Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace

Description from Goodreads

Wasp's job is simple. Hunt ghosts. And every year she has to fight to remain Archivist. Desperate and alone, she strikes a bargain with the ghost of a supersoldier. She will go with him on his underworld hunt for the long-long ghost of his partner and in exchange she will find out more about his pre-apocalyptic world than any Archivist before her. And there is much to know. After all, Archivists are marked from birth to do the holy work of a goddess. They're chosen. They're special. Or so they've been told for four hundred years.

Archivist Wasp fears she is not the chosen one, that she won't survive the trip to the underworld, that the brutal life she has escaped might be better than where she is going. There is only one way to find out.

❄❄❄

How on Earth am I going to review this book? While I was reading Archivist Wasp, I was adoring the language, hating the all unanswered questions, respecting the bold concept, but also a bit bored from time to time. The relationship that I formed with the novel is one of those I-hate-you-but-I-love kinds, so I apologise my (most likely) incoherent ramblings.

First of all, Archivist Wasp was so different than I expected it to be! It's classified as a young adult novel on Goodreads, even though I personally would see it as an adult fiction book. But putting that aside, this book was so unique. I don't think I've ever read a novel that was a dystopian, science-fiction, paranormal, and post-apocalyptic all at the same time. I don't usually like books to mash up genres so daringly, but I have to respect the ambition to create something completely diverging from the generic YA scene. I think the author succeeded in knitting the genres together seamlessly, and to my surprise I was quite enjoying the mix of different themes of the genres.

But I had sooooo many questions about the plot and the characters, and even though I usually enjoy ambivalence, this time it was frustrating. What was the story behind Catchkeep-priest (Wasp's superior) and his motivations? How come the Archivist structure was so successful for such a long time? Why finding knowledge about the pre-apocalyptic world was so important that a whole society was created around it?  How did the ghosts come about, and why they weren't in the pre-apocalyptic world? What was the life of an Upstart (a novice, before you could become an archivist like Wasp) like and how were they prepared for their potential futures? How did the high tech described work?? So many questions, and while some of these were answered, I wasn't very satisfied with the ones that I got.

However, despite all the confusion that I couldn't dismiss, I was rather captivated by the whole concept. Wasp was a very solitary being, her life dictated by Catchkeep-priest and the hunting of ghosts to gather knowledge about the world before. And then, the ghost appears who can actually communicate with her comes along and asks for her help (the ghost usually can't communicate at all which obviously intrigues Wasp from the first moment). I found it really fascinating how Wasp and the ghost ventured into afterlife, and how this great beyond was characterised. (Even though I'm also a bit puzzled why Wasp was so eager to help the ghost..) There are plenty of flash-backs (kind of) back to the world before, and that science fiction world presented through the memories was really intriguing. And in fact, that supersoldier world probably was the best part of the novel.

But then there is the dark side of the things. Archivist Wasp was also heavily dragging at times. I could be very entertained for a good half an hour while I read, but then the next hour could be quite dull. And this went on and off. On and off. Hence, the love-hate relationship.

I really don't know whether I want to give Archivist Wasp 1 star or 5 stars. It definitely requires a second reading, because the writing was very dense at times - it was a very visual and heavy on the inner monologue. In fact, I think I would probably liked the book better the second time around. But now, I'm feeling very confused and contradicted. I have to give to the author that the novel was a very different from the generic YA novels (a merit in itself already) and Kornher-Stace clearly is a talented story-teller and writer.

I'm a bit of at loss for words here.

☆☆☆

The Stars Never Rise (Untitled series #1) by Rachel Vincent

Description from Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her. 

❄❄❄

The Stars Never Rise wasn't a poor novel. It had really exhilarating action scenes, impressionable characters, a strong build-up of the setting, and occasional twists which at least I didn't see coming. Yet, I can't say that I loved this novel. Maybe it was the insta-love (even though well justified, but it didn't really feel real to me) or the fact that I was never really invested in the story or characters. While the novel kept me entertained, the certain hollowness didn't make a long-lasting impression.

You can immediately see that The Stars Never Rise isn't the first book written by the author. The language/style of writing never bores the reader as Vincent is very capable of maintaining the readers' attention, whether it was with the description of the doomed society or the action scenes. While the novel might include the generic elements of a YA  fantasy novel (the special main character, dysfunctional family, the lovely-eyed love interest), it was able to offer other things than just the basics. The refreshing and sometimes even bold storyline was definitely the strongest element, with the Church's constricting rules about procreation and occupation among many others. I really liked the fact how the Church and the government were so tied together (in the novel, wouldn't be so nice in real life) and how the author had decided to include many of the officials and politicians in the storyline as (major) minor characters. 

If you picture yourself living in a world of constant survival, it may be quite obvious that you try to live your life to the fullest, trying to be fearless of the consequences of your decisions. Even though I liked the fact that the author had included this live-while-it-lasts element to the novel, especially in terms of the romance, I also kind of cringed because of it. While Nina and her love interest most definitely are described to be interested in one another, I never saw the chemistry between them. While I liked both characters, I didn't feel the connection between them. Maybe it was just me, but the way the romance came across to me (the whole relationship was thrust upon them, without Nina really getting a chance to breath and take all the events in before getting it on with a stranger) made me like it less.

The novel had a strong start and immediately I was absorbed and forgot about my surroundings, but maybe after reading 25% of the book, the storyline started to get slower and slower. Not until the remaining 30%, the pace quickened and interesting reveals were made, making the beginning and ending my favourite parts of the book. The middle section came across a lot weaker as the majority of it was all about introducing new characters and the build-up the romance (which wasn't really that convincing), and not as much about Nina coming terms with her changing life. There was this really interesting twist in the middle of the book (one that I can't really recall happening ever before in YA literature) which made things more interesting, but also caused lots of questions and a bit hesitant attitude by me. 

I suppose it's one of those "it's me not you" things as I've read quite many raving reviews of The Stars Never Rise, and while the book was entertaining I never became invested in anything. This caused me to read some of the chapters half-heartedly, then going back to re-read some stuff making me even more frustrated with the book, and myself too. I think quite many will enjoy the book as it most definitely had the gripping elements of a good YA novel, but I most likely won't be coming back to the series, unfortunately (unless the second book will be a major game changer). 

☆☆☆

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey

Description from Goodreads:

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

❄❄❄

The 5th Wave was definitely something that I couldn't have predicted to like so much.  I feel like the book included pretty much everything that I want to have in a science fiction novel: characters who react to intense situations in a very realistic manner, there are unbearably thrilling and nail-biting scenes, and a very original and captivating premise. 

I don't read that many alien books, but the take Yancey had taken on while writing this book was extremely compelling and fascinating. The different waves of alien attacks and their impacts on the human society never ceased to amaze me. Yancey was very elaborate while describing the attacks which took me a bit surprise but also made me very pleased - it's all in the title after all. The 5th Wave is a very survival focused book, but there still are elements of romance, thriller, and mystery as well. I feel like the author was able to write a very comprehensive book about a young girl's lonely struggle in the world, yet it felt so much bigger piece of literature. The novel also is about the survival of the humanity. 

The book definitely is a page-turner. I kept reading late into the night until my eyes hurt and I couldn't read properly without my glasses. The first thing the next morning was me reading the book  in the breakfast table, unable to put it down even for a little while. The reader has to constantly worry about who can be trusted and what are the consequences of trusting someone. I had so many ideas and conspiracy theories in my mind! The main protagonist is Cassie, but the book also includes chapters from other character's point of views which I first shunned a bit, but quickly grew on me. Those different p.o.vs unquestionably brought a sense of coherence and unity to the whole plot as well as intrigue and insight that the characters themselves didn't have. 

At first, I was under impression that the book wouldn't really have a romance aspect to it, and while it wasn't a prominent element, I was pleasantly surprised how well it fitted the overall story. I didn't see the romance coming, so it might have caused me to like it even more than if I was anticipating it. Some may say that it was insta-love but I don't really see it that way. I don't want to say anything else about it if you haven't read the novel yet, but I didn't see it as instantaneous as there were resistance and suspicion involved as well.  

