What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom of Needle and Bone
We live in an age of wonders.
Modern medicine has conquered or contained many of the diseases that used to carry children away before their time, reducing mortality and improving health. Vaccination and treatment are widely available, not held in reserve for the chosen few. There are still monsters left to fight, but the old ones, the simple ones, trouble us no more.
Or so we thought. For with the reduction in danger comes the erosion of memory, as pandemics fade from memory into story into fairy tale. Those old diseases can’t have been so bad, people say, or we wouldn’t be here to talk about them. They don’t matter. They’re never coming back.
How wrong we could be.
It begins with a fever. By the time the spots appear, it’s too Morris’s disease is loose on the world, and the bodies of the dead begin to pile high in the streets. When its terrible side consequences for the survivors become clear, something must be done, or the dying will never stop. For Dr. Isabella Gauley, whose niece was the first confirmed victim, the route forward is neither clear nor strictly ethical, but it may be the only way to save a world already in crisis. It may be the only way to atone for her part in everything that’s happened.
She will never be forgiven, not by herself, and not by anyone else. But she can, perhaps, do the right thing.
We live in an age of monsters.
Modern medicine has conquered or contained many of the diseases that used to carry children away before their time, reducing mortality and improving health. Vaccination and treatment are widely available, not held in reserve for the chosen few. There are still monsters left to fight, but the old ones, the simple ones, trouble us no more.
Or so we thought. For with the reduction in danger comes the erosion of memory, as pandemics fade from memory into story into fairy tale. Those old diseases can’t have been so bad, people say, or we wouldn’t be here to talk about them. They don’t matter. They’re never coming back.
How wrong we could be.
It begins with a fever. By the time the spots appear, it’s too Morris’s disease is loose on the world, and the bodies of the dead begin to pile high in the streets. When its terrible side consequences for the survivors become clear, something must be done, or the dying will never stop. For Dr. Isabella Gauley, whose niece was the first confirmed victim, the route forward is neither clear nor strictly ethical, but it may be the only way to save a world already in crisis. It may be the only way to atone for her part in everything that’s happened.
She will never be forgiven, not by herself, and not by anyone else. But she can, perhaps, do the right thing.
We live in an age of monsters.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2018
86 people are currently reading
4232 people want to read
About the author
Mira Grant
49 books6,113 followersMira also writes as Seanan McGuire.
Born and raised in Northern California, Mira Grant has made a lifelong study of horror movies, horrible viruses, and the inevitable threat of the living dead. In college, she was voted Most Likely to Summon Something Horrible in the Cornfield, and was a founding member of the Horror Movie Sleep-Away Survival Camp, where her record for time survived in the Swamp Cannibals scenario remains unchallenged.
Mira lives in a crumbling farmhouse with an assortment of cats, horror movies, comics, and books about horrible diseases. When not writing, she splits her time between travel, auditing college virology courses, and watching more horror movies than is strictly good for you. Favorite vacation spots include Seattle, London, and a large haunted corn maze just outside of Huntsville, Alabama.
Mira sleeps with a machete under her bed, and highly suggests that you do the same.
Born and raised in Northern California, Mira Grant has made a lifelong study of horror movies, horrible viruses, and the inevitable threat of the living dead. In college, she was voted Most Likely to Summon Something Horrible in the Cornfield, and was a founding member of the Horror Movie Sleep-Away Survival Camp, where her record for time survived in the Swamp Cannibals scenario remains unchallenged.
Mira lives in a crumbling farmhouse with an assortment of cats, horror movies, comics, and books about horrible diseases. When not writing, she splits her time between travel, auditing college virology courses, and watching more horror movies than is strictly good for you. Favorite vacation spots include Seattle, London, and a large haunted corn maze just outside of Huntsville, Alabama.
Mira sleeps with a machete under her bed, and highly suggests that you do the same.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
January 8, 2019
oh, man - i forgot to float this on pubday! ahem - NOW AVAILABLE!!!
thanks, assholes!
for some reason, the synopsis for this one didn’t excite me - no zombies, no sentient tapeworms, no killer mermaids, just a faceless, familiar threat: regular old disease. i didn’t grab the novella right away on netgalley, but when i finally did commit to it, i realized how stupid i had been, and i was like YOU DUMMY, THIS IS MIRA GRANT!!!!
because one of the best things about her books has always been the amount of medical detail, and how convincing, how chillingly plausible those facts have made her stories seem.
so horrific, so credible.
so, yeah, this is “just” about disease. it is “just” about what could happen if the anti-vaxxers keep pushing medical information into the world that is much less convincing than what supports mira grant’s “this is how we could have zombies” speculation. and in this case, “just” becomes so much more pants-shittingly terrifying than any creature-based horror tale could. because the truth is, with enough misinformed douchebags out there, we could be totally wiped out.
and misinformed douchebags with the power to wipe us all out is something i have already learned to fear way more than killer mermaids.
i would love to see this developed into a longer series, the way her novella Rolling in the Deep eventually led to more more more. dr. gauley is wonderfully flawed in that way very specific to mira grant, particularly her dr./mad scientist characters, and she could easily carry a series, with brooke and sandy and mark rounding out her quirky and meticulously diverse team of pals and colleagues.
i’m glad i was able to read this, and i’m glad mira grant is such a powerhouse of productivity, because knowing her, if she wanted to, she could have a trilogy set in this world written in 2-3 months, tops. and it would be magnificent.
*******************************************
thank you, netgalley! review TK.
*******************************************
another $40 novella from subterranean that i am too poor to justify buying.
https://subterraneanpress.com/slider-...
someone buy it and read it to me over the phone!
come to my blog!
thanks, assholes!
for some reason, the synopsis for this one didn’t excite me - no zombies, no sentient tapeworms, no killer mermaids, just a faceless, familiar threat: regular old disease. i didn’t grab the novella right away on netgalley, but when i finally did commit to it, i realized how stupid i had been, and i was like YOU DUMMY, THIS IS MIRA GRANT!!!!
because one of the best things about her books has always been the amount of medical detail, and how convincing, how chillingly plausible those facts have made her stories seem.
so horrific, so credible.
so, yeah, this is “just” about disease. it is “just” about what could happen if the anti-vaxxers keep pushing medical information into the world that is much less convincing than what supports mira grant’s “this is how we could have zombies” speculation. and in this case, “just” becomes so much more pants-shittingly terrifying than any creature-based horror tale could. because the truth is, with enough misinformed douchebags out there, we could be totally wiped out.
and misinformed douchebags with the power to wipe us all out is something i have already learned to fear way more than killer mermaids.
i would love to see this developed into a longer series, the way her novella Rolling in the Deep eventually led to more more more. dr. gauley is wonderfully flawed in that way very specific to mira grant, particularly her dr./mad scientist characters, and she could easily carry a series, with brooke and sandy and mark rounding out her quirky and meticulously diverse team of pals and colleagues.
i’m glad i was able to read this, and i’m glad mira grant is such a powerhouse of productivity, because knowing her, if she wanted to, she could have a trilogy set in this world written in 2-3 months, tops. and it would be magnificent.
*******************************************
thank you, netgalley! review TK.
*******************************************
another $40 novella from subterranean that i am too poor to justify buying.
https://subterraneanpress.com/slider-...
someone buy it and read it to me over the phone!
come to my blog!
November 6, 2018
"We never think about what our choices are going to mean for the lives of the ones we love," said Izzy. "We only think about what they're going to mean for us. If we're lucky, we're not the only ones who have to live with them.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate.... that is the question!
This book started out STRONG for me. Patient zero, Lisa Morris is an eight-year-old girl on vacation with her family. She wakes up one day not feeling well, but it is the last day at the amusement park and she wants to have fun, so she doesn't say anything. She's eight, she wants to have fun, who can blame her? But unfortunately, she had a virus and "the virus always spreads." Dr. Isabella Gauley is a pediatrician and Lisa's aunt. When her sister brings a very sick, Lisa to see her sister it becomes evident, that this is not your run of the mill virus- it's a deadly one.
This is a short book, but the Author covers a lot in the minimal pages she has. I found after a strong beginning which had me feeling for Lisa and her family, the middle lagged a little. There are those for vaccines, those against, those trying to study the survivors of the virus, and those who lost their family members. There are some family issues going on as well in this book and I wondered what is this all for and then *BAM* that twist at the end, I did not see coming. Oh Baby! I am pretty sure there is going to be another book in this series. I'm pretty sure this is the prequel and I know that I will be reading the next book if said book does in fact come out.
So why 3 stars? BTW- 3 stars means I liked it. The book began brilliantly and ended with a shocking twist. But the middle, at times, left me feeling underwhelmed. I liked some of the characters, but I did not feel for them as I did little Lisa at the beginning of the book. Having said that, I think this book(series?) is going places. Grant left me wanting more with that twist. I love when a book leaves me with my mouth hanging open.
A solid read that I hope is going to result in a full-fledged novel with the continuation of this story.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate.... that is the question!
This book started out STRONG for me. Patient zero, Lisa Morris is an eight-year-old girl on vacation with her family. She wakes up one day not feeling well, but it is the last day at the amusement park and she wants to have fun, so she doesn't say anything. She's eight, she wants to have fun, who can blame her? But unfortunately, she had a virus and "the virus always spreads." Dr. Isabella Gauley is a pediatrician and Lisa's aunt. When her sister brings a very sick, Lisa to see her sister it becomes evident, that this is not your run of the mill virus- it's a deadly one.
This is a short book, but the Author covers a lot in the minimal pages she has. I found after a strong beginning which had me feeling for Lisa and her family, the middle lagged a little. There are those for vaccines, those against, those trying to study the survivors of the virus, and those who lost their family members. There are some family issues going on as well in this book and I wondered what is this all for and then *BAM* that twist at the end, I did not see coming. Oh Baby! I am pretty sure there is going to be another book in this series. I'm pretty sure this is the prequel and I know that I will be reading the next book if said book does in fact come out.
So why 3 stars? BTW- 3 stars means I liked it. The book began brilliantly and ended with a shocking twist. But the middle, at times, left me feeling underwhelmed. I liked some of the characters, but I did not feel for them as I did little Lisa at the beginning of the book. Having said that, I think this book(series?) is going places. Grant left me wanting more with that twist. I love when a book leaves me with my mouth hanging open.
A solid read that I hope is going to result in a full-fledged novel with the continuation of this story.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
May 1, 2022
re-read update (2022):
I was a little bit apprehensive to re-read this now, given the state of the world and all that over the past two years, but I honestly enjoyed it even more this time around. I still wish we could get a follow-up book, but at the same time, I feel like it makes sense to leave this one on its own. It's rather terrifying, how many pieces of the machine that makes up this story made me feel like the author had looked into the future. I suppose humanity is painfully predictable at times.
———
original review (2018):
For anyone unaware, Mira Grant is Seanan McGuire’s pseudonym, and if you’ve followed my reviews any length of time, you’ll know I adore Seanan McGuire and have 5-starred everything I’ve ever read by her. This was my first read of hers under the Mira moniker, though, and as I’ve heard the writing styles vary between the names, I was only hopeful that I’d love it just as much as everything else.
→ L I K E S :
Thankfully, I was not disappointed in the slightest—this novella is an excellent read that I couldn’t put down and had to read in one quick sitting because it pulled me in so quickly. As always, I loved the writing style as a whole; while I recognized some differences between it and her Seanan McGuire “voice”, I also saw a lot of similarities that had me feeling right at home from the first chapter.
I also found the plot fascinating and relevant; despite the fact that it’s a sci-fi/horror crossover, it definitely struck me as the sort of thing we could see happen right here in our own world, which is a terrifying thought. I found that she did an excellent job of giving us enough medical information to really be engaging and complex, without ever beating the reader over the head with terminology or making the text dry and slow.
Finally, the characters are enjoyable (and diverse), and while they don’t always do the right things, their motives are never hard to recognize or relate to—aside from the twist ending, which I won’t spoil for you, but I’ll say that I thought it was executed brilliantly.
→ D I S L I K E S :
I think the only complaint I have is that there’s not quite enough of anything here. It’s a wonderful read, but it absolutely feels like it should be a prequel novella, not the full story (knowing Mira’s track record, though—looking at you, Rolling in the Deep—I’m definitely crossing my fingers for a follow-up!).
→ F I N A L THOUGHTS :
Overall, while I wanted a little more from the story, I was pleased with Kingdom of Needle and Bone and am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this. I pre-ordered the Subterranean Press hardback months ago, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to review this early, and now I am definitely pleased that I know I have one of those limited copies on its way to me later this month, because this is definitely a story I will happily revisit in the future.
→ RECOMMENDING TO… :
I recommend this to any fans of Mira Grant’s/Seanan McGuire’s writing and anyone who enjoys character-driven sci-fi/horror crossovers that focus on medical epidemics. I do not recommend this book for anyone belonging to the anti-vaxxer movement, because… well, you will probably find yourself offended.
Content warnings for child death, epidemics, murder
All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to Subterranean Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
---
Buddy read with Kaleena, who unfortunately did not love this story, but who wrote a very valid and thoughtful review as well! ♥
I was a little bit apprehensive to re-read this now, given the state of the world and all that over the past two years, but I honestly enjoyed it even more this time around. I still wish we could get a follow-up book, but at the same time, I feel like it makes sense to leave this one on its own. It's rather terrifying, how many pieces of the machine that makes up this story made me feel like the author had looked into the future. I suppose humanity is painfully predictable at times.
———
original review (2018):
For anyone unaware, Mira Grant is Seanan McGuire’s pseudonym, and if you’ve followed my reviews any length of time, you’ll know I adore Seanan McGuire and have 5-starred everything I’ve ever read by her. This was my first read of hers under the Mira moniker, though, and as I’ve heard the writing styles vary between the names, I was only hopeful that I’d love it just as much as everything else.
→ L I K E S :
The vaccine will protect the immunized children, and the unimmunized will remain pure, untouched by the filthy manmade miracle of modern medicine. Their bodies will be lowered into their graves devoid of the imaginary poisons that have replaced smallpox and polio and measles as the bogeymen haunting a parent’s heart.
Thankfully, I was not disappointed in the slightest—this novella is an excellent read that I couldn’t put down and had to read in one quick sitting because it pulled me in so quickly. As always, I loved the writing style as a whole; while I recognized some differences between it and her Seanan McGuire “voice”, I also saw a lot of similarities that had me feeling right at home from the first chapter.
It didn’t really matter whether Morris’s disease was manmade or not. It was a killer either way.
I also found the plot fascinating and relevant; despite the fact that it’s a sci-fi/horror crossover, it definitely struck me as the sort of thing we could see happen right here in our own world, which is a terrifying thought. I found that she did an excellent job of giving us enough medical information to really be engaging and complex, without ever beating the reader over the head with terminology or making the text dry and slow.
The outbreak was beyond control long before anyone realized it was happening.
Finally, the characters are enjoyable (and diverse), and while they don’t always do the right things, their motives are never hard to recognize or relate to—aside from the twist ending, which I won’t spoil for you, but I’ll say that I thought it was executed brilliantly.
→ D I S L I K E S :
Of such small moments are disasters made.
I think the only complaint I have is that there’s not quite enough of anything here. It’s a wonderful read, but it absolutely feels like it should be a prequel novella, not the full story (knowing Mira’s track record, though—looking at you, Rolling in the Deep—I’m definitely crossing my fingers for a follow-up!).
→ F I N A L THOUGHTS :
Overall, while I wanted a little more from the story, I was pleased with Kingdom of Needle and Bone and am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this. I pre-ordered the Subterranean Press hardback months ago, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to review this early, and now I am definitely pleased that I know I have one of those limited copies on its way to me later this month, because this is definitely a story I will happily revisit in the future.
