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The Regression Strain
Nobody’s safe when the inner beast awakens...
Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. Deep in the bowels of the ship, a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.
One by one, the chaos claims Peter's allies. His mentor spirals into madness and the security chief fights a losing battle against anarchy. No help comes from the captain, who has an ego bigger than the ocean.
With the ship racing toward an unprepared New York, the fate of humanity hinges on Peter's deteriorating judgment. But he's hallucinating and delirious...and sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.
The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller laced with psychological suspense, perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.
First Place Winner, 2025 IAN Book of the Year Award, Thriller category
Gold Medal, 2025 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest, General Thriller category
Medical Thriller of the Year, 2025 BestThrillers Book Awards contest
Best Adventure, 2025 Bookshelfie Awards
Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. Deep in the bowels of the ship, a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.
One by one, the chaos claims Peter's allies. His mentor spirals into madness and the security chief fights a losing battle against anarchy. No help comes from the captain, who has an ego bigger than the ocean.
With the ship racing toward an unprepared New York, the fate of humanity hinges on Peter's deteriorating judgment. But he's hallucinating and delirious...and sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.
The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller laced with psychological suspense, perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.
First Place Winner, 2025 IAN Book of the Year Award, Thriller category
Gold Medal, 2025 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest, General Thriller category
Medical Thriller of the Year, 2025 BestThrillers Book Awards contest
Best Adventure, 2025 Bookshelfie Awards
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
96 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hwang
2 books77 followersKevin O. Hwang, MD, is a professor of internal medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston where he sees patients and teaches residents. His academic work has appeared in leading medical journals. Nothing excites him more than chicken enchiladas, index cards, and appropriately sized packaging. The Regression Strain, his debut novel, has won multiple awards, including first place in the Thriller category in the 2025 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book of the Year Award contest, Gold Medal for General Thriller in the 2025 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest, Medical Thriller of the Year in the 2025 BestThrillers Book Awards contest, and Best Adventure in the 2025 Bookshelfie Awards. The novel earned Second Place in both the Medical Thriller and Dystopian - Viruses, Plagues & Zombies categories at the 2025 BookFest Awards. The Regression Strain is also shortlisted for both the Clue Award for Suspense and Thriller and the Global Thriller Award in the 2025 Chanticleer International Book Awards competition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 16, 2025
it’s nice and refreshing to get a bit of a zombie like thriller, where a doctor is even confused and doesn’t understand. I like the close proximity of them being on a cruise and the fact is the human emotions are all over the place with the decisions that they have to make the character development was really great. Kept me railing in like what is gonna happen next who is gonna do what. it’s a great read.
June 27, 2025
Something strange is happening…
The passengers and crew aboard the Paradise Cruise are acting like animals—literally. Dr. Peter Palma, the ship's new doctor, is overwhelmed with patients and bizarre cases, but as the chaos escalates, he starts to piece together the clues in a desperate attempt to uncover the source of the outbreak.
This book was an absolute page-turner. From the very first chapter, the plot pulled me in with its intriguing characters and steadily building suspense. It’s fast-paced, gripping, and had me constantly wondering what would happen next.
I especially loved the cast of characters:
Peter, our strong and determined main character, fights through the infection and refuses to let it take control.
Nali, his sister, selflessly steps up to care for a disabled boy after his mother goes missing.
Mandy, whose endless positivity and energy are contagious.
Luisa, the sassy, no-nonsense mother hen of the clinic.
The ship’s journey—from Copenhagen to Norway, Lisbon, and finally New York—adds a global, high-stakes feel to the story. And my favorite thriller trope, the race against time, is done incredibly well here.
If you enjoyed Dead Med by Freida McFadden or love thrillers set in isolated environments with impossible twists, high tension, and medical mystery, this one’s for you.
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me strong NCIS vibes with its blend of suspense, smarts, and action. That ending? Total jaw-drop. I’ll definitely be reading more from Kevin Hwang!
The passengers and crew aboard the Paradise Cruise are acting like animals—literally. Dr. Peter Palma, the ship's new doctor, is overwhelmed with patients and bizarre cases, but as the chaos escalates, he starts to piece together the clues in a desperate attempt to uncover the source of the outbreak.
This book was an absolute page-turner. From the very first chapter, the plot pulled me in with its intriguing characters and steadily building suspense. It’s fast-paced, gripping, and had me constantly wondering what would happen next.
I especially loved the cast of characters:
Peter, our strong and determined main character, fights through the infection and refuses to let it take control.
Nali, his sister, selflessly steps up to care for a disabled boy after his mother goes missing.
Mandy, whose endless positivity and energy are contagious.
Luisa, the sassy, no-nonsense mother hen of the clinic.
The ship’s journey—from Copenhagen to Norway, Lisbon, and finally New York—adds a global, high-stakes feel to the story. And my favorite thriller trope, the race against time, is done incredibly well here.
If you enjoyed Dead Med by Freida McFadden or love thrillers set in isolated environments with impossible twists, high tension, and medical mystery, this one’s for you.
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me strong NCIS vibes with its blend of suspense, smarts, and action. That ending? Total jaw-drop. I’ll definitely be reading more from Kevin Hwang!
June 28, 2025
This is a fantastic story in the vein of “The Andromeda Strain” or “The Hot Zone.” As a potentially globally devastating disease begins to spread, the medical professionals find themselves fighting bureaucracy as much as the virus.
Peter has had some professional and personal problems. He has taken a job on a cruise ship hoping for a relaxing recovery treating sprains and hangovers. Alas, it’s not to be. As the ship reaches International waters, an unknown pathogen begins to spread. The only other doctor aboard, his boss, is disabled by the disease and Peter finds himself leading the fight.
The ship’s captain is also effected and in denial about the danger. He resists Peter’s attempts to stop the spread. If things can’t get any worse, Peter soon comes to suspect this may be a man made agent, spread by a terrorist who is likely aboard and hunting him.
While there is sufficient science to support the premise, the reader isn’t overwhelmed in technical terminology or procedures. This is a thrilling and compelling tale, well worth the time to read.
Peter has had some professional and personal problems. He has taken a job on a cruise ship hoping for a relaxing recovery treating sprains and hangovers. Alas, it’s not to be. As the ship reaches International waters, an unknown pathogen begins to spread. The only other doctor aboard, his boss, is disabled by the disease and Peter finds himself leading the fight.
The ship’s captain is also effected and in denial about the danger. He resists Peter’s attempts to stop the spread. If things can’t get any worse, Peter soon comes to suspect this may be a man made agent, spread by a terrorist who is likely aboard and hunting him.
While there is sufficient science to support the premise, the reader isn’t overwhelmed in technical terminology or procedures. This is a thrilling and compelling tale, well worth the time to read.
June 20, 2025
Peter Palma signs on as a shipboard doctor on a cruise, hoping he’ll get a much-needed change of scene and some distance from his personal problems, while he helps passengers with sunburn and seasickness.
But unfortunately, he’s not about to get any of that in this thriller. Almost immediately, Peter notices something’s a little off on the ship. Passengers seem a bit volatile, a bit too stressed for vacationers, and his new boss seems a little strange, almost like she has no filter. It’s the beginning of a twisty medical thriller.
