I have to tell you, I am not a reader. I hate having to read anything; prefer audio books that take no effort. BUT, Jeanie Loiacono gave me this book, PLAGUE, to read last Christmas. Yes, last Christmas, nearly a year ago. She said it was “right up my alley” as I am a phlebotomist at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. Well, I can say that I have read four books since I graduated high school and this was #4. I have been reading it in bits and pieces for months and just finished. An absolutely fabulous book; ever so believable. I cannot thank Buzz enough for writing a book I am willing to read, and not just read, but enjoy. And, of course, Jeanie for giving it to me.
–David Deep
***
“Buzz Bernard’s second novel, Plague, is quite possibly the fastest-paced and most intriguing thriller of the twenty-first century. The characters are unforgettable. First, physically: from a hippie-type protagonist who happens to be a retired business genius recruited to keep a company afloat temporarily after its masterminds have all been killed in a plane crash, to a doctor so memorable the reader can almost hear his sandals repeatedly flip-flop whenever he appears. Then, in the depth of their humanness as Bernard explores the gray areas of his characters’ souls; from the priority a man values his physical manhood vs. his ideals, to the perplexing dilemma of a minister contemplating pulling the trigger as the possible last stand against a horrific evil. As a mystery lover, there’s just enough conjecture for the reader to wonder exactly which characters are the good guys; a mix delivered with a delicious twist. And then there’s the plot which seems like an impossible mission, so much so we almost expect the tape to self-destruct once we’ve learned it. Yet in this day and age of terrorism and technology, its credibility makes it downright scary. The story frequently moves with almost heart-racing speed, so much so that calling it a “page-turner” doesn’t do it justice. Sometimes a book is so good the reader wishes it would never end. Plague is one of those books.”
Lee Clevenger
President of SWA, author of IncrediBoy, founder/co-owner of ThomasMax Publishing
***
By Wanda on December 6, 2013
Format: Audible Audio Edition
I was sitting on the edge of my seat listening to this book as I made my daily trip into Downtown Atlanta. I made sure to steer clear of the CDC. I enjoyed the narrators amazing ability to create the voice of so many characters. I would love to hear him narrate more audio books.
***
By william Bates on October 11, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Well written story with lots of action about potential bio- terrorism and one CEO’s heroic efforts to prevent a disaster.
***
By Katieq on April 18, 2013
Format: Paperback
This book started out very promising and it was quite good. But there was a shift somewhere that changed the focus slightly and I found that a little disappointing. This was a good read and could easily be classified as a thriller. However it was a simple thriller so if you like something a bit meaty this book could disappoint. An easy read and worth picking up.
***
By Tamara, Oklahoma on December 20, 2012
Format: Paperback
I liked the main character…a powerful man with integrity. The story was super-fast paced and I ended up reading it in one day. It had many twists and turns. The love interest was unexpected. The assasin was a little weird and wrapped up in an akward manner, but everything else was right on and believable. Good job Buzz!
***
By Louis N. GruberVINE VOICE on October 15, 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Richard Wainwright is called out of retirement to be the temporary CEO of BioDawn, a biotech research firm in Atlanta. Seems the entire board of the company was wiped out in a mysterious plane crash. Richard has misgivings, but of course he takes the job, and things start going awry from day one. Some strange things are going on at the company, things he’s not supposed to know about or ask about. Pretty soon, he’s facing murder charges, and some mighty scary characters are pursuing him. Meanwhile Alnour Barashi, a brilliant but embittered Muslim militant is planning to unleash a reign of terror in Atlanta–a newly weaponized form of the dread Ebola virus. If he succeeds, the results will be catastrophic.
Of course, I’m not going to tell you any more about the plot. Let’s just say that each chapter brings a new twist, a new shock, a new complication. There are fascinating subplots, too. Richard has issues that go back many years, grief over his late wife, and a relationship from his past that may still re-ignite. Or maybe not. Will it all work out? Will Atlanta be saved? Or will Richard be too late? Will he even survive? Read the book–you won’t put it down.
Plague is author “Buzz” Bernard’s second novel. The first one was good, but this one is even better. It’s well-written, with elegant language, graphic descriptions, and engaging characters. Although much of the story is implausible, author Bernard makes it believable. He draws you into the world of his story and doesn’t let you go. He’s done his homework, too. The material on Ebola and bio-terrorism is well-researched, and blends seamlessly into the story’s relentless action. And by the way, it could really happen. If you’re looking for a good, scary thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is just what you want. It’s excellent and I recommend it highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.
***
Relentless, Intriguing Thriller
By B.F. Spink on November 14, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Buzz Bernard’s second novel, Plague, is quite possibly the fastest-paced and most intriguing thriller of the twenty-first century. The characters are unforgettable . . . first: physically: from a hippie-type protagonist who happens to be a retired business genius recruited to keep a company afloat temporarily after its masterminds have all been killed in a plane crash, to a doctor so memorable the reader can almost hear his sandals repeatedly clip-clop whenever he appears . . . then: in the depth of their humanness as Bernard explores the gray areas of his characters’ souls: from the priority a man values his physical manhood vs. his ideals, to the perplexing dilemma of a minister contemplating pulling the trigger as the possible last stand against a horrific evil. As a mystery lover, there’s just enough conjecture for the reader to wonder exactly which characters are the good guys, a mix delivered with a delicious twist. And then there’s the plot which seems like an impossible mission, so much so we almost expect the tape to self-destruct once we’ve learned it. Yet in this day and age of terrorism and technology, its credibility makes it downright scary. The story frequently moves with almost heart-racing speed, so much so that calling it a “page-turner” doesn’t do it justice. Sometimes a book is so good the reader wishes it would never end. Plague is one of those books.
***
Timely, Frightening, Entirely Possible…
By Sharon Nelson on August 31, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
He’s done it again. This time it has nothing to do with weather. His subject is much more frightening in Plague. Mostly because as with the tornados and hurricanes he wrote about in the two previous books of his I devoured, it simply isn’t all that far-fetched. It could happen. Interestingly enough, I began reading it almost to the day that the news hit the media on every TV station here in the U.S. reporting almost exclusively on this particular plague. I won’t spoil it for you by elaborating. His research, as far as I can tell, was impeccable. His subject is at once fascinating and frightening. You won’t want to put it down! I was glued to my Kindle every spare minute.
***
By Rochelle Weber, Author, at Roses & Thorns Reviews on October 4, 2012
Format: Paperback
Holy cow! I am getting seriously sleep deprived. Thank goodness I didn’t have to be anywhere the other morning, because I was up until five-thirty a.m. reading this book. It was mesmerizing and horrifying, and I couldn’t put it down. I need to read a bad book. Something I can put down or fall asleep over.
I was raised Lutheran and converted to Catholic while I was married. After I read Salem’s Lot by Stephen King, I slept with both a Catholic Missal and a Lutheran Prayer Book for about six weeks. After reading Plague, I want to go out and buy a gas mask and never leave home without it. In fact, I’d like to give gas masks to my family for Christmas this year. What if? Mr. Bernard has obviously done his homework in terms of the science of bio-warfare. But, he’s also a great writer. His characters are well-drawn and real. His dialog flows nicely and is not stilted like Robin Cook’s. (The man tells a good story, but he should read his dialog aloud.) Mr. Bernard even manages to avoid comma splices for the most part–one of my pet peeves that most other people probably don’t notice. And he keeps you on the end of your seat, biting your nails, turning the page, and holding your breath. Oh yeah, you’ll hold your breath long after the book ends.
***
One plague everyone should catch
By Amazon Customer on August 17, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Great read. Loved the action and the characters. I started reading this without knowing a couple of key pieces of information (no spoilers). The ties to current happenings in Atlanta was bizarre and made it that much more fun to read. My only issue with the book is that it seemed unrealistic that Richard would have no interaction with other workers at the company beyond one initial mention of meetings with project managers.
Regardless of that, it was terrific.
***
By Annette Gisby on October 3, 2012
Format: Paperback
What would you do if you were infected by a disease that had no cure, no vaccine, no preventative at all? And what would happen if that disease was used in bio-terrorism and released in a crowded city?
I have never read anything by H. W. “Buzz” Bernard before, and in fact hadn’t heard of him until I got a copy of Plague to review. It’s a story that grabs you from the first page and never lets go until the last page is turned. I know it’s a cliché to say it is a page-turner, but it really is. I could hardly put it down wondering what was going to happen next.
I think it helped that our main character, Richard Wainwrigtht, interim CEO at BioDawn, was a sympathetic character, who’d just recently lost his wife and as he’s dealing with his grief, he’s also wondering what the heck is going on at his new company. Why is one building forbidden to him? And why is he being threatened by a German hit woman to stop asking questions and leave well alone?
Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a story if Richard had given in so easily, he’s determined to find out the truth, despite being framed for murder and on the run from the police and FBI. I’ve never been to Atlanta, but the author sets the tone well that you can almost feel the heat and humidity as you read. The author has a good turn of phrase and it was a fast, tightly-plotted book.
The book was well-written, with well-drawn characters. My one gripe would be that we as readers know quite early on what is planned with the terrorist attack and who is planning it. I would have preferred that to remain more of a mystery throughout the book so you wonder what is going on along with the FBI and CDC investigators rather than knowing things before them. The book is terrifying in a sense, because while this thriller is fiction, what transpires in it could easily happen in real life.
The parts on the symptoms of people suffering from the Ebola virus were a bit gruesome for me, so this is not a book for the faint of heart, but the author seems to have done his medical research as far as I could tell. And as just after I was reading about the Zaire strain of Ebola, it came up on a quiz programme as to what country it was named after. My husband wanted to know how I knew that. “It was in a book I’m reviewing.” So, it’s not only entertaining, but informative too.
An interesting read and I’ll certainly be looking out for more of this author’s work in future.
***
Scary, eye-opening, not-to-be-missed!
By Cheryl D. Kravetz on October 3, 2012
Format: Paperback
WOW!!! Plague by H.W. Bernard is quite a wild ride! What an amazingly, well-written, expertly-crafted book! I am originally from Atlanta and have relatives in the Roswell and Alpharetta area who I visit as often as I can. For that reason Plague hit close to home. The descriptions are all-too real and the story too believable. Well done, Mr. Bernard, well done. Plague is a book not to be missed.
***
By Kathy Terrell on September 30, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I read it in less than 2 days…nail-biting all the way…action-packed…breathing uneasily…it sure will make u think about a lot of things…how easy it would be…disaster…
You did it again, Buzz, and can’t wait for the next book! Wish u could turn them out as fast as I can read them. 🙂
Eagerly awaiting the next…
***
Buzz, you tend to scare the mess out of me every time!
By Carla J. Pantelakis on September 22, 2012
Format: Paperback
Buzz Bernard enlightened me yet again. I did not know the CDC and several other centers all over the world have samples of every known virus and bacteria ever to have existed, and that they are still viable. You want to take out billions of people, this would be a horrible way. Who needs Armageddon? The human race could do itself in.
I am in awe of his writing and the realism portrayed. He is the King of Disaster Novels!
***
By Dave Avis on June 23, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This gifted author is a magnificent wordcrafter in this fast moving novel of bio-terrorism. He develops the plot carefully and clearly. He also swiftly creates and presents the characters and the subplots as well. He has a wonderful grasp of the English language and expertly tells this intriguing story.
***
By Amazon Customer on June 1, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Very intriguing. Held my interest all the way through. A real page turner. Makes you wonder what if it really Happened today.
***
By Marie W. on May 22, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I wanted the story to go on. Couldn’t put the book down. What other books might he be writting? Fantastic!!!!!!!
***
By MaryAliece on March 1, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
I have read some of the other reviews, which I felt were a bit harsh.
I won’t get into the context of the story. At this point we all know what it’s about. Here are my bullet points:
. Entertaining
. Fast Read
. some good “on the edge of your seat ” moments
. definitely worth the $ and time.
While this may never be considered one of the literary greats, it kept my interest all the way through to the end and left me wanting more. That’s the sign of a good novel, In my opinion.
I have read all of the author’s books, and this is my favorite.
***
The terror of level four labs is real and is here
By Kenneth P. Lewison February 16, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Buzz Bernard brings the ever present reality of bioterrorism to life in this taunt presentation of the very real horror fanatics pose to all peoples.
***
Fast paced, thought provoking read
By Edisto Linda on January 29, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This was a fast read…I just wish there had been more of it! Buzz Bernard does his homework and weaves a network of characters that keeps the reader engaged. The twists make the story unpredictable, and so much fun to read…challenging the reader to think about the possibilities.
***
By SueB on January 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
In this day and age, this plotline line seems totally believable. After reading this, I have another reason to lie awake at night. Good job!!
Showing 21-30 of 51 reviews
By pat on January 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and kept your attention all the way through. The characters and their descriptions made them real and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes intrigue and a story that could actually happen.
***
By J. Ringold on December 29, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
totally enjoyed the story. toward the end I was up.till 2am because I couldn’t put it down. it was a great read.
***
By Carole Gates on December 18, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This book really makes you think about what can possibly happen. Even though you know that it’s fiction you wonder What if?
***
Ebola in Atlanta, one of the most highly traveled places in the world. Yikes!
By Jeanie on December 10, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Buzz Bernard made me go out and buy a dozen or so bottles of hand sanitizer! Holy smokes! He knows how to scare you with the truth. Besides EYEWALL, which made me plan an evacuation route, he gets the CDC in Atlanta involved in a biohazard terroristic threat that could really happen. We can only pray all those diseases stay where they are, on ice. Thanks, Buzz!
***
By Cozy Girl on December 3, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Terrifying, fascinating, thrilling, frightening…..all words I would use to describe Plague. Buzz succeeds in making you a part of what is happening in the story. As the story crescendos I found myself on the edge of my seat urging the characters to hurry!
Great read……great ride!!!
***
By William R. Jenkins on November 17, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
As a graduate biologist, the possibility explored in this book has always been on my mind. Someday, a virus, either natural or man-made may well be the end of us.
***
By Espressophile on November 14, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Was a real page-turner. Kept me engaged through the whole story. Was the first book I read by Buzz Bernard. I’d be inclined to check out some of his other books now.
***
Good story & interesting to read
By LIGram on November 4, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
It was a good story and interesting to read, but I thought that Bernard’s previous book (Eyewall) was absolutely fabulous, and this one didn’t quite meet that level in my opinion. It is, however, well worth reading.
***
By Read A Lot on July 20, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was good if a little far-fetched in places, but that is what fiction is.
Read it in one sitting because I wanted to know what the good guy was going to do next.
There were enough twists and turns to keep you wondering who were the goodies and who
were the baddies.
***
By Patricia Kain on August 18, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Second book of his I read and enjoyed it a lot although it was kind of creepy because the “Ebola ” is now in this country and it makes the book more real. Well written, the author is a great writer, I will read him again.
***
By Thad R. Edmonds on September 15, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
If you are looking for a good and quick read, this book will do. Enjoyed the plot and the characters. Not a lot of fluff, just a good story.
***
By xmorg on September 18, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
While pushing plausibility of many of the events, the overall story line was very intriguing.
***
By William S. Towers on August 13, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Excellent book. Easy reading and very real content, especially today.
***
By SFwriter on October 12, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Frighteningly believable. This is an edge-of-the-seat read from page 1. Bernard is in the same league as Crichton in my opinion.
***
By Debbie on September 24, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Fans of Hotzone will love this. Well written story will send chills down your spine. Can’t wait to pass on this one to my friends.
.I also read Eyewall and loved it. Keep um coming Buzz.
***
By Sarah Rose on July 10, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
If you like this KIND of book, this is one of the best of this kind of book I have read. Compelling read, a real page turner. If you know you like plague books, you will like this one.
***
By Bree Zee on July 9, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Plague is both well-written and fast paced. The characters are fully developed and three dimensional. Each one gives a breadth and depth to the story with their point of view. I do have two criticisms. The info dumps that author used to convey his research on Ebola and biowarfare became a little tedious and I often skipped over those parts. The other was the ending. I found it a bit contrived and was disappointed. However, I do enjoy Mr. Bernard’s work and will seek out other stories.
***
By B Hudson on June 25, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Absolutely love this author. Very good read. Actually liked Eye Wall a little better and cannot wait for more from Buzz Bernard.
***
YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN
By George L Conway on May 1, 2013
Format: Paperback
Strap in for this one because it never slows down. Buzz Bernard’s PLAGUE is a spell binding race against time to prevent a biological Armageddon with Atlanta ground zero of a lone, homegrown terrorist bent upon destroying America. The characters are believable and the story all too possible. PLAGUE will make you question the safety of your way of life.
***
Horrifying, All-too-believable Premise
By L. Jenkins on February 9, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
This book captured my full attention very early on. The tension and suspense never let up and there are several plot twists that surprised and entertained me. The premise is horrifying and all too believable. Richard Wainwright steps into a temporary position at a pharmaceutical company for what should be an easy opportunity for a change of scenery and fresh start. Richard has a head for business and an eye for detail. He barely hangs his coat up in his new corporate digs when he discovers a mysterious locked building and learns there is a reclusive, eccentric scientist in charge of a top secret program there. Being the tenacious bull dog that he is, he picks at the puzzle. When he is threatened, he becomes even more convinced that something is severely amiss. Instead of retreating, he ramps up his inquiries.
Flawlessly flowing prose and electrifying discourse kept the entertainment level high for me. There are plenty of suspicious characters with unsavory motives and even a few unexpected allies. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down because I became so involved in wanting to know what would happen next. This story is well worth the read as pure entertainment, but it also reminds the reader to be vigilant against those forces in the world that wish only to bring death and destruction. These zealots exist, and it is their desire to find and exploit weakness given any opportunity.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
***
Intriguing thriller with a little something for all
By Nichole on February 2, 2013
Format: Paperback
First, thanks to Library Thing for offering this book in the Early Reviewers program. I was recently in Atlanta, GA so all the landmarks and geography were fresh in my mind, which is always a good thing when reading because it helps me with my scenery. And, I’m currently in love with Oregon, so those scenes also appealed to me.
I was especially appreciative of the author’s ability to explain virology in interesting, layperson terms. I do like to learn when I read, but don’t want it to feel like a textbook. Another procedural point I appreciated was how the author used bold print with the first few words in a paragraph, when indicating a change of location within a section. Since there were several story-lines leading up to a final intersection, it made transition within those stories much easier for the reader.
I certainly don’t want to give away too much about the plot because this novel definitely kept my mind working. I loved the romantic overtures and sexual tension within the story line of Richard Wainright and various female characters, but also was pleased with the morality within the same story-line. I feel it proves that an author can insert romance without being trashy, keeping the reader’s brain out of the gutter and in a healthier place. I was very surprised at a few of the characters that were eliminated – thought I knew where the author was going, but no, he caught me going left when I thought he was going right.
I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys medical/science thrillers, a little espionage-like feel, mystery, intrigue, romance, and a little on the edge-of-your-seat reading. I would definitely read more novels by Buzz Bernard.
***
This will haunt me for a long time!
By cbsullivan on October 22, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition
I thought this was a great read. The plot was both terrifying and believable and I thought the characters were well-drawn. I read it in two days, because I just didn’t want to put it down. If you like action-packed catastrophe books, you will really enjoy this one. I look forward to his next book!
***
You’re going to like this thriller: I guarantee it!
By Freelancer on September 30, 2012
Format: Paperback
If you like Baldacci, Flynn, Child, Thor, et al, you’re going to enjoy (if that’s the right word; more like stay up all night) reading Plague by Buzz Bernard. The suspense is real, the characters unique and the plot in a constant state of panic. You find yourself quickly identifying with the protagonist as he (and you) try to save the U.S. from an unspeakable terrorist horror: Ebola virus.
***
By Amazon Customer on September 2, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
VERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***
Just a couple of catnaps in 48 hours due to this author…
By Shawna Newton on December 29, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
So, okay, I get a new book, Eyewall, from a new author and then get so hooked, I’m going to be suffering from withdrawals until the release of his third novel.
The best way to explain Plague is by comparing it to this author’s previous book, Eyewall.
Plague is different from Eyewall in how I reacted emotionally to them:
1. With Eyewall, I was on a giant roller coaster and gasping with each crest….and couldn’t get off. That is a page-turner dealing with a killer hurricane and a plane that gets stuck inside of it (and, as if that weren’t enough, there are other tense situations going on at the same time).
2. With Plague, I begged the control person to stop the thing for a breather here and there. The immense climbs would take my breath away and leave my head spinning for a few minutes. So, yes, I’d have to take a bit of time to go do something else (mundane, like fold the laundry) so I could assimilate my emotions and new knowledge better.
I mean, really, it does give one quite a pause to read a story that is so realistically plausible that “what if” becomes very scary. It wasn’t the descriptions about how the virus attacked the human body as much as the overwhelming sense of sadness at the cruelty of it…not only on a single scale but potential MASS annihilation that was so hard to stomach.
The twists with the characters were really, really, good and I loved those, “oh, check this out!” moments like with our knife-loving blonde. THAT was a trip to read.
Okay, if I say much more, there will be spoilers. GET THE BOOK.
In fact, if you haven’t done so already, GET THEM BOTH. You won’t be sorry. But do be forewarned: you may not get much sleep for a day or two…
***
By Herbert Babcock on September 12, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Excellent book
***
By Frances W. Wood on November 12, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I wasn’t sure about it at first, never having read this author, but it became a real page-turner. I would recommend it to others.
***
This author destined fir full price books right away!
By Ms. Arlene R. Schiek on October 17, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Gripping, believable biological weapons of mass destruction.
Found myself literally holding my breath towards the end. Couldn’t read fast enough to get ahead of the action.
Would be very surprised if movie options aren’t picked up on this
***
Bio-Terrorism Attack On U.S. Soil Action Thriller
By VicG on January 15, 2013
Format: Paperback
- W. “Buzz” Bernard in his new book, Plague published by Bell Bridge Books takes us into the life of Richard Wainwright in the search for a lone bio-terrorist.From the back cover: In only a matter of days, 9/11 and the destruction of the Twin Towers will be rivaled by a lone-wolf terrorist attack on America.Atlanta is targeted as Ground Zero for the most horrifying plague in modern times.Deep in the secret recesses of a Cold War lab, the Russians created tons of deadly bio-weapons. Now, decades later, a protégé of that Russian research is about to release weaponized Ebola into the heart of the South’s most iconic city: Atlanta, where the symbols of American “decadence” range from a happily diverse population to the Coca-Cola museum and CNN building.A preliminary test of the horrifying virus demonstrates the unspeakable suffering of its victims-and alerts the Centers for Disease Control that a terrible pandemic is in the making. CDC Virologist Dr. Dwight Butler begins a frantic effort to track down the source before it’s too late.
For new BioDawn CEO Richard Wainwright, it quickly becomes clear that the “accidental” plane crash that killed the pharmaceutical company’s entire executive hierarchy may have some connection to the evolving threat. Suddenly Richard is being stalked by a hit woman. He and Butler join forces to find the lone terrorist at the center of a plan that could unleash a modern Black Plague on the western world.
The late Michael Crichton would look at technology and science, figure out what could go wrong and then write about it terrifying us along the way. When he died I didn’t find anyone who took his place. The good news is H. W. “Buzz” Bernard has stepped up to fill that void. Not only is he a little bit Mr. Crichton he is also a little Arthur Hailey who gave us, among other things, Airport. Plague is a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you almost, frantically, flip pages reading as fast as you can. Mr. Bernard has given us a very exciting thriller set against the backdrop of bio-terrorism in a major American city: Atlanta. When you consider that Atlanta is one of the major hubs then any outbreak of disease there will rapidly spread across America. Now it is up to Richard Wainwright and Dwight Butler to find the man who wants to commit mass murder, stop him and destroy this new disease. Not only is this a very exciting book but it is all the more terrifying as the events here could happen. Mr. Bernard has given us a lot to consider as we enjoy this thriller. Well done and give us more quickly!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
***
A chilling reminder of just how close this can become a reality!
By Pirate2240 on January 16, 2013
Format: Paperback
“In 2008, a congressional commission warned, ‘given a high-level of know-how needed to use disease as a weapon to cause mass casualties, the United States should be less concerned that terrorists will become biologists and far more concerned that biologists will become terrorists.'”
If you’re looking for an edge of your seat suspense thriller that has the potential to become a reality dealing with creating genetically enhanced biological viruses that could be used as the ultimate in terrorist weapons, then check out the latest novel, Plague from H.W. “Buzz” Bernard. It really makes you as a reader consider the effects of someone with the knowledge to combine some of the world’s deadliest virus’ into the ultimate weapons without being able to fight back with a known cure. This one really had me pulling up websites and honestly checking out how much is fiction versus fact and it is chilling when you thoroughly do some research on your own.
In this novel, a lone terrorists with a strong background in molecular biology from studying and working in Russia and even the United States. Now armed with that knowledge of working with various strains of Ebola, of which there is no known cure, he has managed to create a mutated version that can be spread as easily through the air as the common cold or flu. After a successful test in Atlanta, he prepares to launch a full-scale attack that would make 9/11 look like child’s play.
Richard Wainwright has been offered a job that brings him out of retirement to become the new temporary CEO of BioDawn, a pharmaceutical company that has various branches around the world. When he begins to investigate the financials and the background of the company, he finds himself at the wrong end of an assassin’s lethal weapon. He’s advised to simply stop looking into the company background any further and simply put his time in and collect a paycheck, but that is out of character for Richard who has a background as a former Marine and doesn’t take to kindly to be asked to back off.
Dr. Dwight Butler is the leading expert for the Centers of Disease Control or CDC on what is considered Level 4 viruses and when a local hospital contacts him with what they believe to be a case of Ebola in the United States, his job is about to get very interesting and very dangerous. Soon he learns that this one case of Ebola has taken on characteristics that are unusual and he can’t figure out how the virus is spreading so rapidly between the hospital staff, doctors and the family members of the victim. It’s not supposed to spread like it is and if he can’t figure it out, the Black Plague is about to be unleashed like never before in the United States and the effects will be devastating.
I received Plague by H.W. Buzz Bernard compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Bell Bridge Books for my honest review. This is a chilling reminder of just how close we stand on how biological weapons could be used against us by terrorists in the very near and real future. It also teaches us how certain viruses such as Ebola can wreak havoc on an entire country and there still is currently no known cure for it. The potential for it to be used as a biological weapon is cause for concern and something I can only hope our country is potentially planning for. It seems like the greatest tragedies to befall us will come from the air. For those of you that love books with a twist on the ordinary but guaranteed to keep you thinking about things long after you’ve read them, you’ll want to pick this one up. I rate this a 5 out of 5 stars and once again think that Buzz Bernard has hit a home run with this one. I hope there is a sequel to this one!
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By Linda D. Waldron on January 3, 2013
Format: Paperback
I enjoyed Eyewall and this was even better!! It keeps you guessing right up to the end, Buzz does it again! Who is going to do this and how is he? Will Atlanta be wiped out? You will love this book!