Title: After the Cure
Author: Deirdre Gould
First published August 1, 2013
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.84
Overview
An epidemic swept through the earth eight years ago, turning the infected humans into violent beings who killed without a second thought. But six years ago, a cure was found, and the infected began to regain their humanity.
Now, society is on the brink of a breakthrough and is ready to seek justice for the December Plague. Nella Rider, the court psychologist, and Frank Courtlen, a defense attorney, are on a mission to find the truth about the outbreak.
As they race against time to uncover the secrets, they realize that the fate of humanity is at stake. After the Cure is the first book in the After the Cure Series, followed by The Cured, Krisis, Poveglia, and The 40th Day.
Editoral Review
Deirdre Gould’s After the Cure is a breathtaking dystopian novel that will leave readers speechless. Gould, who is well-known for her works in science fiction, delivers yet another spellbinding, unputdownable read.
The story takes place twenty-five years after a mysterious virus—the Mengele virus—nearly wiped out humanity. Those who survived, known as the Changed, were left with significant cognitive and physical enhancements.
The survivors and the Changed have created new societies and are grappling to build a new world.
Gould’s characters are as fascinating as they are human.
We follow two protagonists, Kate and Ethan, as they navigate their way through the new, harsh world. Kate is determined to find her daughter no matter what it takes, while Ethan is a former soldier, trying to come to terms with his new superhero powers.
They meet and their stories converge as they are thrust into a conflict between the Changed and the Normal population.
The post-apocalyptic setting and unique premise of the novel make it incredibly engaging.
Gould’s writing is top-notch, and her descriptions of the world-building are immersive. The pacing is perfect, gravity increasing as the story progresses, and the climax is astonishing.
However, After the Cure is not without its shortcomings. The biggest flaw in the novel is the lack of depth in certain areas.
Additionally, while the premise is unique, the story does not deviate from the general courses of post-apocalyptic dystopian novels.
Despite these shortcomings, After the Cure is a must-read book for fans of dystopian fiction.
It is an enjoyable, thought-provoking read that will have readers musing about survival, humanity, and hope. Gould’s outstanding storytelling serves to highlight the themes of the novel.
If you’re looking for a bearable, engaging dystopian novel, then this is the book for you.
Washington Post is pleased to give After the Cure a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.