Return to Q Island by Russell James

MLG Publishing, 2017

ISBN-13: 978-1546357209

Available:  Paperback, Kindle edition

Return to Q Island is the sequel to Q Island (see my previous review for Monster Librarian at http://www.monsterlibrarian.com/TheCirculationDesk/book-review-q-island-by-russell-james/).  The paleovirus, spread by bite and spores that erupt from the bodies of the stricken, has overtaken the government-quarantined Long Island, long since nicknamed Q Island. Residents are turning into killers. The quarantine has separated family and friends.

Patrick is in Connecticut, bereft of his mother and pregnant sister. When he loses contact with them and sees the money he leaves in an account for them is untouched, he is compelled to break into the island millions want to leave. His only option to break in is to join up with an illegal safari hunting the infected, as a guide. Patrick discovers his role is closer to that of a slave than a guide, and the infected are even more dangerous than he once thought.

While Patrick is beginning his venture, his sister Kim gives birth to a surprisingly healthy Charlotte on the island. Kim discovers she must protect herself and her daughter from attacks not only by the infected, but by family and the community as well. As Kim fights for their survival, she finds out that Charlotte is very special, to human and paleo alike.

The sequel makes a sharp separation from the first novel, in that we see a completely changed world, and a departure from the characters in Q Island. It was interesting to see James’ vision of the quarantined island, and how the disease has affected humanity, for good or ill. It’s even more terrifying than the first book. There were a few times I actually had to put the book down for a second before continuing, simply because it was so intense. There are also significant character arcs that happen for Patrick and Kim, as well as for a few of the ancillary characters that help to define our main characters. Recommended for adult readers.

Contains: abuse, body horror, gore, graphic violence, rape

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker