The book has its problems that can be seen easily in the light of 2022; a white guy wrote some sterotypical characters and plays into those stereotypes. As a scientist, I'm also endlessly irritated by the idea that scientists (even army scientists) can and would make something so deadly. Nature can be deadly on its own too. All that said, the overarching story is still incredible, with some great twists. I read the uncut version, and found that although there were some sections that could have done better with a little editing, the pacing was good and engaging and I thought it was an easy read with a satisfying ending. Was Kojak my favorite character? LOL. Probably.