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tslye's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I really liked the world building, but I felt like the plot, particularly towards the end did not match the same level of complexity and nuance demonstrated in the environment.
ljimenez89's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
drtone's review against another edition
2.0
Run of the mill story. Nothing particularly interesting here.
emily_loves_2_read's review
4.0
Child Zero
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 5/10/22
Author: Chris Holm
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Pages: 352
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing a copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: It began four years ago with a worldwide uptick of bacterial infections: meningitis in Frankfurt, cholera in Johannesburg, tuberculosis in New Delhi. Antibiotic resistance soon roiled across the globe. Diseases long thought beaten came surging back. The death toll skyrocketed. Then New York City was ravaged by the most heinous act of bioterror the world had ever seen, perpetrated by a new brand of extremist bent on pushing humanity to extinction. Detective Jacob Gibson, who lost his wife in the 8/17 attack, is home caring for his sick daughter when his partner summons him to a sprawling shantytown in Central Park, the apparent site of a mass murder. Jake is startled to discover that, despite a life of abject squalor, the victims died in perfect health—and his only hope of finding answers is an eleven-year-old boy on the run from some very dangerous men.
My Thoughts: If this book had been written 10 years ago, it would not have been plausible. But in today’s world, going on year 3 of COVID, extremely plausible. I have read that this author is a real microbiologist, which makes for an even better writing. This was part mystery, part sci-fi, and part thriller rolled into an excellent read. In this book it takes a view of bioterrorism to a new level, where medicine can no longer hear a simple scratch, back to he dark ages of medicine, and makes it incredibly real. The characters are developed well and Jacob is extremely likable. This was a fast paced book that went by really quick. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to others, as well as reading other books by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 5/10/22
Author: Chris Holm
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Pages: 352
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing a copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: It began four years ago with a worldwide uptick of bacterial infections: meningitis in Frankfurt, cholera in Johannesburg, tuberculosis in New Delhi. Antibiotic resistance soon roiled across the globe. Diseases long thought beaten came surging back. The death toll skyrocketed. Then New York City was ravaged by the most heinous act of bioterror the world had ever seen, perpetrated by a new brand of extremist bent on pushing humanity to extinction. Detective Jacob Gibson, who lost his wife in the 8/17 attack, is home caring for his sick daughter when his partner summons him to a sprawling shantytown in Central Park, the apparent site of a mass murder. Jake is startled to discover that, despite a life of abject squalor, the victims died in perfect health—and his only hope of finding answers is an eleven-year-old boy on the run from some very dangerous men.
My Thoughts: If this book had been written 10 years ago, it would not have been plausible. But in today’s world, going on year 3 of COVID, extremely plausible. I have read that this author is a real microbiologist, which makes for an even better writing. This was part mystery, part sci-fi, and part thriller rolled into an excellent read. In this book it takes a view of bioterrorism to a new level, where medicine can no longer hear a simple scratch, back to he dark ages of medicine, and makes it incredibly real. The characters are developed well and Jacob is extremely likable. This was a fast paced book that went by really quick. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to others, as well as reading other books by this author.
dpoole7781's review
5.0
I was fortunate enough to win an ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, so I want to say thank you to Goodreads and to Mullholland Books for my copy!
As for Child Zero, what an outstanding story! It's kind of dystopian sci-fi thriller but set in an entirely plausible near future. The author, Chris Holm, is a former molecular biologist, and clearly went to a lot of effort to make this book not only entertaining, but scientifically sound. I can't help but compare it to the recent works of author [a:Andy Weir|6540057|Andy Weir|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1382592903p2/6540057.jpg]. Both authors meticulously researched for their novels, and both created themes that were rooted in proven science. Holm's story is just focused on medical science rather than space exploration.
I can't recommend this book enough, and it will undoubtedly be one of my favorite releases of 2022.
As for Child Zero, what an outstanding story! It's kind of dystopian sci-fi thriller but set in an entirely plausible near future. The author, Chris Holm, is a former molecular biologist, and clearly went to a lot of effort to make this book not only entertaining, but scientifically sound. I can't help but compare it to the recent works of author [a:Andy Weir|6540057|Andy Weir|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1382592903p2/6540057.jpg]. Both authors meticulously researched for their novels, and both created themes that were rooted in proven science. Holm's story is just focused on medical science rather than space exploration.
I can't recommend this book enough, and it will undoubtedly be one of my favorite releases of 2022.
audimka's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
g_newton98's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
b00tz2big's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Interesting concept. Boring execution. The story takes too long to get going and once it does it quickly goes from one contrived plot point to the next. None of the characters have redeemable qualities and none of them are interesting enough to be renewable. I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
jmckendry's review
4.0
This book was fun, action packed, and thrilling! I loved the diverse characters, all of them came to life with the author's colorful writing style. The writing itself was engaging, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how everything would eventually connect.
My favorite part about this story was the premise: antibiotics became ineffective due to how quickly new viruses evolved to combat them. This meant that getting the flu could be potentially fatal again (as it was around 200 years ago), small cuts were easily infected, and the immune system of the human body was damaged.
Really enjoyed this one!
My favorite part about this story was the premise: antibiotics became ineffective due to how quickly new viruses evolved to combat them. This meant that getting the flu could be potentially fatal again (as it was around 200 years ago), small cuts were easily infected, and the immune system of the human body was damaged.
Really enjoyed this one!
amberunmasked's review
There aren't too many novelists as qualified as Chris Holm to create a science-fiction story based on a plethora of actual documented scientific facts. Holm takes readers through a world similar to the COVID-19 pandemic and makes everything much worse. The pandemic within CHILD ZERO isn't one disease—it's all of them. Holm focuses more specifically on bacterial infections that are contagious. He narrows the world down to New York City where detective Jake Gibson's problems begin with trying keep his sick daughter Zoe safe and hidden from the newly established Department of Biological Security.
Holm's action thriller creates a brand new masculine hero for today's real world readers. This isn't John McClane or The Transporter. Jake Gibson is selfless. He's willing to work with a team (in this case, his injured partner on the police force Amy, his ex-girlfriend Hannah, and a strange young boy Mateo) unlike 1980's quintessential heroes who generally had to fight alone or evolve to trust one person by the end of their story. This includes female heroes like Ripley and Sarah Conner.
In this version of New York City, the shutdown to contain diseases from spreading is more cruel. People are required to report their illness to the DBS which will relocate them to colonies much like the leper colonies of the ancient world. If someone doesn't report themselves or their loved one, neighbors are expected to rat them out.
Climate change is referenced by the descriptions of the city's record-breaking heat, cursed by seven consecutive years of the planet warming. Holm addresses many of the most important issues facing society today: racism, classism, greedy capitalism, immigration, and healthcare. The way Child Zero packs all of that into one breakneck story is phenomenal. Hospitals have followed the way of pharmaceutical companies with profits and the ability to pay driving decisions. When the Harbinger virus, ArBGR01, is released in Arctic because of climate change, it spread across the planet making the rich richer and vulnerable dying off in masses. No antibiotics work against illnesses unleashed because of the virus. As Holm writes, a papercut could kill you.
Jake's ex-girlfriend, Hannah Lang, was on a path to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, but after Harbinger, everyone is on the trauma lines. Despite their awful breakup, Hannah is willing to take Zoe and care for her in hiding so the DBS doesn't remove her from Jake's custody. His wife already died from Harbinger and he is motivated to keep Zoe alive at all costs including breaking all the laws necessary and going against his captain's orders.
Mateo Rivas is just a child. He's from an immigrant family and has spent most of his life inside the confines of "Park City," the colloquial name for Sheep Meadow Emergency Refugee Center which was created after the 8/17 bioterrorism attack. Mateo has a special gift that a pharmaceutical mogul named Ethan Rask and the DBS would do anything to get their hands on. Children are smarter than adults generally give them credit for, but when it comes to the maturity of Mateo, Jake notices and accepts it. This new relationship of a man and a strange boy adds to this new hero Holm has created. Mateo is every bit the hero that Jake is, but instead of the public image of being a cop, Mateo lives every day keeping his good deeds a secret. Over time, rumors circulate and eventually two different armies are after the boy.
Amy (Amira) Hassan is Jake's partner on the force. She's a hijabi woman of color who keeps her personal boundaries up all the time. She's a bit brusque to everyone undoubtedly due to a life of openly hostile racism and microaggressions. Amy is a character who will not quit. She's unstoppable and pure of heart like a medieval champion. She believes that she can affect change in the NYPD from the inside. When she and Jake are suspended at the beginning of the story, they end up on this apocalypse team together due to violent circumstances.
Child Zero also has a fairly unique presentation. Like Stephen King's Carrie, there are newspaper articles sprinkled in between chapters. There are also segments of dark web chats. Readers who love a good cyber thriller will savor these parts of the book which are integral to the web of crimes responsible for mass murder.
Summary:
Chris Holm created one of the greatest science-fiction thrillers with Child Zero. The way every single aspect of modern life is depicted is heartbreaking. From blights making vegetables and other agriculture products rare items for the rich to life-altering classist encampments filled with dying people, Child Zero doesn't hold back. This is bound to be my favorite book of the year.
Rating: 5 Stars (I'd give it more if possible)
Holm's action thriller creates a brand new masculine hero for today's real world readers. This isn't John McClane or The Transporter. Jake Gibson is selfless. He's willing to work with a team (in this case, his injured partner on the police force Amy, his ex-girlfriend Hannah, and a strange young boy Mateo) unlike 1980's quintessential heroes who generally had to fight alone or evolve to trust one person by the end of their story. This includes female heroes like Ripley and Sarah Conner.
In this version of New York City, the shutdown to contain diseases from spreading is more cruel. People are required to report their illness to the DBS which will relocate them to colonies much like the leper colonies of the ancient world. If someone doesn't report themselves or their loved one, neighbors are expected to rat them out.
Climate change is referenced by the descriptions of the city's record-breaking heat, cursed by seven consecutive years of the planet warming. Holm addresses many of the most important issues facing society today: racism, classism, greedy capitalism, immigration, and healthcare. The way Child Zero packs all of that into one breakneck story is phenomenal. Hospitals have followed the way of pharmaceutical companies with profits and the ability to pay driving decisions. When the Harbinger virus, ArBGR01, is released in Arctic because of climate change, it spread across the planet making the rich richer and vulnerable dying off in masses. No antibiotics work against illnesses unleashed because of the virus. As Holm writes, a papercut could kill you.
Jake's ex-girlfriend, Hannah Lang, was on a path to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, but after Harbinger, everyone is on the trauma lines. Despite their awful breakup, Hannah is willing to take Zoe and care for her in hiding so the DBS doesn't remove her from Jake's custody. His wife already died from Harbinger and he is motivated to keep Zoe alive at all costs including breaking all the laws necessary and going against his captain's orders.
Mateo Rivas is just a child. He's from an immigrant family and has spent most of his life inside the confines of "Park City," the colloquial name for Sheep Meadow Emergency Refugee Center which was created after the 8/17 bioterrorism attack. Mateo has a special gift that a pharmaceutical mogul named Ethan Rask and the DBS would do anything to get their hands on. Children are smarter than adults generally give them credit for, but when it comes to the maturity of Mateo, Jake notices and accepts it. This new relationship of a man and a strange boy adds to this new hero Holm has created. Mateo is every bit the hero that Jake is, but instead of the public image of being a cop, Mateo lives every day keeping his good deeds a secret. Over time, rumors circulate and eventually two different armies are after the boy.
Amy (Amira) Hassan is Jake's partner on the force. She's a hijabi woman of color who keeps her personal boundaries up all the time. She's a bit brusque to everyone undoubtedly due to a life of openly hostile racism and microaggressions. Amy is a character who will not quit. She's unstoppable and pure of heart like a medieval champion. She believes that she can affect change in the NYPD from the inside. When she and Jake are suspended at the beginning of the story, they end up on this apocalypse team together due to violent circumstances.
Child Zero also has a fairly unique presentation. Like Stephen King's Carrie, there are newspaper articles sprinkled in between chapters. There are also segments of dark web chats. Readers who love a good cyber thriller will savor these parts of the book which are integral to the web of crimes responsible for mass murder.
Summary:
Chris Holm created one of the greatest science-fiction thrillers with Child Zero. The way every single aspect of modern life is depicted is heartbreaking. From blights making vegetables and other agriculture products rare items for the rich to life-altering classist encampments filled with dying people, Child Zero doesn't hold back. This is bound to be my favorite book of the year.
Rating: 5 Stars (I'd give it more if possible)