Book Review for Red Hail by Jamie Killen
I received a free copy of this book. This does not impact my review.
Red Hail, by Jamie Killen, is a sci-fi thriller about a couple who, amongst others, experiences frightening symptoms that have plagued the generations before. Among these individuals are Alonzo, a veterinarian who horrifies his partner with odd movements and speech patterns, and Sonia, a mother who fears she’s passed her disease to her child. As Alonzo’s partner, Colin, tries to find a way to cure the affliction, the symptoms become more and more severe. In order for Colin to uncover the cause of the disease, he needs to first delve into the history of when the symptoms started, back to the 1960s when Anza begins her own investigation into the outbreak.
In all honesty, when I read the separate timelines in the book, it was as if I were reading two different stories. The first, which took place in 1960, had Anza dealing with what could only be described as a religious horror; there was a cult and everything, right down to them wanting to lynch people who didn’t look (or practice) like them. Then there was the 2020s, which reads more like a sci-fi narrative. Both storylines put me at the edge of my seat; they both carried the uncertainty and fear of the characters, forcing the readers to understand just exactly what was at stake. Whether it be a community of believers, families, or friends, I found it admirable that, in both timelines, the characters came together. They made sure the other was safe even when it was a better option to duck out.
Which brings me to another thing; the love story between Colin and Alonzo. Alonzo really wasn’t mincing words when he told him this condition was permanent. Based on Colin’s reactions at the beginning of the book, and the stress he’s experienced, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he left. But he didn’t, and honestly, I was relieved.
Another thing I liked reading about was the hysteria that gripped Anza’s community. Pastor Benjamin was charismatic enough to turn his church into cult, savvy enough to get away with murder. I could only wish I was there to see him frozen, but I’ll just have to settle with the author brushing over his punishment. I have to admit, it did harken to the time of the Witch Trials, where everyone was persecuted based on the color of their skin, how they practiced, whether or not they were women, ect.
Because of these character’s relationships and their interactions with one another, and Killen’s ability to demonstrate humanity’s perseverance, good or otherwise, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
