Today’s review comes from Amanda O’Dell, who wrote another guest post for me a few months ago. This time, we have an action packed novel perfect for those winter blues!
Title: Cordyceps
Author: Ian Duncan
Publisher: Ian Duncan and Hammerdown Press
Publication Date: November 20, 2019
Summary
Just trying to keep everyone fed, we accidentally infect ourselves with a fungus that mutates and intelligently takes over its host to turn into different stages of Cord zombies.
Once only a pesticide, the virus spreads through Southern Florida taking over the minds and bodies of the citizens and wreaks havoc.
Cole McGinnisis a normal guy until his life becomes one of shooting Cords, looting for food and doing anything necessary to keep his friends alive.
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Review: Cordyceps
Cordyceps reads like a movie. I can see this being a huge sensation on Netflix with its moment-to-moment traumatic life changes for Cole, and with the relationship he cultivates with Shelley as they fight beside each other to stay alive.
The author, Ian Duncan, does a great job of getting you close to the characters without forcing your friendship. Throughout the book, you watch the subtle ways Cole loves his friends, the way he cares for strangers, the courage he shows when he doesn’t even realize he is courageous. He’s a real person, a girl’s soccer coach actually, stuck in this terrible situation rising to occasion after occasion.
First Thoughts
There are a lot of zombie books and movies around now. However, this one felt different because it was happening in a concrete, realistic place. It wasn’t an alternate universe or in the future. Duncan really did his homework: the descriptions of Florida were specific and vivid and the details of the virus were well thought out. The scenes with government agencies trying to figure out how to contain it felt authentic, and the officials’ tone of voice during conversations and presentations felt real.
Character development prevailed in this novel. The little details of body language and the small interactions between friends kept me interested. The big personalities of the secondary characters stuck with me because we became so close to them so quickly; they helped enhanced the story. The reactions and emotions of the characters felt genuine. It also means the writing really tugs on your heart strings.
Additionally, the virus itself was very creative. I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the different stages of the Cord (I’ll leave this as a cliffhanger!) and what the humans are willing to do to spread the spores. For example, climbing the tallest building and waiting for the plant to grow through their bodies and sprout out their mouth to release spores. The same scenarios played out with stories like this can get boring, and I think Duncan did a great job of making this one unique.
Consensus
This is book one of a three book series, and I’m very excited to find out what happens next. I’m hoping that Cole and Shelley get to stay together because I like the development of their relationship. I know that whatever happens, it will be creative, clever and well written.