→ RECOMMENDING TO… :
I recommend this to any fans of Mira Grant’s/Seanan McGuire’s writing and anyone who enjoys character-driven sci-fi/horror crossovers that focus on medical epidemics. I do not recommend this book for anyone belonging to the anti-vaxxer movement, because… well, you will probably find yourself offended.
Content warnings for child death, epidemics, murder
All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to Subterranean Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
---
Buddy read with Kaleena, who unfortunately did not love this story, but who wrote a very valid and thoughtful review as well! ♥
January 14, 2019
Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) continues to amaze me. What an incredible story this is. A novella that could easily be extended into a book or three. This flu epidemic gone wrong dystopian story makes me think it was Grant’s other idea to start off her very popular book trilogies Feed or Parasite.
Regardless of the reason she wrote Kingdom of Needle and Bone, I’m sure glad she did.
Not just another Dystopian
At first this story feels like we’ve read it a thousand times before. But at the core of this story is survival at all costs. Even if it involves isolation and a choice to leave others to their doom. We all have a natural desire to live and usually dystopian stories take this and turn it into a survival story. Grant goes a different direction that feels so plausible it’s creepy.
Twists and Turns
I can’t say a lot about this story without too many big spoilers. Except to say, as noted above, that things do not play out the way you may be expecting.
As with many novellas there is a focus on plot and little left for characters. Trust me there is enough pot here that you’ll be flipping pages like crazy.
I wish I could talk about the spoilers, because they are sooo awesome!
All I can say is read it! I read an ebook that only cost $4.99 on Kobo. It was worth every penny to take a long book break and be reminded that whether it’s Grant or McGuire on the cover; this author is one of my absolute favourites of the 21st century.
Regardless of the reason she wrote Kingdom of Needle and Bone, I’m sure glad she did.
Not just another Dystopian
At first this story feels like we’ve read it a thousand times before. But at the core of this story is survival at all costs. Even if it involves isolation and a choice to leave others to their doom. We all have a natural desire to live and usually dystopian stories take this and turn it into a survival story. Grant goes a different direction that feels so plausible it’s creepy.
Twists and Turns
I can’t say a lot about this story without too many big spoilers. Except to say, as noted above, that things do not play out the way you may be expecting.
As with many novellas there is a focus on plot and little left for characters. Trust me there is enough pot here that you’ll be flipping pages like crazy.
I wish I could talk about the spoilers, because they are sooo awesome!
All I can say is read it! I read an ebook that only cost $4.99 on Kobo. It was worth every penny to take a long book break and be reminded that whether it’s Grant or McGuire on the cover; this author is one of my absolute favourites of the 21st century.
April 30, 2023
The second time* since COVID-19 that I've read a book written about a pandemic before the actual pandemic happened. The second time the experience fell flat for me.
The book is both impressive for how well it predicts the reactions and actions of some groups and a little boring for the exact same reason.
There are some interesting thoughts about bodily autonomy vs the need to vaccinate and a twist at the very end that I didn't see coming. But overall its entertainment value suffered from some unexpected and unfortunate mundaneness.
The most interesting part for me was looking at reviews of friends who read this before 2020.
Buddy read with Cathy, Susy and Vavita.
*Or, as my friend Nataliya tells me, it's actually the third time. Thanks for having a better memory of my reads than I do myself. 😅 I loved the other pandemic book (Station Eleven), so either my whole argument there is nought or that book is just so different and/or much better than the other two. I certainly liked it a lot better.
The book is both impressive for how well it predicts the reactions and actions of some groups and a little boring for the exact same reason.
There are some interesting thoughts about bodily autonomy vs the need to vaccinate and a twist at the very end that I didn't see coming. But overall its entertainment value suffered from some unexpected and unfortunate mundaneness.
The most interesting part for me was looking at reviews of friends who read this before 2020.
Buddy read with Cathy, Susy and Vavita.
*Or, as my friend Nataliya tells me, it's actually the third time. Thanks for having a better memory of my reads than I do myself. 😅 I loved the other pandemic book (Station Eleven), so either my whole argument there is nought or that book is just so different and/or much better than the other two. I certainly liked it a lot better.
October 14, 2019
im not too sure how I felt about this one. it was kinda boring. probably would have been a 2 star but the ending was shocking so that bumped it up to a 3
October 23, 2020
Well jeepers, it's like Mira/Seanan is a soothsayer or something.
A pretty gripping novella that, given what 2020 as brought the world, felt darkly real. I loved how the spread of the disease was described in such a simple and clinical way. I was nodding in parts as these were the same kinds of explanations we have heard during our daily televised government COVID updates. A really thought provoking discussion about vaccination with a jaw dropping ending.
I think I need to find a remote island for me and my loved ones to live on so we can stay safely isolated...wait...I live in NZ. Phew. I'm sorted.
I hope everyone and their loved ones are keeping well. Kia Kaha!
A pretty gripping novella that, given what 2020 as brought the world, felt darkly real. I loved how the spread of the disease was described in such a simple and clinical way. I was nodding in parts as these were the same kinds of explanations we have heard during our daily televised government COVID updates. A really thought provoking discussion about vaccination with a jaw dropping ending.
I think I need to find a remote island for me and my loved ones to live on so we can stay safely isolated...wait...I live in NZ. Phew. I'm sorted.
I hope everyone and their loved ones are keeping well. Kia Kaha!
January 24, 2019
The logic of the picketers outside Dr. Gauley’s practice was terribly easy to follow, if she let go of the idea that words had meanings, and chose instead to go down the rabbit hole of correlation equaling causation.
A new stand-alone from Mira Grant! The woman really can make anything entertaining, and this short novella is no different. I'm with karen on wanting to see this go the way of her mermaid books and get at least another (preferably full-length) novel, too.
Cut to the very minimum, this story is set in a world where the anti-vaxxing movement has led to the inevitable, and humanity is in the grip of a new plague. Yes, Mira Grant isn't subtle with her message in this one, but you know what? Subtle isn't working people. And genuinely, this movement really does threaten mankind, and if the message finally gets through to someone via the literary equivalent of a hammer to the head, then excellent. And even with a very strong emphasis on the message, this is a fantastic story. Though there were a couple of hints, there was a moment that left me absolutely reeling, and therein lies the real genius of Mira Grant; no matter what you think you know, no matter how many books she writes, she can still bring a twist to bear that just slaps the reader in the face. And I love it every time!
Edit: The other magic of Mira Grant is the science- see this article from all the way back in 2015 proving her scenario disturbingly plausible: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-b...
Why is this not everywhere?
A new stand-alone from Mira Grant! The woman really can make anything entertaining, and this short novella is no different. I'm with karen on wanting to see this go the way of her mermaid books and get at least another (preferably full-length) novel, too.
Cut to the very minimum, this story is set in a world where the anti-vaxxing movement has led to the inevitable, and humanity is in the grip of a new plague. Yes, Mira Grant isn't subtle with her message in this one, but you know what? Subtle isn't working people. And genuinely, this movement really does threaten mankind, and if the message finally gets through to someone via the literary equivalent of a hammer to the head, then excellent. And even with a very strong emphasis on the message, this is a fantastic story. Though there were a couple of hints, there was a moment that left me absolutely reeling, and therein lies the real genius of Mira Grant; no matter what you think you know, no matter how many books she writes, she can still bring a twist to bear that just slaps the reader in the face. And I love it every time!
Edit: The other magic of Mira Grant is the science- see this article from all the way back in 2015 proving her scenario disturbingly plausible: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-b...
Why is this not everywhere?
January 6, 2019
The difference between hero and villain was so frequently in the paperwork that most people never thought to file.I love this book and I need MORE! Part of me adored that ending and another part of me, the greedy reader part of me, needs to know what happens next! In detail!
This was my very first Mira Grant Seanan read and I’m in awe over how much I loved it. I accidentally found Every Heart a Doorway on my library shelf in October 2016 and it became, over the course of one day, my all time favourite book. However, I’d hesitated to try a Mira book as I had this bizarre notion that they may not be for me. Well, to that I now say, ‘Pish posh! And bring me another!’
