But I Smile Anyway…

Today I am introducing you to my first proper Sci-fi read!

The Blurb

The Hero Virus tells the thrilling story of Chris Taylor, who is hanging on to life by a thread. Recently widowed, his only reason to carry on is his faithful Labrador, but even that doesn’t stop his willingness to gamble with death every day. When his companion suffers a violent demise, Taylor thinks he has nothing left to live for, until he discovers he has chanced upon a precious gift… when he gets very ill.

The sickness gives him powers and, fairly soon, the authorities are swooping on to the ever-increasing list of cases. The Hero Virus might be different to other illnesses, but it’s no less dangerous. The effect it has on the world, though, is wildly different to any other virus that has come before. The unique reaction of the human body to infection means that everyone wants it. And some will do anything to get it.

How do you stop a pandemic when there are people who will kill for the virus? How do you stop people getting infected when they’re willing to die for it? How do you stop the infected when they have abilities nobody has ever seen before?

My Review

The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll be the first to admit that sci-fi isn’t a genre I have ever picked up before, but never let it be said that I judge a book by its cover (genre)!
When I read the blurb, it intrigued me, and I have to say that I immediately invested in the story.
The main character, Chris Taylor, is in the throes of grief, with only his dog for comfort and company. When suddenly, his companion was cruelly taken from him, I was in bits!
But then, and this is where the sci-fi bit starts, Taylor wakes after a bout of illness with super strength unlike anything anyone has seen before.
I won’t go into all the details because you must read it all for yourself, but wow! The way the virus that Chris contracted mysteriously begins to spread and its effect on those who get it is all a bit crazy!
It’s like reading about COVID on steroids! None of us wanted that, but people were clamouring to get infected by this new Hero Virus, and no amount of cordoning off areas worked.
I know it’s fiction, and sci-fi at that, but I was picturing the rather famous places written about, and as unimaginable things happened, they were playing out in my head.
I’m glad I spread my genre wings!

Purchase Links

About The Author

The Hero Virus is the second novel from Russell Dumper, after releasing Britannia Rises to widespread acclaim last year, winning him three categories in the 2024 Bookstagram Awards, for Debut Author, Thriller and Historical Fiction. He lives in the east of England with his family and still has many more books in the pipeline. Next, he will be concentrating on The Britannia Series, more of which will be released in the near future.

Instagram handle – russ2000_uk