Human-Wolf hybrids hunting for pirate treasure. That almost doesn’t sound like it could be a real book but in Seizure, book two of the Virals series by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs, there really are human-wolf hybrids hunting for pirate treasure. The book opens with Tory Brennan and her friends experimenting in order to figure out what exactly happens when they flare and have access to their wolf-like abilities. They quickly end up in a bit of a tricky situation when they discover that their pack is going to be split up. Due to the events surrounding their previous adventure and a lack of funds, the research institute on Loggerhead Island where their parents work is at risk of being shutdown for good. If that happens their parents will need to find alternate work meaning that they will probably have to move. Deciding that they are not going to let that happen the Virals decide they are going to find an alternate source of funding for the institute and keep it from closing. After exploring several alternate options Tory discovers there are rumors of pirate treasure in the Charleston area that was buried by notorious female pirate Anne Bonny. Naturally this means that Tory is dead set on finding that treasure even when things take a dangerous turn.
This book was great but it was one of the weirder blends of concepts and themes that I have come across. Teenagers dealing with genetic mutations resulting in some kind of powers that decide to try and find pirate treasure of all things. I mean seriously, what prompted this kind of combination. That being said, the way the story is laid out it actually feels pretty natural for this group of teenagers to decide to try and find pirate treasure. In the previous book they did set the bar for being able to solve old and unusual mysteries for seemingly nothing more than minor curiosity and a want to help. For a group of teenagers, even a group of powered teenagers, they are pretty resourceful to actually pull off what they do. Actually, the continuing development of their powers is one of the things I find most fascinating about this series. The characters are really starting to gain an understanding of what they are able to do and how they are able to do so, at least in part. Previously, they were really only able to flare when they felt threatened but now three out of the four are able to flare whenever they want to. Ben still struggles to flare at will and Tory apparently flares at random. This actually comes close to getting her in trouble a few times. They also start to discover other things about their powers such as how they each have one sense that is stronger than their others or how only Tory is able to make the other Virals flare or to flare multiple times in a row. This added depth and understanding of their powers allow for more flexibility in how they are used in the story. It also helps to flesh out the characters and exhibit the differences between each member of the Virals. They may all have the same base powers but they have minor fluctuations so they are still ultimately different in terms of strengths and skillsets. I like how this is developing and am curious about how it will continue to develop in the future. This book is getting 4.5 out of 5 stars from me.
I know this book is a young adult science-fiction novel but I think it could potentially hold some appeal for a slightly wider audience. The main genre is science-fiction but there are times it comes across as being closer to fantasy, primarily due to the powers the characters have developed, so this book could appeal to readers of either genre. It is also at least in part a mystery series so it could appeal to readers who enjoy a good mystery. This particular book is also heavily focused on pirates so if you happen to enjoy stories about pirate treasure you may enjoy it. In terms of age range, this book is primarily aimed at the young adult or teen age range as that is the age of the characters. The book deals a lot with the typical problems of that age range such as worry about fitting in and making friends so I don’t necessarily see it holding a lot of appeal for a younger audience. I am not sure if it would hold appeal for an older audience but I don’t see why it wouldn’t if it sounds like something they might enjoy. My suggestion is if it sounds interesting you should consider trying it. As always feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.