Pandemic (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: emergency response plan, bird flu, site survey team, Gansu Flu, Hazzir Kabaal, Abu Lahab (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Full-time doctor and first-time novelist Kalla injects a frightening dose of reality into this tale of biological terrorism. Dr. Noah Haldane of the World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that the human race is due for a deadly new virus, similar to the 1919 Spanish flu that killed 20 million people in six months. So when a mysterious new flu strain is reported in China's Gansu province, Haldane isn't surprised he's called to investigate. He's shocked to learn that the new disease--dubbed Acute Respiratory Collapse Syndrome (ARCS) and considered far more deadly than SARS, killing one in every four people it infects--is intentionally being spread to London, British Columbia and Chicago. In the jet age, a killer bug can travel fast with devastating effects. The lively supporting cast includes the pretty director of counter-bioterrorism for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a hilarious Scottish virologist. While a few plot twists seem a little too convenient and some technical passages slow the pace, Kalla's ripped-from-the-headlines plot and confident command of both language and medicine make this sobering book a pleasure. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Daniel Kalla expertly weaves real science and medicine into a fast-paced, nightmarish thriller--a thriller all the more frightening because it could really happen.”--Tess Gerritsen, author of Body Double on Pandemic

“Kalla is a rocket ship of a writer. He moves to the front of the pack with a thriller that will grab you from page one and never let you go.”--Keith Ablow, author of Psychopath on Pandemic

“Pandemic is fast, fierce and frightening. Kalla delivers a shot of adrenaline in a medical thriller that really thrills.”--Don Winslow, author of California Fire and The Life and Death of BobbyZ on Pandemic

“Pandemic is a totally compelling novel, one of those rare thrillers that lays out a scenario that is not only possible, but terrifyingly probable.”--Douglas Preston, author of Relic and The Codex on Pandemic

“At last! A new thriller writer worthy to join the Ludlum, DeMille, LeCarre club.  Not just a great read, a real treat.”--Beverly Swerling, author of City of Dreams: A Novel of Nieuw Amsterdam and Early Manhattan on Pandemic

“Pandemic is a sizzler. A killer epidemic that may go global--convincing and terrifying.”--Barbara D’Amato, author of Death of A Thousand Cuts and White Male Infantp0 on Pandemic

"Daniel Kalla expertly weaves real science and medicine into a fast-paced, nightmarish thriller--a thriller all the more frightening because it could really happen." (Tess Gerritsen, author of Body Double )

"Kalla is a rocket ship of a writer. He moves to the front of the pack with a thriller that will grab you from page one and never let you go." (Keith Ablow, author of Psychopath )

"Pandemic is fast, fierce and frightening. Kalla delivers a shot of adrenaline in a medical thriller that really thrills." (Don Winslow, author of California Fire )

"Pandemic is a totally compelling novel, one of those rare thrillers that lays out a scenario that is not only possible, but terrifyingly probable." (Douglas Preston, author of Relic and The Codex )

"At last! A new thriller writer worthy to join the Ludlum, DeMille, LeCarre club. Not just a great read, a real treat." (Beverly Swerling, author of City of Dreams )

"Pandemic is a sizzler. A killer epidemic that may go global--convincing and terrifying." (Barbara D'Amato, author of Death of A Thousand Cuts )

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: Forge Books (February 1, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 076535084X ISBN-13: 978-0765350848 Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,176 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
emergency response plan, bird flu, site survey team

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Gansu Flu, Hazzir Kabaal, Abu Lahab, Jiayuguan City, Abdul Sabri, Hong Kong, Ted Hart, Gwen Savard, Spanish Flu, Sheikh Hassan, Alex Clayton, The Brotherhood of One Nation, Jean Nantal, Al-Futuh Mosque, General Fischer, New York, Noah Haldane, Anwar Aziz, Isaac Moskor, Kai Huang, Achmed Eleish, Operation Antiseptic, Bishr Gamal, Major Sabri, Andrea Home

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	65% buy the item featured on this page: Pandemic 4.0 out of 5 stars (27) $7.99
	13% buy terrO.R. 4.1 out of 5 stars (49) $12.55
	11% buy Isolation Ward 4.3 out of 5 stars (34) $6.99
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Customer Reviews

27 Reviews 5 star:  (12) 4 star:  (7) 3 star:  (5) 2 star:  (2) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.0 out of 5 stars (27 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 13 of 14 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent debut novel, February 1, 2005 By  www.bookshipper.blogspot.com/ "www.bookshippe... (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    This thriller is about today's issues. Dr. Noah Haldane is the head guy at the WHO and he has seen his share of scary epidemics. He firmly believes that we have yet to see the "big one". On the government side is Gwen. She is convinced that the next wave of the epidemic will be brought in as a killing tool by terrorits. As it turns out - they are both right. Together our two main characters fly, basically, all over the map trying to track a new strain of the flu. Think Smallpox, SARS and Spanish Flu and you have a good idea of the potency of this new potential epidemic. In a bid against time, they try desperately to put the pieces together to avoid a worlwide contamination. This is a fantastic debut thriller from a Canadian author who happens to be a doctor. The writing is fresh without too much details to unimportant things. The characters are likeable and it is refreshing to see that both characters are smart. While the Noah Haldane was more flushed out than the Gwen character, we do get a good feel for both of these people. The pace can be a little slow at times and if you are expecting action every page - you will be disappointed. However, the story builds into a logical, strong plot. The author, I think, forgot that he was writing for an average layperson. Some of his technical terms need to be rephrased as I got a little confused on the medical terms (especially in the early part of the book - when we are still trying to absorb character names, etc.) Also, the pace could be a tad faster. While the length of the book was fine, it did occassionally drag just a little bit. Still, these minor complaints do not in any way overshadow the quality of this book. Other than that, the cast of characters (including Clayton) were wonderful and I give this a 4 star rating for a first time author. BUY IT. 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars A race against time, November 21, 2005 By  Henry W. Wagner (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       Kalla rarely misses a beat in this fast paced thriller, which, due to current events, seems scarily prescient. The author, however, gives the tale a scary spin, positing that the human race has as much to fear from terrorism as it does from a mutated flu strain. Opening with a disconcerting scene that would make a gritty and effective framing sequence to a Bond movie, Kalla uses the familiar "race against time" as the backbone for this fast paced, arresting novel. His heroes, Dr. Noah Haldane of the World Health Organization and Dr. Gwen Savard, Director of Counter-Bioterrorism, Dept. of Homeland Security, are perfect protagonists, simultaneously searching for the cause and cure for outbreaks of a deadly avian virus which strikes in Hong Kong, England and Canada. Thinking that the outbreaks are natural in origin, Haldane and Savard soon discover they are dealing with a mad religious zealot intent on bringing down America and its allies. A doctor himself, Kalla effortlessly blends fact and fiction into a worthy thriller, one which will likely result in many sleepless nights for those who read it, both during and after that process. Frightening because of its "ripped from today's headlines" storyline, Pandemic also educates its readers about the origins of various flus and the sometimes extreme measures which must be taken to forestall their spread. If knowledge is power, Pandemic is a powerful book. Let's make things simple: read Pandemic if you've ever shivered while reading non-fiction books like The Hot Zone, by Richard Preston, or Flu, by Gina Kolota or Germ by Judith Miller, et al. Or, if you've ever thrilled to books like Stephen King's The Stand or George R. Stewart's Earth Abides. But read it mostly because it's good story well told, a cautionary tale from which you'll probably glean some useful information about a deadly phenomenon that will likely continue to make front-page news for years to come. 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional first novel, March 1, 2005 By  Leiah "Knit1QuiltToo" (Mountains of Colorado) - See all my reviews Dr. Kalla has written an exceptionally thoughtful first novel. The historical background is correct, and the medical information is solid and well written for a lay audience to be able to understand. Although this is not a novel to be immediately understood by someone totally without a science background, the facinating concept of the book should keep a layperson interested enough in the beginning to lead them to greater and greater understanding of the science involved. The concept of the book is deeply frightening in the utter reality of its possibilities. The world is, in my knowledge, deeply incapable, at this point in time, of meeting a true flu pandemic - which Dr. Kalla goes out of his way to prove is greatly overdue. Another point which deserves great admiration is Dr. Kalla's insight of, and introduction to, the Muslim religion in all of its diversity of thought. While giving deep insight into the vitriolic mindset of the terrorist, his portrayal of the Muslim people stops not with the twisted Kabaal and Sabri, nor with the mindless obedience of their followers. Dr. Kalla also draws a thoughtful picture of the other side of the Muslim religion in his portrayal of Inspector Eleish and his family. Eleish and others like him are the quiet side of the faith, those who have studied their religion, only to find in it the deep, abiding spirituality from which they gather strength in their day-to-day lives. It is not my point here, in any way, to delve into a discussion of religion. It is, however, refreshing to read an author who is not only willing, but capable of, showing both sides of the issue in a clear and understandable manner. Especially to a person who, like myself, is not a religious person and never has been. It is, however, interesting to me that we tend to paint all Muslims with the same brush, as terrorists and monsters. That is, in my estimation, like saying that all Americans are members of the Klan or the White Supremist movement, or practice Christian Religious Fundamentalism. An awfully wide brush for an extremely diverse population. Pick it up for the solid science, or the rollicking storyline, or just for a bit of excitement. But do pick up this book - I doubt you will regret it. However, it probably isn't such a good idea to read it on an overcrowded jetliner, as I did, for several hours when your seatmate has a cold - - it made me rather jumpy, it did! :-)		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 2.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, but weak story Pandemic by Daniel Kalla is an entertaining and highly relevant apocalyptic adventure story (in these times with h1n1, SARS, swine-, bird- and Mexican flu) yet as a high ranked... Read more Published 1 month ago by Patrice Deware 5.0 out of 5 stars Pandemic This genera fills my soul with dread and delight. Specifically, Daniel Kalla met my every expectation and exceeded it. Read more Published 3 months ago by Irene Gardner 5.0 out of 5 stars What if terrorists gave martyrs a killer flu? It started as the flu..... What if terrorists "weaponized" a killer flu and sent martyrs out to infect the rest of the world? Read more Published 6 months ago by Reg Nordman 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading Read it in 2 days. Realistic Muslim terrorist bio threat with a slight love twist added in. The book was very a simplistic no brainer. I enjoyed it. Published 8 months ago by Woodlandtrails 3.0 out of 5 stars Predictable but well-done Pandemic thrillers appear to be one of the popular subjects for today's thrillers. Though published in 2005, this issue will contine to resonate. Read more Published 16 months ago by Ferret818 5.0 out of 5 stars This one might make you paranoid! Actually, I haven't finished reading the book yet but I had let a friend read it and she LOVED it! I like medical thriller movies and I'm enjoying this one so far. Read more Published 16 months ago by Diana 3.0 out of 5 stars It could have been a lot better. I think this could have been a LOT better if I didn't feel like I was reading the novelization of a bad TV movie. Read more Published 22 months ago by M. J. Hart 4.0 out of 5 stars New weapon for terrorists Terrorism has been a problem in society since the dawn of history. One man who's considered a freedom fighter by some is also considered to be a terrorist, a dissident, a... Read more Published 23 months ago by Chris Van Deelen 3.0 out of 5 stars Great science, scary scenario, weak thriller! Daniel Kalla's "Pandemic" is an entertaining, informative and frightening thriller that undoubtedly ought to be taken seriously as an uncomfortably plausible scenario in... Read more Published on January 31, 2007 by Paul Weiss 3.0 out of 5 stars Not a Gerritsen or Cook This story is about Dr. Noah Haldane, an emerging pathogens expert with WHO(World Health Organization)and his struggle to save the world, as well as his marriage, and only one... Read more Published on January 16, 2006 by L. Maynard Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forge Books (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076535084X
• ISBN-13: 978-0765350848
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,176 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent debut novel, February 1, 2005

By	www.bookshipper.blogspot.com/ "www.bookshippe... (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This thriller is about today's issues. Dr. Noah Haldane is the head guy at the WHO and he has seen his share of scary epidemics. He firmly believes that we have yet to see the "big one". On the government side is Gwen. She is convinced that the next wave of the epidemic will be brought in as a killing tool by terrorits.

As it turns out - they are both right.

Together our two main characters fly, basically, all over the map trying to track a new strain of the flu. Think Smallpox, SARS and Spanish Flu and you have a good idea of the potency of this new potential epidemic. In a bid against time, they try desperately to put the pieces together to avoid a worlwide contamination.

This is a fantastic debut thriller from a Canadian author who happens to be a doctor.

The writing is fresh without too much details to unimportant things. The characters are likeable and it is refreshing to see that both characters are smart. While the Noah Haldane was more flushed out than the Gwen character, we do get a good feel for both of these people.

The pace can be a little slow at times and if you are expecting action every page - you will be disappointed. However, the story builds into a logical, strong plot.

The author, I think, forgot that he was writing for an average layperson. Some of his technical terms need to be rephrased as I got a little confused on the medical terms (especially in the early part of the book - when we are still trying to absorb character names, etc.) Also, the pace could be a tad faster. While the length of the book was fine, it did occassionally drag just a little bit. Still, these minor complaints do not in any way overshadow the quality of this book.

Other than that, the cast of characters (including Clayton) were wonderful and I give this a 4 star rating for a first time author.

BUY IT.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A race against time, November 21, 2005

By	Henry W. Wagner (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Kalla rarely misses a beat in this fast paced thriller, which, due to current events, seems scarily prescient. The author, however, gives the tale a scary spin, positing that the human race has as much to fear from terrorism as it does from a mutated flu strain.

Opening with a disconcerting scene that would make a gritty and effective framing sequence to a Bond movie, Kalla uses the familiar "race against time" as the backbone for this fast paced, arresting novel. His heroes, Dr. Noah Haldane of the World Health Organization and Dr. Gwen Savard, Director of Counter-Bioterrorism, Dept. of Homeland Security, are perfect protagonists, simultaneously searching for the cause and cure for outbreaks of a deadly avian virus which strikes in Hong Kong, England and Canada. Thinking that the outbreaks are natural in origin, Haldane and Savard soon discover they are dealing with a mad religious zealot intent on bringing down America and its allies.

A doctor himself, Kalla effortlessly blends fact and fiction into a worthy thriller, one which will likely result in many sleepless nights for those who read it, both during and after that process. Frightening because of its "ripped from today's headlines" storyline, Pandemic also educates its readers about the origins of various flus and the sometimes extreme measures which must be taken to forestall their spread. If knowledge is power, Pandemic is a powerful book.

Let's make things simple: read Pandemic if you've ever shivered while reading non-fiction books like The Hot Zone, by Richard Preston, or Flu, by Gina Kolota or Germ by Judith Miller, et al. Or, if you've ever thrilled to books like Stephen King's The Stand or George R. Stewart's Earth Abides. But read it mostly because it's good story well told, a cautionary tale from which you'll probably glean some useful information about a deadly phenomenon that will likely continue to make front-page news for years to come.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional first novel, March 1, 2005

By	Leiah "Knit1QuiltToo" (Mountains of Colorado) - See all my reviews

Dr. Kalla has written an exceptionally thoughtful first novel. The historical background is correct, and the medical information is solid and well written for a lay audience to be able to understand. Although this is not a novel to be immediately understood by someone totally without a science background, the facinating concept of the book should keep a layperson interested enough in the beginning to lead them to greater and greater understanding of the science involved. The concept of the book is deeply frightening in the utter reality of its possibilities. The world is, in my knowledge, deeply incapable, at this point in time, of meeting a true flu pandemic - which Dr. Kalla goes out of his way to prove is greatly overdue.

Another point which deserves great admiration is Dr. Kalla's insight of, and introduction to, the Muslim religion in all of its diversity of thought. While giving deep insight into the vitriolic mindset of the terrorist, his portrayal of the Muslim people stops not with the twisted Kabaal and Sabri, nor with the mindless obedience of their followers. Dr. Kalla also draws a thoughtful picture of the other side of the Muslim religion in his portrayal of Inspector Eleish and his family. Eleish and others like him are the quiet side of the faith, those who have studied their religion, only to find in it the deep, abiding spirituality from which they gather strength in their day-to-day lives. It is not my point here, in any way, to delve into a discussion of religion. It is, however, refreshing to read an author who is not only willing, but capable of, showing both sides of the issue in a clear and understandable manner. Especially to a person who, like myself, is not a religious person and never has been. It is, however, interesting to me that we tend to paint all Muslims with the same brush, as terrorists and monsters. That is, in my estimation, like saying that all Americans are members of the Klan or the White Supremist movement, or practice Christian Religious Fundamentalism. An awfully wide brush for an extremely diverse population.

Pick it up for the solid science, or the rollicking storyline, or just for a bit of excitement. But do pick up this book - I doubt you will regret it. However, it probably isn't such a good idea to read it on an overcrowded jetliner, as I did, for several hours when your seatmate has a cold - - it made me rather jumpy, it did! :-)