Machine Sickness

Eupocalypse #1

by Peri Dwyer Worrell

Oil Spills Aren't All It Eats…

Deirdre Davis, PhD, created the GMO bacterium to clean up oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.
But something's gone terribly wrong.

She thought she could trust her colleagues. But one of them corrupted the bacteria's DNA and now it's ravaging the planet. America's disintegrating in violence around her. Snatched by shady federal intelligence agents, she barely escapes with her life and sanity.

A handsome Texan aids her, but can she trust him? More important: can they make it alive to the secure science haven where she may find help in coping with the contagion?
And will they believe her when she gets there?

Download the edgy novel, Machine Sickness, described as "a cross between The Andromeda Strain and Walkaway," by sci-fi writer Peri Dwyer Worrell, and learn the answers right now!

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Peri grew up white on a Puerto Rican street in New York, gaining a keen appreciation of diversity, tolerance, and taking no crap from anyone. The author of novels, short stories, and poems, Peri uses her science degree to copy edit science manuscripts freelance, and watches a lot of Caribbean sunsets.

Reviews

[Francine Janse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot, very intriguing. Good storyline, kept you wanting more.The characters were interesting.

[NoNo JoJo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This novel has an amazing premise. A genetically-altered bacteria becomes capable of devouring all oil-based polymers on earth. How does this affect our society? What causes this change? And how can it be stopped?

Unfortunately, 2 of those 3 questions are never answered. We never learn how or why this happened, and no one makes any effort to stop it, like they would in a typical thriller. Rather, the government craps the bed and does a bunch of crazy stuff that in no way solves the problem (or makes any sense). Really, that's the backbone of the novel - characters acting irrationally and ending up in bizarre predicaments. Just about every aspect of this novel, from the unnecessary sex scenes, random coincidences bringing characters together and apart, overwrought villains murdering all their henchmen for no reason, an honest-to-god citation footnote of a real-life paper that a character mentions in dialogue (why????), random contradictions (character x says they can't get pregnant because of a medical condition, then get pregnant, and have a perfectly normal/healthy pregnancy, during which the medical condition never comes up again), characters appearing and disappearing for no reason (there are so many characters we see for a single POV chapter and then never again; or, worse, we see them multiple times and then they completely disappear from the narrative), weird undertones (the main character is kinda racist, evil black thugs show multiple times talking like cavemen, one of the villains is a sadist gay man) etc. etc. all suggest a fledgling novelist in grave need of an editor. So much of this story made no sense or was unnecessary. Donald Trump himself is sort of in this book, though he's always just called "POTUS" in the text (which is so distracting, why not just say the President??). Woof. I didn't really realize just how much weird stuff was in this novel until I listed it all out, but there it is. I'd advise any readers to give this one a pass, and would advise the author to hone her craft a bit longer before attempting to publish something. Don't rely on stereotypes, coincidences, and characters' stupidity to move your novel forward!

[Don Viecelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Book Review Number 163:

This review is on Machine Sickness, The Eupocalypse Series: Book 1 by Peri Dwyer Worrell. This is the first book I have read by this Sci-Fi author. It is a Sci-Fi apocalyptic suspense thriller set in the near future.

The main character is a microbiologist named Dierdre Davis currently living and working for the University in Tallahassee, Florida, which she describes in colorful detail. She is preparing for an important presentation to a potential new employer named Amrencorp in a few days in Houston, Texas. Her assistant is a young man named Tim, who treats visitors looking for Dierdre in a cold, but businesslike manner.

Dierdre is a well known researcher in xenobiotic degradation, which deals with oil spills. She has invented a new bacterium that cleans oil spills. Big oil companies have a great need for green technology for oil clean-up, which could save them a lot of money in future oil spills.

More characters are introduced as this story progresses that involve specialists in microorganisms. The reason for this soon becomes apparent. A specific bacterium called p-putida that normally grows in the soil is modified by Dierdre for use in oil spills.

Apparently, we learn there are bacteria living in the oceans that actually eat oil (hydrocarbons) and help clean up the ocean. Dierdre has modified a bacterium to work faster. Unfortunately, something goes wrong and the bacteria start to eat and disintegrate all products made from petroleum. Soon, the whole world is affected and begins to shut down.

I give this book Four Stars because the story is original, interesting and filled with detailed explanations. The plot moves slowly at first; then speeds up with different twists and turns that involve many different groups of people and locations. The characters are well developed and fit the story. There are a few explicit romantic scenes that involve Dierdre. The dialogue and writing style are good. Book 2 in this series will soon be available.

[Shania Roeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent story about microbiology gone wrong. I quite enjoyed this book and all of its science. A good read for any science fiction fan.

**I received a free review copy via Voracious Readers Only***

[Brittni Kitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad post apocalyptic read. Really gets you thinking about all the synthetics we use. It has a few to many pov for my taste, makes it a little hard to follow. It's heavy on the science, but it's all explained decently well to follow along. Not a light read, makes you think a bit throughout.

[Gemma Hilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book, it keeps you interested. A true page turner.

[Wesley Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Peri Dwyer Worrell's Eupocalypse Trilogy came out years before the Covid-19 plague, it's now impossible, for me, to read any apocalyptic tales without thinking how reality has changed the landscape for speculative, futuristic fiction. As I write that sort of stuff myself, I know reality has forever made it difficult not to compare what has actually happened with all the imaginative possibilities writers have been publishing for years and years.

Not that there are a lot of similarities between the Covid virus and the illness it inflicts on humanity and the artificially-engineered microbe Worrell imagines. While the microbe was intended to clean up ocean oil spills, the microbe gets out of hand and starts to spread planet-wide. It destroies anything with petroleum-based polymers. That includes anything plastic from shoe soles to wiring to asphalt-- leading to an international inability to communicate using modern technology or have working transportation; virtually every aspect of life is stripped to the barest of essentials.

The scientist who created the virus, the book's main character, is suspected of being a terrorist and is imprisoned before she can escape and find her way to one of the remote supposedly safe havens humans create to retain some remains of civilization. But as nearly every story of an apocalypse on earth has illustrated before, humanity would most likely revert to savage barbarism. Most likely, men would impose their will on women, roaming militia-style groups would take what they want from whomever has items or desirable goods, and people would probably congregate in small, well-guarded sanctuaries while they invent and create new ways to build new transportation machines, grow crops, and manufacture nearly anything and everything in new ways.

All of this, from the beginnings of the plague to the first responses to it to what evolves internationally is demonstrated in an increasingly wider and wider cast of characters who are vividly described, beginning with the tale's main protagonist, DD, the creator of the microbe. We see how people interact to the most basic of functions, like child-birth, and witness humanity break down into small entities based on the motives and needs of populations mostly in America and Africa. It's a panorama that expands and gets more involved to the point its obvious the story can't be contained in one volume. No, it's a trilogy with the sequels, Watch It Burn and Catallaxis already available for your reading pleasure. And mine.

Machine Sickness clearly falls into the "hard science" sub-genre of science-fiction, and is consequently frighteningly believable. The well-drawn characters are also believable, sometimes alluring, sometimes chilling. Because of the graphic violence and occasional sexuality, most older readers would view this book as not for young adults but, folks, times change. What you think young adults can handle these days has changed so much in recent years. Especially now with all of us learning what a pandemic can mean in every aspect of our lives. Strange to say a fictional apocalypse can be such an entertaining diversion from the world outside our individual quarantine zones. If I wasn't clear before, yes, I strongly recommend this book. Very good stuff very well told.


This review first appeared at BookPleasures.com on April 11, 2020 at:

https://waa.ai/TLIE

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3.9/ 5.
I really enjoyed the first book out of Peri Dwyer Worrell's Eupocalypse Trilogy and looking forward to reading the next 2 to find out where the story and its cast of characters end up.
Summary: Dierdre Davis (DD) is a microbiologist who’s recently left academia to head up a research laboratory in industry following her patented creation of a bacteria which could clean up oil spills in an environmentally friendly manner. Unbeknownst to DD, the cultures used to create these bacteria were contaminated, and the bacteria was now eating all the plastics in the world, causing complete technological and social collapse. With the government after her (thinking she’s a bioterrorist), DD enlisted the help of new and old friends who lived in a commune to invent new ways of doing things (e.g. creating renewable power for electricity), and at the same time, repair her relationship with her estranged daughter.
As I was reading, I kept thinking about how much of modern life is made from plastics and how much we rely on petroleum to function. But in the event such a cataclysm as described in Machine Sickness occurs, I’m glad I share the author’s optimism in humanity (or at least what I’ve managed to extrapolate) when she writes, “Unknown to them, everywhere on the planet, individuals: were tinkering and fiddling, gabbing and suggesting, testing and experimenting, with new ways to make things function, to survive and thrive…ideas had life of their own and could not be held back, but found a way to trickle through the mesh of connections between the nodes of light known as humans.”
Additionally, I enjoyed the philosophical discussions members of the commune had re: violence vs. pacifism when raiders began to attack the commune. Is it practical to stick to pacifist ideals when one’s physical safety is at stake? I’d like to think I’d compromise on such beliefs and would defend myself (and my community) if necessary.
Philosophical discussions aside, I truly enjoyed the realistic plot (thank you to the author for including the links of real events and real technologies being developed that this trilogy was inspired by). The writing was well-paced and characters well-written, particularly DD and other STEM researchers.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Machine Sickness from Voracious Readers Only.

[Maria Logan-Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine having too much of a very good thing, such as a bacterium that devours the oil from oil spills. Well, not too much, exactly, but one that is too good at what it does. What if that particular bacterium also dissolves any and all petroleum products? That’s what happened in this suspenseful sci-fi novel, Machine Sickness, by Peri Dwyer Worrell. The book is part one in the series "Eupocalypse".

I have a science background which I believe made the book even more interesting to me. Still, I had no idea so many of the things we use daily are, or contain, polymers made from petroleum. These are things we take for granted without considering their chemical composition. The book is enlightening, and it is frightening to consider whether this could actually happen.

Like many authors, Ms. Worrell shares her political and philosophical views through her characters’ discussions and arguments:

DD, (the main character) “…was used to the perpetual budget starvation of academia, where the football coach lived in a mansion… and everyone else learned to clip coupons and amuse themselves at free concerts in the park.”
The U.S. President is married to an “elegant model” and is a billionaire who one character suspects “…was silently scheming to use this emergency to get his hands back on the reins of his multinational business empire…” and who has a tendency to “…erupt into one of his face-saving tirades…”
Another character muses that, “Ultimately, all pacifists benefit from the protection of those who aren’t pacifists.”
The story flows smoothly, and the characters step right off the page, yet one thing about the writing is a bit cumbersome. The habit of almost never using the word “had”, and instead saying “…she’d her feet to attend to…” or  “...If she'd to smooth over a few ruffled feathers...” throughout the book was bothersome. At first, it caused me to stumble over passages, and to have to re-read them. Later, I simply found it annoying, especially in the voice of the narrator who should have better communication skills.

I read Machine Sickness at the request of the author, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a wonderful story that could use a better editor or proofreader. If you like a good suspense novel, you will enjoy it. If you like a good science-related suspense novel, you will love it. I know I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series. 

What Makes This Reviewer Grumpy?

Consistently used “further” instead of “farther” – in American English they are not interchangeable;
verb tense disagreement: “All he could do is…”;
missing commas;
>using the former name “Andrews Air Force Base” – since 2009 it has been “Joint Base Andrews”;
improper verb usage: “showed” in place of “shown”, and “sewed” in place of “sewn”, “come” in place of “go”, “bringing” in place of “taking”;
beginning sentences with conjunctions.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Voracious Readers Only for my copy of this interesting sci-fi/post apocalyptic novel.

What could be more relevant right now than a novel about a pandemic spreading exponentially and contaminating the entire world? Scientists construct bacteria that clears up oil spills, but only too late do they realise that it doesn't just consume oil but anything with a polymer base - anything remotely plastic is vulnerable. Little does humanity realise how much this will impact day to day life. Cars no longer work, phones are out of use, electricity is long gone. People are wandering the streets as their synthetic clothes disintegrate, reverted to primordial man without any ideas how to fix things.

This novel had a really interesting idea underpinning it and is relevant not only due to its themes of a terrifying pandemic but also it highlighted the unsustainable role that plastics play in everyday life. I was a little disappointed to see originality that the storyline initially had transform into something of a dystopia trope. Considering the science was so well thought out and explained in the opening chapters, I would have enjoyed a little more development of seeing how the world would either rid itself of the bacteria or learn to live symbiotically with it.

This said, Peri Dwyer Worrell has really set the scene for any future novels and I look forward to seeing what sort of Mad Max-esque adventures ensue.

[Amanda Hallam-Taillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Machine Sickness

I enjoyed this book. It has a very creative and thought-provoking premise, and I will likely read the rest of the series.

I did find parts of the plot very abrupt, which made my brain stop and think ‘Wait, where did THAT come from? Did I miss something?’ And a few minor errors that will hopefully get caught by someone and fixed.

Upon finishing I felt like... ‘That’s it? But the story isn’t wrapped up yet!’ It sort of felt like the story got all laid out.... the end? I am working with the assumption that the unfinished feeling will be fulfilled in the sequels. More of A Book in Three Parts than a series- we shall see.

The science and dumbing it down for general consumption (ie me) was well done imo. One really starts to see how plastics and polymers are present in so many things essential to our existence as we know it.

Should I come across the other two books in this series I’ll likely read them, as I really would like to know what happens to the world, and also to the individual characters who I was starting to feel connected to. I’d like to see how all the strands come together to wrap it up. I would put this book on my recommend shelf for certain readers.

*i received a copy of this book for review through the Voracious Readers Club*

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via voracious readers in return for an honest review.

When I started reading this book I was a little worried, is seemed slow and needed a bit too much concentration, then I reached chapter 3 (they are very short chapters) and was suddenly hooked.

I will always enjoy a good post apocalypse book but I especially like those that offer sequels so you can follow the lives of the survivors past the initial disaster.

Well Machine Sickness is different to most books of this genre, almost everyone is a survivor as the lethal bacteria released on the world is not killing humans but it is eating any substance that is derived from oil, so all plastics, fibreglass, petrol, glue, rubber, clothing ..... the list goes on and as you read this book is becomes quickly apparent life as we know it had ended. No more internet, phones, electicity, fuel for transport it all needs to be reinvented using natural materials.

The only part that didn't really work for me was the injected occasional 'dad joke' I think when they are delivered in text they don't have the same groan quality and didn't add anything to the read although a good attempt at showing these characters as humourous in the face of world catastrophe.

A great twist on a favorite genre, easy to read and fast moving so you have trouble finding a spot to put the book down.

[Bradley West · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the pieces present for a blockbuster, but assembly was faulty.

Machine Sickness is written with intelligence and imagination. There's a very clever premise behind it all, namely the escape (or perversion) of a microbe that, instead of eating only oil spills, devours all petrochemicals . . . which pretty much destroys modern civilization. There's enough scientific knowledge on display to satisfy the Sci-Fi fans, a strong female lead and an array of bad people, dystopian landscapes and action sequences to provide all the ingredients of a winning combination.

I'm not certain what happened to spoil the mix for me, but the last half of the book really dragged. That's a sure sign that all is not well, as the first half is where the new characters and subplots can slow things down only to have the back end run along at a reckless pace. The good guys end up gathered at a hippie commune and there they stay more or less without any action until almost the very end. Then the heroine is overruled by the hostess who allows the chief bad guy access to the sanctuary and we have the scene set for the final showdown. I found it a tough book to rate.

I was given a free copy by the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Science Fiction that features scenarios that are within the realm of possibility, this book is for you. Through exciting action and interesting characters, we are introduced to two possible dilemmas. First, what are the ethics and outcomes of genetic engineering? Can changing an organism (especially a quickly reproducing microorganism) really lead to a good outcome? The second thought to ponder is what would happen if we no longer had fossil fuels and petroleum based products. We are more reliant on these things than we think! No matter which side you are on concerning these issues, these are important points to ponder. You will enjoy joining Dr. D.D. Davis and the other characters in their journey through the difficult new world brought about through microbiological experimentation. The only thing that disappointed me was the ending. I felt that ends were tied up too quickly, and I felt a little lost in some of the scenes, and didn't really feel a sense of closure. Overall, though, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi read, and to general readers who may be new to the genre. (I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers.com

[Kate Sibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bacterium is developed to help clear up the world's oil spills at a fraction of the cost. But mutations lead it to start to devour all the products of the oil industry worldwide.

Machine Sickness is a post-apocalyptic view of how science can go wrong. Deirdre Davis is the scientist that develops the new strain of Pseudomonas putida. This would allow for a greener way to clear up oil spills. But it starts to attack and breakdown anything that originates from crude oil. Most of the story is set after this cataclysm and reflects on how much humanity is reliant on this fossil fuel.

This was an enjoyable read. I thought the characters were well written, including the very punchable Tim. I admit I did have a sly giggle at some of the science (very much my field) but realise that it is extremely hard to convey some complex theory is layman's terms. It was well done. I will look out for more books in this series.

I received a free copy from the Author via Voracious Readers only in exchange for an honest review

[Starla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. What would happen if all the plastic polymers in the world started to disintegrate? Wires, pipes, tires, clothes... it's incredible to think of, and frightening to think it actually could happen. I liked how the story evolved. There was a lot of scientific talk, but it was all explained clearly enough that a layperson could easily catch on. It's not a light, fluffy read. It will make you think. There was also a lot of backstory that was alluded to, but not necessarily explained. I feel that more about the backstory will come out in future books, as some of it started leaking out via thoughts and memories later in the book. I think it was pretty well done, shocking in some places, and I would be interested in reading more.

Please note I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different approach to a post apocalyptic story. The characters are really descent and the author put some good thought into their development throughout the entire plot. Though I'm really not a fan of switching POVs between too many characters, but that is more of a personal preference. It is a very in depth read, something that will having you thinking constantly from beginning to end. Most books can't pull that off but this author does it in a way that doesn't push it on the reader but makes the reader want to think about the plot of the book and how it can be compared to our modern world.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different approach to a post apocalyptic story. The characters are really descent and the author put some good thought into their development throughout the entire plot. Though I'm really not a fan of switching POVs between too many characters, but that is more of a personal preference. It is a very in depth read, something that will having you thinking constantly from beginning to end. Most books can't pull that off but this author does it in a way that doesn't push it on the reader but makes the reader want to think about the plot of the book and how it can be compared to our modern world.

[Josie ❃The Bubbly Book Reviewer❃ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-turning, realistic, fast-paced, thought-provoking.

A great story that pulled me in from start to finish. I love that this book can be read as a stand-alone, but also draws you into wanting to read book number 2. I will certainly be buying the next book in this series, because I love the potential this new world has.

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes medical/ environmental thrillers or post-apocalyptic storyline’s. You don’t need to be a scientist to follow the information about the biological agents used.

I would like to thank "Voracious Readers Only" and author Peri Dwyer Worrell for my complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Charlotte Jonassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classified as science fiction, this first "Eupocalypse" book is based on the use of microbiology and its side effects when used to combat the effects of an environment contaminated by oil spills and polymers.
I found this book both enlightening, and concerning in consideration of what we are facing on planet earth. The fact that something like this could actually happen is frightening; we are far from prepared!
I thoroughly enjoyed my complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Jayde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently signed up to a site (Voracious Readers Only)that sends free ebooks and this is the first one from the site that caught my eye. Initially I struggled with the first few pages and thought it might be too scientific with its explanations but once into it, I couldn’t put down. This was an interesting idea and makes you think about how much we use plastics in everyday things... I would defo consider reading from this author again and will be looking at the next book.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
It’s a really interesting concept and different from a lot of apocalyptic novels I’ve read in the past. Less death and destruction more human interaction and effort to pull together. I have to say though despite the fact that this book was well written with good characters and was well paced, my favourite parts were the really bad jokes!

[Trinity Waddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review through Voracious Readers Only

Another fabulous book that I've been sent to review. Fast paced and exciting. At times, the science was maybe a little above my head but thoroughly enjoyed the whole storyline. Characters were great. Loved DD. Strong confident females are my favourite type of Characters. Great action and a fantastic premise. Would make a good apocalyptic thriller movie. Thanks for an excellent read!

[Adam · Rating 1 out of 5]

just your typical jewish feminist propaganda. there's nothing less interesting than a jewish woman's opinion on feminism, diversity, and globalism, yet the market is saturated with this unoriginal crap. i'd rather stab out my eyeballs with a fork. she's just regurgitating corporate propaganda. it's so pathetically transparent.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this book! a new and unique? post-apocalyptic scenario. The science is fascinating, but still in layman's terms, and the ideas people come up with technologically are phenomenal. I love how people work together and deal with the bad and evil that remains. It may be the end of the old world, but it looks to be a better new world.

[Donna King]

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was fantastic in that author described everything so well you felt that you were right there in the situation with the characters. This type of novel also makes you wonder - "What If" something similar should happen would we be able to handle it. Can't wait to read Book 2.

[David Laflin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found this a little hard going to begin with, I came to enjoy it eventually.
I did like the way the chapters were kept short which made it easier to read.
A well thought out plot and a story that focussed on the creative ability of people to survive in a crisis. It's so relevant to the times we are living in.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bacteria that eat oil spills would be a good thing, right? Find out what happens when you have too much of a good thing. Hard science, romance, and some very good writing combine in this exploration of a world in which plastic is doomed. Will civilization go down with it?

[Haley Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I didn’t get into this book, but later in the story I really enjoyed it! It’s got surprises and moments that are really good. There is a lot of jumping around which can be a little confusing. Through and through, it’s a good start to the next book.

[Teresa Mullinax · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book on voracious Readers Only. It was okay. Because the author just had to throw in the sex stuff I can't share with younger people who might really enjoy the story. Otherwise a decent apocalypse and survival story.