The Virus by Damien Lee
The end of the world usually signals the end of life. But for convicted murderer Frank Lee, it was only the beginning. With his newfound freedom, Frank suddenly has the world at his feet. The only downside; all the damn cannibals!
Amy was working in Sunnymoor Hospital when the virus struck. Now, with her patients craving flesh, the only person she can save is herself. But as more of the townsfolk fall victim to the wave of infection, Amy’s chances of survival quickly begin to diminish.
With reluctant alliances, betrayal and an unrelenting fight for survival, The Virus is an action-packed journey into the depths of human depravity.
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The end of the world usually signals the end of life. But for convicted murderer Frank Lee, it was only the beginning. With his newfound freedom, Frank suddenly has the world at his feet. The only downside; all the damn cannibals!
Amy was working in Sunnymoor Hospital when the virus struck. Now, with her patients craving flesh, the only person she can save is herself. But as more of the townsfolk fall victim to the wave of infection, Amy’s chances of survival quickly begin to diminish.
With reluctant alliances, betrayal and an unrelenting fight for survival, The Virus is an action-packed journey into the depths of human depravity.
Another wonderful list of characters I’d like to introduce:
HMP Harrodale Maximum Prison
- Frank Lee, prisoner
- Gus Razor, gangland boss prisoner
- Tony Swales, bodyguard to Gus
- Barry Henderson, prisoner guard
- McAllister, prisoner guard
- Zielinski, prisoner
- Craddock, prisoner
- Lisa, survivor picked up along the way
Sunnymoor Hospital
- Amy, nurse
- Joyce Khaliq, nurse
- Ben, security guard
- Terry, maintenance worker
- Glen Reeves, survivor picked up along the way
Cobton Farm
- Ronald Carter, owner
- Louise, survivor
- Simon, survivor
- Elaine, survivor
- Tina, survivor
Army Military Base
- Lurch, henchman
- Murdock, Army soldier
My Review:
This story is about an apocalyptic event and its aftermath which turns out to be a zombie making virus. The whole book is just the first couple days of the event with the characters learning how to survive in this new dystopian world.
That being said it was a thoroughly entertaining read explaining the beginnings of the zombie apocalypse and introducing the characters. It was easy to read, and fast paced after you got into it. The plot was well thought out and had an interesting take on the aftermath. The characters were quite different but totally relatable in how they deal with everything. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope it becomes a long series. Damien Lee has become one of my go to favorite authors that I will buy anything he writes. Highly addictive and would recommend.
My Favorite Words:
My favorite words: lorry, screws, shopping trolley: (I’m from the US so they were funny. No offense meant)
My Favorite Lines from the Story:
Undead con and undead corpse. He couldn’t decide which was worse; an undead corpse wandering the corridors, or a twisted body snatcher looking for an escape route. It didn’t take long to find out which it was.
The mortician’s van has seen more miles than a London cabbie these past few days.
“It’ll take about five minutes to get out,” he told them. “Keep an eye out for any of those freaks. If anyone attacks, kill them without thinking twice.” “We’re murderers,” Zielinski said. “It’s what we do.”
“Well, he’s tickety-boo now, isn’t he?”
Frank looked over at the woman. “Are you sure? No one you need to look for? No family or friends you want to get killed over?” “No, why do you ask?” Frank shrugged. “It’s what ordinary people do during a crisis, isn’t it? Emotions get in the way of logic, and they get killed looking for their gran.”
“Serial killer?” Frank scoffed. “Serial killer implies I’ve killed loads of people. I only killed one.” He looked around at the horrified faces. “Disregarding the zombies I’ve killed today, of course.”
“First communication goes. Then you say goodbye to electricity, running water, and before you know it, you’re living like a Neanderthal rubbing sticks together to make fire.”
“I still don’t know how useful you’re gonna be. Tina says you know how to fly?” “I do.”
“Okay, that’s one point. Do you own a plane?” The man shook his head. “And you’re back to zero.”
“What can you do?” “I can put my legs behind my head.” “Not something I was looking for.” “Really? Most men love that.”
“Pessimistic? We’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What’s there to be optimistic about?”
“Lay off, Cheech.”
“Oh, and make sure you get sensible things. Tinned food, bottled water, jars. Basically, anything that doesn’t expire soon.” “We know,” Amy replied.
“And for god’s sake, don’t forget a tin opener. Not everything is a ring-pull!”
“Remember, we need to get sensible things. Don’t go getting bread and milk. Check the dates on everything. If it expires within six months, we don’t want it.” “Alcohol’s hardly sensible,” Elaine Look for tins, jars, cereals, vitamins, biscuits, and sweets.”
“Yes. They’re a valuable source of sugar and have a long shelf life. They’ll give you energy.”
And make sure we raid the medicine supply. Bandages, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, anything.
“Oh, well, f@&$ a moose on a winter’s night!”
Smart things to remember during a zombie apocalypse:
Instead of looking at the big picture, take each step at a time, survive that, look to the next step.
If whatever “it” is can spread to animals that is another danger to look out for.
If you go looking for someone you probably will be killed instead stay and fortify your location.
Don’t start off a zombie apocalypse naked and without shoes.
When ransacking a store see above for ideas.
Conclusion
The prequel to this series:
The Virus: Origins is available now
The next book: A sequel and is coming soon in early 2022
#Apocalyptic #Post-Apocalyptic #Horror #ScienceFiction #Dystopian #Thriller #Fantasy
