to calling infected people zombies but it would be quite the stretch to call the infected in the book zombies when they're not even a little bitey.
That being said, I liked the characters well enough and I appreciated that they were a decent sort without being super naïve. It's not necessarily action heavy as far as apocalypse survival stories go but it was engaging enough to hold my attention.
That being said, I liked the characters well enough and I appreciated that they were a decent sort without being super naïve. It's not necessarily action heavy as far as apocalypse survival stories go but it was engaging enough to hold my attention.
January 3, 2020
Popsugar 2020 - a medical thriller.
I picked this up to read for the medical thriller prompt, but not sure if it actually fits, now that I am about a 3rd of the way through it.
3/1/20 - Decided that it doesn't really fit as a medical thriller so will see what other prompt I can use it for :)
I picked this up to read for the medical thriller prompt, but not sure if it actually fits, now that I am about a 3rd of the way through it.
3/1/20 - Decided that it doesn't really fit as a medical thriller so will see what other prompt I can use it for :)
July 5, 2018
A very good post-apocalyptic book following three sets of characters who are in different locations in the USA as the outbreak begins. We follow them as they try to get to a 'safe haven' on an island near Green Bay, Wisconsin (on the Great Lakes). The characters are normal people, mostly likeable, not superheroes, and the plot hangs together extremely well.
The disease itself is interesting - a virus which causes euphoria and extreme 'socialisation' (dancing, drinking and partying!) basically causing behaviour which spreads the disease very rapidly before victims succumb to a quick death. There is not much gore or violence in the book, but it is certainly not a 'cosy catastrophe' because there are harrowing moments and some central characters die. This being set in America, almost everyone has a gun, or soon obtains one. I loved the fact that some animals were featured in this book, and had their own personalities and felt very real.
There are some hints that Cole, the central character, may be resistant to the virus (he was an epidemiologist who worked in a military biohazard lab, where the virus may have been developed, and it was mentioned several times that he became sick but recovered during this time). Guess I'll have to read book 2 to find out if my theory is correct!
Only 4 stars because it could have done with a proof-read. The author has a bit of a tendency to over-explain things, and unnecessary wordiness on occasion:
"It was nice to not have to have to stake them out". "She fished a new pair from her pocket, having stuck them there before leaving her room". "He inspected his arrows, making sure they were all in good condition before returning them to the quiver he'd bought as well". Minor offences but annoying when repeated often - it just needs a tidy up by an editor and it will be a 5-star read.
The disease itself is interesting - a virus which causes euphoria and extreme 'socialisation' (dancing, drinking and partying!) basically causing behaviour which spreads the disease very rapidly before victims succumb to a quick death. There is not much gore or violence in the book, but it is certainly not a 'cosy catastrophe' because there are harrowing moments and some central characters die. This being set in America, almost everyone has a gun, or soon obtains one. I loved the fact that some animals were featured in this book, and had their own personalities and felt very real.
There are some hints that Cole, the central character, may be resistant to the virus (he was an epidemiologist who worked in a military biohazard lab, where the virus may have been developed, and it was mentioned several times that he became sick but recovered during this time). Guess I'll have to read book 2 to find out if my theory is correct!
Only 4 stars because it could have done with a proof-read. The author has a bit of a tendency to over-explain things, and unnecessary wordiness on occasion:
"It was nice to not have to have to stake them out". "She fished a new pair from her pocket, having stuck them there before leaving her room". "He inspected his arrows, making sure they were all in good condition before returning them to the quiver he'd bought as well". Minor offences but annoying when repeated often - it just needs a tidy up by an editor and it will be a 5-star read.
September 15, 2019
I well written, well plotted SHTF novel about a world changing engineered infection that decimated the planet. Fairly good character development and a well paced, hard to put down novel. One thing... too much pinching of the bridge of the nose by way too many characters. Recommend this one highly.
dnf
July 3, 2021nope. 2% dnf.
maybe another year.
maybe another year.
November 10, 2019
This apocalyptic series is based on a virus being released (perhaps an military accident) that has a death rate of about 98%. The main characters include Cole and his son, Hunter; Elly (a woman he knows who has been involved in dealing with viral diseases), a family of four plus two other characters picked up along the way.
Each individual or group tries to escape what is happening with Cole and his group moving to an island in a lake where they hope to avoid all the infected. All the others have to make their own ways to get to the island.
They all have to make their way through the dead and dying (who act in a euphoric manner due to the disease), avoid catching the disease from the infected and somehow find food and water and a way to get to the island sanctuary.
It's a pretty grim story but it's done fairly well.
Maybe, though, someone should write the ultimate apocalyptic story. Let's see. How about a nuclear war with major EMPs during a coronal ejection from the sun with the Yellowstone caldera fully erupting while an undersea earthquake causes a major tsunami while the nuclear power plants fail and start exploding just in time for various small asteroids impacting Earth which are sent on their way by aliens who plan to invade whatever is left over.
Each individual or group tries to escape what is happening with Cole and his group moving to an island in a lake where they hope to avoid all the infected. All the others have to make their own ways to get to the island.
They all have to make their way through the dead and dying (who act in a euphoric manner due to the disease), avoid catching the disease from the infected and somehow find food and water and a way to get to the island sanctuary.
It's a pretty grim story but it's done fairly well.
Maybe, though, someone should write the ultimate apocalyptic story. Let's see. How about a nuclear war with major EMPs during a coronal ejection from the sun with the Yellowstone caldera fully erupting while an undersea earthquake causes a major tsunami while the nuclear power plants fail and start exploding just in time for various small asteroids impacting Earth which are sent on their way by aliens who plan to invade whatever is left over.
February 9, 2023
This virus is rather crazy in that it makes it’s victims elated, giddy, loud, excited, happy and want to have fun. What happens in a short period of time is after displaying such behavior, the victim is lying on the ground dead, blood oozing around then. So much for fun…
I like reading these stories for the survivors resourcefulness. It is always interesting for me to read and imagine going into a store (pre-panic or one already looted) and foraging for items that will be necessary to survive. I learn something new about survival with each of these apocalyptic stories I read.
This is a pretty resourceful group and they are good in strategizing. Each brings their own set of personalities, experiences and skills to survive.
I’m reading these three in a series books back to back!
I like reading these stories for the survivors resourcefulness. It is always interesting for me to read and imagine going into a store (pre-panic or one already looted) and foraging for items that will be necessary to survive. I learn something new about survival with each of these apocalyptic stories I read.
This is a pretty resourceful group and they are good in strategizing. Each brings their own set of personalities, experiences and skills to survive.
I’m reading these three in a series books back to back!
October 1, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
March 16, 2017
Of course, it's necessary to suspend disbelief with respect to the Sympatico Syndrome on which this story is based, but the explanation is reasonable and easy to accept. The story is believable and engaging. The characters are well developed and compelling. Unfortunately, the story ends quite abruptly. It's not a full-fledged cliffhanger, but the reader is definitely left wondering what happens next.
Scott Berrierperforms well. He makes enough distinction in his character voices to keep dialog easy to follow.
This is the first book in a series and I hope I get a chance to review the following books in the series.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
Scott Berrierperforms well. He makes enough distinction in his character voices to keep dialog easy to follow.
This is the first book in a series and I hope I get a chance to review the following books in the series.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
July 27, 2019
Will be buying the next book for sure
Really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, they are all likeable. I enjoyed traversing the northern part of the country along with characters.
Really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, they are all likeable. I enjoyed traversing the northern part of the country along with characters.
June 6, 2018
It’s been so long since I have read a truly great apocalypse story and the thriller aspect to this made it immensely page turning. Infection really goes to the grass roots of this type of novel, more recently the ones I have read often feel cliched or like a parody of the genre. From the get go this book is powerful and brings up so many “what if” scenarios. Whilst our focal point is Cole and his quest, there are also the stories of his son Hunter, and his friend Elly which help to bring home how the infection has impacted upon both urban and rural areas. Sympatico itself is an unusual disease and the manic euphoria experience makes it a chillingly creepy one too and I like how it doesn’t fall into the more obvious route.
Cole’s history of dealing with infectious diseases makes him the perfect candidate to fully understand the impact of what is happening. The balancing act he has to play between prepping like mad and convincing his family he isn’t actually, well, mad is a difficult one for him to manage. Asking your family to give up their jobs and homes, your child to give up school – all on a hunch? These are topics so often overlooked and I found it really refreshing to get this aspect in a story, the snapshot of time where things haven’t truly hit the fan, but something clearly isn’t right and having to make a life altering decision. It of course always helps when the one person who can identify things in advance has a handy island bequeathed to them. But that is the focus, and hey, handy islands have to belong to someone!
Elly’s story is the more harrowing of the 3, urban areas often are though and whilst being on the 18th floor of a hotel is great for views, it runs the risk of becoming Elly’s tomb. Whilst Hunter is on quite the adventure, being in more rural parts makes day by day survival more perilous as time goes on. I love the juxtaposition between the 3, the inventiveness and resourcefulness they must all come to in order to make their way forward.
There are little in the way of light hearted moments and it’s right that it should be that way, the world has become a very tough place to be, especially when we are at day 1 of the disease, the sparing use of these lighter moments gives it a much truer feel of what the characters are going through. There are some really harrowing scenes and my heart was pounding in places, really willing the story to play out the way I hoped it would – this is not a HEA though and not everything will go to plan. The pace and flow of the book is perfect with everything unravelling at a believable pace, great care has been taken to get these things right and it really pays off.
It looks like this is book one of a trilogy and it does round off in a satisfying way whilst also being open ended for book 2. If you like your apocalypse books to be from Day 1 with a real life feel, you will love Infection!
Cole’s history of dealing with infectious diseases makes him the perfect candidate to fully understand the impact of what is happening. The balancing act he has to play between prepping like mad and convincing his family he isn’t actually, well, mad is a difficult one for him to manage. Asking your family to give up their jobs and homes, your child to give up school – all on a hunch? These are topics so often overlooked and I found it really refreshing to get this aspect in a story, the snapshot of time where things haven’t truly hit the fan, but something clearly isn’t right and having to make a life altering decision. It of course always helps when the one person who can identify things in advance has a handy island bequeathed to them. But that is the focus, and hey, handy islands have to belong to someone!
Elly’s story is the more harrowing of the 3, urban areas often are though and whilst being on the 18th floor of a hotel is great for views, it runs the risk of becoming Elly’s tomb. Whilst Hunter is on quite the adventure, being in more rural parts makes day by day survival more perilous as time goes on. I love the juxtaposition between the 3, the inventiveness and resourcefulness they must all come to in order to make their way forward.
There are little in the way of light hearted moments and it’s right that it should be that way, the world has become a very tough place to be, especially when we are at day 1 of the disease, the sparing use of these lighter moments gives it a much truer feel of what the characters are going through. There are some really harrowing scenes and my heart was pounding in places, really willing the story to play out the way I hoped it would – this is not a HEA though and not everything will go to plan. The pace and flow of the book is perfect with everything unravelling at a believable pace, great care has been taken to get these things right and it really pays off.
It looks like this is book one of a trilogy and it does round off in a satisfying way whilst also being open ended for book 2. If you like your apocalypse books to be from Day 1 with a real life feel, you will love Infection!
August 23, 2024
(Spoilers!) I never finished a book just to debrief about the problems before.
First. How can a supposedly smart epidemiologist who owns an entire island with cabins and boats not realize this could be a safe haven? What?! Talking to his son Hunter, it was clear the dad is unimaginably dumb and the son with bad grades is a “genius.”
Immediately it was an easy foreshadowing Elly and Cole would be a love interest.
Next. Dammit too much of the book was a long shopping list. Made me pinch the bridge of my nose. IYKYK, lol.
Third. Does every character need to give white Caucasian with traditional gender roles? No. But this book is full of them. “I think we still have some cake leftover from last night’s dessert.” Sean gives Jenna the “brief nod” and she served the cake. Because that’s what women in this book do. They cook and serve and bake. Even cake without eggs. Wow! And of course they know how to garden better than the men. The males guide and save in this book.
If you’re ok with males consistently guiding transportation from hauling vans to horses to boats including steering the boat to glory, making plans to save the family, earning money for the family, etc, then this book is for you.
Fourth. The dialogue was the same style with formally expressed language in complete sentences for each and every character. Ugh.
I did like something a lot. In chapter 1 the science of how the spreading happens and different endorphins was really good. I wanted more. It seems the author did research and got tired of that and went on the merry way of bringing the main triad toward each other.
Fifth. It was ridiculous how Sean acted about his son’s body. “I don’t give a shit if I get sick, don’t you understand?” Yes Sean, I understand if you are a complete idiot and you aren’t aware, after all this, we have a pandemic going on and you’re dandy-fine with killing the rest of the people after you party and die too. Go for it.
Sixth. Usually I learn new vocabulary but not with this book. The sentences were good for maybe 8th grade reading without challenge.
One bad prediction I made was that Sean would not join his brother because of his big electrical contract deal. But Sean was won over pretty easily. Now I don’t know why his electrical contract ties were part of the story. Maybe for later book.
One mystery is why this book is so highly rated. I guess it is because fans of SHTF are an easier audience. Could I write something better? Probably not but now maybe I’ll try!
From what little I know, the author is successful and found a good niche and following. That is commendable! More important than my low crummy review. I wish all the best.
I was hoping for a real thriller to escape to and learn more about perspectives on humanity and science. I guess I’ll just need to pinch the bridge of my nose in retrospect.
First. How can a supposedly smart epidemiologist who owns an entire island with cabins and boats not realize this could be a safe haven? What?! Talking to his son Hunter, it was clear the dad is unimaginably dumb and the son with bad grades is a “genius.”
Immediately it was an easy foreshadowing Elly and Cole would be a love interest.
Next. Dammit too much of the book was a long shopping list. Made me pinch the bridge of my nose. IYKYK, lol.
Third. Does every character need to give white Caucasian with traditional gender roles? No. But this book is full of them. “I think we still have some cake leftover from last night’s dessert.” Sean gives Jenna the “brief nod” and she served the cake. Because that’s what women in this book do. They cook and serve and bake. Even cake without eggs. Wow! And of course they know how to garden better than the men. The males guide and save in this book.
If you’re ok with males consistently guiding transportation from hauling vans to horses to boats including steering the boat to glory, making plans to save the family, earning money for the family, etc, then this book is for you.
Fourth. The dialogue was the same style with formally expressed language in complete sentences for each and every character. Ugh.
I did like something a lot. In chapter 1 the science of how the spreading happens and different endorphins was really good. I wanted more. It seems the author did research and got tired of that and went on the merry way of bringing the main triad toward each other.
Fifth. It was ridiculous how Sean acted about his son’s body. “I don’t give a shit if I get sick, don’t you understand?” Yes Sean, I understand if you are a complete idiot and you aren’t aware, after all this, we have a pandemic going on and you’re dandy-fine with killing the rest of the people after you party and die too. Go for it.
Sixth. Usually I learn new vocabulary but not with this book. The sentences were good for maybe 8th grade reading without challenge.
One bad prediction I made was that Sean would not join his brother because of his big electrical contract deal. But Sean was won over pretty easily. Now I don’t know why his electrical contract ties were part of the story. Maybe for later book.
One mystery is why this book is so highly rated. I guess it is because fans of SHTF are an easier audience. Could I write something better? Probably not but now maybe I’ll try!
From what little I know, the author is successful and found a good niche and following. That is commendable! More important than my low crummy review. I wish all the best.
I was hoping for a real thriller to escape to and learn more about perspectives on humanity and science. I guess I’ll just need to pinch the bridge of my nose in retrospect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2019
This. Was. Amazing.
Seriously, this is one of the best post-apocalyptic books I have read in awhile, and given the rate I chew through them, that’s no small praise.
There are a lot of things to love about this book. The characters are normal human beings, with good points and flaws. They come with some skill sets that they can adapt, but nobody hits the ground as an apocalypse-pro at the first sign of trouble. Sometimes they’re brave and help strangers, sometimes they don’t take the risk. Having one of the main characters as an epidemiologist is helpful as he thinks through how to plan for what’s coming, but sometimes he struggles matching scientific theory with the reality of what you actually stock for the end of the world.
The best part of the book, for me, was that it focused on the practical aspects of survival. It reminded me a lot of an updated The Swiss Family Robinson. Maybe later versions of the book will focus more on the actual virus and the science behind it, but for now, day to day survival is more important to them and more interesting to me. I tore through this and have already purchased the second, and I’m very excited to keep reading.
Seriously, this is one of the best post-apocalyptic books I have read in awhile, and given the rate I chew through them, that’s no small praise.
There are a lot of things to love about this book. The characters are normal human beings, with good points and flaws. They come with some skill sets that they can adapt, but nobody hits the ground as an apocalypse-pro at the first sign of trouble. Sometimes they’re brave and help strangers, sometimes they don’t take the risk. Having one of the main characters as an epidemiologist is helpful as he thinks through how to plan for what’s coming, but sometimes he struggles matching scientific theory with the reality of what you actually stock for the end of the world.
The best part of the book, for me, was that it focused on the practical aspects of survival. It reminded me a lot of an updated The Swiss Family Robinson. Maybe later versions of the book will focus more on the actual virus and the science behind it, but for now, day to day survival is more important to them and more interesting to me. I tore through this and have already purchased the second, and I’m very excited to keep reading.
September 22, 2017
If you’ve read other post-apocalyptic novels which seem to be prevalent, you might say “here’s another” and move on. While this one has a unique super-virus as the culprit, what I enjoyed about this one was the author’s writing style: she makes you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the story, very realistic, and living it out yourself. The ending did leave it open for a sequel, which the author indicated in the end notes is in the works, but it did have enough of a closure that it could be complete as a standalone. If a sequel is published, I’d buy it but if not, I thought it was a good story. I picked this up for just 99 cents during a Kindle promotion vs. its normal price of $3.99 and received more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of it – if you like to read the work of a good storyteller, I would recommend this one.
October 27, 2021
IDK, if it was the narrator, or the actual book itself. But it was so BORING!!!! I mean having it play in the background while you go on with life boring. Plus the partnership between Jake and Ellie is just ridiculous! The 13 y/o boy knows more about life and how to figure out EACH situation than a full grown adult???? A Hunter..................... a Jack of ALL trades, but master of none!!! I purchased from Audible, and since I'd already returned 2 books this month, I couldn't return this one. So unfortunately I had to suffer through it.
February 10, 2018
I enjoyed the premise and the characters were likable enough. There were some serious plot gaps, a result of poor editing rather than writing flaws. Not as realistic as I would like but an acceptable light version of apocalyptic aftermath. Not enough to tempt me into reading the great of the series.
October 10, 2024
Very fast paced.. I think I wanted more description of virus and hospital scenes and really the whys behind the virus and focus on that part. Read a bit like young adult. Good book tho and easy to access imagery.
April 25, 2020
Waste your time if you want
When I read the description for this book I thought it was gonna be a great book. Boy was I wrong at first it was good but as the plot continued it got boring being told by different characters but was still the same thing repeated.
When I read the description for this book I thought it was gonna be a great book. Boy was I wrong at first it was good but as the plot continued it got boring being told by different characters but was still the same thing repeated.
June 30, 2020
Very interesting novel about the struggle to survive a devastating worldwide pandemic. Makes the Coronavirus pandemic look like small potatoes.
I liked the believability of the story (even the virus symptoms were relatively credible). This type of book isn’t my usual genre, but I became totally absorbed in the storyline and the characters. I particularly liked Hunter’s experiences as he struggled to reach his dad. This teenage boy crossing a state on horseback with the sweet Labrador, Buddy, tugged on my motherly heartstrings.
I highly recommend this well-written, fast-paced, addicting story!
Cole:
When clean water and shelter were things you never had to think about, it was easy to get caught up in inconsequential worries. It was a first-world privilege, and he’d been as guilty as anyone. Sure, he didn’t give a rat’s ass about any celebrity marriage, but he obsessed over sports and what player his team should trade for, what a pitcher’s ERA was, and whether his team had a chance to win the World Series that year.
Hunter:
Leaving the car was one of the hardest things he had ever done. Gas wasn’t his worry—he could siphon it from other cars if he had to, but after what his dad had said about how he too had run into lots of problems with car accidents. Hunter’s own experience several nights ago with the accident and the cop approaching his car made him wary. What if he was trapped in a traffic jam full of diseased people? What if they swarmed his car like something out of a zombie movie? Just imagining it made him shiver, and he wanted no part of it.
Growing up, Hunter had been teased by friends for his washing his hands so much. Some had even suggested he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, but Hunter had laughed it all off and reminded them that his bedtime stories had consisted of tales of scary diseases run amok.
I liked the believability of the story (even the virus symptoms were relatively credible). This type of book isn’t my usual genre, but I became totally absorbed in the storyline and the characters. I particularly liked Hunter’s experiences as he struggled to reach his dad. This teenage boy crossing a state on horseback with the sweet Labrador, Buddy, tugged on my motherly heartstrings.
I highly recommend this well-written, fast-paced, addicting story!
Cole:
When clean water and shelter were things you never had to think about, it was easy to get caught up in inconsequential worries. It was a first-world privilege, and he’d been as guilty as anyone. Sure, he didn’t give a rat’s ass about any celebrity marriage, but he obsessed over sports and what player his team should trade for, what a pitcher’s ERA was, and whether his team had a chance to win the World Series that year.
Hunter:
Leaving the car was one of the hardest things he had ever done. Gas wasn’t his worry—he could siphon it from other cars if he had to, but after what his dad had said about how he too had run into lots of problems with car accidents. Hunter’s own experience several nights ago with the accident and the cop approaching his car made him wary. What if he was trapped in a traffic jam full of diseased people? What if they swarmed his car like something out of a zombie movie? Just imagining it made him shiver, and he wanted no part of it.
Growing up, Hunter had been teased by friends for his washing his hands so much. Some had even suggested he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, but Hunter had laughed it all off and reminded them that his bedtime stories had consisted of tales of scary diseases run amok.
June 26, 2018
Most of the really bad diseases that are with us today--and there are many--usually people can tell they are getting sick and can go for help. But what if a disease appeared where the person experienced euphoria-wanting noting but to dance and sing and have a party? That's what occurs in this novel. Where the disease came from no one knows--or if they do--they sure are not telling!
Cole Evans is an epidemiologist who had previously worked in Africa with Ebola and other horrible diseases. Cole's wife died and he had only his son--he decided to retire. A woman he met there was still with the CDC. Then he got a phone call from her telling him to pack up his family and get somewhere-somewhere safe. This disease was spreading like wildfire. There was no time to lose!!
Cole called his son and told him to meet at the isolated island--He then went to his brother's house and told them to pack up. Obviously they gave him a hard time--but did as he requested. The disease was hitting his neighborhood as they were getting ready to leave.
Off they drove-caravan style--Cole hoping that his son made it!
Cole's son had quite the adventure! They all picked up people along the way.
Not everything is happily ever after.
But will they survive the isolation? Another cliff hanger--------------
This had me gulping and wondering if I would be able to avoid contamination of this devastating disease--would I be strong enough to survive with no public services?
As for isolation-----well I better read book 2 to find out what could possibly happen then.
Infection: A Pandemic Survival Novel
March 18, 2018
I really liked this one. It was different. Instead of zombies who run around eating people, this end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it virus spreads by making people deliriously happy. They get happy, they get social, they spread the disease, they drop dead. One minute they're dancing in the streets. The next, they're body bag filler. Kind of cheery way to spark the apocalypse. (And let's think about that eating people thing for a minute. How hard would that be? Even if you aren't already dead, and thus having rigor mortis issues with your jaw, it's hard enough just to chew through a tough steak---let alone some big burly construction guy's arm muscles. And, how much of a person could you really eat? A full sized adult person is a lot bigger than the Big Juan at Texas Roadhouse and practically nobody can eat that. So, an apocalypse that doesn't involve biting is kind of a refreshing twist.)
Anyway, just because the virus was more plausible, doesn't mean you still don't need to suspend a little disbelief. After all, the average person isn't going to last 3 days in germville, so our hero has to be a not average person. In this case, he just happens to be an ex-military germ fighter, with CDC friends to give him the pre-warning. And, since him and his family will need some place to hole up, he just happens to have inherited an island. Convenient.
Still, nice people, good action, decent pacing, some emotional angst and worry, and at least the virus wasn't traditional zombies. Thumbs up.
Anyway, just because the virus was more plausible, doesn't mean you still don't need to suspend a little disbelief. After all, the average person isn't going to last 3 days in germville, so our hero has to be a not average person. In this case, he just happens to be an ex-military germ fighter, with CDC friends to give him the pre-warning. And, since him and his family will need some place to hole up, he just happens to have inherited an island. Convenient.
Still, nice people, good action, decent pacing, some emotional angst and worry, and at least the virus wasn't traditional zombies. Thumbs up.
October 1, 2021
Very good series! This is the type of apocalyse book I like- where they have to gather what they need to survive and work together.
My only criticism is it was hard to keep track of time and there were inconsistencies. For example, it seemed like Hunter's journey was only a couple of weeks, but at the start of book 2, it was stated that it was a month.
At the end of one chapter, it said they would make a decision in the morning. The next chapter begins two months later. Very confusing! Had to read it several times before I realized the story had fast forwarded 2 months!
Then, Zoe just arrived...a few pages later it has been a few weeks. But the author doesn't clue you in on that until later so you don't realize time has passed!
Also, the goats- 2, 3 or a handful? How many? Be consistent!
And they said Cold got sick a year before the infection, but it was also stated he'd been out of the Navy for several years...so the times don't match up.
Despite these things, it was a very good series and I'm very sorry to reach the end. Hopefully this author will write another series in this genre!
Oh and it was awesome reading an apocalyse series that didn't spend pages and pages going on about guns!!!!!
Ps- Having a glossary of characters at the end of the book isn't helpful if no one knows it is there until they finish the book. This should be moved to the front of the book.
My only criticism is it was hard to keep track of time and there were inconsistencies. For example, it seemed like Hunter's journey was only a couple of weeks, but at the start of book 2, it was stated that it was a month.
At the end of one chapter, it said they would make a decision in the morning. The next chapter begins two months later. Very confusing! Had to read it several times before I realized the story had fast forwarded 2 months!
Then, Zoe just arrived...a few pages later it has been a few weeks. But the author doesn't clue you in on that until later so you don't realize time has passed!
Also, the goats- 2, 3 or a handful? How many? Be consistent!
And they said Cold got sick a year before the infection, but it was also stated he'd been out of the Navy for several years...so the times don't match up.
Despite these things, it was a very good series and I'm very sorry to reach the end. Hopefully this author will write another series in this genre!
Oh and it was awesome reading an apocalyse series that didn't spend pages and pages going on about guns!!!!!
Ps- Having a glossary of characters at the end of the book isn't helpful if no one knows it is there until they finish the book. This should be moved to the front of the book.
March 19, 2021
I enjoyed the book well enough to finish it, but there were a few things that bothered me. The writing style is fine, with a few editing issues. While I like some of the preparation thinking that characters have when they have to gear up in a hurry, a too-long and detailed list of everything Cole purchased or spied with his little eye just bogged down the story. I have a medical background (though not in epidemiology or infectious diseases) but I can't actually think how a virus would cause people to be in party-mode (clearly neurological) and then just die when all of their vessels burst. It is very unclear why a CDC expert was sent to Chicago rather than remain in Atlanta. Chicago did not seem special with regard to the virus, though I presume it was a plot to get her together with Cole. I struggled a bit with Cole. He is not a very likable character and his anxiety etc was so constant, I forgot he was an epidemiologist and disease expert. He did not do the best job teaching his son to plan better when it comes to having to drive cross-country to get home quickly. The story with the kidnapped girl just seemed like an afterthought to pique the interest of younger and/or female readers, but just felt empty. I will likely read the next book just to see if it improves.
July 9, 2020
I knocked this book out in about 5 hours and I can say for certain that I liked it but I would not read it again. At first I was not very attached to our main protagonist (Cole) and wasn’t sure if I would journey on to the other books in the series, but I’ve come around to most of the characters. I unfortunately failed to connect with Sean’s family, which was not great as it made some plot elements more annoying than sad to me. I feel like more time could’ve been spent with them outside of the initial rush to get moving when they were (understandably) strained and not the most pleasant characters.
On the bright side, this book was nice for actually following a very logical progression from the outbreak. Everyone does their best and most things follow out in the way you want them to in every other book of this nature, which is satisfying (although perhaps a little boring?) I personally enjoyed this take, and at this point I’m invested in seeing how it plays out in the other two books in the series. I liked the diversity with where all of the characters were coming from and I was genuinely relieved to see them mostly making it through and developing.
On the bright side, this book was nice for actually following a very logical progression from the outbreak. Everyone does their best and most things follow out in the way you want them to in every other book of this nature, which is satisfying (although perhaps a little boring?) I personally enjoyed this take, and at this point I’m invested in seeing how it plays out in the other two books in the series. I liked the diversity with where all of the characters were coming from and I was genuinely relieved to see them mostly making it through and developing.
February 12, 2021
This book is an easy read and a page turner. I liked all the characters an especially how Cole
Understands so much and only wants to help. The story hits a little bit too close to home however.
Recently with the Covid 19 virus still with us, it’s difficult to understand how closely related they are.
One would think this book was written last month instead of a couple of years ago. Yes the symptoms are different but the end result are the same. DEATH. What I did find interesting was that the only way one knew they had the virus, was by exhibiting exciting happiness and joyful fun first and then dieing. As opposed to the now Corona Virus. That was an interesting twist for me to read.
Truthfully I read through the book quickly because it was so easy to read and I wanted to get to the second one as soon as possible. I am half way through the second of the trilogy and again, an easy read. Sometimes I wonder if these books were written for a younger age group. The subject matter of course being for adults. . All in all I recommend this trilogy for fast read and entertainment.
Understands so much and only wants to help. The story hits a little bit too close to home however.
Recently with the Covid 19 virus still with us, it’s difficult to understand how closely related they are.
One would think this book was written last month instead of a couple of years ago. Yes the symptoms are different but the end result are the same. DEATH. What I did find interesting was that the only way one knew they had the virus, was by exhibiting exciting happiness and joyful fun first and then dieing. As opposed to the now Corona Virus. That was an interesting twist for me to read.
Truthfully I read through the book quickly because it was so easy to read and I wanted to get to the second one as soon as possible. I am half way through the second of the trilogy and again, an easy read. Sometimes I wonder if these books were written for a younger age group. The subject matter of course being for adults. . All in all I recommend this trilogy for fast read and entertainment.
March 5, 2021
Read :March 5, 2021
Rating :4,5 Stars
This was really, really good!
I got this for free from Amazon and just read the tittle and since it was next to 2 other stories about zombies I fully expected this to have zoms too.
Not the case at all but it didn't need any zombies to be just as creepy since the sympatico syndrome was creepy enough on its own!
I've read a lot of apocalyptic & post apocalyptic fiction and there's great stuff out there but sadly a lot of absolutely terrible ones as well so I'm happy that this find was such a great one.
The characters feel believable and while some have survival skills none are in any way an over the top Rambo bristling with any weapon imaginable.
I liked Elly and Hunter the most, probably because you join them in their journey across the country with all the dangers there are.
I think I will definitely continue on to the second book, you know, when I finally get a grip on my tbr list on GR and all the unread books on my kindle... So sometime around 2030 lol
Rating :4,5 Stars
This was really, really good!
I got this for free from Amazon and just read the tittle and since it was next to 2 other stories about zombies I fully expected this to have zoms too.
Not the case at all but it didn't need any zombies to be just as creepy since the sympatico syndrome was creepy enough on its own!
I've read a lot of apocalyptic & post apocalyptic fiction and there's great stuff out there but sadly a lot of absolutely terrible ones as well so I'm happy that this find was such a great one.
The characters feel believable and while some have survival skills none are in any way an over the top Rambo bristling with any weapon imaginable.
I liked Elly and Hunter the most, probably because you join them in their journey across the country with all the dangers there are.
I think I will definitely continue on to the second book, you know, when I finally get a grip on my tbr list on GR and all the unread books on my kindle... So sometime around 2030 lol
June 29, 2020
A very well written pandemic series by M.P. McDonald. Written well before COVID
Cole is a widowed epidemiologist who has retired from the army and is now renovating houses. His son is in college and his brother and sister-in-law live nearby with their son and daughter.
One day he gets a phonecall from a co-worker he battled ebola with in Africa called Elly. She warns him a virus has escaped a navy lab on an island and that she expects that 95% of the world population will be dying from it in the coming week. So he best bunkers down somewhere save but only to warn the people dear to him as otherwise the chaos will make his survival hopeless too.
Cole decides to try to reach the island he has inherited in Lake Michigan and warns his family members to go there too.
The story is with our COVID experience still going on quite eerie and familiar. But the first novel was written in 2016!
Cole is a widowed epidemiologist who has retired from the army and is now renovating houses. His son is in college and his brother and sister-in-law live nearby with their son and daughter.
One day he gets a phonecall from a co-worker he battled ebola with in Africa called Elly. She warns him a virus has escaped a navy lab on an island and that she expects that 95% of the world population will be dying from it in the coming week. So he best bunkers down somewhere save but only to warn the people dear to him as otherwise the chaos will make his survival hopeless too.
Cole decides to try to reach the island he has inherited in Lake Michigan and warns his family members to go there too.
The story is with our COVID experience still going on quite eerie and familiar. But the first novel was written in 2016!
September 14, 2020
This is a very different take on most post-apocalyptic books I have read. Elly a friend of Cole Evans that works as a reporter and the met in Africa while Cole was still working for the CDC called Cole just as news was breaking about a new virus and that he should get stocked up before everything is gone. His son Hunter calls to tell him he spilled soda on his laptop but that he had a B in Chemistry. His da tells him what is going on and to use his ATM card and credit card and they would figure where to go. Hunter said what about that Island your Uncle John left you. Cole said you are a genius get packed up and start heading that way. He then went to his brother and sister-in-law and niece and nephew the same thing. It took a lot of talking but when people start dying in the rode in Cole’s neighborhood that convincinced them. This first book is about the people trying to get to the island off Green Bay and all the things they have to endure. I really liked this book. Now to Book 2
October 13, 2018
A Work of Excellency!!!
I love post-apocalypse books, especially if it relates to infections and the like. And McDonald brought it! I was able to connect, quite easily, with each and every character, to sympathize, to laugh at and with, to feel so sad at their losses (that's a spoiler I will not reveal in this review), to feel rage and despair right along with them. Character development definitely is McDonald's best asset!
And I absolutely love the idea of the Sympatico Syndrome, and I can only thank the gods it's a fictional virus, because damn.... That's one frightening virus, far surpassing Ebola!
Can't wait to read more from this series. Congratulations for having acquired a brand new die-hard fan, M.P. McDonald!
I love post-apocalypse books, especially if it relates to infections and the like. And McDonald brought it! I was able to connect, quite easily, with each and every character, to sympathize, to laugh at and with, to feel so sad at their losses (that's a spoiler I will not reveal in this review), to feel rage and despair right along with them. Character development definitely is McDonald's best asset!
And I absolutely love the idea of the Sympatico Syndrome, and I can only thank the gods it's a fictional virus, because damn.... That's one frightening virus, far surpassing Ebola!
Can't wait to read more from this series. Congratulations for having acquired a brand new die-hard fan, M.P. McDonald!
October 25, 2018
Compelling. Riveting. Scary. This story is scary because it is so realistic and believable. There are no zombies, no weird aliens or crazed animals hunting humans. It occurs in the present day and could happen. It gives a good picture of the horror that could occur, right now, today, if a super virus were to be unleashed on the world. What would happen to the structure of society? What are people capable of when the lights go out, there is no food, no reliable transportation? What would you be willing to do to survive and protect your family? What would you need to survive? Well written with well-defined characters. Moves along at a fast pace. It does end abruptly. One of my top ten favorite books this year.
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