Seanan’s characters become real to me in such a short space of time. I become fully immersed in their world and the only reason I didn’t finish this book within a day was because life vaguely imitated art. Nope, I don’t have Morris’s disease but I did have a lovely time with food poisoning.
The outbreak was beyond control long before anyone realized it was happening.Julie Dillon’s dust jacket illustration is absolutely jaw dropping and made me need this book before I even read the blurb. It’s just so delightfully creepy and mysterious and sinister.
I would advise with this book that you read the blurb but not much else. I want everyone to experience this book as I did, not knowing how everything was going to unfold until it did so with each page turn. The only thing I would mention is that if you’re strongly against the use of vaccinations then there’s a fair chance this isn’t a book you want to add to your TBR pile.
No matter how much she wanted it, this was one nightmare she would never wake from.I am the proud owner of copy 35 of 1250 signed numbered hardcover copies. ❤️
January 2, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As many of you know, I *adore* Seanan McGuire. Seriously, she's one of my top favorite authors and I will read anything she puts out under that name. What you might not know is that she also writes under the name Mira Grant, and puts out sci-fi and techno thriller/horror type books. Under her Mira brand, she's been hit or miss for me. I love the short novellas she puts out from Subterranean Press (like this one!) and the "mermaid books" are great. I didn't particularly care for Feed, but I do plan on reading more of the series and seeing if it was just me at the time.
One thing that makes Mira's works so much harder for me is how REALISTIC they are. They are backed with meticulous scientific information. AND THEY SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF ME.
Kingdom of Needle and Bone is deep. It's rough. It's scary - less because of the outbreaks, which *are* scary, and more because of what led to them... fear, ignorance, and the power of the stupidity en masse.
I don't want to spoil anything, and this is a shortie at 128 or so pages. But if you're prepared to see some of the nasty side of humanity, you can pick this up. If you're prepared to see some of the better sides as well, this book has that covered too. Because if there's one thing Seanan/Mira excels at, it's showing ALL sides of humanity's light and darkness in glorious detail.
As many of you know, I *adore* Seanan McGuire. Seriously, she's one of my top favorite authors and I will read anything she puts out under that name. What you might not know is that she also writes under the name Mira Grant, and puts out sci-fi and techno thriller/horror type books. Under her Mira brand, she's been hit or miss for me. I love the short novellas she puts out from Subterranean Press (like this one!) and the "mermaid books" are great. I didn't particularly care for Feed, but I do plan on reading more of the series and seeing if it was just me at the time.
One thing that makes Mira's works so much harder for me is how REALISTIC they are. They are backed with meticulous scientific information. AND THEY SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF ME.
Kingdom of Needle and Bone is deep. It's rough. It's scary - less because of the outbreaks, which *are* scary, and more because of what led to them... fear, ignorance, and the power of the stupidity en masse.
I don't want to spoil anything, and this is a shortie at 128 or so pages. But if you're prepared to see some of the nasty side of humanity, you can pick this up. If you're prepared to see some of the better sides as well, this book has that covered too. Because if there's one thing Seanan/Mira excels at, it's showing ALL sides of humanity's light and darkness in glorious detail.
May 10, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve read almost everything written under this author’s other name of Seanan McGuire, I can’t get my hands on her books fast enough. This is the first book I’ve under the name Mira Grant and color me impressed. I work in a science field and I loved this sci-fi worst-case scenario of "what if" with the increasing number of un-immunized children; there was an unseen consequence that a new pandemic could arise. It is smart, well thought out, and told in a very gripping manner.
There is a forgotten time when pandemics ran rampant; quarantines were common and the threat of a loved one dying from something like Measles, Mumps, Smallpox or Whooping Cough was real. When a viral infection could decimate an entire community or reduce the world’s population by 25%.
Those times have been almost forgotten and with the invention of vaccinations those diseases, almost eliminated from the face of the earth. But what if the new movement of not vaccinating your children, made it possible for that to all come crumbling down and a new slightly modified version of something thought practically gone from the world is back and so are the fatality rates of old.
I loved the way this story was told. You see it from a few perspectives, all from women in the same family. It feels real, like this is definitely how an event like this could play out and what societies response would be. I found it to be smart and scarily plausible in many ways. Fantastically executed novella.
I think Kingdom of Needle and Bone really makes you think about when the next pandemic hits - what will it mean for our new global society? If you are one of those people who are completely against vaccinating your children, well, this will either make you seriously think about your choices or you are going to hate the overall content of this story. Did I mention I work in science (in a health associate profession)? I’m completely pro-vaccination and hope maybe this fictional story will be some food for thought for people who haven’t really considered this subject before.
Narration:
Cris Dukehart did a really good job with both the seriousness and heart of the story. The performance was completely spot on and transported me into this tale. I listened to this at my normal 1.5x speed.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve read almost everything written under this author’s other name of Seanan McGuire, I can’t get my hands on her books fast enough. This is the first book I’ve under the name Mira Grant and color me impressed. I work in a science field and I loved this sci-fi worst-case scenario of "what if" with the increasing number of un-immunized children; there was an unseen consequence that a new pandemic could arise. It is smart, well thought out, and told in a very gripping manner.
There is a forgotten time when pandemics ran rampant; quarantines were common and the threat of a loved one dying from something like Measles, Mumps, Smallpox or Whooping Cough was real. When a viral infection could decimate an entire community or reduce the world’s population by 25%.
Those times have been almost forgotten and with the invention of vaccinations those diseases, almost eliminated from the face of the earth. But what if the new movement of not vaccinating your children, made it possible for that to all come crumbling down and a new slightly modified version of something thought practically gone from the world is back and so are the fatality rates of old.
I loved the way this story was told. You see it from a few perspectives, all from women in the same family. It feels real, like this is definitely how an event like this could play out and what societies response would be. I found it to be smart and scarily plausible in many ways. Fantastically executed novella.
I think Kingdom of Needle and Bone really makes you think about when the next pandemic hits - what will it mean for our new global society? If you are one of those people who are completely against vaccinating your children, well, this will either make you seriously think about your choices or you are going to hate the overall content of this story. Did I mention I work in science (in a health associate profession)? I’m completely pro-vaccination and hope maybe this fictional story will be some food for thought for people who haven’t really considered this subject before.
Narration:
Cris Dukehart did a really good job with both the seriousness and heart of the story. The performance was completely spot on and transported me into this tale. I listened to this at my normal 1.5x speed.
January 21, 2019
2.5 stars
I never even looked at the page count when I requested this book and I would have been furious if I actually paid $40 for a novella!
The author tackles (and heavily criticizes) the anti-vaccine movement that has sprouted across the USA in recent years.
It starts with little Lisa Morris who visits Disney World with her parents. She starts feeling sick and less than a week later she is dead. She turns out to be patient zero for a virus that spreads quickly, decimating the world’s children.
Once you are infected you have a compromised immune system, effectively opening the way for ever more devastating surges of disease. Diseases that have been wiped out decades ago with the advent of vaccines.
The story itself is good solid writing and reads like an extended “what if” scenario. But because it’s a novella the story just moves too fast, skimming over things that could have been explained in more detail and leaving little room for character development.
But one thing is for certain, this author always delivers fantastic endings and this one was no different.
Netgalley ARC
I never even looked at the page count when I requested this book and I would have been furious if I actually paid $40 for a novella!
The author tackles (and heavily criticizes) the anti-vaccine movement that has sprouted across the USA in recent years.
It starts with little Lisa Morris who visits Disney World with her parents. She starts feeling sick and less than a week later she is dead. She turns out to be patient zero for a virus that spreads quickly, decimating the world’s children.
Once you are infected you have a compromised immune system, effectively opening the way for ever more devastating surges of disease. Diseases that have been wiped out decades ago with the advent of vaccines.
The story itself is good solid writing and reads like an extended “what if” scenario. But because it’s a novella the story just moves too fast, skimming over things that could have been explained in more detail and leaving little room for character development.
But one thing is for certain, this author always delivers fantastic endings and this one was no different.
Netgalley ARC
February 8, 2019
This one was a hit for me. Grant eschews any supernatural element and just uses plain ordinary (and deadly) viral infections to create a world made even more frightening because of the realistic potentiality. My only complaint is that I wanted more. Things could continue to get interesting past the last page.
This is also a statement against aggressive anti-vaxxers, so if you include yourself in that group, you probably should give this one a miss.
This is also a statement against aggressive anti-vaxxers, so if you include yourself in that group, you probably should give this one a miss.
November 12, 2019
Boring. Forgettable. Meh.
July 5, 2019
I love Mira Grant's Newsflesh series, but wasn't too impress by this novella. It started very strong, but for me the critique of anti-vaccination movement was much stronger than the actual story. Still interesting, but up to her normal standard.
December 17, 2020
3.5 stars.
A global pandemic, the search for a vaccine. Although this is shelved as a horror, this reads like a non fiction prediction of 2020. It hits very close to the bone, as we follow paediatrician Izzy and her sisters as they are hit by a deadly disease, mutated from measles that goes by the name of Morris disease. However, beyond the ramifications of so much death, Morris disease also has a rather awful side effect for survivors which would unravel modern medicine.
Isabella Gauley, our main character, starts out as appearing like the kind and caring Aunt and hero Dr. However, as the situation gets worse she reaches some morally grey decisions that made me question who this woman really is. Her motives are complicated, her feelings and secrets kept deep - to the extent that nobody really knows her. She's a great character, and for such a short book I found Mira Grant really went to town with her development.
My only critism is the pacing. The start and end (oh my goodness, that ending!) are full of plot twist, major developments and interesting characters - but it drags a bit in the middle. It's also not really long enough to fully explore what's going on in the wider world, which would have deepened the impact of certain global events.
Very timely piece that responds well to the anti vaccine argument in a fictional and character driven way.
A global pandemic, the search for a vaccine. Although this is shelved as a horror, this reads like a non fiction prediction of 2020. It hits very close to the bone, as we follow paediatrician Izzy and her sisters as they are hit by a deadly disease, mutated from measles that goes by the name of Morris disease. However, beyond the ramifications of so much death, Morris disease also has a rather awful side effect for survivors which would unravel modern medicine.
Isabella Gauley, our main character, starts out as appearing like the kind and caring Aunt and hero Dr. However, as the situation gets worse she reaches some morally grey decisions that made me question who this woman really is. Her motives are complicated, her feelings and secrets kept deep - to the extent that nobody really knows her. She's a great character, and for such a short book I found Mira Grant really went to town with her development.
My only critism is the pacing. The start and end (oh my goodness, that ending!) are full of plot twist, major developments and interesting characters - but it drags a bit in the middle. It's also not really long enough to fully explore what's going on in the wider world, which would have deepened the impact of certain global events.
Very timely piece that responds well to the anti vaccine argument in a fictional and character driven way.
February 8, 2020
Libro breve che verte su uno dei grandi controsensi del mondo moderno, una di quelle questioni da "gente troppo civilizzata e benestante" che sottolinea in verità quanto ci piaccia farci del male da soli: i vaccini e la geniale idiozia degli antivaccinisti.
In questo libro si ipotizza l'improvviso arrivo di un'epidemia di morbillo molto più feroce e letale di quello noto, inizialmente non si sa se sia una variazione naturale o se invece sia stato geneticamente modificato, però è altamente contagioso e paurosamente mortale.
Assistiamo al contagio perpetrato dai primi infetti, e alla loro morte.
Conosciamo la madre, Brook, rimasta sola dopo la morte della figlioletta e del marito; e la sua sorella Izzy, pediatra costantemente in lotta con capannelli di antivaccinisti fuori dal suo ambulatorio.
Quando però studi canadesi cominciano a notare che questo nuovo morbillo crea danni incurabili a chi sopravvive, azzerando la loro capacità di potersi vaccinare contro una qualunque malattia, annullando l'efficacia di qualunque immunizzazione passata, la portata del disastro diventa enorme: qualunque malattia torna a essere mortale, mostri del passato possono risvegliarsi e tornare a falciare vittime. E neanche prendere una malattia e sopravvivergli potrà costruire difese per contrastarla in futuro, questa volta.
Izzy e Brooke cominciano allora a lavorare a un modo di salvare i più deboli, cercando finanziatori e costruendo rifugi isolati dal mondo dove tenere in quarantena gente sana e immunodeficienti per i quali la vita in città di gente senza alcuna immunizzazione e con i virus in giro sarebbe mortale: l'effetto gregge ormai è sparito, e nessuno può considerarsi al sicuro. Conta solo la fortuna.
In queste isole invece i sani saranno tutti vaccinati, i deboli godranno dell'effetto gregge e avvocati e forze paramilitari garantiranno l'isolamento necessario a sopravvivere a questo caos.
L'idea è interessante, il tema scottante (non a caso quando l'autrice accenna alla situazione politica e ai discorsi in atto sul rendere obbligatori -troppo tardi- i vaccini, cita gli assurdi collegamenti che vengono fatti a livello politico tra vaccini e aborto, tanto per intorbidare le acque).
La storia prende parecchio all'inizio, poi mentre le pagine scorrono diventa sempre più una semplice descrizione di quanto fatto per salvare vite.
Fino al colpo di scena finale, inatteso e con un personaggio che di punto in bianco si rivela avere le capacità quasi di un agente segreto, per come si introduce nell'isola e per ciò che ha scoperto. Magari un po' troppo forzato questo finale, e sempre magari un po' troppo spazio dato ai rapporti tra le sorelle, che alla fine creano un po' di background ma in una storia così breve tolgono spazio a quella che dovrebbe essere la trama.
A meno che non ci sia l'intenzione di proseguire il racconto e questo diventi una sorta di prequel, ma non mi pare sia questo il caso.
In questo libro si ipotizza l'improvviso arrivo di un'epidemia di morbillo molto più feroce e letale di quello noto, inizialmente non si sa se sia una variazione naturale o se invece sia stato geneticamente modificato, però è altamente contagioso e paurosamente mortale.
Assistiamo al contagio perpetrato dai primi infetti, e alla loro morte.
Conosciamo la madre, Brook, rimasta sola dopo la morte della figlioletta e del marito; e la sua sorella Izzy, pediatra costantemente in lotta con capannelli di antivaccinisti fuori dal suo ambulatorio.
Quando però studi canadesi cominciano a notare che questo nuovo morbillo crea danni incurabili a chi sopravvive, azzerando la loro capacità di potersi vaccinare contro una qualunque malattia, annullando l'efficacia di qualunque immunizzazione passata, la portata del disastro diventa enorme: qualunque malattia torna a essere mortale, mostri del passato possono risvegliarsi e tornare a falciare vittime. E neanche prendere una malattia e sopravvivergli potrà costruire difese per contrastarla in futuro, questa volta.
Izzy e Brooke cominciano allora a lavorare a un modo di salvare i più deboli, cercando finanziatori e costruendo rifugi isolati dal mondo dove tenere in quarantena gente sana e immunodeficienti per i quali la vita in città di gente senza alcuna immunizzazione e con i virus in giro sarebbe mortale: l'effetto gregge ormai è sparito, e nessuno può considerarsi al sicuro. Conta solo la fortuna.
In queste isole invece i sani saranno tutti vaccinati, i deboli godranno dell'effetto gregge e avvocati e forze paramilitari garantiranno l'isolamento necessario a sopravvivere a questo caos.
L'idea è interessante, il tema scottante (non a caso quando l'autrice accenna alla situazione politica e ai discorsi in atto sul rendere obbligatori -troppo tardi- i vaccini, cita gli assurdi collegamenti che vengono fatti a livello politico tra vaccini e aborto, tanto per intorbidare le acque).
La storia prende parecchio all'inizio, poi mentre le pagine scorrono diventa sempre più una semplice descrizione di quanto fatto per salvare vite.
Fino al colpo di scena finale, inatteso e con un personaggio che di punto in bianco si rivela avere le capacità quasi di un agente segreto, per come si introduce nell'isola e per ciò che ha scoperto. Magari un po' troppo forzato questo finale, e sempre magari un po' troppo spazio dato ai rapporti tra le sorelle, che alla fine creano un po' di background ma in una storia così breve tolgono spazio a quella che dovrebbe essere la trama.
A meno che non ci sia l'intenzione di proseguire il racconto e questo diventi una sorta di prequel, ma non mi pare sia questo il caso.
August 24, 2018
I was super excited when the blurb for this came out because I am a big Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant fan, and the subject of the book sounded right up my alley. Crazy disease that knocks out a bunch of the world? I'm in!
The book started off exciting- you're immediately introduced to poor patient zero- Lisa, the niece of the protagonist of the book. However, she quickly dies before you can get too attached. The book largely felt like a prequel to the Real Book. I felt a bit detached as I was reading and didn't connect or wasn't made to care for the characters enough to feel fully invested in the story. The story felt cursory and not detailed/rich enough. There was a hint of an interesting backstory, but as soon as it got more intriguing, the book ended, and the backstory wasn't explored.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
The book started off exciting- you're immediately introduced to poor patient zero- Lisa, the niece of the protagonist of the book. However, she quickly dies before you can get too attached. The book largely felt like a prequel to the Real Book. I felt a bit detached as I was reading and didn't connect or wasn't made to care for the characters enough to feel fully invested in the story. The story felt cursory and not detailed/rich enough. There was a hint of an interesting backstory, but as soon as it got more intriguing, the book ended, and the backstory wasn't explored.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
December 22, 2018
“That’s the thing about monsters, Angie,” said Izzy, lowering the gun.
“It takes one to know one.”
Oh My God Mira Grant!
You gave me chills and they’re multiplying. But I’m smiling through my palpitations because this story was an outstanding medical doomsday drama with a hopeful ending.
And a twist the black heart of me enjoyed!
Thanks again Karen, there’s a reason I have shelf named after you!
Read
March 25, 2020Чим же ще розважатися під час глобальної пандемії, як не читанням медичного трилера про глобальну пандемію? "Kingdom of Needle and Bone" - повістинка про те, що буває, коли у популяції немає herd immunity, від Міри Ґрант (вона ж Шонін Макґвайр).
Я безмежно довіряю Мірі Ґрант/Шонін Макґвайр в питаннях епідемій. Вона справді великий гік на тему вірусів і епідемій і ретельно продумує медичний бік своїх жахастиків. Скажімо, в цьому випадку вона пише не про якийсь абстрактний жаский вірус, а про летальнішу мутацію звичайного кору. У кору (реального, не тільки у цьому трилері) є прикрий спецефект: він нищить пам'ять імунної системи, тож, перехворівши кором, можна заодно втратити імунітет до пачки інших хвороб, хоча раніше ви мали до них імунітет. У цьому трилері з'являється мутація кору, яка не тільки смертоносніша, ніж звичайній кір, а й витирає імунну систему назавжди, а далі по immunocompromised популяції проходиться ціла пачка інших хвороб - від яких, як і від кору, можна робити щеплення, але ж антиваксери існують повсюди.
Крім любові до вірусів, Міра Ґрант/Шонін Макґвайр зачаровує тим, як ретельно простежує культурологічні наслідки своїх апокаліпсисів. (Мій улюблений приклад: у її ранішому медичному трилері в першому поколінні після зомбі-апокаліпсису купу дітей поназивали Джорджами чи Джорджинами на честь Джорджа Ромеро, який показав, як боротися з зомбі, і тому став рятівником людства). У випадку "Kingdom of Needle and Bone" Міра Ґрант бавиться в те, як виглядав би антиваксерський рух під час епідеміологічного апокаліпсису, і як виглядали б дискусії з медичної етики в цьому контексті. Скажімо, вимога обов'язкових щеплень явно порушує bodily autonomy. Теоретично, якщо твоє тіло - це виключно твоя справа (а отже, в тебе не можуть вирізати нирку й пересадити комусь без твого дозволу; чи тебе не можуть змусити виношувати небажану вагітність), то ти мусиш мати ще й право відмовитися від щеплень. Так? Ні? Плюси/мінуси/підводні камені? Коротше, та частина повістинки, яка стосувалася дивного союзу між про-чойсерами й анти-ваксерами - це було епічно. На жаль, з сюжетом там усе погано. Повістинка явно написана саме для етичної колізії, сюжет там - лише як вішак для таких забавок, тож цілі шматки сюжету притягнуто за вуха і проговорено скоромовкою. +авторка часто сповзає в агітку, яка дратує дидактичним тоном, навіть якщо ти з нею погоджуєшся. Скажімо, я, як і авторка, всіма руками й ногами за загальну вакцинацію, але такі пасажі - це в художці за межею добра і зла: "Her parents asked questions about each shot. They were scientifically-minded people who listened to their doctor, believing that years of medical school held more value than afternoons on Wikipedia, and they had approved the injections, one after the other, allowing their beloved daughter to build the most robust immune system possible." Тому читати, в принципі, можна - повістинка коротка й читається легко - але можна й не читати.
Я безмежно довіряю Мірі Ґрант/Шонін Макґвайр в питаннях епідемій. Вона справді великий гік на тему вірусів і епідемій і ретельно продумує медичний бік своїх жахастиків. Скажімо, в цьому випадку вона пише не про якийсь абстрактний жаский вірус, а про летальнішу мутацію звичайного кору. У кору (реального, не тільки у цьому трилері) є прикрий спецефект: він нищить пам'ять імунної системи, тож, перехворівши кором, можна заодно втратити імунітет до пачки інших хвороб, хоча раніше ви мали до них імунітет. У цьому трилері з'являється мутація кору, яка не тільки смертоносніша, ніж звичайній кір, а й витирає імунну систему назавжди, а далі по immunocompromised популяції проходиться ціла пачка інших хвороб - від яких, як і від кору, можна робити щеплення, але ж антиваксери існують повсюди.
Крім любові до вірусів, Міра Ґрант/Шонін Макґвайр зачаровує тим, як ретельно простежує культурологічні наслідки своїх апокаліпсисів. (Мій улюблений приклад: у її ранішому медичному трилері в першому поколінні після зомбі-апокаліпсису купу дітей поназивали Джорджами чи Джорджинами на честь Джорджа Ромеро, який показав, як боротися з зомбі, і тому став рятівником людства). У випадку "Kingdom of Needle and Bone" Міра Ґрант бавиться в те, як виглядав би антиваксерський рух під час епідеміологічного апокаліпсису, і як виглядали б дискусії з медичної етики в цьому контексті. Скажімо, вимога обов'язкових щеплень явно порушує bodily autonomy. Теоретично, якщо твоє тіло - це виключно твоя справа (а отже, в тебе не можуть вирізати нирку й пересадити комусь без твого дозволу; чи тебе не можуть змусити виношувати небажану вагітність), то ти мусиш мати ще й право відмовитися від щеплень. Так? Ні? Плюси/мінуси/підводні камені? Коротше, та частина повістинки, яка стосувалася дивного союзу між про-чойсерами й анти-ваксерами - це було епічно. На жаль, з сюжетом там усе погано. Повістинка явно написана саме для етичної колізії, сюжет там - лише як вішак для таких забавок, тож цілі шматки сюжету притягнуто за вуха і проговорено скоромовкою. +авторка часто сповзає в агітку, яка дратує дидактичним тоном, навіть якщо ти з нею погоджуєшся. Скажімо, я, як і авторка, всіма руками й ногами за загальну вакцинацію, але такі пасажі - це в художці за межею добра і зла: "Her parents asked questions about each shot. They were scientifically-minded people who listened to their doctor, believing that years of medical school held more value than afternoons on Wikipedia, and they had approved the injections, one after the other, allowing their beloved daughter to build the most robust immune system possible." Тому читати, в принципі, можна - повістинка коротка й читається легко - але можна й не читати.
