Review: An Engrossing Read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 30, 2014
Science fiction, and its more recent reincarnation of dystopian literature, is by far one of my favorite genres.  I enjoy reading about apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic scenarios and this author did a superb job of offering one take on the possible future of our civilization, that of a plague which will wipe out humanity.  I’m pretty sure that out of all the likely futuristic scenarios, a natural cataclysmic event is far more likely that a nuclear World War III.The story in Argosy is told from a first person point of view of a history professor, called Jack, who is trying desperately to save his family from contracting a deadly virus.  As a historian Jack is well aware of past deadly epidemics, and because of this the author is able to very vividly paint the fear and urgency of someone faced with such an outbreak in their city.  Jack as a character is very well drawn out, as are most of the supporting characters.  The writing style is also very clear, without any unnecessary overwriting. The whole story is told through the eyes of the main character and you feel like you are right there beside him as the events unfold.This book drew me in immediately, right from the “black plague” dream recounted in the prologue. The action of the story picks up immediately after that and it is hard to put the book down. I finished the book in three reading sessions over 2 days. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in apocalyptic fiction.