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Decimation #2
Termination: The Boy Who Died
Antimone Lessing returns in book two of the ground-breaking Decimation trilogy
Nearly twenty years after the Orestes virus swept across the earth, finally there is hope. Women are no longer dying within seconds of giving birth. For the first time in two decades, the global population is on an upward trend.
As the world returns to normal, Antimone is back on the athletics track and a single race away from achieving her lifetime goal of winning the Olympic 1500-metre Wheelchair gold medal.
But a deadly new threat has emerged, one that could reverse the fragile recovery and spell the end of humanity’s time on the planet. Could Antimone’s unique biology once again provide the vital clue to develop a cure?
When the details of her past become exposed, ruthless forces prepare an audacious plan to kidnap the first woman in a generation to survive childbirth. Now, the only hope for her survival and that of her young family may rest with the one person she trusts least in the world.
Nearly twenty years after the Orestes virus swept across the earth, finally there is hope. Women are no longer dying within seconds of giving birth. For the first time in two decades, the global population is on an upward trend.
As the world returns to normal, Antimone is back on the athletics track and a single race away from achieving her lifetime goal of winning the Olympic 1500-metre Wheelchair gold medal.
But a deadly new threat has emerged, one that could reverse the fragile recovery and spell the end of humanity’s time on the planet. Could Antimone’s unique biology once again provide the vital clue to develop a cure?
When the details of her past become exposed, ruthless forces prepare an audacious plan to kidnap the first woman in a generation to survive childbirth. Now, the only hope for her survival and that of her young family may rest with the one person she trusts least in the world.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2021
86 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 16, 2021
Twenty years after a deadly virus sweeps the earth, women are no longer dying after giving birth. As the world returns to normal, Antimone Lessing’s Olympic hopes rest on the athletics track in the 1500-metre wheelchair gold medal. But Antimone has attracted the attention of a foreign power – one that knows how important the young athlete’s unique biology could be. When bombs are set off in the Olympic stadium, the ensuing chaos masks the activities of a small group who claim to be helping Antimone and her family escape. In the meantime, Antimone’s old adversary Rosalind Baxter is offered an interesting deal by the Prime Minister. But Rosalind wants something in return…
This is book two of the Decimation trilogy, picking up the story twenty years after the Orestes virus created havoc across the globe. Though I haven’t read the first book (Decimation: The Girl Who Survived), it wasn’t hard to get into the story. There’s also a handy recap on the plot at the beginning. The plot itself is an interesting one that has many similarities to our current Covid situation. However, the difference here is in some ways far more frightening in its possibilities. The level of detail too, gives it a realistic feel along with the machinations of world leaders, which works well. There’s also a fairly hefty cast of characters who keep the story simmering away as the plot unfolds and the various factions fight to get the upper hand. One thing I did wonder about was the instances of repeated dialogue – several characters relate information we have already been told, and while some authors (yes, Dan Brown, I mean you) think it’s vital to repeat everything ten times, most readers don’t need to be told twice.
I do have one technical niggle relating to the copy of the book that I read – the paperback starts on an even-numbered page, which, considering every other printed book in the English language starts on an odd-numbered page, suggests a lack of knowledge about publishing.
For the most part, though, this is a clever, thought-provoking and slightly scary book that has an inventiveness to it that’s not often seen.
This is book two of the Decimation trilogy, picking up the story twenty years after the Orestes virus created havoc across the globe. Though I haven’t read the first book (Decimation: The Girl Who Survived), it wasn’t hard to get into the story. There’s also a handy recap on the plot at the beginning. The plot itself is an interesting one that has many similarities to our current Covid situation. However, the difference here is in some ways far more frightening in its possibilities. The level of detail too, gives it a realistic feel along with the machinations of world leaders, which works well. There’s also a fairly hefty cast of characters who keep the story simmering away as the plot unfolds and the various factions fight to get the upper hand. One thing I did wonder about was the instances of repeated dialogue – several characters relate information we have already been told, and while some authors (yes, Dan Brown, I mean you) think it’s vital to repeat everything ten times, most readers don’t need to be told twice.
I do have one technical niggle relating to the copy of the book that I read – the paperback starts on an even-numbered page, which, considering every other printed book in the English language starts on an odd-numbered page, suggests a lack of knowledge about publishing.
For the most part, though, this is a clever, thought-provoking and slightly scary book that has an inventiveness to it that’s not often seen.
March 28, 2021
Book 2 of the trilogy continues the story of Antimone, Jason and their child. His mother figure, Mrs Baxter, makes an appearance too, and she is still as evil as in book 1.
Antimone is in a wheelchair race, racing against Ava, who comes from North Africa. Suddenly, their lives are completely upended. They end up in a frightening place where very scary things happen to them and to others around them. There is another baddie who makes an appearance too and he is so nasty that I just want to slap his face! That smug confidence always does it to me. Clearly, this author has a gift for weaving stories and getting the emotional balance about right.
I don’t want to say too much more as I don’t want to give the plot away but this is a thrilling and sometimes confronting novel. I am very glad to have read it and I am waiting with bated breath for the last book in the trilogy.
5 stars from me.
Antimone is in a wheelchair race, racing against Ava, who comes from North Africa. Suddenly, their lives are completely upended. They end up in a frightening place where very scary things happen to them and to others around them. There is another baddie who makes an appearance too and he is so nasty that I just want to slap his face! That smug confidence always does it to me. Clearly, this author has a gift for weaving stories and getting the emotional balance about right.
I don’t want to say too much more as I don’t want to give the plot away but this is a thrilling and sometimes confronting novel. I am very glad to have read it and I am waiting with bated breath for the last book in the trilogy.
5 stars from me.
January 22, 2024
This book is more disturbing than the description might lead you to think. The mutation of the Orestes virus is shocking and appalling. The kidnapping and treatment of our small group of protagonists is extremely unpleasant. Our woman villain proves to have a conscience of sorts, our male villain is despicable, the action is compelling throughout and complemented by politics and a brutal regime. A well written story.
April 29, 2021
As great as the first in the series!
This is a fast-paced and thrilling follow up to Decimation, but the story holds its own as a standalone. We re-join Antimone and her family. She is competing in the Olympics and hopes for the gold medal.
But a new threat emerges and Antimone again becomes a pawn in a global race to save the planet, with criminals ahead of the game.
I read this in two days and can’t wait for the third in the series.
This is a fast-paced and thrilling follow up to Decimation, but the story holds its own as a standalone. We re-join Antimone and her family. She is competing in the Olympics and hopes for the gold medal.
But a new threat emerges and Antimone again becomes a pawn in a global race to save the planet, with criminals ahead of the game.
I read this in two days and can’t wait for the third in the series.
May 17, 2021
Here is the second book in this trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, but in case you want a little insight into how everything had got to this point, the author has done a great re-cap at the start of the book.
It is strange times, we now live in, with covid still taking its toll on our daily lives, but it does give this book a more believable edge to it now. A terrible virus triggered the deaths of millions of women, once they had given birth. Time, luck and a ruthless determination were finally bringing it all under control. But again, with eerie parallels of today. Not all the countries in the world had been able to afford the cure, with mutations becoming a huge concern.
Although most of the world had got the go-ahead to resume some level of normality, not everyone was willing to jump back into their old lives so quickly. The Olympic games hadn’t drawn the expected crowds, but that turns into a blessing with what happens.
The central core characters are brought together terrifyingly. This time there weren’t any surprises amongst them. The stakes just seemed more personal now than ever. There is never a shortage of bad guys in this second book, who are even more ruthless than I had witnessed before. Some of the chapters were hard to read, so very heart-breaking.
I liked the edgy chapters, which made my pulse pick up, in the latter chapters especially. Great characters, both old and new, This story is far from over. I can’t wait for the conclusion in the third book.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
It is strange times, we now live in, with covid still taking its toll on our daily lives, but it does give this book a more believable edge to it now. A terrible virus triggered the deaths of millions of women, once they had given birth. Time, luck and a ruthless determination were finally bringing it all under control. But again, with eerie parallels of today. Not all the countries in the world had been able to afford the cure, with mutations becoming a huge concern.
Although most of the world had got the go-ahead to resume some level of normality, not everyone was willing to jump back into their old lives so quickly. The Olympic games hadn’t drawn the expected crowds, but that turns into a blessing with what happens.
The central core characters are brought together terrifyingly. This time there weren’t any surprises amongst them. The stakes just seemed more personal now than ever. There is never a shortage of bad guys in this second book, who are even more ruthless than I had witnessed before. Some of the chapters were hard to read, so very heart-breaking.
I liked the edgy chapters, which made my pulse pick up, in the latter chapters especially. Great characters, both old and new, This story is far from over. I can’t wait for the conclusion in the third book.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
June 7, 2021
Loved the first one and loved this one as well, where the intrigue and questions posed about modern medicine and the ethics of some of those involved. A brilliantly told story charting the creation and subsequent mutations of the Orestes virus.
The characters are well-rounded and cleverly thought out, with locations which are familiar yet are mere figments of the author's imagination. Would and will recommend to anyone
The characters are well-rounded and cleverly thought out, with locations which are familiar yet are mere figments of the author's imagination. Would and will recommend to anyone
June 2, 2021
This book sent my head spinning even more than part 1 - such a good story.
Whilst this book focuses on Antimone and her son Paul, it also tells the story from the other characters a little more which I really enjoyed. Introducing a wider world, a kidnapping and various governments, it opened up the story.
As the first book was so fast paced, I was interested to see how this would be, and the pace didn't drop. It was great - did mean I read it very quickly as I always had to read the next bit to find out what happened.
As with the first book, there were a few bits that made me feel uncomfortable; the children that were tested. One of the first scenes of the children - I felt that was a really powerful scene. These books have been one of the first books I've read in a while that made me think these things could happen; which is a disturbing thought!
Great read - when is book 3 out?!
Whilst this book focuses on Antimone and her son Paul, it also tells the story from the other characters a little more which I really enjoyed. Introducing a wider world, a kidnapping and various governments, it opened up the story.
As the first book was so fast paced, I was interested to see how this would be, and the pace didn't drop. It was great - did mean I read it very quickly as I always had to read the next bit to find out what happened.
As with the first book, there were a few bits that made me feel uncomfortable; the children that were tested. One of the first scenes of the children - I felt that was a really powerful scene. These books have been one of the first books I've read in a while that made me think these things could happen; which is a disturbing thought!
Great read - when is book 3 out?!
November 21, 2021
Once again the clock is ticking in this exciting sequel to Decimation . The story continues in another page turner .
January 16, 2024
A Great Follow up
Book 2 does not disappoint. This is a terrific second installment of Richard Burke 's story. The intriguing and excitement build right up to the very end. I'm starting the third book now!
Book 2 does not disappoint. This is a terrific second installment of Richard Burke 's story. The intriguing and excitement build right up to the very end. I'm starting the third book now!
April 4, 2021
It's an exciting and fast paced thriller that follows an attempt to find a cure for a virus that's killing off the children of a rogue state. The State's religious leader instigates a kidnapping plot in order to find that cure, while trying to hold the UK to ransom. But inner fighting among the westerners only makes the situation worse. An interesting cast of characters drive this novel to it's final showdown.
March 24, 2022
Lazy Writing, Not Worth Your Time
I enjoyed the first book. It did a great job world building, the story was interesting, and at times the book was even clever.
Did the second book even have an editor? Because the author had two words to describe any unpleasant smell; "acrid," and occasionally "musty." Except for the time he gave up and used "foul-smelling," and then "acrid" again. This is just one example of multiple issues that made this book undeserving of the label "thriller." So many little inconsistencies and repetitive descriptions jerks you out of the flow of reading.
Characters are so cardboard that when a main one is killed, it elicits no reaction. But [spoiler] not dead, because a scientist with enough medical knowledge to help develop a cure for a deadly disease can't tell the difference between a superficial head wound and a killing impact. And a military man who has seen plenty of death, including the *exact same wound* this character is supposed to have sustained, doesn't even check for a pulse. Really?
Author drags a 3 year old kid into a dangerous situation, and then just has him fall asleep at the drop of a hat (nope, not a medical condition) whenever it's convenient to not have to deal with a kid. Said kid then sleeps, not drugged, not wounded, through a gunfire, scream-ridden, car-crashing escape, just being hauled around as dead weight. Disbelief can only suspended so much.
And the plot didn't even support the kid needing to be there, aside from artificially inflating the emotional stakes; and the author couldn't even pull that off. How bad at writing do you have to be that you can't even make a mother reader worried for a child under threat?
Every side character that becomes inconvenient to the rest of the plot is just killed. A high body count does not a "thriller" make; nor does lots of guns and shooting. If you have to use a bomb, you've checked out and aren't really trying.
I'm wondering if all the effusive reviews are from carry-over from the first book?
Because this follow-up certainly doesn't deserve it.
I enjoyed the first book. It did a great job world building, the story was interesting, and at times the book was even clever.
Did the second book even have an editor? Because the author had two words to describe any unpleasant smell; "acrid," and occasionally "musty." Except for the time he gave up and used "foul-smelling," and then "acrid" again. This is just one example of multiple issues that made this book undeserving of the label "thriller." So many little inconsistencies and repetitive descriptions jerks you out of the flow of reading.
Characters are so cardboard that when a main one is killed, it elicits no reaction. But [spoiler] not dead, because a scientist with enough medical knowledge to help develop a cure for a deadly disease can't tell the difference between a superficial head wound and a killing impact. And a military man who has seen plenty of death, including the *exact same wound* this character is supposed to have sustained, doesn't even check for a pulse. Really?
Author drags a 3 year old kid into a dangerous situation, and then just has him fall asleep at the drop of a hat (nope, not a medical condition) whenever it's convenient to not have to deal with a kid. Said kid then sleeps, not drugged, not wounded, through a gunfire, scream-ridden, car-crashing escape, just being hauled around as dead weight. Disbelief can only suspended so much.
And the plot didn't even support the kid needing to be there, aside from artificially inflating the emotional stakes; and the author couldn't even pull that off. How bad at writing do you have to be that you can't even make a mother reader worried for a child under threat?
Every side character that becomes inconvenient to the rest of the plot is just killed. A high body count does not a "thriller" make; nor does lots of guns and shooting. If you have to use a bomb, you've checked out and aren't really trying.
I'm wondering if all the effusive reviews are from carry-over from the first book?
Because this follow-up certainly doesn't deserve it.
June 8, 2021
Another action-packed adventure which I can absolutely see being made into a successful movie. It's four years since I read the first novel in this trilogy but Richard T. Burke cleverly provides sufficient detail to recap its plot without becoming tiresome.
The pace is relentless and the action thick and fast. Loyalties shift and secrets abound. Threats, revenge and violence are never far away.
I didn't warm to the characters in this story quite as much as in the first. I may well be in a minority of one when I say I found the same flaw as in the Harry Potter series. Namely, that the 'goodies' perform actions which the 'baddies' are castigated for, but it's ok because they're the 'goodies'. Some of the self-centred moral choices simply took my breath away.
So how did the science measure up? After all, most readers are much more knowledgeable about virology in 2021 than we were a couple of years ago. There are explanations but we shouldn't expect to understand the state of the art as the novel is set in the foreign country of the future (2036). I did wish I could understand the perspective of the virus - how can it benefit its species by killing a host so very fast? Some of the technology described is very cool and the traditional scientific method is still the gold standard.
It's a fast and exciting read. Having read the first two parts, I certainly will look forward to the final one.
The pace is relentless and the action thick and fast. Loyalties shift and secrets abound. Threats, revenge and violence are never far away.
I didn't warm to the characters in this story quite as much as in the first. I may well be in a minority of one when I say I found the same flaw as in the Harry Potter series. Namely, that the 'goodies' perform actions which the 'baddies' are castigated for, but it's ok because they're the 'goodies'. Some of the self-centred moral choices simply took my breath away.
So how did the science measure up? After all, most readers are much more knowledgeable about virology in 2021 than we were a couple of years ago. There are explanations but we shouldn't expect to understand the state of the art as the novel is set in the foreign country of the future (2036). I did wish I could understand the perspective of the virus - how can it benefit its species by killing a host so very fast? Some of the technology described is very cool and the traditional scientific method is still the gold standard.
It's a fast and exciting read. Having read the first two parts, I certainly will look forward to the final one.
June 6, 2021
Termination starts three years down the line from Book 1, Decimation, and there is a helpful re-cap at the start of the book.
The action starts immediately when a bomb goes off at the Olympic Games where Antimone was about to achieve her lifelong dream of winning the wheelchair race.
Antimone, Jason and their child along with the reprehensible Rosalind Baxter and the villainous rapist, Max Perrin then get caught up in the world and politics of an African nation led by an aggressive tin-pot dictator.
As the world looks for a cure for the Orestes virus, now mutated to a more lethal strain, our protagonists must find a way to survive and escape their captors.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once over 45% into the story I found it hard to put down.
Rosalind Baxter's character is better fleshed out but I found it difficult to see how Max had evolved to be so evil. I was also a little uncomfortable with the portrayal of the African dictator and his commanders who appeared to me to be somewhat stereotyped.
However, all in all this is an exciting well written novel and I would recommend it to those who love thrillers, post-apocalyptic fiction.
The action starts immediately when a bomb goes off at the Olympic Games where Antimone was about to achieve her lifelong dream of winning the wheelchair race.
Antimone, Jason and their child along with the reprehensible Rosalind Baxter and the villainous rapist, Max Perrin then get caught up in the world and politics of an African nation led by an aggressive tin-pot dictator.
As the world looks for a cure for the Orestes virus, now mutated to a more lethal strain, our protagonists must find a way to survive and escape their captors.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once over 45% into the story I found it hard to put down.
Rosalind Baxter's character is better fleshed out but I found it difficult to see how Max had evolved to be so evil. I was also a little uncomfortable with the portrayal of the African dictator and his commanders who appeared to me to be somewhat stereotyped.
However, all in all this is an exciting well written novel and I would recommend it to those who love thrillers, post-apocalyptic fiction.
June 10, 2021
Termination by Richard Burke is the sequel to Decimation.
Antimone, Jason and Paul have settled into family life. Antimone has achieved her dream of representing the UK at the Paralympic games in Glasgow. For a second time though, her chance of bringing home a medal is hampered and she finds herself in another life threatening situation.
I really enjoyed reading these books. Antimone is a brave new kind of main character. The plot develops at a rapid pace and there is no room for boredom. The characters are extremely well written and each have complex backgrounds and challenges to face. World building happens on the fly, the reader gets a good grasp of this dystopian leaning new world set in the not so distant future.
This series combines a number of genres but it has an overall feel of a fast paced thriller with dystopian undertones.
The author brings many unique ideas and facets to a very popular genre. I particularly liked the inclusiveness of these books and the fact, that the main character will appeal to differently abled readers.
Antimone, Jason and Paul have settled into family life. Antimone has achieved her dream of representing the UK at the Paralympic games in Glasgow. For a second time though, her chance of bringing home a medal is hampered and she finds herself in another life threatening situation.
I really enjoyed reading these books. Antimone is a brave new kind of main character. The plot develops at a rapid pace and there is no room for boredom. The characters are extremely well written and each have complex backgrounds and challenges to face. World building happens on the fly, the reader gets a good grasp of this dystopian leaning new world set in the not so distant future.
This series combines a number of genres but it has an overall feel of a fast paced thriller with dystopian undertones.
The author brings many unique ideas and facets to a very popular genre. I particularly liked the inclusiveness of these books and the fact, that the main character will appeal to differently abled readers.
June 6, 2021
This is the second of the trilogy and follows Antimones journey after her escape from Rosalind's facility.
Antimone is at the start line ready for her olympic race and her son Paul and his father are in the crowd watching, people are still wary of the virus that killed lots of women in the past so the crowds are smaller than usual. Then there is an explosion!
Antimone and her child and his father are caught up in a global argument about the virus.The horrible conditions that they are put in were hard to read but I couldn't help but keep reading as the plot was very compelling. It's very hard to write a review without giving away spoilers so I will just say you can't help but understand the reason there is a desparation to the rush for a cure for all even if you don't agree with the road they take to get it.
I did enjoy this book very much and will read the conclusion as I am sure there will be one.
Antimone is at the start line ready for her olympic race and her son Paul and his father are in the crowd watching, people are still wary of the virus that killed lots of women in the past so the crowds are smaller than usual. Then there is an explosion!
Antimone and her child and his father are caught up in a global argument about the virus.The horrible conditions that they are put in were hard to read but I couldn't help but keep reading as the plot was very compelling. It's very hard to write a review without giving away spoilers so I will just say you can't help but understand the reason there is a desparation to the rush for a cure for all even if you don't agree with the road they take to get it.
I did enjoy this book very much and will read the conclusion as I am sure there will be one.
February 14, 2022
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series. It was as good as the first one in my opinion and hopefully the final one will be equally as enjoyable and tie up everything nicely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series. It was as good as the first one in my opinion and hopefully the final one will be equally as enjoyable and tie up everything nicely.
September 22, 2022
well written follow up to the first story
Really enjoying this series of books, characters are well developed with an interesting storyline.
Looking forward to reading the final part
Really enjoying this series of books, characters are well developed with an interesting storyline.
Looking forward to reading the final part
July 4, 2021
Termination by Richard Burke.
Decimation book 2.
A good read with good characters. Didn't really have any favourites. 4*.
Decimation book 2.
A good read with good characters. Didn't really have any favourites. 4*.
October 27, 2021
Full of action and kept me turning those pages.
May 29, 2022
Gripping from start to finish
June 14, 2022
Still entertaining. Still want to finish the series. It’s just that I am unsure if I like how the focus character changes in each book. I know that I like Antimone less this time.
September 21, 2022
Book 2 gives the hope that Rosalind might be able to be reformed.
August 1, 2024
3.75*
I actually enjoyed this more than the first one. I’ve settled into the writing and got used to Antimone. So it’s straight onto the third and final one now.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first one. I’ve settled into the writing and got used to Antimone. So it’s straight onto the third and final one now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews