“McBride writes with the perfect mixture of suspense and horror that keeps the reader on edge.” —Examiner IT LIVES. In a research hangar in Virginia, a Unit 51 team studies an ancient but long-dormant virus that can transform human physiology—and turn it into something else. . . IT MUTATES. In the Amazon rainforest, a newly evolving life form known as Subject Z acquires the ability to think … conceptually, build elaborate traps, create new carriers—and spawn a new race . . . IT SPREADS. In Mexico and Turkey, the men and women of Unit 51 race to uncover a global link between the mutations: a connection as ancient as the oldest tombs on earth—and as alien and unknowable as the universe itself. But time is running out. The infected are growing in number. And the nightmare is going viral .“This novel is for everyone who’s still a little scared of the dark . . . a very good sci-fi/thriller.” —The Oklahoman on Subhuman “Thriller powerhouse McBride begins his Unit 51 series . . . evoking feelings of shock and terror.”—Publishers Weekly on Subhuman Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
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431 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
This is an exciting book. It is full of action and science.
On an expedition to Mosul, Turkey, a deep caven is found. Inside are the remains of horrible creatures. The team hurries to cover it up, but it’s too late.
Things begin to go wrong. People are attacked and they metamorphose into hideous creatures with a penchant for killing everything within sight. But they retain their human features. They speak in the voice of the people they have overtaken.
A special team chases one from Antarctica to the jungles of South America. But the creature is very smart. Will they catch it? What will happen when they do – if they do?
The book mostly moves along, except for some rather uninteresting interludes discussing scientific things. Usually, I am interested in these asides, but this book seems to rattle on a bit too long about it.
I didn’t find this novel as good as Mr. McBride’s others. Hopefully, the next will be back to his usual standards.
Oh Unit 51, I had planned to read your adventures for years… but it was not to be. I thrilled, laughed, and grieved alongside as you saved the world one last time.
Not The Direction I Was Expecting, Excellent Conclusion (Or Was It) Regardless. First off, as I said on the review for Forsaken (Book 2 in this series where this book is Book 3), IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE EARLIER BOOKS HERE (Subhuman, Forsaken), READ THEM FIRST. You’re not going to really know what is happening here without having read them, and McBride spends pretty well zero time catching the reader up on previous events.
That out of the way, this particular entrant into the series works well as a blatant effort by a writer who was given a three book contract and is hoping to be picked up to continue the series… but doesn’t know as he is writing whether that will happen. So while the conclusion of FORSAKEN almost sets up a potential dozen ish book series, MUTATION goes the more balls-to-the-wall, Matthew Reilly’s Jack West Jr series combined with Jeremy Robinson’s CHESSPOCALYPSE event series approach to wrapping everything up in one fell swoop… then using the epilogue to “move the chess piece” (as in the last second of X-Men: The Last Stand) to allow for future stories within this universe.
Overall an excellent book and series, one I hope McBride can come back to once his current contract for these books expires and he gets the rights to them himself. Very much recommended.
Mutation by Michael McBride sees the return of Unit 51 as they investigate an unimaginable alien organism which is discovered in an ancient tomb that could lead to an apocalyptic future for mankind. Meanwhile a creature known as Subject Z is detected forging its way to a self committed destiny that will have global ramifications.Traversing through many locations such as the Middle East, Antarctica and Turkey, horror and action quickly become precedence.
From claustrophobic caverns, creature ridden jungles and deadly viruses, McBride always seems to find authentic horrors that will haunt the reader’s dreams as the unknown is explored. Using these writing skills he allows the reader to not only encounter conceivable perilous surroundings but also experience true monstrosities that are offered throughout the pages. The intelligent aspect to horror this novel contains is not only impressive but also adds to the believable nuance of genuine danger. Using constellations, crop circles and the world map as a background, the author initiates the process of interpreting and decoding religion as well as deities resulting in a historical fiction vibe. Within this atmospheric mood, secrets are unlocked to some of the oldest historical sites known to man in addition to an underlying message of – being in the jaws of death reminds one how precious life really is -.
Michael McBride is one of those authors I never get tired of reading. It still amazes me how he successfully incorporates unknown phenomenons, mysterious prophecies and a unlimited amount of terrifying species pact in each book. Mutation is no exception. When spending your hard earned money on books, choose wisely, this one is guaranteed bang for your buck.