This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill -- the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill -- you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.- Morpheus, The Matrix, 1999
Grant allows us to effortlessly slip back into this multiple perspective tale, complete with journal and audio-recorded journals from characters trapped in this world. In Parasite we opened the doors wide, were both horrified, and fascinated by the world Grant had created beyond those doors. In this second novel, we begin to see the cracks as we gain insider information into the plans of several key characters and leaders in this chaotic zombie infested world. Unaffected folks are quarantined, a new species walks among us and sides are being drawn. The tale that unfolds kept me riveted with none of the symptoms of second book syndrome in sight.
One of the things I love about Grant (Seanan McGuire) is her ability to create fleshed out characters. Sal is such a curious character and we see character growth as she continues to define herself. Nathan, our geeky hero has moments where he shines, but I want more from him. Adam has such a childlike curiosity but we glimpse something more. Dr. Cole and Dr. Banks are ever present and while one shows more compassion than the other you cannot help but ask yourself, “How much sacrifice justifies knowing?” Sherman is perhaps the character whom I fear the most, and Ronnie is one I am eager to learn more about. Fishy, is a secondary character who I adore. The man is fearless, and downright hilarious. I have his six at all times. Grant, do not let anything happen to him. Tansy oh Gads! *tries to swallow* I cannot talk about it. I need more answers.
In Symbiont, we gain some answers but they are quickly replaced with larger questions that are more pressing and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds in Chimera, the final book set to release sometime in 2015. The world is in chaos as implants turn folks into flesh-eating mindless zombies. We see some glimpse of intelligence from some of them, and as always, I cannot wait to see how that develops. Their link to Sal is fascinating, and hints at untapped potential. Grant continues to raise questions for the reader, as each revelation and man’s interaction make you ponder the implications. You cannot help but question what our society’s future holds. The brilliant aspect of this post-apocalyptic horror is how realistic it all sounds. Just turn on the television, open up a science or discovery magazine. Man craves the answers, the cures and perfection. *shivers*
Copy received from publisher, full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer