Review of A Day to Die

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Diana Lowery
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Review of A Day to Die

Post by Diana Lowery »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Day to Die" by Steve Sloat.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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I originally thought A Day To Die was going to refer to some particular conditions surrounding a death. However, halfway through the novel, the author, Steve Sloat, reveals the actual meaning of his title. The explanation for how the pictures on the cover are connected is also revealed. This thriller is part of a series named after the protagonist, Trevor J. Parkes.

After a prologue filled with historical information, the first chapter begins in Palacios, Texas. Trevor is participating as a volunteer by retrieving relics from an ancient ship that sank off the shore 300 years earlier. Sloat's skills as a writer describe how a long chain of insignificant events contributes to a worldwide, catastrophic plague. The author drops enough clues and subtle foreshadowing to keep readers engrossed and connected with the characters.

One of my favorite chapters takes place in a bar. The scene develops as the bartender skips health protocols, a customer snags some tainted olives from a container, and a band member empties his spit valve. All those actions help to spread the deadly virus. I appreciate how realistically and likely these events are portrayed in vivid, detailed prose.

Other chapters continue to explain random connections while the virus travels across state lines and even to Guam and Japan. The investigators race against the threat as they search for the original source, which is necessary to develop an antivirus serum.

I found no negatives and only minor errors in this book. There are some lengthy passages filled with technical jargon covering topics such as aeronautics, nuclear power, governmental agencies, and medical procedures. These pages were a bit tedious at times, but it was hard not to be impressed with the amount of research that it took to write the book.

Even though A Day To Die is considered a thriller, there is enough romance to appeal to lovers of that genre, too. I am rating this book five out of five. I look forward to reading other books in this series.

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A Day to Die
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Stephen Christopher 1
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Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

Hi Diana, wow, what a fascinating story, the storyline sounds a little bit like something Clive Cussler or Michael Crichton. It sounds utterly fascinating, and I'm adding it to my list right now. Thank you, once again, for introducing a new author to me.
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Post by Diana Lowery »

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: 10 Jun 2025, 23:36 Hi Diana, wow, what a fascinating story, the storyline sounds a little bit like something Clive Cussler or Michael Crichton. It sounds utterly fascinating, and I'm adding it to my list right now. Thank you, once again, for introducing a new author to me.
Thanks, Stephen, I hope you enjoy it.
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Post by Kibet Hillary »

It is good to read that the events in the book are realistically portrayed and that the author leaves just enough to keep the reader engrossed, without overdoing this, which would make the book being predictable. The review is captivating. Thank you, @Diana Lowery.
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Diana Lowery
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Post by Diana Lowery »

Kibet Hillary wrote: 11 Jun 2025, 16:36 It is good to read that the events in the book are realistically portrayed and that the author leaves just enough to keep the reader engrossed, without overdoing this, which would make the book being predictable. The review is captivating. Thank you, @Diana Lowery.
Thanks, Kibet, I am glad you were captivated.
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Post by Niki Negi »

Hi Diana, this book is a gripping thriller that begins with a modest beginning and grows into a global emergency. It's terrifying how a deadly virus outbreak can be caused by routine activities. The story is captivating due to strong characters and a touch of romance. I appreciate it, @Diana Lowery.
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Diana Lowery
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Post by Diana Lowery »

Niki Negi wrote: 13 Jun 2025, 05:47 Hi Diana, this book is a gripping thriller that begins with a modest beginning and grows into a global emergency. It's terrifying how a deadly virus outbreak can be caused by routine activities. The story is captivating due to strong characters and a touch of romance. I appreciate it, @Diana Lowery.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
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Post by abdallah yassin »

wow, fascinating story thriller that begins with a modest beginning and grows into a global emergency. It's terrifying how a deadly virus outbreak can be caused by routine activities.
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Post by Onyemuwa-dave »

It sounds interesting enough, but i guess I am not into historical stories that much. I do love the addition of a viral outbreak and other elements.
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Diana Lowery
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Post by Diana Lowery »

Onyemuwa-dave wrote: 19 Jun 2025, 08:29 It sounds interesting enough, but i guess I am not into historical stories that much. I do love the addition of a viral outbreak and other elements.
Sorry if I misled you. This is not a historical fiction novel. The prologue is the only historical part.
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Post by Onyemuwa-dave »

Diana Lowery wrote: 23 Jun 2025, 14:23

Sorry if I misled you. This is not a historical fiction novel. The prologue is the only historical part.
I really thought it was a historical story all through, but at least you have clarified the issues. I think I will try the book out.
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