We return to a world of teenagers with genetic mutations in Code, book three of the Virals series by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs. The book continues the adventures of Tory Brennan and her pack as they get drawn into yet another mysterious adventure, one with deadly consequences. When a geocache is marked on Loggerhead Island the four teenagers decide to try and find it. Upon doing so they find themselves with a clue that might lead to a second cache. Being curious they decide to try and find the next one. However, things start becoming dangerous when they discover that they are at risk from bombs and being shot at, amongst other things. What makes things worse is that they are essentially being blackmailed to continue. The man behind these mysterious events, who refers to himself as the Gamemaster, threatens to detonate more bombs throughout Charleston if they tell anybody. On top of all of this they also have to deal with Tory’s upcoming Cotillion debut that absolutely none of them are looking forward to and they have to deal with the continued suspicion of Chance Claybourne about their abilities. It sounds like they might be pretty close to being in over their heads this time.
Honestly, I really like this series. Each book contains a stand-alone mystery that only loosely ties into the continuing storyline of the powers or abilities the teenagers have developed. It creates an interesting blend that I like. The mystery is well developed and plotted out and the ultimate solving of the mystery ends up being reliant upon the continued development of the powers the Virals have. In this case, it ends up being Tory’s stubbornness and insistence on developing and controlling the semi-random telepathy they seem to have. The level of detail that is utilized in each of these mysteries is incredible and is superbly integrated throughout the overall storyline. Not only the details of the mystery but also the details of their developing powers. The balance between the two plotlines is superb and well done. A lot of stories end up putting more focus on one element over the other but I don’t really feel like this series does that. It really does feel supremely well balanced. In addition to great plot development though this series also exhibits great character development. Each book adds extra layers and complexity to the characters. I know we primarily see this in Tory Brennan, the main protagonist, but we also see it in some of the other characters, like the other Virals, as well. One of the things I most enjoy about a book is getting to know the characters and I feel like with this book we are really starting to see past the surface of the characters. I say that because this book helps show how the events of the last year are actually affecting the characters. Tory in particular has gone through a lot in the last year and she finally starts showing how that affects her. We also see similar things with some of the other characters as Ben starts showing more depth as well on some things, specifically his feelings towards Tory. I think by adding this depth to the characters it also adds more depth to the overall story. A great addition to the series and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am happy to give this book four out of five stars.
As you may have gathered this book, and the rest of the series, is aimed at young adults. This is something that I would agree with as that is the age range of the characters with them all being teenagers. I will also state that I could see this series holding some appeal for adult readers as well if they happen to enjoy a story that is part science-fiction and part mystery. That being said, I am unsure if it would be overly suitable for readers younger than their teens as it does deal with some potentially violent and sensitive topics. In terms of genre this book is part science-fiction and part mystery so I would think it would hold appeal for readers who enjoy either of those genres, especially for readers who enjoy a crossover of those genres. While it might hold appeal for other readers it would probably be limited in scope. I still think it is a pretty good series overall and would suggest that you should consider trying it anyway if it sounds like you might enjoy it. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments as always.