Helpful Score: 11
This is a very well written story and very hard to put down. I sat down to read it in the afternoon and realized I had been so absorbed that I was suddenly next to a dark window and quickly closed the blinds and had to compose myself to shake the creepiness. Books do not often have that effect on me. A really good scary read. I can hardly wait to read the next one.
Helpful Score: 10
I've got GOOD news and BAD news. The GOOD news is that this is a very good book that I couldn't put it down. It is about a vampire plague that starts in New York City. This isn't about vampires we are familiar with, but a different more deadly kind that can infect people to be vampires. If you get scared, just read it during the day and it isn't so bad. This book really kept my interest. Now the BAD news----it is the first book in a trilogy. The second book isn't published yet---so two more books to read in the future.
Helpful Score: 7
I got this book hoping it would be a good read. It is like watching a good horror flick. You cover your face not to watch, but can't help looking through your fingers. It was well written. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 6
Warning: If you have been referred to The Strain because you are a Twilight fan, this is not the book for you. The baddies in this novel would eat Edward Cullen for lunch, and then take on the rest of the family for seconds.
That said, I was excited to read The Strain because it has everything I love in a novel: vampires, a superbug-esque plague and an impending apocalypse. What a winning combination! The result is a book that is one part CSI, one part Stephen King's Salem's Lot and a little bit of Invasion of the Body Snatchers thrown in for good measure.
The story begins when a 777 aircraft lands at JFK International Airport with all of its passengers dead, and all its electronic and communications equipment seemingly dead, too. The CDC quickly dispatches its Canary Project team, a crew of expert epidemiologists trained to deal with the most lethal and contagious unknown viruses and other health threats. The story's leading man, Eph, is the leading scientist in the study of the spread of disease, but what he finds on the aircraft stumps him. He is soon caught up in a global threat he never imagined, and a plague that he has no idea how to contain. Led by an elderly concentration camp survivor (who just happens to be a vampire hunter, and who has been tracking the book's Big Bad for 60 years across the globe), Eph and a ragtag group of survivors from all walks of life team up to try to save New York City from the spreading disease of the undead.
I loved the authors' comparison of vampires to viruses -- and rats, for that matter. There is a lot of new ground covered in The Strain, and I appreciated the wealth of scientific research that the authors use to build the story. Anyone who enjoys Michael Crichton, Robin Cook or other medical thriller authors will appreciate this new approach to horror, but beware: there is quite a bit of gore in this novel. One of the authors was the director/creator of Blade 2, and both of the Hellboy movies, so the descriptions of the horror are vivid and at times, cringe-worthy -- even for the most resolute of horror fans. I've moved away from reading the genre much in recent years, but I did enjoy this -- maybe as a result of the merging of science and the supernatural.
The Strain is the first in a trilogy of books, with the next installments due out in 2010 and 2011. I will be looking forward to those releases -- especially in light of the monster, unresolved cliffhanger ending dished out at the end of this book. [close]
That said, I was excited to read The Strain because it has everything I love in a novel: vampires, a superbug-esque plague and an impending apocalypse. What a winning combination! The result is a book that is one part CSI, one part Stephen King's Salem's Lot and a little bit of Invasion of the Body Snatchers thrown in for good measure.
The story begins when a 777 aircraft lands at JFK International Airport with all of its passengers dead, and all its electronic and communications equipment seemingly dead, too. The CDC quickly dispatches its Canary Project team, a crew of expert epidemiologists trained to deal with the most lethal and contagious unknown viruses and other health threats. The story's leading man, Eph, is the leading scientist in the study of the spread of disease, but what he finds on the aircraft stumps him. He is soon caught up in a global threat he never imagined, and a plague that he has no idea how to contain. Led by an elderly concentration camp survivor (who just happens to be a vampire hunter, and who has been tracking the book's Big Bad for 60 years across the globe), Eph and a ragtag group of survivors from all walks of life team up to try to save New York City from the spreading disease of the undead.
I loved the authors' comparison of vampires to viruses -- and rats, for that matter. There is a lot of new ground covered in The Strain, and I appreciated the wealth of scientific research that the authors use to build the story. Anyone who enjoys Michael Crichton, Robin Cook or other medical thriller authors will appreciate this new approach to horror, but beware: there is quite a bit of gore in this novel. One of the authors was the director/creator of Blade 2, and both of the Hellboy movies, so the descriptions of the horror are vivid and at times, cringe-worthy -- even for the most resolute of horror fans. I've moved away from reading the genre much in recent years, but I did enjoy this -- maybe as a result of the merging of science and the supernatural.
The Strain is the first in a trilogy of books, with the next installments due out in 2010 and 2011. I will be looking forward to those releases -- especially in light of the monster, unresolved cliffhanger ending dished out at the end of this book. [close]
Helpful Score: 4
Warning! Not for the faint of heart. You won't find heart-throbbing vamps, like Sookie's undead friends and lovers, in this book. Yet, if you enjoy a good thrill, you won't be able to put this book down. It's fast paced, action packed, and wonderfully gory.
Helpful Score: 3
This book builds on the tension letting your imagination start to run wild before the vampires even truly appear. It brings back the old vampire myths and legends, and builds upon them. These vampires don't sparkle, they aren't remotely human, they don't want to love you. They want to feed on your blood. This book brings the scary vampires back.
Helpful Score: 2
Awesome book! Can't wait for the next 2. One review nails it on the head-"Part Bram Stoker, part Stephen King, part Michael Crichton." Puts a new spin on the vampire genre as well. Very well written and paced. Hooked throughout!
Helpful Score: 2
The book was hard to put down. Very enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 2
The suspense in the beginning of the book is great and the story keeps you interested. It's sort of a cross between an epidemic and Dracula and the characters are likeable.
Helpful Score: 2
I've got to disagree with the good reviews here. I just finished this book and am beyond disappointed. I wanted to scream and throw it against the wall, or dunk it in the tub, or burn it, but there's someone else waiting for it so I restrained those urges.
Points in its favor: It was engaging enough to finish. It was a different take on the vampire genre with a mix of the familiar and unfamiliar. There were one or two decently-developed characters.
Otherwise it was like literary junk food that felt all the way through like it was specifically written to be turned into a bad but money-making vampire/zombie/virus movie. It wasn't terrible enough to abandon but I still felt duped while reading it and completely dissatisfied when it was finished. So they'll make it into a movie... or two... or three. It will have its place in the mass consumer supernatural gore flick marketplace, but not on my bookshelf.
Points in its favor: It was engaging enough to finish. It was a different take on the vampire genre with a mix of the familiar and unfamiliar. There were one or two decently-developed characters.
Otherwise it was like literary junk food that felt all the way through like it was specifically written to be turned into a bad but money-making vampire/zombie/virus movie. It wasn't terrible enough to abandon but I still felt duped while reading it and completely dissatisfied when it was finished. So they'll make it into a movie... or two... or three. It will have its place in the mass consumer supernatural gore flick marketplace, but not on my bookshelf.
Helpful Score: 2
I did not know Guillermo Del Toro was an author. The book sounded good and since it is the first in a trilogy, I hoped it was not going to disappoint and it definitely did not! It is a page turner from the very start; lots of action and thriller moments. I can't wait to read The Fall, the next book in the trilogy.
Thr first in a trilogy that is an excellent thriller. Re-examines the vampire myth and updates it with a medical background that is believable. The mixing of myth, science and imagination make for a powerful story. Highly recommend it. Five ***** !!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book definitely puts the bite back into vampires! IMO too many vamps these days are of the domesticated/romanticized variety. If that's your thing, skip this book. There is nothing cute or even remotely redeeming about them. They are a force of nature, like a plague spreading through New York City. The book starts with a 777 full of dead bodies and hits the ground running from there. The pacing is fast, yet the story does not skimp on characterization. The stories of the first "infected" vampires can be gory and gruesome, but can also have great emotional impact. The vampires-as-virus take is original and makes the vamps that much more realistic and frightening. The various members of battle against the vamps are very well fleshed out and I look forward to their individual stories.
I can't wait for the second and third installments of the trilogy!
I can't wait for the second and third installments of the trilogy!
Helpful Score: 1
I had a good time reading this book. I thought that it was suspenseful, exciting, creepy, and just yucky enough to make your skin crawl but not loose your lunch. del Toro's imagining of the vampire was unique an different and I liked the idea that what makes a vampire is truely a virus. The book leaves a lot open for the next installment.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a fun vampire novel populated with Nosferatu-like monsters, a far cry from Stephenie Meyer's sparkling vampires or Charlaine Harris' romantic heroes. The book also reminded me of Richard Matheson's _I Am Legend_. Tautly written, and full of action, this thrilling novel lifts a rather motley band of likable heroes to stop the grotesque vampires rising up in New York City. I certainly hope that Guillermo Del Toro gives his directorial vision to a movie of this book - it would certainly be exciting! I am already looking forward to the remainder of this trilogy!
Helpful Score: 1
I actually started reading this book at night while traveling on an airplane and had to put it down after the first few chapters because it gave me a case of the willies. The story begins with the discovery of a plane which had landed at JFK with all aboard dead, not something that I wanted to be reading up in the air. After I got home and picked it up again, the willies disappeared and disappointment set in.
The Strain has its moments, but if you've read any vampire novels at all, you've read this book. Not only are there replays of several vampire books (especially Matheson's I Am Legend, but also They Thirst by McCammon, Salem's Lot by Stephen King, Brian Lumley's fabulous Necroscope and more) but if you've read any of the Repairman Jack series or the Adversary cycle of F. Paul Wilson (especially elements of The Keep), you will recognize basic character and plot elements in the story. In short, this has all been done before, which is very sad, because basically reading a rerun tended to make the book much less suspenseful, and I have to say that I accurately predicted the end which most likely leads to the action in book two. I haven't really had a good horror novel in my hands lately, and had been hoping to allow myself a good scare, but alas, it was not to be with this book. I really wanted to like it, but I did not.
However, as noted above, the overall rating everywhere seems to be a 4/5, so maybe I'm just more demanding in what I'm searching for in a horror novel. I'd recommend it to readers of vampire horror fiction, with the caveat that if you've read some of the best books in the genre, be prepared for a rehash mishmash.
The Strain has its moments, but if you've read any vampire novels at all, you've read this book. Not only are there replays of several vampire books (especially Matheson's I Am Legend, but also They Thirst by McCammon, Salem's Lot by Stephen King, Brian Lumley's fabulous Necroscope and more) but if you've read any of the Repairman Jack series or the Adversary cycle of F. Paul Wilson (especially elements of The Keep), you will recognize basic character and plot elements in the story. In short, this has all been done before, which is very sad, because basically reading a rerun tended to make the book much less suspenseful, and I have to say that I accurately predicted the end which most likely leads to the action in book two. I haven't really had a good horror novel in my hands lately, and had been hoping to allow myself a good scare, but alas, it was not to be with this book. I really wanted to like it, but I did not.
However, as noted above, the overall rating everywhere seems to be a 4/5, so maybe I'm just more demanding in what I'm searching for in a horror novel. I'd recommend it to readers of vampire horror fiction, with the caveat that if you've read some of the best books in the genre, be prepared for a rehash mishmash.
Helpful Score: 1
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and fun -- don't take it too seriously!, September 1, 2010
This review is from: The Strain: Book One of The Strain Trilogy (Hardcover)
Despite almost being put off by some negative reviews, I found the book to be a fast-paced and entertaining tale about a new breed of vampires -- perhaps changed by some "strain" that could be identified later as a virus or parasite (easier to eradicate in a future book?). Led by an ancient Master, these vampires have a long sucker that springs out of the mouth to acquire sustenance, unlike the vampires of old with fangs that bite into the neck. These zombie-like creatures roam the streets and subterranean tunnels of New York, the changed ones tending to return home to their loved ones to infect them as well. Fighting this new horde is a vampire hunting and killing team, quite a motley crew, composed of a CDC doctor and his associate, a Holocaust survivor turned pawnshop owner, and a city rat exterminator. These folks are intent on saving New York, and the world, from extinction.
Many have pointed out the flaws in some of the action sequences, the stilted dialog, the lapses in logic and the strained credulity they experienced while following the story line. My advice -- don't take it all so seriously, quit analyzing and just enjoy the ride! The narrative moves quickly advancing the action and the reader is treated to all manner of vampire killing methods (not the ones you're familiar with from other novels of this nature that have the typical vampire lore), vivid descriptions of the changed ones, and the hunt for the lair of the Master. Meanwhile, a very wealthy human is trying to live forever by enticing the ancient vampire to the "New World" and acquiring whatever means will allow that to happen. Along the way are some side stories involving abusive husbands, divorce, custody issues, nosy neighbors, bad mothers, evil lawyers -- well you get the picture!
The book starts out strong (the dead plane on the tarmac at JFK airport) and will keep you turning the pages until the end...of this volume in the proposed trilogy by this author duo. Although not a cliffhanger ending, it did leave me wanting more. Thank heavens I have The Fall: Book Two of the Strain Trilogy waiting in the wings to start tonight!
All in all -- it's a fun and fast read -- don't take it seriously!
This review is from: The Strain: Book One of The Strain Trilogy (Hardcover)
Despite almost being put off by some negative reviews, I found the book to be a fast-paced and entertaining tale about a new breed of vampires -- perhaps changed by some "strain" that could be identified later as a virus or parasite (easier to eradicate in a future book?). Led by an ancient Master, these vampires have a long sucker that springs out of the mouth to acquire sustenance, unlike the vampires of old with fangs that bite into the neck. These zombie-like creatures roam the streets and subterranean tunnels of New York, the changed ones tending to return home to their loved ones to infect them as well. Fighting this new horde is a vampire hunting and killing team, quite a motley crew, composed of a CDC doctor and his associate, a Holocaust survivor turned pawnshop owner, and a city rat exterminator. These folks are intent on saving New York, and the world, from extinction.
Many have pointed out the flaws in some of the action sequences, the stilted dialog, the lapses in logic and the strained credulity they experienced while following the story line. My advice -- don't take it all so seriously, quit analyzing and just enjoy the ride! The narrative moves quickly advancing the action and the reader is treated to all manner of vampire killing methods (not the ones you're familiar with from other novels of this nature that have the typical vampire lore), vivid descriptions of the changed ones, and the hunt for the lair of the Master. Meanwhile, a very wealthy human is trying to live forever by enticing the ancient vampire to the "New World" and acquiring whatever means will allow that to happen. Along the way are some side stories involving abusive husbands, divorce, custody issues, nosy neighbors, bad mothers, evil lawyers -- well you get the picture!
The book starts out strong (the dead plane on the tarmac at JFK airport) and will keep you turning the pages until the end...of this volume in the proposed trilogy by this author duo. Although not a cliffhanger ending, it did leave me wanting more. Thank heavens I have The Fall: Book Two of the Strain Trilogy waiting in the wings to start tonight!
All in all -- it's a fun and fast read -- don't take it seriously!
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book when it first came out. I don't usually read this type of book, but it was recommended to me.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
Totally scary, yet too good to put down. I think it took me about two days to finish. I am looking forward to reading book two of the trilogy. It is called "The Fall."
I was hooked from the very beginning.
Totally scary, yet too good to put down. I think it took me about two days to finish. I am looking forward to reading book two of the trilogy. It is called "The Fall."
Helpful Score: 1
I'm a big fan of del Toro's movies. Was very excited to hear he co-wrote a trilogy. So when I started this book I had very high expectations. When it started out I was very disappointed. Things were happening but there was not enough there to keep me interested. I had no intention on giving up on this book though so I pushed myself to go on. It really didn't start to grab me until a little more than 1/4 of the way through the book. As I read I became more into what I was reading and started enjoying it.
It's about a kind of plague that is going around. This plague is spread by vampires but not by the typical vampire we've read about or seen in movies. I like the twist on this version. It's a bit different and quite creepy. There was even one part that made me gag a bit which surprised me because there is not much out there that bothers me.
For most part I liked the book and look forward to book 2. The only thing I didn't like about it was at times I was a bit confused on the whole vampire background. Not sure if it was because I was not focusing well or because it will be covered more in book 2. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a different vampire story.
It's about a kind of plague that is going around. This plague is spread by vampires but not by the typical vampire we've read about or seen in movies. I like the twist on this version. It's a bit different and quite creepy. There was even one part that made me gag a bit which surprised me because there is not much out there that bothers me.
For most part I liked the book and look forward to book 2. The only thing I didn't like about it was at times I was a bit confused on the whole vampire background. Not sure if it was because I was not focusing well or because it will be covered more in book 2. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a different vampire story.
Helpful Score: 1
Very gruesome! A great reprieve from all the glamour vamp stories around these days!
Helpful Score: 1
This is not a paranormal romance book. These vampires aren't sexy or sparkly. They aren't Edward, the Black Dagger brothers, Eric or Bill. They are about as far away from attractive and sexy as you can get. They don't care about your feelings. You're food.
The premise of the story is very scary. This book might keep you awake at night if you're easily spooked. A transcontinental flight lands at an airport in New York City at night. It sits still on the tarmac, all windows shades down, completely dark inside and unresponsive to any hails from the Control Tower. When officials finally board the plane, the majority of people on board are dead yet there aren't any obvious wounds or injuries. Suspecting that perhaps a contagion affected the people, an elite group of CDC scientists are tasked with finding the answers. The answers they find are shocking. Even more troubling is the unwillingness of the government to acknowledge what's happened.
This is the first book in a trilogy. The ending of this book was less than satisfying. I understand the writers are setting it up for the other book to follow, but a main character does something so incredibly stupid and unbelievable. I won't spoil it, but I wasn't happy with that scene. I can't stand it when seemingly smart characters end up doing something off-character.
If you've gotten tired of the recent vampires are our friends craze, you'll like this return to old-fashioned horror. This is CSI meets Dracula. Modern and scientific, yet also terrifying.
The premise of the story is very scary. This book might keep you awake at night if you're easily spooked. A transcontinental flight lands at an airport in New York City at night. It sits still on the tarmac, all windows shades down, completely dark inside and unresponsive to any hails from the Control Tower. When officials finally board the plane, the majority of people on board are dead yet there aren't any obvious wounds or injuries. Suspecting that perhaps a contagion affected the people, an elite group of CDC scientists are tasked with finding the answers. The answers they find are shocking. Even more troubling is the unwillingness of the government to acknowledge what's happened.
This is the first book in a trilogy. The ending of this book was less than satisfying. I understand the writers are setting it up for the other book to follow, but a main character does something so incredibly stupid and unbelievable. I won't spoil it, but I wasn't happy with that scene. I can't stand it when seemingly smart characters end up doing something off-character.
If you've gotten tired of the recent vampires are our friends craze, you'll like this return to old-fashioned horror. This is CSI meets Dracula. Modern and scientific, yet also terrifying.
Helpful Score: 1
Finally, a really good HORROR story featuring vampires. I was beginning to think they didn't exist anymore (Thank you Twilight and Anita Blake and The Hollows). Of course, what else do you expect from Guillermo Del Toro?
This is a very dark, horror story. It treats vampires as a type of virus that takes over the body. It delves into the hows and whys of vampirism and talks about several "master" vampires and a war they have going on. It's really detailed but a swift read nonetheless despite the nearly 600 pages.
If you want a good story with vampires that's a true horror story, read this book.
This is a very dark, horror story. It treats vampires as a type of virus that takes over the body. It delves into the hows and whys of vampirism and talks about several "master" vampires and a war they have going on. It's really detailed but a swift read nonetheless despite the nearly 600 pages.
If you want a good story with vampires that's a true horror story, read this book.
Helpful Score: 1
What a suspenseful book - if the world ever starts turning the way Del Toro and Hogan paint it, I don't want to live here! This story will really make you think!
Helpful Score: 1
This is part of a trilogy. All of them were well done. Loved the whole tale and would greatly enjoy seeing these done as a film!
Helpful Score: 1
the book was great! i am looking forward to reading the sequel as soon as someone posts it here online
Helpful Score: 1
I normally stay away from books about vampires, but this book is definitely worth reading. I couldn't put it down. The authors do a wonderful job at providing enough detail for the reader to envision exactly what is going on. It is formatted perfectly to make you feel that you are actually watching a movie. The typical rules that generally apply to vampires are thrown aside. The authors have recreated these creatures to make them more interesting and also more scientific as opposed to the mystical beings we have come to know.
Helpful Score: 1
I only read this because of Guillermo del Toro. I've never read any horror or vampire tales other than the classics ('Dracula' and 'Frankenstein'), nor do I particularly care for most horror films ('Nosferatu,' 'The Shining,' and 'The Orphanage' being among the exceptions), yet I enjoyed this novel and probably will read 'The Fall' as well. 'The Strain' is a fast, easy read that moves quickly and presents much like a movie.
Helpful Score: 1
Perhaps I dont read enough of these types of books to be an accurate judgeI generally stay away from any forms of entertainment that involve gruesome monsters killing peoplebut I was almost literally enthralled by THE STRAIN. Its a meticulously written, seat-of-your-pants suspense novel and will horrify both your psychology and physiology.
One thing Ive noticed about this genre is that characters are usually stock characters, and the focus of the book tends to be more on the plot and premise. Normally this bothers me, but for this genre, I dont really mind, especially because the combined power of Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan has really given us a frighteningly detailed picture of the worst monster that could foist itself on our lives. The science aspect is well done, the vampires explained in such a way that I could very much believe they can exist.
The narrative jumps from character to character and always seems to end juuuust before the horrible, violent thing occurs, leaving us antsy in our seats, as we know what happens and yet need to take it upon ourselves to imagine the worst. Perhaps that is now a cliché for this genre, but I guess Im a noob enough to be able to enjoy it. Recommended to those with a hardy stomach and a slightly crazy fascination with the darker side of vampiric natures!
One thing Ive noticed about this genre is that characters are usually stock characters, and the focus of the book tends to be more on the plot and premise. Normally this bothers me, but for this genre, I dont really mind, especially because the combined power of Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan has really given us a frighteningly detailed picture of the worst monster that could foist itself on our lives. The science aspect is well done, the vampires explained in such a way that I could very much believe they can exist.
The narrative jumps from character to character and always seems to end juuuust before the horrible, violent thing occurs, leaving us antsy in our seats, as we know what happens and yet need to take it upon ourselves to imagine the worst. Perhaps that is now a cliché for this genre, but I guess Im a noob enough to be able to enjoy it. Recommended to those with a hardy stomach and a slightly crazy fascination with the darker side of vampiric natures!
Fun and not the run of the mill vampire premise.
Great version of the whole vampire genre. Lots of technical knowledge to explain the symptoms and characteristics of vampires (similar to what Michael Crichton did in his novels). If the Bella and Edward crowd spoiled vampires for you,this will absolutely fill the bill!!!!!!!!
I hate to be THAT person, I seriously do...but I was not feeling this at all. The concept is great and the spooky intentions are there...but the writing was absolutely distracting. When your author uses an simile like "panels on the back sides of the wings were all straight up like Paula Abdul," you've got a problem. The writing was pretty unbearable sometimes and I found the writer's voice silly, especially considering the intensity of the book. It's a fun story if weird word choice doesn't bother you though!
OK and even interesting in parts, but WAY too long and did not leave me with a desire to read the other two parts of the trilogy.
Terrifying! Horrifying! Fascinating! Seat squirming good! From the minute the plane lands and no one gets off there is big trouble ahead for the CDC!
this would totally make an awesome movie!!
really liked this book cant wait to read book two
Not a bad read
THE STRAIN is is an apocalyptic end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it tale, we aren't finished off by H-bombs, religious fanatics or strange scaled creatures from outer space. The author may push luck a bit more than plausible, but Nelson DeMille (below) describes it better than I can.
From back cover: In one week, Manhattan will be gone. In one month, the country. In two months... the world.
At New York's JFK Airport and arriving Boeing 777 taxiing along a runway suddenly stops dead. All the shades have been drawn, all communication channels have mysteriously gone quiet. Dr. Eph Goodweather, head of a CDC rapid-response team investigating biological threats, boards the darkened plane... and what he finds makes his blood run cold.
A terrifying contagion has come to the unsuspecting city, and unstoppable plague that will spread like an all-consuming wildfire--lethal, merciless, hungry.. vampiric.
And in a pawnshop in Spanish Harlem an aged Holocaust survivor knows that the war he has been dreading his entire life is finally here...
"A deliciously creepy story that will literally make the hairs on your neck stand up. THE STRAIN is Bram Stoker meets Stephen King meets Michael Crichton. It just doesn't get much better than this." - Nelson DeMille
From back cover: In one week, Manhattan will be gone. In one month, the country. In two months... the world.
At New York's JFK Airport and arriving Boeing 777 taxiing along a runway suddenly stops dead. All the shades have been drawn, all communication channels have mysteriously gone quiet. Dr. Eph Goodweather, head of a CDC rapid-response team investigating biological threats, boards the darkened plane... and what he finds makes his blood run cold.
A terrifying contagion has come to the unsuspecting city, and unstoppable plague that will spread like an all-consuming wildfire--lethal, merciless, hungry.. vampiric.
And in a pawnshop in Spanish Harlem an aged Holocaust survivor knows that the war he has been dreading his entire life is finally here...
"A deliciously creepy story that will literally make the hairs on your neck stand up. THE STRAIN is Bram Stoker meets Stephen King meets Michael Crichton. It just doesn't get much better than this." - Nelson DeMille
I did not enjoy this book very much. The arrival of the main vampire is "Nosferatu" placed into modern times, so nothing original there.
There is the CDC doctor who recognizes that a new disease is spreading, with the requisite estranged wife, and his son. Of course, his boss doesn't believe him, and of course, there's the old professor from the "old" country who "knows" things. Here the vampires spread like a disease, they don't have fangs, but an insect-like stinger and are basically depicted as worm-infested human-sized rats (the worms spread the vampiricism), defecating as they go. I second another reviewer who said that there were too many plot-holes, and another who mentioned other books that tread this ground before.
I lost interest about half-way through, but kept hoping something interesting would happen. Instead it was just the usual: find the master vampire and kill him.
This is the first book in a series. I only read few vampire stories so far, and this book felt like a remake of a remake. I tried this one, because of Guillermo del Toro - I thought his "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Orphanage" were fantastic! Maybe he should stick to making movies.
There is the CDC doctor who recognizes that a new disease is spreading, with the requisite estranged wife, and his son. Of course, his boss doesn't believe him, and of course, there's the old professor from the "old" country who "knows" things. Here the vampires spread like a disease, they don't have fangs, but an insect-like stinger and are basically depicted as worm-infested human-sized rats (the worms spread the vampiricism), defecating as they go. I second another reviewer who said that there were too many plot-holes, and another who mentioned other books that tread this ground before.
I lost interest about half-way through, but kept hoping something interesting would happen. Instead it was just the usual: find the master vampire and kill him.
This is the first book in a series. I only read few vampire stories so far, and this book felt like a remake of a remake. I tried this one, because of Guillermo del Toro - I thought his "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Orphanage" were fantastic! Maybe he should stick to making movies.
Meh. Brilliant premise, written like a bad movie on SyFy. Too many "convenient" plot-holes.
A very different take on Vampires; this book is raw and edgy keeping ones interest glued to the script. I look forward to reading more from this author because it is a refreshing change to all things supernatural.
Loved it and couldn't put it down. The narrative was brilliant and read like a good horror-action movie script. I could actually picture the scenes taking place with Del Toro as the director.
If your looking for truly frightening vampires that don't want to cuddle, then you've come to the right book.
If your looking for truly frightening vampires that don't want to cuddle, then you've come to the right book.
At New York's JFK Airport, Flight 753 from Berlin, Germany, arrives and suddenly stops dead. All shades are drawn and there is no communication with the pilot's or with the passengers. Dr. Eph Goodweather, head of a CDC rapid-response team investigating biological threats, is called upon to enter the plane.
He encounters a scene that one can only imagine. All passengers, pilots, flight attendants are dead on the plane. There are no signs of abuse, guns, knives, or any other sort of killing instruments. People are still in their seats, some holding hands.
The bodies are removed from the plane and brought to area hospitals and morgues for family members to claim. It is discovered that there are four people who are still alive, but without any real memories of the trauma that they have been through.
As this is occuring, we are introduced to a gentleman who runs a pawn shop in New York, Setrakian, who is a survivor of the Holocaust and has knowledge of the entity that will be pervading New York with this accident with the plane. He has been chasing this particular beast since being incarcerated at Treblinka and escaping with his life.
Inside the plane is discovered a very large case that is filled with dirt. That case disappears from the plane with no knowledge of its contents.
We are taken through a whirlwind of knowledge of the beast that has been unleashed on New York by the mechanisms of a very rich individual who is very power-hungry and knows that the beast can not come outside of his continent without an invitation to cross running water.
This book would be better as a movie. Very slow at the beginning and then moves too fast to the conclusion. I got very comfortable with learning about the families and the histories of the characters, but then things were just thrown in and made to make the conclusion as it was. Really believe that Guillermo Del Toro should stay with movie-making. The language really lends itself to visual and not necessarily to reading
He encounters a scene that one can only imagine. All passengers, pilots, flight attendants are dead on the plane. There are no signs of abuse, guns, knives, or any other sort of killing instruments. People are still in their seats, some holding hands.
The bodies are removed from the plane and brought to area hospitals and morgues for family members to claim. It is discovered that there are four people who are still alive, but without any real memories of the trauma that they have been through.
As this is occuring, we are introduced to a gentleman who runs a pawn shop in New York, Setrakian, who is a survivor of the Holocaust and has knowledge of the entity that will be pervading New York with this accident with the plane. He has been chasing this particular beast since being incarcerated at Treblinka and escaping with his life.
Inside the plane is discovered a very large case that is filled with dirt. That case disappears from the plane with no knowledge of its contents.
We are taken through a whirlwind of knowledge of the beast that has been unleashed on New York by the mechanisms of a very rich individual who is very power-hungry and knows that the beast can not come outside of his continent without an invitation to cross running water.
This book would be better as a movie. Very slow at the beginning and then moves too fast to the conclusion. I got very comfortable with learning about the families and the histories of the characters, but then things were just thrown in and made to make the conclusion as it was. Really believe that Guillermo Del Toro should stay with movie-making. The language really lends itself to visual and not necessarily to reading
I couldn't finish this book. Heck, I think I was only able to read 1/4 of it. I hadn't even gotten to the meat of the story yet, so I can't say whether or not the idea behind the book is good. The main problem I had with the book was the author's writing style. The description/imagery of the book was way overblown and dramatic. Even though the subject is no laughing matter, I couldn't help but laugh at the book just because of how ridiculous some of the writing was. In that regard at least, the book is like one of those cheap Sci-fi movies: so bad that it's funny
already read it in the paperback version
Initially grabbed my attention but then simply became monotonous.
