Review: The Cure by Bradlee Frazer

A new virus is spreading rapidly, a threat that rivals the Spanish flu of 1918. It’s fast moving, and there is no cure. Phillip Porter, head of Porter Pharmaceuticals, is an opportunist willing to get richer on the shallow respirations and crumbling bones of those struck down with TL. Doctor Marcus Craig made mistakes that gave Phillip Porter the ultimate power over him. Enter Jason Kramer: health nut just trying to live his life. When Jason contracts the deadly virus and his body heals itself soon after, he draws the attention of the unethical owner of Porter Pharmaceuticals.

What takes place next is horrific, psychologically twisted, heart-breaking, and often fast-paced.

Bradlee Frazer has woven quite a tale with a compelling cast of characters; each one of them has their own unique voice and set of quirks. To me it’s always a sign of excellent storytelling when I want to do bodily injury to some of the characters. Several times I muttered out loud to my Nook while I was reading.

The writing is crisp and descriptive, allowing for that cinema-like experience I crave. The relationship between Jason and his friend, Scott, was filled with humor and loyalty. Initially I thought Jason was a bit of a dimwit for certain decisions he made, but he did redeem himself as the story went on. This isn’t a hearts-and-flowers type of story. Ethical issues are in play as well as the very real and scary possibility of what could happen if there isn’t enough “cure” to go around. It’s chilling—all the more because I can see something like this happening. There are nods to Stephen King throughout the novel (The Stand is my all time favorite book), although the style and storyline of this novel seems more in line with a medical thriller.

The ARC was well edited, and I don’t recall being pulled out of the story by any significant errors. My only major criticism has to be the book cover. I didn’t find it visually stimulating and based on the cover, I never would have picked up this book. If I hadn’t been approached about reading the ARC, which prompted me to check out the blurb for the story, I would have missed out.

It really is hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Bradlee Frazer.

4.25 stars