The Mesmerized

by Rhiannon Frater

[kimbacaffeinate]

Suspense, science fiction and a handful of characters made for an intense end of days read.

Minji Nordin, her husband, Jake and their two children, Ava, five, and Bailey, an infant are vacationing in Las Vegas when an inexplicable wave of pain hits everyone. It causing blindness, immobility, and bleeding from the eyes and for a handful death. Panic ensues but Minji’s family seems fine. Then another wave hits and suddenly Jake and Ava are affected. They along with the majority of people at the Venetian Casino beginning marching without pause. Hell’s bells… I am all in.

Minji manages to get outside with her children and husband out and meets others who seem to be immune too but waves continue to test that theory and something appears to be happening with Ava. Reports come in from all around the world. Everyone appears to be mesmerized and they are all heading towards a point in Nevada.

Frater is an excellent storyteller and this apocalyptic tale offered twists while feeding my inner geek. The military, and the mystery of the strange waves kept me flipping the pages, as did the action and responses from the affected humans. An ex-military stranger, who frightens Ava soon provides answers. Minji will need to stop the threat and save humanity.

A thrilling, suspenseful apocalyptic tale, The Mesmerized delivered with a kick-ass heroine and satisfying conclusion. If you’ve never tried Frater, this is an excellent place to start. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer