Pandora

Outbreak

By: Eric L. Harry

Narrated by: Morgan Hallett

Beginning of the End

They call it Pandoravirus. It attacks the brain. Anyone infected may explode in uncontrollable rage. Blind to pain, empty of emotion, the infected hunt and are hunted. They attack without warning and without mercy. Their numbers spread unchecked. There is no known cure.

Emma Miller studies diseases for a living - until she catches the virus. Now she's the one being studied by the US government and by her twin sister, neuroscientist Isabel Miller. Rival factions debate whether to treat the infected like rabid animals to be put down, or victims deserving compassion.

As Isabel fights for her sister's life, the infected are massing for an epic battle of survival. And it looks like Emma is leading the way....

©2018 Eric L. Harry (P)2018 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Harry has a first-rate speculative mind, well grounded in current science. The ideas he puts forth are extremely engaging." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A good storyteller...harrowing stuff!" (The New York Times Book Review)

ooof

Isabel is just dumb first they warn her about her sister so she goes in trying to get emotion out of her twin when they told her she wouldn't have any. then she goes and tells her older brother who then tells his wife. I understand telling family but the way she went about it could have just been like hey there is a virus that does cause brain damage and it's best to get prepared. instead she says it's the end of the world. there are better ways to spread knowledge. Noah because he's panicked doesn't take the time to calm and think rationally instead he sells all his bonds and holds to get money. sure I can understand that. what I would have done was rebuilt the whole basement by bricking up windows and boarding windows. sure getting food would be the next thing. don't just go to one store go to several. and instead of saying end of times I'd warn others by saying there is a disease that cause brain damage saying zombie makes people not wanting to believe you. once you warn others then finish all your prep. that's how I would go about it. consequences be darn with the no telling others rule. everyone deserves a chance to live.

stand out

it's not about zombies and I like the science behind it. Great character development. starting the next book now!!

Good first book

No idea if the next book will be as good, but book #1 was good enough to make me purchase book #2. Excellent non-annoying female narrator. Extremely implausible in some respects with the government and military but that’s typical of the genre. I did enjoy that these “zombies” are unlike any other zombies from fiction that I can think of. The novel was definitely creative. And I cared about the characters which does not always happen.

Drawn out and redundant

Way too much focus on "consciousness". It was redundant, hard to follow and boring. The book went nowhere all the way up until the last 1-2 hours and then, finally, started t progress.

I didn’t want it to end

I dip in and out of this genre, but this hooked me straight away. Really made you think out how government would handle a global epidemic.
Please listen to this book, you will love it.

Theory of consciousness

I’ve been listening to this genre of audiobook since I started my audible membership. This book (and hopefully this series) does not disappoint. Although the beginning might suggest it’s just another frozen virus exposed in Siberia zombie thriller, it’s far more than that.

By examining what a virus could damage to make someone behave like a zombie, the book’s author creates something believable. Loss of sense of self makes infection equal death on some level. While off of emotional response including to pain make the infected frightening. Swarm/pack behavior and out-group/in-group dynamics add a layer of philosophical depth.

Magnificent read.

Fantastic Story, Great Narrator

This is a very intelligent take on the "infected zombie" trope. I really loved the detailed discussion of government functionaries, a smart guy getting prepared, and the philosophical questions raised by the main character. Really well done

Solid Apocalyptic Medical Thriller

For old school apocalyptic fans, a new book by the author of Arc Light, should be, well… something. I was a bit surprised when I heard that Eric L. Harry, a man who has released 4 books since his debut in 1994, was starting a series. The set up sounds a bit samesy… A deadly pathogen is released in the melting snow of Siberia that makes people turn violent and attack without fear of pain or death. It’s basically another “it’s kinda like a zombie but not” novel. When Pandora: Outbreak tries to be a apocalyptic novel, if feels like every other apocalyptic novel, but when it focuses on the science and the interesting relationship between the twin sisters, one infected and one not, it becomes a compelling read. It feels a bit bloated at times, like Harry took the long path on purpose, but despite that, as the reader, you don’t quite mind since the path is scenic enough to be interesting. For fans of apocalyptic medical thrillers, Pandora: Outbreak is a smart thriller that will keep you invested, but if your looking for a zombie shoot ‘em up or action packed survivalist story, there are other options that would better suit your taste.

This was only the second book I’ve listened to narrated by Morgan Hallett. While she won’t wow you with verbal gymnastics, her performance hit all the right notes. She took on the task of handling the twins wonderfully, managing to differentiate in ways that were true to their character. He voice and timing drew the listener in and kept them solidly implanted in the story. While Pandora: Outbreak probably won’t stand out among the glut of apocalyptic fiction it’s a solid enough entry, with fascinating science and a strong performance by the narrator, and worth the listen.

Different take but I enjoyed

It started a bit slow but was a refreshing take on the apocalypse. I’m now happily on to book 2. Good read and narration.

terrible ending is there more???

the book wasn't bad with the theory's but everything built up to nothing happening.. I really enjoyed the theory's and scientific talk but it went nowhere in the end