Synopsis: Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage “sci-philes” who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer’s scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they’re a pack. They are Virals.

Review: I’ll be perfectly honest about this books…. I didn’t have high hopes. I read the back and went “Hrm, this could be pretty good or pretty terrible”, unlike most books I read where I will read it based on being impressed by the blurb.

That being said, I was actually very impressed. I haven’t read any of Kathy Reichs “Bones” books featuring Temperance Brennan (TV lovers will know this series is based on books by Kathy Reichs), but I was familiar with the fact that her character in those books is an anthropologist (the books are on my shelf to read, promise!). This book is based on Tory Brennan who is Temperance Brennan’s 14 year old niece.

This book is SO perfect for teenagers and young adults. That being said, I technically think at almost 27 I can’t call myself a YOUNG adult anymore, but I really enjoyed this book.

Sure, parts of it I scoffed at due to none of it having a link to reality. BUT then I shut myself up, and reminded myself that this is:
a) fiction
b) young adult fiction; and that really, I need to stop thinking about what would happen in REAL life, and just let the story take me on a journey.

And once I did that, I did enjoy it - very much. It was a real adventure book that had almost supernatural themes, but hinged on a crime novel also. I actually think I would read another Tori Brennan book in the future.

Rating: 4 out of 5