Review by Twylla -- Superbugs by Tayma Tameem

Twylla · Post by **Twylla** » 14 Oct 2020, 11:52

[Following is a volunteer review of "Superbugs" by Tayma Tameem.]

4 out of 4 stars

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In Superbugs by Tayma Tameem, people live in a “Mad Max” version of the future where human beings have become their own worst enemy. Ever since the COVID-19 virus surfaced in 2020, there has been one virus after another. In the year 2090, most people don't have jobs. The public education system has ceased to exist. People live in a state of semi-permanent lock-down, on the run from cure crews, cannibal gangs, the military, and the police. To make matters worse, the government manipulates citizens by rationing essential services and spewing propaganda.

The main character, Lily Brayburn, lost her entire family in the pandemic. She found her way to a residential building near the ocean, and the residents there became her new family. Lily serves as the building leader, taking care of supplies and safety. Lily rescued Mabel, a 17-year-old pregnant escapee from the Novel Corporation Detention Center.

Lily is an interesting character. Despite the chaos and hopelessness all around her, Lily shows incredible commitment, courage, and wisdom in her role as the building leader. She is determined to make life more livable for the residents in her building. Lily didn't hesitate to give Mabel sanctuary in their building, even though taking in a fugitive put all the other residents at risk of being arrested. When Lily spoke to the residents about Mabel, all but one agreed that Mabel should stay with them. The friendship between Lily and Mabel was one of my favorite things about the book.

There were many humorous moments in the storyline. My favorite was the discussion of Nutraloaf, a food staple manufactured by the government. Other strangely amusing highlights include the cannibal gang that calls themselves “Chew You Once, Shame on Me,” a popular children's TV show produced by the government called “Rat Man Roger's Neighborhood,” and religious fanatics who worship the coronaviruses.

I noticed a couple of things that were inconsistent with life in a Pandemic Era. Meals in Lily's building were served buffet-style. A buffet is very conducive to the spread of disease. Residents were not periodically tested to be sure they were virus-free. They should have at least tested Mabel when she was brought into the building. She could have exposed all of the residents to a virus.

Superbugs is well-written and professionally edited. Tayma Tameem is a gifted author with a unique writing style. I loved the unique and funny little phrases that Tayma Tameem would insert into the story. I only found a few minor typos. There is nothing about this book I didn't like. The characters were interesting, and they had depth and substance. The story was realistic and believable, although I hope this never becomes our reality! I am giving this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a dark futuristic sci-fi thriller with a dab of humor.

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Superbugs
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VVaishali · Post by **VVaishali** » 15 Oct 2020, 12:20

This book seems very relatable to the current times. It is already very hard to go through one incurable virus spread globally I can't even imagine a future full of such incurable diseases bringing threat, hopelessness, unemployment and dirty politics into the picture. As the author has presented it with a dab of humor, I guess it will be an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing such an insightful review.