The Eden Plague by David VanDyke

Rule#1: Try not to shoot your future wife.

Veteran combat medic Daniel Markis reacts on instinct against armed invaders in his home. Who is the man he kills, the woman he shoots, and what is the Eden Plague? Fleeing the shadowy Company, Daniel turns to fellow soldiers. He fights back, seeks the woman, and wants answers. A secret threatens world stability and a conspiracy could change everything.

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A refreshing twist on the disease-driven apocalypse! David VanDyke explores the cost of a virus that does more good than harm, but at a price not typically considered in my opinion. How would our mortal bodies react to the introduction of genetic material that encouraged a heightened morality as well as immortality?

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What I liked:

I enjoyed the fast-paced action, military jargon and operational details, and the exploration into the human psyche upon the introduction of a pathogen designed to "make" people better.. I also liked how the author uses our bodies natural function and turns it against itself regarding what the virus does to the characters both mentally and physically. I won't spoil it, but as a former Pre-med student, it's an aspect of immuno-biology not typically considered in SciFi.

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What I didn't like:

One of my favorite characters (that I thought would last throughout the series) died early on. Not cool, Dave. Not cool! 

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Overall, I gave The Eden Plague a solid 4 stars and continued with the series into volume #2: Reapers Run. Keep an eye out for my review of that installment next week.