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Q Island
Epidemic!An ancient virus has surfaced on Long Island, NY, turning its victims into black-veined, infectious, psychopathic killers. Chaos and madness rule.In desperation, the military quarantines the island, trapping Melanie Bailey and her autistic son Aiden. Somehow Aiden survives infection. He could be the key to a cure...if Melanie can get him to the mainland.She must get him past the growing legions of the infected, through the military quarantine, and out of the hands of Jimmy Wade, a criminal gang leader who has his own plans for what to do with a boy who might be a cure.Escape may be impossible from Q Island.
360 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
68 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Russell James
48 books216 followersRussell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching Chiller, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and Dark Shadows, despite his parents’ warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn’t make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 3, 2015
I've been a Russell James fan since his first book, Dark Inspiration. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Q Island, a plague/apocalypse thriller that takes place on Long Island, New York. The action is non-stop, and the terror all too plausible as an infection thousands of years old (where it comes from and how it gets to Long Island is one of the most entertaining and original premises I've read in years), causes the entire island to be quarantined. This is James's most visceral book to date, with scenes that'll make you cringe, but in all the right ways. Q Island injects new life into apocalyptic madness with a tale that will give you shivers. Highly recommended!
June 26, 2015
Q Island is a novel about an epidemic. It is not a zombie novel. I wanted to make that clear at the beginning because the virus that is taking over Long island in Russell James’ intelligent and exciting novel does develop zombie-like traits in the unfortunate people that get it. One stage of the disease gives its victim an insane style of rage that take over and, like zombies, inflicted injury on others just make more victims. To this reader, that is slightly unfortunate because it is not the “zombie” that is the center of the story. It is the reaction of those bought together for good or bad by the plague that moves it along so effortlessly and memorably. The ability to get beyond the zombie formula and look at the people who struggle through or exploit the catastrophe is the strength of the book. Q Island is part horror, part thriller and part disaster novel. All parts are equal and high quality. In other words, Q Island is a treat to read and an on-the-edge-of-your-seat experience.
Once the epidemic is raging, the author focuses on mainly three main protagonists. Dr. Samuel Bradshaw is the one who first experiences the unfortunate people who get the disease. He is tempting to find a cure but discovers other dubious things going on. Melanie Bailey and her autistic son are trapped on Long Island, where the government has isolated the virus and quarantined the population. She has a reason to risk escaping from the island. And lastly, Jimmy Wade is a petty criminal who discovers the virus affects him differently and uses the unique effects to wage his own kind of evil. The author follows each character separately and merges them into the rest of the big picture of the inhabitants of Long Island suffering the deadly and seemingly unstoppable plague.
One of the joys in the novel early on is when James describes how the virus originates. I am not going to say what it is, even though you learn in the first two chapters, because it is so clever and imaginative I want you to experience it for yourself. But it does reveal is that the author is not a run of the mill formula writer. Q Island is full of little twists that sets it apart from the pack of usual apocalypse/zombie/virus clones out there. If the authors throw out an unexplained far-fetched effect that seem a bit out of place, I can forgive it because it moves along a story that is tight to begin with. Couple that with some nicely written and continuously developing characterizations and you have a winner.
So what we have is a novel that involves and entertains with a high dose of horror and thrills but doesn’t talk down to the readers. It is a welcome change from the mainstream drivel yet reads easily and moves fast. In other words, it is a good summer read for the discerning reader. This book warrants an enthusiastic recommendation but also a warning. Protective body suits are not included. You will feel so much in the action, you might think you need one.
Once the epidemic is raging, the author focuses on mainly three main protagonists. Dr. Samuel Bradshaw is the one who first experiences the unfortunate people who get the disease. He is tempting to find a cure but discovers other dubious things going on. Melanie Bailey and her autistic son are trapped on Long Island, where the government has isolated the virus and quarantined the population. She has a reason to risk escaping from the island. And lastly, Jimmy Wade is a petty criminal who discovers the virus affects him differently and uses the unique effects to wage his own kind of evil. The author follows each character separately and merges them into the rest of the big picture of the inhabitants of Long Island suffering the deadly and seemingly unstoppable plague.
One of the joys in the novel early on is when James describes how the virus originates. I am not going to say what it is, even though you learn in the first two chapters, because it is so clever and imaginative I want you to experience it for yourself. But it does reveal is that the author is not a run of the mill formula writer. Q Island is full of little twists that sets it apart from the pack of usual apocalypse/zombie/virus clones out there. If the authors throw out an unexplained far-fetched effect that seem a bit out of place, I can forgive it because it moves along a story that is tight to begin with. Couple that with some nicely written and continuously developing characterizations and you have a winner.
So what we have is a novel that involves and entertains with a high dose of horror and thrills but doesn’t talk down to the readers. It is a welcome change from the mainstream drivel yet reads easily and moves fast. In other words, it is a good summer read for the discerning reader. This book warrants an enthusiastic recommendation but also a warning. Protective body suits are not included. You will feel so much in the action, you might think you need one.
June 6, 2016
"This book is a fantastic all-rounder. It’s full of entertainment and tension and scares and despair and hope and tears and fear. You will not want to put this one down, I guarantee it."
See here for the full review:
Q Island
See here for the full review:
Q Island
July 18, 2017
Addictive
Fast paced with a wonderfully punchy writing style, a strong cast of characters and a progressively surprising plot, I loved every bit of it.
Fast paced with a wonderfully punchy writing style, a strong cast of characters and a progressively surprising plot, I loved every bit of it.
April 3, 2017
Good read
This book is so good hard to put down. Was reading every chance I got. Would definitely recommend this book
This book is so good hard to put down. Was reading every chance I got. Would definitely recommend this book
April 10, 2016
A good book, that was just a touch shy of being a great one. I enjoy disaster/apocalypse books and this was a respectable contender--basically 28 Days on Long Island.
It's not a zombie novel, but the infected change into crafty serial killers with gorilla like strength. Weak 80 year old women being able to fend off multiple cops and impale someone so hard they go through the ceiling strong. So things go bad on a huge level, with high amounts of gore--but credit to the author, in other blood drenched books, those scenes can be cheesy or cliched or cheap, and I never got that vibe off this book. It does however tick off almost everything on my "Zombie Book" checklist though.
My main complaint was the mom. So so dumb. And she's the main protagonist. Most of her actions were the exact OPPOSITE of what you would want to do in such situations. And in a way unnecessary--what happened on bridge and elsewhere could have been shown via another viewpoint. Why did she keep dragging her autistic child into zombie like free for alls? Leave him with a neighbor if you have to venture out for supplies.
And two spoiler complaints:
The above spoiler complaints aside, this book was still a good entry in the "terrible virus unleashed" genre, with the requisite noble doctor and plucky nurse characters and is a fast and exciting read. I'll have to check out more by this author.
It's not a zombie novel, but the infected change into crafty serial killers with gorilla like strength. Weak 80 year old women being able to fend off multiple cops and impale someone so hard they go through the ceiling strong. So things go bad on a huge level, with high amounts of gore--but credit to the author, in other blood drenched books, those scenes can be cheesy or cliched or cheap, and I never got that vibe off this book. It does however tick off almost everything on my "Zombie Book" checklist though.
My main complaint was the mom. So so dumb. And she's the main protagonist. Most of her actions were the exact OPPOSITE of what you would want to do in such situations. And in a way unnecessary--what happened on bridge and elsewhere could have been shown via another viewpoint. Why did she keep dragging her autistic child into zombie like free for alls? Leave him with a neighbor if you have to venture out for supplies.
And two spoiler complaints:
The above spoiler complaints aside, this book was still a good entry in the "terrible virus unleashed" genre, with the requisite noble doctor and plucky nurse characters and is a fast and exciting read. I'll have to check out more by this author.
May 16, 2015
The latest novel from Russell James, Q Island, is a thoroughly entertaining horror novel. It’s a story of an epidemic, a possible pandemic, that ravages the Long Island portion of New York. People who contract the virus, which is virtually everyone who comes into contact with it, becomes a being driven by rage. It sounds like a zombie story, and while there are similarities between the zombie story and the epidemic story, this isn’t a zombie tale.
The paleovirus travels from the frozen depths of northern Asia to Long Island, where it is introduced to the populating through a very unique series of events. It only takes days for the effects of this long-buried epidemic to hit the streets, and hospitals, of New York. The first patients present with septicemia, red eyes and darkened veins under the skin. They quickly progress to stages of increased brain and physical function, to raging violence and finally, after death, to actual explosion.
When in the rage phase the sufferers are prone to acts of violence against those not infected. They try to bite and savage others as a way to spread the virus. Once dead, the virus becomes airborne and when the bodies swell and burst the plague becomes transmittable through the air. It is almost impossible to prevent people from coming down with the disease. Once this is realized the U.S. government moves to quarantine the Island, which quickly becomes known as Q Island. It is completely cut off from the rest of the world as its residents struggle to survive and find a cure.
The absolute highlight of the novel is the character Aiden. He’s a nine year old autistic boy, non-verbal, and extremely reliant on routing to help him deal with the world. Obviously, when society crumbles routine goes out the window, as do the ideas of calm and quiet, personal space and almost anything else familiar. Aiden must overcome the challenges of living in a world where violence is the norm and no one wants to to deal with special circumstances or challenges. Aiden’s ultimate arc may not sit well with all readers, but given the care and consideration given to the development of the character throughout the story, it’s not something to dwell on.
The only time the story slows down is when the character Jimmy takes center stage. He’s one of the main characters, though the smallest of the major three plot threads, and the pace slows down when he is the focus. When it shifts back to Aiden, his family and his neighborhood, or the researchers and military based at JFK Airport, the story pushes through to a satisfying climax.
The plague story is not an easy one to execute, but with Q Island Russell James does so with great success.
The paleovirus travels from the frozen depths of northern Asia to Long Island, where it is introduced to the populating through a very unique series of events. It only takes days for the effects of this long-buried epidemic to hit the streets, and hospitals, of New York. The first patients present with septicemia, red eyes and darkened veins under the skin. They quickly progress to stages of increased brain and physical function, to raging violence and finally, after death, to actual explosion.
When in the rage phase the sufferers are prone to acts of violence against those not infected. They try to bite and savage others as a way to spread the virus. Once dead, the virus becomes airborne and when the bodies swell and burst the plague becomes transmittable through the air. It is almost impossible to prevent people from coming down with the disease. Once this is realized the U.S. government moves to quarantine the Island, which quickly becomes known as Q Island. It is completely cut off from the rest of the world as its residents struggle to survive and find a cure.
The absolute highlight of the novel is the character Aiden. He’s a nine year old autistic boy, non-verbal, and extremely reliant on routing to help him deal with the world. Obviously, when society crumbles routine goes out the window, as do the ideas of calm and quiet, personal space and almost anything else familiar. Aiden must overcome the challenges of living in a world where violence is the norm and no one wants to to deal with special circumstances or challenges. Aiden’s ultimate arc may not sit well with all readers, but given the care and consideration given to the development of the character throughout the story, it’s not something to dwell on.
The only time the story slows down is when the character Jimmy takes center stage. He’s one of the main characters, though the smallest of the major three plot threads, and the pace slows down when he is the focus. When it shifts back to Aiden, his family and his neighborhood, or the researchers and military based at JFK Airport, the story pushes through to a satisfying climax.
The plague story is not an easy one to execute, but with Q Island Russell James does so with great success.
April 30, 2015
A deadly virus dating back to the last ice age, has re-surfaced and is now infecting the population of Long Island. It turns its victims into murdering monsters. One bite, or even the slightest contact with the infected blood, can be all it takes to sign the death sentence of yet another innocent person. When the government steps in and quarantines the island, it gains a new name – Q Island. Melanie and her autistic soon, Aiden are trapped there. Tamara, a dedicated nurse who was stabbed in the eye by one of the infected, provides what medical help and care she can for all those who cannot leave the island.
This is Russell James’s longest novel yet and I believe it’s his best. I always enjoy his brand of intelligent, scary horror but with Q Island he has surpassed his own high standards. I defy anyone not to find this story riveting. He blended just the right level of medical detail with the harrowing effects of this virus. The relationship between Melanie and her son was wonderfully laid out, and there were times when I became so involved in the characters’ story, I could feel their pain, anguish, determination and, at times, anger.
The criminal, Jimmy Wade, who appears a little later in the story, is a thoroughly nasty piece of work and could so easily have been a caricature. In this author’s hands, he was anything but that. His story was brilliantly played out and the reader gets into his mind, experiencing the very different way the virus affects him.
A fantastic read deserves a fantastic ending and Q Island’s was just that. This is a thoroughly absorbing and gripping read, from cover to cover, and never once lacks pace. I recommend it, not just to horror fans (although they will love it, as I did), but to fans of suspense, sci fi and thrillers as well. It has all these elements.
This is Russell James’s longest novel yet and I believe it’s his best. I always enjoy his brand of intelligent, scary horror but with Q Island he has surpassed his own high standards. I defy anyone not to find this story riveting. He blended just the right level of medical detail with the harrowing effects of this virus. The relationship between Melanie and her son was wonderfully laid out, and there were times when I became so involved in the characters’ story, I could feel their pain, anguish, determination and, at times, anger.
The criminal, Jimmy Wade, who appears a little later in the story, is a thoroughly nasty piece of work and could so easily have been a caricature. In this author’s hands, he was anything but that. His story was brilliantly played out and the reader gets into his mind, experiencing the very different way the virus affects him.
A fantastic read deserves a fantastic ending and Q Island’s was just that. This is a thoroughly absorbing and gripping read, from cover to cover, and never once lacks pace. I recommend it, not just to horror fans (although they will love it, as I did), but to fans of suspense, sci fi and thrillers as well. It has all these elements.
August 15, 2015
Review from horrorunderground.org
This is not a zombie novel. Thankfully, Q Island is about an infection that spreads on Long Island, NY, turning the island into a quarantine zone. The virus does give the infected some rather zombie like traits, but that is not the overall intention. James is quick to shy away from the typical beats of a zombie/outbreak story and displays some clever writing, particularly when handling the origin of the virus and how the virus is used for varying advantage. Each of the three main characters/group of characters, has a vastly different experience with the virus and an outcome that ties everything together.
While not as horror as I would typically like, this book is a thriller and probably one of the best I have read in quite some time. The tension comes from the characters even more than the situations they are thrust upon. Everything happens in quick successions but is done so quite eloquently. This not a dumb blockbuster type story. Even though the events are large and the scale is grand, James handles the story and characters with a level of intelligence that more authors covering this subject matter should follow.
This is a highly recommended epidemic thriller with splashes of horror. Russel James tells a unique story that hits the ground running from page one.
This is not a zombie novel. Thankfully, Q Island is about an infection that spreads on Long Island, NY, turning the island into a quarantine zone. The virus does give the infected some rather zombie like traits, but that is not the overall intention. James is quick to shy away from the typical beats of a zombie/outbreak story and displays some clever writing, particularly when handling the origin of the virus and how the virus is used for varying advantage. Each of the three main characters/group of characters, has a vastly different experience with the virus and an outcome that ties everything together.
While not as horror as I would typically like, this book is a thriller and probably one of the best I have read in quite some time. The tension comes from the characters even more than the situations they are thrust upon. Everything happens in quick successions but is done so quite eloquently. This not a dumb blockbuster type story. Even though the events are large and the scale is grand, James handles the story and characters with a level of intelligence that more authors covering this subject matter should follow.
This is a highly recommended epidemic thriller with splashes of horror. Russel James tells a unique story that hits the ground running from page one.
August 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this novel.
What a fabulous book! The story grabbed me right from the first page and led me to an apocalyptic world peopled by characters that I genuinely wanted to follow. I loved Melanie and her son Aiden, although there were times I wanted to smack her for the decisions she made that put her son in danger. Tamara and Eddie were my heroes throughout this book. The action was fast paced and well written. It never felt overdone as is the case in some apocalyptical fiction. Russell James is a fantastic story teller who has delivered a believable and engrossing look into the end of life as we know it. Do yourself a favor and grab this 5 star read before it's too late,,,
November 6, 2015
Did you ever start reading a book that made you wish you didn't have to sleep, go to a job, or leave your house until you finished it? This book did that for me. I literally couldn't put it down. I was lucky enough to meet Russell James at a book festival and when he told me about the plot of this book I had to have it. I like virus and epidemic stories anyway, but Russell James has a whole new spin on the genre. From the innovative opening chapter to the dramatic and suspenseful ending, this book grabs your attention and won't let go. This is my first book by James and I'll be reading the rest of his books as fast as I can get my hands on them!
January 8, 2016
Would someone please turn this into a movie? This is one of my favorite zombie stories I've read and I'm yet again blown away by the talent of Russell James. The book flows effortlessly and so many scenes are described with such vivid detail that you begin to feel the paranoia and panic set in. A wonderful twist to zombie stories as so many of them have decayed into repeats of each other. The focus on the young autistic boy relates not only the daily struggles those who are autistic may face, but also the stress placed on their loved ones. All in the midst of an apocalypse with an infection that has a positively marvelous back story.
April 27, 2015
Review: Q ISLAND by Russell James
Whenever a new title by Russell James is announced, I leap at it, knowing I'll be amazed and never disappointed. Mr. James is an author who works tremendously to hone his craft and it shows. His newest entry, Q ISLAND, is one nonstop knockout punch after another, the story of an improbable (although theoretically possible) infectious viral plague. I won't give away the incredibly imagined backdrop--just know that if you're looking for a thriller with unstoppable suspense and horrific proportions, Q ISLAND is most definitely your book.
Whenever a new title by Russell James is announced, I leap at it, knowing I'll be amazed and never disappointed. Mr. James is an author who works tremendously to hone his craft and it shows. His newest entry, Q ISLAND, is one nonstop knockout punch after another, the story of an improbable (although theoretically possible) infectious viral plague. I won't give away the incredibly imagined backdrop--just know that if you're looking for a thriller with unstoppable suspense and horrific proportions, Q ISLAND is most definitely your book.
June 28, 2015
The best horror novel of the year? Too early to call, but definitely a contender
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/q-isla... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/q-isla... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
May 25, 2019
Not zombies, but great virus-powered monsters. Plus, we can't forget the shady government shenanigans. Time to get my hands on the next book!
May 24, 2017
As an avid reader of post-apocalyptic fiction, I’ve learned to approach new authors with caution. So many simply resort to the tired old tropes of the genre rather than looking for a new angle or technique. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised with Q Island. Having the infection turn people into crazed, super strong killers who retain most of their intelligence and cunning is a bit of a twist over the typical mindless zombie hordes populating the genre.
The biggest twist however was introducing two of the main characters who seemed to actually be improved and enhanced by the disease. Following their separate journeys and ultimate intersection was fascinating.
The characters were all very relatable and realistically depicted for the most part. I also appreciated the inclusion of an interesting origin story for the disease. Most post apocalypse novels just drop a world-ending virus into the beginning of the story with little explanation for how it came about. In my opinion, the backstory provides just enough plausibility to aid the reader’s suspension of reality so they can simply enjoy the story.
Despite all of these positives, there were a few things I didn’t like so much which ended up bringing the overall rating down a bit.
1. Unlike the backstory of the virus, Sam Bradshaw’s backstory about how his wife was crippled seemed completely pointless and unnecessary. In my opinion, it didn’t really add anything critical or even help me understand the character better that. In fact, it actually got a bit tiresome after awhile.
2. Melanie’s depiction as a brave and selfless mother of an autistic teenage boy was severely counterbalanced by her stupid and frankly reckless decisions. I won’t spoil too much of the story but there were times I thought she was more of a danger to her son than the virus or those infected by it.
3. Speaking of Melanie, the fact that she married such a despicable human being doesn’t speak highly for her intelligence either. That she’s still surprised by his actions makes me like her even less.
4. The method Jimmie used to increase his abilities seemed pointlessly gross. There are countless ways this could have been handled in a more plausible way.
5. Again, no spoilers but I found the ending to be very unsatisfying and abrupt. This story is clearing begging for a sequel but I didn’t see any mention of a planned follow up.
All in all though, the flaws mentioned above are relatively minor. There are far more positives with Q Island than negatives. The plot, pacing, characters and originality are all above average. If you’re a fan of post apocalypse fiction, you should put this one on your TBR list or better yet, just put it on your Kindle and give it a read. You won’t be sorry.
The biggest twist however was introducing two of the main characters who seemed to actually be improved and enhanced by the disease. Following their separate journeys and ultimate intersection was fascinating.
The characters were all very relatable and realistically depicted for the most part. I also appreciated the inclusion of an interesting origin story for the disease. Most post apocalypse novels just drop a world-ending virus into the beginning of the story with little explanation for how it came about. In my opinion, the backstory provides just enough plausibility to aid the reader’s suspension of reality so they can simply enjoy the story.
Despite all of these positives, there were a few things I didn’t like so much which ended up bringing the overall rating down a bit.
1. Unlike the backstory of the virus, Sam Bradshaw’s backstory about how his wife was crippled seemed completely pointless and unnecessary. In my opinion, it didn’t really add anything critical or even help me understand the character better that. In fact, it actually got a bit tiresome after awhile.
2. Melanie’s depiction as a brave and selfless mother of an autistic teenage boy was severely counterbalanced by her stupid and frankly reckless decisions. I won’t spoil too much of the story but there were times I thought she was more of a danger to her son than the virus or those infected by it.
3. Speaking of Melanie, the fact that she married such a despicable human being doesn’t speak highly for her intelligence either. That she’s still surprised by his actions makes me like her even less.
4. The method Jimmie used to increase his abilities seemed pointlessly gross. There are countless ways this could have been handled in a more plausible way.
5. Again, no spoilers but I found the ending to be very unsatisfying and abrupt. This story is clearing begging for a sequel but I didn’t see any mention of a planned follow up.
All in all though, the flaws mentioned above are relatively minor. There are far more positives with Q Island than negatives. The plot, pacing, characters and originality are all above average. If you’re a fan of post apocalypse fiction, you should put this one on your TBR list or better yet, just put it on your Kindle and give it a read. You won’t be sorry.
March 28, 2017
Really great book!
Really fell into the flow of the book straight away. Written with great descriptive passion so you actually see the scene in your head. I don't often say this about books but I really would enjoy seeking this on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed my first book by this author will definitely be reading more by him!
Really fell into the flow of the book straight away. Written with great descriptive passion so you actually see the scene in your head. I don't often say this about books but I really would enjoy seeking this on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed my first book by this author will definitely be reading more by him!
April 19, 2017
Q as in quarantine
As story lines of an apocalypse go, this one has some of the same elements except that dead people stayed dead. I did like that a boy with autism saved the world.....
As story lines of an apocalypse go, this one has some of the same elements except that dead people stayed dead. I did like that a boy with autism saved the world.....
November 5, 2018
I finally got around to reading this book after having it on my shelf since it was released 4 years ago. Life got real, as it sometimes does, but this one was worth the wait. This is probably my favorite book from Russell James. I plan the read the sequel next, which as also been patiently waiting to be read.
March 28, 2017
Aiden, save the world!
Great story! Very enjoyable read! This is my kind of syfy novel. Survival took first place here and a mother's love for here gifted son!!!
Great story! Very enjoyable read! This is my kind of syfy novel. Survival took first place here and a mother's love for here gifted son!!!
March 28, 2017
Exciting read
The storyline was great. I couldn't stop reading till the ending, and then was sorry it ended. I hope there's a follow-up to this book.
The storyline was great. I couldn't stop reading till the ending, and then was sorry it ended. I hope there's a follow-up to this book.
May 22, 2017
Good story but not a great ending
This book is a good read I liked the story line and how it unveiled the thing I disliked was the ending could of gone into more depending t h but all in all this is a good read and would recommend it for a quick read
This book is a good read I liked the story line and how it unveiled the thing I disliked was the ending could of gone into more depending t h but all in all this is a good read and would recommend it for a quick read
April 21, 2017
A little corny and predictable at times. Basically the story of a virus gone wild and how humanity deals with. Worth the read.
April 8, 2017
Interesting
Interesting take on a world gone wrong. Well written and enjoyable. Well worth reading. Characters you willed to survive and others who you were glad they died. Definitely recommend.
Interesting take on a world gone wrong. Well written and enjoyable. Well worth reading. Characters you willed to survive and others who you were glad they died. Definitely recommend.
October 16, 2025
4.5 stars - What I thought would be a run-of-the-mill, zombie boom turned out to be a surprisingly heartfelt and well-written view of the apocalypse. I honestly picked this book to finish an alphabet challenge, and I needed something that started with Q. I'm so glad I found this one though!
First off - the monsters in this book aren't ever called zombies, though they are similar to the rage zombies of 28 Days Later. Unfortunately they still have the power to think and plan, which makes them extra dangerous.
We get multiple POVs, but the main protagonist is a mom with a nonverbal son with autism. Having worked with kids with this same condition, I was able to see that Russell James took great care in writing their story and it gave some added emotion to the story.
I thought this book was excellent, and only took off a half star for the rating because I thought the main villain was a bit too over the top. Regardless, I'll be interested to read more of this author's work.
First off - the monsters in this book aren't ever called zombies, though they are similar to the rage zombies of 28 Days Later. Unfortunately they still have the power to think and plan, which makes them extra dangerous.
We get multiple POVs, but the main protagonist is a mom with a nonverbal son with autism. Having worked with kids with this same condition, I was able to see that Russell James took great care in writing their story and it gave some added emotion to the story.
I thought this book was excellent, and only took off a half star for the rating because I thought the main villain was a bit too over the top. Regardless, I'll be interested to read more of this author's work.
July 17, 2015
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review as part of the Q Island blog tour
Earlier this year I reviewed Russell James’ Dreamwalker, a book about the dreamwalker Pete and his struggle to save the real world and the dream world from the evil presence of Jean St. Croix. It was the first novel of Russell’s that I read and I had an absolute blast following Pete’s adventures. What I liked about the novel besides a unique premise, was James’ ability to create interesting characters and the impressive world-building that went into Twin Moon City. It was through Dreamwalker that I became a fan of James' work and when I heard he was releasing a book about an ancient virus epidemic, I knew I had to give it a read!
In Q Island, an ancient virus that was entombed below a sheet of ice for thousands of years has been unleashed across Long Island and has plunged the city into chaos. Those who are infected with the virus develop black veins and an insatiable desire to kill and cause destruction in their path. The virus manifests itself much like the flu in some ways with fever, bloodshot eyes, headaches, red streaks on the skin and dark veins. The virus turns the infected incredibly violent and they can achieve superhuman strength for brief periods of time. The disease sends people into a hyper violent mode in order to better spread the disease.
As the island begins to descend into complete chaos and insanity, the government quarantines the island in an effort to keep the virus in check which traps Melanie Bailey and her autistic son Aiden on the island. Despite numerous close calls and deadly run-ins with the infected, Aiden is able to survive the infection. He may be the key to curing the Paleovirus, but only if Melanie and her friends are able to get him off the island.
On the other side of the island, Jimmy Wade is embracing the changes on Q Island. Before the outbreak of the Paleovirus, Jimmy was just a scrawny, small-time criminal who was at the mercy of mobster Madman Mozelle. Now, Jimmy has risen through the ranks of the underworld to lead a gang seeking to rule Q Island. He has survived the infection of the virus, but becomes increasingly violent and has a penchant for feasting on the brains of his victims. When he learns of Aiden's ability to survive the virus, he launches a manhunt to track him down. Jimmy believes consuming his brain will make him immortal. As Jimmy begins closing in on Melanie and Aiden, they must rely on each other and their allies in an attempt to escape Q Island.
There is a large cast of characters in Q Island and James is able to weave their individual plot-lines together flawlessly into a compulsively readable story. Whether you are reading about Melanie and Aiden's struggle to survive, Jimmy Wade's violent rise as a criminal warlord or Dr. Bradshaw's quest for answers about the Paleovirus, each story-line is riveting and there is not a dull moment to be found in the entirety of Q Island.
My favorite thing about Q Island is the unique creation of the virus. I have read a ton of apocalyptic fiction where a virus gets out and it usually spreads much like you would expect, through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. James' Paleovirus, however, is a nasty creation that has multiple ways of spreading. I don't want to spoil it, but I'll just say that even if you are able to survive the superhuman psychopaths roaming the streets that are infected by the virus, you better hope you aren't in the area after you take one down!
Not only did I enjoy the way the virus was developed, but I thought James' portrayal of the infected was unique and pretty terrifying. When I originally read the synopsis for Q Island months ago, I thought that the virus was going to more or less turn people into zombies. While I wouldn't have minded that approach, I was pleasantly surprised that James' decided to go in a different direction with this book. While the virus transforms them into bloodthirsty maniacs who are technically dead, they do not lose all of their human attributes. They are still aware of their actions and have the ability to develop strategies and work in teams, which is what makes them so lethal.
Q Island was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be. It is full of great characters that you can't help but root for (well, except for Jimmy) and offers plenty of action-packed scenes that will thrill fans of just about any genre. If you are have an interest in apocalyptic fiction, Q Island is an essential addition to your reading list!
Earlier this year I reviewed Russell James’ Dreamwalker, a book about the dreamwalker Pete and his struggle to save the real world and the dream world from the evil presence of Jean St. Croix. It was the first novel of Russell’s that I read and I had an absolute blast following Pete’s adventures. What I liked about the novel besides a unique premise, was James’ ability to create interesting characters and the impressive world-building that went into Twin Moon City. It was through Dreamwalker that I became a fan of James' work and when I heard he was releasing a book about an ancient virus epidemic, I knew I had to give it a read!
In Q Island, an ancient virus that was entombed below a sheet of ice for thousands of years has been unleashed across Long Island and has plunged the city into chaos. Those who are infected with the virus develop black veins and an insatiable desire to kill and cause destruction in their path. The virus manifests itself much like the flu in some ways with fever, bloodshot eyes, headaches, red streaks on the skin and dark veins. The virus turns the infected incredibly violent and they can achieve superhuman strength for brief periods of time. The disease sends people into a hyper violent mode in order to better spread the disease.
As the island begins to descend into complete chaos and insanity, the government quarantines the island in an effort to keep the virus in check which traps Melanie Bailey and her autistic son Aiden on the island. Despite numerous close calls and deadly run-ins with the infected, Aiden is able to survive the infection. He may be the key to curing the Paleovirus, but only if Melanie and her friends are able to get him off the island.
On the other side of the island, Jimmy Wade is embracing the changes on Q Island. Before the outbreak of the Paleovirus, Jimmy was just a scrawny, small-time criminal who was at the mercy of mobster Madman Mozelle. Now, Jimmy has risen through the ranks of the underworld to lead a gang seeking to rule Q Island. He has survived the infection of the virus, but becomes increasingly violent and has a penchant for feasting on the brains of his victims. When he learns of Aiden's ability to survive the virus, he launches a manhunt to track him down. Jimmy believes consuming his brain will make him immortal. As Jimmy begins closing in on Melanie and Aiden, they must rely on each other and their allies in an attempt to escape Q Island.
There is a large cast of characters in Q Island and James is able to weave their individual plot-lines together flawlessly into a compulsively readable story. Whether you are reading about Melanie and Aiden's struggle to survive, Jimmy Wade's violent rise as a criminal warlord or Dr. Bradshaw's quest for answers about the Paleovirus, each story-line is riveting and there is not a dull moment to be found in the entirety of Q Island.
My favorite thing about Q Island is the unique creation of the virus. I have read a ton of apocalyptic fiction where a virus gets out and it usually spreads much like you would expect, through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. James' Paleovirus, however, is a nasty creation that has multiple ways of spreading. I don't want to spoil it, but I'll just say that even if you are able to survive the superhuman psychopaths roaming the streets that are infected by the virus, you better hope you aren't in the area after you take one down!
Not only did I enjoy the way the virus was developed, but I thought James' portrayal of the infected was unique and pretty terrifying. When I originally read the synopsis for Q Island months ago, I thought that the virus was going to more or less turn people into zombies. While I wouldn't have minded that approach, I was pleasantly surprised that James' decided to go in a different direction with this book. While the virus transforms them into bloodthirsty maniacs who are technically dead, they do not lose all of their human attributes. They are still aware of their actions and have the ability to develop strategies and work in teams, which is what makes them so lethal.
Q Island was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be. It is full of great characters that you can't help but root for (well, except for Jimmy) and offers plenty of action-packed scenes that will thrill fans of just about any genre. If you are have an interest in apocalyptic fiction, Q Island is an essential addition to your reading list!
October 2, 2024
I really enjoyed the horror in this book, and there were times that I really felt the suspense and fear. Really excited to read the second book!
November 18, 2024
I met Russell James at a horror convention this year and we discussed my book genre preferences. I chose this book and I wasn't disappointed at all. I started reading it on the way to Galaxycon in Richmond and finished it that weekend. I was blown away at the creativity and storyline, I couldn't put this one down.
November 5, 2017
UPDATE 11/04/17: I just re-read Q ISLAND because I'm getting ready to start its sequel RETURN TO Q ISLAND, which was recently released. I enjoyed it just as much the second time through.
Patient Zero, in this case, has long hair, a long nose...and tusks
What starts out as an exotic dinner ends up bringing an infectious disease caused by a paleovirus from ten thousand years ago to modern day Long Island, New York.
Long Island is quarantined and survivors are left fighting off rage-filled disease stricken.
Melanie Bailey and her autistic son, Aiden, become the focus of many groups and Melanie will do anything to protect her son.
This is quite the fast moving, exciting thriller and, though some of the details are a bit unbelievable, there are many parts that ring too true - if the world is ever faced (again) with such a deadly infectious disease, such as the Spanish Flu or polio.
The characters - good guys - are relatable and I want to be friends with some of them or have them at my back if we're fighting the disease-crazed. The bad guys are very bad and there were a couple that were downright despicable.
So, if you like post-apocalyptic thrillers or horror, I think you'll like Q ISLAND.
NOTE: I received this book from Samhain Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Patient Zero, in this case, has long hair, a long nose...and tusks
What starts out as an exotic dinner ends up bringing an infectious disease caused by a paleovirus from ten thousand years ago to modern day Long Island, New York.
Long Island is quarantined and survivors are left fighting off rage-filled disease stricken.
Melanie Bailey and her autistic son, Aiden, become the focus of many groups and Melanie will do anything to protect her son.
This is quite the fast moving, exciting thriller and, though some of the details are a bit unbelievable, there are many parts that ring too true - if the world is ever faced (again) with such a deadly infectious disease, such as the Spanish Flu or polio.
The characters - good guys - are relatable and I want to be friends with some of them or have them at my back if we're fighting the disease-crazed. The bad guys are very bad and there were a couple that were downright despicable.
So, if you like post-apocalyptic thrillers or horror, I think you'll like Q ISLAND.
NOTE: I received this book from Samhain Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2019
It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a read this much. This definitely belongs on the lists of best apocalypse books. Russell James doesn’t get caught in the trap of over explaining things or getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Thank you for not trying to turn me into a microbiologist and for telling me a really good story instead. I’m sure Russell James is capable of producing those details, but the book would have suffered, and so would the reader; I’m sure it’s intentional rather than an oversight. (I’ve read around 300 horror novels and the elevator scene near the beginning of the book is one of my favorite scenes of all time. But I suspect a virologist would give James a good finger wagging.) At other times, it feels so right and authentic, the author may be writing from personal experience -- but without the newbie tendency of exorcising personal demons or whatever chip they have on their shoulder. (The scene with the autistic kid in the grocery store was so striking, I had to tell my wife about it.) In fact, one of the best things about this book is that so many striking and memorable things happen in it. It’s a good story, well told, and pleasantly lyrical and poetic along the way. I have zero problems with it; all books should be like this. I’m going to immediately purchase the sequel; I’m looking forward to it.
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