THE RAINS

The alien-zombie mashup that science-fiction fans won’t want to miss.

When Asteroid 9918 Darwinia lands in the small town of Creek’s Cause, it spells major trouble for 15-year-old Chance Rain and his 17-year-old brother, Patrick. For starters, all the adults have turned into zombielike parasitic hosts. What’s worse? The alien spores from the asteroid will eventually infect all the children on their 18th birthdays. For some, 18 is years off, but for others, like Patrick, it’s only days away. And so begins a race against the clock as Chance tries to save Patrick from a grisly fate. The novel’s filmlike storytelling tactics don’t always translate well to book form, and the numerous chapter cliffhangers make the writing seem repetitive and predictable; however, the novel’s ultimate cliffhanger ending is a satisfying conclusion of intrigue and suspense and will leave readers wanting more. Chance’s and Patrick’s physical descriptions are limited to height and stature, making their race indeterminable. Alex, a major character and Patrick’s girlfriend, is a blond, white girl and a feminist force to be reckoned with. Racial and ethnic diversity reflected in very minor characters feels tacked on.

This zombie-esque sci-fi novel will feed the needs of readers looking for a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping story with elements of horror.