Contaminated 2: Mercy Code, by Em Garner | Book Spotlight

The Children’s Book Review | August 25, 2014

Contaminated 2: Mercy Code and Contaminated

Written by Em Garner

Age Range: 12+

About Contaminated 2: Mercy Code

“Volume 2 of this smart series builds momentum and suspense, raises stakes and expands narrative scope—in short, plan on a marathon, up-all-night read.”—Kirkus Reviews

A gripping survival story, the second in a series by a best-selling author, of a strong girl rebuilding her life in a post-apocalyptic society where a contaminated drink makes victims act like zombies; just right for fans of James Dashner, Carrie Ryan, and The Walking Dead.

Seventeen-year-old Velvet, her little sister, Opal, their mom, who is recovering from the Contamination, and Velvet’s sweet boyfriend, Dillon, are attempting to build a new life amid the rationing and regulations of the post-outbreak nation. But the outbreak isn’t over: more people turning into “Connies,” more madness erupting, more killings occurring. And what they are being told is not the truth; the truth is far darker and more threatening.

Ages 12+ | Publisher: EgmontUSA | Aug. 26, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1606843567

About Contaminated

“Suspenseful…this dystopia speaks to a wide range of readers, including reluctant ones.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This has plenty of suspense–it’s not a book to read at bedtime.”—Booklist

“Velvet may have a softer name than her literary predecessors Katniss, Cassie, and Kaelyn, but like them she has been forced to take on adult-sized responsibilities within her repressive society…. the plot moves quickly…more of a relation-based book than many other teen dystopian novels.”—The Horn Book

Ages 12+ | Publisher: EgmontUSA | July 22, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1606845424

About the Author

Em Garner is the pseudonym for a NYT best-selling author of romances. The author of 50 books, she made her YA debut with this series. Em started writing as a child, originally about the scary things that hid under her bed. She never lost her taste for scary stories, or for fantasies with a dark twist. 

Em loves the beach, where she often writes, but is afraid of sharks. She lives in Pennsylvania, where this series is set. The author lives in Lebanon, PA.

Discover more books like Contaminated, by Em Garner, on The Children’s Book Review by checking out our articles tagged with Em Garner and Suspense.