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Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite
The Accelerates: Forty Days to Dust by Tak Salmastyan is a well-written dystopian novel about a world ravaged by a dangerous virus outbreak. It follows Ethan, a 15-year-old boy whose brother Leo is infected with the virus. Ethan, who is emotionally shaken, promises to save Leo, no matter the cost. Ethan, along with Clara and Mia, who later join the team, fight for their survival as the Accelerates—a group of children infected by the virus with higher abilities—attack people and pose a threat to life. As Leo's health keeps deteriorating, Ethan and a group of survivors embark on a journey to a sanctuary at GeneCorp’s Redwood Valley facility, a place believed to have a cure for the virus. Aida and Jacobson join the group as they journey to find a cure, save lives, and bring stability.
The Accelerates is an incredibly fast-paced action novel that caught my attention from the start. Tak Salmastyan did a great job of bringing the emotions and different personal struggles of the characters to life. I related to Ethan's feelings of frustration, hope, and struggle for survival. The idea of the Accelerates—children transformed by science into monster-like beings despite their innocent nature—is terrifying and deep. I couldn't imagine what Ethan and Clara felt on seeing Leo and Ava transform into something scary. The novel stands out in many areas; the character development is top-notch, the storyline is thought-provoking, the pacing flows seamlessly, and the writing style is detailed. It covers themes of family bonds, the dangers of unchecked science, and finding light in the darkest places. This book inspires me to always hold onto love and resilience, no matter how hopeless things may seem. I recommend it to readers who enjoy dystopian novels and stories about family and survival.
