3 1/2 stars

Kind of conflicted about this rating to be honest. It was an enjoyable read, for the most part... as far as the end of civilization can be enjoyable. It was also disconcerting to be reading about a virus that is the demise of mankind when there is a real time virus raging through the planet and though it probably won't be the demise of mankind, nobody knows what the long term ramifications on society will be. Not to mention the extent of the economic fallout. Or, ya know, if I'll actually survive it once I inevitably contract it. I ain't getting any younger.

This is a long book first of all. And it starts slow. The characters are cardboard cutouts and very stereotypical. You know, we've seen them over and over again. The self-righteous scientist. The weakling man of god. The bigoted, right-winger asshole gun nut. The contrary, stubborn teenager. None of them are particularly compelling nor likable. The love stories are poorly done and not believable. The whole political thing completely transparent and truthfully could have been left out all together. Sounds like I hated it doesn't it?

There is a good story here even if flawed. I liked the world building even though I kind of hated the world, lol. I don't really know why I liked this but it keeps you turning the pages. Sometimes that's all I ask for. Sometimes. And you know. Not to experience end times.