Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting story of murder-solving heroine with superpowers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this book is engaging and captivating, particularly for older readers who can handle its mature themes, including frequent swearing and some violence. While some enjoy the exciting plot and character dynamics, many caution against its suitability for younger audiences due to the strong language and intense situations.
- mature themes
- strong language
- engaging story
- character dynamics
- not for younger readers
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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 ...
Families 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
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Razorbill
- Publication date : November 2, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 15
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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