Dark Matter: Contagion: Book 1

By Author / Illustrator

Teri Terry

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781408341728

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

18-05-2017

Synopsis

Don't miss this startling first book in a breathtaking new trilogy from Teri Terry, queen of the teen psychological thriller and author of the bestselling Slated trilogy!

URGENT!
An epidemic is sweeping the country.
You are among the infected. There is no cure, and you cannot be permitted to infect others. You are now under quarantine.
The very few of the infected who survive are dangerous and will be taken into the custody of the army.

Young runaway Callie survived the disease, but not the so-called treatment. Her brother Kai is still looking for her. And his new friend Shay may hold the key to uncovering what truly happened.

From the author of the international sensation Slated comes the first book in a powerful new story of survival and transformation; love and power.

Reviews

This book, grips you from the start with its captivating characters and unique narrative structure. It shows you what life is like during an epidemic with a mysterious plot which leaves you gasping for more.

Suggested Reading Age 14+

Another award winner from Teri Terry! I really enjoyed this conspiracy/SF/fantasy/thriller! It has elements of all these woven together into a complex and interesting plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Callie, a girl who has 'gone missing' and been subjected to experimentation at a highly secret location in Scotland; and Shay, a girl who may have been the last person to see Callie before she disappeared. A terrible virus begins to sweep the country, with a very low survival rate. The country is on lockdown, with Shay and Kai (Callie's brother) joining forces in the search to find her. However, all is not as it seems. I loved the structure of the super short chapters and the way the dual narratives flowed from one to the other. This style of writing will encourage not just advanced readers but also reluctant ones as they will have a feeling of accomplishment when they see how far they have read into the book. The opening chapters of the book are the countdown to the Contagion being released into the population, you almost can feel the clock ticking down as it is fast paced, with a build up of tension to see what will happen to Callie or subject 369X as she is also referred to. This book is fantasy but thought provoking, much of it chillingly believable. Young Adults will really enjoy the plot of the book as the main characters are also YA and it has so many twists and turns that will keep the reader intrigued. Can't wait for the next one in this trilogy. Get a copy soon and enjoy. 459 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian.