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smanke's review against another edition
5.0
It's the end of the world as we know it... Not really giving anything away there, this is dystopian fiction after all. But the book is well written, character driven, and very fast paced. Just don't expect things to wrap up in a single volume. It looks like this tale will run for numerous books... and I'm glad to see that. I'm jumping right into book #2!
gomets's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent starting book of a series. Look forward to number two.
_janet_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
digerbop's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
laurelckriegler's review against another edition
5.0
A relentless, unflinching post-apocalyptic vision, Extinction Horizon is a terrifying what-if scenario of the consequences of scientists experimenting with bio-weapons. The story primarily follows a team of Delta Force Operators, led by Master-Sergeant Reed Beckham, as they struggle to carry out orders amid the growing chaos of a fast-spreading viral outbreak. In tandem, we get to know Dr Kate Lovato, a scientist with the CDC, who is fighting to find a cure for Ebola, but ends up struggling to find one for the bio-weapon-Ebola hybrid they name the Hemorrhage Virus. The Hemorrhage Virus is truly terrifying; it literally transforms people into hemorrhaging, violent, cannibalistic monsters. The bio-weapon latches onto the highly-contagious Ebola virus, with the result that the spread is extremely rapid. The Delta Force Operators spend several stretches of the book in direct combat with the monsters (once human, but little humanity remains after the transformation), making for a gripping read.
The characters in this book were, for me, totally believable. Well-rounded, they each had fears and aspirations, and the events that unfold test them all to their limits. The events themselves - not that far-fetched - and the science is plausible and well-researched. While the story is unquestionably gruesome, I did not feel that this aspect was overdone, or gratuitous; there was a logical explanation within the context of the story that accounted for the horrifying images and actions.
Colonel Gibson, the architect of the VX-99 bio-weapon and the resulting hybrid Hemorrhage Virus, cuts a sympathetic figure in this story. While his decisions have awful consequences, one can understand his motives. It was a relief that he acknowledged his guilt and complicity in the outcome, even before being challenged.
I thought this book was very well written. In selecting the Ebola virus as the main vehicle around which the story revolves, Extinction Horizon is very topical and, consequently, accessible. Smith, whose writing is consistent with his more recent novels, holds nothing back in depicting the horror of the situation the characters face, and draws the reader into the action with skill. I found it very easy to visualise the events as they unfolded.
This is an excellent book, and I have already recommended it to several friends. It is best suited to readers who like a good post-apocalyptic bio-medical thriller, and don't mind a gruesome tale.
The characters in this book were, for me, totally believable. Well-rounded, they each had fears and aspirations, and the events that unfold test them all to their limits. The events themselves - not that far-fetched - and the science is plausible and well-researched. While the story is unquestionably gruesome, I did not feel that this aspect was overdone, or gratuitous; there was a logical explanation within the context of the story that accounted for the horrifying images and actions.
Colonel Gibson, the architect of the VX-99 bio-weapon and the resulting hybrid Hemorrhage Virus, cuts a sympathetic figure in this story. While his decisions have awful consequences, one can understand his motives. It was a relief that he acknowledged his guilt and complicity in the outcome, even before being challenged.
I thought this book was very well written. In selecting the Ebola virus as the main vehicle around which the story revolves, Extinction Horizon is very topical and, consequently, accessible. Smith, whose writing is consistent with his more recent novels, holds nothing back in depicting the horror of the situation the characters face, and draws the reader into the action with skill. I found it very easy to visualise the events as they unfolded.
This is an excellent book, and I have already recommended it to several friends. It is best suited to readers who like a good post-apocalyptic bio-medical thriller, and don't mind a gruesome tale.
saraghass's review against another edition
5.0
Great book!
I started this book not quite knowing what to expect. I have a tendency to read several books at time over long periods, but I just couldn't put this one down. I found myself staying up well into the night reading it and finished it only a few days which is very rare for me. I loved the characters, the action, and the story line. It's kind of like a mix between Michael Chrichton and world war z. I definitely can't wait to start reading the next book.
I started this book not quite knowing what to expect. I have a tendency to read several books at time over long periods, but I just couldn't put this one down. I found myself staying up well into the night reading it and finished it only a few days which is very rare for me. I loved the characters, the action, and the story line. It's kind of like a mix between Michael Chrichton and world war z. I definitely can't wait to start reading the next book.
jdarnold's review against another edition
3.0
Solid page turner about an Ebola variant virus that turns the infected into ravenous mindless killers. A little too pat in the characterizations, but the story moved along at a fast clip. It also did a fairly good job of making the whole thing believable, with only a minimum of hand waving. To be honest, I only read it because it was free with Amazon Prime, but it was interesting enough for me to grab the second book (also free on Prime) in the Extinction Cycle, [b:Extinction Edge|24384184|Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle, #2)|Nicholas Sansbury Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1430444851s/24384184.jpg|43967687].
jeff_thevegan's review against another edition
5.0
Holy freaking awesome! This book is a hell of an opener to a series that I'm sure will prove to be just as awesome. Literally hated having to put this book down whenever I had to stop. The action keeps going. The writing is superb. The characters are real. Life as we know it...is possibly ending.
I want to add that I listened to the audiobook. Bronson Pinchot, the narrator, freaking hooks you from the first word. He simply is an outstanding teller of stories. His characters are distinct and his voice conveys the events in a manner that not many can do.
Moving on to book 2 now: Extinction Edge.
I want to add that I listened to the audiobook. Bronson Pinchot, the narrator, freaking hooks you from the first word. He simply is an outstanding teller of stories. His characters are distinct and his voice conveys the events in a manner that not many can do.
Moving on to book 2 now: Extinction Edge.