Review: H10 N1 by M.R. Cornelius

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis

A deadly influenza virus rages out of control. There is no easy-fix vaccine. No eleventh-hour containment. Only death. With no workforce, power plants have been shut down, police and fire departments have collapsed, crops lie unpicked in the fields.


When Dr. Taeya Sanchez finds herself unceremoniously dismissed from an emergency medical facility in New York, she decides to steal the hospital's armored van for a midnight escape. Unfortunately, Rick DeAngelo, a driver for the hospital, has already stocked the van for his own getaway.


Thrown into an unfriendly alliance, these two must pick their way across the dangerous wasteland of America in search of a safe haven. And as the miles roll by, they discover that the living should be feared much more than the festering corpses out there.

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My Review

A deadly flu virus is ravaging the world, leaving nothing but dead bodies in its wake. Dr. Taeya Sanchez has been working tirelessly to save those not infected. When she is dismissed from her position at an emergency facility in New York she decides to escape the city and humiliation in the dead of night. Unfortunately Rick, a driver for the same emergency facility shows up and ruins her plan. They don't trust each other, and they don't like each other, but they decide there is safety in numbers and band together for their escape. But just until they can make it alone.

They both have destinations in mind and it will take both of them to get either one of them there alive.

Reading H10 N1 is a lot like watching a Resident Evil movie. Okay so there aren't zombies at every corner, but there is a new strain of the virus and it ain't pretty. And as you read through the story you will find yourself lying in wait for something to come crawling out of the dark. If this were a movie, it would definitely have the creep factor and even the jump factor. You know what I'm talking about. Those moments in a movie that creep up on you and make you jump even though you know their coming. Yup, H10 N1 is a lot like that. You know these moments are coming, heck you even expect them, you want them, but when they do, you can't help but be taken by surprise. M.R. Cornelius does a great job describing the scene really adding to that creep factor.

As Dr. Sanchez and Rick make their way across the wastelands of America they face many obstacles. From transportation issues, to rogue survivors, to zombie-ish people, to their own emotions and each other; but with each other they seem to pull through. With Dr. Sanchez's experience, skills and abilities she is an asset that no one can turn away. And Rick is great at flat out survival. If it is a matter of surviving you can pretty much bet he can do it, or figure out a way to do it. I truly enjoyed both of these characters. Dr. Sanchez is a confident, independent woman who isn't afraid to look trouble in the eye. While Rick is a self assured jerk, who only looks out for number 1-himself. Both are flawed, have emotional baggage and carry chips on their shoulders that make them round about characters that are easy to like and cheer for. They both have their idea of where 'safe' is, only they discover that what may appear as safe, may not actually stay that way. In their safe haven troubles brew, lives are lost and strength is tested.

There is not a whole lot I can say about H10 N1 without giving this story away, but I can tell you that H10 N1 is a great look at a post apocalyptic world. With the flu virus killing off a majority of the population, this is a chance for the human race to become better, to change their ways and truly become a superior race. But will they heed the call? Will they choose to change or will the beginning of a new life, just be the beginning of the end? H10 N1 is a fun read that will keep you on your toes. Keep your nails short (nail biting) and make you laugh and it is a great addition to any apocalypse survival shelf!

"Every now and then Mother Nature gives us a good swift kick in the nuts to remind us none of this is really ours." Rick scoffed. "Maybe I'll start wearing a cup." (kindle, loc. 1870).

I chose this moment because it gives you a glimpse at Rick's personality. He is sarcastic and a bit cynical, but he is my personal favorite.