Review: Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

For Shana, life on a small farm in Pennsylvania is a study in routine, with each day fixed in its mundane patterns. However, one morning in June, Shana’s little sister Nessie isn’t in bed – she’s outside, in her pajamas, walking determinedly down the street. Despite her best efforts, Shana cannot wake or stop her sister. In fact, Nessie is soon joined by more walkers, and when the local police attempt to halt their progression, one of the afflicted literally explodes.

As the flock of walkers slowly continues to grow, and with the horrific consequences if restrained, the local police and paramedics decide to step in. The CDC, unsure of what will happen to the ever-growing flock, decides to follow the group; hoping to be able to perform tests and understand the strange force controlling the wanderers.

Apart from mystifying scientists and doctors, the flock piques the interest of a few other groups – from white supremacists to religious fanatics, everyone seems to have an explanation for the seemingly mystical movement of this group of people. As if this phenomenon wasn’t enough, a deadly new fungal pathogen has been discovered, with a high mortality rate and exceptional speed of infection. While the White Mask disease spreads, with no apparent cure, connections begin to be drawn between the outbreak, and the presence of the walkers. This ignites pre-existing tensions, which, together with mass infections, turns the world on its head.

Traditionally, larger tomes (and especially of the science fiction and fantasy genres) tend to set out their plot – at least partly – in the introductory pages, and spend the rest of the time zooming in on the story – padding it with great quantities of detail and peppered with guest characters and tricks that make it seem as though the narrative is rocketing along at a happy pace. However, such stories become…. Boring. Stagnant. Predictable. Not so with Chuck Wendig, who has offered a mammoth book that features a unique manner of constant evolution, while simultaneously providing greater detail as it progresses. This double-feature approach makes Wanderers exciting, unpredictable, and the home of multiple clever connections that strengthen an already brilliant plotline. To read Wanderers feels like watching a series – smartly connected segments on the same timeline that make the plot flexible, mobile, and entertaining.

Chuck Wendig has really penned an epic book, of epic literal and fictional proportions. Through the slow but steady merging of multiple smaller plots into a fantastic and, frankly, almost genius grand theatre of the meeting point of science and science fiction.

This careful and delicate blurring between hard core science – from epidemiology and physics, to the borderless imaginings of science fiction make for a believable, thought-stoking adventure that’s a ride from the first page. If clever writing and a brilliant plot aren’t enough to win you over and convince you to delve into this 782-page delight, then let it be the myriad content. From topics such as religion, science, politics, ethics, biotech, romance, pop culture, fanaticism, futurism, and some good ol’ apocalyptic dystopia – this book literally has something for everyone.

Allow me to remind you that – perhaps apart from its weight – there is nothing to fault in this book. That’s a rare statement for a reviewer to make, I assure you. As such, I’d advise you read Wanderers now, both to satisfy that ever-present literary itch experienced by seekers of stories, and to get into the world before it hits the screen of some flashy Netflix series – because this book is destined for greatness, and you don’t want to miss its ascent.

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig is published by Solaris, an imprint of Rebellion Publishing, and is available in South Africa by Jonathan Ball Publishers

Review: How to Grow a Human by Philip Ball

There’s something eerie about the scientific achievements of the last few decades; these phenomenal advancements in medical science and research can put one in mind of horror tales of yore such as Frankenstein, or more recent fantasies such as The Matrix. Yeah – scary stuff. But it doesn’t have to be. Philip Ball takes us behind the sensationalist headlines of popular media – test tube babies, artificial humans, synthetic organs, and genetic modification and experimentation – and presents the facts behind the hype. Ball takes us on a journey of scientific revolution, from our humble beginnings dabbling with genes and proteins, to attempts at cloning, growing organs and babies in vitro (outside of the body), IVF, and the modification of genetic information to prevent disease. Science has come a long way, but there is still so much to explore.

My chief impression of How to Grow a Human is more than just an impressive collection of facts and feats – it’s a scientist’s attempt to allay fears of experimentation, and put science into the context of our modern lives. Ball takes care in explaining the progress, concepts, legalities, and ethics surrounding our various forays into the world of biology, clarifying that just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it will be done. Simultaneously, he emphasizes that there is no need to fear these biological achievements – we are in the infant stages of something amazing, and still have so much to learn before we can implement what we know.  

How to Grow a Human, as the title suggests, takes us through the processes of how humans are made – the amazing ways that cells divide, develop, and mature, resulting in a human being. Thereafter, things become fantastic and odd; Ball describes how it is possible to recreate this process, or the various aspects involved, outside of the body, sometimes even without the necessary components. As the saying goes; if science is limited only by the imagination, anything is possible.

There seems to be a fine line between the technicality of a subject, and the readability of a text (the more technical, the more boring or difficult to read), but Philip Ball has this immense talent to make facts (of which there are hundreds) read like fiction. How to Grow a Human is akin to reading an entire biology textbook, only it’s far more interesting, and actually enjoyable. Oh, had I had this book before writing my Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences exams, I would have found studying so much easier, and so much more pleasant. I loved this book, and I learned a great deal. In addition, I have a new-kindled interest in ‘artificial’ body parts and cloning, which will make for some interesting Google searches. If it is true that a book that gets you to think about, discuss, or research new information is worth its weight in gold, then this book is priceless.

How to Grow a Human by Philip Ball is published by William Collins, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Review: Hello, my Name is May by Rosalind Stopps

May had a stroke. The ambulance people inform her that they only got to her after two days, but she’s sure that can’t be right. There’s also the small problem of not being able to speak – every word May attempts comes out as a pitiful dribble of spit. On top of that, her body won’t listen to her anymore; her muscles have a mind of their own, and it’s all about rebellion. She is trapped, a prisoner inside a half-functioning frame that limits her every action. The only option left for May is to retreat into her mind, and into the past.

May spends a great deal of her time recalling her life – wondering what she could have done differently, how she could have been better. As if the restrictions on her body were not punishment enough, she’s taken to beating herself up mentally, too.

However, a new purpose presents itself with the budding relationship between her friend, Jackie, and an eerily familiar and somewhat sinister man by the name of Bill, who reminds May a little too much of her abusive ex-husband. Determined to warn Jackie and prevent another relationship defined by abuse, May needs to get her body and her mouth to agree on a single purpose; to stop the past repeating itself.

Hello, my Name is May is a decidedly uncomfortable read. Not because it is badly written or boring; on the contrary, it is a witty, sharp, and consuming narrative. No, this book causes discomfort because of the harsh realities it brings to light. From abusive relationships, psychological issues, neglect of the elderly, and a dark realization that some things cannot be controlled, Stopps highlights all the aspects of society which we generally try to avoid, in a single, glitzy expose. One can’t help but feel claustrophobic and useless and we experience May’s helplessness, and the reactions of those around her to any efforts to communicate. If Rosalind Stopps’ intention was to scare the reader, she’s hit the mark.

The contrast between this well-written and incredibly clever story and its dark subject matter is an unusual experience; the reader sways between the same emotions experienced by our protagonist - anger, sadness, frustration. This book is incredibly emotive and incredibly moving. Added to a unique story line, are several unexpected twists and a few shockers that will literally have you gasping out loud.

Rosalind Stopps has done a masterful job of highlighting the plights of various aspects of society – from the oppressed to the elderly – in a stark reminder to be thankful for what you have, and to live your life to the fullest. May is a figurehead of regret, and of things left unsaid and undone. After reading this book, you’ll want to do everything in your power to make sure you don’t end up like her.

Hello, my Name is May is like a YA novel for the elderly – is there a cute acronym for such a genre yet? Regardless, add this to the list of books you need to read soon; it’s eye-opening and a buffet for thought.

Hello, my Name is May by Rosalind Stopps is published by HQ, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Review: Return to Zero by Pittacus Lore

The kids at the Earth Garde Academy just can’t catch a break. Just when they return from a dangerous mission, before the grime and blood has even been washed off, there’s a new threat; this time, from within their own ranks. When the Academy’s controlling body attempts to replace the leadership and implant Inhibitor Chips into the brains of all the students, it’s no surprise that there’s an uproar. With factions forming between the students and staff, and the uncertainty of who to trust seem to push the Academy to tipping point, all hope seems lost. Luckily for the Garde, and for the reader, it’s at this moment that John Smith – Number Four himself – arrives to help. With him is something none of the Garde have seen before – a repentant Mogodorian, seeking tot rain among the Academy’s students.

Return to Zero is the third installment of a second series of books by Pittacus Lore. You’d think with so many books before it, there’d be precious little to fill another volume. You’d be wrong. The idea of Legacies (or superpowers, for those not in the know of Lore’s linguistics) adds infinite possibilities to the series’ narrative – each new book features previously unheard-of powers, adding a richness and unpredictability to the world of our teenage heroes. This time round, there’s the idea of a body-snatching religious extremist to content with. Never a dull moment when Lore is involved.

Despite the new characters and situations introduced in this book, it is also the first of the new series to fully bring us back to the characters of the first series, giving it a warm nostalgia and feeling of coming home. Frustratingly, the questions which remained unanswered at the end of the last book, such as the whereabouts of key characters from the first series of books, are still lingering - there are hints that these will be addressed in the next book. Yes, you read that correctly, there’s more waiting to be done! However, that’s not really a problem for those of us with patience – Return to Zero still has enough action and intrigue to keep even the most critical fan entertained.

So if planet-hopping adventures bolstered by aliens, superpowers, and teenage angst are your jam, this book (and the series as a whole) promises to be right up your alley. If you’re not a fan of these various themes and quirks, you’re just difficult to please. Do yourself a favour and read them anyway.

Return to Zero by Pittacus Lore is published by Penguin Random House.

Review: Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay

It would be safe to say that a murder would be the low point of your week. However, for the New York Police Department, this murder is just the start of a nightmare. Following the appearance of an unrecognisable corpse on a Sunday, the city is also victim to an elevator accident on Monday. And again on Tuesday. And Wednesday. With evidence that the elevators have been tampered with, and the possibility of the entire city being a target, Manhattan is basically on lock down. In an area with so many homes and offices above the ground, without elevators, chaos erupts.

Barbara Matheson, a journalist with a penchant for pointing out the failings of the mayor, could easily use the elevator crisis as fuel for her column. However, when she starts to see a pattern between the incidents that leads back to the mayor, she must overcome her distaste for him, swallow her pride, and warn him.

I know what you’re thinking (I mean that I hope that I know what you are thinking – there’s no way to be sure, I’m no psychic) – just how can a thriller be set on an elevator – besides the possibility of going into free-fall, or getting stuck, is there anything really dangerous about it? If I hoped correctly, and you’re nodding at my pseudo-psychic ability to make deductions, I am pleased to tell you that we were both wrong!

Elevator Pitch is gritty, dark, and immense fun. I thought, pretty early into this story, that I had it all worked out, went to far as to allow myself to consider that I’d predicted the ending. I am delighted to inform you that I was way off the mark. It turns out, Linwood Barclay has an immense skill; the ability to blindside. Satisfying and sexy, this book hits all the marks. Elevator Pitch is a great addition to the thriller genre; it’s a next-level ride that will leave you floored.

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay is published by HQ, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.