Exposure: A Virals Novel

Great addition to the series, I like the dual story lines tying in together. And the bad guy was unguessable,. Although, now that I think about it, the prologue doesn't really make sense if (SPOILER!!!!!) they did it to themselves.

I have been waiting since the last book ended for this. Picked up with all the emotional drama from book 3 and kept me on my toes through the entire book. A great read, a fantastic series and a amazing author.

This book was wonderful! The plot was so interesting though admittedly all over the place. Still I've been waiting forever for this book. The ending though I never saw it coming. Definitely a must read.

Another great Virals adventure! I read the first book hoping to find something my picky daughter would actually finish, she finished Exposure before I did! We love Tory and her Pack! When do we get the next one?

I would recommend this book to young adults who like adventure more than romance. I gave it an only OK because I read these books out of order I read this one before the other book code. I was confused but it was a great read. Enjoy the read hope I was of help.

Although the name Kathy Reichs might conjure up images of bones, dead bodies and crime. This YA series by this mother and son writing team has nothing to do with any of those things. Virals is an entertaining young adult sci-fi infused fantasy.
Tory is a complex character in the sense that she appears to be a strong and independent, and yet when it comes to Whitney she is usually a bit of a sheep. Says one thing and does another. There is a small light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to her blossoming relationship with Ben though.
One of the positive aspects to this fourth book in the Virals series, is that Reichs doesn’t just concentrate on Tory this time. The reader gets to know the other characters a lot better.
We see them experience their powers in an entirely different way this time. Instead of the possibly life-enhancing mysterious often stagnant abilities, the powers take on a more menacing aspect. It’s one thing knowing they are there, but it is quite another to know they might not be able to control them.
I like the way Reichs filters all the information, which means there is always something new to bring to the table. Regardless of whether it is about their powers, their status in society or the secrets each character keeps hidden.
Kudos to the authors for the big plot reveal at the end. It puts an entirely different slant on everything.
*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.*

I really, really enjoyed this series and didn’t even know that Bones, the TV show was based off a series and that this one was essentially a spin-off version that featured Temperance’s niece, Tori Brennan. I used to watch Bones back when I had a lot of time but I stopped after like 5 seasons or so because it was becoming too long. I’m not even sure if the season ended or if it’s still going…I just checked – apparently it’s still running and its only season 12 now. Damn, that’s a very long show.

Anyways, I enjoyed Bones for the few months that I binged watched it and I was pretty psyched to read the Virals series especially after I found out the connection. I was definitely able to tell that this series was similar to Bones in that both of them are highly scientific with a lot of terminology. Thankfully, unlike Bones, this one was more geared towards the YA crowd so there were a lot of good explanations especially when they discussed something technical.

The one thing I was amazed throughout the books was that despite the character’s tender age (all 15-16 years old), they were all incredibly smart (except for maybe Ben, now that I think of it…). Shelton was more tech smart, Hiram was on the science stuff with Tori also on the science stuff but more towards blood/experiments due to her relationship with Temperance. They all worked incredibly well together and honestly, even without their flare powers, a lot of the puzzles were easily cracked by them especially in the third book, Code.

I think my favorite book out of the entire series was probably Seizure with the whole treasure hunting thing. There were definitely a number of times in the book where I was a little skeptical about how well they managed to evade some traps set up from hundreds of years ago. However, they are also incredibly resourceful and intelligent so I guess it’s not entirely out of the norm. The first book, Virals, was also interesting because it’s how everything started and the cold case murder mystery was especially interesting to me.

The dynamic between the four – Tori, Ben, Shelton and Hiram – were interesting. I was a little surprised at how close they were because in the first book, Tori described that she was mostly only friends with them because they were the only teenagers/kids living on their otherwise deserted island. However, it seemed that in reality, the dynamic was that Tori was always the leader with the boys following her every word even before the pack was formed. I’m not sure if I liked Tori that much, to be honest, because she seemed incredibly bossy. This was especially true when Shelton or Hiram didn’t really want to do something like breaking and entering but would be pressured by Tori. Plus, in the last two books, she became incredibly more and more annoying with her girly thoughts between Chance and Ben. To be honest, I thought after the first kiss, the decision was made but then she kept going back and forth between the two that even the two boys plus Shelton and Hiram were getting distracted with all the bickering and fist punches. I understand that she’s a teenage girl and they tend to be confused with the opposite gender because I know I was but for someone who is so smart with extra abilities, she was quite slow in this aspect.

Overall, I did really, really enjoy the series. I liked the adventure and even the ending was nice. It was realistic and it made a lot of sense. However, there was that last paragraph that made me rethink a few things…

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"Exposure" the fourth novel in the "Virals" series begins when the Gable twins -Peter and Lucy- are abducted from Bolton Prep. Although their powers have been becoming wild and unpredictable Tory and her Pack decide to investigate.

Threads of this thriller follow the Virals' investigation into the disappearance of the twins; their search for Dr. Karsten's files to unravel the mystery of their physical and super- sensory capabilities; and Tory's struggle to deal with Chance Claybourne's exploratory research into the disastrous medical experiment that created the virus that changed their DNA. With only zodiac cards and a blood stain as clues Tory and her pack also have to deal with contentious police detectives, an irritable high school principal and a black BMW that continually follows them. The story heats up with multiple twists and turns as the they draw closer to the killer, and the case takes on sinister overtones when a third classmate is kidnapped. Yet throughout the adventure as tension and suspense builds, the seriousness of each new challenge is often diluted by Hi's humour and Tory's exasperation with her father's overzealous girlfriend and her befuddlement with her growing feelings for Ben.

Like all the novels in the Virals series, the characters add energy, excitement and zest to the unfolding drama. Tory Brennan continues to be impulsive and confident until her link with the boys becomes erratic. With Ben's betrayal and the erosion of her bond with the pack she fears for their future. Ben Blue with his dark moods and temper seems arrogant and reckless until events unfold that prompt Tory's forgiveness. Hiriam (Hi) Stolowitski continues to use his quick wits and razor -sharp tongue while Shelton Devers the clever cyber- hacker remains resourceful, but skittish when called into action. Eighteen year old Chance Claybourne after spending time in a mental hospital has lost his playful side and is tenacious in his determination to uncover the secret that Tory keeps hidden.

Like all of the Virals novels to date I enjoyed Tory and her pack's criminal investigation in "Exposure" and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

**I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book. Thank you to Goodreads and to Kathy and Brendan Reichs for this opportunity!**

I would like to mention right off the start that I did not read any of the previous novels before this one. But it did not alter my opinion that this was a wonderful and exciting read! The authors gave me enough clues that I could follow along and understand, but also kept those clues minimal enough that I am intrigued enough to want to collect all the other books and future books to read!

This was a fast paced and thrilling read. There are many plot twists and of course the always wonderful "who dunnit?" story line. I was kept guessing right up till the very end. I did not read any of the previous books, but that did not stop me from developing a love for many of the characters. I loved the dynamics between Tory and Ben. But I also enjoyed the likable qualities of Shelton and Hi. I will be very interested in seeing what happens with Chance and the fact that he has been delving into the Virals experiments. Don't want to spoil anything by saying too much about that subject...but WOW, I did not see that one coming.

The book mentions it predecessor early on. The Virals are in court testifying in the trial of The GameMaster. (already intrigued enough to want to find out what all that was about!) Then the authors take you right into the next mystery case that needs to be solved. A set of twins that go to the same school as the Virals have been kidnapped! A ransom tape and some Tarot cards are all the Virals have to go on. Add in some high tech hacking and some teenage sleuths....and you are in for a awesome ride with this book!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling adventures, mysteries and a dash of uncomfortable attraction. I really look forward to reading all the books that came before this one and any that come out after :-)