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Virulent #3
The Variables
In the final book of the Virulent Trilogy…
Ethan is now at home in the System. Teddy has been placed in the King’s care. The move to the Islands is looming. And Lucy and Grant are falling in love amidst the backdrop of anxiousness and pain. There are whispers of dissent among the survivors, and even Huck Truman’s cherished Elektos Board is starting to challenge his thirst for complete control.
Back in Oregon, Dean and Darla begin the journey to Nebraska to find their children. But will they be too late?
Ethan is now at home in the System. Teddy has been placed in the King’s care. The move to the Islands is looming. And Lucy and Grant are falling in love amidst the backdrop of anxiousness and pain. There are whispers of dissent among the survivors, and even Huck Truman’s cherished Elektos Board is starting to challenge his thirst for complete control.
Back in Oregon, Dean and Darla begin the journey to Nebraska to find their children. But will they be too late?
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 16, 2016
THE VARIABLES is the final book in the VIRULENT trilogy. It begins with a devastating act of bio-terrorism that decimates earth’s human population, progresses to the select group of survivors congregating in underground bunkers called The System, and ends with our group of protagonists’ reaction to the new dictatorial government. The author introduces the entire trilogy best in the author’s note following the conclusion of THE VARIABLES:
Many people already know the story of how Virulent came to be. A ninth grade student in a pullout class for reluctant readers was unsurprisingly relctant to read any book I peddled in front of him. Discouraged and out of options, I promised him that I would write the book he wanted to read. His list was brief. He wanted the apocalypse, death, destruction, bad guys with backstories, zombies, and he most definitely didn't want a sappy love story... So many of our favorite dystopian books take place years after society has succumbed to its reformed way of life... That is a different story.
If you like your denouements tied up in a nice, pretty bow, then the ending to THE VARIABLES will make you want to pull your hair out. I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum: I like a few loose ends, so I thought the ending was absolutely perfect! The final scene exceeded my expectations by miles and left me with a big grin. That’s not to say that there was a happily ever after; it was bittersweet with a lot of hope for the future. The major problems were solved and we know what the characters are planning to do next, but Ms. Wescott leaves the rest up to the reader. I love that I got to imagine the rest of the characters’ lives. The ones that survived, at least!
I also loved the “bad guys with backstories.” As much as I wanted to hate Blair, Gordy, and Huck, I had to feel some sympathy for them. Even though they all do horrible, detestable things, it’s clear they never intended to do evil things. They each went through trying times and, in reaction, gave their support to a plan that they thought would “cure” the world of evil and wrongdoing. Huck, in particular, is a shining example of how easy it is to mistake evil for good and how easy it is to follow an evil plan without realizing it is evil.
The good guys were also very real. They are all flawed. Ethan has his anger and difficulty forgiving his family. Scott has his inability to stand up and do what is right. Lucy has her jealousy of Cass and Ethan’s friendship (especially loved that detail), Ainsley has her cowardice and whininess, I could go on and on. The fact that the “good guys” were not perfect, didn’t always do what’s right, made them seem all the more real.
As great as all that was, I had difficulty suspending my disbelief at times. I kept thinking, “that wouldn’t happen in real life,” or “real people wouldn’t act like that.” Sometimes the scenes felt a little forced, like the author forced the characters to act a certain way or say certain things because it would help move the plot along. Obviously, however, these little moments didn’t prevent me from finishing and enjoying the book.
What really sets the VIRULENT trilogy apart from other post-apocalyptic/dystopian books is the way it dealt head-on with the difficult moral and ethical dilemmas the characters confronted. This was unquestionably the best aspect of the series as a whole. It’s not often that post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels make me think about what choices I would make if I were put in the protagonist’s place. Shelbi Wescott forced me to explore my own sense of right and wrong in the VIRULENT trilogy. I applaud her for that!
Despite a few hiccups, THE VARIABLES was an enjoyable, satisfying ending to the VIRULENT trilogy. If you read a lot of post-apocalyptic or dystopian fiction, put this trilogy on your radar.
Many people already know the story of how Virulent came to be. A ninth grade student in a pullout class for reluctant readers was unsurprisingly relctant to read any book I peddled in front of him. Discouraged and out of options, I promised him that I would write the book he wanted to read. His list was brief. He wanted the apocalypse, death, destruction, bad guys with backstories, zombies, and he most definitely didn't want a sappy love story... So many of our favorite dystopian books take place years after society has succumbed to its reformed way of life... That is a different story.
If you like your denouements tied up in a nice, pretty bow, then the ending to THE VARIABLES will make you want to pull your hair out. I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum: I like a few loose ends, so I thought the ending was absolutely perfect! The final scene exceeded my expectations by miles and left me with a big grin. That’s not to say that there was a happily ever after; it was bittersweet with a lot of hope for the future. The major problems were solved and we know what the characters are planning to do next, but Ms. Wescott leaves the rest up to the reader. I love that I got to imagine the rest of the characters’ lives. The ones that survived, at least!
I also loved the “bad guys with backstories.” As much as I wanted to hate Blair, Gordy, and Huck, I had to feel some sympathy for them. Even though they all do horrible, detestable things, it’s clear they never intended to do evil things. They each went through trying times and, in reaction, gave their support to a plan that they thought would “cure” the world of evil and wrongdoing. Huck, in particular, is a shining example of how easy it is to mistake evil for good and how easy it is to follow an evil plan without realizing it is evil.
The good guys were also very real. They are all flawed. Ethan has his anger and difficulty forgiving his family. Scott has his inability to stand up and do what is right. Lucy has her jealousy of Cass and Ethan’s friendship (especially loved that detail), Ainsley has her cowardice and whininess, I could go on and on. The fact that the “good guys” were not perfect, didn’t always do what’s right, made them seem all the more real.
As great as all that was, I had difficulty suspending my disbelief at times. I kept thinking, “that wouldn’t happen in real life,” or “real people wouldn’t act like that.” Sometimes the scenes felt a little forced, like the author forced the characters to act a certain way or say certain things because it would help move the plot along. Obviously, however, these little moments didn’t prevent me from finishing and enjoying the book.
What really sets the VIRULENT trilogy apart from other post-apocalyptic/dystopian books is the way it dealt head-on with the difficult moral and ethical dilemmas the characters confronted. This was unquestionably the best aspect of the series as a whole. It’s not often that post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels make me think about what choices I would make if I were put in the protagonist’s place. Shelbi Wescott forced me to explore my own sense of right and wrong in the VIRULENT trilogy. I applaud her for that!
Despite a few hiccups, THE VARIABLES was an enjoyable, satisfying ending to the VIRULENT trilogy. If you read a lot of post-apocalyptic or dystopian fiction, put this trilogy on your radar.
May 6, 2014
That can't possibly be the end?? What??!! It was a great story the journey picked up where the last book left off but come on thats it? There is more story to tell it just seems crazy to me that she would leave us forever on a cliff hanger. Novella? Please anything I'll take an essay just something please....
April 29, 2014
So when I read this (admittedly back in February), I had been on this insane streak of amazing books. Like, at least 4 of the 5 books I'd recently read had been pretty much amazing. I had been really eagerly anticipating this book, and was so afraid that statistically, there was no way this could end up being as awesome as I'd hoped. But, you know, screw statistics because this book delivered.
Now, I am going to be honest: I am sometimes daunted by a really long book. And this book is quite lengthy. But never once did I feel like there was any filler, any "extra" stuff that just didn't need to be there. It was pretty much action from the start. I loved that we got to see what characters were doing across the board; no one group of characters was pushed to the back burner. And the character evolution was quite lovely, and honest. I love when characters can be imperfect and maybe never end up figuring it all out, because that is real. There were a few points in the plot where yes, I did anticipate what was to come. But more often than not, I was pretty much thrown by the twists and turns.
Again, we reached the end of a trilogy that I rather enjoyed, so the ultimate question is always this: Was the ending sufficient? In this case, I feel like it was. While there is openness, the author both explains the reasoning, and crafts the ending in a way that you feel some satisfaction, that there was purpose behind this journey.
I will miss this world and these characters, and look forward to whatever Ms. Wescott writes next.
Now, I am going to be honest: I am sometimes daunted by a really long book. And this book is quite lengthy. But never once did I feel like there was any filler, any "extra" stuff that just didn't need to be there. It was pretty much action from the start. I loved that we got to see what characters were doing across the board; no one group of characters was pushed to the back burner. And the character evolution was quite lovely, and honest. I love when characters can be imperfect and maybe never end up figuring it all out, because that is real. There were a few points in the plot where yes, I did anticipate what was to come. But more often than not, I was pretty much thrown by the twists and turns.
Again, we reached the end of a trilogy that I rather enjoyed, so the ultimate question is always this: Was the ending sufficient? In this case, I feel like it was. While there is openness, the author both explains the reasoning, and crafts the ending in a way that you feel some satisfaction, that there was purpose behind this journey.
I will miss this world and these characters, and look forward to whatever Ms. Wescott writes next.
April 19, 2018
My students are so excited for this series that I had to finish... they were waiting for me! The only flaw in this book is that it ends too soon - I need to know more! Great story of what people will do for those they love and to fight injustice.
March 29, 2014
This is by far one of my favorite post apocalyptic books of all time. The last book in the series did not disappoint, it had so much action, suspense and drama in it that I couldn't put it down. I am in love with the characters that Shelbi Wescott created, especially Lucy, Grant and Ethan. The final few chapters of this book are so heartbreaking, but I feel essential to the story line. I enjoyed the ending as it leaves it open for the reader to decide what happens to these characters. This is definitely a series that I will re-read in the future. 5 out of 5 stars.
February 20, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed this trilogy even though it is really aimed at young adults. Characters are likeable, loveable and some despicable. There are quite a few characters to keep track of...relevant characters. I found it difficult at times remembering who was who and to whom. I do recommend this trilogy to everyone, not just YA.
I enjoyed this trilogy even though it is really aimed at young adults. Characters are likeable, loveable and some despicable. There are quite a few characters to keep track of...relevant characters. I found it difficult at times remembering who was who and to whom. I do recommend this trilogy to everyone, not just YA.
June 29, 2017
Wow! Just when I thought things couldn't get any crazier in Lucy's world!! Shelbi did a great job explaining some of the characters' backstories. Of course, just because I better understood how they ended up the way they did didn't mean that I ended up liking them any more ;) I liked how characters were able to work together, especially since their doing so would not have been so obvious. A lot of tough decisions had to be made in 'The Variables' and the author handled them with skill. Looking forward to reading more of her work!
June 20, 2017
Loved it
Not read a series as good since Michael Grant GONE series, the characters all pull you in and each have them cheering them on.
Not read a series as good since Michael Grant GONE series, the characters all pull you in and each have them cheering them on.
October 13, 2017
Atypical with a trilogy, this series gets better with each book. The first was entertaining, the second was better, but the third was a real page-turner.
March 16, 2025
A very good read
I really enjoyed the characters of this book. Lucy was a little wishy washy sometimes but in the end came through for her family.
I really enjoyed the characters of this book. Lucy was a little wishy washy sometimes but in the end came through for her family.
June 4, 2017
The Variables by Shelbi Wescott was the third book in the Virulent trilogy. It was effective in finishing the story, and keeping it interesting, but I thought it wasn’t as good as the second book. Even though they had the same characters, it was just a lot of pain and difficult for me to get through. Certain parts were just kind of repetitive from the second book. Even though I liked these parts in the second book, they just didn’t interest me any more, so it took me a very time to read. Overall I gave it a three out of five stars because it was still fairly effective in finishing the story, and I still enjoyed the characters.yu
March 16, 2017
This final book in the trilogy ended exactly the way it should end... with a new beginning (as Wescott notes in her acknowledgements). I really enjoyed the series and look forward to reading more by Wescott.
February 27, 2015
The Release of Emotions
Okay, this is only my second review ever, but I think the world needs to know the emotional struggle this book put me through. I think I'm ready to finally face it. Alright. Deep breath...
I found the first book in this series as I was lazily scrolling through Amazon, admiring all the beautiful books that I wish could own. For some reason, The Release caught my eye. At the time, I was going through an apocalyptic phase. I just had to read anything and all thing end of the world. The book was good. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible. I loved the idea of the main characters being trapped in a high school, watching as the world fell apart around them. The story was intelligibly written and very plausible. The desperation of the characters and their need to survive no matter the cost was brilliant and scary. Seeing the death around them and the way it affected the last surviving humans was great. Yet, I felt like it was missing something. I just didn't know what at the time. The second book was as good as the first. It was a little better, especially once they entered the System and we saw the faults it posed. We saw more internal struggles as well as questioning on what is right and what is wrong. Shelbi Wescott does a very good job on justifying the actions of her characters. They are all just so...human. No one is perfect, not even the ones you think are the heroes. There are none. This is merely a story about the survivors and their killers.
I think this last one really showed that to me. This far surpassed the first two stories because it made me feel and it made me realize that nothing is guaranteed in the world. It provoked emotions I hadn't felt from a book in a long time. These are the feelings that only come from stories that possess so much truth. I remember curling up and needing to take a breather from all the pain and hardship; the love and happiness; from the wrongness and the rightness. It was all the hidden nastiness of humanity mixed in with the morals we try to live by. We want to be good, we want to believe that what we are doing is right, but sometimes we loose sight of what is right and mistake it for what is wrong. Yet, sometimes we know exactly what we are doing and we do it anyways. I loved how this story approached the difficulty of surviving in a world where lines are blurred where society as we knew it doesn't exist. There is no US, no government,no laws, no nothing. There is only the Earth and what you choose to do with it. Finally, I loved how Shelbi Wescott dealt with love. It was raw and strong, but heartbreaking and realistic. Both familial and romantic love were tested, leaving no one without a scar. I think my favorite scene had to be between Grant and Lucy and the music that spoke for them. I remember sitting their understanding with them as their hidden words played in the background.
This story is worth the read. It leaves you torn and raw, a little hollow inside, but it's worth it. Of course, you have to read the first two books in the series before you can read this one. I just want to warn you in advance though, this is not a story of happy endings, but rather one of unknown beginnings.
***Thanks for reading my review. I hoped you liked it. Like I said it's only my second one so I apologize if it's not totally perfect. Enjoy the book!***
Okay, this is only my second review ever, but I think the world needs to know the emotional struggle this book put me through. I think I'm ready to finally face it. Alright. Deep breath...
I found the first book in this series as I was lazily scrolling through Amazon, admiring all the beautiful books that I wish could own. For some reason, The Release caught my eye. At the time, I was going through an apocalyptic phase. I just had to read anything and all thing end of the world. The book was good. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible. I loved the idea of the main characters being trapped in a high school, watching as the world fell apart around them. The story was intelligibly written and very plausible. The desperation of the characters and their need to survive no matter the cost was brilliant and scary. Seeing the death around them and the way it affected the last surviving humans was great. Yet, I felt like it was missing something. I just didn't know what at the time. The second book was as good as the first. It was a little better, especially once they entered the System and we saw the faults it posed. We saw more internal struggles as well as questioning on what is right and what is wrong. Shelbi Wescott does a very good job on justifying the actions of her characters. They are all just so...human. No one is perfect, not even the ones you think are the heroes. There are none. This is merely a story about the survivors and their killers.
I think this last one really showed that to me. This far surpassed the first two stories because it made me feel and it made me realize that nothing is guaranteed in the world. It provoked emotions I hadn't felt from a book in a long time. These are the feelings that only come from stories that possess so much truth. I remember curling up and needing to take a breather from all the pain and hardship; the love and happiness; from the wrongness and the rightness. It was all the hidden nastiness of humanity mixed in with the morals we try to live by. We want to be good, we want to believe that what we are doing is right, but sometimes we loose sight of what is right and mistake it for what is wrong. Yet, sometimes we know exactly what we are doing and we do it anyways. I loved how this story approached the difficulty of surviving in a world where lines are blurred where society as we knew it doesn't exist. There is no US, no government,no laws, no nothing. There is only the Earth and what you choose to do with it. Finally, I loved how Shelbi Wescott dealt with love. It was raw and strong, but heartbreaking and realistic. Both familial and romantic love were tested, leaving no one without a scar. I think my favorite scene had to be between Grant and Lucy and the music that spoke for them. I remember sitting their understanding with them as their hidden words played in the background.
This story is worth the read. It leaves you torn and raw, a little hollow inside, but it's worth it. Of course, you have to read the first two books in the series before you can read this one. I just want to warn you in advance though, this is not a story of happy endings, but rather one of unknown beginnings.
***Thanks for reading my review. I hoped you liked it. Like I said it's only my second one so I apologize if it's not totally perfect. Enjoy the book!***
October 12, 2014
A Fine Trilogy Of Post Apocalyptic Storytelling
I love to read. Especially apocalyptic fiction. There is something interesting in the way each author tells the story of the end of the world (to me). I decided to review the three books in this trilogy altogether, because really, it is one seamless story. I fell so in love with these characters. (Shelbi, you need to stop watching TV and WRITE, girl! You have an amazing talent for true storytelling. AND, I think you need to finish this trilogy down the road maybe 50 years or so. only you know and love these characters well enough to write the future of Lucy, Grant, Darla, Ethan, Blair, and all the others I have come to love, too! Go for it!! You have a real storytelling gift rare in today's authors! JMHO). These books were true unabashed excellent stories with fleshed out characters, true heroes and really bad bad guys. Whatever, Ms. Wescott has the ability to make each character come to life. I call it the playing of a movie behind your eyes as you read, few people are that gifted. I suspect, like me, you don't have the belief in your own ability to write as well as you'd like, Shelbi. But here am I, a stranger never having met you, knowing little about you EXCEPT an incredible gift for storytelling and characters that spring to life from the written page.
Warning: minor spoilers ahead: Anyway, from the beginning, a virus is released into the atmosphere, most people died. Some were immune, some were inoculated against it because the megalomaniac who orchestrated the whole thing had a plan. Earth was being abused by humans, time to start over and let the earth heal. Not really spoilers, you will learn this quickly enough.
To me the true essence of this story is not about the end of the world as we know it, but the depth of characters, we meet and either love, hate or pity. I wanted to read this book fast, it was so exciting and so well written, but instead, I paced myself and took my time like savoring a fine wine. These characters will not soon be forgotten by me, like in so many other books I have read.
Would go on and on, but then it becomes redundant. It does have some squeamish moments in it, I encourage you to assess your child's or teenager's level of tolerance for such things, but there is little bad language. And a lot of love. Not love as in those books churned out about maidens in distress, but familial love. This doesn't portray perfect families. To me it portrays reality in most families. I definitely recommend this series, the only series written to my sadness by Shelbi Wescott. So much talent, Shelbi. I challenge you to write to follow up to this wonderful series because you know the story and characters best and only you can do it justice.
Get these books and read them. You don't have to be a fan of this genre to fall in love with it. I hope for much more from the author. She does have one new book out. She needs more!
I love to read. Especially apocalyptic fiction. There is something interesting in the way each author tells the story of the end of the world (to me). I decided to review the three books in this trilogy altogether, because really, it is one seamless story. I fell so in love with these characters. (Shelbi, you need to stop watching TV and WRITE, girl! You have an amazing talent for true storytelling. AND, I think you need to finish this trilogy down the road maybe 50 years or so. only you know and love these characters well enough to write the future of Lucy, Grant, Darla, Ethan, Blair, and all the others I have come to love, too! Go for it!! You have a real storytelling gift rare in today's authors! JMHO). These books were true unabashed excellent stories with fleshed out characters, true heroes and really bad bad guys. Whatever, Ms. Wescott has the ability to make each character come to life. I call it the playing of a movie behind your eyes as you read, few people are that gifted. I suspect, like me, you don't have the belief in your own ability to write as well as you'd like, Shelbi. But here am I, a stranger never having met you, knowing little about you EXCEPT an incredible gift for storytelling and characters that spring to life from the written page.
Warning: minor spoilers ahead: Anyway, from the beginning, a virus is released into the atmosphere, most people died. Some were immune, some were inoculated against it because the megalomaniac who orchestrated the whole thing had a plan. Earth was being abused by humans, time to start over and let the earth heal. Not really spoilers, you will learn this quickly enough.
To me the true essence of this story is not about the end of the world as we know it, but the depth of characters, we meet and either love, hate or pity. I wanted to read this book fast, it was so exciting and so well written, but instead, I paced myself and took my time like savoring a fine wine. These characters will not soon be forgotten by me, like in so many other books I have read.
Would go on and on, but then it becomes redundant. It does have some squeamish moments in it, I encourage you to assess your child's or teenager's level of tolerance for such things, but there is little bad language. And a lot of love. Not love as in those books churned out about maidens in distress, but familial love. This doesn't portray perfect families. To me it portrays reality in most families. I definitely recommend this series, the only series written to my sadness by Shelbi Wescott. So much talent, Shelbi. I challenge you to write to follow up to this wonderful series because you know the story and characters best and only you can do it justice.
Get these books and read them. You don't have to be a fan of this genre to fall in love with it. I hope for much more from the author. She does have one new book out. She needs more!
February 24, 2017
Excellent
I have really enjoyed reading this trilogy of book. All the books are great and I enjoyed how this one ended.
I have really enjoyed reading this trilogy of book. All the books are great and I enjoyed how this one ended.
July 23, 2014
I had to take a bit and think about this book for the review.
I really enjoyed the book but since I was reading all of them back to back I found myself yelling "come on!". A couple parts seem to drag and you want to skim and get to the part you want but you realize it isn't dragging, it's setting up the next part so it is necessary. There are three storylines being followed... four. Sometimes more.
I liked the love story between Lucy and Grant. This surprised me because even though I liked Grant as a character I would have never been able to deal with him. He was so self sacrificing I wanted to punch him and hug him all at once. When I really love a couple in a book I will say the guy is my "book boyfriend" for the moment. Grant was never my book boyfriend, but I really liked him. All of this I found odd but enjoyable. He was not the kind of guy I fall for but I routed for him anyways.
Ethan confused me. I understand him being upset but I felt he should have communicated with Lucy more, when he started communicating that is.
I didn't like Cass at all. Once again. Someone I would not be able to tolerate in real life but I understood her in Lucy's life. She reminded me of the popular girl using you to get her homework done. Not happening.
Darla journeys to find Teddy with others in tow (not spoiling things) and their journey felt real. Darla is cranky and selfish in her grief but that's how grief is sometimes.
I liked that everyone has a likeable and unlikeable side. It made them more dimensional and real.
The ending. I liked it. I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I felt like I had been with these people long enough to know exactly what happened. I didn't need it spoon fed to me. I enjoyed that.
I really enjoyed the book but since I was reading all of them back to back I found myself yelling "come on!". A couple parts seem to drag and you want to skim and get to the part you want but you realize it isn't dragging, it's setting up the next part so it is necessary. There are three storylines being followed... four. Sometimes more.
I liked the love story between Lucy and Grant. This surprised me because even though I liked Grant as a character I would have never been able to deal with him. He was so self sacrificing I wanted to punch him and hug him all at once. When I really love a couple in a book I will say the guy is my "book boyfriend" for the moment. Grant was never my book boyfriend, but I really liked him. All of this I found odd but enjoyable. He was not the kind of guy I fall for but I routed for him anyways.
Ethan confused me. I understand him being upset but I felt he should have communicated with Lucy more, when he started communicating that is.
I didn't like Cass at all. Once again. Someone I would not be able to tolerate in real life but I understood her in Lucy's life. She reminded me of the popular girl using you to get her homework done. Not happening.
Darla journeys to find Teddy with others in tow (not spoiling things) and their journey felt real. Darla is cranky and selfish in her grief but that's how grief is sometimes.
I liked that everyone has a likeable and unlikeable side. It made them more dimensional and real.
The ending. I liked it. I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I felt like I had been with these people long enough to know exactly what happened. I didn't need it spoon fed to me. I enjoyed that.
June 22, 2014
In the last book of the series, we find the groups getting ready to move to their new homes. The underground System is being left behind. There are several islands that have been built to house the new utopian society. When the assignments are given, several families find that they are assigned to the island home that is not ready. They are to stay behind in the System while everyone else begins their new lives in beautiful new societies. When Lucy and her family arrive at their new home, they find a remarkable community with amazing views. But Lucy can't be happy because Grant has been left behind and will be shipped to the last island when it is finished. Her father tried to get Grant transferred but was not successful. Lucy feels that something is just not right about all this. Huck is getting more and more controlling and it is becoming obvious that you don't go against Huck or there are consequences. Even before the move to the islands, one of the Systems dared to question him and all their power was shut off. And there are whispers of discontent even on the governing board. With Huck in total control, what can the survivors do but go along with his every demand. But what happens when his actions become known?
August 20, 2015
I have decided to do books 2 and 3 together. Let me start by saying I loved this trilogy. The author is a high school language arts and creative writing teacher. The Release was born from a challenge issued by her students to write a book that would interest them. I believe she answered that challenge quite well. It has it all; from the crazy power greedy old man, strong female characters and a believable romance. These books moved fast and I didn’t want to put them down. Although at first I was a little disappointed with the ending I understand why it was done it wasn’t a bad ending I am just one of those readers that like my books to end a certain way. This is a original idea for a post-apocalyptic book and I suggest it to all post-apocalyptic lovers. This will be a must-read for my teen book club.
February 19, 2016
This was... okay. It's more of a 2.5 stars than a 3 stars, but here we are.
I think that the story is amazing. It truly is. Huck is... creepy. Gordy and Blair are fascinating. Darla will always be the most badass character of the series. Ever.
The thing that really brings this book/series down A LOT is the teenage angst/drama. They're between fifteen and twenty years old and we're supposed to believe that all these adults would take their "true love" seriously. In the middle of the fucking apocalypse/dictatorship.
I'm sorry, I can't take that seriously at all. Which is a shame cause, as I said, it's great story.
I think that the story is amazing. It truly is. Huck is... creepy. Gordy and Blair are fascinating. Darla will always be the most badass character of the series. Ever.
The thing that really brings this book/series down A LOT is the teenage angst/drama. They're between fifteen and twenty years old and we're supposed to believe that all these adults would take their "true love" seriously. In the middle of the fucking apocalypse/dictatorship.
I'm sorry, I can't take that seriously at all. Which is a shame cause, as I said, it's great story.
May 8, 2014
Primero liberaron el virus que mato a 7 Billones de personas y animales....
Segundo tuvieron que conocer el sistema que maquino todo lo anterior y que ahora era su futuro.
Tercero había que lidiar con las variables, todo lo que se salga del plan debe ser eliminado.
Bueno tal como lo dice la autora no hay final....porque ella lo ve como un comienzo, lo malo es que para los que compramos el libro esperaba comprar algo completo y no el comienzo de algo que no hay certeza de que alguna vez se vaya a escribir.
Segundo tuvieron que conocer el sistema que maquino todo lo anterior y que ahora era su futuro.
Tercero había que lidiar con las variables, todo lo que se salga del plan debe ser eliminado.
Bueno tal como lo dice la autora no hay final....porque ella lo ve como un comienzo, lo malo es que para los que compramos el libro esperaba comprar algo completo y no el comienzo de algo que no hay certeza de que alguna vez se vaya a escribir.
November 11, 2014
I can honestly say that one box of tissues is not enough while reading this book. I enjoy the writing style, the honesty and straightforwardness of some of the characters is riveting, while the lies and suspense are covered with real life like emotion and situations. It is cleverly written, with multiple points of view to snag readers of all ages. And although I hope for Shelbi to do some novelettes from other characters points of view, I love that she left readers on a cliff that is not too high.
January 28, 2017
So pleased that I read these books
They're not going to everybody's cup of tea, but I have a thing for end of the world novels - this lengthy final part of the trilogy more than justified its every paragraph - the good guys and the bad guys have the lines drawn a little (but not totally) clearer and the author has been kinder to the characters in not offing so many of the good guys, but the narrative is well paced to raise adrenaline without giving a heart attack - not ashamed to say I loved it
They're not going to everybody's cup of tea, but I have a thing for end of the world novels - this lengthy final part of the trilogy more than justified its every paragraph - the good guys and the bad guys have the lines drawn a little (but not totally) clearer and the author has been kinder to the characters in not offing so many of the good guys, but the narrative is well paced to raise adrenaline without giving a heart attack - not ashamed to say I loved it
February 21, 2014
Overall great series. This book moves the story lines along and merges them all really well. I actually like the ending. The decision not to have am epilogue was actually good with this one series. The ending works. There is the possibility as mentioned of revisiting this world decades in the future to see how the (spoiler)......survivors are doing along with how the towers are and possibly follow a future revolt . Shoot follow along as thesis characters could become entwined......
September 11, 2014
I loved the conclusion to this amazing series. With that being said, I have to admit I almost cried when I realized the end was really THE END! I wanted more! I've come up with a few scenarios that might have happened but I would love to read a continuation of the story. So, Mrs. Wescott, if you ever read this please consider something else to do with these characters..another series perhaps??? I couldn't get enough, well done!
March 29, 2014
Much stronger than the first two, and definitely had some stepped-up editing. The grammatical quirks that posed a barrier to my enjoyment of the earlier books were largely a nonissue. There were a lot of plots to either tie up or at least set on a trajectory we would be OK with leaving. Overall, a solid origins story about how the end of the world came to be.
January 17, 2014
Fitting "ending," even if there are enough questions unanswered for another book!!! Strong characters, more Grant and Cass(YAY!), and some twists and surprises that are very well done!!! Really awesome read--especially after chapter 18--couldn't put it down!!!
July 26, 2014
Loved, loved, loved this series - I was so sad to come to the end.
I want to read more about what happens - to the people on "the islands" and to the few survivors left on Earth.
Shelbi Wescott - More, please!
I want to read more about what happens - to the people on "the islands" and to the few survivors left on Earth.
Shelbi Wescott - More, please!
November 3, 2014
Lucy got stupid. Faced with the 'you have 5 mins to pack and escape to safety' she bloody argues about it! Gah!(ok, both her AND Grant got stupid - if you know you (or someone you know) are scheduled to be killed wy the hell would you blindly walk into a situation?)
July 13, 2015
Very good ending 2 a trilogy that gets better and better as u keep reading
The first book seemed meant for younger crowd, but definitely gets more complex as keep reading all the books. And since was written for teenagers, it makes sense.
The first book seemed meant for younger crowd, but definitely gets more complex as keep reading all the books. And since was written for teenagers, it makes sense.
January 14, 2016
The Variables review
The. Variables is the ending of the post apocalyptic Virulent Trilogy series written by author Shelbi Wescott. The ending definitely left a possibility for a future book.
The. Variables is the ending of the post apocalyptic Virulent Trilogy series written by author Shelbi Wescott. The ending definitely left a possibility for a future book.
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