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Horror/Fantasy/SF Book ReviewsThe Cobra Event by Richard PrestonRandom House., Nov., 1997.352 pp. ISBN: 0679457143 Hardcover. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Two mysterious and sudden deaths have occured with the same
violent symptoms. Alice Austen, a young doctor with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, is sent to investigate. The
victims both died of an attack of self-cannibalism and extreme
damage to the brain and central nervous system, following symptoms
like that of the common cold. After more violent deaths, Austen
eventually finds enough evidence to pinpoint a definite outbreak of
an unknown virus which is being intentionally spread by an
unknown offender. This gets national security involved, and a task
force code-named "Cobra" launches into action. The race is on to
to diagnose the deadly disease and discover the murderer, before the
rest of the dangerous virus is released into New York City.
The Cobra Event is a frightening, thrilling and fascinating novel. While providing a believable fictional story of the dangers of genetically engineered bioweapons, it also provides insight and realistic theories as to why the U.S. is so concerned with biological weapons facilities in Iraq and Russia and why the U.S. has fallen behind other nations in this "field". Preston's fictional work showcases what realistically may be a serious problem the human race has to face in our generation's lifetime. The horrifying and shocking depictions of the effects on humans of viral menaces will be burned into readers' minds. A must-read for anyone who enjoys medical thrillers, science fiction or save-the-world adventures. Cold Iron by Melisa MichaelsRoc., August, 1997.364 pages. ISBN: 0451456548 Paperback. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Private investigator Rose Lavine hates Christmas and is feeling
decidedly cranky when a young woman walks into her office with an
unusual job offer. She plunks down cold cash for Rose to protect
Jorandel, the charismatic lead singer of the Elfrock band Cold Iron.
There's only one problem -- Jorandel doesn't want protection, so Rose
must go undercover as a groupie on the tour in order to get close to
the mysterious rock star. Plunged into a mad world of sex, drugs,
rock and roll and the mysterious laws of Faerie, Rose must hold on to
her values and her sanity while trying to protect the life of the
sociopathic yet deadly attractive Jorandel who is the living proof
of the old Celtic saying that Elves are "fallen angels, not good
enough to save, not bad enough to be lost...who have every charm
but conscience."
Cold Iron is a fascinating and unique mix of fantasy and mystery. Rose, who seems pretty hardboiled on the outside, has depth and character and a great deal of pain from her past. She enters the world of Cold Iron to find a killer, but finds herself in a battle to keep her sense of self and her sanity intact while resisting the lure of the hedonistic, reckless and self-destructive rock star lifestyle which is made attractive by the hypnotic power that Jorandel has over women. Along the way Rose makes some important discoveries about herself, in addition to finding out who is trying to kill Jorandel and why. The moving ending paves the way for some interesting future adventures for Rose. Michaels is an engaging writer with a musician's ear for dialogue and a gift for characterization. Cold Iron gives just enough information about Faerie and the Elves who have abandoned Faerie for the human world to whet the appetite for more information about this fascinating world of 20th century America that is peopled by Elves and humans alike. A fascinating new fantasy series by a delightful and talented author. Sole Survivor by Dean KoontzBallantine, Dec., 1997.402 pp. ISBN: 0345384377 Mass Market Paperback. Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Joe Carpenter, a former reporter for the L.A. Post has moved
himself
into isolation to die. In the year since the death of his wife and
daughters in a tragic plane crash in which there were no survivors,
he has left his job, become an alcoholic and become
lost in a state of unrecoverable grief. This quickly changes when
he realizes his every move is being watched and he is visited by
a woman claiming to have survived the crash that took his family's
life. The opportunity to discover the cause of
his family's
death urges Carpenter back into life and into his old investigative
reporter identity. He soon starts visiting the relatives of other
victims of Flight 353, only to find that bizarre
unexplained deaths by suicide have been occuring. When horrifying
suicides began to happen right in front of his eyes, Carpenter
realizes he is next in line to kill himself.
Carpenter races to elude his pursuers, talk to witnesses and
uncover the plight of Flight 353 and his beloved family before it is
too late. In a race against time, Carpenter is led into
unimaginable situations and closer to believing in
a God he never believed in.
Sole Survivor is an engaging novel, full of suspense and moments of horror. Dean Koontz is able to entertain the reader and maintain the suspense in this complex story up until the fulfilling conclusion. The story includes elements of paranormal activity, psychology, genetic engineering and a "Big Brother" type conspiracy theory. An exciting tale that takes you deeper with every page. Return to Book Reviews Index ** To visit the archives of fantasy/sf books reviewed in The IWJ, please click here. |