The second book, The Infinite Sea was published last Fall, and I'm dying to read it but also a bit hesitant. I absolutely adored the 5th Wave, and I'm so afraid that the second book won't meet my expectations. Fear not though, I'm going to read it, but I just need to muster all of my courage to continue the series - I don't wan't to be let down. A must read for everyone, as the 5th Wave is one my favorite YA books!

☆☆☆☆☆

Waiting on Wednesday (#18)

Waiting on Wednesday is about sharing a book every week you cannot wait to be published. This week, I'm waiting on

The Infinite Sea 

(The 5th Wave #2)

by Rick Yancey

Genre: Young Adult, Post-apocalyptic, Romance, Survival, Aliens 

Pages: 480

Expected Publication: September 16, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

❄❄❄

Ahhh! The Infinite Sea has to be in the top 3 of the most awaited books of 2014. I remember after reading only 20 pages of The 5th Wave and I was completely sold and just had this feeling that this series will be one of my favourites. Ever. Of course the first book ended phenomenally and now I'm left hanging and waiting for the book 2. I have so many questions and I'm sure that they will be answere. Hehehee, so excited!

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi

Description from Goodreads:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland--known as The Death Shop--are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild--a savage--and her only hope of staying alive. 

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile--everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

--

I think Under the Never Sky is a bit difficult to review, not because I didn't like it, but because there were some things that just weren't my thing which made a bit confused whether I loved it or not. I did like the overall plot and the characters, but then there were few things in the novel that just made to furrow my brow - I don't like this. The beginning also was a bit slow which probably didn't help me to get into the world. I think I started really enjoying the story only when Aria and Peregrine start helping each other and when their relationship started really evolving. Even though the world was rather interesting, I wish there were more details that would have aided the establishment of the world (what's the deal with Aether; where did it come from and what is is exactly and what implications does it have?).

I think I'm hesitant to love Under the Never Sky probably because I imagined the whole setting to be different. Even though it is mentioned already in the description that Aria and Peregrine need to depend on each other in order to survive in the outer wasteland, I never realised how primitive that setting really was. And this probably caused me to dislike the book a tiny bit (I kept picturing Vikings while reading the descriptions of Peregrine's culture and tribe). I have nothing against Vikings (and I know that there weren't any Vikings, but I can't let go of that image), but their stories don't float my boat, at least not yet. The Reverie world, Aria's world, on the other had loads of potential and possibilities to explore, but instead we got a lot of Viking-like action which just wasn't to my liking. But I did learn to like it after a while, I just needed time to adjust.

And this whole Viking thing almost caused me to dislike Peregrine. He is described as this wild thing - lots of tattoos; long, tangled hair; intense green, but feral eyes. I did really like Perry's ambition and insightfulness, but I didn't really like his violent side. But then again, I did end up rooting for him and Aria, so I guess that's something? H tended to exhibit a  lot of sulkiness and aggression, but then again he was born into it and he had faced rather difficult things in his past which of course affected his present behaviour. I felt the same thing with Aria - I did end up liking her in the end, but sometimes I just couldn't really connect with her. She did sometimes the most illogical things (for example in that scene where she was left alone while Perry went hunting, and she just left the safety to gather some berries without any protection or knowledge of the area or its dangers) which caused my temper to flare a bit. Despite these little things, I did find Aria a decent heroine.

Aria and Perry's romance is one of the most well paced that I've read for a really long time. It's clear that they simply loathe each other in the beginning. The tension between these two characters brings interesting scenes and it's so heartwarming to follow how their mutual hate starts to form into a completely different emotion. They both have lost something important making them vulnerable, and I loved the fact how Aria and Perry's vulnerability was a little bit healed by getting to know each other. There were moments when I was "just kiss already!!", but I'm glad that the author took her time to make them trust each other and form a bond that in the end might become indestructible. I can't wait to see where Rossi is going with these two and their relationship! 

I found the heightened senses theme really fascinating. Some of the outsiders have developed mutations due to being exposed to Aether for longterm which caused them to acquire superhuman senses. It was interesting how for example people with heightened hearing could actually hear people's thoughts if they touched them, and how some had develop a night vision. Peregrine possessed heightened sense of sight and smell which was a cool move from the author to make Peregrine even more unique than he already was. The ability to smell things from far away and detect people's emotions with solely smelling them was, well, rather interesting to read. One of the things Perry was able to smell was when Aria had her first period. I didn't really find it that important to be included in, so I suppose the author was trying to say something with that (not sure yet what). 

I think I need to get back for a moment to that Viking thing (I know that Peregrine's tribe isn't really a Viking tribe, but I just keep picturing them as such) and why it caused me to dislike the book a bit. As I already mentioned, I was expecting to get know more about Reverie, but instead I got something completely different. This wasn't made any easier as the author drops really cool details of Reverie like how all the children are genetically manipulated, how the Realm (the virtual world in which the people of Reverie spend their days) functions and how integral part it is of the whole society, and cool technology, which just made me to  ache to know more about this fascinating, science fictiony world. But the readers have be satisfied with these occasional facts. What a shame - I could've read pages and pages about Reverie and its technology!

In the end, I did find Under the Never Sky entertaining despite the slow beginning. The romance between Aria and Perry was extremely well paced, sweet, and gripping. I really appreciated that the author took her time to make Aria and Perry like each other, after all they were taught to be natural enemies. I do want to read the next book because I'm really anxious to know more about Reverie and how Aria and Perry's relationship will develop. I could categorise Under the Never Sky "it's me, not you" category because I know plenty of people who absolutely adored the book.

☆☆☆ 

Pandemonium (Delirium, #2) by Lauren Oliver

Description from Goodreads:

I’m pushing aside 

the memory of my nightmare, 

pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 

pushing aside thoughts of Hana 

and my old school, 

push, 

push, 

push, 

like Raven taught me to do.

The old life is dead.

But the old Lena is dead too.

I buried her.

I left her beyond a fence,

behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

--

Oh my dear god. After the first book Delirium, I was really impressed by the world Oliver had created and the language was the kind that absorbed you straight into the world. So, I had some preconceptions about the book: how will she step up with Pandemonium when the first book was so good?! The start was a little slow, but when she got things moving, I couldn't put the book down. I had to read the whole book in one sit! I think it was 3 a.m when I finished reading because I just couldn't simply stop myself (I think I stopped reading just to get some food). And the funny part is that even though I was really tired after finishing (well, it was 3a.m in my defense), I couldn't sleep because I was so excited about it. I kept reliving my favourite moments and speculating what will happen in the next book. I have to say that Delirium trilogy is one of my favourites at the moment.

The book is basically divided into two different timelines that collide in the last two chapters: "now" and "then". I found the structure to be a really good choice from Oliver, as it gave another new dimension for the whole series and allowed Pandemonium to be distinguished from Delirium quite efficiently (I loved how the chapters began in Delirium with small paragraphs from the book of Shhh or with old sayings). Lauren also introduced some new characters. Some of them I liked, some of them not. For example, a young man called Tack is a character of whom I have mixed feelings about. At the beginning he seems a really strong and complex character and I had quite high hopes for him, but in the end he was a bit of a let-down for me. He had so much potential as a character, but the readers didn't get a chance to get a better look at him Hopefully, in Requiem he won't be as superficial character. But some other new characters like Raven and Julian turned out be quite fine and I'm looking forward to what Oliver will do with them in the future. 

Julian especially was a rather nice surprise for me. I didn't care for him at all once he was introduced. Even though he is brainwashed just like the others in the cured community, I didn't feel sympathy towards him and I was very suspicious of him all the time. However, thanks to a certain link of events, we get to know him better and  after that I could have hit myself because I didn't see it coming. Julian was actually pretty neat guy. I still love Alex unconditionally, but there's something about Julian as well..

I also have to mention that I loved what the author did with Lena - she was all broken up after the events in the book one, and this was really emphasized with her physical and empty emotional state. You really need to read the book to get what I'm meaning. Without revealing too much, Lena has to start her life from a clean slate without any foundation or support from her previous life. And I got to admit, she does pretty fine job doing it considering the circumstances. Another thing is that, even though I was devastated that Alex got killed in the book one, I was super glad too that the book 2 wasn't all about Lena describing her shattered emotional state. I think that Lena's suffering was really well shown through her emotional indifference and physical unwell-being.

Oliver is obviously a wizard in her twists, and even though I often see some coming, some of them in the book were surprises for me! That is always a huge plus for both the author and the book. And I can promise you, the book will end in a major cliff-hanger. I literally squealed a little when I was reading the last few pages. The author really knows her business when it comes to write an ending to a book. I really loved this book!

☆☆☆☆☆

World After (Penryn & the End of Days #2) by Susan Ee

Description from Goodreads:

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

--

Before I start to talk about the actual review, I think I need to mention that my expectations for World After were exceptionally high. I loved the first book of the series, Angelfall , and I think I could even mention it being one of my favourite horror books as it seemed to had it all: intriguing but imperfect female protagonist, disturbing and haunting world, and a continuous threat that could develop into anything and everything. So, if the first book is something like I just described, it is pretty natural to expect similar text from the second one. But I'm afraid, that at least I have to say that my expectations weren't met. 

We were left off in a very intense situation in the end of the first book, but World After takes a slightly calmer approach which is totally fine as the readers indeed need to take a breath after all that action and chaos. However, the calm does last for very long as Penryn, Paige, and their mother reach a resistance military camp where they need to think about their next move. The beginning sort of drags on even though Ee includes some action and interesting insights to Raffe's past (which are my favourite parts of the book!!). However, I couldn't help the feeling that all this was seen already before: Penryn's kickass martial arts, Penryn's mother doing her own crazy thing, and then one of the most disappointing twists: Paige goes missing, AGAIN. 

So of course, Penryn needs to go after her, maybe even more so now as Paige has been the object of terrifying human experiments which has turned her into a demi demon, causing her to lust after raw meat (even though her spirit still was the same old Paige). And the similarities to the first book do not end here (spoilers ahead so if you don't want to know what is going to happen in the book, please do not read) : Penryn gets captured by the terrifying Scorpions (like she got caught by the resistance) but she manages to escape (like she did from the resistance camp) and Penryn also infiltrates the Angel headquarters and gets to be an eye candy for the Angels (like she infiltrated the Aerie in the first book and had to flirt with one of the angels), and gets rescued by Raffe in the end. I just kept feeling that I was reading the same book for the second time with only slight changes and additions. I was hoping World After to have a unique plot from the first one but instead they ended up being rather similar, at least in my opinion.

One another thing that was sorely disappointing was the relationship development between Penryn and Raffe. In the first book, we get quite a lot of teasing (which is just fine by me) yet there were some sparks like the kiss we get in the end of the first book. First of all, we get a good look at Raffe only almost at the end of the book (if the flashbacks aren't included) and even though his first appearance is rather tingling and great, the rest of his time on the book was wooden and predictable. I had always liked Raffe, but I felt like his personality changed quite a lot during the second book. He suddenly started making a lot of jokes (which weren't even funny) and started teasing Penryn (which was very awkward) every chance he got. Where did the brooding and suffering Raffe go? I want him back! Secondly, I do realise that even though Penryn and Raffe had always felt the pull between them and of course they would be thrilled after seeing each other again after such a long time, I think they were just too friendly to each other after their reunion. I mean, they barely know each other and still they were all lovey dovey and almost pronouncing their undying love for each other. And that didn't suit me very well.

I'm not here to state that the book was absolute rubbish as it had it's moments as well. Penryn's combat scenes were as impressive as ever and I have to give Ee credit for doing such rigorous research for it as you can see that she didn't make it all up. I also loved the flashbacks to Raffe's earlier life which also gave some context why Raffe is the way he is and how the angels used to behave before the apocalypse. Another interesting thing that I didn't see coming was that we also get to know what Paige experienced while she was angels' captive. Those details gave the book another dimensions that it desperately needed.

I think I do want to read the third book of the series, but I have admit that I won't be having as high expectations as I had for this one. The thing that I'm most afraid is that the relationship between Penryn and Raffe is going to end up being very superficial and predictable. They had so good start in the first book but the direction they are headed doesn't sound very appealing to me. I guess we just need to wait and see.

☆☆

Viral Nation (Viral Nation, #1) by Shaunta Grimes

Description from Goodreads:

After a virus claimed nearly the entire global population, the world changed. The United States splintered into fifty walled cities where the surviving citizens clustered to start over. The Company, which ended the plague by bringing a life-saving vaccine back from the future, controls everything. They ration the scant food and supplies through a lottery system, mandate daily doses of virus suppressant, and even monitor future timelines to stop crimes before they can be committed.

Brilliant but autistic, sixteen-year-old Clover Donovan has always dreamed of studying at the Waverly-Stead Academy. Her brother and caretaker, West, has done everything in his power to make her dream a reality. But Clover’s refusal to part with her beloved service dog denies her entry into the school. Instead, she is drafted into the Time Mariners, a team of Company operatives who travel through time to gather news about the future.

When one of Clover’s missions reveals that West’s life is in danger, the Donovans are shattered. To change West’s fate, they’ll have to take on the mysterious Company. But as its secrets are revealed, they realize that the Company’s rule may not be as benevolent as it seems. In saving her brother, Clover will face a more powerful force than she ever imagined… and will team up with a band of fellow misfits and outsiders to incite a revolution that will change their destinies forever.

--

I was really excited when I noticed that my request for Viral Nation was accepted on NetGalley. I haven't read any post-apocalyptic books for a long time even though they usually end up being some of my favourite books. The idea of autistic main character also made me intrigued about the book as I don't recall reading any similar kind of books. There were so many fascinating elements that I knew I had to get my hands on the book. So, you can imagine my excitement as I started reading the book.

I really liked the main characters Clover and West whose point of views the readers were allowed to witness. As Clover is the autistic main character, I was slightly worried that Grimes couldn't write her convincingly. But that worry ended up being for nothing! The readers immediately notice how Clover is struggling with social situations and can't correctly interpret others' rhetorics or intentions, just like it usually happens to autistics.  However, it was nice to realise despite of everything that I was able to identify with her character. She feels compassion and love, and on top of this, she is a child genius with  her incredible memory. I was never left cold by her character.

West on the other hand was this protective and loyal big brother who had taken care of Clover as long as he could remember. However, he had to put his own dreams on hold as West always puts Clover's needs first. Writers tend to write the male characters in a very romanticised fashion, but it was really refreshing as West isn't perfect: he has problems with his aggression and he doesn't always handle situations related to violence in the best manner. 

Even though the plot isn't exactly original, I loved the corrupted society the book included. The nation has been swept away by the virus killing the majority of population, only leaving some hundreds of thousands people alive. The survivors now have established few cities surrounded by walls which prevent the citizens from leaving as they are told that here are only dangers waiting outside the city walls. I wish Grimes would have introduced more of the society and how the hierarchies work, even though we got a brief glance to the system. I was left with so many questions that I would have liked to gotten answers to.

But there was something which in the book that left me a bit cold. Well, if I'm being completely honest, more than a bit of cold. I usually enjoy reading books which include action and all sorts of dangers, but I don't feel like Viral Nation offered too many situations like that. Despite the fact that there were this constant atmosphere of fear, there weren't scenes which made my heart pound and want to read faster than I actually could. The plot in itself was good, but I didn't find it thrilling or suspenseful.

Viral Nation was a good read. It wasn't as good as I hoped it would be, but I did enjoy it. I tend to have too high expectations and this is probably why I end up disappointed with so many books. But I don't think it is actually correct to lower my expectations when I'm reading, is it? I think we all deserve books which we love unconditionally. Viral Nation just wasn't one of those books for me. 

☆☆☆