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on April 3, 2015
"The China Pandemic" by A.R. Shaw has everything -- great plot, interesting characters, great plot twists, an incredibly believable premise to begin with. The setting could be any day, which is the terrifyingly real part of the story, with the H5N5 virus wiping out the earth's population until roughly 2% remained. The protagonist, Graham, is a reluctant hero. Devastated by grief from nursing his family until all died, including his pregnant wife, he is startled from his depression by a slight Korean woman in the final throes of the virus. Hyun-Ok announces she has chosen Graham to be guardian to her 5-year-old son, Bang, who is a virus carrier now like Graham. Graham unwilling complies with Hyun-Ok's reasoning, and watches her die on his sofa.
Graham's father was a Vietnam War veteran and raised Graham in Washington state with a cabin on 300 acres in the Cascade Mountains. He taught Graham survival skills, including hunting and skinning and outfitted their cabin with such necessities as a composting toilet and solar panels for energy. Bang's arrival delays Graham's departure for his cabin. In that day, circumstances change enough in other characters live that twins Marcy and Macey converge on Graham's hometown, running into trouble before finally finding Graham.
From there, the plot twists and turns with completely realistic problems Graham and his band of survivors must negotiate. Feral animals join wild animals pack and roam with impunity. Some survivors illustrate the worst in humanity and how a virus cares not what type of person it attacks or spares. A couple of rival groups of survivors also head for the mountains, and interactions with them are surprising in some ways and frustrating in other ways.
Shaw's understanding of human character shows in the careful, nuanced characterizations of the major characters, and minor characters still receive a complete treatment at her hands. Her descriptions of the mountain setting and animals show familiarity with the environment.
I highly recommend this book for people who love action, mental challenges, eco-thrillers, medical thrillers, and prepping. Even if you don't like all of these genres, only one or two of them, you will enjoy this novel.
Graham's father was a Vietnam War veteran and raised Graham in Washington state with a cabin on 300 acres in the Cascade Mountains. He taught Graham survival skills, including hunting and skinning and outfitted their cabin with such necessities as a composting toilet and solar panels for energy. Bang's arrival delays Graham's departure for his cabin. In that day, circumstances change enough in other characters live that twins Marcy and Macey converge on Graham's hometown, running into trouble before finally finding Graham.
From there, the plot twists and turns with completely realistic problems Graham and his band of survivors must negotiate. Feral animals join wild animals pack and roam with impunity. Some survivors illustrate the worst in humanity and how a virus cares not what type of person it attacks or spares. A couple of rival groups of survivors also head for the mountains, and interactions with them are surprising in some ways and frustrating in other ways.
Shaw's understanding of human character shows in the careful, nuanced characterizations of the major characters, and minor characters still receive a complete treatment at her hands. Her descriptions of the mountain setting and animals show familiarity with the environment.
I highly recommend this book for people who love action, mental challenges, eco-thrillers, medical thrillers, and prepping. Even if you don't like all of these genres, only one or two of them, you will enjoy this novel.
on May 15, 2015
Initially, I was very critical because I have read some great prepper/dystopian books but a couple chapters in, I became hooked. I found myself reading on my break at work and staying up late. Interesting that this book uses an H5 avian flu virus when we are currently having an outbreak of one right now and this book was written a couple of years ago. I found once I got into the book the characters were well fleshed out. I could believe and become invested in the relationships. This is how I would expect a post infectious disease world to exist. I'm off to buy the next one.
This book has a sequel but finishes in a mild cliffhanger. It isn't like the ones that almost end mid sentence. This one ends more like a movie that ends and you think, "bet the make a series out of this one."
This book has a sequel but finishes in a mild cliffhanger. It isn't like the ones that almost end mid sentence. This one ends more like a movie that ends and you think, "bet the make a series out of this one."
on February 9, 2015
This is one of those books that was really enjoyable to listen to and read. A. R. Shaw has done a wonderful job of engaging the reader, and deliver a more reasonable approach to a pandemic scenario. I found character development to be very good, and enjoyed the relational growth seen in the story as well as the interesting conflicts. There were some technical areas that I thought were a bit beyond the normal abilities of characters in their position, but that's just part of the fun. Great job, Ms. Shaw! Now, to book 2...
on June 21, 2015
After reading a few blurbs and reviews about this book I felt comfortable with the purchase. I was not disappointed. From the first few lines to the last sentence, Shaw captivates the reader in an unending nightmare scenario. The dark and desolate landscape, mankind near extinction, and an impossible request.
Graham is somewhat of a suburb survivor of a widespread pandemic that wiped out most of the world’s population. After burying his wife and father, Graham is asked to take care of a lady’s young son just before she dies. The story centers on the journey from the suburbs of Seattle to the family’s empty lake house in the northwest. Graham and his stewardship, Bang, find many hazards and bad men in a world quickly falling apart.
The survival and first aid information is sound, and unlike Wesley Rawles’ Patriot Series, the characters are not the top grade military wealthy weekend survivalist. They are flawed and prone to mistakes. The human element is a fixed component in the chaotic surroundings of the story. By the time Graham gets to the lake house, he is leading a group six people and a police dog. But the troubles are only starting. Soon, Graham and his group of survivors must deal with a highly trained (and fully stocked) prepper group as well as some country hicks.
If you are looking for a book to give you some ideas of ‘scenario survival’ then this book would not be it. But the world in which Graham lives in, as well as the scavenging and hunting, is more realistic than most I have read. What little information resented is sound and basic.
There are a few grammatical errors but nothing that would take away from a good write. The book is exceptional if not more ‘real’ than most dystopian apocalyptic novels I have read. The flow and cadence to the story is exceptional. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested.
Graham is somewhat of a suburb survivor of a widespread pandemic that wiped out most of the world’s population. After burying his wife and father, Graham is asked to take care of a lady’s young son just before she dies. The story centers on the journey from the suburbs of Seattle to the family’s empty lake house in the northwest. Graham and his stewardship, Bang, find many hazards and bad men in a world quickly falling apart.
The survival and first aid information is sound, and unlike Wesley Rawles’ Patriot Series, the characters are not the top grade military wealthy weekend survivalist. They are flawed and prone to mistakes. The human element is a fixed component in the chaotic surroundings of the story. By the time Graham gets to the lake house, he is leading a group six people and a police dog. But the troubles are only starting. Soon, Graham and his group of survivors must deal with a highly trained (and fully stocked) prepper group as well as some country hicks.
If you are looking for a book to give you some ideas of ‘scenario survival’ then this book would not be it. But the world in which Graham lives in, as well as the scavenging and hunting, is more realistic than most I have read. What little information resented is sound and basic.
There are a few grammatical errors but nothing that would take away from a good write. The book is exceptional if not more ‘real’ than most dystopian apocalyptic novels I have read. The flow and cadence to the story is exceptional. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested.
on November 9, 2015
I totally enjoyed it, surprisingly so, as I'm typically leery of post-apocalyptic material. It is the gratuitous nihilism of the genre that tends to numb me. However, with A.R. Shaw's "The China Pandemic" the caricature of dystopian mayhem is displaced, instead the reader is treated to a well-developed humanist portrayal of individual and community survival despite awful odds. The sense of responsibility borne on the shoulders of the main protagonist Graham, is palpable. His cautious generosity, taking care of a motley crew of survivors at great personal risk--some being children, is admirable to witness. Seeing the personal growth of all the characters as the narrative unfolds is satisfying; they are at times pitiful, vulnerable and cruel, yet, at other times they are resourceful, compassionate and selfless. This all seems plausible to me considering the extraordinary pressures everyone was living under.
Adding to the tension of this well-written novel is the unseen presence of a well-organized compound of Preppers. The addition of this group leads to further intriguing plot lines; and raises questions about the amazing lengths ordinary men and women are prepared to go in order to survive. Appropriately, the reader is consciously aware that all the resources of civil society have been eviscerated by the pandemic, and that the threat of anarchy, lawlessness and death remains a constant in every chapter. For instance, any chance meeting with a stranger may well have dire consequences, whether it be contagion, assault, abduction or even execution. Then there is the change in the social order; a segregation between the Carriers (those immune, but carrying the virus) and the Preppers who are understandably struggling to remain disease free. I found this to be immensely provocative...and emotionally powerful.
I'm looking forward to reading A.R. Shaw's next book in the Graham's Resolution series now that my misgivings of the genre have been so effectively allayed.
Adding to the tension of this well-written novel is the unseen presence of a well-organized compound of Preppers. The addition of this group leads to further intriguing plot lines; and raises questions about the amazing lengths ordinary men and women are prepared to go in order to survive. Appropriately, the reader is consciously aware that all the resources of civil society have been eviscerated by the pandemic, and that the threat of anarchy, lawlessness and death remains a constant in every chapter. For instance, any chance meeting with a stranger may well have dire consequences, whether it be contagion, assault, abduction or even execution. Then there is the change in the social order; a segregation between the Carriers (those immune, but carrying the virus) and the Preppers who are understandably struggling to remain disease free. I found this to be immensely provocative...and emotionally powerful.
I'm looking forward to reading A.R. Shaw's next book in the Graham's Resolution series now that my misgivings of the genre have been so effectively allayed.
on March 16, 2015
Pretty darned good read.
This one starts with the Chinese creating a virus. A virus they lost control of. A virus that killed the Chinese and made its way to the rest of the world. Those that are immune to it don't die. Most though aren't immune.
Hyun-Ok is a Korean American and is dying of the disease but her son is immune. Her son Bang is five years old and Ok is trying to find someone to take him and raise him.
She's seen some who are still alive but wouldn't trust her son with them.
She's been watching a man named Graham as he buried his loved ones. He is the man she wants to leave Bang with.
Graham has already buried his wife and unborn child, his Mother and is now waiting for his Father to pass.
Grahams Father was ex military, Marine Corp to be exact and no stranger to guns. He taught Graham how to hunt and fish at their cabin in the Cascades. His Dad's training and wisdom will serve Graham well in the coming days.
Graham is a Math professor and hates guns. He used to think they were the root of all violent acts involving them. He blamed easy access to guns for the various tragedies commited with them and railed against the wars fought abroad. No way would he ever carry one. That thinking has gone out the window in this new world where there are those who will take what you have and kill you to get it.
There are also feral dogs all over. They are the abandoned pets who's owners are dead. They are a real threat along with the wild animals who now come into cities and towns to eat the dead who's bodies are everywhere.
Graham agrees to take Bang even though he's never been a parent and really has no idea what to do with a five year old. His Mother then dies.
Graham soon finds out raising a child, especially one he doesn't know, is no easy thing.
Marcy and Macy are fifteen year old twins. They are blond and blue eyed and their Mother has died. They decide that they need to drive to the apartment of their Father who is divorced from Mom. Neither one knows how to drive but figure it can't be that hard.
On the way they pass a police car with a dead officer inside. There is also a police dog. a German Shepherd, in the back seat. Sheriff is his name. Macy and Marcy decide Sheriff will go with them.
Almost to their Dads place they run afoul of a man named Compos.
So begins one pretty darned good read.
This one has Graham, Bang, Macy, Marcy, Sheriff, the cabin in the Cascades, a woman namd Tala, an elderly man named Ennis who's an ex police officer with worlds of experience, a group of preppers, the preppers who help Graham and his crew, the preppers who can't mingle with Graham and his group of immunes because they carry the virus and would infect the preppers, a man named Dalton who knows Graham, another group of immunes who steal and would kill for the woman in Grahams group, a damned handy guy named Sam and his daugher Addy, a kid named Mark, wolves, bears and one pretty damned good read.
Five Stars.
This one starts with the Chinese creating a virus. A virus they lost control of. A virus that killed the Chinese and made its way to the rest of the world. Those that are immune to it don't die. Most though aren't immune.
Hyun-Ok is a Korean American and is dying of the disease but her son is immune. Her son Bang is five years old and Ok is trying to find someone to take him and raise him.
She's seen some who are still alive but wouldn't trust her son with them.
She's been watching a man named Graham as he buried his loved ones. He is the man she wants to leave Bang with.
Graham has already buried his wife and unborn child, his Mother and is now waiting for his Father to pass.
Grahams Father was ex military, Marine Corp to be exact and no stranger to guns. He taught Graham how to hunt and fish at their cabin in the Cascades. His Dad's training and wisdom will serve Graham well in the coming days.
Graham is a Math professor and hates guns. He used to think they were the root of all violent acts involving them. He blamed easy access to guns for the various tragedies commited with them and railed against the wars fought abroad. No way would he ever carry one. That thinking has gone out the window in this new world where there are those who will take what you have and kill you to get it.
There are also feral dogs all over. They are the abandoned pets who's owners are dead. They are a real threat along with the wild animals who now come into cities and towns to eat the dead who's bodies are everywhere.
Graham agrees to take Bang even though he's never been a parent and really has no idea what to do with a five year old. His Mother then dies.
Graham soon finds out raising a child, especially one he doesn't know, is no easy thing.
Marcy and Macy are fifteen year old twins. They are blond and blue eyed and their Mother has died. They decide that they need to drive to the apartment of their Father who is divorced from Mom. Neither one knows how to drive but figure it can't be that hard.
On the way they pass a police car with a dead officer inside. There is also a police dog. a German Shepherd, in the back seat. Sheriff is his name. Macy and Marcy decide Sheriff will go with them.
Almost to their Dads place they run afoul of a man named Compos.
So begins one pretty darned good read.
This one has Graham, Bang, Macy, Marcy, Sheriff, the cabin in the Cascades, a woman namd Tala, an elderly man named Ennis who's an ex police officer with worlds of experience, a group of preppers, the preppers who help Graham and his crew, the preppers who can't mingle with Graham and his group of immunes because they carry the virus and would infect the preppers, a man named Dalton who knows Graham, another group of immunes who steal and would kill for the woman in Grahams group, a damned handy guy named Sam and his daugher Addy, a kid named Mark, wolves, bears and one pretty damned good read.
Five Stars.
on March 14, 2017
I really loved reading this! I was so thankful it didn't involve zombies or crazies eating human flesh, as so many of the dystopian novels do. All the characters were believable & the story came together well. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
on March 17, 2015
This is a great book and it draws the reader into the story very quickly! Graham was a math professor in the Seattle area. As the novel opens,he has watched his young wife, his mother, and his father die from the China flu, H5N2. A dying mother chooses to leave her 5 year old son to Sam as he is the best of the survivors. From there, Graham's group grows to include twin 15 year old girls as well as a trained police dog the girls recused from a police car. The adventure is underway as they load supplies into the truck they find and drive to Sam's family's cabin in the forest near the lake. The size of the group increases as the survivors of the virus work to survive. In the whole world, only 2% of the population survived the virus. I love the book and intend to buy the other two novels!
on July 13, 2014
This is a very well done novel that felt like a first book to me. The plot is pretty realistic (though I doubt wildlife would be as big a threat as the author makes them out to be). Two legged critters will be much more deadly and she does a decent job of pointing that out too. While I felt her characters were a bit too one dimensional her overall writing was good enough to get me to buy her second book in the Graham's Resolution series. I like that she told a complete story rather than a partial one that leaves readers hanging at the end. Authors who end with a cliffy (i.e., without finishing their story line) and expect me to buy another book from them are bound for disappointment and she earned my repeat business.
