Review: A Great Start to the Series--Gripping and Provocative
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 26, 2013
The Contaminants is a great start to a promising and exciting series.  Well written and fast-paced, this story delves into a world where all has been destroyed but regeneration of the planet has begun.  The problem is--something has gone horribly wrong with the regeneration process, and it's up to two kids to find out why.  While they're trying to right the wrongs, they must contend with an army intent on hunting them down and a psychotic doctor out to sabotage their plans.The story is told from two first person points of view--Jessil and Soraj.  Smyth manages to capture two very different characters here, which can be hard to do.  Each narrator has her/his distinct way of talking and dealing with different situations.  Seeing the events unfold through both of their eyes is a great enhancement to the story.There's enough drama and tension here to keep you riveted.  Smyth's concept of a world intentionally destroyed in order to "improve" on it is fresh and provocative.  The characters are well developed and engaging.  I'm eager to read the next story in this chapter, and find out more about this new yet familiar world.