ARC Review - Contaminated by Em Garner

 

Contaminated by Em Garner

Goodreads Summary:  After the Contamination—an epidemic caused by the super-trendy diet drink SlimPro that turned ordinary citizens into violent, uncontrollable creatures—the government rounded up the “Connies” to protect the remaining population. Now, two years later, the rehabilitated are being allowed home, complete with shock collars that will either control, or kill, them.

Velvet Ellis has struggled to care for her ten-year-old sister since her parents were taken in the round up. When she finds her mother in one of the “Kennels,” Velvet resolves to do whatever it takes to put her family back together. But the danger isn’t over. It’s beginning all over again…

Gritty and grabbing, Velvet is a harrowing, emotionally charged novel for fans of Carrie Ryan and The Walking Dead.

My Take:  Let me start by saying, I'm not a fan of scary, zombie books.  My husband LOVES The Walking Dead, but I am too scared to watch it with him. However, I really enjoyed reading Contaminated (I actually read it in one day).  This book was so much more than just a bunch of SlimPro zombies taking over a town.  Velvet, the main character, is only seventeen years old, and she must learn how to apply for government assistance, care for her ten year old sister and hold down a full time job.  She is an incredible female character who demonstrates determination and perseverance, just to name a couple qualities.  The premise behind a genetically modified weight loss product turning people into zombies, was almost believable.  I think in this day and age, there are so many genetically modified products in the food we eat, and we have no real idea how any of them will actually affect us.  Overall, the concept of this story was well thought out, not too graphic, in terms of zombies, and contained a very strong female lead. 

Release Date:  July 23, 2013

Books similar:  Shadow Children Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix