Pandora: Outbreak

Pandora Thriller #1

by Eric L. Harry

BEGINNING OF THE END
 
They call it Pandoravirus. It attacks the brain. Anyone infected may explode in uncontrollable rage. Blind to pain, empty of emotion, the infected hunt and are hunted.  They attack without warning and without mercy. Their numbers spread unchecked. There is no known cure.

Emma Miller studies diseases for a living—until she catches the virus. Now she’s the one being studied by the U.S. government and by her twin sister, neuroscientist Isabel Miller. Rival factions debate whether to treat the infected like rabid animals to be put down, or victims deserving compassion. As Isabel fights for her sister's life, the infected are massing for an epic battle of survival. And it looks like Emma is leading the way . . .

Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, Zombies

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2018

About the author

Raised in a small town in Mississippi, Eric L. Harry graduated from the Marine Military Academy in Texas and studied Russian and Economics at Vanderbilt University, where he also earned a J.D. and M.B.A. In addition, he studied in Moscow and Leningrad in the USSR, and at the University of Virginia Law School. He began his legal career in private practice in Houston, negotiated complex multinational mergers and acquisitions around the world, and rose to be general counsel of a Fortune 500 company. He left to raise a private equity fund and co-found a successful oil company. His previous thrillers include Arc Light, Society of the Mind, Protect and Defend and Invasion. His books have been published in eight countries. He and his wife have three children and divide their time between Houston and San Diego. Contact him on Facebook or visit him online at www.EricLHarry.com.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora: Outbreak by Eric L. Harry is the first book in the new Pandora Thriller series. The story is a bit of science fiction fantasy that’s also quite the thriller. The story starts with Dr. Emma Miller being called in to investigate the outbreak of a new virus but when she contracts the virus herself she becomes the one being studied.

After Emma survives the Pandoravirus which kills roughly fifty percent of those that contract the virus it becomes clear that those that survive are changed. Dr. Isabel Miller who is a neuroscientist is called in to help study the virus and her twin sister Emma when it becomes clear that the survivors have had parts of their brains damaged and are now impervious to pain and lack all emotion.

The story switches the point of view between Isabel while she is in a secret lab working with other scientists and her infected sister and then Noah who is the brother of Isabel and Emma while he prepares for the oncoming pandemic to hit the U.S. With the POV changing between the siblings readers are able to follow the top secret happenings that are hidden from the public and that of those on the outside as fear begins to hit the nation.

I found this story to actually be quite an engaging one as I read along. We all know that it seems there are always new scares in the news with new diseases being found all the time, Ebola anyone? The only thing really that brought the book down a bit for me was when it became a bit overly scientific at times.

Now don’t get me wrong the author did a wonderful job making things clear enough to me not being a doctor or familiar with science but there were times it made it drag a bit going a bit too far in my opinion. I won’t say if which part of the brain controls what and the effects were all realistic because I wouldn’t know myself but the author certainly made it all sound plausible.

I would also warn to readers too that rape is mentioned in the story although just a mention and not graphically described. The violence is also done without getting too overly graphic considering the content with the infected becoming violent and the defense of them doing so. The book also ends in a cliffhanger leading into the next book in the series without a definitive resolution to the story just yet which has me quite ready for the next book already and will certainly be reading when it comes out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new virus found while drilling in Siberia has started a terrifying pandemic of the zombie apocalypse type. The virus infects the brain and leaves the victims with extremely violent tendencies, no sense of "self", and no empathy for others. The virus is airborne and spreads at a massive rate.

The book focuses a lot on the science, the philosophical and ethical questions, and sociology (of crowds) and goes into detailed discussions of the various issues and possible solutions, as well as the predictictions for how vast the virus spreads and what will happen when it does. Sometimes I felt too much detail. The story is somewhat predictable as are almost all disaster-type books and leaves us with a cliff-hanger opening for the next book.

Overall this was well written, had interesting characters that I mostly liked, and gave me that overall feeling of fear of what is coming. A good story and I look forward to the next installment.

Thanks to Eric L. Harry and Kensington Books for an advance copy.

[Kat]

Trigger warning: violence, rape

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read and review this overall well-written zombie apocalypse novel by Eric L. Harry. I absolutely loved the pacing and detail that went into the science behind this. This is the sort of thriller that you cannot put down. A virus from centuries ago thaws in the Siberian tundra and a remote mining camp is infected. Scientists are sent in to determine pathology, including epidemiologist Emma, who is infected when her helicopter is attacked upon landing. Much of the story centers around her, as she's kept in incubation for observation, and her twin sister Isabel, a neuroscientist trying to shed light on the brain changes that cause the infected to become violent and attack in swarms.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

[Greg at 2 Book Lovers Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

​This is a tough review to write. I’m always on the lookout for something different and unique in the post-apocalyptic universe. Pandora seemed to tick off all of the boxes; sometimes there is simply a failure to connect the product offered by the author to the product desired by the reader.

I can’t and won’t take anything away from Harry’s skill as an author. Pandora was well-written and had intriguing characters; I had a few chuckles with them along the way.

So what went wrong? Pandora simply did not give me the apocalypse that I was looking for. The entire story seemed to revolve around the laboratory and the boardroom (a bored room, from my perspective). It was all talk with little to no action. Now when I look back at the synopsis, I can see that perhaps I should have expected that. I just assumed that Harry would put me in the midst of the action more frequently.

With roughly an hour left in the book, I almost gave up, DNF-ed. I kept waiting for the action to begin, it never did. I have a feeling that the second book in the series will visit the frontlines, and I’m certain that Harry will do a top-notch job with the remainder of his story; this story will go on without me. He had 288 pages to make me care. I don’t.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

They aren’t zombies…are they?

So the author gives us an interesting take on the pandemic sub-genre. His not-really-zombies are extremely interesting. I’d say they lean more toward slightly sociopathic parasites than anything else. He gives us a slower apocalypse and really lets the reader experience the impending panic, the cover ups, and the eventual terror of this pandemic.

Now, the author really thought a lot about the science, sociology, and philosophy behind the enemy here (yes, philosophy and sociology!) The only issue is that he has his characters explain a bit too much. Characters lecture a lot, leading the reader’s eyes to glaze over. I’ll admit that I started reading the lectures with interest, only to eventually just skip over most of them in an effort to get back to the story. Probably the best explanation is when one of our characters has to explain what’s happening to two children. (Yep, I’ll admit it. I needed the kid’s explanation!)

The story itself is a good one. I liked our characters – especially Emma.

The book ends on a cliffhanger. A preview of the next book is included and, if it were available for download today, I’d already be reading it.

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

[Maranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not into depressive and doomsday reads so Pandora Outbreak was not enjoyable to me. Although I knew what it was from the synopsis one always hopes for a positive resolution. Knowing this is a series perhaps this will happen in later installments. Characters were not likable nor did any of them seem to posses any heart. "A copy of this book was supplied by Kensington Books through Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Jacque · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really do enjoy a good apocalyptic story and judging by the blurb for Pandora: Outbreak, it definitely was going to be one. A virus that destroys the brain. Epic battle of survival. There is no known cure. Sign me up because this sounds like it’s going to be epic!

Ummm… So let’s start with I didn’t hate the book. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. It’s always the possibility of what could happen in the real world and how authors like to put their spin on it that what keeps me reading these kind of stories. Can I see it happening this way? Would I survive it? So here we have a world where a virus is unleashed when a crew is drilling in Siberia. The virus has an extreme short incubation and victims of it either die, become extremely violent or… And that or is the curious thing. Are they zombies because once changed they certainly are different. No sense of self, no shame, able to communicate, or at least in this case, Emma is. I think zombie is a poor word but for now, that seems to be the only word to use.

It’s the beginning of the end and the author is giving us breakdown of what happens. First infection, what becomes of the victim, the possibilities of the destruction of the world. Each chapter is almost a day-by-day deconstruction of the world as we know it as the people in the know deal with the fallout, how to contain and ultimately how they will survive. For readers who like realism there is plenty of scientific lingo, violence and other things you can expect when you watch a disaster unfold.

I am undecided on who I would consider the main character of the story. Is it Emma? She studies diseases for a living and now that she has the virus, she herself is now being studied Can we say ironic! Is it Isabel, Emma’s twin sister and a neuroscientist? She comes to help with Emma only to find Emma is severely different, is now being studied and used as a comparison, and is in the center of all that is going on. Then you have Noah, their brother who is determined that he and his family will survive and the plans he has set in place. The government, the doctors, military, other victims, the world. So many decisions on who it can be except the silent character that has a life of its own: The Pandoravirus.

As much as I enjoyed Pandora: Outbreak I also found it a bit tedious. The day-by-day chapters while interesting, I also sometimes found myself bored with it. The end-of-the-world virus, while unique, felt all too familiar in other stories I read. Isabel I liked but as a neuroscientist, I found her to be a bit too weepy and hand wringy for me. Actually, most of the characters felt a bit pigeon holed into what I would expect in a story such as this. This was not a book I was able to just sit down and lose myself in. Of course, this is a series, there has to be a cliffy. At this time, I am undecided if I want to continue with the series. I am curious to find out what happens, just not sure if I want to keep reading a book that does daily breakdowns of the world.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

While mining in Siberia, some miners unwittingly unleash the perfect virus for wiping out modern man. Dubbed Pandoravirus Horribilus, the virus infects it's victim who then go on to infect more victims before falling ill from the virus and the infected have a 50 percent chance to either succumb to the disease or live on, horribly changed in most cases. The infected that do survive the initial illness all suffer various degrees of brain damage, all return from illness no longer the person they once were but often a shell of their former selves, unable to feel empathy, pain, and all have violent outbursts. Survivors of the virus always carry it, even if they are no longer symptomatic.

Dr. Emma Miller was a brilliant epidemiologist sent to Siberia to study the initial outbreak of Pandoravirus who was infected before they fully understood just how virulent the disease was. By the time she arrived home to the US, the virus had wiped away all she had been before and her twin sister, neuroscientist Dr. Isabel Miller has to protect her sister and try to convince the world that's falling apart that even though these people are sick, they are still human.

I really liked this book a lot even though it's a bit darker then my usual preferences. The author does get very technical sometimes but he explains so it's easily understood by the reader. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes darker apocalypse fiction.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pandoravirus Horriblis pandemic hits and hits quickly and devastatingly

Oil drillers in Siberia bring up a virus that's been buried for thousands of years. It's indiscriminating and 100% effective - 50% of its victims die and 50% are brain damaged.

Dr. Emma Miller, epidemiology professor, studies diseases for a living and is sent to Siberia to find out what's going on with this virus. But she ends up being exposed and contracts the disease - and doesn't die.

Professor Isabel Miller is Emma's identical twin sister and is a neuroscientist. She is called in to evaluate her brain damaged (but still high functioning) sister.

This is a scary book about The Big One, the pandemic that might end life as we know it.

There is a lot of science and philosophy in this story. I would normally prefer more blood, guts and action but I found this a fascinating book about "what makes us human and self-aware."

There is still quite a bit of action in the background as the world tries to prepare itself.

I enjoyed this and recommend it to the sci fi, disaster, and thriller enthusiasts.

I'm off now to read an Advanced Reading Copy that I received of the book that follows this PANDORA: CONTAGION.

[Monica Vines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed Pandora: Outbreak; I've read a lot of apocalyptic fiction, many from the pandemic sub-genre, and this novel is better than many. It's mostly well written, but I have a problem with the fairly frequent use of words like "wanta" and "whatcha" - very unnecessary. Based on the story itself, the characters, and the pacing, it is closer to four stars. However, the misogynistic undertones are very off putting and cringe worthy - "Boys will be boys," short hair isn't for girls, plenty of body commentary on looks and weight, and worst of all, rape seems like no biggie. Ugh. Nonetheless, I'm interested enough to know I'll read Pandora: Contagion upon it's eventual release.

Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for allowing me to read and review this novel.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book it sound fascinating. Diving right in I found it more depressing than most apocalyptic fiction or pandemic sub-genre books that I have read in the past.
The characters might be likable for some but this reader struggled to connect with anyone of them. The misogynistic undertones that always seem to fall into this genre was too much as was the repetitive words that were used. A good editor could have fixed those quickly.
The series I am sure will have an upswing at the books move forward.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Rebel Base Books for the Advance Copy

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good viral outbreak end-of-the-world book. Isabel will save the world! Right!?

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in Siberia studying a new virus Dr. Emma Miller an epidemiologist is attacked and succumbs to the virus herself. After she makes it through the worst of the virus she is flown home to America where she is taken to a government hospital and put into quarantine. The virus which has been name Pandoravirus Horribilus attacks the brain and leaves the person without any emotions or feelings of pain and the patient can become extremely violent.

Emma’s twin sister Dr. Isabel Miller a neuroscientist is allowed to come to the hospital to visit with Emma and to help understand the virus and how it affects the brain.

Isabel visits her brother Noah to let him know about Emma and to tell him about the virus so he can prepare for what is coming and hopefully save his family from the infected.

The story is told from the point of view of all three siblings. We get to see inside of Emma’s head a little bit to see how the virus affects the human brain. Then we get to see how Isabel is handling seeing her twin sister locked up and the person she knew as her sister is gone.

Noah shows us how to prepare for an apocalypse like what supplies to buy, how much ammo and guns to purchase and how to fortified your home against an attack from zombie like humans.

I have always loved reading stories about diseases especially Ebola so when I read the summary for Pandora: Outbreak I knew I had to read it. I loved the world that the author created in Pandora: Outbreak and how the brain is attacked and changed when a person is infected with the Pandoravirus. I liked reading the story from the point of view of all three siblings. I like reading different point of views it is like getting three stories in one sort of.

I love zombies so Pandora: Outbreak was right up my alley and I loved the story very much and would recommend it to anyone else who loves a good mystery or science fiction type of book with a whole new kind of zombie.

[Bob Reiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

For old school apocalyptic fans, a new book by the author of Arc Light, should be, well… something. I was a bit surprised when I heard that Eric L. Harry, a man who has released 4 books since his debut in 1994, was starting a series. The set up sounds a bit samesy… A deadly pathogen is released in the melting snow of Siberia that makes people turn violent and attack without fear of pain or death. It’s basically another “it’s kinda like a zombie but not” novel. When Pandora: Outbreak tries to be a apocalyptic novel, if feels like every other apocalyptic novel, but when it focuses on the science and the interesting relationship between the twin sisters, one infected and one not, it becomes a compelling read. It feels a bit bloated at times, like Harry took the long path on purpose, but despite that, as the reader, you don’t quite mind since the path is scenic enough to be interesting. For fans of apocalyptic medical thrillers, Pandora: Outbreak is a smart thriller that will keep you invested, but if your looking for a zombie shoot ‘em up or action packed survivalist story, there are other options that would better suit your taste.

This was only the second book I’ve listened to narrated by Morgan Hallett. While she won’t wow you with verbal gymnastics, her performance hit all the right notes. She took on the task of handling the twins wonderfully, managing to differentiate in ways that were true to their character. He voice and timing drew the listener in and kept them solidly implanted in the story. While Pandora: Outbreak probably won’t stand out among the glut of apocalyptic fiction it’s a solid enough entry, with fascinating science and a strong performance by the narrator, and worth the listen.

[Rachel Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Miller is sent to Siberia. She studies diseases and while there becomes infected with a virus which s later called  the Pandoravirus.
Emma is returned to the U.S. where the government wants to study her to see how the virus affects her and her brain in particular.
Isabel is Emma's twin sister and a neuroscientist. She is called in to help with the study.
As the virus starts spreading no one knows how to deal with the Infected as they are known,
and Isabel finds herself torn between family and job as the fight for survival begins.

Okay so where to start, as this book was amazing. I love sci-fi, but admittedly don't read as much of it as I should.
Eric Harry has written a book about the horrific affects a new virus, can bring as it starts getting out of hand with no known cure.
His characters are every bit as human as you and I as they have to face their fears about an uncertain future.
He also deals with the accusations of a cover-up and public paranoia in the rising tensions of ordinary citizens worldwide who are being denied the full extent of what is happening.
What would you do to save your family is an integral question this book raises, and it does make you think about what you would do in similar circumstances.
This is a book that will stick in my memory for a long time, and I'm already looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens to Emma, Isabel and the rest of humanity.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book free via Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.**
All spoilers will be tagged.

If you are a fan of the virus outbreak genre of books, you should undoubtedly add this to your shelf.
I found this to be a very mature, intelligent and quite original take on the basic pandemic premise.

Pros:
Accessible writing makes the more complex ideas in the book easy to understand.
Very natural and realistically flawed characters.
Fresh take on the genre.

I have only one real con with the book which is that I feel like it was overly apparent that this is the first of the series. It does not function as a self contained novel and it is obviously necessary to wait for the sequel(s) before we see any sort of character or story resolution. This is a bit of a shame for me, I really felt like would have been possible to create a novel that was enjoyable on its own merits while also leaving it open to future installments.

Sidebar: not a fan of the cover art. Seems generic and doesn't capture the tone of the novel at all.

All in all, i enjoyed the read and will be happy to read the next installment when it comes out.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting to listen to this audio book after experiencing a national covid lockdown. It would have been inconceivable to really imagine it if I had read this book before Covid.
And now... well let's just say world pandemic not inconceivable.

I am so glad I listened to this book because u would have got lost in all the science if I had read it but listening to it get me enthralled. Also it's fascinating to me that even though a man wrote this book it's read by a woman which gives it a different touch.

I am interested to know how tge second book plays out after such an intense 1st book but I think especially because both were written before covid. I am much more interested in how the 3rd book will play out being written after Covid and if that will have any influence on the author.

The author has clearly done his research on so many levels for this which really impressed the heck out of me.
I would say if big scientific explanations make you loose interest in a book, get this on audio, much easier to digest and actually quite fascinating.

I highly recommend this book to either listen to or read

[Arely Ayala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book thinking it was going to be more action packed and i love zombies. Personally this really is not your typical zombie but that was not bad, i liked his take on the zombies and how they came about. But it was to analytical, there was pages upon pages of boring science and political talk that really could have been avoided, it made the book drag and did little to entertain me. There were too many characters to actually get really connected to them. I will say isabel and Noah really pissed me the hell off because i felt they really ignored the issues of spreading the virus when dealing with their sister , while at the same time trying to prepare for it. Honestly i glazed over a lot of the technical and political pages and it did not affect the understanding of the book. Isabel could really had been written better. I am really not sure I would buy the next book as this one just left me feeling like i wasted my time. The little action and zombies that we got was to brief.

[James Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different take on the "zombie genre." The story was good and well-told. It kept me interested in finding out what was going to happen next. I docked two stars because, even though you KNOW this is part of a series, there really is no ending. I hate it when that happens. Also, I docked it a half point because the main characters acted in utterly stupid and unbelievable fashion.

The MC is an biologist who explains in great detail that people who catch this contamination are no longer your loved ones. They are the enemy and they are NEVER to be trusted. But large portions of the book are devoted to her and her brother's efforts to get their infected sister released and to take her to their safe haven. This made utterly no sense.

I would have rated this 2.5 stars as it is half way to really good. But since I could not do that, I bumped a half star due to the relatively clean editing and the generally decent narration. I almost certainly will not read any more of these books, because I hate to invest time in characters that are stupid beyond belief.

[H. R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Crichtonesque novel overall. A couple of weak points:

1) the first chapter, the readers first impression and likelihood of continuing, is horrible. I would have stopped at chapter one if I hadn’t previously read Harry, Arc Light, Invasion....it doesn’t introduce the background and main character in a coherent fashion.

2) the overall character development is rudimentary, but that’s a secondary issue. It’s a thriller genre after all, but the deeper Harry can create characterization, in future novels, the better they will become.

It’s the well researched and described technological plot line that stands out. Too bad it, probably, won’t capture a broad audience, because there’s a huge gap in popular reading for a new Clancy/Crichton.

Enjoyed it thoroughly. Pre ordered the second installment.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

1.5 stars.
The idea of this story is really good. A virus that could wipe out the world super fast. Those infected turned into Zombie like creatures. Sounds great. But unfortunately, there were so many unnecessary parts to this that made it a bit of a mess. So much of it didn't need to be there and was quite boring, with only random moments of scenes that were actually enjoyable. This story had potential but it just wasn't for me.

[Janina s. Asselin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rooting for the infected

Very interesting premise but not handled well by author. Two main characters, one infected Emma, and one not Isabel. If this is indicative of what will happen i.e. government response shoot me now! What a bunch of immature, whiney, useless characters. Could not care for any of them. The infected were more interesting. Won't waste my time on sequel. Of note, preview of next book had character's name wrong. No surprise there!

[Caralyn Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, by the end I was yelling at the characters for making stupid decisions. Majority of the book is just the labs and research. Made me think of Covid but more dangerous. Overall didn’t care for the book & the characters just kept ticking me off. Definitely not for me, was looking for more apocalyptic book then just depressing slow progression.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frightening. With each page, this story becomes more and more like a possible future. It starts out grim and gets more frightening from there. I found it impossible to put down. The only problem I had is that it left a cliffhanger.

[Wayne Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic End of the World Thriller

This book is very in depth, well researched and technically acurate.It has a great plot, characters you care about, and a story line that is beleivable, notl at all like some of the zombie dribble I have read.

[Brian Gleeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great new “take” on Zombies

I had no expectations when starting this book. But slowly and surely they grew. Not a zombie book. But an interesting different type of infection. I am going to get the rest of the books right after I post this review!

[Marci Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty obvious but an interesting apocalypse novel.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off great guns, then just seemed to fizzle. I gave up halfway through.

[Anthonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good tale about an outbreak that affects and destroys the brain. A good plot and story that was well put together. A must read

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy as all get out. I went looking for the second one immediatley. Believable? Eh, close enough. Philisophical and thought provoking.