Step into the thrilling world of Tory Brennan and her Virals crew, where science fiction meets mystery in a whirlwind of adventure! The Virals series by Kathy Reichs, co-authored with her son Brendan Reichs, follows 14-year-old Tory Brennan, the great-niece of famed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan from the Bones series. Living on a secluded island off Charleston, South Carolina, Tory and her tech-savvy friends stumble into a secret that changes their lives forever: a canine parvovirus that grants them superhuman abilities. With a mix of heart-pounding suspense, coming-of-age drama, and a dash of sci-fi, this young adult series is perfect for readers craving a unique blend of brains and bravery.
From solving cold-case murders to outsmarting shadowy villains, Tory and her pack navigate adolescence while harnessing their newfound powers. If you love stories where friendship, courage, and a sprinkle of the extraordinary collide, the Virals series is your next obsession!
How Tory Brennan / Virals Began
Kathy Reichs, a renowned forensic anthropologist and author of the Temperance Brennan novels, ventured into young adult fiction with Virals, inspired by her desire to craft a story for younger readers. The series, launched in 2010, was a collaboration with her son Brendan, whose fresh perspective helped shape its youthful energy. Drawing from her expertise in science and crime, Reichs created a world where Tory, a curious and headstrong teen, mirrors her aunt Tempe’s knack for solving mysteries. The idea of a virus granting superpowers added a sci-fi twist, making the series stand out in the YA landscape.
The Heart of Tory Brennan / Virals
The Virals series kicks off with Virals (2010), where Tory and her friends—Hiram, Ben, and Shelton—rescue a wolfdog pup from a secret lab on Loggerhead Island. Exposed to an experimental parvovirus, they gain enhanced senses and reflexes, which they use to crack a decades-old murder case. In Seizure (2011), the pack hunts for pirate treasure to save their research institute, facing rival treasure hunters and their own unpredictable powers. Code (2013) pits them against a mysterious “Gamemaster” in a deadly geocaching game, while Terminal (2015) wraps up the series with a showdown against rogue Virals infected by a supervirus.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Charleston’s marshlands and islands, the series blends forensic science with fantasy, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the ethical use of power. Tory’s leadership and the group’s loyalty shine through, making their adventures relatable yet exhilarating. Reichs’ crisp writing and knack for suspense keep readers hooked, with each book upping the stakes and diving deeper into the Virals’ evolving abilities.
Why Tory Brennan / Virals Resonates
The Virals series has carved a niche in young adult fiction, blending scientific intrigue with accessible, action-packed storytelling. Fans praise its strong female protagonist, Tory, whose intelligence and grit inspire readers. The series’ focus on teamwork and problem-solving resonates with teens, while its sci-fi elements appeal to fans of speculative fiction. Though less mainstream than Reichs’ adult novels, Virals has a dedicated following, with readers on platforms like Goodreads lauding its fast pace and clever mysteries. Its influence lies in showing how science can fuel adventure, encouraging curiosity in young readers.
- Publication Years: 2010–2016
- Number of Books: 5 novels, 4 novellas
- Awards: Nominated for the 2010 Agatha Award for Best Children/Young Adult Fiction
Dive into Virals and join Tory’s pack for a wild ride through mystery and mayhem! Whether you’re a fan of Bones or just love a good adventure, this series will keep you guessing until the final page.