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Decimation #3
Annihilation: Origins and Endings
The third and final book of the ground-breaking Decimation trilogy Against all odds, Antimone Lessing has twice escaped from those who want to understand how she survived the deadly Orestes virus. But the greatest threat to her life still lies ahead. The world knows the pandemic originated in a British laboratory. Keen to enhance the country’s damaged reputation, the Prime Minister sets up an international research effort to rid the planet of the disease once and for all. But not everybody is working towards the same goal. As past and present collide, Antimone once again finds herself sucked into a conspiracy that could spell the end of the human race.
295 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2021
39 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 26, 2024
Nice! Pulls together the back story a d future development in one book. I enjoyed it.
September 14, 2021
Genuinely could not have planned a more perfect ending for this series than this book!
Well written with all of the loose ends beautifully tied up. I enjoyed the introduction of Eileen - new character in a last book was a brave choice but she had been a ‘distant’ figure in previous books and her introduction perfectly rounded the storyline off.
Richards clever writing adds real value and dimension to this story.
Well written with all of the loose ends beautifully tied up. I enjoyed the introduction of Eileen - new character in a last book was a brave choice but she had been a ‘distant’ figure in previous books and her introduction perfectly rounded the storyline off.
Richards clever writing adds real value and dimension to this story.
August 21, 2021
A fitting end to the trilogy. This book switched between the outbreak of the Orestes virus and the present day storyline; bringing in a new character and telling the story of Jason's mother - Eileen.
In the two previous books, you only had a vague sense of Eileen and this book focused more on her story which was great. Getting to see her personality in the earlier stages; despite knowing what was going to happen to her; made it more impactful when it happened.
I found the book flowed well; despite the dual timelines and I was keen to find out how the Orestes virus had actually been activated.
The technology used with the nanobots was really interesting; I wanted to learn more!
I want to say more but trying not to write spoilers; I will say some of the character deaths were unexpected; some were fitting; and on the whole I think the story ended well.
In the two previous books, you only had a vague sense of Eileen and this book focused more on her story which was great. Getting to see her personality in the earlier stages; despite knowing what was going to happen to her; made it more impactful when it happened.
I found the book flowed well; despite the dual timelines and I was keen to find out how the Orestes virus had actually been activated.
The technology used with the nanobots was really interesting; I wanted to learn more!
I want to say more but trying not to write spoilers; I will say some of the character deaths were unexpected; some were fitting; and on the whole I think the story ended well.
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October 31, 2021This is the third book in this super series, and what a tremendous story this has been. This was my favourite as it brought all the pieces together, with the trip to the past and how it all began. Some of the characters had changed because they could not deal with things they had done in the past. It was sickening as they all had a choice.
Antimone, Jason and their son Paul are back under guard, this time for their protection as the world wants answers. This story is just one that I gorged on from the first page to the last. I could not function or concentrate on anything else. Then I couldn’t move on because I knew what had happened.
The events that had occurred in the past was a minefield of tragedy, heartbreak and ruthless decisions. I was blown away by every page. It had been a perfect series so far but now, wow. The beginning revealed at the end of the story magnified my feelings100 times more. An ace of a card to play. Bravo!
You need to read the series, three books, which are fast-paced, thrilling and scary because this could be our future someday. Huge congratulations to the author.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
Antimone, Jason and their son Paul are back under guard, this time for their protection as the world wants answers. This story is just one that I gorged on from the first page to the last. I could not function or concentrate on anything else. Then I couldn’t move on because I knew what had happened.
The events that had occurred in the past was a minefield of tragedy, heartbreak and ruthless decisions. I was blown away by every page. It had been a perfect series so far but now, wow. The beginning revealed at the end of the story magnified my feelings100 times more. An ace of a card to play. Bravo!
You need to read the series, three books, which are fast-paced, thrilling and scary because this could be our future someday. Huge congratulations to the author.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
October 11, 2021
A very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Richard T Burke helpfully includes synopses of the earlier volumes to remind readers of the preceding intricacies of the characters and plot. But this really isn't a standalone read and you'll shortchange yourself if you begin the saga with Annihilation.
A large part of this novel covers events even earlier than those in the first volume, Decimation. This explores how the initial situation had occurred and the circularity is very satisfying, not in the least confusing.
The writing is pacy, clear and dramatic with particularly vivid action sequences. We see many of the motivations and values of each person in the story and these are nuanced and interesting. An outline of the science involved is given but not too detailed or dry, largely because it pops up in many different places in the story to gradually develop the key points; it is integral to the plot but not laboured.
I recommend this trilogy to readers interested by apocalyptic novels, science fiction, thrillers, rights of the disabled and to anyone who enjoys strong women characters.
A large part of this novel covers events even earlier than those in the first volume, Decimation. This explores how the initial situation had occurred and the circularity is very satisfying, not in the least confusing.
The writing is pacy, clear and dramatic with particularly vivid action sequences. We see many of the motivations and values of each person in the story and these are nuanced and interesting. An outline of the science involved is given but not too detailed or dry, largely because it pops up in many different places in the story to gradually develop the key points; it is integral to the plot but not laboured.
I recommend this trilogy to readers interested by apocalyptic novels, science fiction, thrillers, rights of the disabled and to anyone who enjoys strong women characters.
October 14, 2021
Annihilation by Richard T. Burke.
Recimation book 3.
The third and final book of the ground-breaking Decimation trilogy
Against all odds, Antimone Lessing has twice escaped from those who want to understand how she survived the deadly Orestes virus. But the greatest threat to her life still lies ahead.
The world knows the pandemic originated in a British laboratory. Keen to enhance the country’s damaged reputation, the Prime Minister sets up an international research effort to rid the planet of the disease once and for all.
But not everybody is working towards the same goal.
As past and present collide, Antimone once again finds herself sucked into a conspiracy that could spell the end of the human race.
I really really enjoyed this book. Its such a shame its the final book. I would love more. Great story and characters. Recommend. 5*.
Recimation book 3.
The third and final book of the ground-breaking Decimation trilogy
Against all odds, Antimone Lessing has twice escaped from those who want to understand how she survived the deadly Orestes virus. But the greatest threat to her life still lies ahead.
The world knows the pandemic originated in a British laboratory. Keen to enhance the country’s damaged reputation, the Prime Minister sets up an international research effort to rid the planet of the disease once and for all.
But not everybody is working towards the same goal.
As past and present collide, Antimone once again finds herself sucked into a conspiracy that could spell the end of the human race.
I really really enjoyed this book. Its such a shame its the final book. I would love more. Great story and characters. Recommend. 5*.
October 6, 2021
Each time I have read a book in this series, I have found myself with a knot of tension in my stomach, and this one was no different. My sincere apologies to the author for taking so long to read and review this book - I couldn't read it in bed before I went to sleep, which is what I tend to do, as it was just too thrilling!
Antimone, Jason and their son Paul are back where it all began, at the lab. They have been moved there for their own protection, along with a crack team of scientists who are working on some amazing technology. Jason's adopted mother, Rosalind, is also there and does not have a lot of fans.
Of course, Max Perrin is still around too and he is out for revenge!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was great to tie up any of the loose threads from the previous books. We now have the whole story of who, why and what........that is all I am going to say. The thought of the new technology that is described in this book made me shiver but I think the grey anti-mobilising foam is a brilliant idea! Should be used by the police everywhere.
It has been great to read all of the books in this series and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who likes a gritty, intense thriller series with a dash of sci-fi.
4.5 stars from me.
Antimone, Jason and their son Paul are back where it all began, at the lab. They have been moved there for their own protection, along with a crack team of scientists who are working on some amazing technology. Jason's adopted mother, Rosalind, is also there and does not have a lot of fans.
Of course, Max Perrin is still around too and he is out for revenge!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was great to tie up any of the loose threads from the previous books. We now have the whole story of who, why and what........that is all I am going to say. The thought of the new technology that is described in this book made me shiver but I think the grey anti-mobilising foam is a brilliant idea! Should be used by the police everywhere.
It has been great to read all of the books in this series and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who likes a gritty, intense thriller series with a dash of sci-fi.
4.5 stars from me.
November 21, 2021
Once again Antemone and her young family find themselves centre stage in this final instalment of this trilogy . This final instalment is told in a dual timeline which nicely fills in some of the back stories of the cast of characters . This series has definitely been an exciting and edge of your seat ride .
February 27, 2022
Brilliant!
This was a brilliant wrap up to this trilogy. I loved that it took us all the way back to the beginning to explain how everything started. Great twist that I never saw coming either!
This was a brilliant wrap up to this trilogy. I loved that it took us all the way back to the beginning to explain how everything started. Great twist that I never saw coming either!
April 11, 2022
Decimation Series
Really enjoys this series. All three books had great plots and were interesting! Kept my attention which is hard to do!
Really enjoys this series. All three books had great plots and were interesting! Kept my attention which is hard to do!
May 7, 2022
Endings and beginings
The twists and turns that bring the story to an end, kept we wondering until the finish. The truths finally come to light.
The twists and turns that bring the story to an end, kept we wondering until the finish. The truths finally come to light.
