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Stone Virus: A Viral Disaster
When the outbreak comes to a head, Laney is away from home. Chasing her dream of being the winner of a baking reality show, she is sequestered like a juror. No phone, no internet, no knowledge of what is happening.
When the show evacuates all of the contestants, somehow Laney is left behind. Shut off from communication when the city loses power, Laney is clueless about what is happening and lacks the knowledge of the virus she is facing. Those infected experience a violent fever rage before the virus ultimately consumes them and takes their lives.
She’s far from brave and searches for someone to help her. Carrying a backpack with some supplies and very little survival know-how, Laney has a choice. She can wait it out until all infected die or try to make it home to her family. However, meeting the young girl Nika, changes how Laney must view and navigate her journey. Her weaknesses need to become strength.
The journey becomes more than just getting home.
When the show evacuates all of the contestants, somehow Laney is left behind. Shut off from communication when the city loses power, Laney is clueless about what is happening and lacks the knowledge of the virus she is facing. Those infected experience a violent fever rage before the virus ultimately consumes them and takes their lives.
She’s far from brave and searches for someone to help her. Carrying a backpack with some supplies and very little survival know-how, Laney has a choice. She can wait it out until all infected die or try to make it home to her family. However, meeting the young girl Nika, changes how Laney must view and navigate her journey. Her weaknesses need to become strength.
The journey becomes more than just getting home.
- GenresApocalyptic
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2024
482 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 7, 2024
A good book with a different kind of virus, yet for some reason there was no tension and it felt a bit bland. Even when things happened “to” the main character, nothing happened to her, it all happened around her.
And odd that in the whole book. Only one civilian knows how to prep or barricade a house when they all had notice it was coming.
I feel like 4 stars is too high but the unique aspect of the virus earned it one star.
And odd that in the whole book. Only one civilian knows how to prep or barricade a house when they all had notice it was coming.
I feel like 4 stars is too high but the unique aspect of the virus earned it one star.
April 20, 2024
An excellent book.
Another compelling page-turner from this author. We follow Laney on her journey trying to get back to her family and we meet the people she comes into contact with. It is so well-written and literally hooked me until I finished it. A riveting story that can't be put down until it's over.
Another compelling page-turner from this author. We follow Laney on her journey trying to get back to her family and we meet the people she comes into contact with. It is so well-written and literally hooked me until I finished it. A riveting story that can't be put down until it's over.
October 22, 2024
This book has so much potential. The premise and setting is great, a really unique and captivating take on Apocolypse novels. However the editing is so bad that it takes you out of the story and disconnects you from the characters. It was painful to read at some points because the grammar and spelling was so bad. And this was throughout the whole novel not just a few pages.
The lack of attention to detail in the writing made the book feel bland and immature, the characters lacked depth and all interactions felt awkward and unrealistic.
Two stars for the premise, which could be amazing.
The lack of attention to detail in the writing made the book feel bland and immature, the characters lacked depth and all interactions felt awkward and unrealistic.
Two stars for the premise, which could be amazing.
May 25, 2025
Maybe more of a 3.5 ⭐️
The story was actually pretty good and it was a very quick read. It did however look and read as if it were still a draft though. A lot of grammar and layout errors.
The story was actually pretty good and it was a very quick read. It did however look and read as if it were still a draft though. A lot of grammar and layout errors.
May 12, 2024
Horrible Editing
Decent story, but it seems like someone published a very rough draft. There are disjointed sentences and paragraphs everywhere. It's a complete mess. So bad that it must be a mistake and the book was accidentally published. Unbelievable.
Decent story, but it seems like someone published a very rough draft. There are disjointed sentences and paragraphs everywhere. It's a complete mess. So bad that it must be a mistake and the book was accidentally published. Unbelievable.
May 5, 2024
Excellent
I have not read all of this author's work....but I am so close. As always I am always amazed as to where and how she gets her ideas. I definitely enjoyed this book. Entertaining. Unique. Original. Definitely recommend.
I have not read all of this author's work....but I am so close. As always I am always amazed as to where and how she gets her ideas. I definitely enjoyed this book. Entertaining. Unique. Original. Definitely recommend.
May 29, 2024
4 star story 2 star editor
Four stars for the story 2 stars for the editor. I love the pacing and zombies, but found si many errors!
Four stars for the story 2 stars for the editor. I love the pacing and zombies, but found si many errors!
June 10, 2024
So good
This is a really good book. You get involved right away and want to help. The characters are wonderful. Read.
This is a really good book. You get involved right away and want to help. The characters are wonderful. Read.
June 12, 2025
Compared to other Jacqueline Druga books, I found this one lacking. The story idea is awesome but there are a lot of editing errors which takes away from the book.
October 6, 2024
I finished this book out of spite.
Soooooo much anger for wasting my time on this book. The premise is amazing and the virus is very imaginative and it had the potential to be the best apocalypse storyline ever. But it failed in every possible way.
Let me list my rage to cope
1) EDITING WTF HAPPENED?! It’s like the editor did 50% of the book and the author didn’t even bother to look through it and edit it. The bold parts were obviously there for her to review and edit but she was lazy and just hit publish. It was so difficult at points that I couldn’t understand what was actually trying to be said and it took away from the story. An error here or there is fine but if it’s every other page- come on now.
2) Nothing exciting actually really happened. Even when there was something dramatic it was over in a paragraph. No tension building. Very anticlimactic.
3) The whole “my missing parent was probably in jail” thing used for both Nika and Laney was lacking creativity. Come on now.
4) Laney had literally zero personality. There was an attempt at some character development but it fell as flat as the rest of the book.
5) Why wasn’t Jed delved more into? What about this peakishness that was mentioned multiple times? Like why even add that in if it isn’t going to turn into anything?
6) Honestly all the characters had the potential to be developed without adding many pages but it just wasn’t there. Many people were just NPC’s that didn’t add any value to the story.
7) I’m all for a good ending but it was again… anticlimactic.
8) Don’t spoil the rest of the book 60% through even if you think it’s adding tension. It’s not. It just makes me angry.
Like I said I finished this book out of spite because I was so angry with the editing (lack there of) and because it was short.
I will absolutely never read another book by this author. Get a better editor and attempt some character development and let’s work on those massive plot holes.
Soooooo much anger for wasting my time on this book. The premise is amazing and the virus is very imaginative and it had the potential to be the best apocalypse storyline ever. But it failed in every possible way.
Let me list my rage to cope
1) EDITING WTF HAPPENED?! It’s like the editor did 50% of the book and the author didn’t even bother to look through it and edit it. The bold parts were obviously there for her to review and edit but she was lazy and just hit publish. It was so difficult at points that I couldn’t understand what was actually trying to be said and it took away from the story. An error here or there is fine but if it’s every other page- come on now.
2) Nothing exciting actually really happened. Even when there was something dramatic it was over in a paragraph. No tension building. Very anticlimactic.
3) The whole “my missing parent was probably in jail” thing used for both Nika and Laney was lacking creativity. Come on now.
4) Laney had literally zero personality. There was an attempt at some character development but it fell as flat as the rest of the book.
5) Why wasn’t Jed delved more into? What about this peakishness that was mentioned multiple times? Like why even add that in if it isn’t going to turn into anything?
6) Honestly all the characters had the potential to be developed without adding many pages but it just wasn’t there. Many people were just NPC’s that didn’t add any value to the story.
7) I’m all for a good ending but it was again… anticlimactic.
8) Don’t spoil the rest of the book 60% through even if you think it’s adding tension. It’s not. It just makes me angry.
Like I said I finished this book out of spite because I was so angry with the editing (lack there of) and because it was short.
I will absolutely never read another book by this author. Get a better editor and attempt some character development and let’s work on those massive plot holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
Really interesting premise. I'm a sucker for an Apocalyptic tale, involving ordinary people in impossible settings. Who isn't!? Layne was pretty irritating, but likeable enough, it never made sense why the initial people in the cooking contest couldn't stand her. We actually never were allowed to feel that way about her, as she seemed pretty normal, in an unbelievable setting, and made very close friends, easily. But, that aside. Two things: 1) was this the cheapest book ever published with no or a very bad editor? and 2) the author needs her own lessons in grammar. Look up the difference in he/she vs /him/her. Using them incorrectly is like nails on chalk board. I like these types of mindless/fun/world ending in a normal world books, so I will continue to read hers....Maybe the others have better editing.
November 7, 2024
Stone Virus: A Viral Disaster
Sci-Fi
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴅᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ • ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ •
I always look forward to a new book from Jacqueline Druga and I enjoyed reading this one.
The pacing was very good and I liked how the plot went full circle with the beginning actually being part of the ending. I thought I knew how the book would end but actually, there were enough plot twists that I didn't predict what happend to Laney and her family.
The world building was good but I wanted to know even more about the virus and if a cure was ever discovered.
I liked the letters/diary entries from Laney to her husband and her family.
There were some typos, which could easily be fixed.
The ending was very sweet and I was really satisfied with it.
Sci-Fi
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴅᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ • ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ • ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ •
I always look forward to a new book from Jacqueline Druga and I enjoyed reading this one.
The pacing was very good and I liked how the plot went full circle with the beginning actually being part of the ending. I thought I knew how the book would end but actually, there were enough plot twists that I didn't predict what happend to Laney and her family.
The world building was good but I wanted to know even more about the virus and if a cure was ever discovered.
I liked the letters/diary entries from Laney to her husband and her family.
There were some typos, which could easily be fixed.
The ending was very sweet and I was really satisfied with it.
November 27, 2024
get an editor
Obviously the text was dictated. Which would be fine except there does not seem to have been any proofreading. The choppy incomplete sentences could pass as the author’s style, but the blatant homonym mistakes (“hoard” for “horde” as just one of many examples) are inexcusable. And the words and sentences the dictation program couldn’t decipher are even bolded, some with a question mark. How hard would it be to read what you dictate? Or get someone else to proof?
It reads like it was dictated in a single pass and published without a second look.
A good editor would make it so much better.
Obviously the text was dictated. Which would be fine except there does not seem to have been any proofreading. The choppy incomplete sentences could pass as the author’s style, but the blatant homonym mistakes (“hoard” for “horde” as just one of many examples) are inexcusable. And the words and sentences the dictation program couldn’t decipher are even bolded, some with a question mark. How hard would it be to read what you dictate? Or get someone else to proof?
It reads like it was dictated in a single pass and published without a second look.
A good editor would make it so much better.
June 4, 2024
It’s an easy read. But I thought it was always about to take off, and then it finished. It just felt a bit underdeveloped and the multitude of errors and editing comments left in (a few nonsense sentences that are in bold - sometimes with a ‘?’) added to this feeling.
Super cool virus and premise - but I just never connected with the characters or the danger. Saying that - I liked the idea of the MC being a bit unlikeable - although there’s no real evidence of this.
I finished it - because it was an intriguing idea - so it’s not all bad!
Super cool virus and premise - but I just never connected with the characters or the danger. Saying that - I liked the idea of the MC being a bit unlikeable - although there’s no real evidence of this.
I finished it - because it was an intriguing idea - so it’s not all bad!
March 18, 2025
I thought this was an EXCELLENT book! I was hooked from page one and was sad when it ended. Another edge-of-your-seat ride by Jacqueline Druga! The characters are all likeable, you root for all of them and I like that. I find Ms Druga's books fast, fun, reads and I look forward to reading more of her things! I cannot recommend this book more highly! It's not a zombie apocalypse but close enough and I love how the author does that, takes stories we all know to death and puts her own spin to them.
May 18, 2025
Good plot but...
Laney is away from home when she first learns about the virus. From that moment she wants nothing more than to get back to her husband and three kids, but it's a long way to travel through a contagion of violence.
I am a big fan of Jacqueline Druga's books but this one, for me, was not one of the best. The character of Laney especially didn't really ring true and that was a shame as it was her story. The writing was a bit janky, never really flowing, but I really liked the idea and the storyline.
Laney is away from home when she first learns about the virus. From that moment she wants nothing more than to get back to her husband and three kids, but it's a long way to travel through a contagion of violence.
I am a big fan of Jacqueline Druga's books but this one, for me, was not one of the best. The character of Laney especially didn't really ring true and that was a shame as it was her story. The writing was a bit janky, never really flowing, but I really liked the idea and the storyline.
May 6, 2024
Absolutely awesome book by Jacqueline Druga
When I started reading this book, my expectations were high because I love everything that Jacqueline Druga writes, she is an exceptional writer and I have never read a book of hers.that I didn't like. The characters are awe inspiring and make you want to put the book down! Even after finishing Stone Virus, I wanted there to be another book, but the Author knows best!
When I started reading this book, my expectations were high because I love everything that Jacqueline Druga writes, she is an exceptional writer and I have never read a book of hers.that I didn't like. The characters are awe inspiring and make you want to put the book down! Even after finishing Stone Virus, I wanted there to be another book, but the Author knows best!
May 7, 2024
Magnificent
This book gripped me from page one! I loved how the author made her main character so genuine, and how she gave each character so much depth. I was so vested in this story. It never slowed down, and was marvelous! The writer kept surprising me in the most wonderful ways. Beautifully written. I am so glad this author has many other books. I love her style and plan to read everything she has written. This was one of my favorite apocalypse books!
This book gripped me from page one! I loved how the author made her main character so genuine, and how she gave each character so much depth. I was so vested in this story. It never slowed down, and was marvelous! The writer kept surprising me in the most wonderful ways. Beautifully written. I am so glad this author has many other books. I love her style and plan to read everything she has written. This was one of my favorite apocalypse books!
May 16, 2024
A really good story
This one was fast moving with a story line that was realistic and easy to follow. Characters were believable and, thank you very much, flawed. Can't stand perfect, heroic characters. My only reason for not giving five stars.... Editing!!! Just enough typos, misspellings, incomplete and nonsense sentences from prior editing that it decreased my enjoyment. Suggest one more run thru by your editor.
This one was fast moving with a story line that was realistic and easy to follow. Characters were believable and, thank you very much, flawed. Can't stand perfect, heroic characters. My only reason for not giving five stars.... Editing!!! Just enough typos, misspellings, incomplete and nonsense sentences from prior editing that it decreased my enjoyment. Suggest one more run thru by your editor.
June 25, 2024
A Good Read
This story was so good. When I found out there were no zombies I was ready to put it down but I got into it and couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed the characters because i've never read an apocalypse story without hostile characters. The virus was horrible but the uninfected didn't get cra,y. Seems like everyone was just trying to survive. I like the ending too. It wasn't predictable.
This story was so good. When I found out there were no zombies I was ready to put it down but I got into it and couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed the characters because i've never read an apocalypse story without hostile characters. The virus was horrible but the uninfected didn't get cra,y. Seems like everyone was just trying to survive. I like the ending too. It wasn't predictable.
July 4, 2024
Interesting story
Well I haven't read Jacqueline s books for a couple of years, I used to be a huge fan and loved the beginnings series, but after reading some really light weight books that I hated I swerved her novels, but on reading this one id say she back on form, I wasn't left feeling the ending was weak and lacking a cohesive ending, it is a short book but I enjoyed it and liked the ending.
Well I haven't read Jacqueline s books for a couple of years, I used to be a huge fan and loved the beginnings series, but after reading some really light weight books that I hated I swerved her novels, but on reading this one id say she back on form, I wasn't left feeling the ending was weak and lacking a cohesive ending, it is a short book but I enjoyed it and liked the ending.
December 29, 2024
This had an interesting premise, but suffered with poor editing. I usually cut some slack for a first-person story which can be more similar to how a person talks. However, there were cases of a wrong word used and malformed sentences. When Laney was talking to others, it was often difficult to know who was talking. This was a good story brought down by indifferent editing. I did like that the military was the good guys but whilst the positive ending felt good, it seemed very, very improbable.
June 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
Format: Kindle
This was pretty good. We follow a woman who is on a reality baking show and gets forgotten about as a virus breaks out and everyone evacuated without her so she’s left to find her way back home to safety and on the way she meets this girl who goes along with her as everything decays and more people die off from this virus. It’s her and a few people from along the way in this apocalyptic setting. Not the best one I’ve come across it was really short but I liked it.
Format: Kindle
This was pretty good. We follow a woman who is on a reality baking show and gets forgotten about as a virus breaks out and everyone evacuated without her so she’s left to find her way back home to safety and on the way she meets this girl who goes along with her as everything decays and more people die off from this virus. It’s her and a few people from along the way in this apocalyptic setting. Not the best one I’ve come across it was really short but I liked it.
April 24, 2024
Be prepared
If you don’t have time to read, don’t start this. I started it this morning and could not put it down. It is such a wonderful book as always. Jackie astounds me every time. Her books are never the same and they always, always are wonderful. If you see the name, Jacqueline Druga on a book, you need to get it!
If you don’t have time to read, don’t start this. I started it this morning and could not put it down. It is such a wonderful book as always. Jackie astounds me every time. Her books are never the same and they always, always are wonderful. If you see the name, Jacqueline Druga on a book, you need to get it!
April 29, 2024
Creative storyline, interesting characters
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors. She's imaginative, comes up with interesting characters and storylines. She also writes stand-alone novels that have satisfying endings. I've read many of her novels and have never been disappointed. You could pick any one of her stories and you will definitely be entertained.
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors. She's imaginative, comes up with interesting characters and storylines. She also writes stand-alone novels that have satisfying endings. I've read many of her novels and have never been disappointed. You could pick any one of her stories and you will definitely be entertained.
May 4, 2024
A unique viral apocalypse
The Stone Virus is a departure from the other books I've read by Druga, and every other author writing apocalyptic viral fiction for that matter. VesVi is very much a departure from the horrific viruses imagined by other authors in the genre. I won't explain the how or why, read to find out. 4/5 stars!
The Stone Virus is a departure from the other books I've read by Druga, and every other author writing apocalyptic viral fiction for that matter. VesVi is very much a departure from the horrific viruses imagined by other authors in the genre. I won't explain the how or why, read to find out. 4/5 stars!
May 8, 2024
Really good story
I always love the pace of Druga's books. Good action mixed with enough character building. The only thing that bothered me in this book was the grammar - lots of typos. Some that you had to read a couple times to realize it was a mistake. But overall it was an entertaining read
I always love the pace of Druga's books. Good action mixed with enough character building. The only thing that bothered me in this book was the grammar - lots of typos. Some that you had to read a couple times to realize it was a mistake. But overall it was an entertaining read
July 8, 2024
The story and plot of this is actually closer to 4 stars, but there were sooo many spelling and grammatical errors it was extremely frustrating. Like.. get a better editor? My god.
Overall the story was super engaging and I really enjoyed the characters. This was a different take on a sickness too. Less than 250 pages so def recommend for a quick apocalyptic scifi thriller
Overall the story was super engaging and I really enjoyed the characters. This was a different take on a sickness too. Less than 250 pages so def recommend for a quick apocalyptic scifi thriller
October 25, 2024
This gets an "I liked it" rating of 3 for me because everything was just good enough to keep me going. The main character was just likeable and interesting enough to keep me caring about what happened with her and her family.
My favorite aspect was probably the writing style and the decisions the author made about the order to introduce things and tell the tale.
My favorite aspect was probably the writing style and the decisions the author made about the order to introduce things and tell the tale.
December 2, 2024
Great Read
This tale follows Laney . After being picked for a cooking competition she is the first one to be knocked out . While staying in the condo for the losers the out break begins, the other contestants are evacuated but Laney is forgotten about . Now she has to get home to her family. It's a rough ride but she makes some friend s along the way . Great reading.
This tale follows Laney . After being picked for a cooking competition she is the first one to be knocked out . While staying in the condo for the losers the out break begins, the other contestants are evacuated but Laney is forgotten about . Now she has to get home to her family. It's a rough ride but she makes some friend s along the way . Great reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews