IN SHORT: In this third Book in the Virals young adult mystery series, the genetically altered teens face more danger as they follow clues left by a serial killer.

REVIEW

When the Virals find a geocache buried on Loggerhead Island that contains an ornate puzzle box, they can’t help but rise to the puzzle’s challenge. Shelton manages to finally decode the cipher inside. But, instead of cheap prizes, they find more tantalizing clues left by a mysterious stranger known only as “The Gamemaster.”

When Tory discovers a second box along with a fake bomb and a sinister proposal from The Gamemaster, the hunt takes a dark turn. Now, the real game has begun, because another bomb is out there — a real one — and the clock is ticking.

The Gamemaster’s rules are clear: They can’t go to the police. They can’t tell their parents. They can’t tell their friends. Because if they do, everyone will die. 

In Code, the Virals are plunged into another action-packed, time-sensitive adventure full of twists and high tensions — this time with a geocaching puzzle game overseen by a serial killer.

As with the first two books in this series, the friendship between Tory and her three guy friends stays strong and is central to the story. It’s really nice to see friends without any romantic undertones. However, Code carries hints at a potential future romance, as a feud between two possible love interests escalates. This adds plenty of teenage drama and angst to the story while also proving that jealousy is not attractive.

Overall, Code wasn’t my favorite in the Virals series, but it’s still full of Kathy Reichs’ signature action, tension, and mystery, which makes these young adult books compelling reads.

RATING

Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes 6 uses of moderate language, 35 uses of mild language, 8 uses of mild replacements for strong language, and 7 uses of the name of Deity. Violence includes fear and the threat of death. Characters are shot at, some blood is mentioned, and a dead body is discovered. A few vague comments include sexual innuendos. The girlfriend of Tory’s dad moves in with them. Underage characters drink and one suffers from a hangover.

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