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Viro #1
VIRO: Book One
A virus has destroyed the world.
Families are torn apart.
Will Jake find his missing mum?
Or will he just become another VIRO?
REVIEWS FOR THE VIRO SERIES
'Powerful and poignant, VIRO packs a punch.'
'Sad and haunting, VIRO is a new take on the zombie genre.'
'Absolutely thrilling. I loved every page more than the previous, to the point that I couldn't stop reading.'
'Highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys zombie stories.'
'I was left on the edge of my seat when I finished the book with a thirst for more adventure!'
Families are torn apart.
Will Jake find his missing mum?
Or will he just become another VIRO?
REVIEWS FOR THE VIRO SERIES
'Powerful and poignant, VIRO packs a punch.'
'Sad and haunting, VIRO is a new take on the zombie genre.'
'Absolutely thrilling. I loved every page more than the previous, to the point that I couldn't stop reading.'
'Highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys zombie stories.'
'I was left on the edge of my seat when I finished the book with a thirst for more adventure!'
- GenresZombies
179 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2018
50 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Barnaby Taylor
16 books51 followersBarnaby Taylor is a multi-talented author and artist whose work spans a range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and experimental film. He is best known for his writing guide How to Write Something and the popular VIRO series, both of which showcase his passion for storytelling and his gift for engaging and informative writing. In addition to his writing career, Taylor is also an avid enthusiast of artificial intelligence, 1950s Japanese cinema, gaming, and rare soul music. When he's not writing or making films, Taylor can be found exploring new technologies, immersing himself in his favourite hobbies, and spending time with his loved ones.Barnaby posts updates on his writing on his blog and you can subscribe to these at www.barnabyftaylor.com. You can also find him on Twitter @BarnabyFTaylor.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 10, 2018
This read didn't take me long, but that would be because I don't read horror or zombies so there were lots of pages I had to skip. However, this does mean that anyone who wants to read horror will be happy, so I'm trying to see the wider picture in this review.
A young lad wakes one day to find the, yes, zombie apocalypse is here. We do not get told why or how, which would be important in an adult's book but seems appropriate in a book for young people; they do not watch the news much. Our hero has an underdeveloped vocabulary and grasp of current affairs for the seriousness and violence of the tale, which is why I am taking off a star. I thought there is a juxtaposition of expected / appropriate reader age with the more juvenile seeming age of character.
While the story could be set anywhere for what we see, the location clue we get is that Dungeness is not too far off and has a nuclear plant. So it's Britain, which explains the general lack of weaponry among the populace. I like that the adults concerned are to be trusted unless, of course, they have been infected by the virus and turned into viros, the nickname given by a girl.
Normally I drop a star for a cliffhanger ending, but now I know what the adventure is like I won't be moving on to the next episode. Those who enjoy bleak tales of urban fantasy will probably not mind.
Disclaimer: as Ireland is small I have met the author. However I downloaded of my own accord and was not asked for a review. This is an unbiased review.
A young lad wakes one day to find the, yes, zombie apocalypse is here. We do not get told why or how, which would be important in an adult's book but seems appropriate in a book for young people; they do not watch the news much. Our hero has an underdeveloped vocabulary and grasp of current affairs for the seriousness and violence of the tale, which is why I am taking off a star. I thought there is a juxtaposition of expected / appropriate reader age with the more juvenile seeming age of character.
While the story could be set anywhere for what we see, the location clue we get is that Dungeness is not too far off and has a nuclear plant. So it's Britain, which explains the general lack of weaponry among the populace. I like that the adults concerned are to be trusted unless, of course, they have been infected by the virus and turned into viros, the nickname given by a girl.
Normally I drop a star for a cliffhanger ending, but now I know what the adventure is like I won't be moving on to the next episode. Those who enjoy bleak tales of urban fantasy will probably not mind.
Disclaimer: as Ireland is small I have met the author. However I downloaded of my own accord and was not asked for a review. This is an unbiased review.
August 10, 2019
A fascinating premise drives the narrative in VIRO. How would a zombie apocalypse unfold behind the eyes of a child? Jake, the central protagonist, embarks on a simple quest. He wants to reunite with his mom who has not returned home from work. From there, the reader sees the terrors of an increasing zombie infestation as Jake unites with Ellis, Abe and Amber on his journey to find her.
VIRO does a good job of capturing the voice of an older child reacting to the horrors unfolding around him. His thoughts and actions are simple and emotional and age appropriate. The developing friendships and relationships between the children drive the story. You get a clear sense of each character and become emotionally invested in them and their journey.
This book takes the zombie story in a different direction and that's refreshing. It is much more unsettling to see children deal with the horrors of a zombie apocalypse than adults. Fans of zombie stories should add VIRO to their bookshelf.
VIRO does a good job of capturing the voice of an older child reacting to the horrors unfolding around him. His thoughts and actions are simple and emotional and age appropriate. The developing friendships and relationships between the children drive the story. You get a clear sense of each character and become emotionally invested in them and their journey.
This book takes the zombie story in a different direction and that's refreshing. It is much more unsettling to see children deal with the horrors of a zombie apocalypse than adults. Fans of zombie stories should add VIRO to their bookshelf.
June 14, 2019
Great book!!
Great book, the characters were very believable. I was put off by the first character, or perhaps by the authors writing, very simple, but when I decided to read further I realized why, so please read past the first chapter, you won't be disappointed, great book.
Great book, the characters were very believable. I was put off by the first character, or perhaps by the authors writing, very simple, but when I decided to read further I realized why, so please read past the first chapter, you won't be disappointed, great book.
June 12, 2018
A great addition to the genre of "oh look the adults have turned into zombies it's up to the tweens to save the world" which seems to be en vogue.
October 17, 2018
I really liked this
Believable story. I can see this happening, as so much is hidden from the general public. Virus changes people, into viros.
Believable story. I can see this happening, as so much is hidden from the general public. Virus changes people, into viros.
April 7, 2020
Viro
A different box with a weird ending to it. Four brave children I.
N a situation they were not able to know how to handle.
A different box with a weird ending to it. Four brave children I.
N a situation they were not able to know how to handle.
November 19, 2021
Brilliant
I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters in it. A zombie apocalypse seen through the eyes of a boy with special needs is a fantastic new slant on the Zombie genre. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series .
I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters in it. A zombie apocalypse seen through the eyes of a boy with special needs is a fantastic new slant on the Zombie genre. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series .
June 21, 2019
Lacked the depth and edge of your seat thrill but the story was ok.
Unique using the viewpoint of kids for the story. Trying to guess the age was a little frustrating so that would have been nice to give a little more depth to the characters by including some details about them.
Unique using the viewpoint of kids for the story. Trying to guess the age was a little frustrating so that would have been nice to give a little more depth to the characters by including some details about them.
June 24, 2025
I picked up this book because of the cover 😂
Lowkey it was kind of good! I loved the plot and I definitely think I’ve read something like it in reading class. Overall an easy book to get through and kind of fun.
Lowkey it was kind of good! I loved the plot and I definitely think I’ve read something like it in reading class. Overall an easy book to get through and kind of fun.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews