The second book in the spine-tingling Dark Matter trilogy. Finding the cause of a deadly epidemic and a cure has never been more urgent--or uncertain.
Shay, one of the rare survivors of the epidemic sweeping the UK, has surrendered herself to the Army because she believes she's a carrier of the deadly disease. Along with other survivors, she unwillingly becomes a test subject in an effort to find a cure. When the lab where she's being held is attacked, Shay and a few others escape--with the help of Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father. Alex is the leader of the cult-like group Multiverse. Their agenda is murky, but genetic engineering might be one of their goals.
Meanwhile, a heartbroken Kai is determined to find Shay. He's discovered survivors aren't carriers, and Shay sacrificed herself for nothing. Teaming up with other survivors who are being hunted, Kai races to rescue Shay before it's too late. His sister, Callie, the true carrier of the epidemic, continues to hide her secret, and a wave of infection follows in her wake as she travels across the country.
As mysteries deepen, the teens must decide whom to trust, and their friendships are tested. Is Callie who she says she is? Should Shay trust the man her mother ran away from--a man Kai hates? Will Kai ever forgive Shay for her betrayal?
I daresay this book was better than its predecessor! Obviously, the gist is still the same: Oh crap, the apocalypse plague is taunting Scotland! But the stakes are honestly somehow even higher, which is pretty hard to do in the literal end of the world, so kudos to the author there! I also grew to care much more about the main characters than I had in the first book, which is probably the reason for my greater enjoyment of it. Things get pretty emotional for the main characters, and I think they really grow and develop, too. Also, it's a pretty fast-paced book, which I devoured quite quickly!
The negative? This may be a personal thing (actually, I'm almost sure it is) but when a huge plot point is a lie of omission, I just get stabby. I can't help it. It's like guys, communication would solve so much of this!
Bottom Line: It's an entertaining series with an interesting take on the apocalypse (and it all begins in Scotland, no less!), and I will definitely be needing to see how this series ends!
