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The Immundus
Would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind?
IT’S THE YEAR 2828, and Domus is the last remaining country. Divided into twelve walled cities known as genuses, Domus spans what’s known as the purist lands—lands unaffected by the genetic modifications that killed all other species of mammals. But outside the walls of each genus the Immundus threaten the welfare of those within. From a young age, all citizens of Domus are trained for combat against these intruders.
At sixteen, Nia Luna knows little of the Immundus, except for the citywide alarms that
ring any time an Immundus nears the genus walls. What she does know is that her own species is dying—their numbers dwindling as a mysterious disease called allagine kills
many before their eleventh birthday. The same disease that ravaged her family when it took her sister.
When Nia is recruited into Genesis, a research company pioneering the path to a cure, she knows that her dream to find a cure for allagine is finally within her grasp. But within weeks of starting at Genesis, Nia witnesses something she shouldn’t have—something that changes everything. As she sets down a dangerous path that uncovers national secrets, Nia will have to decide not only what kind of person she wants to
be but also how far she’s willing to go to save humanity
IT’S THE YEAR 2828, and Domus is the last remaining country. Divided into twelve walled cities known as genuses, Domus spans what’s known as the purist lands—lands unaffected by the genetic modifications that killed all other species of mammals. But outside the walls of each genus the Immundus threaten the welfare of those within. From a young age, all citizens of Domus are trained for combat against these intruders.
At sixteen, Nia Luna knows little of the Immundus, except for the citywide alarms that
ring any time an Immundus nears the genus walls. What she does know is that her own species is dying—their numbers dwindling as a mysterious disease called allagine kills
many before their eleventh birthday. The same disease that ravaged her family when it took her sister.
When Nia is recruited into Genesis, a research company pioneering the path to a cure, she knows that her dream to find a cure for allagine is finally within her grasp. But within weeks of starting at Genesis, Nia witnesses something she shouldn’t have—something that changes everything. As she sets down a dangerous path that uncovers national secrets, Nia will have to decide not only what kind of person she wants to
be but also how far she’s willing to go to save humanity
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Christina Enquist
1 book14 followersMy book The Immundus officially released today, Feb. 6. It can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and select stores.
I grew up in Salinas, California and frequented the John Steinbeck library, without knowing the significance of the namesake until I grew older and learned that John Steinbeck is one of America's great writers. Now, Salinas is home to the Steinbeck Center, a museum honoring his works.
I've always created stories in my head, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I decided to put those stories down on paper again, or actually, in my case, into a computer.
Aside from writing, I work full-time and some semesters I also teach at a local community college in Visalia, California, where I now live.
When I'm not working, I enjoy writing, reading, watching TV, and spending time with my husband and pets (cat-Smokey, dog-Princess).
I grew up in Salinas, California and frequented the John Steinbeck library, without knowing the significance of the namesake until I grew older and learned that John Steinbeck is one of America's great writers. Now, Salinas is home to the Steinbeck Center, a museum honoring his works.
I've always created stories in my head, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I decided to put those stories down on paper again, or actually, in my case, into a computer.
Aside from writing, I work full-time and some semesters I also teach at a local community college in Visalia, California, where I now live.
When I'm not working, I enjoy writing, reading, watching TV, and spending time with my husband and pets (cat-Smokey, dog-Princess).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 20, 2018
Characters
Nia is a somewhat normal teenager at first. Just about to finish the year 2828's version of high school and start her apprenticeship. Although she is only 16 when the book starts, which was important to keep in mind because she sometimes feels quite a bit older than 16, she still had that teenage feel. I would say Nia really didn't start to shine until her convictions came into place and her moral compass tested. The relationship between her and Eric. Although it was sweet and I liked Eric, it wasn't until later that he became more of a three dimensional character.
Plot
This story is nothing new - think Pocahontas or Avatar with a Sci-Fi spin to it. That is what this book reminded me of and it was surprisingly good! Although the initial plot was predictable because the author hints at what the Immundus really are right up until they big reveal (thankfully you don't have to wait long) but the dynamic the story takes is what makes it so good. It is a character torn between a bunch of different directions that she could go and having the conviction to stay true to who she is.
There was also the aspect of science and where the line exists. How far is too far in the name of science? A dialogue that is fleshed out and the author seems to take a stance through Nia. Write what you know - and it showed.
Overall
Except for one confusing scene the rest was well written and easy to follow. The world and history was sometimes a bit of an info dump but it was all very interesting and engaging so it hardly interrupted the flow of the story. This is definitely a strength of the book because after getting over the slightly slow start, I just flew through this book. I also felt like the author did their homework, where the ideas behind the collapse of Earth and the changes all seemed realistic and not too far fetched. Overall an gripping read that I'm curious to see the other side of the coin in future books!
Rating
4 Stars
If you like teen novels and sci-fi this is a great read! Quick, easy to read, and just as easy to enjoy.
This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
Nia is a somewhat normal teenager at first. Just about to finish the year 2828's version of high school and start her apprenticeship. Although she is only 16 when the book starts, which was important to keep in mind because she sometimes feels quite a bit older than 16, she still had that teenage feel. I would say Nia really didn't start to shine until her convictions came into place and her moral compass tested. The relationship between her and Eric. Although it was sweet and I liked Eric, it wasn't until later that he became more of a three dimensional character.
Plot
This story is nothing new - think Pocahontas or Avatar with a Sci-Fi spin to it. That is what this book reminded me of and it was surprisingly good! Although the initial plot was predictable because the author hints at what the Immundus really are right up until they big reveal (thankfully you don't have to wait long) but the dynamic the story takes is what makes it so good. It is a character torn between a bunch of different directions that she could go and having the conviction to stay true to who she is.
There was also the aspect of science and where the line exists. How far is too far in the name of science? A dialogue that is fleshed out and the author seems to take a stance through Nia. Write what you know - and it showed.
Overall
Except for one confusing scene the rest was well written and easy to follow. The world and history was sometimes a bit of an info dump but it was all very interesting and engaging so it hardly interrupted the flow of the story. This is definitely a strength of the book because after getting over the slightly slow start, I just flew through this book. I also felt like the author did their homework, where the ideas behind the collapse of Earth and the changes all seemed realistic and not too far fetched. Overall an gripping read that I'm curious to see the other side of the coin in future books!
Rating
4 Stars
If you like teen novels and sci-fi this is a great read! Quick, easy to read, and just as easy to enjoy.
This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
October 2, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm honestly eager for the next installment. It was fun to see the progress of the characters, and even though there is romance, this is not a romance book. It is more of a secondary storyline. There and sweet, but not the main focus, which was refreshing and enjoyable. The story itself was fun and new, I have read several post-apocalyptic books but this was a fresh take on it was the genetic modifications and the twist on the true enemy. I was completely pulled into the story from the start. It was well paced and well written. I would definitely recommend this book - no real warnings (some violence when the main character is trying to escape and there are some gunshots exchanged - but nothing graphic or gory.) It really is a great read for anyone who enjoys this genre, and a great introductory book to this genre if you are new to it!
February 6, 2018
RELEASE DAY TODAY
My Blog
800 years in the future, do you know what will become of the human race? Well, that is exactly what this book dives into. It has been ages since i read a Sci-Fi novel and i was extremely grateful when the author of this book, Christina Enquist contacted me about reading and reviewing her book. A society living in a dome, threat alerts sound every day, a disease sweeping through the population and the immundus… I was instantly intrigued!
Christina Enquist’s writing style took hold of my attention instantly. It was very fast paced and the world building was just enough to get you interested but not too much to overload. You learn more and more of this world as the story goes on and i really enjoyed that as it added an air of mystery. However, i did find that as the story progressed the writing seemed to change quite a bit. It became a bit duller and i think it could have had something to do with the fact that the second half of the book is mostly in the confines of a lab. There was just so much excitement at the beginning and by the end, it had completely dissipated.
This also leads to the story’s excitement to dwindle. Now it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Nia grows up a lot in this novel and realises that her world isn’t a game for fun anymore, it is serious and her choices will reflect on how the world will proceed. This clearly is a heavy burden and i think its clever the way this comes across through the writing. I do wish there were more Spero games in it though; that was pretty epic!
I think that it was also a really well-researched novel. The whole living in the dome and running out of meat seems very plausible to me, due to the greed of humans on the earth now. I think it is imperative to have a well-rounded background of research when doing a sci-fi novel or the whole thing will just crumble on the basis of being ridiculous. Very happy with this aspect.
Our main character, Nia is a very complex character. She is only 16 years old but has experienced more loss than most adults do. She is strong and intelligent but on the inside, she is crumbling from all her grief and lack of love. This is the story of how she will either overcome it or let it eat her away.
Eric is Nia’s best friend and right off the bat, we find out he is in love with her. Personally, i found Eric to be dull and he would have done much better if he wasn’t a love interest. The whole romance could have been left out and the focus to remain on the main problem. I just found it to be to cliche!
In conclusion, the premise is extremely interesting and i really enjoyed the story as a whole. Uncovering all the secrets that were hidden between the pages made for a very engaging read. Although the characters weren’t really the sort of people i could connect with at all, i do have to think well…they are supposed to be from 800 years in the future, so of course, i don’t. For a debut novel, i think it was good but could definitely do with improvements.
A quick, easy read for anyone interested in Science fiction. Gives you a lot to think about with where our world is going nowadays and if this is our likely future.
