Step into the thrilling world of Virals, where teenage sleuths with wolf-like powers unravel mysteries in the sultry streets of Charleston, South Carolina! The Virals series, a dynamic collaboration between forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs and her son Brendan, blends pulse-pounding adventure, forensic science, and a dash of sci-fi fantasy. Centered on Tory Brennan, the great-niece of Reichs’s famed Temperance Brennan from the Bones series, this young adult saga follows a group of friends who gain extraordinary abilities after a rogue experiment, setting them on a path to solve cold cases and dodge danger.
With its unique mix of gritty crime-solving and supernatural flair, Virals captivates readers who crave fast-paced stories with brainy protagonists. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries or just love a good underdog tale, this series offers a fresh twist on the YA genre that’s hard to resist.
How Virals Began
The Virals series was born from Brendan Reichs’s spark of genius, with Kathy Reichs bringing her forensic expertise to the table. Inspired by the success of her adult Temperance Brennan novels, Kathy teamed up with her son, a lawyer-turned-writer, to craft a YA spin-off that retained her signature scientific rigor but added a fantastical edge. The idea? Take a group of teens, toss in a mysterious virus, and set them loose in Charleston’s coastal marshes to uncover secrets. Launched in 2010, the series quickly gained traction for its clever blend of CSI-style sleuthing and X-Men-esque powers.
The Heart of Virals
The series kicks off with Virals (2010), where 14-year-old Tory Brennan and her friends—Hi, Shelton, and Ben—rescue a wolfdog from a shady lab on Loggerhead Island. Their act of heroism exposes them to an experimental canine parvovirus, granting them heightened senses and strength, dubbed 'flaring.' They use these powers to crack a decades-old murder case, navigating Charleston’s elite Bolton Academy and its social minefield. In Seizure (2011), the stakes rise as the Virals hunt for hidden pirate treasure to save their island home, dodging ruthless enemies. Code (2013) pits them against a deadly game master orchestrating life-or-death puzzles, while Terminal (2015) wraps the saga with a showdown against rival Virals infected by a rogue strain.
Themes of loyalty, resilience, and self-discovery pulse through the series, with Charleston’s humid, history-soaked setting adding a vivid backdrop. The Reichs duo masterfully weaves forensic science into the narrative, grounding the fantastical elements in believable detail. Tory’s headstrong leadership and the pack’s banter-heavy dynamic make each book a page-turner, blending humor, heart, and high-stakes thrills.
Why Virals Resonates
Virals carved a niche in YA fiction by merging STEM-driven storytelling with supernatural adventure, inspiring readers to embrace their inner scientist while cheering for underdog heroes. Fans praise its smart, relatable characters and unpredictable plots, with Goodreads reviews averaging 4.0+ for most titles. Though less mainstream than Harry Potter, the series has a cult following, with readers clamoring for more adventures or a screen adaptation. Its focus on teamwork and intellect over brute force offers a refreshing take on the superhero trope, making it a timeless read for teens and adults alike.
- About Virals
- Publication: 2010–2016
- Books: 5 novels, 4 novellas
- Authors: Kathy and Brendan Reichs
- Setting: Charleston, South Carolina
- Genre: YA mystery, sci-fi, forensic thriller
Ready to join Tory and her pack? Grab Virals and dive into a world of mystery, science, and superhuman adventure!