What a really well-written book that really developed an end-of-the-world scenario with finesse. A virus starts spreading across the world - what makes this virus a little different is that is swift and not at all picky who or what it infects. It is all consuming and takes minimal time to devour its victims - dog, bird, cow, human - it is a multipurpose killer. Quite believably it begins in Africa where outbreaks of such viruses as Ebola have been well documented.

The story is built around Leon and his younger sister, Grace, who recently because of their parent's marriage breakdown have moved from America to London. While Leon is actually by birth English, he has lived till now all his life in America and has been finding it difficult to fit into life in London. That is all about to become meaningless when he starts to notice news articles reporting a virus that is affecting people in Africa - within hours he has received a phone call from his father in America warning that this is a serious situation and that his mother, sister and he should quickly escape to the countryside where his maternal grandparents live. They put plans into action but do not get far before the virus is infecting all those in the United Kingdom and their travel by train out of London is disrupted. It is quickly apparent that nowhere in the world is safe.

For a time Leon and his family seem to be surviving the situation but there are more problems waiting for them as the virus appears to be more than just a mindless killer - it is an intelligent life force that is up to something. At this point, the story changes direction slightly as it becomes evident that there are other survivors and there is a reason why some people are immune to the virus. Leon and Grace intersect with these people and the story becomes just a bit darker again as it becomes clear that not only is the virus a problem but maybe humans themselves aren't the nicest when survival becomes paramount.

The pace of this story is fast for the most part which suits the topic and it is just that little bit different to the usual 'the world is not going to make it'storyline. There were a couple of moments that would have benefited from a little editing and felt almost gorily dramatic but overall you connected to the characters especially the central ones. I am very keen to see where the story will go to next as it ends at a point where you really are involved in the outcome for Leon and you just don't know if humans are going to make it at all. Well worth a chance if you like a little gore and horror on top of your apocalyptic novel.

Okay, so the first section was around a 1.5 star, the second a 2.5, and the third a 3. So it got better as it got along, simply because the stakes kept being raised. My main problem is that I never really feared for the characters. there would be some scenes I was a bit worried, but I never was on the edge of my seat. I also didn't care for the characters that much. Whenever someone died (and that was pretty often), I didn't even bat an eye. I wish there would have been more time taken for the reader to become emotionally attached, that way the deaths would have been more effective. The ending, in my opinion, was the strongest part of the novel. I wasn't planning on reading the sequel, but I'm seriously considering it now.

Overall, 2.5 stars! It's not good, but it's not bad either. Plus, the ending was done very well.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

How do you escape an airborne virus? Leon and Grace are trying their best. This specific virus has taken over the world in a matter of days. No one knows what it is or where it came from, even if it's natural or man made, but whatever it is, it completely turns all soft tissue into liquid. Little do they know, the piles of jelly left behind aren't just evaporating, they're crawling off on their own. It's a hive mind.

Honestly while I was reading this book I kind of thought this was just like any other apocalypse book that has a virus in it, nothing really exciting or special happened and the characters seemed kind of average until about sixty percent of the way through the book. I'm glad I pushed through the first half. It's changed into something else. The virus wasn't just mindlessly killing everything in its path. It was learning. It was collecting. It was rebuilding.

Overall I really liked the book when I was finished with it, and if you read it you have to give it a chance, because the first half is a little slow. The characters really learn to adapt throughout the book. The cover is interesting and the story line was exciting once the actual action started. Definitely check it out!

Here's a link to the authors twitter page if you have any questions!

https://twitter.com/AlexScarrow

Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
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Wow this book was INTENSE. I don't usually read many post apocalyptic books so I can't compare it to anything but if your want a book that makes you sit at the edge of your seat and jump at the slightest noise then this is the book for you. You don't really get an explanation for how this whole virus thing came to be but I sort of liked it. The ending was definitely incomplete, but I can't wait for the next installment to be made.
*warning* this is an very graphic book when it comes to gore.

4.5 Stars.

You ever have that experience with a book when something totally unexpected happens and you kind of just have to put the book down and sit there and have a wtf moment?

I've done that a couple of different times with this book.

First and Foremost, this book is terrifying. Not in the way of monsters, or murders, or generally terrible people; but the Virus/Plague in this book is truly scary. The way the virus affects humans and the way its transferred and not knowing how/if there is any way to survive was enough to make me not want to be in their shoes. I actually had a nightmare the first night I read the book. Thanks for that Alex Scarrow.

Secondly, the characters in this book are very real, and well developed; and let's face it, my heart breaks for them. Everyone knows that the main character is bound to experience loss in an apocalyptic world. multiple times. And Leon is no exception to that. Leon is a pretty typical teenage boy who had to do a lot of growing up within the pages of this book. With a dad that's not in the same country when everything goes down, he definitely steps up to take care of his mom and sister. He is also pretty smart and resourceful considering he is the one discovering most of what they know about the virus throughout the book. His mom was a just that, a mom that did anything and everything she could to keep her children safe even though she had no idea what was going on; and of course every older brother needs a younger sister that always knows better. Enter Grace, a spirited little girl, who even though she tries to come off as confident and brave, still needs her older brother at the end of the day.
Let's face it, every book also needs a character to hate, and they do such a good job at making us do just that. Dave....what a creep. An egotistical, no moral having, degrading meat head. Ewh.

Going into this book, I expected it to be like most apocalyptic novels. I was pleasantly surprised when it proved me very wrong. This book has kept me guessing around every corner. I got angry and scared and so forlorn throughout the book. I highly suggest Plague Land to anyone and everyone who doesn't have a weak stomach. Such an amazing book, and I can't wait to see what more this author has to offer.

A deeply disturbing novel about life after a pandemic virus. Convincingly written and clearly well researched, I find this story preying on my mind despite having begun a new book. I am torn between reading the next in the series to find out what happens next, and being afraid to do the same! Highly recommend this book for those interested in genomics.

I love a good apocalypse. I enjoyed this book and think my students will also. The "grossness" will definitely appeal to my boys!

Excellent book. Great main characters and a real page turner. I loved the plot and would recommend this book.

"Plague Land" is a really intense YA horror that kept the twists and surprises coming. The book begins as we follow several people in short stories as they experience the start of the end of the world- a new virus has descended and is affecting all life on earth with ruthless efficiency and speed. Most stories receive just a chapter as we quickly see the plague ruin their lives. This device was incredibly useful and really gave us a full experience of the development and spread. We keep flashing back to Leon, who becomes our main character. As the book continues, we eventually begin to stay almost exclusively with Leon, his mother, and his sister, Grace.

I also found it extremely interesting that we see some of the perspective of the virus/plague itself, which gives us a bigger picture of how it grows and spreads, as well as how it evolves. The book is truly horrifying with graphic descriptions of horrific deaths and troubles. This book is not for the faint of heart, and it was so disturbing at times that I was surprised it was listed as YA. There is also attempted rape at one point, which I mention for people who would want to be warned. There is also main character death and suicide/murder in the book. This is so much more than a dystopian novel, which was what I was expecting- it's intense and something all of its own- almost a prequel to a dystopian world as we see where it all begins and how it develops. Each Part of the book is almost a different world entirely, and it's really quite a unique book!

I don't want to say too much about it to avoid spoilers, because this book was constantly shocking me with all the new twists in the plot and story- it's a roller coaster of emotions with surprises around every corner. The author has put a lot of thought into the book, and it's really well written. It's not an easy read, but wow, it's quite the book! The end absolutely shocked me also, and it has a bit of a cliff-hanger, so I am overflowing with curiosity to see this continued! I would limit this to older teens and adults due to the things I mention above, but if you are into thrillers, I would highly recommend it!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Very rarely does a book give me the feeling I get when watching a disaster/dystopian/apocalypse movie or show. This book did. It hooked me from the start. The action was intense at times and at others a slow ooze that still set me on edge. You really felt the fear that Leon and Grace felt. The descriptions of the "plague" and how it was evolving were well done although I did have to reread a couple passages to get the idea. It did not end on a cliffhanger but an open end. This was my first by the author but definitely not my last. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A quick, terrifying read. I really hope this is the start of a series as I'm desperate to know what happens next! I love this type of story and this was a new twist on it that I hadn't seen before. I'll have trouble sleeping for a while now - the sign of a really good read!
I loved the characters - often a problem in books like this as they don't all make it out!- and I was constantly surprised by what happened next, I rarely guessed it, especially towards the end.
I'll be looking forward to this coming into stock. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Plague Land is about a Pandemic which starts in South Africa, but within days travels throughout the world. We follow Leon, our main character, his sister Grace and their mother as they grow aware of the pandemic and try to leave London for someplace safer. While the books spans seven months, the majority of the book is dedicated tot he first few days. It is hard for me to go into too much detail about this book without giving away important twisty details. They do meet other survivors along the way which allows for the reader to learn why some people are "immune" to the "plague." I read this book in the course of a day, so yes it was fast moving and the writing style was easy to follow and engaging. The story line was unique, in my opinion. I guess the one downside was the ending seemed to be lacking. I feel there could have been more. Again, I cannot go into too much detail and not give away plot. I am giving this a 3 start rating. Maybe 3.5. Just wish the ending had more to it.

Plague Land is a well paced, exciting read that achieves that perfect mix of action and science to deliver a post apocalyptic story that will appeal to a wide range of fans, from teens to adult fans. Some readers might bemoan the lack of character development or dialogue that often feels flat, but most will be too caught up in a story that motors along at the speed of light, giving little opportunity to catch your breath as the author expertly weaves the reader through a story that grows in horrifying and fascinating detail.

There are truly terrifying moments, absolutely gross moments and moments that are just plain interesting to consider. I was mesmerized by the science and horrified by the events, Plague Land is an enthusiastic recommend for any fan of science fiction and is best for ages 14 and up due to graphic, gruesome imagery and genuine moments of peril.

I love end of the world books and this one was amazing! At first this book made it seem that the end of the world was going to end through a plague that was airborne and would liquefy your body. However, then the book took a twist. I am not going to reveal the twist, but I was hooked!
There are small bands of survivors that survived because they were taking pain killers. They must band together to stop the plague and to survive. But what happens if one of their own is not who they think?
Such a great book! A new and refreshing twist on the end of the world books!

Given the dates on some of the reviews (lol and the fact that the word 'remade' is present on the Amazon page), I'm assuming this is a reworking of an older novel.

I didn't read the original (pre-remade) version, so can't comment on any changes or improvements.

I can only tell you that this is a slam bang of a pandemic novel. It's intense, gory, and heartbreaking.

The author gives and actual reason behind the pandemic. Okay, it's not my favorite reason, but it works and the author puts some very unexpected spins on it.

Sudden cliffhanger ending, but I am anxious to read the next book!

Wow!! Just Wow!!!
If you plan on reading this book I suggest you curl up in your favourite spot and put a hold on your life for the time it takes you to get to the last page. You will not be able to tear your eyes from the pages!!! When you get to the end you will want more!!! There are some very vivid gory descriptions in this book and one scene in particular involving Grace that, I think, would be very upsetting for younger readers
Leon, his sister Grace and their mom are trying to establish new lives in a new country after a divorce. So life is stressful enough for them without having to worry about news coming out of Africa about a devastating virus. After a phone call from his dad in America, Leon and his family flee the city looking for safety only to be confronted with the horrifying results of the virus. Can they survive and what will it take?
If you love Stephen King, Bentley Little or Dean Koontz, this should be right up your alley!
This is the first book by Alex Scarrow that I have read and I will definitely be looking for more of his work!!

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A solid start to a series that sometimes falls under horror and sometimes falls under science fiction. I...am still not sure how I actually feel about Plague Land, though. It's an interesting premise of what happens when we're attacked by an intelligent super virus. The first half of the book is littered with descriptions of how the virus attacks humans and animals. Over and over again it is vividly pictured and it is nightmare-inducing. Cleverly done, and when a book gives me nightmares I have to give it props. However, it is geared towards 14+. People die, frequently. And no one is safe. Because of this, though realistically gruesome and nondiscriminatory, I downgraded a star. This is not for kids. Just because our main protagonist is a 17 year old doesn't mean that sensitive, younger kiddos should read this "young adult" novel.

The last star was taken off because no one is fleshed out. Ha... once you read the book you'll totally understand why saying that sentence now has a horrible, terrible new meaning for me. Regardless, you don't really get to know the workings of anyone. You know some of their backgrounds like divorce and sickness, but you never really end up attaching to anyone. But in an apocalyptic world, no one has time to delve into the deep parts of anyone else's psyche.

THAT ENDING THOUGH. It definitely leaves you on a "what the....?!" note. It is brilliant. I will be coming back for more from this series because I have to know exactly where this is all going.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alex Scarrow, and Sourcebooks Fire for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I got this book, not really sure what to expect, if it was apocalyptic, or horror, zombies or teen, or adult, or what. I tried not to read reviews before I started, but when I clicked to read the blurb and set my status as currently reading, some "horror and gore" caught my eye.

I enjoyed this book, I really did. I even loved when it went to the point of view of the plague. I liked how it was all horror and gore, and then sciency with words like keratin and stuff. I like it gives the science a huge boost of fun. I do kinda wish there were more survival type stuff. More worries such as "theres an unlimited supply of food, medicines, etc, right now, but with the population, no chance of factories and medications being reproduced, etc" I like survival apocalyptic stuff too. but I think we'd get too bogged down by stuff, the book had a little bit of gore, I didn't think enough gore that it was gross, but I think it was both dark and light mixed with a bit of humour in it, and it would keep a teen interested. I'm looking forward to book 2

My only one problem with this book is I think my life experiences and my occupation. I work in the medical field, cardiology more specifically, and the number of people that take aspirin on a daily basis, is a really high. also pillheads, so many pillheads out there. I think that the whole painkiller thing was eye rolling because there would have been a LOT more survivors out there, and a great number of them in either the geriatric age group, or cardiac group, or even health nuts that take aspirin just in case, and then you'll have the seedy shady group that live every day by shooting up, snorting, taking pills of every variety, and with how bad painkillers are being abused

Okay, confession time: I first thought, with that blurb and that cover, that this would be another zombie apocalypse novel. Imagine my pleasant (well, it IS horror, so not that pleasant) surprise when I was right on the apocalypse part, but not the zombies. I mean, I love zombie fiction, but ultimately they boil down to the same thing - they are usually a survival novel. This one, Remade, is about a different kind of organism invading the Earth, killing animal life left and right, and basically causing an extinction of nearly all species. We begin with a multi-perspective view of how the 'virus' starts propagating, and how the world goes to waste. The first part is survival-based, with Leon and his family trying to stay alive when a contagion that spreads so fast and so effectively spreads across the world.

Then, in the second arc, we have a group of survivors camping out in an abandoned ski resort, while we also see the contagion evolving, and inherently remaking the world. The science of it all was intriguing to say the least, and plausible from my view (right until that ending, but I'll come back to that later), indicating a good amount of research spent into creating and imagining this outcome. I love the change of pace and stakes in the second part of the book, focusing on the characters in a time of lull of activity. The third part was, well, more to establish the sequel, and it was done so well I am interested in what the future books will hold, and the directions it can take. And now, I get to the ending - if the science until this point was strong, I felt the ending moment took it more in the realm of paranormal than science fiction, considering the nature of the evolution is a much more complex one, and not so easily replicated. However, I was immensely entertained and terrified by this immersive book, and overall, I would recommend it for all sci-fi aficionados.