{Review} After the Virus by Meghan Ciana Doidge

{September 2, 2011} {Review} After the Virus by Meghan Ciana Doidge

From Goodreads: After the virus decimates 99.9% of the world’s population, and all traces of humanity along with it, Rhiannon and Will are forced to move beyond their past fame, fortune, and personal demons to rescue a mute girl from the clutches of two warring cults.

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This is a very interesting zombie novel, zoning in more upon how disturbing the world has become after a virus wipes out all but 1% of the population. While zombies are a small portion of the novel, the main spread deals with the left over humans and how they are attempting to take over what little is left of the world. This novel is different from all the other zombie/dystopian novels I’ve read, and it was refreshing and attention-grabbing, causing me to read it all in one sitting.

I enjoyed the two main characters, Rhiannon and Will. They are not the norm—prior to the virus, they were well known, Rhiannon having been an actress, and Will having been a sports star. However, once the virus decimates the world, they are reduced to average citizens looking to survive in what is left of the cruel world. I thought these were really unique character choices that made a lot of the situations more believable. Rhiannon, an exceptionally pretty woman, is not used to her new surroundings, especially having to fend for herself. She’s witty, demanding, headstrong, selfish—and in high demand. Having only 1% of the world population left, there are many who would love to have Rhiannon for themselves, and one man, intend on recreating the world in his image, is willing to pay top dollar to have her in his clutches. This makes for a very interesting story of cat and mouse, coming to a head as Rhiannon’s motherly instincts take over after meeting a young girl who is in more danger than Rhiannon herself.

Will’s story is also a great one as he battles to save the two women he cares the most about in a world where trust is a major issue. I enjoyed that both his story, and Rhiannon’s, are set in the present, and while their past is briefly touched upon on occasion, not much detail is given, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps through their own imagination. While I normally enjoy being told all the details, this was refreshing as Doidge tactfully presents just enough to help the reader begin piecing together the background story on their own.

I am looking forward to a sequel as I’d love to know more about the characters and their plights, especially as, though the novel ends cleanly, there is room for much more. Four stars!