Parents' Guide to

Virals: Book 1

By Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Exciting story of murder-solving heroine with superpowers.

Book Kathy Reichs Science Fiction 2010
Virals: Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

A.Codell
A.Codell Adult
October 29, 2022
age 13+
Keep in mind the swearing, though it thins a bit as you progress the story/series. Besides that, It’s well written, with an intriguing plot twist, a real page turner for science and mystery-loving teens.

This title has:

Educational value
happymom41
happymom41 Adult
May 21, 2015
age 10+

Foul Language - Head's Up

My 10 year old son is currently reading "Virals," and really likes it, but he's only a couple of chapters in and has come to me twice with concerns about the words "kickass" and "bastard." We've discussed that authors will use strong language like this to make a point, and it's good that he recognizes it's inappropriate, but I question Common Sense Media's green light for ages 9 and up while also disclosing in the review that words like "bitch" and "bull####" appear in the book. I'm disappointed in how you handled this one, Common Sense.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Tory Brennan is a teenage girl who (due to unfortunate circumstance) is forced to move to a new town with her estranged father. Living on Morris Island in Charleston, NC, isn’t so bad if you can afford a Vera Wang designer dress and a brand new BMW. But for outcasts like Tory and her three best nerdy guy friends, the island offers something rare; it's the location of a world-renown research institute. Although the four teens are the poor kids on campus, they form a bond through their shared passion for science and the outdoors. Tory and the boys can't get enough of exploring all the island's backwoods have to offer. Unfortunately, one innocent adventure quickly becomes an extremely dangerous journey when the crew discovers the bones of a girl missing since 1969. As if a murder mystery isn't enough to take on, Tory also releases a contagious virus after breaking into the Loggerhead Island Research Institute, which alters the DNA of her and her comrades. This alteration leaves the kids with hypersensitive senses and superhuman strength. To solve the mystery and save their own lives, the teens will have to figure out how to activate these powers at crucial moments -- or risk losing everything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (12):

VIRALS is a thrilling ride with short chapters that continue to pick up speed. The book proves that author Kathy Reichs is more than a great novelist, she's also a real-life forensic anthropologist (and inspiration for the TV series Bones), who reveals all sorts of details involved in solving murder mysteries. Readers are taken through the research process and given precise tips on bone identification. Kids will be intrigued as they are introduced to the world of forensics.

Parents will be pleased that this novel exceeds all expectations of what a reader is looking for in a heroine. Tory Brennen encompasses the charming innocence of a young girl who, instead of being completely boy crazed, is passionate about animals, the environment, and politics. It's a refreshing change to encounter a YA novel that does not end with a love triangle in the first installment. The only relationship that develops here is the touching bond between Tory and her wild wolfpup, Coop.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Familes can talk about the popularity of books and TV shows about solving crimes by examining bones and dead bodies -- like CSI and Bones. Why do people find this work so fascinating?

  • Parents and kids can discuss bullying. What should you do you see another person being bullied, or are a victim of bullying yourself?

  • Parents can also discuss the proper actions to take if you've witnessed a crime.

Book Details

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