Release date: February 6th, 2018
My Blog
800 years in the future, do you know what will become of the human race? Well, that is exactly what this book dives into. It has been ages since i read a Sci-Fi novel and i was extremely grateful when the author of this book, Christina Enquist contacted me about reading and reviewing her book. A society living in a dome, threat alerts sound every day, a disease sweeping through the population and the immundus… I was instantly intrigued!
Christina Enquist’s writing style took hold of my attention instantly. It was very fast paced and the world building was just enough to get you interested but not too much to overload. You learn more and more of this world as the story goes on and i really enjoyed that as it added an air of mystery. However, i did find that as the story progressed the writing seemed to change quite a bit. It became a bit duller and i think it could have had something to do with the fact that the second half of the book is mostly in the confines of a lab. There was just so much excitement at the beginning and by the end, it had completely dissipated.
This also leads to the story’s excitement to dwindle. Now it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Nia grows up a lot in this novel and realises that her world isn’t a game for fun anymore, it is serious and her choices will reflect on how the world will proceed. This clearly is a heavy burden and i think its clever the way this comes across through the writing. I do wish there were more Spero games in it though; that was pretty epic!
I think that it was also a really well-researched novel. The whole living in the dome and running out of meat seems very plausible to me, due to the greed of humans on the earth now. I think it is imperative to have a well-rounded background of research when doing a sci-fi novel or the whole thing will just crumble on the basis of being ridiculous. Very happy with this aspect.
Our main character, Nia is a very complex character. She is only 16 years old but has experienced more loss than most adults do. She is strong and intelligent but on the inside, she is crumbling from all her grief and lack of love. This is the story of how she will either overcome it or let it eat her away.
Eric is Nia’s best friend and right off the bat, we find out he is in love with her. Personally, i found Eric to be dull and he would have done much better if he wasn’t a love interest. The whole romance could have been left out and the focus to remain on the main problem. I just found it to be to cliche!
In conclusion, the premise is extremely interesting and i really enjoyed the story as a whole. Uncovering all the secrets that were hidden between the pages made for a very engaging read. Although the characters weren’t really the sort of people i could connect with at all, i do have to think well…they are supposed to be from 800 years in the future, so of course, i don’t. For a debut novel, i think it was good but could definitely do with improvements.
A quick, easy read for anyone interested in Science fiction. Gives you a lot to think about with where our world is going nowadays and if this is our likely future.
Release date: February 6th, 2018
June 13, 2018
For more reviews like this one, check out my blog, Reading Recluses
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book or the review.
The Immundus is a dystopia where there are these scary Immundus creatures that are threatening civilization. Also people are sorted according to what they are good at. And there's a scary disease called Algaine. Our protagonist Nia must create a cure. That's the whole first half of the book.
This was kind of a mess. The plot was so predictable that I felt like I was reading a guide to making a sci-fi/dystopia book rather than reading an actual book. The characters are one-dimensional and dull. The romance is predictable. The writing wasn't bad per se but the plot really detracts from it.
One of the oddest parts of the book were the frequent references to the 21st century. The characters would mention some aspect of modern day society, even a celebrity a few times and it was so jarring to read. It was juvenile and was akin to reading a book where the author's friends are constantly mentioned. It really took away from the feel of a dystopia.
Rating: 19/100
Age: 12 & up
Warnings: plot (or rather lack thereof)
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book or the review.
The Immundus is a dystopia where there are these scary Immundus creatures that are threatening civilization. Also people are sorted according to what they are good at. And there's a scary disease called Algaine. Our protagonist Nia must create a cure. That's the whole first half of the book.
This was kind of a mess. The plot was so predictable that I felt like I was reading a guide to making a sci-fi/dystopia book rather than reading an actual book. The characters are one-dimensional and dull. The romance is predictable. The writing wasn't bad per se but the plot really detracts from it.
One of the oddest parts of the book were the frequent references to the 21st century. The characters would mention some aspect of modern day society, even a celebrity a few times and it was so jarring to read. It was juvenile and was akin to reading a book where the author's friends are constantly mentioned. It really took away from the feel of a dystopia.
Rating: 19/100
Age: 12 & up
Warnings: plot (or rather lack thereof)
March 9, 2018
Sort of a horror fantasy, The Immundus are some kind of mutant monsters and everyone lives in fear of them, I don't want to say too much because it might spoil it, but it crosses genres between horror and fantasy , so I loved it.
November 14, 2017
The Immundus, by Christina Enquist, is an intriguing new take on the post-apocalyptic teen genre.
The apocalypse here is based not just on us ignoring a changing climate, but also over producing animals for meat and unrealized problems of genetically splicing and changing our vegetation. It makes you think, what are we changing that we don’t currently understand the long term consequences of.
The story follows a young woman, Nia Luna, as she moves from school to her apprenticeship where she is working to cure a horrible disease that kills mostly those under 11, and is occurring because we changed some genes to cure other diseases in the past. Then Nia makes a discovery that will change not just her life, but her entire view of history.
While I have some issues and questions about the post-apocalyptic setting that is created, they are more of interest because I want to understand this world better and don’t hold the story back at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Immundus and am looking forward to the next book.
Readers of books like Divergent, The Maze Runner and even Ender's Game should enjoy The Immundus.
The apocalypse here is based not just on us ignoring a changing climate, but also over producing animals for meat and unrealized problems of genetically splicing and changing our vegetation. It makes you think, what are we changing that we don’t currently understand the long term consequences of.
The story follows a young woman, Nia Luna, as she moves from school to her apprenticeship where she is working to cure a horrible disease that kills mostly those under 11, and is occurring because we changed some genes to cure other diseases in the past. Then Nia makes a discovery that will change not just her life, but her entire view of history.
While I have some issues and questions about the post-apocalyptic setting that is created, they are more of interest because I want to understand this world better and don’t hold the story back at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Immundus and am looking forward to the next book.
Readers of books like Divergent, The Maze Runner and even Ender's Game should enjoy The Immundus.
March 13, 2018
This is a decent story that seems to have a mix of elements similar to Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Maze Runner and Logan’s Run as well as the author’s original ideas. While this style is sometimes fruitful to gain popularity for a book by having similar concepts to established works, the downside is that the story isn’t mostly unique.
Settings – The author handles the descriptions of locations adequately for the most part, but I feel a little more detail woven into some scenes would give the story more impact.
Theme(s) – Among the themes presented are the evils of abusing others as well as the possible catastrophic consequences of genetic manipulation of food and the use of toxic processes. The inclusion of these themes is commendable, but the approach was sometimes heavy-handed.
Characters – In the beginning, I noticed very few physical attributes of the characters. Instead, these details appeared in the story as it progressed. This is fine, except as a reader, I prefer a small amount of detail up front to distinguish the characters. The protagonist Nia is well developed, but I’d like to see a broader range of emotions from her instead of the same ones over and over.
Plot/Story – For the most part, the story was reasonable and plotted well, but I have a couple of issues as noted below:
Issue #1: The story year is 2828. I don’t have a problem with that, but I did have trouble with the inclusion of 20th and 21st century pop culture references. Were the 800 years between now and their time so dull that nothing produced during that time was interesting? After all, how much does the average reader know about music, literature and games of the year 1218 (800 years ago)? I also believe Levi Strauss would smile if he knew young people 800 years from now were still wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Issue #2: The education system is not believable. Children aren’t educated until age 12, yet in the space of 4 years, they go from being illiterate to University level knowledge. In the meantime, up to age 11, they can operate advanced technology in their homes and vehicles (albeit most of that is automatic and utilized by verbal commands). I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief for that part of the story.
Pacing and Structure – There aren’t really any problems with the structure, but the pacing in various parts is choppy because of the overuse of symbols to signal a scene change or break. I also think a few spots seemed hastily written as if the author wanted to concentrate on other areas.
Dialog – The dialog is acceptable, but sometimes I felt Nia seemed too naïve and insecure at times even though she is 16. If she has the chops to be a Spero athlete, a scientist and combat trained at that age, her lines should reflect more confidence.
Grammar/Punctuation – The story is in first person present tense, and I find it distracting. I know some authors think that style lends immediacy and active voice to their work, but it just seems awkward to me, and thus, it makes the book more difficult to read for the sake of artistic expression.
Research/Technical – I’m not sure how much research the author did for the story, but I suspect it should’ve been more. Although this is fiction, I still had trouble suspending my disbelief for several areas of the story – mostly because of the two points mentioned in my plot review section and the lack of accuracy in the technical details about biology and genetics.
In summary, I don’t regret reading The Immundus since it has many saving graces. Christina, keep up the good work!
Settings – The author handles the descriptions of locations adequately for the most part, but I feel a little more detail woven into some scenes would give the story more impact.
Theme(s) – Among the themes presented are the evils of abusing others as well as the possible catastrophic consequences of genetic manipulation of food and the use of toxic processes. The inclusion of these themes is commendable, but the approach was sometimes heavy-handed.
Characters – In the beginning, I noticed very few physical attributes of the characters. Instead, these details appeared in the story as it progressed. This is fine, except as a reader, I prefer a small amount of detail up front to distinguish the characters. The protagonist Nia is well developed, but I’d like to see a broader range of emotions from her instead of the same ones over and over.
Plot/Story – For the most part, the story was reasonable and plotted well, but I have a couple of issues as noted below:
Issue #1: The story year is 2828. I don’t have a problem with that, but I did have trouble with the inclusion of 20th and 21st century pop culture references. Were the 800 years between now and their time so dull that nothing produced during that time was interesting? After all, how much does the average reader know about music, literature and games of the year 1218 (800 years ago)? I also believe Levi Strauss would smile if he knew young people 800 years from now were still wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Issue #2: The education system is not believable. Children aren’t educated until age 12, yet in the space of 4 years, they go from being illiterate to University level knowledge. In the meantime, up to age 11, they can operate advanced technology in their homes and vehicles (albeit most of that is automatic and utilized by verbal commands). I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief for that part of the story.
Pacing and Structure – There aren’t really any problems with the structure, but the pacing in various parts is choppy because of the overuse of symbols to signal a scene change or break. I also think a few spots seemed hastily written as if the author wanted to concentrate on other areas.
Dialog – The dialog is acceptable, but sometimes I felt Nia seemed too naïve and insecure at times even though she is 16. If she has the chops to be a Spero athlete, a scientist and combat trained at that age, her lines should reflect more confidence.
Grammar/Punctuation – The story is in first person present tense, and I find it distracting. I know some authors think that style lends immediacy and active voice to their work, but it just seems awkward to me, and thus, it makes the book more difficult to read for the sake of artistic expression.
Research/Technical – I’m not sure how much research the author did for the story, but I suspect it should’ve been more. Although this is fiction, I still had trouble suspending my disbelief for several areas of the story – mostly because of the two points mentioned in my plot review section and the lack of accuracy in the technical details about biology and genetics.
In summary, I don’t regret reading The Immundus since it has many saving graces. Christina, keep up the good work!
August 8, 2018
Who draws the line on science? What would be considered moral and immoral when the fate of a species is on the line? If you had a chance to save the survival of humanity, but you didn’t have access to all of the facts–how would that affect your mission? How would that affect the outcome? Enquist has an enthralling debut novel, one that readers won’t want to put down until the very last page.
Nia Luna is alone in the world, with the exception of a father who works too much and her circle of friends. When the last day of school comes around, they know that they will be tasked with the job that will take them away from their circle. In the year 2828, the world has drastically changed to leave almost nothing up to chance…except for a disease outbreak that attacks children before their eleventh birthday. What is the cause? Is there a cure? Does it have anything to do with the Immundus who live outside of the twelve genuses? With numbers steadily dwindling, Nia goes into her apprenticeship with Genesis with confidence, happy to dedicate her life to finding the cure for this deadly disease and work with her father. Genesis is not what it seems though; there are too many secrets and then she sees something with another apprentice that she isn’t supposed to see. What would they need to hide? After certain events lead up to the escalation of Nia’s apprenticeship, she knows that something is not right and she is determined to find out why. Knowing that she has placed a target on her back, Nia starts to feel like she is in more danger inside of the genus walls than outside roaming with the Immundus.
Enquist has developed and intriguing world, one shrouded with mystery and futuristic wonders. The character development in this story is superb and the pace is steady throughout the read. For this being the author’s debut novel, she really nailed it. The words are beautifully written and the scenes are nice and vivid, allowing the reader to see and feel the characters and their passion for life. If you are a reader of science fiction, young adult, and dystopian, this may be perfect for you.
This book was provided to Turning Another Page by Loving the Book and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for The Immundus by Christina Enquist.
Nia Luna is alone in the world, with the exception of a father who works too much and her circle of friends. When the last day of school comes around, they know that they will be tasked with the job that will take them away from their circle. In the year 2828, the world has drastically changed to leave almost nothing up to chance…except for a disease outbreak that attacks children before their eleventh birthday. What is the cause? Is there a cure? Does it have anything to do with the Immundus who live outside of the twelve genuses? With numbers steadily dwindling, Nia goes into her apprenticeship with Genesis with confidence, happy to dedicate her life to finding the cure for this deadly disease and work with her father. Genesis is not what it seems though; there are too many secrets and then she sees something with another apprentice that she isn’t supposed to see. What would they need to hide? After certain events lead up to the escalation of Nia’s apprenticeship, she knows that something is not right and she is determined to find out why. Knowing that she has placed a target on her back, Nia starts to feel like she is in more danger inside of the genus walls than outside roaming with the Immundus.
Enquist has developed and intriguing world, one shrouded with mystery and futuristic wonders. The character development in this story is superb and the pace is steady throughout the read. For this being the author’s debut novel, she really nailed it. The words are beautifully written and the scenes are nice and vivid, allowing the reader to see and feel the characters and their passion for life. If you are a reader of science fiction, young adult, and dystopian, this may be perfect for you.
This book was provided to Turning Another Page by Loving the Book and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for The Immundus by Christina Enquist.
February 2, 2018
The Immundus is so well-written, you practically soar along as you read, it’s very easy on the eyes, yet the prose is deft enough to inspire, without being clunky. I found myself flipping pages, wanting to read more. Really, the author can spun any yarn, and I’ll read it because I know I’ll be rewarded by her story-telling style.
The teenage heroine, Genia, is very likeable. I also found it refreshing that her relationship with her romantic interest stayed safe, and none of the usual snarky attitudes or flippant behaviour that I have seen often in Young Adult novels.
The story also follows a good structure, with a thrilling virtual reality game at the beginning capturing the possibilities of futuristic science fiction, and then escalating conflict as Nia starts her new apprenticeship. If anything, the book follows a pretty predictable structure for much of it, going through the school years, introducing the family, and taking one on the first days of the job, but as mentioned, it’s so well-written that it flows along.
There are no clumsy moments in this book, and the author compensates for the weaknesses in the plot so well that I had to address the occasional nagging feeling that something was missing. After reflection, I think I can articulate what has become the plot hole; it is the Immundus themselves. To say much more would give away the plot, so I’ll just say this much: I can see why the author was so vague in describing the Immundus or explaining how they live and survive or why we hear so little about how they communicate with Nia’s people. But from what I know now after reading the end, I can somewhat imagine, but not as easily, the world-building circumstances that led up to where the story goes. On the other hand, the “normal” world in which Nia lives, is so well-described and a lot of fun, and as much science fiction as you can get.
The teenage heroine, Genia, is very likeable. I also found it refreshing that her relationship with her romantic interest stayed safe, and none of the usual snarky attitudes or flippant behaviour that I have seen often in Young Adult novels.
The story also follows a good structure, with a thrilling virtual reality game at the beginning capturing the possibilities of futuristic science fiction, and then escalating conflict as Nia starts her new apprenticeship. If anything, the book follows a pretty predictable structure for much of it, going through the school years, introducing the family, and taking one on the first days of the job, but as mentioned, it’s so well-written that it flows along.
There are no clumsy moments in this book, and the author compensates for the weaknesses in the plot so well that I had to address the occasional nagging feeling that something was missing. After reflection, I think I can articulate what has become the plot hole; it is the Immundus themselves. To say much more would give away the plot, so I’ll just say this much: I can see why the author was so vague in describing the Immundus or explaining how they live and survive or why we hear so little about how they communicate with Nia’s people. But from what I know now after reading the end, I can somewhat imagine, but not as easily, the world-building circumstances that led up to where the story goes. On the other hand, the “normal” world in which Nia lives, is so well-described and a lot of fun, and as much science fiction as you can get.
February 22, 2018
This was a Goodreads giveaway win.
I enjoyed this book. I managed to read it in just a few days, since I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I actually feel like it could have been longer and fleshed out some more parts and still kept my interest, which is a rare thing for me to say.
Nia is a teenage girl just finishing school. She finds out her best friend is in love with her on their last day of school, as she is assigned to her career. Oh, and this all takes place in the future, where we have destroyed all animals except ourselves and now live in little bubbles, each known as a Genus, around the country. They are there to protect us from the genetically modified organisms outside of our little cities, though it seems almost impossible to think that none would have already been in there. Also, there's this disease (allagine) that kills many children before the age of eleven, which is why they don't start school until then - why waste those resources on soon-to-be-dead children.
The focus in the school, and in Nia's job (apprenticeship) at Genesis, is to look toward the future and to stop this disease from killing off our entire species. Except Nia discovers a deep dark secret within her job, and it is related to the Immundus - a mutated version of humans that live outside of the walls of the cities. Nia is dealing with her own teenage junk, plus her mother leaving her, her best friend and her sister both having died from this disease, and a father who may as well not exist - except for the fact she is about to start working at the same company as him. Lots of typical teenage drama, but well dispersed throughout an interesting story.
I would recommend to anyone interested in dystopian novels, futuristic novels, as well as anyone interested in general YA.
I enjoyed this book. I managed to read it in just a few days, since I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I actually feel like it could have been longer and fleshed out some more parts and still kept my interest, which is a rare thing for me to say.
Nia is a teenage girl just finishing school. She finds out her best friend is in love with her on their last day of school, as she is assigned to her career. Oh, and this all takes place in the future, where we have destroyed all animals except ourselves and now live in little bubbles, each known as a Genus, around the country. They are there to protect us from the genetically modified organisms outside of our little cities, though it seems almost impossible to think that none would have already been in there. Also, there's this disease (allagine) that kills many children before the age of eleven, which is why they don't start school until then - why waste those resources on soon-to-be-dead children.
The focus in the school, and in Nia's job (apprenticeship) at Genesis, is to look toward the future and to stop this disease from killing off our entire species. Except Nia discovers a deep dark secret within her job, and it is related to the Immundus - a mutated version of humans that live outside of the walls of the cities. Nia is dealing with her own teenage junk, plus her mother leaving her, her best friend and her sister both having died from this disease, and a father who may as well not exist - except for the fact she is about to start working at the same company as him. Lots of typical teenage drama, but well dispersed throughout an interesting story.
I would recommend to anyone interested in dystopian novels, futuristic novels, as well as anyone interested in general YA.
September 10, 2024
The Hunt of the Immundus
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018
After reading The Immundus by Christine Enquist, I must say I am conflicted about what I experienced. Typically, I read a story to get a sense of enjoyment to find the story's purpose, and nothing else. So when I reflect on this, I will concern myself with the plot for what's worth. I didn't like the first half of the book. The second half of the story where the actual premise comes into play is what I'm going to base this review on, and this is the part I like.
In essence, the story is about what will it takes for humanity to survive. We follow Nia, the main character under the apprenticeship of her father, who try to hunt down the Immundus, menacing beasts that are plaguing humanity's future. In time, we see her go through moral dilemmas and finding out the actual truth of what's happening. I feel like the dialogue, narrative, and the situation of Nia's involvement fits perfectly how the author goes about this which I liked. Moreover, the author does a good job capturing how Nia thinks about the situation revolving her father's work, the relationship between Eric and her, and how she views other people and beings.
What I didn't like, as previously mentioned, was the first half of the story. I feel like there may have been too much of hints from the author's personal life or ideas-that-didn't fit somehow snuck their way into the tale unnecessarily and conflicted with the actual story itself. I didn't like Nia being involved with the games. There were times there were too much telling at the story's beginning. I feel like the story would have been better if there were more focus on what's the meaning truth behind the Immundus, then I would have liked the story much better.
That being said, the second half saved the story and kept me reading to the end.
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018
After reading The Immundus by Christine Enquist, I must say I am conflicted about what I experienced. Typically, I read a story to get a sense of enjoyment to find the story's purpose, and nothing else. So when I reflect on this, I will concern myself with the plot for what's worth. I didn't like the first half of the book. The second half of the story where the actual premise comes into play is what I'm going to base this review on, and this is the part I like.
In essence, the story is about what will it takes for humanity to survive. We follow Nia, the main character under the apprenticeship of her father, who try to hunt down the Immundus, menacing beasts that are plaguing humanity's future. In time, we see her go through moral dilemmas and finding out the actual truth of what's happening. I feel like the dialogue, narrative, and the situation of Nia's involvement fits perfectly how the author goes about this which I liked. Moreover, the author does a good job capturing how Nia thinks about the situation revolving her father's work, the relationship between Eric and her, and how she views other people and beings.
What I didn't like, as previously mentioned, was the first half of the story. I feel like there may have been too much of hints from the author's personal life or ideas-that-didn't fit somehow snuck their way into the tale unnecessarily and conflicted with the actual story itself. I didn't like Nia being involved with the games. There were times there were too much telling at the story's beginning. I feel like the story would have been better if there were more focus on what's the meaning truth behind the Immundus, then I would have liked the story much better.
That being said, the second half saved the story and kept me reading to the end.
April 20, 2018
This story gets right into the action with a sort of futuristic game reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Running Man. There were some really interesting ideas and uses of technology throughout, such as the holograms that not only re-create the good moments in ones' life, but also the traumatic moments. In terms of technology, one line in particular that really struck me was when Nia wondered, "Why would the climatologist program clouds for game day?" The overall concept behind the narrative was unique enough to be interesting - genetic aberrations created through altered foods.
What I found most interesting was the relationship between Nia and her father. Much of the story plays like a mystery as Nia tries to uncover the "truth" behind her father's "disappearance." Really, one of the main underlying themes of the book is abandonment, and the author does a good job of broaching this subject in subtle ways and this feeling of abandonment does a great deal to make Nia a sympathetic character.
There were some odd inconsistencies/incongruities throughout the story though, the main one being that the children are not educated formally until the age of twelve, but then Nia becomes a geneticist. Also, at times, like in the animal museum, information felt like it was being telegraphed to us instead of being organically built into the narrative.
The dialogue was a bit flat at times leaving the characters feeling two-dimensional in parts, but in other places, especially when Nia was dealing with the abandonment of her father, she felt more three-dimensional.
Overall I'd say this is a good effort and a decent read.
What I found most interesting was the relationship between Nia and her father. Much of the story plays like a mystery as Nia tries to uncover the "truth" behind her father's "disappearance." Really, one of the main underlying themes of the book is abandonment, and the author does a good job of broaching this subject in subtle ways and this feeling of abandonment does a great deal to make Nia a sympathetic character.
There were some odd inconsistencies/incongruities throughout the story though, the main one being that the children are not educated formally until the age of twelve, but then Nia becomes a geneticist. Also, at times, like in the animal museum, information felt like it was being telegraphed to us instead of being organically built into the narrative.
The dialogue was a bit flat at times leaving the characters feeling two-dimensional in parts, but in other places, especially when Nia was dealing with the abandonment of her father, she felt more three-dimensional.
Overall I'd say this is a good effort and a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2018
Sixteen-year-old Nia lives in a dangerous world. The enclave where she’s spent her life is surrounded by creatures called Immundus. Inside the walls, a mysterious sickness kills children, taking Nia’s sister and best friend. She will help search for a cure as an apprentice with Genesis, the company where her father holds an important position. Secretly, she hopes the work will bring her closer to the man who shut down emotionally after his wife’s unexplained departure.
Nia’s time at Genesis teaches her more about her father but raises questions he refuses to answer. Investigating on her own and with friends, she makes discoveries that shatter her lifelong beliefs. Her quest for greater understanding will take her into the wider world.
The Immundus is an exciting, surprising and romantic YA story. Characters and dialogue seem very real. I enjoyed the journey and look forward to more of Nia’s adventures in future volumes.
Nia’s time at Genesis teaches her more about her father but raises questions he refuses to answer. Investigating on her own and with friends, she makes discoveries that shatter her lifelong beliefs. Her quest for greater understanding will take her into the wider world.
The Immundus is an exciting, surprising and romantic YA story. Characters and dialogue seem very real. I enjoyed the journey and look forward to more of Nia’s adventures in future volumes.
April 27, 2018
This is a winning "hard" sci-fi tale with a female protagonist, perfect for a younger YA audience. It raises realistic issues of evolution, environmental catastrophe and the dangers of GMO food, all in the context of a young adolescent struggling with an Oedipal complex, ethnic identity, a broken family, a scientific education, and first romance, even while she saves the day. It's a lot, but the character rings true throughout. With high concept and a likable heroine, the story flows easily in a stream of everyday language, settings, characters, and feelings that won't scare off even the youngest YA readers. YA is not my thing -- I don't normally read it, but this one came my way. I can recommend it as an anodyne introduction to hard sci-fi for children aged maybe 9 to 14, depending on the kid. Who knows, it might be somebody's gateway into a life of sci-fi enjoyment.
March 16, 2018
Science Fiction-192 pages
Excellent futuristic tale of a horrible disease that might bring on the end of life. Earth’s population has dwindled drastically and scientists are working feverishly to find the cure.
Nia becomes an apprentice upon graduation and goes to work at Genesis, a lab dedicated to finding the cure. One of the scientists that works there is her own father. He informs her the disease was caused by their ancestors. Her relationship with her father is already strained and becomes more so as she makes a discovery. The disease causes homo sapiens to disfigure and the disfigurement creates what they deem homo immundus. Nia’s discovery causes her to question if it is indeed a disease or if it may just be the evolution of mankind.
I enjoyed the story.
Excellent futuristic tale of a horrible disease that might bring on the end of life. Earth’s population has dwindled drastically and scientists are working feverishly to find the cure.
Nia becomes an apprentice upon graduation and goes to work at Genesis, a lab dedicated to finding the cure. One of the scientists that works there is her own father. He informs her the disease was caused by their ancestors. Her relationship with her father is already strained and becomes more so as she makes a discovery. The disease causes homo sapiens to disfigure and the disfigurement creates what they deem homo immundus. Nia’s discovery causes her to question if it is indeed a disease or if it may just be the evolution of mankind.
I enjoyed the story.
June 13, 2018
The Immundus has all the elements you might expect from YA dystopian.
A world in the distant future paying for the mistakes of the past, a restrictive social structure, outside dangers, a teenage girl taking on adult responsibilities, strained family dynamics, and even a love interest.
Even though it has all the expected elements, there were many original ideas that kept it interesting right until the end. I especially appreciated that the love interest was not just there for the sake of having a love interest. He played a part in Nia's decisions and actions. I found it intriguing how the focus on the science of genetics was intertwined with the question of legacy and what it means.
A world in the distant future paying for the mistakes of the past, a restrictive social structure, outside dangers, a teenage girl taking on adult responsibilities, strained family dynamics, and even a love interest.
Even though it has all the expected elements, there were many original ideas that kept it interesting right until the end. I especially appreciated that the love interest was not just there for the sake of having a love interest. He played a part in Nia's decisions and actions. I found it intriguing how the focus on the science of genetics was intertwined with the question of legacy and what it means.
July 8, 2018
I found that this book serves up a plotline that is a little close to home. With all the innovations we as a society make with our daily needs and choices. It's not too inconceivable that this is our future. We need to take the time to learn about how the things we do make a difference in the future. I liked the premise, but the flow was a little fractured.
November 6, 2018
I won this book in the first reads giveaway. The author has a powerful voice and a compelling story to tell in The Immundus. I was excited to receive a copy and was not disappointed! A great read.
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