January 21, 2024
Absolutely fantastic
Loved all three books. The characters, the plot, actually everything about these books make them hard to put down. Well worth the read.
Loved all three books. The characters, the plot, actually everything about these books make them hard to put down. Well worth the read.
August 24, 2024
Great Read
I’m partial to suspense and medical drama, sadly I devoured this series within a week! Will definitely check out more from this author.
I’m partial to suspense and medical drama, sadly I devoured this series within a week! Will definitely check out more from this author.
December 7, 2025
3 of the best.
This 3rd book wound up the story well, although it didn't contain the excitement and originality of the first 2 books.
This 3rd book wound up the story well, although it didn't contain the excitement and originality of the first 2 books.
June 1, 2022
This book had me gripped from start to finish once again. The best of the 3 and finished off the trilogy perfectly. Loved it
January 24, 2024
Triumphant ending!
Triumphant ending to an exciting story. Richard Burke tied up all the loose ends and even added a new plot twist. Well worth the read.
Triumphant ending to an exciting story. Richard Burke tied up all the loose ends and even added a new plot twist. Well worth the read.
September 8, 2021
This is a great ending to the series and although I am sorry it means no more about the Orestes virus I loved the series.
This book gave more information about where the virus started and how it got into the public arena, It also wrapped up what happened after the kidnapping. I learnt more about the characters and why they did what they did I felt that it rounded it up really well. I also learned about some technology and I do hope to hear more, all in all a great series and surprising that the first book was planned before the covid virus so not just another book about covid type viruses which I assume some would think.
Can't wait for more from this author! and suggest everyone should give this a read as it isn't just for si-fi fans.
This book gave more information about where the virus started and how it got into the public arena, It also wrapped up what happened after the kidnapping. I learnt more about the characters and why they did what they did I felt that it rounded it up really well. I also learned about some technology and I do hope to hear more, all in all a great series and surprising that the first book was planned before the covid virus so not just another book about covid type viruses which I assume some would think.
Can't wait for more from this author! and suggest everyone should give this a read as it isn't just for si-fi fans.
September 7, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this final book of the Decimation trilogy. The back story of the Orestes virus is what I was craving in the first two books so this was satisfying.
For me, some of the key adversaries were not completely rounded characters and to understand the motivation for their actions took rather a large leap, but that said, this is a good read for those who love science fiction / fantasy and I would recommend this trilogy to others.
For me, some of the key adversaries were not completely rounded characters and to understand the motivation for their actions took rather a large leap, but that said, this is a good read for those who love science fiction / fantasy and I would recommend this trilogy to others.
September 8, 2021
This is a great ending to the series and although I am sorry it means no more about the Orestes virus I loved the series.
This book gave more information about where the virus started and how it got into the public arena, It also wrapped up what happened after the kidnapping. I learnt more about the characters and why they did what they did I felt that it rounded it up really well. I also learned about some technology and I do hope to hear more, all in all a great series and surprising that the first book was planned before the covid virus so not just another book about covid type viruses which I assume some would think.
Can't wait for more from this author! and suggest everyone should give this a read as it isn't just for si-fi fans.
This book gave more information about where the virus started and how it got into the public arena, It also wrapped up what happened after the kidnapping. I learnt more about the characters and why they did what they did I felt that it rounded it up really well. I also learned about some technology and I do hope to hear more, all in all a great series and surprising that the first book was planned before the covid virus so not just another book about covid type viruses which I assume some would think.
Can't wait for more from this author! and suggest everyone should give this a read as it isn't just for si-fi fans.
September 26, 2022
loved the Decimation series
Not my normal type of read as I normally read horror/extreme horror etc but do like to pick up something different every now and then.
I'm glad I found the first book of this series as I have really enjoyed the journey.
Also nice to see my home town of Hunstanton featured in the stories!
Defiantly a series of books worth reading, very interesting storyline and great characters throughout.
Not my normal type of read as I normally read horror/extreme horror etc but do like to pick up something different every now and then.
I'm glad I found the first book of this series as I have really enjoyed the journey.
Also nice to see my home town of Hunstanton featured in the stories!
Defiantly a series of books worth reading, very interesting storyline and great characters throughout.
June 15, 2022
The best of the series. I liked the focus on the origin aspect and wish those characters played a larger role throughout.
August 24, 2024
I’m so glad I continued on with this series. The first book didn’t exactly win me over and it was touch and go for awhile but overall it’s proved to be a really good trilogy.
Here we spend time in the present and the past as we discover what really happened 21 years ago.
Here we spend time in the present and the past as we discover what really happened 21 years ago.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews