Virobacter

TC Reis
Littletonhouse Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780974684987
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (04/11)

 

When a horrifying tragedy forces a family to flee their plantation home in Borneo, they unknowingly take some of the darkness with them back to the United States.  The wife in this family had been suspected of being a murderous creature of ancient folklore by the locals.  One night, tired of the deaths, the villagers unite and invade the family home, intent on destruction.  With little notice, the grandparents of the couple’s children manage to escape with the two young girls.  Taking the girls back to the United States, one disappears at the airport, the other named Amber, manages to grow up with relative peace; that is until the unusual murders begin happening again in her small town.

Corbin Kilwin, a scientist who studies bacteria, initially has an opportunity to be a part of the investigation.  Studying the lab samples taken from the victims, he discovers an unusual virus that has the ability to take control over the nuclei of bacteria, creating a virobacter.  Excited at this discovery and the implications that it might have as a cure for disease, Ethan is intent on finding the answers to where this substance came from and why it is involved with the victim’s deaths. 

Corbin also has the opportunity to meet Amber. Recognizing something different about her he still begins to develop feelings.  Amber has some serious issues to deal with.  These come from the tragedy that helped destroy most of her family.  She lives in darkness and fear of what she is becoming.  Adding to the mystery, the townspeople also start reporting seeing a winged creature involved with the attacks.   As the murders increase, Ethan begins to develop suspicions about what might be occurring. 

I totally enjoyed reading “Virobacter.” I especially liked that the author combined ancient folklore with modern science.  This combination creates an unusual dilemma for the reader because you have to decide what you think should happen to the creature.  If it is something evil, it should die.  However, if it is something that should be studied by modern scientists because it might offer a cure for disease, then perhaps it should live.  The main, well-developed, characters also go through a great deal of soul-searching torment. This forces them to look at their own values and decide what is right.  The most logical answer does not create the easiest solution.

 “Virobacter” by TC Reis is an incredible book that will linger in my deepest thoughts for a long time. The quandary I went through while reading it has been imprinted in my mind.  I look forward to reading more books by this author!

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