January 8, 2024
Well, this is interesting... it was published in 2018, and is a horrifying speculation on how a pandemic can disrupt the world primarily due to the number of people who elect to not receive vaccine inoculations for themselves and their children. There's a lot of other stuff going on, too, of course, and one surprise plot point I thought a little predictable and unnecessary about the origin of the infection, but it's still science fiction/medical horror at its best. It's interesting to read some of the reviews posted here and compare the ones from the first couple of years after the release of the book with the ones from the last couple of years. As surely everyone knows by now, Mira Grant is the almost-as-well-known pseudonym of Seanan McGuire, possibly the best genre writer of the current century. It's a short, quick read, but sometimes less is more.
September 27, 2018
2.6
This is the 7th work by this author that I’ve read and as much as I wanted to like it, I had a hard time getting into it. The biggest issue to me is that throughout much of it, the book reads more like an angry op-ed piece than a novella. The language gets very heavy-handed, preachy, and condescending to the point it sounded more like the author was just talking to me rather than that I was reading in-world dialogue. I am a bit sympathetic with that tendency given the subject matter. The anti-vaxxer movement is dangerous even in very small numbers and this book is just one thought experiment illustrating why that’s the case. As well, it’s a very frustrating movement to deal with given the shoddy grounds and willful ignorance it’s based on. Granted, “giving the other side a fair portrayal” is not the point of this book and I don't really expect that, especially given how hard it would be to achieve, But the way so much of this book is written, I doubt it would change any anti-vaxxer’s mind given how condescending it comes off. If that conversion’s not the point of the painstakingly drawn out explanations, I’m not sure what is.
All that said, the preachiness wouldn’t be a huge deal if it were more occasional. I could get over that even if those parts were a little boring. But given the short length of the novella format, this issue also gets in the way of there even being much book left to enjoy. The plot is very brief and has few actual plot points to it. When I thought about how little actually happens in the book, I was kind of surprised it took even the short two hours it took to read. The scenes that are there are often rushed. Much of the progression is achieved through sweeping summaries. Given the brevity and scarcity of actual in-scene storytelling, the characterization is left flimsy given the little time and attention allowed each character. I had some trouble remembering who was who because the story felt like it was taking a backseat to the grandstanding. This weakened some of the points in the story that had the potential to be much more powerful.
There were definitely some good aspects to this book. The plot that was there ended up being pretty cool with some nice twists that could’ve been even better if I’d had more time with the characters. Despite the preachiness, the characters, even the “good guys,” still manage to show more gray morality from time to time and some of the bigger character moments that did get screentime were pretty strong. With more subtlety and nuance, I think the themes could’ve been illustrated much better, but they are there and they are very important. I suppose one benefit of the preachiness is that the information is fairly clear and approachable. I imagine if you really are in the dark on this issue, this book could be helpful in explaining some of the big issues in this area, despite it being a work of fiction. In the end, there was still just too much that got in the way for me to enjoy this one that much. If you’re interested in a book exploring the medical horror of potential fallout from the anti-vaccination movement, you might enjoy this one. But for the most part, I’d say skip it. Mira Grant has several other books you’d probably enjoy more. After all, my biggest disappointment is that I know she can do a lot better.
I was provided an advanced copy by NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own.
This is the 7th work by this author that I’ve read and as much as I wanted to like it, I had a hard time getting into it. The biggest issue to me is that throughout much of it, the book reads more like an angry op-ed piece than a novella. The language gets very heavy-handed, preachy, and condescending to the point it sounded more like the author was just talking to me rather than that I was reading in-world dialogue. I am a bit sympathetic with that tendency given the subject matter. The anti-vaxxer movement is dangerous even in very small numbers and this book is just one thought experiment illustrating why that’s the case. As well, it’s a very frustrating movement to deal with given the shoddy grounds and willful ignorance it’s based on. Granted, “giving the other side a fair portrayal” is not the point of this book and I don't really expect that, especially given how hard it would be to achieve, But the way so much of this book is written, I doubt it would change any anti-vaxxer’s mind given how condescending it comes off. If that conversion’s not the point of the painstakingly drawn out explanations, I’m not sure what is.
All that said, the preachiness wouldn’t be a huge deal if it were more occasional. I could get over that even if those parts were a little boring. But given the short length of the novella format, this issue also gets in the way of there even being much book left to enjoy. The plot is very brief and has few actual plot points to it. When I thought about how little actually happens in the book, I was kind of surprised it took even the short two hours it took to read. The scenes that are there are often rushed. Much of the progression is achieved through sweeping summaries. Given the brevity and scarcity of actual in-scene storytelling, the characterization is left flimsy given the little time and attention allowed each character. I had some trouble remembering who was who because the story felt like it was taking a backseat to the grandstanding. This weakened some of the points in the story that had the potential to be much more powerful.
There were definitely some good aspects to this book. The plot that was there ended up being pretty cool with some nice twists that could’ve been even better if I’d had more time with the characters. Despite the preachiness, the characters, even the “good guys,” still manage to show more gray morality from time to time and some of the bigger character moments that did get screentime were pretty strong. With more subtlety and nuance, I think the themes could’ve been illustrated much better, but they are there and they are very important. I suppose one benefit of the preachiness is that the information is fairly clear and approachable. I imagine if you really are in the dark on this issue, this book could be helpful in explaining some of the big issues in this area, despite it being a work of fiction. In the end, there was still just too much that got in the way for me to enjoy this one that much. If you’re interested in a book exploring the medical horror of potential fallout from the anti-vaccination movement, you might enjoy this one. But for the most part, I’d say skip it. Mira Grant has several other books you’d probably enjoy more. After all, my biggest disappointment is that I know she can do a lot better.
I was provided an advanced copy by NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own.
March 26, 2023
Wow. I wish people opposed to vaccinating their children or vaccinating in general would read this. Bodily autonomy is discussed in an enlightening fashion. Published before Covid-19 broke out, which makes this an even more interesting read.
This is very good and scary. It sounds plausible and has an excellent ending. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and listened to this 3-hour audiobook in more or less one sitting.
This is the safe part of the book blurb, I recommend to avoid the rest:
“It begins with a fever. By the time the spots appear, it’s too late: Morris’s disease is loose on the world, and the bodies of the dead begin to pile high in the streets. When its terrible side consequences for the survivors become clear, something must be done, or the dying will never stop.“
This is very good and scary. It sounds plausible and has an excellent ending. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and listened to this 3-hour audiobook in more or less one sitting.
This is the safe part of the book blurb, I recommend to avoid the rest:
“It begins with a fever. By the time the spots appear, it’s too late: Morris’s disease is loose on the world, and the bodies of the dead begin to pile high in the streets. When its terrible side consequences for the survivors become clear, something must be done, or the dying will never stop.“
May 3, 2020
You know, you just don't expect to be in a position where you can criticize the realism of a pandemic story. I mean, this isn't our pandemic. It seems to have spread more quickly and is also more deadly, but still! I'm reading this like, wait, are they doing stay at home? Social distancing? It's not that clear since it's about the very beginning and then past the first wave.
So anyway, really, this gets 3 stars because there was too much to the ending and too many questions left unanswered.
Owned ebook 1/2 for the month
Overall owned book 1/5 for the month
So anyway, really, this gets 3 stars because there was too much to the ending and too many questions left unanswered.
Owned ebook 1/2 for the month
Overall owned book 1/5 for the month
August 23, 2021
As always, Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire has not failed to impress. This novella focuses on the possible consequences of the anti-vaccination movement. The story was terrifying because everything she wrote could actually happen. I wish this would have been a little longer so more details could have been fleshed out. Other than that, this was an interesting novella with relevant social commentary. If you are looking for a quick read, consider giving this a try.
September 7, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Mira Grant although I am from familiar with her other writings under the name Seanan MaGuire. I understood that Grant’s books leaned toward horror which is not a genre that I typically read, however I was intrigued by the description of a viral epidemic and how it disrupted, first Canada, and then the greater world in several waves of massive loss of life.
This is a fairly short book and I will try to avoid spoilers. The main character and her sisters suffer a loss in the very beginning of the story. The dynamics between the three sisters is complex and they are enmeshed both emotionally and politically. Seemingly at the center of the conflict is the question of bodily autonomy versus required vaccinations, yet a different underlying issue is foreshadowed and leads to a horrific twist at the end.
I found the characters well drawn and was glad I took a chance and tried a Mira Grant story. Thank you NetGalley!
This is a fairly short book and I will try to avoid spoilers. The main character and her sisters suffer a loss in the very beginning of the story. The dynamics between the three sisters is complex and they are enmeshed both emotionally and politically. Seemingly at the center of the conflict is the question of bodily autonomy versus required vaccinations, yet a different underlying issue is foreshadowed and leads to a horrific twist at the end.
I found the characters well drawn and was glad I took a chance and tried a Mira Grant story. Thank you NetGalley!
October 20, 2018
Kingdom of Needle and Bone belongs in the tradition of epidemic thrillers, always a favorite of mine for their medical neepery. In this story, a measles-like a virus (“Morris’s Disease”) results in a loss of immunity to all pathogens. Besides the illness itself, with its fever, rashes, and so forth, the patient’s immune system loses the ability to “remember” being exposed to any other infection. Therefore no immunization to any disease gives protection. The mortality rate from this disease is very high, but worse yet is that the survivors are left without the ability to fight off future infections of any type. The only way they can survive is by complete quarantine, which figures prominently in the story.
The story begins with journalistic descriptions of Patient Zero, her fatal illness, and the spread of the disease, which is highly contagious and easily spread by contact with inanimate objects such as door knobs. A more personal view of the unfolding catastrophe comes through the point of view of that child's aunt, Dr. Isabelle Gauley, a physician who later devises a strategy to save humankind from the epidemic. Some medical thrillers jump from one point of view to the next, showing the many different and varied experiences as characters either succumb to whatever plague has arisen or take part in finding a solution. By focusing on just one character who has a personal relationship to the first victim and who also has complicated relationships with other members of her family, Grant skillfully sets up the surprising twist at the end. Cataclysmic historical events — like the Black Plague of the 14th Century CE — affect multitudes but can be emotionally remote unless dramatized through the lives of individual characters. Grant achieves both the world-changing nature of a pandemic and the intimate journey and ultimate personal responsibility of a small set of characters.
One of the most interesting aspect of this story, a biting social commentary on public issues today, is the question of personal bodily autonomy. Widespread refusal to vaccinate children lowers herd immunity to the point that communicable diseases easily spread. We see that today in unprotected populations with outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. Faced with a high mortality rate from highly infectious Morris's Disease, public health authorities in Kingdom of Needle and Bone mandate immunization with rare medical exceptions. That raises the question about which principle takes precedence: the individual right of self-determination or the health and the very lives of the community, especially those who are immunocompromised and cannot be vaccinated. The central character, Dr. Gauley, argues:
“There are always going to be people who insist that vaccination is a personal choice, and that if we take that choice away, we must necessarily take other choices away — that the right to refuse a vaccine is the same as the right to refuse to donate a kidney, or the right to say that no one else is allowed to use your body as a life support system without your full and knowing consent.”
Following the principle of unintended consequences, pro-vaccination public health officials find themselves unwillingly allied with anti-abortion forces who see both as a violation of bodily autonomy. But where does personal liberty end and survival of the human species prevail?
This thoughtful medical thriller adds a nuanced moral perspective without bashing the reader over the head with any particular viewpoint, and while engaging the reader in a fast-paced, absorbing read.
The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book, but no one bribed me to say anything about it.
The story begins with journalistic descriptions of Patient Zero, her fatal illness, and the spread of the disease, which is highly contagious and easily spread by contact with inanimate objects such as door knobs. A more personal view of the unfolding catastrophe comes through the point of view of that child's aunt, Dr. Isabelle Gauley, a physician who later devises a strategy to save humankind from the epidemic. Some medical thrillers jump from one point of view to the next, showing the many different and varied experiences as characters either succumb to whatever plague has arisen or take part in finding a solution. By focusing on just one character who has a personal relationship to the first victim and who also has complicated relationships with other members of her family, Grant skillfully sets up the surprising twist at the end. Cataclysmic historical events — like the Black Plague of the 14th Century CE — affect multitudes but can be emotionally remote unless dramatized through the lives of individual characters. Grant achieves both the world-changing nature of a pandemic and the intimate journey and ultimate personal responsibility of a small set of characters.
One of the most interesting aspect of this story, a biting social commentary on public issues today, is the question of personal bodily autonomy. Widespread refusal to vaccinate children lowers herd immunity to the point that communicable diseases easily spread. We see that today in unprotected populations with outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. Faced with a high mortality rate from highly infectious Morris's Disease, public health authorities in Kingdom of Needle and Bone mandate immunization with rare medical exceptions. That raises the question about which principle takes precedence: the individual right of self-determination or the health and the very lives of the community, especially those who are immunocompromised and cannot be vaccinated. The central character, Dr. Gauley, argues:
“There are always going to be people who insist that vaccination is a personal choice, and that if we take that choice away, we must necessarily take other choices away — that the right to refuse a vaccine is the same as the right to refuse to donate a kidney, or the right to say that no one else is allowed to use your body as a life support system without your full and knowing consent.”
Following the principle of unintended consequences, pro-vaccination public health officials find themselves unwillingly allied with anti-abortion forces who see both as a violation of bodily autonomy. But where does personal liberty end and survival of the human species prevail?
This thoughtful medical thriller adds a nuanced moral perspective without bashing the reader over the head with any particular viewpoint, and while engaging the reader in a fast-paced, absorbing read.
The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book, but no one bribed me to say anything about it.
January 12, 2020
2.5 Stars
The infection premise initially appealed to me, but the execution of that story was underwhelming. The story is basically a thinly veiled criticism of the anti-vaccine movement. Even though I share most of the authors views on the subjects, I found the narrative annoyingly preachy. I would have preferred that the author wrote an essay on the subject rather than trying to create a fictional platform for her opinions. I typically enjoy Mira Grant’s stories, but this one did not work for me.
The infection premise initially appealed to me, but the execution of that story was underwhelming. The story is basically a thinly veiled criticism of the anti-vaccine movement. Even though I share most of the authors views on the subjects, I found the narrative annoyingly preachy. I would have preferred that the author wrote an essay on the subject rather than trying to create a fictional platform for her opinions. I typically enjoy Mira Grant’s stories, but this one did not work for me.
January 10, 2019
First book (novella) of 2019 finished in a few hours (the book is only slightly over 100 pages) and HOT DAMN! It was a good one! I have a small obsession with stories about viruses. Sometimes fictions about occurrences that could potentially become very real happenings are scarier than anything an author can cook up supernaturally! I am hoping Mira Grant takes a page out of her own killer mermaid book and writes a full book set in this world.
May 3, 2019
3.5⭐️
Its an epidemic and everyone is going to die.
It was good and interesting. Similar to into the drowning deep. You feel like you know more about a strange subject.
“Would Jesus want me to lie?
Pretty sure Jesus doesnt want us getting pocked with needles either”
“The human body uses to signal that something is wrong, it is time for precautions...”
“Thousands more were dead”
Its an epidemic and everyone is going to die.
It was good and interesting. Similar to into the drowning deep. You feel like you know more about a strange subject.
“Would Jesus want me to lie?
Pretty sure Jesus doesnt want us getting pocked with needles either”
“The human body uses to signal that something is wrong, it is time for precautions...”
“Thousands more were dead”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews