The Carolina Variant by Brooke L. French (Book Review #1655)

Title: Unraveling the Web of Intrigue in “The Carolina Variant”

Brooke L. French’s gripping novel, “The Carolina Variant,” unfolds a riveting tale of intrigue, conspiracy, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of a deadly virus. As Tess Oliver, a determined young lawyer with an extraordinary memory, stumbles upon a cryptic document, her life becomes entangled in a web of danger that stretches from a forest crash site to the highest echelons of pharmaceutical power.

The narrative seamlessly weaves together the lives of Tess and Landon Park, a retired Navy airman, as they grapple with a mutated form of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, designed to be a devastating, selective killing machine. French masterfully builds tension as Landon’s charter plane crash becomes a catalyst for a potentially catastrophic outbreak. The urgency intensifies when Tess, driven by an unshakable feeling that she must do more, embarks on a quest to thwart those seeking to unleash the virus on a massive scale.

The characters are richly developed, and their paths intersect against the backdrop of a city in chaos. French skillfully introduces Mara Nunez, a disease detective, who uncovers the sinister motives behind the outbreak, and Warren “Sully” Sullivan, the CEO of Maeler Pharmaceutical, who hides crucial information about the vaccine development.

The unfolding events, including a gripping abduction, a torturous interrogation, and a daring rescue, keep readers on the edge of their seats. French paints a vivid picture of a city in the throes of a deadly epidemic, with outbreak containment measures, political intrigue, and ethical dilemmas adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

The story takes unexpected turns, revealing hidden agendas, personal vendettas, and the moral complexities of those involved. The final confrontation between Tess, Landon, and the orchestrators of the outbreak delivers both emotional and action-packed moments, leaving readers breathless.

French skillfully addresses societal issues, including the disproportionate impact of the virus on communities of color, and explores the lengths some individuals will go to in the name of misguided beliefs. The narrative delves into the darker side of human nature, highlighting the consequences of fanaticism and the resilience needed to combat it.

In the end, “The Carolina Variant” delivers a satisfying and well-executed resolution, offering a glimpse into the aftermath of the outbreak. French beautifully captures the spirit of recovery, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. As Tess and Landon find solace on a porch swing, readers are left with a sense of hope amid the echoes of a city rebuilding itself.

“The Carolina Variant” is a rollercoaster of suspense, emotion, and ethical exploration, making it a must-read for fans of thrilling and thought-provoking fiction. Brooke L. French’s storytelling prowess shines through, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s imagination.

Written by Jeyran Main

Click here to feature your book in the Review Tales Magazine.