Plus his little sister shows up as a passenger on the cruise, so poor Peter’s not even going to get any space and solitude to face his personal issues!
The Regression Strain isn’t exactly a locked-room mystery, but it had many of the elements I enjoy in locked-room mysteries. Because almost the entire book takes place on the ship, there’s no ability to call in police when passengers turn violent or to send very serious patients to the emergency room. Sure, Peter can call and email other physicians, but he’s largely on his own, making high-stakes decisions as best he can.
Full review, contains mild spoilers
But unfortunately, he’s not about to get any of that in this thriller. Almost immediately, Peter notices something’s a little off on the ship. Passengers seem a bit volatile, a bit too stressed for vacationers, and his new boss seems a little strange, almost like she has no filter. It’s the beginning of a twisty medical thriller.
Plus his little sister shows up as a passenger on the cruise, so poor Peter’s not even going to get any space and solitude to face his personal issues!
The Regression Strain isn’t exactly a locked-room mystery, but it had many of the elements I enjoy in locked-room mysteries. Because almost the entire book takes place on the ship, there’s no ability to call in police when passengers turn violent or to send very serious patients to the emergency room. Sure, Peter can call and email other physicians, but he’s largely on his own, making high-stakes decisions as best he can.
Full review, contains mild spoilers
June 23, 2025
If you thought cruise ships were all umbrella drinks and sun decks, The Regression Strain is here to ruin that fantasy—in the best way possible.
The Regression Strain throws you into a pressure-cooker scenario onboard a cruise ship that’s anything but relaxing. What starts as a seemingly routine medical gig for Dr. Peter Palma quickly spirals into chaos. Passengers are falling ill—but this isn’t your typical virus. This is a full-blown regression of the human psyche, dragging people down into their most primal, violent instincts.
Perfect for fans of Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, or anyone who wants their beach read to come with a side of existential dread. Just maybe don’t bring it on a cruise…
Read my full spoiler-free review here: https://savoryourreads.com/2025/06/th...
The Regression Strain throws you into a pressure-cooker scenario onboard a cruise ship that’s anything but relaxing. What starts as a seemingly routine medical gig for Dr. Peter Palma quickly spirals into chaos. Passengers are falling ill—but this isn’t your typical virus. This is a full-blown regression of the human psyche, dragging people down into their most primal, violent instincts.
Perfect for fans of Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, or anyone who wants their beach read to come with a side of existential dread. Just maybe don’t bring it on a cruise…
Read my full spoiler-free review here: https://savoryourreads.com/2025/06/th...
July 21, 2025
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a medical thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel starts with Dr. Peter Palmer joining the medical team aboard the cruise ship, Paradise. Unfortunately, as he soon learns, the ship's moniker is as far from the truth as it gets - nor is the laid back job helping happy vacationers laid back!
The novel takes place after COVID restrictions have lifted and life has gotten back to normal. However, when people start coming into the clinic, first with minor respiratory symptoms, and later with aggression in its many forms, Peter begins to suspect a virus. Slowly, everyone in his new life begins to change - and his hope for a rest from the anxiety of his life turns to fear and dread.
Is the virus natural or man-made? Is someone behind its spread? Can he stop the rest of the ship from getting sick? Will anything he does be 'too little, too late'?
This is a quick read that will have you breathlessly turning the page to find out if Peter can save first the ship - but more importantly, the world.
The novel takes place after COVID restrictions have lifted and life has gotten back to normal. However, when people start coming into the clinic, first with minor respiratory symptoms, and later with aggression in its many forms, Peter begins to suspect a virus. Slowly, everyone in his new life begins to change - and his hope for a rest from the anxiety of his life turns to fear and dread.
Is the virus natural or man-made? Is someone behind its spread? Can he stop the rest of the ship from getting sick? Will anything he does be 'too little, too late'?
This is a quick read that will have you breathlessly turning the page to find out if Peter can save first the ship - but more importantly, the world.
November 3, 2025
A friend of mine was on a cruise while I was reading this book and I kept putting her in this scenario. It sure made things feel more real for me.
I’m a fan of stories where the setting is a challenge as much as the situation is. A cruise ship may be huge but it’s still a ship…. floating on the vast ocean. You can communicate by phone and radio, but help isn’t just five minutes away. And the people aboard the ship, Paradise, soon find that out.
Dr. Peter Palma thinks serving as a physician on the ship will be easy peasy. When things start going sideways, and the do so quickly, he’s confronting something no one could imagine. A virus is traceling through the ship. It’s not picky on who it infects. People are becoming violent. People are getting hurt. Can he, with his limited knowledge of the virus and low medical supplies figure things out? Or will the ship arrive at port carrying a mass of lunatics?
Well, this was intense. I liken it to the calm before the storm. That’s how it felt. And the storm grew and grew. If I ever did take a cruise, I’m sure this book would enter my mind.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I’m a fan of stories where the setting is a challenge as much as the situation is. A cruise ship may be huge but it’s still a ship…. floating on the vast ocean. You can communicate by phone and radio, but help isn’t just five minutes away. And the people aboard the ship, Paradise, soon find that out.
Dr. Peter Palma thinks serving as a physician on the ship will be easy peasy. When things start going sideways, and the do so quickly, he’s confronting something no one could imagine. A virus is traceling through the ship. It’s not picky on who it infects. People are becoming violent. People are getting hurt. Can he, with his limited knowledge of the virus and low medical supplies figure things out? Or will the ship arrive at port carrying a mass of lunatics?
Well, this was intense. I liken it to the calm before the storm. That’s how it felt. And the storm grew and grew. If I ever did take a cruise, I’m sure this book would enter my mind.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
August 26, 2025
Bioterrorism on a boat...
The Regression Strain is an excellent bioterrorism thriller set on a cruise ship. At first, people are acting a bit off, then off the wall. The virus is engineered to damage the brain and cause people to act on base instincts. The quality of the writing is first rate, with well written and conceived characters, real medical background, A great story and a highly compelling and entertaining story that matches up with the plot. I really enjoyed The Regression Strain and look forward to reading more from Hwang! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of thrillers in general, but especially to fans of excellent medical thrillers!
The Regression Strain is an excellent bioterrorism thriller set on a cruise ship. At first, people are acting a bit off, then off the wall. The virus is engineered to damage the brain and cause people to act on base instincts. The quality of the writing is first rate, with well written and conceived characters, real medical background, A great story and a highly compelling and entertaining story that matches up with the plot. I really enjoyed The Regression Strain and look forward to reading more from Hwang! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of thrillers in general, but especially to fans of excellent medical thrillers!
June 20, 2025
Anatomy of a carnivorous vanishing
Kevin Hwang’s The Regression Strain offers a taut, intellectually charged contribution to the medical thriller genre, reframing the traditional outbreak narrative within the hyper-contained environment of a transatlantic cruise ship. As the vessel Paradise sails toward New York, a mysterious illness erupts onboard, exposing not only biological vulnerability but also the fragile scaffolding of societal order. Hwang's TRS orbits around Dr. Peter Palma, whose professional expectations dissolve amid a crisis that escalates from minor clinical cases to mass hysteria, violent disintegration, and psychosis. The affliction—rendered almost sentient in its capacity to manipulate perception and behaviour—collapses the boundaries between instinct and rationality, forcing readers to confront the instability of both medical authority and human civility.
Hwang’s prose is unrelentingly paced yet layered with psychological nuance. Rather than simply tracing the trajectory of contagion, the novel interrogates the porous line between empirical knowledge and primal impulse, especially as Palma himself becomes increasingly unreliable. Hallucinations, moral ambiguity, and the decay of social bonds accumulate as the disease corrodes not only bodies but also cognition. By embedding the outbreak within a claustrophobic space where escape is impossible and authority is crumbling, Hwang transforms The Regression Strain into a study of dread and ethical erosion under pressure. The cruise ship becomes a laboratory for testing not just virological hypotheses but the tensile strength of trust, memory, and identity in extremis.
What distinguishes this novel from formulaic pandemic thrillers is its tonal complexity and atmospheric density. At once clinically precise and emotionally fraught, the story juxtaposes visceral horror with intimate revelations. Secondary characters—many of whom grapple with their own traumas and relational conflicts—are drawn with enough interiority to elevate the tale beyond spectacle. Echoes of contemporary global health crises resonate throughout, yet the text resists reductive allegory in favour of a more existential meditation on the limits of science, the volatility of the human mind, and the deceptive comforts of civilisation. In that sense, Hwang’s debut is a wondrous synthesis of suspense, pathology, and philosophical reflection—a compelling fiction that interrogates the stability of reason itself.
Kevin Hwang’s The Regression Strain offers a taut, intellectually charged contribution to the medical thriller genre, reframing the traditional outbreak narrative within the hyper-contained environment of a transatlantic cruise ship. As the vessel Paradise sails toward New York, a mysterious illness erupts onboard, exposing not only biological vulnerability but also the fragile scaffolding of societal order. Hwang's TRS orbits around Dr. Peter Palma, whose professional expectations dissolve amid a crisis that escalates from minor clinical cases to mass hysteria, violent disintegration, and psychosis. The affliction—rendered almost sentient in its capacity to manipulate perception and behaviour—collapses the boundaries between instinct and rationality, forcing readers to confront the instability of both medical authority and human civility.
Hwang’s prose is unrelentingly paced yet layered with psychological nuance. Rather than simply tracing the trajectory of contagion, the novel interrogates the porous line between empirical knowledge and primal impulse, especially as Palma himself becomes increasingly unreliable. Hallucinations, moral ambiguity, and the decay of social bonds accumulate as the disease corrodes not only bodies but also cognition. By embedding the outbreak within a claustrophobic space where escape is impossible and authority is crumbling, Hwang transforms The Regression Strain into a study of dread and ethical erosion under pressure. The cruise ship becomes a laboratory for testing not just virological hypotheses but the tensile strength of trust, memory, and identity in extremis.
What distinguishes this novel from formulaic pandemic thrillers is its tonal complexity and atmospheric density. At once clinically precise and emotionally fraught, the story juxtaposes visceral horror with intimate revelations. Secondary characters—many of whom grapple with their own traumas and relational conflicts—are drawn with enough interiority to elevate the tale beyond spectacle. Echoes of contemporary global health crises resonate throughout, yet the text resists reductive allegory in favour of a more existential meditation on the limits of science, the volatility of the human mind, and the deceptive comforts of civilisation. In that sense, Hwang’s debut is a wondrous synthesis of suspense, pathology, and philosophical reflection—a compelling fiction that interrogates the stability of reason itself.
September 15, 2025
Aboard the opulent ship, Paradise, Dr. Peter Palma has been hired to heal minor injuries and ailments for the wealthy vacationers. But he quickly realizes something is very wrong when some passengers become impulsive and aggressive. A young man jumps to his death, a passenger tries to strangle another, and a mother abandons her severely disabled son. Plus, hallucinations and puzzling flu-like symptoms have Peter and his team stumped. Trying to get support from his superior, Dr. Hartley, proves an impossible task as she, too, seems to be plagued by erratic behavior.
Peter feels a deep urgency to get to the bottom of this, all the while grappling with his declining mental health. Are they up against a highly contagious infection, or could the chaos be drug-induced? Peter has to make the right judgment call; the fate of the passengers depends on it!
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a fast-paced medical thriller with a unique setting. An idyllic voyage quickly transforms into mayhem as the ship becomes a petri dish of infection and chaos. Without the help of his superior, Peter has to trust his gut and work within the limitations of a ship that is dangerously unprepared and low on medical supplies. Brace yourselves for this exciting, albeit high-stakes, novel.
I love medical dramas, and this one did not disappoint! Rife with puzzling symptoms, a swift-acting doctor, and just enough new medical terminology for my next Google search, the novel checked all the boxes. Maybe I missed my calling as a doctor because nothing brought me more joy than making amateur diagnoses, while Peter sussed out what was wrong with each patient he encountered. (I gave myself a well-deserved pat on the back when my diagnoses were anything remotely close to his.)
Hwang has done an excellent job creating a propulsive book that is unputdownable. Between the heart-pumping chaos of a crew and passengers on the verge of lunacy, and the depth of character development of Peter in particular, the novel should be at the top of your reading list. What’s more entertaining than a luxury cruise gone feral and in charge of it all is a doctor battling delusions and inappropriate impulses? (I can’t think of anything.) If you love fast-paced, high-stress series like The Pitt, then The Regression Strain will appeal to your inner medical nerd!
Peter feels a deep urgency to get to the bottom of this, all the while grappling with his declining mental health. Are they up against a highly contagious infection, or could the chaos be drug-induced? Peter has to make the right judgment call; the fate of the passengers depends on it!
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a fast-paced medical thriller with a unique setting. An idyllic voyage quickly transforms into mayhem as the ship becomes a petri dish of infection and chaos. Without the help of his superior, Peter has to trust his gut and work within the limitations of a ship that is dangerously unprepared and low on medical supplies. Brace yourselves for this exciting, albeit high-stakes, novel.
I love medical dramas, and this one did not disappoint! Rife with puzzling symptoms, a swift-acting doctor, and just enough new medical terminology for my next Google search, the novel checked all the boxes. Maybe I missed my calling as a doctor because nothing brought me more joy than making amateur diagnoses, while Peter sussed out what was wrong with each patient he encountered. (I gave myself a well-deserved pat on the back when my diagnoses were anything remotely close to his.)
Hwang has done an excellent job creating a propulsive book that is unputdownable. Between the heart-pumping chaos of a crew and passengers on the verge of lunacy, and the depth of character development of Peter in particular, the novel should be at the top of your reading list. What’s more entertaining than a luxury cruise gone feral and in charge of it all is a doctor battling delusions and inappropriate impulses? (I can’t think of anything.) If you love fast-paced, high-stress series like The Pitt, then The Regression Strain will appeal to your inner medical nerd!
June 12, 2025
A Mind-Blowing Medical Thriller
"The Regression Strain" by Kevin Hwang is a mind-blowing medical thriller that I couldn't put down! In this story, Dr. Peter Palma joins The Paradise medical team on a cruise ship trip heading to New York. Yet what was meant to be a basic job treating minor illnesses and injuries ends up turning into a nightmare pandemic filled with deadly threats and delusion. Dr. Palma must find a way to stop the deadly disease from spreading before it's too late. Yet the lines between what's real and what's a hallucination begin to blur, causing him to be unsure of who to trust... including himself.
This book is a striking blend of mystery, psychological suspense, realistic fiction, romance, and science/medical fiction that draws the reader in and has them wanting to know more about both the mysterious illness and the characters' backstories. I like how there is a strong emotional depth to the story, especially with Dr. Palma and both his dark past, vulnerability, and earnest need to help others.
The characters in this story excellently showcase emotional complexity and moral dilemmas, both inside and out. They are relatable to the reader as well, immersing you into the story right alongside them. The world-building is incredible, and the setting is so realistic that I could clearly picture it in my mind and really feel the emotionally-charged atmosphere. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the story and how it kept me engaged and guessing throughout it. It really made me think about the relationship between future medical science, human complexity, morality, and survival instincts. Certain aspects reminded me of the pandemic in 2020.
How far can modern medicine go to save us, and what's worth risking? It can make you doubt reality, yourself, and others' best interests. I highly recommend this gripping and intriguing tale to all mystery, psychological suspense, and science/medical fiction enthusiasts for an edge-of your-seat adventure!
"The Regression Strain" by Kevin Hwang is a mind-blowing medical thriller that I couldn't put down! In this story, Dr. Peter Palma joins The Paradise medical team on a cruise ship trip heading to New York. Yet what was meant to be a basic job treating minor illnesses and injuries ends up turning into a nightmare pandemic filled with deadly threats and delusion. Dr. Palma must find a way to stop the deadly disease from spreading before it's too late. Yet the lines between what's real and what's a hallucination begin to blur, causing him to be unsure of who to trust... including himself.
This book is a striking blend of mystery, psychological suspense, realistic fiction, romance, and science/medical fiction that draws the reader in and has them wanting to know more about both the mysterious illness and the characters' backstories. I like how there is a strong emotional depth to the story, especially with Dr. Palma and both his dark past, vulnerability, and earnest need to help others.
The characters in this story excellently showcase emotional complexity and moral dilemmas, both inside and out. They are relatable to the reader as well, immersing you into the story right alongside them. The world-building is incredible, and the setting is so realistic that I could clearly picture it in my mind and really feel the emotionally-charged atmosphere. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the story and how it kept me engaged and guessing throughout it. It really made me think about the relationship between future medical science, human complexity, morality, and survival instincts. Certain aspects reminded me of the pandemic in 2020.
How far can modern medicine go to save us, and what's worth risking? It can make you doubt reality, yourself, and others' best interests. I highly recommend this gripping and intriguing tale to all mystery, psychological suspense, and science/medical fiction enthusiasts for an edge-of your-seat adventure!
February 2, 2026
You might never want to go on a cruise again!
I have enjoyed cruising, but we all hear about what can go wrong. Imagine being on a ship, far from home, and getting sick or even dying. That does not sound like a fun time to me. However, that is what Dr. Peter Palma is experiencing on this ship. Not the dying part, but a mystery illness that is affecting the crew and passengers at an alarming rate. He thought this job was going to be easy, but he walked into a hornet's nest without even realizing it.
I do not speak or understand much medical jargon, and I was pleased to see that while the author is a doctor, he made it so that anyone could understand what was happening to the patients. I don't want to spoil anything, but as I read further and understood more, I predicted a few things before they happened. What I did not predict was who was behind all of this. That was quite a surprise. And how was the virus spreading? Whoa. Let's just say I think I would be safe, but for reasons similar to Mandy.
Outside of the thriller, this is also about family reconnecting, especially when times are tough. The relationship between Peter and Nali, his sister. There are other notable characters, including Mandy and Luisa, who work with Peter in the medical facility.
This thriller is fast-paced, and although it spans nearly two weeks, it does not feel that long. The flow is continuous and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also enjoyed the imagery throughout the novel.
We give this book 5 paws up.
I have enjoyed cruising, but we all hear about what can go wrong. Imagine being on a ship, far from home, and getting sick or even dying. That does not sound like a fun time to me. However, that is what Dr. Peter Palma is experiencing on this ship. Not the dying part, but a mystery illness that is affecting the crew and passengers at an alarming rate. He thought this job was going to be easy, but he walked into a hornet's nest without even realizing it.
I do not speak or understand much medical jargon, and I was pleased to see that while the author is a doctor, he made it so that anyone could understand what was happening to the patients. I don't want to spoil anything, but as I read further and understood more, I predicted a few things before they happened. What I did not predict was who was behind all of this. That was quite a surprise. And how was the virus spreading? Whoa. Let's just say I think I would be safe, but for reasons similar to Mandy.
Outside of the thriller, this is also about family reconnecting, especially when times are tough. The relationship between Peter and Nali, his sister. There are other notable characters, including Mandy and Luisa, who work with Peter in the medical facility.
This thriller is fast-paced, and although it spans nearly two weeks, it does not feel that long. The flow is continuous and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also enjoyed the imagery throughout the novel.
We give this book 5 paws up.
October 16, 2025
MY THOUGHTS -
Whoa, this book is so good !! SO GOOD! Like crazy good! It is intense! When I say all hell breaks loose, I would not be kidding! This story was pretty unreal,,, and yet felt pretty darn real!
This is… The Walking Dead meets Grey’s Anatomy meets The Love Boat! All that wrapped up in one fantastically scary, action packed novel!
I am a huge lover of medical thrillers! I would actually say they are one of my favorite genres. So this book was definitely perfect for me! It passed the test for sure.
I don’t think this book hardly has a slow page in it! It just builds, and builds, and builds. Also, great character building. Dr. Palma, Peter, I thought was a great character! I really liked him. He was definitely the superhero in this story. He just never gave up. Even when he probably should have. And thank God he didn't.
You know that point in a book where everything just kind of hits you? I had that moment in this book about halfway through! I mean the whole thing is so good, but halfway through I had that “oh my gosh!“ moment. And I knew that this was not going to end well!
I think I have found a new Author in Kevin Hwang. I certainly hope he continues to write. I will be following him. This book will be making my list for favorite books of 2025 for sure!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
Whoa, this book is so good !! SO GOOD! Like crazy good! It is intense! When I say all hell breaks loose, I would not be kidding! This story was pretty unreal,,, and yet felt pretty darn real!
This is… The Walking Dead meets Grey’s Anatomy meets The Love Boat! All that wrapped up in one fantastically scary, action packed novel!
I am a huge lover of medical thrillers! I would actually say they are one of my favorite genres. So this book was definitely perfect for me! It passed the test for sure.
I don’t think this book hardly has a slow page in it! It just builds, and builds, and builds. Also, great character building. Dr. Palma, Peter, I thought was a great character! I really liked him. He was definitely the superhero in this story. He just never gave up. Even when he probably should have. And thank God he didn't.
You know that point in a book where everything just kind of hits you? I had that moment in this book about halfway through! I mean the whole thing is so good, but halfway through I had that “oh my gosh!“ moment. And I knew that this was not going to end well!
I think I have found a new Author in Kevin Hwang. I certainly hope he continues to write. I will be following him. This book will be making my list for favorite books of 2025 for sure!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
October 4, 2025
This novel is right out of today's headlines as yet another cruise ship recently reported a virus on board. Hwang has upped the danger by making this virus part of a dedicated attack on all humans. It's now only Peter who can save the future of humanity.
Hwang's writing style is good. He keeps the action moving along at a good pace. I like that the hero ends up working pretty much on his own as others succumb to the disease. We hold our breath as we wonder if Peter can finish the task before he too falls to the disease's mental oblivion. There is a good balance of plot progression mixed with Peter dealing with the mistakes in his past. There are interesting interludes of people behaving as their base animal selves, and even Peter gets caught up in it.
This is a good medical thriller, especially on the heels of Covid. It makes me wonder how prepared the world is for a new plague. This is an engaging novel to read. Just don't read it right before you go on that cruise you are planning!
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Hwang's writing style is good. He keeps the action moving along at a good pace. I like that the hero ends up working pretty much on his own as others succumb to the disease. We hold our breath as we wonder if Peter can finish the task before he too falls to the disease's mental oblivion. There is a good balance of plot progression mixed with Peter dealing with the mistakes in his past. There are interesting interludes of people behaving as their base animal selves, and even Peter gets caught up in it.
This is a good medical thriller, especially on the heels of Covid. It makes me wonder how prepared the world is for a new plague. This is an engaging novel to read. Just don't read it right before you go on that cruise you are planning!
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 8, 2026
This thriller offered a unique and engaging ride, especially with its cruise ship setting, which added an extra layer of tension and atmosphere to the story. One of the standout elements for me was how the author thoughtfully sprinkled Felipe’s storyline throughout the book. His character and struggles felt authentic and reminded me of my own brother who has faced addiction, making those moments especially impactful. The flashbacks and the emotional connections tied to the sibling relationship were handled in a way that felt real and meaningful.
It did take me a little while at the beginning to understand exactly where the story was heading. At first, I was unsure whether the focus would lean toward zombies, illness outbreaks, or relationship-driven drama, but once the narrative took shape, I had a much clearer sense of the journey and found myself more fully invested. The main character’s strong will and tendency to push forward even when unsure of their own judgment is a trait I always enjoy reading, and it added depth to the story.
Overall, the unique setting, layered character elements, and emotional undercurrents made this an enjoyable and memorable thriller.
It did take me a little while at the beginning to understand exactly where the story was heading. At first, I was unsure whether the focus would lean toward zombies, illness outbreaks, or relationship-driven drama, but once the narrative took shape, I had a much clearer sense of the journey and found myself more fully invested. The main character’s strong will and tendency to push forward even when unsure of their own judgment is a trait I always enjoy reading, and it added depth to the story.
Overall, the unique setting, layered character elements, and emotional undercurrents made this an enjoyable and memorable thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
Move over, Michael Crichton and Robin Cook. There’s a new specialist in the room, and his name is Kevin Hwang!
Young Dr. Peter Palma must put his own personal and physical demons behind him as he joins the medical team aboard the cruise ship Paradise. Something evil is brewing as the ship, with its 4000 passengers and crew, sails from Denmark to a final destination of New York City. Minor medical problems grow into uncontrollable symptoms and eventual death. No one is excluded from the grip of the disease … from deck hands to the captain, from the kitchen staff to the medical staff, from the richest passenger to a young boy in a wheelchair. Madness abounds, and Palma’s own suppressed demons crawl through the cracks.
Hwang presents a diverse cast of characters. Who will be next to demonstrate the disease indicators? Who will be next to die? Who is orchestrating this insanity? Why is it happening?
Kevin Hwang’s The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller. Think about The Poseidon Adventure meets The Andromeda Strain, then add even more pressure. Mark the last 100 pages to devour in one reading.
Young Dr. Peter Palma must put his own personal and physical demons behind him as he joins the medical team aboard the cruise ship Paradise. Something evil is brewing as the ship, with its 4000 passengers and crew, sails from Denmark to a final destination of New York City. Minor medical problems grow into uncontrollable symptoms and eventual death. No one is excluded from the grip of the disease … from deck hands to the captain, from the kitchen staff to the medical staff, from the richest passenger to a young boy in a wheelchair. Madness abounds, and Palma’s own suppressed demons crawl through the cracks.
Hwang presents a diverse cast of characters. Who will be next to demonstrate the disease indicators? Who will be next to die? Who is orchestrating this insanity? Why is it happening?
Kevin Hwang’s The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller. Think about The Poseidon Adventure meets The Andromeda Strain, then add even more pressure. Mark the last 100 pages to devour in one reading.
September 27, 2025
Dr. Peter Palma wanted a change of scenery so he joins a cruise ship as a doctor. It is a long cruise with passengers getting on and off at ports for various stays on the ship. Peter’s new job has a rocky start with a traumatic injury. Then he notices passengers being overly aggressive and starts to look into a link. Could there be an outbreak on the ship?
The best way to read this book is to dive in and suspend everything you think you know. I’d recently gone on a cruise and kept picking the ship I was on in the story. This would a scary trip for passengers and baffling for the medical staff. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the ship and the medical mystery. I hope something like this book never happens in real life!!!
The best way to read this book is to dive in and suspend everything you think you know. I’d recently gone on a cruise and kept picking the ship I was on in the story. This would a scary trip for passengers and baffling for the medical staff. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the ship and the medical mystery. I hope something like this book never happens in real life!!!
July 2, 2025
This book starts off seemingly like any other but quickly turns into something you can't put down until it's finished.
Dr.Palma thinks he is taking an easy trip helping out on a cruise ship to treat minor thing's but what awaits him is so much more.
Between the deadly outbreak, the criminals, the bodies piling up and the hysteria it's all so much.
He must decide who he can trust and quickly even though he is beginning to not even be able to trust himself.
This is a thriller that keeps you second guessing anything and everything, what's really real?
I truly enjoyed this read and felt it gave me everything I was searching for and more.
Dr.Palma thinks he is taking an easy trip helping out on a cruise ship to treat minor thing's but what awaits him is so much more.
Between the deadly outbreak, the criminals, the bodies piling up and the hysteria it's all so much.
He must decide who he can trust and quickly even though he is beginning to not even be able to trust himself.
This is a thriller that keeps you second guessing anything and everything, what's really real?
I truly enjoyed this read and felt it gave me everything I was searching for and more.
June 20, 2025
This debut novel is so well written. Caught my attention right at the start and the twists and turns throughout the book are so unexpected but perfect. Not only that, but there are also heartwarming moments which I didnt expect in a thriller book. This author writes books in a way that are easy to understand and enjoyable at every moment! Amazing book!
June 26, 2025
Picked this up on a whim and tore through it in two sittings! it was intense, creepy and way too plausible. The medical angle made it even more chilling so I passed it to my brother knowing he’d be hooked too. If you like fast-paced thrillers that mess with your head, this one delivers.
August 26, 2025
Just one more reason I will never take a cruise.
Well written, with likeable and believable characters. Very easy read, even with all the medical jargon sprinkled in.
Well written, with likeable and believable characters. Very easy read, even with all the medical jargon sprinkled in.
October 21, 2025
Exciting from start to finish! I hope the author writes a sequel so we can get a another adventure with Dr. Palma
September 26, 2025
WOWZA. After reading THE REGRESSION STRAIN, I am a superfan of Texas author and physician, Kevin Hwang – and this is his debut novel! I read this entire book in two days while sitting on a beach, across the Auau Channel from the island of Lanai. I almost missed the Maui sunset – twice – because I was so completely immersed in THE REGRESSION STRAIN. That’s about the highest compliment I can give a book.
Early in THE REGRESSION STRAIN, Hwang builds a foreboding atmosphere and throughout, he shows a talent for using figurative language to create evocative scenes and moods. Hwang excels in keeping the story both technical and understandable, never bogging down readers with medical terminology and instead enriching the reading experience. My guess is this is a nod to his training as a doctor and how to properly speak to patients.
Having gone through a real-world pandemic, which the author references throughout the story, readers will find THE REGRESSION STRAIN relevant and relatable. The premise of this kind of outbreak, how it spreads, and the implications of that ship making it to New York City, are horribly believable and raise the tension level with each passing chapter.
That tension rarely subsides in THE REGRESSION STRAIN as readers observe main character Dr. Peter Parma fighting battle upon battle: with the crew and passengers, with his own personal demons – and with his own infection. Hwang brilliantly tugs readers back and forth, right along with Peter as he goes in and out of lucidity. Can he be trusted? Is he a reliable narrator?
Honestly, I’m also a superfan of Hwang’s wife, Florence, because it’s such a joy to just read THE REGRESSION STRAIN, which is a book without any editing mishaps. I didn’t notice so much as a misplaced comma, and these days, it’s nothing short of miraculous to have a squeaky-cleanly-edited book. Bravo. The editing is a delicious icing on an already scrumptious cake.
As readers catch their breath and wind down towards the conclusion of THE REGRESSION STRAIN, they’ll be surprised but pleased at the direction the resolution seems to be taking. But they’ll also likely be a bit suspicious -- understandably because of the torrent of twists and turns they’ve experienced with Peter. Worth every nail-biting moment. Highly recommend.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
“The steel cranes of the cruise terminal pointed to the sky like bony fingers clawing out of a freshly dug grave.”
Early in THE REGRESSION STRAIN, Hwang builds a foreboding atmosphere and throughout, he shows a talent for using figurative language to create evocative scenes and moods. Hwang excels in keeping the story both technical and understandable, never bogging down readers with medical terminology and instead enriching the reading experience. My guess is this is a nod to his training as a doctor and how to properly speak to patients.
“Eat. Sleep. Mate. Repeat. Who wouldn’t want that kind of life?”
Having gone through a real-world pandemic, which the author references throughout the story, readers will find THE REGRESSION STRAIN relevant and relatable. The premise of this kind of outbreak, how it spreads, and the implications of that ship making it to New York City, are horribly believable and raise the tension level with each passing chapter.
“The holes in his memory were filling in like groundwater welling up in the paw prints of a rabid raccoon. Muddy and random.”
That tension rarely subsides in THE REGRESSION STRAIN as readers observe main character Dr. Peter Parma fighting battle upon battle: with the crew and passengers, with his own personal demons – and with his own infection. Hwang brilliantly tugs readers back and forth, right along with Peter as he goes in and out of lucidity. Can he be trusted? Is he a reliable narrator?
“Finally, to my wife Florence for her gentle spirit and sharp eye. It was only after she proclaimed a draft was “a good story” that I had the courage to proceed with (another) tortuous round of revision.” – author Kevin Hwang in the “Acknowledgments” section of THE REGRESSION STRAIN
Honestly, I’m also a superfan of Hwang’s wife, Florence, because it’s such a joy to just read THE REGRESSION STRAIN, which is a book without any editing mishaps. I didn’t notice so much as a misplaced comma, and these days, it’s nothing short of miraculous to have a squeaky-cleanly-edited book. Bravo. The editing is a delicious icing on an already scrumptious cake.
As readers catch their breath and wind down towards the conclusion of THE REGRESSION STRAIN, they’ll be surprised but pleased at the direction the resolution seems to be taking. But they’ll also likely be a bit suspicious -- understandably because of the torrent of twists and turns they’ve experienced with Peter. Worth every nail-biting moment. Highly recommend.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
July 7, 2025
"The Regression Strain" grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. Kevin Hwang delivers a fascinating medical thriller set aboard the luxury cruise ship Paradise. Dr. Peter Palma signs on as the ship’s physician, expecting smooth sailing. Instead, he finds himself facing a terrifying unknown that drives human behavior into dangerous regression.
Peter steps away from his quiet family practice to join the medical staff aboard a cruise ship, hoping the change of pace will lead to some much-needed self-discovery and escape. It feels good to be somewhere he’s needed, somewhere he can truly make a difference. But his fresh start hits rough waters quickly.
Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, the ship’s stern chief physician, greets him with cold hostility, and even Luisa, one of the nurses, keeps her distance. Only Nurse Mandy brings warmth to the clinic, her presence a welcome contrast in an otherwise frosty atmosphere.
In an attempt to distance himself from his family after a devastating loss, Peter sets out on this unexpected journey only to discover he’s not as alone as he thought. Unknowingly, he finds himself sharing the voyage with a loved one, offering a rare chance to mend a strained relationship before it’s too late.
As chaos erupts aboard the ship, a loved one’s presence adds another layer of complexity. Still, Peter is unexpectedly grateful, for in the heart of the medical storm, this unlikely ally helps him connect the dots and face what lies ahead.
What initially appear to be isolated incidents of extreme and reckless behavior soon form the outline of a pattern. It falls to Peter to connect the dots and decipher the medical mystery behind a rapidly escalating outbreak of aggression. New to the job and still struggling to establish his authority, Peter faces mounting challenges as the invisible threat begins to compromise the ship’s staff and crew including the captain.
In an environment clouded by uncertainty, he must make critical decisions to contain the crisis and minimize casualties. But as suspicion grows that he himself may be affected by the unknown agent, Peter finds himself racing against both time and his own unraveling sanity to protect the people of Paradise before they reach their final port, New York.
Kevin Hwang delivers a compelling medical thriller set aboard the Paradise cruise ship, where every turn brings a new twist. "The Regression Strain" is the perfect choice for readers seeking a compelling summer read or a captivating escape from the everyday.
Peter steps away from his quiet family practice to join the medical staff aboard a cruise ship, hoping the change of pace will lead to some much-needed self-discovery and escape. It feels good to be somewhere he’s needed, somewhere he can truly make a difference. But his fresh start hits rough waters quickly.
Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, the ship’s stern chief physician, greets him with cold hostility, and even Luisa, one of the nurses, keeps her distance. Only Nurse Mandy brings warmth to the clinic, her presence a welcome contrast in an otherwise frosty atmosphere.
In an attempt to distance himself from his family after a devastating loss, Peter sets out on this unexpected journey only to discover he’s not as alone as he thought. Unknowingly, he finds himself sharing the voyage with a loved one, offering a rare chance to mend a strained relationship before it’s too late.
As chaos erupts aboard the ship, a loved one’s presence adds another layer of complexity. Still, Peter is unexpectedly grateful, for in the heart of the medical storm, this unlikely ally helps him connect the dots and face what lies ahead.
What initially appear to be isolated incidents of extreme and reckless behavior soon form the outline of a pattern. It falls to Peter to connect the dots and decipher the medical mystery behind a rapidly escalating outbreak of aggression. New to the job and still struggling to establish his authority, Peter faces mounting challenges as the invisible threat begins to compromise the ship’s staff and crew including the captain.
In an environment clouded by uncertainty, he must make critical decisions to contain the crisis and minimize casualties. But as suspicion grows that he himself may be affected by the unknown agent, Peter finds himself racing against both time and his own unraveling sanity to protect the people of Paradise before they reach their final port, New York.
Kevin Hwang delivers a compelling medical thriller set aboard the Paradise cruise ship, where every turn brings a new twist. "The Regression Strain" is the perfect choice for readers seeking a compelling summer read or a captivating escape from the everyday.
September 28, 2025
Welcome to the Lit-indie Files. Where I take a chance on small/indie published books and bring you the inside scoop!! - Thank you to @partnersincrime book tours for allowing me the opportunity to join.
I just finished The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang and here are my musings.
When Dr Peter Palma joined the medical team aboard the Paradise cruise ship, he was expecting sunburn and seasickness… Not for the whole ship to lose their marbles and civility to go overboard.
The captain doesn’t want to do anything about the outbursts of violence that has become a pandemic on the ship… Peter has to get the ship and everyone on board to New York but the primal urges are becoming harder and harder to resist.
UGH now I never want to take a cruise. Not now…. Not EVER!!!!! Mr Hwang, I will never forgive you for that! Haha
This is what I like to call a slow burn thriller. You can see things are getting bad but it creeps up on you… I felt like I couldn’t get off the ship. By the end of the book I was seasick and thankful to be alive!!!
I tend to find medical thrillers can get a bit technical and sometimes, as a normie, I can get a little lost in the jargon but that didn’t happen here. It was clever in how it laid out what was wrong on the ship, what was happening to the passengers and it seemed so realistic that I never had to suspend my disbelief. That’s a literary magician that can pull that kind of thing off.
The only thing that wasn’t excellent for me was Peter. I dunno but I didn’t like him. I don’t know if we weren't supposed to or whether it was just a me thing but I didn’t trust his perspectives the whole way through and that was kind of exciting. I didn’t like him from page 1… It was different for me. I loved his sister so it was an interesting contrast between the pair of them.
I enjoyed the writing. The prose was clever and flowed with absolute perfection!!
It was well paced, a tad monotonal (I need a rollercoaster of insanity in my thrillers) but all in all I was blown away with how well the book was written.
Bloody excellent!
4.5 stars. Definitely one of the best thrillers of the year for me.
July 28, 2025
What starts as a slow simmer quickly boils over in The Regression Strain, Kevin Hwang’s debut that’s equal parts medical mystery, psychological spiral, and pandemic-era existential horror. It’s not a long book, but it’s the kind that lingers—creeping into your thoughts days after you’ve closed it.
The story follows Dr. Peter Palma caught in the chaos of a rapidly spreading fungal pandemic. But Hwang doesn’t just want to tell a virus-outbreak story. He wants to pick at your nerves. The plot slips between sanity, and reality in a way that’s deliberately disorienting. Think fever dream with a med school vocabulary. And I mean that as a compliment.
What makes this novel hum is the way Hwang blends scientific precision with narrative messiness. There’s an almost surgical attention to detail in the clinical scenes—no surprise, given Hwang’s background in medicine—but it never feels like a lecture. Instead, the book immerses you in the high-stakes environment of a cruise ship in the midst of a mysterious illness, only to pull the rug out with unsettling shifts in tone and perception. At times, I questioned whether what I was reading was happening at all—much like the narrator himself. It’s a risky move, but it works.
Stylistically, it won’t be for everyone. The prose can be clipped and clinical one moment, then rush into sensory overload the next. It’s intentional and immersive, but it can make for a slightly uneven reading experience. That said, if you’re the kind of reader who doesn’t mind being dropped into the deep end—without floaties—there’s a lot to appreciate here.
Emotionally, The Regression Strain taps into something very now. The anxiety of being overeducated but powerless. The loneliness of a pandemic. The slow erosion of certainty. It’s not a comforting read, but it’s a relatable one, especially if you’ve ever tried to logic your way through a crisis and come out the other side more confused than when you started.
Check out my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/07/27/r...
The story follows Dr. Peter Palma caught in the chaos of a rapidly spreading fungal pandemic. But Hwang doesn’t just want to tell a virus-outbreak story. He wants to pick at your nerves. The plot slips between sanity, and reality in a way that’s deliberately disorienting. Think fever dream with a med school vocabulary. And I mean that as a compliment.
What makes this novel hum is the way Hwang blends scientific precision with narrative messiness. There’s an almost surgical attention to detail in the clinical scenes—no surprise, given Hwang’s background in medicine—but it never feels like a lecture. Instead, the book immerses you in the high-stakes environment of a cruise ship in the midst of a mysterious illness, only to pull the rug out with unsettling shifts in tone and perception. At times, I questioned whether what I was reading was happening at all—much like the narrator himself. It’s a risky move, but it works.
Stylistically, it won’t be for everyone. The prose can be clipped and clinical one moment, then rush into sensory overload the next. It’s intentional and immersive, but it can make for a slightly uneven reading experience. That said, if you’re the kind of reader who doesn’t mind being dropped into the deep end—without floaties—there’s a lot to appreciate here.
Emotionally, The Regression Strain taps into something very now. The anxiety of being overeducated but powerless. The loneliness of a pandemic. The slow erosion of certainty. It’s not a comforting read, but it’s a relatable one, especially if you’ve ever tried to logic your way through a crisis and come out the other side more confused than when you started.
Check out my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/07/27/r...
October 11, 2025
It definitely had me reconsidering future travel plans.
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is an exciting medical thriller set onboard a cruise ship, and it definitely had me reconsidering future travel plans. Young Dr. Peter Palma joins the crew of the Paradise, a floating palace with over 4,000 passengers and crew, bound for New York City from Copenhagen. But what should have been an easy change of scenery from his former medical practice in Houston, among the city’s neediest and most vulnerable, soon spirals out of control as a mysterious illness that induces unusual and often violent behavior in the infected takes hold of the ship.
Peter Palma is a young medical doctor on his first cruise posting, a change he has selected to help ease his way back into medical practice after a personal tragedy. He proves himself to be easy-going, accepting, and competent, even though he suffers from mental health challenges, as he diffuses oddly aggressive encounters with passengers right from the start. His new gig is jeopardized when the chief medical officer appears to be in the throes of a breakdown, and a strange respiratory illness that precedes the onset of bizarre behavior is overtaking everyone on board. The unexpected appearance of his newly graduated younger sister, Nali, among the passengers only adds to his stress.The tense atmosphere on the ship builds quickly as one weird occurrence follows another. The action is non-stop, and you can feel the exhaustion of the medical staff, reminiscent of the real-life COVID pandemic. As the clinic, shipboard jail, and morgue begin to fill up and overflow, Palma faces off with passengers, crew, and his own infection as the embattled ship tries to get to a safe harbor.
With its many shocking twists and turns, I recommend THE REGRESSION STRAIN to readers looking for a new and exciting medical thriller.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
January 24, 2026
Set aboard one of the floating cities we call cruise ships, the novel follows a newly hired doctor who expects a relatively easy posting and instead walks straight into an escalating medical nightmare. A small medical team is already stretched thin caring for thousands of passengers and crew, dealing with everything from minor ailments to routine emergencies. That fragile balance collapses as a disturbing affliction begins to spread, one that affects not just the passengers, but the crew as well.
Kevin Hwang does an impressive job balancing external chaos with the protagonist’s internal struggles. The main character arrives with his own emotional baggage, and the author layers crisis upon crisis without tipping into overload. There’s no clearly defined patient zero, but the story doesn’t need one. Instead, the doctor himself becomes both an active participant in the unfolding disaster and a steady lens through which the reader experiences the confusion, fear, and moral strain.
The result is a tense, cerebral thriller that’s consistently engaging. The medical details feel grounded, the setting is claustrophobic and effective, and the sense of isolation at sea heightens every decision.
That said, the novel isn’t without flaws. Even by thriller standards, the pacing is extremely fast. Odd behaviour escalates rapidly from unsettling to catastrophic, and while this mostly works, a slightly slower burn might have added even more impact. A few minor plot inconsistencies also prevent the book from being a top-tier standout in the genre.
Still, The Regression Strain is an exciting and timely read. With public awareness still shaped by recent documentaries about real-life cruise disasters, this story taps into a very real fear—only here, the threat is far more insidious than mechanical failure.
Kevin Hwang does an impressive job balancing external chaos with the protagonist’s internal struggles. The main character arrives with his own emotional baggage, and the author layers crisis upon crisis without tipping into overload. There’s no clearly defined patient zero, but the story doesn’t need one. Instead, the doctor himself becomes both an active participant in the unfolding disaster and a steady lens through which the reader experiences the confusion, fear, and moral strain.
The result is a tense, cerebral thriller that’s consistently engaging. The medical details feel grounded, the setting is claustrophobic and effective, and the sense of isolation at sea heightens every decision.
That said, the novel isn’t without flaws. Even by thriller standards, the pacing is extremely fast. Odd behaviour escalates rapidly from unsettling to catastrophic, and while this mostly works, a slightly slower burn might have added even more impact. A few minor plot inconsistencies also prevent the book from being a top-tier standout in the genre.
Still, The Regression Strain is an exciting and timely read. With public awareness still shaped by recent documentaries about real-life cruise disasters, this story taps into a very real fear—only here, the threat is far more insidious than mechanical failure.
June 26, 2025
‘This could be viral. Something that affects the brain’ – A fast-paced medical thriller
Texas physician/author Kevin Hwang makes a dynamic writing debut with The Regression Strain, a novel both informed by his medical acumen and graced by his lyrical, pungent prose. The constant propelling action of this well-scribed thriller opens as the primary character, Dr. Palma, enters the stage: ‘As the cab rounded the corner behind the service buildings, the full bulk of the ship rose into view, a floating city gleaming white and blue against the gray Baltic sky. The Paradise would be Peter’s home and workplace for the next month…The taxi ejected him into the cool summer of Copenhagen – heaven compared to the stifling heat of Texas…’ This gentle scene projects the doctor into an unforgettable medical thriller.
The author condenses the plot well: ‘Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare. Peter and his staff face a vile affliction that pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. With the ship hurtling towards an unprepared New York, only Peter can neutralize the threat, but he’s hallucinating and delirious. And sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.’ Dr Hwang emerges as an author of importance. This debut novel pleads for cinematic transformation!
Texas physician/author Kevin Hwang makes a dynamic writing debut with The Regression Strain, a novel both informed by his medical acumen and graced by his lyrical, pungent prose. The constant propelling action of this well-scribed thriller opens as the primary character, Dr. Palma, enters the stage: ‘As the cab rounded the corner behind the service buildings, the full bulk of the ship rose into view, a floating city gleaming white and blue against the gray Baltic sky. The Paradise would be Peter’s home and workplace for the next month…The taxi ejected him into the cool summer of Copenhagen – heaven compared to the stifling heat of Texas…’ This gentle scene projects the doctor into an unforgettable medical thriller.
The author condenses the plot well: ‘Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare. Peter and his staff face a vile affliction that pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. With the ship hurtling towards an unprepared New York, only Peter can neutralize the threat, but he’s hallucinating and delirious. And sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.’ Dr Hwang emerges as an author of importance. This debut novel pleads for cinematic transformation!
July 11, 2025
What happens when the civilized veneer slips—and the people meant to heal us become infected too?
Kevin Hwang’s debut novel, The Regression Strain, is a smart, terrifying descent into chaos aboard a cruise ship where the true outbreak isn't just viral—it's human. As a physician himself, Hwang brings unsettling authenticity to this high-stakes thriller, making every symptom, scan, and slip into madness feel disturbingly real.
Dr. Peter Palma thinks he's signing on for an easy gig treating seasickness and minor injuries on a transatlantic cruise. But when passengers begin exhibiting violent, primal behavior, the brig fills with criminals, the morgue with corpses, and Peter himself begins to question what’s real. Hallucinations blur with memory. Loyalties fray. And the line between doctor and patient, predator and prey, starts to collapse.
This is a doctor's grown-up version of Lord of the Flies—a story about what happens when the structures we trust most, including medicine, begin to rot from the inside. It's fast-paced and unflinchingly psychological, packed with tension that refuses to let up. And while some scenes are undeniably intense, they serve a larger purpose: to examine how thin the line really is between civility and savagery.
If you like your thrillers smart, science-backed, and a little bit unhinged, The Regression Strain will get under your skin—and stay there.
Kevin Hwang’s debut novel, The Regression Strain, is a smart, terrifying descent into chaos aboard a cruise ship where the true outbreak isn't just viral—it's human. As a physician himself, Hwang brings unsettling authenticity to this high-stakes thriller, making every symptom, scan, and slip into madness feel disturbingly real.
Dr. Peter Palma thinks he's signing on for an easy gig treating seasickness and minor injuries on a transatlantic cruise. But when passengers begin exhibiting violent, primal behavior, the brig fills with criminals, the morgue with corpses, and Peter himself begins to question what’s real. Hallucinations blur with memory. Loyalties fray. And the line between doctor and patient, predator and prey, starts to collapse.
This is a doctor's grown-up version of Lord of the Flies—a story about what happens when the structures we trust most, including medicine, begin to rot from the inside. It's fast-paced and unflinchingly psychological, packed with tension that refuses to let up. And while some scenes are undeniably intense, they serve a larger purpose: to examine how thin the line really is between civility and savagery.
If you like your thrillers smart, science-backed, and a little bit unhinged, The Regression Strain will get under your skin—and stay there.
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